MMS for Alanna Max

EVERY

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A GOOD STO RY .. .

©2024 Ruth Hearson, Zeki Eats Out

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CATALOGUE

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Everyone loves a good story

2024 Highlights MARCH

APRIL

AUGUST

OCTOBER

MAY

We publish inclusive picturebooks for all children from all backgrounds that reflect the world they live in.

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www.alannamax.com

Lenny in the Garden Written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max Series: Lenny Books Format: 230 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-491 Price: £9.99 Publishing Date: March 24 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 +

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Explores: Family, early/first experiences, eveyday routines, nursery rhymes, multicultural communities, inclusion.

OMING

MARCH 2024

“Lenny Books are Early Years picturebook perfection. Ken Wilson-Max opens a glorious window into the world of small children. The perfect size for little hands; really thoughtful production.”

- Charlotte Hacking, CLPE

What will Lenny find next? Lenny, Mummy and Wilbur are in the garden. Mummy gardens while Lenny and Wilbur find all sorts of interesting creatures.

An everyday adventure about independence, curiosity and enjoying the moment.

They sing “Tommy Thumb” together.

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Lulu Loves Stories Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages

NEW LOOK

HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-521 Price: £12.99 PB ISBN: 978-1-907825-538 Price: £8.99 PB Publishing Date: April 24 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69

OMI N

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Ages: 3 +

APRIL 2024

Lulu loves stories, and the books she reads inspire her to be many things: from a fairy to a farmer, a mummy to a monster, a tiger to a pilot...

Explores: Reading, libraries, books, girls who are fairies, role play, imaginative play, bedtime stories, caring dads, independent girls, fatherdaughter relationships, book sharing, days of the week, multicultural communities, inclusion.

“The irrepressible Lulu in another book-loving story, superbly illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw.”

– Dr. Fen Coles, Letterbox Library

2012 Coventry Inspiration Award Winner

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BookTrust Recommended List

Zeki Rise and Shine Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson

BIG BOOK

BOOKTRUST STORYTIME PRIZE SHORTLISTED 2023

Series: Zeki Books Format: Big Book, rounded corners, 350 x 350 mm 24 pages Big Book ISBN: 978-1-907825-552 Price: £24.99 Publihing date: April 24 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 + Explores: Morning routines, family time, bonding with parents, early/first experiences, senses, multicultural communities, inclusion.

APRIL 2024

After a big sleep, it’s time for Zeki to wake up! His eyes, ears, mouth & nose, head, shoulders, knees & toes shimmy, shake and bounce into action. By the last spread, he’s ready for anything!

An energetic companion to Zeki Sleep Tight, this is a perfect way to start the day.

35 cm

Big Book

35 cm

Zeki Eats Out Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x 185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-576 Price: £7.99 Publishing Date: May 24 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months +

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Explores: Family time, bonding with parents, early/ first experiences, multicultural communities, inclusion.

OMING

MAY 2024

Zeki is going out for lunch with Daddy and Nana G. He has been playing ‘restaurant’ with his toys, so he knows how to behave. At the restaurant, Zeki sits in a special chair, chooses what to eat and waits very nicely for Bruno to bring the food.

And there’s mango gelato for desert - what could be better.

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Lulu Gets a Cat Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-606 Price: £12.99 PB ISBN: 978-1-907825-583 Price: £8.99 Publishing Date: October 24 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 + Explores: Preparing to adopt a pet, learning responsibility, caring for a new pet, early first experiences, multicultural communities, inclusion.

OCTOBER

2024

NEW LOOK

Lulu really wants a cat. But Mummy says pets are a lot of work, so Lulu is eager to find out more... She reads all about cats at the library. She takes care of her stuffed toys and shows Mummy how responsible she can be.

When she finally gets to adopt a little cat of her own, Lulu knows just what to do.

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Lulu’s Meets the Bees Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-569 Price: £12.99 Publishing date: August 24 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 + Explores: First experience, our environment, nature, rewilding, bio-diversity, honey bees, pollination, family, friends, beekeepers, inclusion.

AUGUST 2024

Lulu is really excited! She is off to visit beekeeper Auntie Zora to meet her bees. Lulu wears a special suit so she can get up close: she sees the queen bee, the workers and even the baby bees. She tastes the honey- it is sweet and sticky, and delicious.

It inspires Lulu to do what she can to help the bees.

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Anna McQuinn is the creator of successful inclusive series Booky Girl Lulu and Zeki Books. She has written over 30 picture books and is published worldwide in many languages in the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, USA, Canada, China, Brazil, Korea. www.annamcquinn.com Rosalind Beardshaw’s favourite subject in school was art, so it was an easy decision to become an illustrator. Since then she’s gone on to illustrate more than 30 picture books. www.rosalindbeardshaw.com

©2024 Rosalind Beardshaw, Lulu Meets the Bees 9

Booky Girl

Lulu is one of the busiest and most positive little girls in picture books and her every adventure is prompted by a story.

Then she’s off... to the library to research, to the dressing-up box to play, to read to her new baby brother, to plant flowers or to show her mother she’s responsible enough to look after a cat. Even though she’s excited she is prepared for her first day at school. She tries new things with her cousin on her first sleepover...

“This belongs on the shelf with the holy books. Lulu is the cutest little girl in the whole world and this book celebrates the love of libraries and learning and books and stories.

This book made me so happy I cried.”

– Melle on Goodreads

“Anna McQuinn’s stories of Lulu are authentic, and totally in tune with young children’s lives – the interior as well as the external.”

– Books for Keeps

Anna McQuinn is the creator of successful inclusive series Booky Girl Lulu and Zeki Books. She has written over 30 picture books and is published worldwide in many languages in the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, USA, Canada, China, Brazil, Korea. www.annamcquinn.com

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Rosalind Beardshaw’s favourite subject in school was art, so it was an easy decision to become an illustrator. Since then she’s gone on to illustrate more than 30 picture books. www.rosalindbeardshaw.com

“Beardshaw’s signature bright acrylic illustrations with soft edges pop with youthful exuberance.”

– Kirkus Review

Lulu’s Nana Visits Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-514 Price: £12.99 Publishing date: August 23 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 +

Lulu loves when her Nana visits and can’t wait for all the family fun. The family spends the week shopping for presents for family back in Tanzania, having dance parties, and making special mandazi doughnuts.

Nana-Bibi tells Lulu about all the things she used to do with her Nana.

Explores: Grandparents visit, family time, family relationships, change of routines, multicultural communities, inclusion.

A celebration of special moments shared between generations, grandmothers, mums and granddaughters.

Lulu’s Sleepover Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-385 Price: £11.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 +

Lulu is excited about her first sleepover at cousin Hani’s house. She chooses what to bring then off she goes.

The day with Hani is packed! They play in the garden and make water pictures. After lunch, they dress up and watch a movie.When it’s time for bed, Auntie Almaz shares a special story about when she and Lulu’s daddy were little.

Explores: New experiences, staying over, planning, everyday routines, extended family relationships, cousins, bed time routines, first experiences, caring dad, multicultural communities, inclusion.

“Oozing homely cosiness, each exquisitely crafted page gently reassures early readers about this exciting step on the road to independence... perfect for pre-schoolers, reminding them new adventures can be fun.”

– Fabia Turner, Candid Cocoa 11

Lulu’s First Day Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-217 Price: £12.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69

CKG 2020 NOMINATION

Ages: 3 + Explores: Starting pre-school/ play group, preparing for first day at pre-school, new routines, making friends, transitions, new experiences, first experiences, mother-daughter relationships, multicultural communities, inclusion.

Lulu is looking forward to going to pre-school. It will be just like her visits to story time in the library, but she will stay by herself.She makes a new friend, does lots of different things and in no time at all Mummy is back to collect her. A perfect story to prepare young children for starting pre-school or kindergarten.

“This delightful glimpse into Lulu’s first day at school makes for a reassuring read. The story creates opportunities for conversations about this milestone moment, whilst revelling in the excitement and fun of it all.”

– Farrah Serroukh, Centre For Literacy In Primary Education (CLPE)

Lulu Loves the Flowers Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-286 Price: £11.99 PB ISBN: 978-1-907-825-293 QR code link to activity pages Price: £8.99

Includes Downloadable Colouring-in Sheet

BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 + Explores: Reading, poetry, gardening, flowers, allotments, baking, cupcakes, drawing, mother-daughter relationships, caring dads, independent girls, family life, book-sharing, reading, research, patience, following recipes, imaginative play, multicultural communities, inclusion.

When Lulu reads Mary, Mary Quite Contrary in a book of garden poems, she wants to grow some flowers herself. Being Lulu, she has to do some research first. She gets gardening books, chooses the best flowers to grow, buys seeds and plants them. Then she has to wait...

“The book provides a wonderful source of ideas for indoor and outdoor activities for pre-school children. What will Lulu think of next asks the final spread – we can’t wait to find out!

A wonderful book to share.”

– Books for Keeps

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Lulu Loves the Library Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw

CLPE Early Years Corebooks List BookTrust Reccomended List Goodreads: 50 Best Kids’ Books in the Last 25 Years

Lulu loves Tuesdays. That’s when she and her mummy go to the library. They choose books and Lulu goes to story time and singing time. When they get home, Lulu’s mummy reads the stories at bedtime.

Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages PB ISBN: 978-1-907-825-064 QR code link to activity pages Price: £7.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 + Explores: Joining the library, stories, rhyme times, bedtime stories, mother & daughter relationships, independent girls, familiar routines, inclusion.

“A joyful exploration of books, libraries and sharing stories,this book should be available in every library and children’s centre.”

– Annie Everall, The Bookseller

Lulu Reads to Zeki Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw Series: Booky Girl Lulu Format: 245 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-040 Price: £7.99 The Guardian: Top 10 culturally diverse picture books for toddlers and infants

Lulu’s mum and dad use stories to prepare her for the arrival of a new sibling and make sure they still have time for her.

So, it is no surprise that Lulu believes every problem can be solved with story and from bath time to bedtime, she chooses just the right one to read to her new baby brother.

BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 + Explores Reading, bedtime stories, using stories to help prepare for life events, pregnant mummy, preparing for a new baby, new sibling, caring dad, breastfeeding, helping around the house, multicultural communities, inclusion.

“The roots of reading, along with matters of love and life, are happily married in this bright, uplifting, outstanding and important offering.”

– School Library Journals 13

Lenny Books Lenny is an inquisitive little boy discovering his new world, with the help of mummy, daddy and his best friend Wilbur the dog. The stories get to the heart of the relationship between young children and their Ken Wilson-Max is from Zimbabwe world with simple text and bright, and lives in London. Ken’s books are naturally bold illustrations. Accompanying inclusive and his every adventure is a well known distinctive style always manages to capture special moments between children’s song, guaranteeing that children and grown-ups. He has over 70 books published worldwide Lenny books are fun for everyone! in many languages.

CLPE EARLY YEARS COREBOOKS LIST

THE GUARDIAN 50 BEST CULTURALLY DIVERSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS LIST

Where’s Lenny?

Written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max Series: Lenny Books Format: Hardback, rounded corners, 230 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-231 Price: £9.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 +

Home time is fun time for the whole family.

Lenny and Daddy start a game of hide-and-seek that ends up involving everyone, including Mummy, Gordon the goldfish and Wilbur the dog!

They sing “1-2-3-4-5, once I caught a fish alive” together.

“The story shares the joy in a family home and its concise text and colourful spreads are super for early years readers.”

-Mamma Filz , @mamma_filz on Instagram

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Explores: Family time, early/ first experiences, everyday routines, caring mums and dads, playtime, exploring, fun, nursery rhymes, multicultural communities, inclusion.

Lenny and Wilbur Written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max 36 cm

Big Book

Series: Lenny Books Format: 230 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-248 Price: £9.99

30.5 cm BOOKTRUST STORYTIME PRIZE SHORTLISTED 2021

Lenny and Wilbur the dog are the best of friends. They do everything together! Lenny makes sure that Wilbur has enough to eat and drink, he also brushes Wilbur’s golden fur. Wilbur just makes Lenny giggle and laugh!

They sing “Old McDonald had a farm” together.

“In this gorgeous inclusive picture book from author-illustrator Ken Wilson-Max, the special bond between a preschooler and his furry friend is brought to life with exquisite care and attention to detail.”

PB ISBN: 978-1-907825-415 Price: £7.99 Format: Big Book, rounded corners, 360 x 305 mm, 28 pages Big Book ISBN: 978-1-907825-422 Price: £24.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 + Explores: Pets, friendship, first experiences, everyday routines, learning responsibility, caring for a pet, multicultural communities, inclusion

– Fabia Turner, Candid Cocoa, @candidcocoa on Instagram

Lenny Has Lunch Written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max Series: Lenny Books Format: Hardback, rounded corners, 230 x 210mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-361 Price: £9.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 3 +

Lenny and Daddy prepare and eat lunch in this charming book that every child will remember and recognise. They play games and sing songs and work up an appetite while Daddy makes the food.

Explores: Family, early/first experiences, eveyday routines, nursery rhymes, multicultural communities, inclusion.

They sing “Row Row Row Your Boat” together.

“A wonderfully warm, bright tale of home-cooked food, nursery rhymes and tickles that will be read again and again.”

- Darren Chetty, Columnist, Books for Keeps

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“Anna McQuinn continues to capture the gentle, everyday moments of childhood.”

– Goodreads

Ruth Hearson has a BA in Visual Communication and a Masters at the University of Central England in Birmingham. She divides her time between illustration and working on Community Arts projects with adults, children & adults with learning disabilities.

Anna McQuinn is the creator of successful inclusive series Booky Girl Lulu and Zeki Books. She has written over 30 picture books and is published worldwide in many languages in the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, USA, Canada, China, Brazil, Korea. www.annamcquinn.com 16

When you are one year old, every day brings a new experience and when you are little, even small things are big adventures.

Zeki greets every new experience with a sense of adventure and a smile! Babies and toddlers will enjoy seeing their everyday world in a story.

“Full of warmth, reassuring, and as with all the books in this series, inclusive and beautifully portrayed. Definitely one to add to the bookshelves of those with toddlers be that at home or in a nursery setting.”

– Red Reading Hub

Zeki and Mummy are off to the park to cool down. They meet up with Zeki’s friend Yu and her mummy. Zeki and Yu dig in the sandbox, play on the splash pad and have a picnic. A perfect summer celebration, an energetic companion to Zeki Hikes with Daddy.

Zeki Goes to the Park Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x 185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-477 Price: £7.99 Publishing Date: May 23 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Family time, bonding with parents, early/ first experiences, multicultural communities, inclusion.

Zeki and Daddy are off on a hike! They explore the trail from tall trees to tiny leaves and everything in between.

Zeki gets up close to nature – he finds smooth stones, delicate feathers and slow snails! An exciting day of discoveries and an energetic companion to Zeki Goes to the Park.

Zeki Hikes With Daddy Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x 185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-484 Price: £7.99 Publishing Date: September 23 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Family time, bonding with parents, early/ first experiences, senses, multicultural communities, inclusion.

After a big sleep, it’s time for Zeki to wake up! His eyes, ears, mouth & nose, head, shoulders, knees & toes shimmy, shake and bounce into action. By the last spread, he’s ready for anything!

An energetic companion to Zeki Sleep Tight, this is a perfect way to start the day.

Zeki Rise and Shine Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x 185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-439 Price: £7.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Morning routines, family time, bonding with parents, early/first experiences, senses, multicultural communities, inclusion.

BOOKTRUST STORYTIME PRIZE SHORTLISTED 2023

Zeki Sleep Tight Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x 185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-446 Price: £7.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Bedtime routines, family time, bonding with parents, early/first experiences, senses, multicultural communities, inclusion.

After a busy day, it’s time for Zeki to slow down... One by one, his senses get ready to sleep. The room is hushed, the lights low and after a dozy story he’s already beginning to nod off.

Zeki Loves Daddy Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson

Share the delight of a day with Zeki and his daddy!

From when he wakes up in the morning, Zeki and his daddy fill their days with tickles, pancakes, dancing, playing and reading.

And when it’s time to sleep, Daddy’s hugs are the snuggliest.

This sweet companion to Zeki Loves Mummy and a perfect celebration of daddy love for every day and special days like Father’s Day.

Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x 185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-347 Price: £6.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Family time, early/ first experiences, everyday routines, caring dad, bonding with parents, multicultural communities, inclusion.

Zeki Loves Mummy Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-330 Price: £6.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Family time, mother love, early/first experiences, everyday routines, bonding with parents, multicultural communities, inclusion.

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A gentle companion to Zeki Rise & Shine, this is a perfect way to end the day.

Share the delight of a day with Zeki and his mummy!

From when he wakes up in the morning, Zeki and his mummy fill their day with giggling, building dens, yoga, cycling, snacking, splashy painting and reading.

At the end of the day, Mummy’s hugs are the comfiest. This sweet companion to Zeki Loves Daddy is a perfect celebration of mother love for every day and special days like Mother’s Day.

Zeki is never daunted by new experiences. His parents prepare him well, so he’s excited to show the doctor all the things he can do by himself drinking from a cup; standing; clapping; playing; eating and being ever so brave.

Zeki and Daddy go to swimming class where they kick, bounce, and dive like little fish. Joining other babies and their caretakers in the pool is a guarantee of unforgettable fun and builds a foundation for water safety.

British Library Discovering Children’s Books Collection Item

Baby Club is such fun! Zeki and his friends sing rhymes and songs and do all the actions – they clap, stretch, shake, wiggle and zoom to the moon!

And at the end, there’s time for a story and making new friends.

Featured in the CLPE Reflecting Realities Report

Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x 185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-309 Price: £6.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Doctor visit/check up, health check, early/first experiences, everyday routines, caring dad, multicultural communities, inclusion.

Featured in the CLPE Reflecting Realities Report

Ten Best Books starring children from BAME backgrounds by Farrah Serroukh, CLPE

Zeki Gets a Checkup Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson

Zeki Can Swim Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson Series: Zeki Books Format: 200x185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-323 Price: £6.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Caring dad, water safety, new/early experiences, inclusion, friendship, multicultural communities, inclusion.

Zeki Loves Baby Club Written by Anna McQuinn Illustrations by Ruth Hearson Series: Zeki Books Format: 200 x 185mm, Card with rounded corners, 24 pages ISBN: 978-1-907825-316 Price: £6.99 BIC: YBCH CBMC: A3M69 Ages: 10 months + Explores: Baby rhyme times, songs, nursery rhymes, language development, mother-son relationships, caring dads, inclusion, friendship, multicultural communities, inclusion.

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Catch!

Written by Trish Cooke Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max Format: 260 x 210mm, 32 pages PB ISBN: 978-1-907825-460 Price: £8.99 Publishing Date: October 23 BIC: YBCS CBMC: B3M79 Ages: 3 + Explores: Family, play time, ourdoor activities, learning new skills, multicultural communities, inclusion.

OCTOBER 2023

Trish Cooke Former children’s TV presenter Trish Cooke is an Olivier nominated playwright. She writes for theatre, TV, film and radio and is a multi-awardwinning children’s author. Born and still living in Bradford, Trish’s parents are from Dominica. www.trishcooke.co.uk

Ken Wilson-Max grew up in Zimbabwe, spending his preschool years living near Victoria Falls. Ken’s books are naturally inclusive and his distinctive style always manages to capture special moments between children and grown-ups. He has over 70 books published worldwide in many languages.

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Kiona and Mummy are playing catch! She keeps trying to catch things but has no joy. Luckily, mummy knows there is a very special something Kiona can catch... She can catch a kiss! This joyful picturebook captures the very special moments between parent and child.

A critically acclaimed and heart-warming story brought to life by Ken Wilson-Max’s bright and bold illustrations.

FREE Read-Along audiobook by the author

Leah’s Star Written by Margaret Bateson-Hill Illustrations by Karin Littlewood Series: Tall Tales Format: 260 x 215mm, 32 pages HB ISBN: 978-1-907825-545 Price: £12.99 BIC: YBCS CBMC: B3M79 Age: 4 + Explores: The Nativity, the birth of a child, helping strangers, empathy, wonder at mysterious things, material poverty and spiritual riches, universal human experience, sharing, multicultural communities, inclusion.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT

Bethlehem has never been so busy! Leah is the innkeeper’s daughter she is rushed off her feet.

Then in the starlight, miracles begin.

This beautiful, fresh new telling of the Nativity story, through the eyes of young Leah, brings wonderful humanity to this familiar tale.

“A retelling told over the shoulder of Leah, the innkeeper’s daughter.

Littlewood’s watercolours and Bateson-Hill’s read-aloud narrative bring a sense of realism to the Nativity story.

Leah herself invites the reader to stand beside her offering a far more intimate experience.”

- Mathew Tobin, Senior Lecturer Oxford Brookes University

Margaret Bateson-Hill is a talented writer and story-teller who works in schools, libraries and museums. Daily contact with children inspires her work which is always perfectly suited for the age group.

Karin Littlewood studied graphic design at Northumbria University, followed by an MA at Manchester.

She has illustrated over forty children’s books published in the UK and worldwide.

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Masha and the Firebird Written by Margaret Bateson-Hill Illustrations by Anne Wilson Series: Tall Tales Format: 260 x 215mm, Paperback, 32 pages PB ISBN: 978-1-907825-453 Price: £9.99 BIC: YBCS CBMC: B3M79 Age: 4 + Explores: Slavic Folklore, painted eggs, Baba Yaga, Firebird, witches, multicultural communities, inclusion.

Anne Wilson was born on the tiny Ascension Island in the South Atlantic and grew up in England.

Anne has as MA in illustration from Central St Martin’s College of Art, London and has been practising as an illustrator for many years.

As well as illustrating children’s books, Anne has a range of greeting cards and art prints. www.Anne-Wilson.co.uk

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The Firebird asks Masha to help hide her eggs from the witch, Baba Yaga. Masha paints them to match the four elements earth, water, air and fire but has to do even more when Baba Yaga gets her hands on the last one...

Paper Egg worksheet included to inspire children.

“A blend of legend, traditional folklore, magic and bravery, Masha and the Firebird both inspires and entertains. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary this is a visually stunning book and lovely for prompting creativity. Perfect for use in educational settings.”

- Anne Thompson, Chair Surrey Branch of the School Library Association @Alibrarylady on X

Lao Lao of Dragon Mountain Written by Margaret Bateson-Hill Illustrations by Francesca Pelizolli Series: Tall Tales Format: 260 x 215mm, Paperback, 32 pages PB ISBN: 978-1-907825-408 Price: £9.99 BIC: YBCS CBMC: B3M79 Age: 4 + Explores: Dragons, Emperors, paper-cutting crafts, greed, folktales, multicultural communities, inclusion.

Lao Lao is a paper-cutting master making and teaching delicate papercuts. She is never lonely, surrounded by the children of the village. The greedy emperor hears about Lao Lao’s skills and has her imprisoned, not realising the ice dragon is watching!

Paper butterfly worksheet included to inspire children.

“A beautiful tale - new yet somehow full of a sense of the traditions of ancient Chinese stories. It is one of those rare books that can be used across the curriculum, for it reflects the culture of China and offers practical art activities, ideas for work on communication, thoughts about the danger of greed. A book for all KS2 classrooms.“

Margaret Bateson-Hill is a talented writer and story-teller who works in schools, libraries and museums. Daily contact with children inspires her work which is always perfectly suited for the age group.

Francesca Pelizzoli was born in Kenya. She studied Illustration and Film at Wimbledon School of Art and has illustrated many adults’ and children’s books.

- Wendy Cooling, Founder of Bookstart, BookTurst

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