Barrington Stoke Little Gems

by Eoin Colfer

€8.39

Horrid Henry meets Mrs Doyle in this riotous comedy from Irish Laureate Eoin Colfer - now with full colour artwork. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.Mary loathes her big, curly, bushy hair and so she chops it all off…and she looks fantastic! Well, at least she thinks so. But her mammy is not convinced and forbids her from ever cutting her own hair again. But she didn't say anything about anyone else…A brilliant laugh-out-loud Little Gem about a not-so-brilliant hairdresser and one very unfortunate dog! High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Eoin Colfer

€8.39

Super-smart inventor Mariella doesn't have time for sleep in this funny and life-affirming gem from award-winning beloved author Eoin Colfer, featuring full colour illustrations from rising star Katy Halford.Mariella loves nothing more than inventing but bedtime keeps getting in the way of all her brilliant ideas! So when Mum and Dad won't take no for an answer there's only one thing for it… Mariella has to build a rocket-powered flying suit to zap her round the world faster than the setting sun! If anyone can outsmart sleep it's Mariella. But everyone needs sleep and without it all of Mariella's brilliant ideas might just disappear. A "how to live a happy life" tale told with humour, warmth and a loveable female protagonist.

by Julia Donaldson

€8.39

Elmo and his sister love playing in the jungle house next door, until mean old Mr Birdsnest moves in … A delightful and cleverly written story from former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson.A tiger in the back garden! A bird-eating spider in the cupboard! Elmo and his sister love playing in the jungle house next door, that is, until mean old Mr Birdsnest moves in. But when it appears that Mr Birdsnest has kidnapped the children's grandma they must sneak back in to rescue her!

by Julia Donaldson

€8.39

Warm and charming Little Gem bestseller, now available with full colour illustrations. A perfectly pitched story for early readers from the former Children's Laureate and master of the market. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.Polly has set up a pets' holiday home for the summer and with a house full of greedy guinea pigs, pesky parrots and slithering snakes, Mum is getting more fed up by the day! Especially when Doris the snake goes missing…Can Polly find Doris before the snake finds the guinea pigs? High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Michael Morpurgo

€8.39

Children's literature legend Michael Morpurgo teams up with illustration star Sam Usher for a rollicking countryside adventure story, now in a Little Gems edition for more parents and children to share together.The frogs always beat the toads at long jump but the toads don't mind - anything for a quiet life. But then the children and Mutt the dog come in search of some good jumpers, and the toads see an opportunity to get their own back. Soon the poor frogs have been gathered up and put in an ice-cream tub, and they're hopping mad! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 5+

by Jeremy Strong

€8.39

Jack's about the get the pet he's always wanted - and many, many more … A furry and funny gem from King of Comedy Jeremy Strong.Cats in the bath. Cats in the cupboards. A hundred cats everywhere!Everyone in Jack's class has a pet, but all Jack has is his little brother Freddie. And little brothers don't make very good pets.But when Jack meets The Man With The Top Hat and his lovely cat Mrs Wilson, he's about to get the pet he's always wanted - and many, many more …

by Katherine Woodfine

€8.39

Painting brings joy in a moment of grief in this moving and ultimately uplifting story inspired by the childhood of French portrait artist Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun.Elisabeth loves to paint, just like her papa. She spends hours making her own pictures of everything she sees - and the more colourful, the better!But when she goes away to school, she finds herself in a world of grey: grey buildings, grey uniforms, grey rooms. She misses Papa and all the colours of home. And one winter morning, she gets some terrible news that makes her days darker than ever before. Will Elisabeth be able to find the colour and joy in her life again?A touching tale about friendship, family and finding joy in the darkest of times. Inspired by the childhood of French portrait artist Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun.

by Michael Morpurgo

€7.69

A great countryside tale. Chris, Lisa and Tom love their hide-out - but it has to stay a secret from the farmer who owns the land! From the multi award-winning master storyteller Michael Morpurgo. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.A great countryside tale. Chris, Lisa and Tom spend their days in their secret hide-out in the Castle, an old WWII pill-box. But the Castle is on Old Rafferty's land, and he hates kids. They find themselves in big trouble when some local lads lock them in and there is no one around for miles…High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Berlie Doherty

€7.69

Charming countryside tale about the bond between children and animals, perfect for younger fans of Michael Morpurgo. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.When Joe's teacher announces the new class project will be all about their pets, Joe turns glum - there's no animals allowed in his house. So when he starts to invent a pet, his imagination turns wild and the dragonosaurus is born! There's lots of fun to be had with his new 'pet', but when Joe notices something amiss on the neighbouring farm the dragonosaurus is quickly abandoned. Perhaps an animal to call his own is closer than Joe thinks. Charming countryside tale about the bond between children and animals, perfect for younger fans of Michael Morpurgo. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Michael Rosen

€8.39

Witty, lively and full of fun, this cat-and-mouse tale from a former Children's Laureate is sure to delight young readers with clever twists and the satisfying defeat of one terrifying cat.Once there was a very fierce cat. Not just fierce: totally, terrifyingly, stupendously fierce.Everyone was afraid of this cat. Her name was Dread and everyone dreaded Dread Cat. But then Dread Cat started to run out of luck catching mice. She hadn't caught any for ages. So she announced that she was giving up chasing mice and promised to never again hunt another mouse. The war was over. But was it really?Witty, lively and full of fun, this cat-and-mouse tale from a former Children's Laureate is sure to delight young readers with clever twists and the satisfying defeat of one terrifying cat. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Nick Sharratt

€8.39

A fun and colourful rhyming tale from one of the UKs most beloved author-illustrators, Nick Sharratt.Splish, splosh, splash! It's Splash Day and everyone is ready for a water fight! They've got their trunks and wetsuits, some wellies and rubber rings, and Mrs Rose even has a great big hose! Join in with all the splashing fun in Nick Sharratt's beautiful debut Little Gem. Bursting with lots of rhyme, rhythm and energy for little ones to enjoy, it's the perfect book for a young reader's first steps on the path to reading independence.

by Phil Earle

€8.39

An unexpected family secret has hilarious consequences in this action-packed story from Phil Earle and illustrator Steve May - perfect for superhero fans.An unexpected family secret has hilarious consequences in this action-packed story from Phil Earle and illustrator Steve May - perfect for superhero fans.Plane crashes, robberies and fires were not what Stanley was expecting on a day out at the seaside with his nan and the other residents of her care home! Nan doesn't know about his superpowers, so Super Stan can't step in to help as it would blow his cover.Luckily, though, another mysterious superhero seems to be on hand, saving the day. But who could it possibly be?

by Holly Webb

€8.39

Ruby and her sausage dog puppy Coco can't wait for a family trip to the seaside - but when Coco goes missing on the busy beach, will she be able to find her way back to her family?Ruby's dad has arrived home with a wonderful surprise - Coco the sausage dog puppy! And when the family go on holiday to the seaside, of course Coco will be coming too. The beach is a thrilling place for a dog - so many sights, smells and holes to dig! Ruby and Coco can't wait to spend the day splashing in the waves and playing in the sand. But disaster strikes when Coco disappears. Suddenly she's lost and all alone on the huge, busy beach … Will she ever find her way back to Ruby?

by Alan MacDonald

€7.69

A motley crew of pirates take to parenthood in this whimsical Little Gem from Alan MacDonald, author of the bestselling Dirty Bertie series.Captain Sprat and his pirate crew love nothing more than lazing around on the deck of the Salty Herring. Until one day, a strange wailing noise shatters the peace.Shiver me timbers! There's a stowaway baby on board, and the crew decide they're going to raise him like a proper pirate! But are they really up to the task of looking after a baby? And where exactly did Nappy come from?A motley crew of pirates take to parenthood in this whimsical Little Gem from the bestselling author of the Dirty Bertie series.

by Phil Earle

€8.39

A lovely celebration of father-son bonds and the importance of family, wrapped up in a wonderful extraordinary story that is sure to appeal to young superhero fans!Stanley is a normal little boy, whose dad just happens to be the greatest superhero on the planet. Six days a week, Dad saves the world from disasters, aliens, and bad guys. Friday is his day off and he always spends it with Stan. But one Friday, Dad and Stan meet a series of people desperately in need of Dad's help. Soon Stan finds himself saving a lion stuck up a tree, rescuing a monster truck from a ditch and taking on shark-infested floodwaters. That's right: Stan is a chip off the old (superhero) block! High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Jeremy Strong

€7.69

A hilarious Little Gem from Jeremy Strong, the master of comic writing for children, with character-packed illustration from Jamie Smith.Plucky young penguin Nellie Choc-Ice goes on an epic adventure when her iceberg floats off to the North Pole. Nellie needs all her wits about her to outsmart a steady stream of hungry creatures who reckon she looks like a tasty treat. Will Nellie ever find her way home? High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Jonathan Meres

€8.39

A gorgeous new Little Gem from Jonathan Meres (World of Norm), inspired by his father's 50 years as a market trader, and in collaboration one again with Grandpa was an Astronaut illustrator, Hannah Coulson.Priya loves helping out at the stall her family have run for donkey's years. But one day she meets Stan. His dad sells everything from dog treats to fish tanks - just like the Sharma family! Priya is horrified, but Nana-ji is on hand to offer lessons on the balance sheet of life. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Ian Beck

€8.39

A jewel of a book illustrated throughout in silhouette and colour by award-winning Ian Beck (Tom Trueheart). Pictures and words weave together to create a hymn to colour, light and life. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.Everything on the Island of Ashes is grey, from the weather to the castle, the grass and the flowers. But then the red boat arrives, and with it a young man who believes he is cursed - everything he touches turns to colour. Princess Opal and the people of the island are enchanted, but the King is suspicious and imprisons Wendell. Opal must find a way to escape to a life filled with love and colour. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Jonathan Meres

€8.39

Grandparents take centre stage in this charming tale as a young boy and his grandfather let their imaginations take flight for an afternoon of space exploration, with beautiful artwork from Hannah Coulson. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.Sherman loves the moon and he loves his grandpa even more - who has actually been to the moon! Grandpa was an astronaut and has a chunk of moon rock on his mantlepiece. Playing space games with Grandpa is one of Sherman's most favourite things ever so he's thrilled to hear that's exactly what a visit to Grandpa will involve. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Pip Jones

€8.39

Dimple the gnome is upset and he doesn't know how to talk about it - but then along comes the Boo … A charming new Gem from the bestselling author of Squishy McFluff.Yucky cabbage pie! Mean Mrs Miskin! Stupid spelling test!Oh dear, Dimple the Gnome is having a very bad day and he just can't find the right words to tell anyone how he's feeling. Then Dimple finds the Boo, who lets everyone know what's going on. But the Boo's rude words and naughty noises just get Dimple into trouble. Can Dimple find another way to express himself?

by Cornelia Funke

€8.39

Absolutely delightful Little Gem favourite, now with full-colour illustrations. A perfectly pitched story of moonshine magic for early readers, from a master of the market. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.When a tiny silver dragon is chased out of Patrick's storybook by an equally tiny knight, all sorts of mayhem breaks loose! Soon moonshine magic has shrunk Patrick too, and he is forced to hole up inside his toy castle as the knight attacks the 'fire worm'. Can Patrick defeat the knight and make it to morning? High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Malorie Blackman

€8.39

A pleasingly absurd caper where kids outwit crooks, ghost are let out of the bag, and grandparents refuse to behave! From beloved and best-selling author Malorie Blackman.Grandma Gertie is rather strange. With her big square glasses and a parrot on her hat, Anna and Kasper don't know what to make of her. But Grandma's got a secret… Grandpa Bert is a ghost and he's travelled all the way from Barbados squished inside her handbag! Even worse, they're being followed and Grandpa Bert could be in very grave danger… Can Anna and Kasper help their grandparents before it's too late? A hilarious family adventure filled with ghosts and laughs.

by Julia Donaldson

€8.39

Children's books superstar Julia Donaldson retells a trio of charming tales from across the world in a stunning full-colour edition, ideal as a very first independent read for children who have grown up with The Gruffalo.A king hides a terrible secret under his crown …A marvellous dream inspires an epic journey …A clever girl outwits the king. Told in hyper-readable language and with full-colour illustrations, these stories are an ideal first step for children embarking on a lifelong journey through the wonders of books and stories.

by Lisa Thompson

€8.39

Friendship appears where it's least expected in this heartwarming Little Gem from bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Thompson.Friendship appears where it's least expected in this heartwarming Little Gem from award-winning author Lisa Thompson.When Sidney spots a wishing well in the long grass on his way to school, he thinks he might have found the answer to the problems he's having with his friend Billy. If he can just wish for exactly the right thing, then surely Billy will want to be friends with him again? But as Sidney makes his wishes, what he doesn't realise is that the friend he's longing for has been beside him all the time …

by Ian Beck

€7.69

Award-winning author-illustrator Ian Beck spreads joy in Paris with this charming tale of love and delicious baked goods.Paul du Pain's bakery is a very special place. Each day, Paul bakes the bread while Marie serves customers in the shop. Everyone who walks in the door walks back out feeling happier than before. But when Marie goes away, Paul's days become sad and grey. Without her, the bakery's magic is gone. Will Paul ever be able to win her back? A charming, heartfelt and timeless tale from an award-winning author-illustrator.

by Cornelia Funke

€8.39

Cornelia Funke and illustrator Kasia Matyjaszek return with another swashbuckling adventure for little readers, bursting with brilliant characters and lots of girl-power!Thieves, greedy pirates and mischief-makers are no match for Molly Rogers! When Molly and her mother, Barbarous Bertha, discover that Captain Firebeard is destroying Monkey Skull Island in search of buried treasure, they set sail on the Red Swallow to save the island and its animals from his clutches. But Firebeard will stop at nothing to get his treasure - how will Molly outwit him this time? A fantastic swashbuckling adventure for little readers, bursting with brilliant characters, gorgeous illustrations and lots of girl power!

by Phil Earle

€8.39

A fun football tale for little readers packed with laughs, friendship and a spot of superstition …Ridiculous injuries … strange illnesses … cancelled games … Everything's going wrong for the Saints this season, and Stanley's team-mates believe they finally know why. Their football kit is cursed! But the team's attempts to break the curse take things from bad to worse. Soon, they're ready to call it quits. Stanley's still got some tricks up his sleeve … but will his curse-cracking ideas save the team in time for the last game of the season?

by Katherine Woodfine

€8.39

Inspired by the life of Rose Bertin, Katherine Woodfine's stunning Little Gem is written with an evocative sense of period furthered by fresh and beautiful full-colour illustrations by Kate Pankhurst.Young Rose dreams of sewing beautiful dresses for the women of Paris. But when a chance encounter with royalty changes her life, Rose must draw on all her skills to create the most breathtaking dress of them all Based on the life of Rose Bertin, the woman credited with creating haute-couture, this is a story to inspire bold girls and boys everywhere.

by Anne Fine

€8.39

A funny and charming Little Gem from national treasure Anne Fine, with beautiful artwork by illustration star Vicki Gausden - Anne's collaborator on The Gingerbread Star and Out for the Count.When the rain threatens to ruin the fun at summer camp, Malik and his friends are tasked with inventing a pram that any baby would love. But when ideas start flowing, tensions run high and it turns out that not everyone agrees on exactly what a baby would need. Only the PramBusters can be sure to sort this out! This is Anne Fine on great form warm, witty and full of imagination. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 5+

by Katherine Woodfine

€8.39

Take flight with a truly inspirational tale of courage and self-belief, inspired by the incredible life of Sophie Blanchard, the world's first female hot-air balloonist.Scaredy-Cat Sophie is afraid of everything! So when a balloonist comes to the town fair, Sophie is left behind while everyone else goes to watch him fly in his marvellous balloon. She's far too frightened of the crowds, the commotion and even riding in a horse-drawn carriage.But Sophie longs to watch the hot-air balloon sail across the blue sky. If she could just be brave enough to face her fears, who knows where her journey might take her …A touching tale for young readers of learning to overcome anxiety and follow your dreams.

by Pip Jones

€8.39

A little mouse searches for the courage to save her home and make her squeak heard, in this touching Little Gem from the award-winning author of Izzy GizzmoCrumbs on the counter, morsels on the floor - there should be plenty of food for Minetta the mouse to eat in Hollyhock House …But the Ruling Rats are running rampage every night, taking the best of everything for themselves. Minetta has decided that enough is enough - it's time the rats learn to share. The trouble is, Minetta is so small and her voice just a squeak. How will she ever make them listen …?A gorgeous Little Gem about finding the courage to make your voice heard from Pip Jones the award-winning author of Izzy Gizzmo.

by Tony Robinson

€8.39

A swashbuckling adventure from TV star Tony Robinson. Ben arrives at pirate school ready and raring to go - but instead of lessons in walking the plank and cutlass-swinging, the school teaches business studies. Ben can't have that! An uprising is planned… High quality cream paper and easy to read special font ensure a smooth read for all.A fun, swashbuckling adventure. Ben arrives at pirate school ready and raring to learn all about how to be the best pirate he can be! But instead of lessons in walking the plank, cutlass-swinging and singing sea shanties, the Headmistress seems more focused on teaching business and economics. Ben can't have that! With the help of comrade-in-arms Short John Silver, an uprising is planned…High quality cream paper and easy to read special font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Berlie Doherty

€8.39

The Queen of Darkness lives deep underground beneath a mountain with her child, Blue John, a boy she made from the blue of the glacier and the hot yellow light of the sun. Blue John is forbidden to leave his mother's side, but the lure of the light above is too strong. When a singing, dancing girl comes to the caves, Blue John must make a choice between darkness and light. A heart-warming story that embraces the beauty and colours of the natural world. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Ross Montgomery

€8.39

A thwarted thespian must use his talents to save his flock from a woolly situation in this hilarious gem from bestselling children's author Ross MontgomeryWilliam the lamb just can't stand still. His feet are always tapping, ready to dance, and he loves nothing more than bursting into song. But his talents aren't always appreciated at Sheep School. Cast out of the flock, he wanders miserably away only to witness the rest of the sheep being captured by the Big Bad Wolf. Can William find a way to put his artistic skills to use to save the day?

by Quentin Blake

€8.39

Wonderful, witty and wise, this classic Quentin Blake tale will warm hearts of the young and old alike in a gorgeous new full colour gift format.The heartbroken widow of a captain drowned at sea discovers a friendly amphibian at her lowest point. But he is no ordinary frog - he's a dancing frog set on saving her! Soon the duo are touring the world with their routine, spreading light and laughter - and carrying out the occasional rescue - wherever they go. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Pip Jones

€8.39

A little sausage dog discovers that she has strengths of her very own in this adorable gem from bestselling author Pip Jones, perfect for dog lovers. Peggy the sausage dog feels really sad when she finds she's too small to really compete with the other dogs at puppy school. Her little legs and long body make it hard for her to jump high or run very fast. But when one of her school friends has a dangerous fall, it's Peggy who comes to the rescue, proving that heroes come in all different sizes!

by Jeremy Strong

€8.39

Nellie Choc-Ice (the greatest penguin explorer in the world!) and Jeremy Strong return to fight the scourge of plastic in this funny and thoughtful gem.Nellie Choc-Ice is on her way home to the North Pole at last! But things don't go so smoothly when Captain Beardy-Beard's trusty submarine grinds to a halt in an island of plastic - and they aren't the only ones who are trapped. It's up to Nellie to untangle everyone from the mess … But what are they going to do about all this plastic in the ocean?A touching and funny Little Gem from an author-illustrator dream team!

by Jonathan Meres

€8.39

A mix-up with memory leads to an unlikely friendship in this gorgeous Little Gem exploring dementia and the importance of inter-generational friendships.All Frank wants is a new bike, but bikes cost money … So he better start saving! When he settles on helping his sister, Lottie, with her paper round, the last thing Frank expects is to meet an old lady wearing a cowboy hat and boots - she's not like anyone he's ever met before. But Frank's new friend seems a bit muddled, and when she needs help, he's the only one there to lend a hand. A gentle exploration of Dementia and a touching tale of forging friendships across generations.

by Alexander McCall Smith

€8.39

A beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. From internationally bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith. High quality cream paper and a special easy-to-read font ensure a smooth read for all.A beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. From internationally bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith. Timo and his mother do not have much money - in fact, they have almost none. But that does not matter too much, because Timo has his mother and she has him. They have their little house. They have friends and neighbours. They have the world about them. All of that can be enough for happiness. There is one more thing, though, that Timo would like to have …A dog! High quality cream paper and a special easy-to-read font ensure a smooth read for all.

by Pamela Butchart

€8.39

Mysterious miaowing from the empty flat upstairs sets Liam and Sav on a quest to find the ghost cat in this charming gem from award-winning author Pamela Butchart.The flat upstairs from Sav is empty, so who or what is making the strange yowling noises she can hear at night? Could it be a ghost cat?!Sav and her best friend Liam decide to investigate, but their ghost hunt takes a very strange turn when Liam gets stuck in the stinky bin room of the flat and it's a new feline friend who helps to get him out.Nothing is quite as it seems in this brilliant new addition to the Little Gems list.

by Jeremy Strong

€8.39

Another hilarious Little Gem from Jeremy Strong, the master of comic writing for children, with character-packed illustration from Jamie Smith.When Captain Beardy-Beard rescues Nellie from the North Pole she's ready to be safe and sound back at home. But mistakes and trouble are never far from Nellie, and when their submarine runs out of fuel in the docks of New York, Captain Beardy-Beard and his crew are a prime target for a hijacking! Looks like Nellie Choc-Ice is in trouble again and this time it's BIG trouble! Hilarious penguin adventure full of laughs and facts.

by Holly Webb

€8.39

An adorable stray kitten might be just what Lucy and her dad need in this gentle and heartwarming animal story from worldwide bestseller Holly Webb.Lucy and her dad are still feeling sad about the loss of their lovely cat Patch, who had been part of their family for such a long time. So when a little lost kitten turns up in their garden, Lucy doesn't want to tell her dad in case it upsets him. But she grows to love the little kitten and she doesn't seem to have a home, so Lucy is really upset when she disappears and finally she has to tell her dad the truth. Will her dad be able to help Lucy find the little kitten and can they offer her a new home?