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A Dublin Christmas by Nicola Colton

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To Orla, Christmas means Gran, so when it looks like Gran won’t make it this year, everything feels a lot less festive. And with Christmas spirit everywhere at an all-time low, the whole of Dublin is in darkness. But then the fairy lights on Orla’s Christmas tree come to life and take her on an enchanting adventure to the National Library, Grafton Street, Stephen’s Green and the GPO. Together, Orla and her new friends attempt to restore the meaning of Christmas and holiday cheer…
A heart-warming festive story that brings Dublin at Christmas to life.

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Nature’s Treasures: Tales Of More Than 100 Extraordinary Objects From Nature by Ben Hoare

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Dive into this collection of more than 100 intriguing items from the natural world and discover the stories behind them. Learn how bristly mouths help huge whales capture tiny animals, how minute scales make butterflies shine in the sunlight, and how studying a leaf skeleton can tell us how it transports food. A bird egg, a lump of coal, a cacao pod, a mermaid’s purse, a fossil, a pine cone, an owl pellet, and a chrysalis – all tell a story.

Arranged into four chapters – Animals; Plants, fungi, and algae; Minerals and rocks, and Made by Nature, objects are shown with truly stunning photography and colourful illustrations to help explain the science behind them. The lively descriptions by best-selling nature writer Ben Hoare explore the remarkable tales of each item and all are packed with fascinating information.

Nature’s Treasures takes you on a tour of our planet through commonplace-but-incredible objects made by nature itself. This book is for every inquisitive child who loves to spot things when exploring outside and wants to know more about the wonderful and mysterious natural world.

All Through the Night: People Who Work While We Sleep by Polly Faber ill. Harriet Hobday

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A beautifully illustrated picture book exploring the jobs that keep a city running all through the night, and make it ready for the new day. The sky is getting dark. In a big city, a little girl is eating her dinner, brushing her teeth and getting ready for bed. Meanwhile, her mother is putting on her coat and getting ready to go to work. But where will she go, and who will she see along the way?

As the night goes on, follow nurses, cleaners, delivery workers, doctors, police officers, journalists and many more. Meet the people doing the important jobs that help keep the city running all through the night, ready for the next day to come.

Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free ‘Stories Aloud’ audio recording.

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The Queen in the Cave by Julia Sarda

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One night, Franca has a dream about a marvellous queen. And now she feels intrigued… Eager to know more about this mystical figure, Franca shares her dream with her two younger sisters. Together, they set out on an enchanting adventure to discover the kingdom of the queen in the cave.

This is a riveting and atmospheric picture book that will surprise and enthral young readers and dreamers.

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The Planet In A Pickle Jar by Martin Stanev

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When two children visit Grandma’s house for their usual visit, they can’t help but think she’s stuffy and no fun at all. Even the dinner she makes is predictable. But when Grandma goes missing and wild animals start popping up around the house, they realise she has a secret…

A gorgeously illustrated picture book about not judging people based on appearances, and the how families can work together to help save the planet, author/illustrator Martin Stanev’s debut book will make a beautiful addition to any child’s bookshelf.

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Harry Potter – A Magical Year: The Illustrations of Jim Kay by J. K. Rowling ill. Jim Kay

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A Magical Year, compiled by the publisher, takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the seasons at Hogwarts. Jim Kay’s illustrations, paired with quotations from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, bring to life all of the magic, beauty and wonder of the wizarding world.

Each day features a favourite anniversary or meaningful memory from the Harry Potter novels.

Inside, a selection of Jim Kay’s most iconic illustrations are joined by previously unseen pencil sketches and preparatory pieces, offering a unique and fascinating insight into the artist’s sketchbook. The Kate Greenaway Medal winner’s bewitching character studies, sweeping landscapes and beautifully observed pencil details reveal the skill and process of an artist working at the peak of his powers.

This is the perfect gift for birthdays and Christmas, to share at bedtime or to make a friend smile. A Magical Year brings together Harry, Ron, Hermione and a host of other beloved characters in a glorious illustrated compendium that readers everywhere will cherish for years to come.

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Black Joy edited by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff & Timi Sotire

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 8 Oct 2021

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An anthology including the work of twenty-eight Black British authors and illustrators.

Speaking to The Bookseller ahead of publication, Brinkhurst-Cuff said, “After an incredibly tough year, Black Joy will be an all-too-rare opportunity for Black British writers to be able to focus on the parts of their race and identity that aren’t caught up in strife; a celebratory text which doesn’t dismiss the difficulties we experience but, taking learnings from the Black Joy Project in the US, treats joy as an act of resistance and resilience. I feel exceptionally thankful to be able to work with so many Black British people, who bring me a tonne of joy on this project. Their essays have left me grinning and gleeful even at this early stage. I’m also incredibly excited that Penguin got behind the idea of bringing on a younger co-editor to be mentored. It has long been a tradition of Black British elders to support the people coming up, and in my own small way I want to help the next generation find their feet within publishing too.”

Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff is a journalist, editor, features writer, columnist. Formerly editor-in chief at gal-dem, she is now a senior staff editor on the New York Times. She was the editor of Mother Country: Real Stories of the Windrush Children. Follow her on Instagram:

A podcast interview with the book’s co-editor Timi Sotire:

29 Locks by Nicola Garrard

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“Set in London’s vivid immigrant neighborhoods…, the book’s rich descriptions heighten the narrative. Donny is a fully realized character with keen observational skills, and the first-person narrative allows readers a clear understanding of his struggles. The secondary characters add textured layers to the story. A powerful coming-of-age story highlighting the experiences of marginalized youth.” KIRKUS

ACHUKA is always pleased to see a YA debut. This one was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Proze and the Mslexia Children’s novel competition. It is dedication to a former pupil who was murdered by a gang in 2017 at the age of 18.

Growing up in Hackney with his loving but troubled single mum, fifteen-year-old Donny’s life has been shaped by poverty, crime and casual violence, including grooming by a local gang. When his mum is jailed for drugs offences, Donny is fostered outside London to the Hertfordshire countryside. Life in the rural Home Counties is a bit like landing on another planet but doing work experience on the Hertford Union Canal, Donny feels like he’s finally found his purpose. When Donny’s posh new friend Zoe is offered a dubious modelling audition in London, the pair decide to ‘borrow’ a canal barge and navigate the 29 locks down to Kings Cross. As they start out on their journey the future looks as unpromising as Zoe’s fake audition. But as each lock is navigated and conquered, their adventures take on a new dimension, and life will never be the same again.

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Kevin vs the Unicorns by Sarah McIntyre & Philip Reeve

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New book in the Roly-Poly Flying Pony series…

Max and his best friend Kevin, the only roly-poly flying pony in Bumbleford, decide to enter the Magical Pony Club Steeplechase. Kevin is not particularly keen, as the other participants are all unicorns, and everybody knows that unicorns are quite snobby. But biscuits are promised, and Kevin wants to make Max proud. As the competition heats up, our inseparable duo uncovers a conspiracy to steal the precious Periwinkle Cup. Max and Kevin will have to intervene to stop the thieves and retrieve the stolen trophy.

Something I Said by Ben Bailey Smith

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A funny, big-hearted story about family, friendship and how far one boy will go to get a laugh.

For thirteen-year-old Carmichael Taylor, life is one big joke – in a good way. He just can’t understand why no one else seems to find everything as funny as he does. When Car accidentally delivers a piece of hilarious stand-up at the school talent show, targeting his family and his school, it goes viral. As fame and fortune beckon, it’s up to Car to decide what or who he’s willing to risk in pursuit of his comedy dream.