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Paper Chase by Julia Donaldson ill. Victoria Sandøy

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 2 Sep 2026

Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 9780702348709

“The simple, circular tale is both a generous explanation of how humans consume natural resources and a subtle reminder that these are gifts to be respected. An author’s note emphasizes that ‘trees are precious’ and encourages youngsters to recycle this very book should it eventually fall apart. Perfectly satisfying.” KIRKUS

We didn’t list this when it was published in hardback last year. Not sure why but I can only imagine it was because we felt a new book from Julia Donaldson needed no extra recommending from us. Nevertheless, we’re pleased that the release of the paperback gives us the opportunity to correct that omission. As you can see below, the illustrations and the panelled layout are very pleasing. And Donaldson’s rhyming rhythms are as perfect as ever.

A captivating paper chase, and an unforgettable adventure…Two children meet under a tall tree. James has a book. Ginger has a paper plane. They become friends…but then they’re parted. Will they ever meet again? 

But this isn’t just James and Ginger’s story: it’s a paper chase!

Much-loved storyteller Julia Donaldson weaves the children’s tale of friendship into the amazing story of how paper is made.

With perfect, read-aloud rhymes and glowing illustrations by Victoria Sandøy, this is a story of friendship and adventure like no other.

Victoria Sandøy is a Norwegian illustrator based in Oslo. She studied illustration in the UK, graduating with a first-class degree from Falmouth University. You can follow her on

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The Chase by Jenny Bloomfield

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 19 Mar 2026

Publisher: Frances Lincoln / Quarto
ISBN: 9781836008590

“Bloomfield’s rhyming text mimics the bouncy hops of the chase: ‘It’s a hustle, a bustle, a running tussle.’ Each page maintains a steady cadence that makes for an ideal read-aloud. Featuring all manner of dog breeds (and one pup with wheels on its hind legs), the art brims with silly details that readers will enjoy spotting, like a museum caretaker trying to catch a falling vase, a dog splattered with pink paint, and a pup getting snagged in a tuba as the gang interrupts an outdoor musical performance. Perfectly playful.” KIRKUS

Unbelievable levels of freshness, creativity and energy in this story about dogs chasing a red ball.

Are you ready? Are you steady? FETCH!

A girl on a beach throws a ball for one eager little dog. Suddenly one dog becomes two – three – TEN — even more leaping, bounding doggies, hot on its trail! The chase is on: who will be the lucky pup to fetch the bright red prize?

The race leads them down the beach, through the city, into the museum; high up over the city balanced on an iron girder; through the park down the river, until: what’s that rumbling sound? Oh dear! But not even a thundering waterfall will stop these determined dogs from chasing down that ball…

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Gotcha! by Clotilde Perrin tr. Daniel Hahn

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 21 Oct 2022

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“A joyous, multi-layered, exploratory wonder of a journey from start to finish.” Just Imagine
“The structures overflow with droll details (a wolf constellation poster at the pigs’ digs), and residents make wryly appropriate comments (“I’m turning on the oven, Hansel”). The frightful chase converges at a bookshelf with flap-filled tomes that talk back, until at last the child displays some literary-inspired bravery, banishing the “collywobblers” for an autonomy-based conclusion.” Publishers Weekly

Chased by monsters – a hairball, a stinkwart and a creeper (each hairier and stinkier than the one before) —a child needs to find shelter in three famous fairytale houses: the Three Little Pigs’ brick home; Sleeping Beauty’s palace; and Hansel and Gretel’s gingerbread mansion.

Lift the flaps big and small to discover curious places for the child’s best chance to hide. Knock on the door of the Little Pigs’ bathroom, open up Hansel and Gretel’s oven (if you dare!) or see who’s already inside Sleeping Beauty’s stopped clock.

The hero of our story has read their story books and knows how to vanquish villains, causing the monsters to flee. This intricately produced large fold-out book is like no other: a celebration of fairy tales and child empowerment that’s full of humour and detail on every page. Over 40 interactive elements to mesmerise pre-schoolers and independent readers. A multi-layered book with flaps within flaps and multiple fold outs, Gotcha! is the ultimate interactive gift book that will captivate children ages 4 and up. A perfect book for any child who enjoys fractured fairy tales.

Translated from the French edition by Daniel Hahn.

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Voyage Of The Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant

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Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Year
Shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award 2020

The second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock.

In the aftermath of WWI, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti’s horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!) And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiance.

Just as they think they’ve found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan – to cross the Channel on Ben’s narrowboat and find Sam. And there’s something in France that Lotti is looking for, too…

Buffeted by storms, chased by the police, Lotti, Ben, Clara and a growing number of dogs set out on an epic journey, on the search for lost loved ones and a place to call home.

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