Fabulous festive picture book from the creators of the bestselling Santa’s New Beard – a perfect stocking-filler gift!

Christmas Eve was here at last,
The countdown clock was ticking fast . . .
But yikes! When Santa turned the key
(The reindeer need some help you see)
The engine didn’t start, it spluttered,
‘That isn’t right’, the elves all muttered . . .

When Santa’s sleigh stops working on Christmas Eve the elves all rally round to help. Maybe they could use a slingshot? Or the owls could help? How about polar bears?

Will they be able to sort the sleigh out before it is too late? Things are not looking good until one small elf has a bright idea!

Festive and fun, this is destined to become a seasonal favourite.

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A stunning new edition of T. S. Eliot’s beloved cat poems Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, containing enchanting new colour illustrations by Júlia Sardà.

The naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn’t just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.

So begins one of the best-known poetry collections of all time. The practical cats need no introduction, but this stunning new full-colour version, illustrated by Júlia Sardà, is the perfect companion to Old Toffer’s Dogs. Whether you are a cat or a dog person, you will be enchanted by Júlia’s highly original interpretation.

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I’ve rounded up a rowdy assembly
Of my own Consequential Dogs
As counterparts to Eliot’s mogs.
Mine are a rough and ready bunch:
You wouldn’t take them out to lunch . . .
But if they strike you as friendly, funny,
Full of bounce and fond of a romp,
Forgetful of poetic pomp,
I trust you’ll take them as you find them
And, at the very least, not mind them.

T. S. Eliot’s best-selling collection of practical cat poems has been one of the most successful poetry collections ever. At last, in the 80th year of Old Possum’s Cats, we have the companion volume that Eliot had envisaged, written by master poet and Costa-winner, Christopher Reid.

This wonderfully witty and varied collection, illustrated in full-colour by the brilliant Sara Ogilvie, is perfect for younger readers to appreciate. A book that will be enjoyed by generations to come, perfect for reading together!

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Rita really really really wanted a rabbit.
Spike was NOT a rabbit.
He was scaly, scary, scratchy, scrabbly, scrawny, speckled and spiky.

Rita is so very sure she wants a fluffy pet rabbit and NOT a scaly, scratchy bearded dragon called Spike . . . But when a fussy, grouchy, messy rabbit comes to stay, she discovers they aren’t necessarily as adorable as they seem. Spike saves the day and Rita is very glad to be rid of the rabbit and very in love with her speckled, scrawny, spiky pet.

A very funny text wonderfully complemented by Hannah Peck’s witty artwork.

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What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off?

Every time Joe goes out the questions are the same . . . what happened to his leg? But is this even a question Joe has to answer?

A ground-breaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different.

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Richard Scarry’s beloved Busylande meets the Middle Ages – and the result is a joyful reworked fairy tale starring knights on horseback, wandering minstrels, intrepid peasants, a beautiful princess and a frightening dragon!

Busylande is a very busy, happy kingdom – until a roaring dragon kidnaps Princess Lily. Who will save her? The knights do try, but everything goes wrong. Now it’s all up to Peasant Pig and Lowly Worm . . . but they’ve not faced a challenge like this – ever!

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Jump into Busy Town and learn your ABCs with Richard Scarry and his friends!

Each double page spread is packed with words starting or finishing or including a specific letter of the alphabet. The letters are highlighted in bright pink to emphasise the learning point. It’s busy and it’s bright and it makes learning your alphabet fun.

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Scarry captures all the hustle and bustle of Busytown through a series of delightful, brightly illustrated stories. Flossie, Big Hilda, Mother Cat, Squeaky Mouse and a cast of Scarry’s most popular characters are off to pick spring flowers, watch fireworks at the Pig family picnic, help the postman deliver letters, and celebrate holidays, family and friends. This is the perfect introduction to everyday grown-up life – ever!

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