Family and home stories Books

From the winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Prize and the American Indian Youth Literature AwardI'd like to tell you a rather true story about a big black cat who started out gray. Her name was May.Margaux and her cat May became friends...

Imagine living on a farm by the water. After you finish your chores with your family, it's time to play on the beach, where the rockpools are meant for sipping on sea grass tea and dancing to the music of the waves. Jillian Packer's debut picture book...

The jaw-achingly funny children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a deliciously daft Tall Story of a child who had everything, but still wanted more. Illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. Meet the Meeks!Myrtle Meek has...

“A lyrical love letter, written to families of all shapes and sizes.”—Liz Garton Scanlon, author of Caldecott Honor winner All the World A delightful rhyming picture book that’s just right for anyone facing the challenges that come with change. Bit by...

Tiggy has a BIG imagination. She sometimes has BIG feelings too. But everything is A-Okay, because Tiggy has a very special secret …Whether she’s starring in a school performance, dealing with a wobbly tooth, or feeling nervous at a sleepover, Tiggy...

Tiggy has a BIG imagination. She sometimes has BIG feelings too. But everything is A-Okay, because Tiggy has a very special secret …Whether she’s getting a new pet, going to her first day of school, or solving a birthday party problem, Tiggy knows her...

Learn to read with this hilarious story about noisy singing from the best-selling School of Monsters series! Can Bill and Ben learn to sing in harmony?Bill and Ben both love to sing, but each one sings a different thing!Welcome to the School of...

This charming search and find picture book helps young kids practice counting and subtracting and is a fascinating introduction to the unique world of stick bugs!Meet Mama stick bug and her six little sticks. Mama's going to teach them how to hide so six...

Based on the hit ABC KIDS TV show!It's time to play Hide and Seek! Can Bluey find everyone without getting distracted? A gorgeous board book for kids of all ages.Bluey is an award-winning preschool show about Bluey, a blue heeler pup, and her family...

In this middle grade graphic novel adventure story perfect for fans of Zita the Spacegirl, a family vacation through the cosmos turns into a fight for all humankind.Blake Laser. Daughter. Sister. Genius. Blake and her family are headed for a vacation...

A wondrous walkabout through the mountains from Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, the creator of the heart-stirring picture books Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth, My Little Barlaagany, Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean and Miimi and Buwaarr, Mother and Baby...

Prepare to lick the toenails of adventure! Betty Steady’s faster than an angry goose and stronger than an ogre in yoga pants and she DON’T NEED NO STINKING HELP FROM NO ONE! But can she prevent the Toad Witch from attacking Wobbly Rock?The funniest young...

Some cats really do have nine lives: after a stay at the legendary Savoy hotel, Kaspar the cat sets sail – on none other than the Titanic . . . ‘A cracking narrative’ ObserverThey say cats have nine lives, and that’s certainly true of Kaspar. From the...

Just because you are older, doesn’t mean you know better. Teddy’s off to catch a fish, but Cub wants to come too. Little cubs always get in the way. But, luckily, they can also surprise you. Funny and stunning by turns, come with Cub and Teddy on an...

A grim discovery brings disturbing revelations in this chilling ghost story from the late Marcus Sedgwick. While mucking about in the ruins of an old farm while on holiday in Yorkshire, James hears strange laughter echoing around the walls. The ghost of...

The complicated nuances of teenage friendship are captured perfectly in this story of summer adventure and exploration by award-winning author Keith Gray. Marshall feels the need to escape because things are so tough at home. Rory is just happy it’s the...

As World War ll drags on, Susan sets out on a mission to cheer up her mum in this heartwarming wartime tale from award-winning historical fiction writer Tony Bradman. Susan is worried about her mum. She’s struggling with long hours at her job in the...

Malorie Blackman spins a hilarious tale of shape-shifting and babysitting antics. Mike had no idea that his best friend Alex was a Gris-kwok – someone who can turn into any animal he chooses! But Mike’s naughty little sister Molly is a Gris-kwok too...

It's the car journey from hell … Support severely struggling readers with this hilarious hi-lo family tale. Two siblings drive their mother to distraction on the car journey from hell, while Mum tries every trick in the book to get them to behave. All...

Jane has always been just a little bit different – she has springs in her knees! Support severely struggling readers with this hi-lo adventure with a spring in its step. Jane has always been just a little bit different – she has springs in her knees!...

A project to re-introduce beavers brings a town together against a common threat, in this touching tale from master storyteller Gill Lewis. Times are tough for Cari and her mum. A violent storm has flooded the valley where they live, destroying their...

Fagin’s infamous gang comes to life once again in this exciting Oliver Twist-inspired adventure from bestselling author Karen McCombie. Orphan Ettie Shaw is penniless and homeless on the streets of London when she is spotted by her older brother Joe.Joe...

Kindness is key in this funny new family drama from perennial bestseller and award-winning author Anne Fine. There are many reasons why Tansy dreads Aunt Emma coming to visit. She’s rude, she’s boring, and Tansy has to give up her room so Aunt Emma can...

Reluctant reader favourite Tony Bradman returns with a captivating historical tale inspired by the true story of Britain’s Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. November 1920. The body of an unknown soldier is to be buried at Westminster Abbey. The war has...

Granny’s hunt for the perfect pet brings some unexpected results in this goofy adventure of family, mudlarking and mayhem. Zac and Essie have been helping their Granny Mo in her search for the perfect pet. She’s tried everything from cats to axolotls...

Worldwide bestseller Holly Webb makes her Barrington Stoke debut with a truly adorable sausage dog tale! 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...

A cast of creative creatures take centre stage in this theatrical story about community and confidence from Blue Peter Book Award-shortlisted author Laura Wood. Summer by the seaside isn’t working out as Callie hoped. Instead of enjoying sunshine and...

A warm and wise tale about the unique challenges of pre-teen life from a master of the genre. Lucy has lived her entire life in her sister's shadow – Lola is always the centre of attention and constantly in need of new clothes for a party or kit for her...

Can Meg find her sunshine smile again? A wonderfully warm and wise story about new families and new relationships from bestelling author Karen McCombie. Meg is the girl with the sunshine smile. That's what they call her at the wedding fairs where she...

Award-winning author Eve Ainsworth returns with a stark, honest and deeply moving novella exploring the difficult subject of alcoholism. Violet's mum hasn't been herself for a while. A few too many glasses of wine in the evening. Mornings when she can't...

A baking nightmare makes for slapstick comedy gold in this hilarious Little Gem from a bestselling author and illustrator team. Albert’s dad needs help in the family bakery, but all his son can think about is sport. So he builds a machine like no other:...

Reluctant-reader favourite Tony Bradman returns with a gentle and sensitively told story of life as a young carer. Mum won't get out of bed. His best friend has dumped him. And school work is just too difficult. Jayden wants to do the right thing – but...

A heart-warming tale of empathy, affection and dealing with grief across generations, from award-winning author Nicola Davies. Grandpa Joe is butterfly bonkers. There's nothing he loves more than photographing the fluttering, colourful creatures in his...

A poignant and pertinent exploration of life below the poverty line from the critically acclaimed award-winning creator of My Name is Not Refugee. Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in the cupboards. Forced to visit the...

Roll up! Roll up! For the second exciting instalment in The Big-Top Mysteries series, packed with all the fun of the circus and an intriguing new mystery to be solved … Roll up! Roll up! A new season is about to begin at the Shortbread family's circus!...

The Peachey family’s loyal dog steps up to save the day once more in the fourth instalment of this acclaimed, witty middle-grade series. Pa has just landed a new job, and it's put an unusual spring in his step. But a new job means a new house in a new...

Roll up! Roll up! The Shortbread Family Circus is in town! Introducing the first tale in The Big Top Mysteries, an exciting new series from Alexander McCall Smith and illustrator Sam Usher. Billy, Fern and Joe Shortbread are the stars of their...

A powerful and immensely moving story of friendship, family and happiness, from an award-winning author well-known for his gritty realism for teens. Aman's dad is gone, leaving her feeling lost and alone. She struggles to talk about it, but it's a fact...

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...

Mia and James are getting married! When a tight budget means no wedding cake, Mia’s sister Holly plans a surprise… When Holly's sister announces her engagement, wedding planning begins in earnest. But a tight budget means missing out on some wedding...

Four children are swept away from their foster home to a whole new world in this charming modern-day take on the Arabian Night stories. Mia, Juno, Kyle and Billy all long for a different life. They're stuck in a foster home and feel like they're in the...

A glorious sequel to Good Dog McTavish, this endearing story is brimming with Meg Rosoff’s stylish prose, quirky humour, astute eye for the details of canine-human dynamics, and the oddities of family life. It's summer and the Peachey family...

An important, tender and vital story about dealing with and overcoming worry, perfectly pitched for young readers. Amy May knows about webs of worries – so many people she meets are caught in them, from her own artist dad to newly arrived refugee Rima...

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...

A warm, charming and ever-so-slightly batty celebration of family love, inspiring teachers and the great characters who make all our lives more interesting. Shona likes most creatures in the world but for some reason she's terrified of bats, and so...

An honest and heart-warming tale of family, growing up and 'difference' from prize-winning author Sita Brahmachari, set over the course of one life-changing day. Tender-hearted and necessary, this gem of a teen novel is a rollercoaster ride for the heart...

Family drama set during World War II. When Jimmy and Molly lose their mother in an air-raid, their father has no choice but to leave them in the care of their Nan when he goes to fight. Will the children ever see him again? Particularly suitable for...