New Releases by Bernard ASHLEY

This is a wonderful adaptation of Bernard Ashley''s critically acclaimed novel of the same name, which was short listed for the Carnegie and the Guardian Fiction Awards. Kaninda is an ex-child soldier from East Africa, orphaned and living in London. When a child from a nearby estate is hit by a car, he is drawn into an inter-estate conflict. The story combines current conflicts in London with real war in Africa. Little Soldier is a gritty and gripping play with a fast-moving, exciting plot which will hook boys. The play can be used to explore: different cultures (set in Africa in London) urban gang culture and moral questions literary and dramatic techniques and devices.

Ellie hates leaving behind her friends, but the worst thing about moving to a pub by the canal is that the dark, swirling waters bring back traumatic memories. And Ellie''s troubles only grow when she discovers the shady dealings that take place in the Regent''s Arms on Friday nights. There is somebody who could expose the truth - if only she could escape the evil gang that holds her captive.

Toddler Shirley survives when a bomb hits her house during the blitz, but she runs wildly into the night to find her mother. Johnny, who is on the run from reform school, finds Shirley and looks after her, but he can''t take her home as he risks capture.

Rosie has two grandmothers, when they both come to Rosie''s house for her baby brothers birthday, she is sure they will have double the fun

Tom isn''t much good at reading or writing, but he is good at sailing. So he finds himself rescuing a girl stranded in rocks when her should be at home studying. The girl turns out to be an illegal immigrant and she has a terrifying story to tell. Tom is determined to help her, even if it means outsmarting those smarter then him. Ages 12+.

Donovan Croft is sent to be fostered by Keith Chapman''s family when Donovan''s mother has to return to the West Indies. But the trauma of leaving his parents is too much for Donovan, and he becomes mute. He won''t talk to Keith or his family, and he won''t talk to the teachers at school. The combination of Donovan''s silence, and the racist attitudes of both pupils and teachers at school means trouble, and it''s the growing bond between Donovan and Keith which helps them all find a way to resolution.

The story of a precocious little girl''s everyday adventures with her two grandmothers. The story celebrates a loving multi ethnic family.

Billy gets free school lunches, but what he really wants is packed lunches like Decklan, with surprise notes from his Mum. Soon the other kids get surprise notes too. Billy''s Mum gives in and lets him have packed lunch, but she doesn''t write notes. Billy starts to write his own.

Part of the CLIPPER STREET series, the story of publican''s son Slade Bendix who entertains a very important visitor in his Dad''s beer cellar. Illustrated by Judith Lawton. Originally published in 1988 and now available in paperback.

First published in hardback in 1997, a story in the CITY LIMITS series which follows the adventures of the friends of the City Limits Cafe, which is visited by a famous television celebrity, but can Sharon teach the TV star how to act?

Children can read about how Max comes to hav e a pet greyhound who his mum doesn''''t know about. How long c an Max keep Flash a secret? ''

When Maria catches sight of Danny at Pelham Park, not even the news of her dad''s redundancy can dampen her spirits. But then something happens to spoil her romantic dreams and she is faced with a terrible choice. Suggested level: intermediate.

Pleasure is happy to help Dad with the shopping at the busy market. Her baby brother Paul is teething and she''d like to buy him a present. But while Pleasure is looking at the toy stall, she loses sight of Dad and thinks he has disappeared. Where has he gone?

Pleasure is happy to help Dad with the shopping at the busy market. Her baby brother Paul is teething and she''d like to buy him a present. But while Pleasure is looking at the toy stall, she loses sight of Dad and thinks he has disappeared. Where has Dad gone?

YA. Set in and around a London cafe where a group of 13-14 year-olds hang out. The story is short and fast-paced, reflecting the vibrancy and multi-racial nature of their inner city setting. 11-14 yrs.

Pleasure wants to buy her baby brother a present but when she lets go of her dad''s hand in the busy market, suddenly she can''t see him anywhere. Where has her dad gone? Pleasure''s baby brother is teething and he just cries and cried all day. Pleasure wants to buy him a present to make him happy and she gets her chance when she goes to the market with her dad. Pleasure loves going to the market with all the brightly coloured stalls. While her dad is buying fish, Pleasure spots a toy stall and she lets go of Dad''s hand for just one minute... Suddenly she can''t see her dad at all, he has completely disappeared and Pleasure is surrounded by stangers hurrying here and there. But it isn''t long before she sees her dad through the crowd and he helps her buy the best ever present for Paul.

This is the sixth title in the six-part Clipper Street mini-series, set in and around a south London street. It is a sensitively-told story dealing with the theme of child abuse, and giving a child''s view of the dilemmas involved for outsiders.