New Releases by Geraldine McCaughrean

From award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Geraldine McCaughrean, an utterly immersive and unforgettable novel set during the London Blitz, inspired by the author''s father With World War II on their doorstep, the children of Greenwich, England, are being evacuated. But on the train meant to take them to safety, four of them decide they aren''t ready to leave home. They climb out the carriage window just in time, forging an unlikely friendship. With their school taken over by the fire service, they spend their days trying to be useful. Lawrence is building a secret machine. Gemmy searches bombed-out homes for things of value--only to find an adorable mutt she can''t even give away. Franklin wants to join the fire service, even if it means lying about his age. Olive looks after her father, haunted by the deaths of his fellow firemen. Together, the four friends roam the streets of London, discovering their resilience amongst the secrets of the city. But as the Blitz unleashes a barrage of bombs, turning the sky ragged with flame, can they keep one another safe? Beautifully researched and full of both heartbreak and hope, Under a Fire-Red Sky is a celebration of friendship during even the darkest times.

The kingdoms of Arbor, with its lush forests, and Pomosa, rich with farmland, have no love between them, and the children have taken to sneaking across the borders at night to steal the precious resources of milk and wood that the adults won’t share. So the Kings decide to fight, instead . . . with dragons. But do the dragons have another idea? This new parable shows that the way to peace and prosperity is not through fighting, but teamwork and generosity.

Twice Carnegie medal winning Geraldine McCaughrean''s enthralling new novel is set in a world paralysed by natural disaster and dangerous lies. Fifteen-year-old Gloria is maid to Afalia''s tyrannical Head of State, Madame Suprema. When the country is hit by unprecedented flooding, Madame Suprema runs away, fearing she will be blamed for the crisis. To cover up this cowardly act, Gloria is made to step into Madame Suprema''s shoes and is thrust into a world of corrupt and desperate politicians. As Gloria becomes aware of the forces toying with her every move, she must take decisions that could save, or end, thousands of lives - including her own... A brilliant and darkly funny commentary on our present times by one of our greatest writers.

An enchanting picture book retelling of The Snow Queen. A magical, wintery tale of friendship, love and adventure. Join Gerda on her epic journey to the mysterious, snowy lands of the frozen North. Meeting fairy-tale princesses, talking crows and wise old women with enchanted gardens, on her quest to rescue best friend Kai from the Snow Queen''s icy palace. Hans Christian Andersen''s classic tale has enchanted children for over 150 years. Retold by Carnegie Medal-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean, with stunningly intricate silhouette illustrations, this is a must-have addition to any child''s bookshelf.

Book Band: Dark Red - Ideal for ages 10+ ''McCaughrean is one of the greatest living children''s authors.'' The Bookseller Brilliant historical fiction from double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean From ships that sail in a sea in the sky and children who witness the deadly effects of a scientific experiment, to a magic carpet that brings about a day of judgement and a year where eleven days are lost and never to be found, this short-story collection will have you on the edge of your seat! This collection of gripping historical short stories from award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean has beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Ian McCaughrean and is perfect for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com. ''Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed ... Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.'' Books for Keeps

Hans Christian Andersen''s entrancing tale of love, set between land and sea, is retold by renowned storyteller Geraldine McCaughrean and brought to life in magical silhouette artwork by illustrator Laura Barrett. When she falls in love with a prince, the little mermaid persuades a sea witch to replace her tail with legs so she can live on land. But the price demanded by the wicked sea witch is great: the mermaid''s beautiful voice . . .

In Lovesong, three-time Whitbread Prize winner Geraldine McCaughrean has written what Philippa Gregory called "Probably the best historical novel I have ever read." At the centre of the story is a talented troubadour, Peter Oriole, and his daughter, `Princess'' Ouallada. The opening sections of the book trace Oriole''s journey from France to the Holy Land in the service of two very different crusader Knights, one a saintly aesthete, the other a cynical opportunist. The twelfth century was a time when men and women were inventing - or perhaps reinventing - the nature of love itself, and it was the troubadour''s task to express that love in song - their fate either glory or scandalous ruin. What does love mean to Oriole? As he discovers both romance and passion in his own life we are introduced to an extraordinary cast of characters - rogues, mountebanks, villains, heroes, damsels both in and out of distress, soldiers and holy men, all working out their own destiny, each compellingly and convincingly drawn. This is the story of one man''s wreck on the sea of passion - and his daughter''s stormy voyage in his wake. With strikingly detailed imagery and characterisation that is totally convincing and compassionate, Geraldine McCaughrean has written a novel of ideas which is also storytelling at full pelt. "McCaughrean is well on her way to becoming one of the few great novelists to adorn our age." MAIL ON SUNDAY ÿ

Vainglory begins in France in 1429, the year of the Siege of Orléans, as Victoire de Gloriole regains possession of the family castle from the English following the Battle of Agincourt. Having consolidated his position by marrying a beautiful Englishwoman, Victoire sets out to rebuild a dynasty and a castle. However some years on, he finds himself without a legitimate heir, and at war with a family of scheming cousins. From Joan of Arc and the 15th century wars with the English through to Catherine de Medici and the slaughter of the Huguenots, Vainglory tells the story of a power-hungry family who will let nothing and no one get in their way. Cleverly plotted and beautifully written, it is a historical novel of rare class.

Chichico can''t believe his luck when a talent scout spots him playing football on the beach and asks him to try out for Santos Brazil. But there''s one problem ... Chichico doesn''t have any boots. When his friend Davi steps in to lend a helping hand, can he save the day

Tamo White, el hijo del pirata, decide abandonar la escuela y volver a casa en busca de su madre en compañía de Nathan, quien ha quedado huérfano y desamparado, y de Magda, la hermana de éste. Cruzan el océano Índico y llegan a Madagascar. En estas tierras lejanas y desconocidas, plagadas de peligros, los tres jóvenes encuentran la clave de sus vidas.

When her mother dies from a snake bite, Comity''s life in the Australian outback changes for ever. With her father lost in his grief, Comity makes friends with Fred, the Aboriginal yard boy. But then the evil Quartz Hogg arrives, who delights in playing cruel games. And when he sets his murderous sights on Fred, it''s up to Comity to stop him. A gripping tale that builds to an explosive climax from much-loved storyteller, Geraldine McCaughrean.

In the summer of 1727, a group of men and boys from St Kilda are put ashore on a remote sea stac to harvest birds for food. No one returns to collect them. Why? Surely nothing but the end of the world can explain why they have been abandoned to endure storms, starvation and terror. And how can they survive, imprisoned on every side by the ocean? Inspired by a true event, this is a breathtaking story of nine boys and the courage it takes to survive against the odds, from three-time winner of the Whitbread/Costa Children''s Book Award Geraldine McCaughrean.

A timeless collection to capture our literary heritage. Ishmael joins the whale-hunting crew of the Pequod, and gets swept up in the Captain''s quest for revenge against the gargantuan white whale.TreeTops Greatest Stories is a series of timeless classics for children aged 7-11. This pack provides 6 copies of the same title. Key Features:- Selected by Series Editor Michael Morpurgo, master storyteller.- A range of top children''s authors, who know how to engage and enthral young readers.- Beautifully illustrated titles draw children in.- Captivating stories that every child should read.- Supports the focus on literary heritage and reading for pleasure.- Underpinned by Oxford Assessment and Levelling, matching every child with the right book for them through carefully graded language.- Reading notes on the inside cover support children with their reading.- Teaching notes on Oxford Owl support independent reading, guided reading and writing activities.

Offers seventeen classic stories about animals.

THE ODYSSEY retold by Geraldine McCaughrean is the epic journey of Odysseus, the hero of Ancient Greece... After ten years of war, Odysseus turns his back on Troy and sets sail for home. But his voyage takes another ten years and he must face many dangers - Polyphemus the greedy one-eyed giant, Scylla the six-headed sea monster and even the wrath of the gods themselves - before he is reunited with his wife and son. The Puffin Classics relaunch includes: A Little Princess Alice''s Adventures in Wonderland Alice''s Adventures Through the Looking Glass Anne of Green Gables Black Beauty Hans Andersen''s Fairy Tales Heidi Journey to the Centre of the Earth Little Women Peter Pan Tales of the Greek Heroes The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn The Adventures of King Arthur The Adventures of Tom Sawyer The Call of the Wild The Jungle Book The Odyssey The Secret Garden The Wind in the Willows The Wizard of Oz Treasure Island

A German fairy tale about 12 princess who sneak off into a magical land where they dance the night away.

RUSTI is a Mongol warrior, fighting for the bloodthirsty Tamburlaine, Conqueror of the World. He intends to show the enemy neither fear nor mercy... until he comes face-to-face with his first elephant. KAVI is the elephant''s rider. Captured by the terrifying Mongol Horde, he fears for his life. But the boy who takes him prisoner does not kill him. And soon it seems they might almost become ... friends. Then Rusti uncovers a terrible secret, and the unlikeliest of friendships is put to the ultimate test.

Escape into a world of knights and princesses, wicked witches and talking frogs. All the best-known favourites are here-including Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel-together with rarer gems to be discovered. The perfect collection for sharing, or for blissful moments alone, this is a book to treasure.

A Workbook enabling children to practise the language points presented in the Reader. These workbooks accompany the popular Collins Big Cat series. They enable children to practice and reinforce the target vocabulary and language structures presented in each corresponding Collins Big Cat reader through enjoyable puzzles, games and activities, as well as through more traditional comprehension exercises. Tracing, copying and eventually free-writing tasks build and develop children''s writing skills as they progress through the Bands, Pink A to Lime. A fun quiz to test understanding, and a reward certificate at the back of each Workbook, enable children to feel a sense of progress as they learn to read more confidently in English.

A thriller set in ancient Egypt between 1351-1354 BC. Tutmose and Ibrim''s father, the animal dealer, is commanded by the new pharaoh Akhenaten, to bring him animals - lots of animals - for his new capital city. The boys'' father is delighted. But he has no idea what the pharaoh''s strange new religion will mean for all of them...

Jesse trees (and later, stained glass windows), used in medieval times tell people Bible stories. Using her skills as a storyteller and her love of the Bible, the author has written an intriguing story about the creation of a modern-day Jesse tree. She weaves evocative retellings of selected Bible stories with a sensitive contemporary story about the transforming power of love.

Ever since the magnificent Miss Loucien gave up teaching to join the Bright Lights Theater Company, school days have lacked a certain . . . drama . . . especially for Cissy, who longs for a life in show business, and Kookie, who craves adventure. But when a diphtheria outbreak interrupts the dull routine, Cissy and Kookie are evacuated to the doubtful safety of the Bright Lights’ summer home—a shipwrecked paddle steamer on the flooded Missouri River. Thus begins a wild and unpredictable journey downstream serving up grand performances, aggrieved river gamblers, irate lawmen, and perilous races. And when at long last Cissy steps into the limelight, the stakes are higher than she ever imagined. Renowned storyteller Geraldine McCaughrean weaves a rip-roaring adventure in this funny tale that’s chock-full of humor and heart.

Retellings of ten of the most loved stories from the ballet.

These are the stories our ancestors told to explain how the world began; or they are the legends of half-remembered heroes and people whose lives were changed by magic. Brilliantly retold in the sparkling and inspirational words of the multiple award-winning and much-loved children''s author, Geraldine McCaughrean, the tales will delight and entertain readers of all ages. Together, GEORGE AND THE DRAGON AND A WORLD OF OTHER STORIES with its two companion volumes, ROBIN HOOD AND A WORLD OF OTHER STORIES and KING ARTHUR AND A WORLD OF OTHER STORIES, make a wonderful gift collection of classic tales from around the world - many of them unavailable anywhere else.

Pepper''s fourteenth birthday is a momentous one. It''s the day he''s supposed to die. Everyone seems resigned to it—even Pepper, although he would much prefer to live. But can you sidestep Fate? Jump sideways into a different life? Naïve and trusting, Pepper sets a course through dangerous waters, inviting disaster and mayhem at every turn, one eye on the sky for fear of angels, one on the magnificent possibilities of being alive. New York Times bestselling and Printz Award-winning author GeraldineMcCaughrean has created a gripping tale filled with dark humor and daringescapades, where the key to a boy''s lifelies in facing his own death. Join him on the run—if you can keep up.

Noah''s daughter, daughters-in-law, sons, wife, and the animals describe what it was like to be aboard the ark while they watched everyone around them drown.

I have been in love with Titus Oates for quite a while now—which is ridiculous, since he''s been dead for ninety years. But look at it this way. In ninety years I''ll be dead, too, and the age difference won''t matter. Sym is not your average teenage girl. She is obsessed with the Antarctic and the brave, romantic figure of Captain Oates from Scott''s doomed expedition to the South Pole. In fact, Oates is the secret confidant to whom she spills all her hopes and fears. But Sym''s uncle Victor is even more obsessed—and when he takes her on a dream trip into the bleak Antarctic wilderness, it turns into a nightmarish struggle for survival that will challenge everything she knows and loves. In her first contemporary young adult novel, Carnegie Medalist and three-time Whitbread Award winner Geraldine McCaughrean delivers a spellbinding journey into the frozen heart of darkness.