Books

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BBC RADIO 4 WOMAN’S HOUR (listen here) 

BBC BREAKFAST TV (watch here) 

THE GUARDIAN BEST BOOKS OF 2019 (read here) 

DAILY TELEGRAPH “A BRILLIANT FIRST NOVEL” (5 stars)

WINNER 2020: Diverse Book Award • Coventry Inspiration Award 

SHORTLISTED 2020: Indie Award • Berkshire Award • Bristol Teen Award • BSN Brilliant Award • Cumbria Spellbinding Award • Portsmouth Award • Sheffield Children’s Award 

NOMINATED 2021: CILIP Carnegie Medal

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Based on the real life events of Sue Cheung, this book is about Jo Kwan, a teenager growing up in 1980s Coventry with her annoying little sister, too-cool older brother, a series of unlucky pets and utterly bonkers parents. Jo lives above her parents’ Chinese takeaway and things can be tough – whether it’s unruly customers or the snotty popular girls who bully Jo for being different. Even when she does find a BFF who actually likes Jo for herself, she still has to contend with her erratic dad’s behaviour. All Jo dreams of is breaking free and forging a career as an artist. Told in diary entries and doodles, Jo’s brilliantly funny observations about life, family and char siu make for a searingly honest portrayal of life on the other side of the takeaway counter. Ages: 10 to 100

Rob is a burglar and he’s bad. Bob is his dog, and he’s really good. But he remains faithful to his horrible owner, helping him with robberies. One night Bob and Rob spot some parcels and can’t resist stealing them. When they turn out to be just a load of kid’s toys Rob is disgusted, but Bob feels sorry for the children and returns them. Ages: 4 to 7

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Angus is a gentle alien who loves his space garden. But his world is turned upside-down by the unwelcome arrival of naughty Alvin. When Alvin’s tricks misfire and turn him into a pin-size creature, Angus helps him recover – if he promises to behave and learn some manners. Maybe the two aliens will end up friends after all? Ages: 4 to 7

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Bryan lives in a nice neighbourhood in America and does well in school. Then his mother gets a new job in China and Bryan’s family has to move. School in China is very different. Will Bryan ever get used to it? Written as part of a global literacy programme and teaches the values of diversity. Ages: 6 to 8

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*WATCH THE INTERVIEW*

This book introduces mindfulness using a fun and simple to follow exercise. Lil takes Jake on a journey to the beach using visualisation and breathing techniques. Your child should enjoy the experience of stillness with your guidance, and be better prepared for a good night’s sleep! A great tool for teaching calmness in any situation. Ages: 3 to 7

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FREE TO DOWNLOAD AUDIOBOOKS
Read by renowned influencer Giovanna Fletcher, there are five fun adventures to enjoy, with an engaging mindfulness exercise included in each one. The books last between 8 – 12 minutes and are specially designed to keep children entertained, while also supporting better mental health practices – from breathing techniques that help the body relax, to listening exercises to improve awareness of the world around. Ages: 3 to 7

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LAUGH-OUT-LOUD SERIES FOR 2021
They might love to hate each other but when push comes to shove, this family sticks together! This humorous series follows the daily adventures of an eleven year old girl who has a habit of getting into trouble, even though her intentions are (mostly) well-meaning. Filled with hilarious journal entries and entertaining cartoons, these books are highly accessible and relatable for readers at all levels. Ages: 8 to 12