ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

The Power of Five: Necropolis by

The eagerly-awaited fourth book in this bestselling series. Hong Kong has been taken over by the Old Ones and has become Necropolis, city of the dead. Once in, there is no way out…

Evil has been unleashed on the world and only five children – with special powers – can save it. Matt and the other three desperately need to find Scar, the final gatekeeper, who has been trapped in Hong Kong, where puddles of water turn into puddles of blood, where ghosts, demons and hideous creatures stalk the streets. Matt has no choice but to follow her. Now, both imprisoned, their only hope of survival is to reach a secret door in the Man Ho temple. But even if Scar can find her psychic power, it may already be too late.

The Power of Five series has sold over 600,000 copies in the UK alone. Supported by a major marketing campaign including www.powerof5.co.uk “There aren’t many writers who in one book can bridge the gap between Enid Blyton, Ed McBain and JRR Tolkein, but it’s the kind of challenge that the energetic Horowitz relishes.” “Horowitz is marvellous at getting inside the minds of disenfranchised marginalised teenage boys.”

Anthony Horowitz is the creator of the phenomenal series which has sold over ten million copies worldwide. He won the Bookseller Association/Nielsen Author of the Year Award 2007, the Children’s Book of the Year Award for at the 2006 British Book Awards, and the 2003 Red House Children’s Book Awards for . Anthony also writes extensively for film and TV. He lives in north with his family.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 12 years + Price: £6.99 BIC Code: YFB Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: E3N79 ISBN: 9781406321081 Format: 198mm x 129mm Extent: 400 pages

Rights Held: UK & Commonwealth exc. Canada + non-exclusive Open Market; English language

ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

We were in the square, in the square where I’d run, holding her, carrying her, telling her to stay alive, stay alive till we got safe, till we got to Haven so I could save her - But there weren’t no safety, no safety at all, there was just him and his men…

Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor's new order. But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer? And then, one day, the bombs begin to explode... The Ask and the Answer is a tense, shocking and deeply moving novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure.

The second title in the Chaos Walking trilogy

Patrick Ness is the author of The Knife of Never Letting Go , Book One of the Chaos Walking trilogy, which won Children's Fiction Prize and the Bootrust Teenage Prize. He has written two other books for adults and is a literary critic for the Guardian . He lives in London.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 14 years + Price: £12.99 BIC Code: YFB Binding: Hardback CBMC Code: E3N79 ISBN: 9781406310269 Format: 216mm x 135mm Extent: 536 pages

Rights Held: World; English language

ADVANCE INFORMATION Illustrated Classics May 2009

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling illustrated by Nicola Bayley

Walker Ilustrated Classics is a new series which brings together some of the best-loved stories ever told, illustrated by some of today's finest artists. These exquisitely designed books, with their magnificent words and glorious pictures, are a pleasure to read - and re-read. The classics have never looked so good!

First published over a century ago, these three stories about the man-cub Mowgli have delighted adults and children ever since. The stories tell of Mowgli’s upbringing among the wolves; his lessons in the Law of the Jungle from Baloo the bear, Bagheera the black panther and Kaa the python; his kidnap by the Monkey People and his clash with the evil tiger, Shere Khan. Illustrated in ravishing full- colour and exquisite detail by award-winning artist Nicola Bayley, this is a book to treasure for ever.

Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936), poet, short-story writer and journalist, was born in India. In 1907 he became the first English writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Among his classic works are the poem If and Just-So Stories . He is buried in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.

Nicola Bayley is one of this country’s best-loved artists. Both Katje the Windmill Cat and The Mousehole Cat were shortlisted for the Medal. She lives in London.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 8 years + Price: £9.99 BIC Code: YFJ Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: C3M79 ISBN: 9781406304787 Format: 210mm x 180mm Extent: 160 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

Hank Zipzer 7: Help! Somebody Get Me Out of Fourth Grade! by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

Hank Zipzer wants to be number one, not the one who always gets it wrong. A likeable, struggling hero that readers will adore.

It's the end of the year parent-teacher conference and Hank Zipzer is in trouble, again. Worried that he will have to repeat fourth grade, he comes up with a plan – he will fix it so his parents are on holiday for the whole conference. Of course, being Hank, the plan backfires. Will he have to stay in fourth grade for ever?

The New York Times bestselling series from actor/director Henry Winkler and writer Lin Oliver about a boy with learning difficulties.

Henry Winkler is an actor, producer and director. He is probably most famous for his role as the Fonz in the 1970s US television sitcom Happy Days . But if you ask him what he is most proud of, he would say, “Writing the Hank Zipzer books with my partner, Lin Oliver.” He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Stacey, their three children and two dogs.

Lin Oliver is a writer and producer of movies, books and television programmes for children. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alan, and their three children.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 8 years + Price: £4.99 BIC Code: YFS Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: C3N79 ISBN: 9781406321760 Format: 193mm x 129mm Extent: 160 pages

Rights Held: UK & Commonwealth exc. Canada + non-exclusive Open Market; English language

ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

Hank Zipzer 8: Summer School! What Genius Thought That Up? by Henry Winkler

Hank Zipzer wants to be number one, not the one who always gets it wrong. A likeable, struggling hero that readers will adore.

“Summer” and “school” are two words that Hank Zipzer doesn't want to learn. But there's no escape this time – summer school, here he comes! Will Hank have to spend the whole summer bored to death inside a hot classroom, or will he actually learn a cool lesson or two?

Henry Winkler is an actor, producer and director. He is probably most famous for his role as the Fonz in the 1970s US television sitcom Happy Days . But if you ask him what he is most proud of, he would say, “Writing the Hank Zipzer books with my partner, Lin Oliver.” He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Stacey, their three children and two dogs.

Lin Oliver is a writer and producer of movies, books and television programmes for children. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alan, and their three children.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 8 years + Price: £4.99 BIC Code: YFA Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: C3N79 ISBN: 9781406321777 Format: 193mm x 129mm Extent: 160 pages

Rights Held: UK & Commonwealth exc. Canada + non-exclusive Open Market; English language

ADVANCE INFORMATION Audio Books and DVDs May 2009

Hank Zipzer 3: Day of the Iguana - Audiobook by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

Hank Zipzer wants to be number one, not the one who always gets it wrong. A likeable, struggling hero who readers will adore.

It’s science-project time, which is bad news for Hank Zipzer. He loves science and he loves doing experiments, but writing a report? No way! Finally he comes up with the perfect project – until his sister’s pet iguana gets in the way… Read by the author, Henry Winkler. Running time 2 hours 36 minutes on 2 CDs.

The New York Times bestselling series from actor/director Henry Winkler and writer Lin Oliver about a boy with learning difficulties. Supported by a major marketing and publicity campaign, including press interviews and serialization in children's newspaper, First News.

Henry Winkler is an actor, producer and director. He is probably most famous for his role as the Fonz in the 1970s US television sitcom, Happy Days . But if you ask him what he is most proud of, he would say, “Writing the Hank Zipzer books with my partner, Lin Oliver.” He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Stacey, their three children and two dogs.

Lin Oliver is a writer and producer of movies, books and television programmes for children. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alan, and their three children.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 8 years + Price: £5.99 (Inc. VAT) BIC Code: YFA Binding: CD CBMC Code: C3F79 ISBN: 9781406322071 Format: x Extent: pages

Rights Held: UK & Commonwealth exc. Canada + non-exclusive Open Market; English language

ADVANCE INFORMATION Audio Books and DVDs May 2009

Hank Zipzer 4: The Zippity Zinger - Audiobook by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

Hank Zipzer wants to be number one, not the one who always gets it wrong. A likeable, struggling hero who readers will adore.

It’s time for the annual Olympiad: the most anticipated day of the school year! When Hank Zipzer is chosen as his team’s softball pitcher, the pressure is on. Can Hank lead his team to victory – even though he thinks he’s the worst athlete in the history of the world? Read by the author, Henry Winkler; run time 2 hours 33 minutes on 2 CDs.

The New York Times bestselling series from actor/director Henry Winkler and writer Lin Oliver about a boy with learning difficulties. Supported by a major marketing and publicity campaign, including press interviews and serialization in children's newspaper, First News.

Henry Winkler is an actor, producer and director. He is probably most famous for his role as the Fonz in the 1970s US television sitcom, Happy Days . But if you ask him what he is most proud of, he would say, “Writing the Hank Zipzer books with my partner, Lin Oliver.” He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Stacey, their three children and two dogs.

Lin Oliver is a writer and producer of movies, books and television programmes for children. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alan, and their three children.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 8 years + Price: £5.99 (Inc. VAT) BIC Code: YFA Binding: CD CBMC Code: C3F79 ISBN: 9781406322088 Format: x Extent: pages

Rights Held: UK & Commonwealth exc. Canada + non-exclusive Open Market; English language

ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

Poppy Love: Rock 'n' Roll by Natasha May illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

Samba, quickstep, tango and waltz - Poppy loves to dance them all!

Poppy Love lives with her family in Brighton and is an aspiring ballroom dancer. In the third book of this series, Poppy and her dance partner, Zack, learn to do the rock 'n' roll with a little help from grandad; they take their three-dance medal test; Poppy and her dad cha-cha-cha at a new local restaurant; and a new boy joins Poppy's dancing class. Four stories that sparkle in this shining new dance series.

Natasha May is the pseudonym of Veronica Bennett. Veronica graduated from University College, Cardiff, and worked as an English lecturer for several years before becoming a children's author. Her novels include Angelmonster , a powerful account of the life of Mary Shelley, Cassandra’s Sister (9780744583472), a moving portrait of the early life of Jane Austen, and Monkey (9780744583472), a story about bullying. She lives in Middlesex.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 7 years + Price: £3.99 BIC Code: YFB Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: C3N79 ISBN: 9781406316643 Format: 198mm x 129mm Extent: 80 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

Poppy Love Steps Out by Natasha May illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

Samba, quickstep, tango and waltz - Poppy Love loves to dance them all!

Poppy Love loves to dance! She and her dance partner, Zack, study with Sarah Johnson at the Blue Horizon Dance School in Brighton and are about to enter the South East Juvenile Ballroom Dancing Competition. In this first book of the series they cha-cha-cha, jive, waltz, tango and quickstep, as well as dance the samba at the Southern Counties Festival of Dance. Four action-packed stories filled with dance, music, make-up and dresses - something for every young dancer!

Natasha May is the pseudonym of Veronica Bennett. Veronica graduated from University College, Cardiff, and worked as an English lecturer for several years before becoming a children's author. Her novels include Angelmonster , a powerful account of the life of Mary Shelley, Cassandra’s Sister (9780744583472), a moving portrait of the early life of Jane Austen, and Monkey (9780744583472), a story about bullying. She lives in Middlesex.

Shelagh McNicholas has illustrated The Ballet Class , by Adele Geras, and its sequel, Little Ballet Star , as well as Alice in Wonderland (Parragon Press) and The Perfect Pony (Penguin Dial Press). She lives in Surrey with her daughter, Molly, and their cat, Jelli.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 7 years + Price: £3.99 BIC Code: YFB Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: C3N79 ISBN: 9781406311334 Format: 198mm x 129mm Extent: 96 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

Poppy Love Faces the Music by Natasha May illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

Samba, quickstep, tango and waltz - Poppy loves to dance them all!

Poppy Love, her dance partner, Zack, and Zack's cousin, Anna, attend a tea dance and dance the waltz for everyone; Poppy turns her brother's birthday party into a real surprise when she and her friends provide the entertainment; Zack loses heart with his dancing - will Poppy lose her partner? Four stories that sparkle in this shining new series about dance.

Natasha May is the pseudonym of Veronica Bennett. Veronica graduated from University College, Cardiff, and worked as an English lecturer for several years before becoming a children's author. Her novels include Angelmonster , a powerful account of the life of Mary Shelley, Cassandra’s Sister (9780744583472), a moving portrait of the early life of Jane Austen, and Monkey (9780744583472), a story about bullying. She lives in Middlesex.

Shelagh McNicholas has illustrated The Ballet Class , written by Adele Geras, and its sequel, Little Ballet Star , as well as Alice in Wonderland (Parragon Press) and The Perfect Pony (Penguin Dial Press). She lives in Surrey with her daughter, Molly, and their cat, Jelli.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 7 years + Price: £3.99 BIC Code: YFB Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: C3N79 ISBN: 9781406311341 Format: 198mm x 129mm Extent: 96 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

Poppy Love: Star Turn by Natasha May illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

Samba, quickstep, tango and waltz - Poppy Love loves to dance them all!

Poppy Love lives in Brighton with her family and is an aspiring ballroom dancer. Poppy and the other children at the Blue Horizon Dance Studio put on a performance for the residents at Great Oaks - and learn how the foxtrot is really done! The competition class is doing a medal test - will Poppy and Zack shine in the foxtrot, the rumba and the salsa? Poppy is the best bridesmaid ever at her Aunt Jill's wedding - she even gets everyone to dance the bossa nova! Three further stories that sparkle in this shining new dance series.

Natasha May is the pseudonym of Veronica Bennett. Veronica graduated from University College, Cardiff, and worked as an English lecturer for several years before becoming a children's author. Her novels include Angelmonster , a powerful account of the life of Mary Shelley, Cassandra’s Sister (9780744583472), a moving portrait of the early life of Jane Austen, and Monkey (9780744583472), a story about bullying. She lives in Middlesex.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 7 years + Price: £3.99 BIC Code: YFB Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: C3N79 ISBN: 9781406316650 Format: 198mm x 129mm Extent: 80 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Fiction May 2009

Free?

A celebration of human rights

To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Walker Books and Amnesty International have joined together to create a short-story collection for young adults, celebrating what it means to be free. Hosting a variety of talented children’s authors from all around the globe, the anthology embraces such themes as asylum, law, education and faith in a way that will both inspire and entertain.

Authors include: , Ibtisam Barakat, Malorie Blackman, Theresa Breslin, Eoin Colfer, Roddy Doyle, Ursula Dubosarsky, Jamila Gavin, Patricia McCormick, , , Sarah Mussi, Meja Mwangi and Rita Williams-Garcia

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 11 years + Price: £6.99 BIC Code: YFU Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: D3N79 ISBN: 9781406318302 Format: 198mm x 129mm Extent: 224 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Graphic Novel May 2009

Skim by Mariko Tamaki illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

"A funny, poignant, memorable drama of navigating adolescence." Quill & Quire

After a boy at school takes his own life, teen-witch Skim's fragile world seems to topple and turn upside down too. In witty, moving and painfully honest diary entries Skim confides the frenzy of grief that surrounds her, while deep down she struggles with her own loneliness and the secret inner stirrings she feels when falling in love for the first time.

"An auspicious graphic novel debut." Publishers Weekly "Writer Mariko and artist Jillian stunningly intertwine their acute dialogues and visual riches in brush, soft pencil and grey tones, illuminating this adolescent romance in all its conflicted depths. The most sophisticated and sensitive North American graphic novel debut of the year." Paul Gravett "With honesty and compassion, this innovative narrative communicates a life just beginning, open and full of possibility." Horn Book Magazine

Mariko Tamaki is a Toronto-based writer, performer and playwight. She is a columnist for Kiss Machine and the author of Cover Me, True Lies: A Book of Bad Advice and Fake ID .

Jillian Tamaki grew up in Alberta and currently lives and works in New York, where her clients include the New York Times , the New Yorker , the Washington Post , Entertainment Weekly , the Walrus , Macleans and the Village Voice . She has received a number of awards for her editorial illustrations, including a National Magazine Award, and her work has appeared in the American Illustration and Communication Arts annuals. Her first book, Gilded Lilies , was nominated for a Doug Wright Award in the Best Book category.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 14 years + Price: £9.99 BIC Code: FX,YFW Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: E3M79 ISBN: 9781406321364 Format: 254mm x 171mm Extent: 144 pages

Rights Held: World exc Canada, USA, Mexico (non-exc Central & South America); English language

ADVANCE INFORMATION Non-Fiction May 2009

Roman Diary by Richard Platt illustrated by David Parkins

Explore the city at the heart of the ancient Roman Empire with Iliona, a Greek girl captured by pirates and sold into slavery.

The year is AD 102 and Iliona, an educated Greek girl, has been orphaned and sold as a slave in . Apart from her beloved diary, she hasn't a friend in the world... But the family she works for are not unkind, and as Iliona begins to make friends and look around her, she discovers that the teeming city at the heart of the empire is a fascinating place. Through Iliona's eyes, watch the Roman army return in triumph from war against the Dacians, visit Nero's baths, witness gladiators fighting in the famous amphitheatre, attend the senate and a sumptuous banquet, escape a house fire, discover how Roman women dress their hair ... and celebrate with her on the day that she is granted her freedom for her bravery!

Ancient Rome has enduring appeal Packed with information and history Slavery is also a popular topic Dynamic, dramatic, detailed art Thoroughly researched by author and checked by consultants

Richard Platt is the author of Pirate Diary (9780744594300), which won the Kate Greenaway Medal, the Silver Smarties Book Prize and the Blue Peter Award for Best Factual Book, and Castle Diary (9780744582208), which was Highly Commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the . He lives in .

David Parkins has illustrated numerous books for children, including Egyptian Diary (9781406301724) by Richard Platt and the classic Sophie series by Dick King-Smith. He lives in Lincoln, England.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 7 years + Price: £14.99 BIC Code: YNH Binding: Hardback CBMC Code: C5M79 ISBN: 9781844287376 Format: 330mm x 252mm Extent: 64 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

Oddly by Joyce Dunbar illustrated by Patrick Benson

When a little boy bursts into their world, three extraordinary creatures find answers to the questions that have been troubling them…

Meet the Lostlet, twirling a golden leaf, and asking the questions: Where am I? What do I hope for? Meet the Stranglet, holding a smooth white pebble, asking: What am I? What do I dream of? Meet the Oddlet, listening intently to a pink seashell, asking: Who am I? What do I wish for? Lost in their own little worlds, the three creatures are powerless to find answers ... until a little boy appears, asking the very same questions – and who seems stranger, odder, more lost than they. Offering comfort to the child, the Lostlet, the Strangelet and the Oddlet discover their hearts' deepest desires – and their new friend helps make their wishes and dreams come true.

Joyce Dunbar spent several years teaching literature to adults. Then, at the age of thirty-five, she decided to fulfill her childhood dream of writing and hasn’t looked back. She has had several books published by Walker Books including Baby Bird (9781844284641), Gander’s Pond (9780744563887), Panda’s New Toy (9780744563870), The Secret Friend (9780744563900), Shoe Baby (9781406301618) and Tutti Frutti (9780744563894). Joyce lives in Norwich.

Patrick Benson was born in 1956 and educated at Eton; in Florence, where he studied classical drawing; and at Chelsea Art School. He worked in the fashion business before a chance meeting with the sister of Sebastian Walker (founder of Walker Books) introduced him to the company. Patrick has illustrated for a wide range of authors including and Roald Dahl, and he also illustrated Fly Fishing by J. R. Hartley, from the well-known television commercial.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 3 years + Price: £11.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Hardback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781844280322 Format: 270mm x 250mm Extent: 40 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

A Child's Garden: A Story of Hope by Michael Foreman illustrated by Michael Foreman

Master storyteller Michael Foreman's has created a timely and moving story of a child creating a garden of hope in the midst of poverty and war.

A boy’s world is ruin and rubble, with a wire fence and soldiers separating him from the cool hills where his father used to take him as a small child. Can a tiny, green plant shoot give him hope in a bleak landscape?

Michael Foreman is one of the world's leading illustrators. He has won several major awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal, most recently for War Boy . His titles for Walker Books include Beowulf (9781844287543), Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (9781844287307), Mia's Story (9781844282784) and Say Hello (9781406307245). He lives in London.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 3 years + Price: £10.99 BIC Code: YBC Binding: Hardback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406312072 Format: 230mm x 250mm Extent: 32 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books June 2009

It's a Secret! by illustrated by John Burningham

Join Marie Elaine on a thrilling rooftop journey that takes her to a most unusual party!

One night Marie Elaine finds her cat Malcolm dressed to go to a party. On condition she keep his secret, Malcolm agrees to let her come with him, and they set off through the streets – a dangerous journey, for Marie Elaine is now as small as her cat! At the party there are cats and more cats, and they are all very excited … the Queen of the Cats is on her way! It is a night that Marie Elaine will never forget – and she won’t forget to keep the secret either!

John Burningham's first book for Walker for sixteen years. John Burningham has won twice the most prestigious prize in illustrated books, The Kate Greenaway Medal. Beautiful hardback edition with jacket.

John Burningham is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest artists. With over 35 books to his name, he has twice been awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal, for Borka: The Adventures of a Goose with No Feathers and Mr Gumpy’s Outing . Among his other celebrated books is Granpa , for which he was awarded the Kurt Maschler Award, and which was later made into a successful feature film. He lives in London.

Publication Date: 01 June 2009 Age: 3 years + Price: £11.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Hardback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406314472 Format: 288mm x 248mm Extent: 48 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

Naked mole rats scorn everything sartorial – until they are exposed to some sharp dressing and a new way of seeing life...

Wilbur is different. He likes to wear clothes. The other naked mole rats are scandalized! Up in arms (not a sleeve in sight), they go to Grand-pah, the oldest, wisest and most naked naked mole rat, in the hope that he will restore Wilbur to sense – and nakedness. But Grand-pah’s response surprises everyone…

A funny, stylish book about being yourself and wearing it well! Mo Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! won the Caldecott Honor and the Norfolk Libraries Children's Book Award. ''Sharp and witty with a trendy contemporary look.'' Junior on Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Six-time Emmy Award Winner and two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Mo Willems spent nine years as a scriptwriter and animator for Sesame Street . His distinctive animated films have been shown at festivals around the world and translated into numerous languages. He lives in New York with his wife and daughter.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 3 years + Price: £5.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406321371 Format: x Extent: 40 pages

Rights Held: UK & Commonwealth exc. Canada + non-exclusive Open Market; English language

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

Let's Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile illustrated by Tony Fucile

Master of visual humour, Tony Fucile explores the elusive art of doing nothing in this comical tale of two very active imaginations.

Frankie and Sam have played every sport and board game invented, baked and ate batches of biscuits, painted zillions of pictures... What’s left to do? Nothing! But can Frankie and Sam do nothing?! Can they act like stone statues in the park? (Without moving to shoo off pigeons.) Can they imitate two giant oak trees? (And ignore Sam's dog, who's taking a pee...) Can they simply hold their breath and not blink an eye? With a wink to the reader and a true command of visual humour, feature- film animator Tony Fucile demonstrates the Zen-like art of doing nothing ... oops! Couldn’t do it!

Tony Fucile has spent more than twenty years designing amd animating characters for cartoon feature films, including The Little Mermaid , The Lion King and The Incredibles , for which he was a supervising animator. Let's Do Nothing is his first picture book. He lives with his family in San Francisco, USA.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 4 years + Price: £11.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Hardback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406321357 Format: 288mm x 248mm Extent: 40 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

Song of Middle C by Alison McGhee illustrated by Scott Menchin

From the duo of Alison McGhee and Scott Menchin comes a hilarious tale of a first recital - and a joyous ode to creative flair.

Practise makes perfect. And for a little girl facing her first recital of Dance of the Wood Elves, so do true artistry, great imagination, and lucky underwear for good measure. Is she nervous as she waits and waits for her turn on stage? Hoo boy, no! She's as cool as a cucumber! Every child who has ever felt the pressure of the spotlight will smile at this comical tale of bravado that turns a one-note performance into a heartfelt improvisation that is truly worthy of a standing ovation. Splendissimo!

Reassuring and humorous look at appearing on stage for the first time First collaboration by New York Times-bestselling author Alison McGhee and award-winning illustrator Scott Menchin This edition is jacketed.

Alison McGhee is the author of the junior novel Snap and the young adult novel All Rivers Flow to the Sea . Alison is the New York Times best-selling author of Someday .

Scott Menchin has created illustrations for many high-profile companies and publications including Dr Pepper, Rolling Stone and The New York Times . He lives with his wife and their daughter in New York, USA.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 5 years + Price: £10.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Hardback CBMC Code: C3M79 ISBN: 9780763630133 Format: 260mm x 215mm Extent: 32 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

How does an oak leaf float on water? How do the stars float in the sky? With these questions as his guide, a little boy begins a journey to discover himself and his world.

With his mind full of questions about the world around him, a little boy sets off upon a journey. But there are so many paths he could take; so many signs indicating different directions. And the advice he receives is never the same. But when the going gets hard and he begins to feels lost, the little boy meets a wise bird. “Ask yourself where it is you want to go,” says the bird, “and follow the signs you already know.” This is just what he does – and the signs start to appear: a leaf floating on the water; the North Star shining in the sky. And then the little boy knows that the journey has begun for real – his journey.

A unique and thought-provoking adventure story. “If only every individual could find and follow his or her own star – and be encouraged to do so. How different the world would be. The North Star moves us in that direction.” Jane Goodall Originally published by in 1997 by FableVision Press, this new edition has been rewritten and reillustrated.

Peter H. Reynolds is the illustrator of the successful Judy Moody series and is the author/illustrator of the inspirational picture books The Dot , Ish and So Few of Me . He lives in Massachusetts, USA.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 4 years + Price: £12.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Hardback CBMC Code: B3M79 ISBN: 9780763636777 Format: 230mm x 230mm Extent: 64 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

Beware of the Frog by William Bee illustrated by William Bee

A fantastic froggy fairy tale from the creator of And the Train Goes... and Whatever.

Mrs Collywobbles has nothing to fear from the strange and fearsome visitors that emerge from the big, dark, scary wood – not with her pet frog guarding the garden gate. Gobble! They don't hang around for long! But when Mrs Collywobbles' frog demands a thank-you kiss, things suddenly take a surprising turn...

A hilarious tale, with bright, graphic art and a great read-aloud text. "The illustrations have a quirky, nostalgic feel, while repetition and onomatopoeic language grows to a cacophony of sound... A great read-aloud book." Junior on And the Train Goes... (9781406301670) "A delightful cautionary tale." The Sunday Telegraph on Whatever (9781406301335)

William Bee was born in London, but now lives in the English countryside. He is the author of And the Train Goes... and the modern cautionary picture book, Whatever. As well as writing children’s books, he races a vintage sports car, is an international skier, and when at home, enjoys tending his lawns and meadow.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 3 years + Price: £5.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406319316 Format: 200mm x 220mm Extent: 48 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

Ten in the Bed and Other Counting Rhymes by Zita Newcome

This book contains over twenty-five great counting rhymes – One Man Went to Mow, Two Little Dickie Birds, Five Bananas, Ten Fat Sausages… There are action rhymes and story rhymes and rhymes to sing, all accompanied by lively illustrations. One to ten and two by two – these rhymes are a fun way to learn to count and perfect for sharing with a young child.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 1 years + Price: £4.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406323207 Format: 219mm x 219mm Extent: 32 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

Noisy Poems by Debi Gliori

All your favourite poems that demand to be read out LOUD!

From laughing animals to roaring motors; the squeak of new shoes to a howling ghostie, this book is packed with noisy poems by such favourites as Robert Louis Stevenson, Charles Causley, Dr Seuss, Spike Milligan and Roger McGough. Each poem is rumbustiously illustrated and a joy to read aloud – loudly!

"What a lot of rollicking fun – full of hee-haws, click-grrs, shh-shhs, ping-pongs and lots more." Northern Echo

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 2 years + Price: £4.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406323191 Format: 219mm x 219mm Extent: 32 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Illustrated Classics May 2009

Noah's Ark and Other Bible Stories by Vivian French illustrated by Jane Chapman

Bible stories brought to life for the very youngest children.

This book contains three of the most popular of all Bible stories – Noah’s Ark, Moses in the Bulrushes and Jonah and the Big Fish. Simply retold and beautifully illustrated, these tales are perfect for sharing with young children.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 2 years + Price: £4.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406323122 Format: 219mm x 219mm Extent: 32 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages

ADVANCE INFORMATION Picture Books May 2009

Higglety Pigglety Pop by Harry Horse

First poems from family favourites, just perfect for sharing with young children.

Small children love the sound of rhyme, and this ear-tickling collection of first poems is sure to give them a ton of fun! There are poems about animals and funny foods, holidays and love, as well as classic nonsense verse by such favourites as Edward Lear, A. A. Milne and – all irresistibly illustrated in full colour.

Publication Date: 04 May 2009 Age: 2 years + Price: £4.99 BIC Code: YBCS Binding: Paperback CBMC Code: A3M79 ISBN: 9781406323146 Format: 219mm x 219mm Extent: 32 pages

Rights Held: World; all languages