Welcome to Total Failure, Inc., the kid-run detective agency that is sure to tickle your students’ funny bones and inspire them to become top investigators. That is, if they can stop laughing at the clueless CEO, Timmy, and his sidekick polar bear, Total. In the enclosed kit for budding crime solvers, your students will learn how to identify the four obstacles detectives face (yes, there are only four), solve cases and become masters at deciphering clues (no matter how obvious), learn the all-important detective lingo by passing a vocabulary test (using Timmy’s foolproof method), and maybe even write their own mystery story to boot! CONFIDENTIAL: While doing these activities, your students are bound to think critically and creatively and learn some new and very useful vocabulary. Do NOT let on that any of this is educational!

Colourful and interactive activity sheets to accompany Sophie Dahl’s beautifully illusrated and adventurous picture book! A timeless story celebrating friendship and imagination, from an exciting new voice in children’s literature. Mabel lives with her parents in The Mermaid Hotel, by the sea. Mabel likes to keep an eye on the comings and goings of all the guests. Then one day a particularly in-ter-est-ing old lady comes to stay. There is something very suspicious about her, with her growly voice and her heavy trunks and her beady-eyed tortoise. And why does no one know her REAL name? There can only be one answer, Mabel decides … this guest is a SUPERVILLAIN. But even supervillains have a soft side, and as an unlikely friendship grows between the pair, their fantastical exploits take them well beyond the corridors of their seaside home.

A fantastic teaching and learning resource to accompany the first book in a sequence of three incredibly powerful novels by the award-winning author, Kate DiCamillo. Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father – who has run away with a dental hygienist – will see Raymie’s picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton, but she has to compete with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante with her show-business background and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship – and challenge them to come to each other’s rescue in unexpected ways. New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots with a moving yet witty story of an unforgettable summer friendship. For fans of Jacqueline Wilson, David Almond and Katherine Rundell.

A fantastic reading guide to accompany an exciting new voice in the world of young adult fantasy. If everything was taken from you, what would you do to get it back? Agatha patrols the sea wall with pride, despite those in her clan who question her right to be there, because of the condition she was born with. Jaime is a reluctant Angler, full of self-doubt and afraid of the sea. When disaster strikes, the pair must embark on a terrifying journey to a land where forgotten magic and dark secrets lurk in every shadow…

A gentle and engaging teaching guide to accompany one of our most beautiful picture books. Certain to be loved by all budding bookworms. In this inspiring, lyrical tale about the rewards of reading and sharing stories, a little girl sails her raft “across a sea of words” to arrive at the house of a small boy. There she invites him to come away with her on an adventure. Through forests of fairy tales and across mountains of make-believe, the two travel together on a fantastical journey that unlocks the boy’s imagination. Now a lifetime of magic lies ahead of him… But who will be next? “A gorgeous homage to the power of the written word” Guardian

A fantastic teaching and learning resource to accompany the second book in a sequence of three incredibly powerful novels by the award-winning author, Kate DiCamillo. When Louisiana Elefante’s granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn’t overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from best friends Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana’s life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of the small Georgia town in which they find themselves – including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder – she starts to worry that she is destined only for goodbyes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana’s and Granny’s heads. But that is a story for another time.) Called “one of DiCamillo’s most singular and arresting creations” by The New York Times Book Review, the heartbreakingly irresistible Louisiana Elefante was introduced to readers in Raymie Nightingale – and now, with humour and tenderness, Kate DiCamillo returns to tell her story.

A fantastic teaching and learning resource to accompany the final book in a sequence of three incredibly powerful novels by the award-winning author, Kate DiCamillo. Beverly Tapinski has run away from home plenty of times, but that was when she was just a kid. By now, she figures, it’s not running away … it’s leaving. Determined to make it on her own, Beverly finds a job and a place to live and tries to forget about her dog, Buddy, now buried underneath the orange trees back home; her friend Raymie, whom she left without a word; and her mum, Rhonda, who has never cared about anyone but herself. Beverly doesn’t want to depend on anyone, and she definitely doesn’t want anyone to depend on her. But despite her best efforts, she can’t help forming connections with the people around her – and, gradually, she learns to see herself through their eyes. In a touching, funny and fearless conclusion to her sequence of novels about the beloved Three Rancheros, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo tells the story of a character who will break your heart and put it back together again.

Created by Marcia Williams, this is a fantastic resource for anyone studying Shakespeare, art or drama! Create your own comic strips for The Tempest, Romeo & Juliet, and more!

A great resource to engage even the most unwilling readers in one of the most exciting spy adventure series… ever! Encourage pupils to become reading spies and to take their writing to the next level with the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz – suitable for children ages 9+. The lesson ideas in this Teachers’ Pack include free extracts that have been taken directly from the books, corresponding discussion questions and cross-curricular activities that stimulate ideas around important themes in the series. The material included is aimed at developing descriptive and creative writing at KS2/3, including exploring different genres, writing strong lead characters, devising mission files, developing settings, and creating pacey stories.

Discussion questions and teaching activities to accompany a well-loved Kate DiCamillo novel, The Magician’s Elephant Another classic in the making by Kate DiCamillo, New York Times bestselling author and twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. What if? Why not? Could it be? When a fortune-teller’s tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he must ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortune-teller’s mysterious answer (An elephant! An elephant will lead you there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it is true. With atmospheric illustrations by fine artist Yoko Tanaka, here is a dreamlike and captivating tale that could only be told by Kate DiCamillo.

A variety of engaging activities to accompany a hugely important picture book by Carnegie medal-winner David Almond. When a great dam was built by the Kielder Water in Northumberland, the valley below slowly filled with water. But just before this, when the villagers had been moved out, two musicians went back to the abandoned valley. They tore down the boards over the houses, stepped inside and started to play – for this would be the last time that music would be heard in this place. In this astonishing picture book that combines themes of loss, hope and music David Almond pays homage to all musicians, showing the ancient and unstoppable power of creativity.

Wally’s back and ready to have some more fun! Enjoy these easy and entertaining activity sheets.

Rob Lloyd Jones is the award winning children’s author of over 80 books, including the Wild Boy and Jake Atlas adventure novels for Walker Books. Here he shares six story-telling tips, and sets six simple challenges to help you write your own amazing story!

Thoughtful and engaging teachers’ notes to accompany a lovely picture book from the multi award-winning picture book maker of A Bit Lost, Oh No, George! and Shh! We Have a Plan. Don’t Worry Little Crab is a bold, beautiful picture book about working through anxiety and, with the support of a loved one, building up the courage to try something new. In the rockpool above the sea, live two crabs: Big Crab and Little Crab. Today, they’re going for a dip in the sea. “This is going to be so great!” says Little Crab. But then Little Crab catches a first glimpse of the water… Oh. The waves! They’re ENORMOUS. “Oh…” Will Little Crab be brave enough to go in?

An in-depth and engaging teaching resource to accompany a topical and funny picture book about plastic in our oceans! Children use their toothbrush each morning and evening, and get new ones every few months. That’s billions of toothbrushes! What happens to them all when they’re no longer needed? And if toothbrushes take thousands of years to break down, what does that mean for our planet? With a fun cast of plastic characters, from pirate-ship bottles to dancing shampoos, and even an inquisitive albatross, The Tale of a Toothbrush is a positive and heart-warming story to help children explore the impact their choices have on our planet.

A two-in-one teaching resource featuring two lovely picture books! Circle by Jeannie Baker and Hummingbird by Nicola Davies and Jane Ray. Circle: Each year, bar-tailed godwits undertake the longest unbroken migration of any bird, flying from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to Australia and New Zealand and back again. They follow invisible pathways — pathways that have been followed for thousands of years — while braving hunger and treacherous conditions to reach their destination. In Circle, Jeannie Baker follows the godwits’ incredible flight, taking readers over awe-inspiring scenes as the birds spread their wings above such beautiful landmarks as the Great Barrier Reef and China’s breathtaking cityscapes for an unforgettable journey. Hummingbird: From Nicola Davies, one of the UK’s finest non-fiction writers, and Jane Ray, one of the UK’s finest illustrators, comes an exquisite Nature Storybook about … hummingbirds! A hummingbird is smaller than your thumb and weighs less than a 20 pence piece – however you measure it, it’s tiny. But every spring hummingbirds that have spent the winter in Mexico fly north to make the most of the warmer weather. They nest as far north as Canada and Alaska; a 2,000 mile trip! This is the story of one spring migration: of a tiny bird, its amazing journey and the people it meets along the way. “Jane Ray turns everything she touches to gold.” Daily Telegraph “Nicola Davies is one of the best children’s writers in the business.” Huffington Post “One of the prettiest works of non-fiction you are likely to see… It is ravishing.” The Sunday Times

Engaging and in-depth teachers’ notes created to accompany Patrick Ness’ brilliant novel, Burn! “On a cold Sunday evening in early 1957, Sarah Dewhurst waited with her father in the parking lot of the Chevron Gas Station for the dragon he’d hired to help on the farm.” This dragon, Kazimir, has more to him than meets the eye. Sarah can’t help but be curious about him, an animal who supposedly doesn’t have a soul but is seemingly intent on keeping her safe from the brutal attentions of Deputy Sheriff Emmett Kelby. Kazimir knows something she doesn’t. He has arrived at the farm because of a prophecy. A prophecy that involves a deadly assassin, a cult of dragon worshippers, two FBI agents – and somehow, Sarah Dewhurst herself. From the bestselling author of the Chaos Walking trilogy comes a heart-stopping story of fanaticism, hope, bravery and impossible second chances, set in a world on the very brink of its own destruction.

An in-depth study guide to accompany a unique and exciting new middle grade novel! Gaming and time travel collide in this thrilling middle-grade adventure, from bestselling author Jennifer Bell. When Arthur, Ren and Cecily investigate a mysterious explosion, they find themselves trapped in the year 2473. Lost in the Wonderscape, an epic in-reality adventure game, they must call on the help of some unlikely historical heroes to play their way home before time runs out.

An interactive and engaging teaching resource (with extracts and notes) to accompany one of our most exciting 2020 releases, Agents of the Wild. When 8-year-old Agnes is signed up for SPEARS (the Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species), she has no idea of the adventures that lie ahead with her elephant-shrew mentor Attie (short for “Attenborough”). Operation Honeyhunt sends them to the Atlantic Forest, on a mission to save an endangered, dance-loving bee named Elton. Will Agnes pass the test and become a full SPEARS agent? Species in danger? Girl and shrew to the rescue!

In-depth and engaging teachers’ notes created to accompany a brilliant new novel for teenagers. Perfect for PSHE lessons! Blood Moon is an extraordinary YA novel in verse about the online shaming of a teenage girl. During astronomy-lover Frankie’s first sexual experience with the quiet and lovely Benjamin, she gets her period. It’s only blood, they agree. But soon a graphic meme goes viral, turning an innocent, intimate afternoon into something disgusting, mortifying and damaging. As the online shaming takes on a horrifying life of its own, Frankie begins to wonder: is her real life over? Blood Moon is a punchy, vivid and funny story of first-time love, hormone-fuelled sexuality and intense female friendships – whilst addressing, head-on, the ongoing exploitation of young girls online and the horror of going viral. Both shocking and uplifting, it cuts to the heart of what it is to be a teenager today and shows the power of friendship to find joy in even the darkest skies.