Mary Hoffman – författare

This action-packed graphic novel retells the legend of King Arthur, following him as he is transformed from an ordinary young boy to a powerful and famous monarch. Written by Mary Hoffman, this well-known story has been brought to life with illustrations by Dante Ginevra. Collins Big Cat Progress books are specifically designed for children at Key Stage 2 who have a Key Stage 1 reading level, giving them age-appropriate texts that they can read, building their confidence and fostering positive attitudes towards reading.Text type: A graphic novel set in the pastCurriculum links:

Uncover fourteen famous myths and legends from around the world, retold in a simple, lyrical style in this collection for children.Marvel at this collection of famous myths from around the world for kids aged 5-7, uncovering tales of gods and monsters, travel to kingdoms in the sky and below the sea, and meet a cast of magical animals. A First Book of Myths contains fourteen well-known myths accompanied by delightful illustrations. From the story of Icarus – the boy who flew too close to the Sun – to the tale of why dogs dislike cats, this enthralling collection is the perfect introduction to stories that continue to stand the test of time.This exciting myths book for children offers:- Lyrical text alongside dynamic illustrations that bring classic stories to life in an engaging way.- Content by award-winning author Mary Hoffman, who has published over 90 children’s books.- Stories from all over the world featured, from ancient Greece to ancient China, providing diverse content.Written by award-winning, bestselling children's writer Mary Hoffman, these poetic retellings of a selection of myths are given a new life, and are perfect for reading together or alone. They're presented alongside beautiful and world-building illustrations for kids to immerse themselves into the world of myths and legends.More in the seriesIf you loved A First Book of Myths, why not try the other book in this collection by bestselling author Mary Hoffman, A First Book of Fairy Tales? Children can enjoy classic and lesser-known tales from all over the globe, from Cinderella to The Fisherman and His Wife.

Uncover fourteen famous myths and legends from around the world, retold in a simple, lyrical style in this collection for children.Marvel at this collection of famous myths from around the world for kids aged 5-7, uncovering tales of gods and monsters, travel to kingdoms in the sky and below the sea, and meet a cast of magical animals. A First Book of Myths contains fourteen well-known myths accompanied by delightful illustrations. From the story of Icarus – the boy who flew too close to the Sun – to the tale of why dogs dislike cats, this enthralling collection is the perfect introduction to stories that continue to stand the test of time.This exciting myths book for children offers:- Lyrical text alongside dynamic illustrations that bring classic stories to life in an engaging way.- Content by award-winning author Mary Hoffman, who has published over 90 children’s books.- Stories from all over the world featured, from ancient Greece to ancient China, providing diverse content.Written by award-winning, bestselling children's writer Mary Hoffman, these poetic retellings of a selection of myths are given a new life, and are perfect for reading together or alone. They're presented alongside beautiful and world-building illustrations for kids to immerse themselves into the world of myths and legends.More in the seriesIf you loved A First Book of Myths, why not try the other book in this collection by bestselling author Mary Hoffman, A First Book of Fairy Tales? Children can enjoy classic and lesser-known tales from all over the globe, from Cinderella to The Fisherman and His Wife.

The Great Big Book of Life a glorious, diverse celebration of human life, from birth to death, by Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith. Featuring funny artwork and wonderfully sensitive and accessible text this book is a must have for children everywhere to learning everything they need to know about the story of life. The sixth title in the Great Big Book series explores every stage of human life. From birth to starting nursery, being a teenager to becoming an adult, from work to relationships, homes and jobs, to aging illness and death.   This universal but challenging topic is dealt with Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith's trademark sensitivity and humour and inclusivity. This is the perfect introduction for children to the huge topic of life and is sure to answer many of the question they have.

The Great Big Book of Life a glorious, diverse celebration of human life, from birth to death, by Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith. Featuring funny artwork and wonderfully sensitive and accessible text this book is a must have for children everywhere to learning everything they need to know about the story of life. The sixth title in the Great Big Book series explores every stage of human life. From birth to starting nursery, being a teenager to becoming an adult, from work to relationships, homes and jobs, to aging illness and death.  This universal but challenging topic is dealt with Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith's trademark sensitivity and humour and inclusivity. This is the perfect introduction for children to the huge topic of life and is sure to answer many of the question they have.

This is a story of persecution and poetry, love and war set in thirteenth century southern France. A troubadour, Bertran, witnesses the brutal murder of the Pope's legate, and risks his life to warn others of the war that he knows is certain to follow this act. The lands of the peaceable Cathars - deemed heretics - are now forfeit and under threat from crusaders who have been given authority by the Pope to take the Cathar domains by force. But the Pope is trying to track Bertran down and so is somebody else: Elinor, a young noblewoman, in love with Bertran but facing a loveless arranged marriage, flees her family and becomes a minstrel herself. Soon both Bertran and Elinor find themselves enveloped in a rising tide of bloodshed that threatens the very fabric of their society.

Sequel to City of Masks and City of Stars, the narrative moves to the Talian equivalent of the city of Florence, where beauty and danger walk - as ever - hand in hand. The focus this time is on the new Stravagante, Sky, whose talisman is an ornate and delicate blue glass bottle. Sky is propelled right into the midst of a deadly feud between the di Chimici and Nucci families, who think nothing of sliding a knife between a man''s ribs for revenge . . . A breathtaking and thrilling drama with a very special kind of magic, continuing the stories of Luciano, Arianna, Rodolfo, Falco and Georgia, which fans will sieze upon with glee.

Sequel to City of Masks, the setting is again Talia, the parallel world very similar to 16th-century Italy, but the main character in this book is Georgia - who has a love of horses. She is desperate to buy a little, dusty winged horse that has appeared in a local antique shop. This tiny, winged horse proves to be the talisman that transports Georgia right into the rivalries and the high-octane excitement of the hugely competitive Stellata horse race. Mary Hoffman proved herself a mistress of a narrative tour-de-force with City of Masks and this sequel will not disappoint. Fans will be thrilled too that favourite characters from the first book, such as Lucien and Arianna, again appear.

Set in Classe (Ravenna in our world), the Stravagante is Isabel, a younger twin by a matter of minutes. Her talisman is a pouch of silver mosaic tiles and she stravagates to Classe, where she is met by Flavia, a successful female merchant who trades spices, silks, tapestries, and whose son is an outcast and a pirate. Isabel finds that Classe and Bellezza are under threat from attack by the fierce Gate people. What can she do to help save the city? A thrilling story packed with action, pirates and drama.

Silvano and Chiara are two teenagers with a difference. Silvano has been accused of a murder he did not commit. Chiara has been ousted from her family as a young woman with no marriage prospects. For these two very different reasons they are forced to seek refuge in a neighbouring convent and friary. And when they meet they are instantly aware that they are both outsiders, ill at ease with monastic life.Then a grisly murder - followed by another, and then another - strikes fear into the close-knit community. Chiara and Silvano cling together within the terrifying spiral of murder as they, and the friends they have made, attempt to solve the deadly mystery.This remarkably rich mystery thriller, with all the pace and action of a ''whodunnit'', is set in the incredibly atmospheric environs of a friary in 14th-century Italy. Amidst all the action of the murder mystery, the author depicts in fascinating and intricate detail the lives and tasks of the friars and nuns, whether it be crushing pigments to create paints for the fresco artists in nearby Assisi, or the daily and nightly ritual of the religious services. All the historical detail is carefully researched.A huge cast of characters with romantic teen heroes, combined with the thriller-murder element, ensure a pacy, richly enjoyable read.

A story of persecution and poetry, love and war set in thirteenth century southern France. A troubadour, Bertran, witnesses the brutal murder of the Pope''s legate, and risks his life to warn others of the war that he knows is certain to follow this act. The lands of the peaceable Cathars - deemed heretics - are now forfeit and under threat from crusaders who have been given authority by the Pope to take the Cathar domains by force. But the Pope is trying to track Bertran down and so is somebody else: Elinor, a young noblewoman in love with Bertran but facing a loveless arranged marriage, flees her family and becomes a minstrel herself. Soon both Bertran and Elinor find themselves enveloped in a rising tide of bloodshed that threatens the very fabric of their society.

Desperately unhappy, Laura has resorted to secretly self-harming. But Laura is a Stravagante, somebody who can travel in time and space. When she finds her talisman, a small silver dagger, she stravagates with it to sixteenth-century Fortezza, a town similar to Lucca in Italy, where she meets her Stravagante, who is a swordsmith. But Laura also meets the charming and attractive Ludo, and falls for him. Their love for each other is tested when Ludo lays claim to the crown of Fortezza, and Laura finds herself fighting on the side of the Stravaganti opposing him . . .A thrilling tale filled with battles on the field and battles of the heart.

What is a friend? Can a pet be a friend? Are you friends with your brothers and sisters? What if you don't have any friends? A wonderful celebration of all kinds of friendship, from best friends to groups of friends to toys that feel like friends, this truly inclusive book is a great way to start a conversation with children about what makes a good friend. From the author and illustrator team behind The Great Big Book of Families and The Great Big Book of Feelings, this diverse celebration of friendship is perfect for both the home and the classroom.

What is a friend? Can a pet be a friend? Are you friends with your brothers and sisters? What if you don't have any friends? A wonderful celebration of all kinds of friendship, from best friends to groups of friends to toys that feel like friends, this truly inclusive book is a great way to start a conversation with children about what makes a good friend. From the author and illustrator team behind The Great Big Book of Families and The Great Big Book of Feelings, this diverse celebration of friendship is perfect for both the home and the classroom.

Amazing Grace is back! The girl who proved that you can be anything you want and that families are what you make them, now discovers that there's more more than one way to be a princess. Grace has the chance to be a princess in a school parade. But what does a princess do, apart from wearing beautiful clothes and looking pretty? Does she have to be pink and floaty, with a crown? Grace and her friends start finding out about princesses in China, Egypt, the Philippines and Zimbabwe - and on the day of the parade, helped by Ma and Nana, Grace's school has the most interesting float of all. As for Grace - she's a sensation!

With over a million copies sold this classic story of Grace, her Ma and Nana is a timeless classic of courage and determination, loved and cherished by children the world over.  Grace was a girl who loved stories.She didn’t mind if they were read to her or told to her ormade up in her own head. She didn’t care if they were frombooks or on TV or in films or on the video or out of Nana’slong memory. Grace just loved stories.  Grace loves to act out stories. She spends her time dressing up and putting on performances for her beloved Ma and Nana, usually helped by Paw-Paw the cat. Sometimes she plays the leading part, sometimes she is 'a cast of thousands’ and sometimes, when they’re not too tired, she can even convince Ma and Nana to join in her magical story creations.  When Grace’s school decides to put on a performance of Peter Pan, Grace longs to play the part of Peter. But her classmates say that Grace absolutely can’t play that part. Peter was a boy, and besides, he wasn't black... But Grace's Ma and Nana tell her she can be anything she wants if she puts her mind to it...  A touching and beautiful picture book about being true to yourself and not letting anyone hold you back. This is the perfect story for children everywhere to remind them to be themselves no matter what the world tells you.  At last! A book about the thousands of children who all longed to see themselves reflected in stories.This is a message that we still need – that we can be and do anything we want if we just put our minds to it. Nana never said a wiser word. So, keep on enjoying stories like Grace and, most of all, believe in yourselves and you will soon be flying, just like Peter Pan.  Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE

Amazing Grace is back! To Grace, family has always meant her Ma, her Nana and a cat called Paw-Paw. So when Papa invites her to visit him in The Gambia, she dreams of finding the kind of fairy-tale family she has read about in stories. But, as Nana reminds her, families are what you make them. This warm and delightful picture book is the follow-up to the much-loved international best-seller, Amazing Grace.

The Great Big Book of Families introduces children to the fact that not all families look the same. Featuring funny artwork and wonderfully accessible text this book celebrates each family in its own unique and wonderful way.  What is a family? Once, it was said to be a father, mother, boy, girl, cat and dog living in a house with a garden. But as times have changed, families have changed too, and now there are almost as many kinds of families as colours of the rainbow.  From a mum and dad or single parent to two mums or two dads, from a mixed-race family to children with different mums and dads, to families with a disabled member. This is a fresh, optimistic look through children's eyes at today's wide variety of family life: from homes, food, ways of celebrating, schools and holidays to getting around, jobs and housework, from extended families, languages and hobbies to pets and family trees.The Great Big Book of Families is a brilliant introduction for children to all family types great and small.

The Great Big Book of Feelings allows children to explore how they’re feeling in a safe and judgement free environment. Featuring funny artwork and wonderfully sensitive and accessible text this book celebrates each emotion for what it is and encourages children to discuss how they’re feeling instead of bottling it all up.  How are you feeling today? Happy? Sad? Excited? Scared? We all experience lots of different emotions. Sometimes we can feel angry or silly, and sometimes we might feel jealous or upset. There are even times when we might feel lonely or worried.  However you feel, sharing and talking about your feelings will make you feel better. This fresh, optimistic look at all the feelings we experience explores feelings in family life, at school and everywhere with warmth, wit and sensitivity. Featuring lots of different children in various situations, brief text captions and questions and plenty of humour, this is the go to book to learn about feelings.

Water into Wine * A Netful of Fish * Weathermaster * Through the Roof * The Biggest Picnic in the World * Is it a Ghost? * Remote Control * Saying Thank You * Back from the DeadMary Hoffman retells nine stories of the miracles Jesus worked, when he overturned the laws of nature, life and death to show God’s great love for humanity. With beautiful, atmospheric illustrations by Jackie Morris, this is a perfect introduction to the miracles of Jesus.

A collection of Jesus' parables with timeless relevance; re-told with warmth in a clear and appealing way.Lost and Found includes: The Lost Sheep, The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, The House on the Rock, The Workers in the Vineyard, The Sewer and the Seed, The Rich Man's Feast, and The Unforgiving Servant.

"Shiver me timbers," said the Captain. "It's a baby!"When the crew of pirate ship Ramshackle find a tiny baby adrift on the high seas, they are a bit flummoxed. Even more so, when they discover it's a baby girl.The adventures that follow in this rollicking tale are full of laughter and surprises, as the pirates sew nappies, make baby clothes out of pirate shirts and even a toy squid out of pirate gloves for the new arrival. The pirates won't give up their baby – not even to the women pirates who pass close by. And when a huge sea monster appears, it's baby Isla who saves the day, to become a true Pirate Baby.

Babies, Babies Everywhere! Sleeping, crying, laughing, looking, gurgling, eating, crawling...and at last toddling!Follow five families and their babies from birth to around 12 months, with all the excitements, challenges and joys of that first year with a new baby in the world. With lots to look at and point to, this delightful celebration of babies, from the team who created The Great Big Book of Families, will be loved by babies, older siblings - and grown-ups too!