Mel Taylor-Bessent – författare

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline WilsonFunny festive middle grade about the world''s most Christmassy family from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ readers and fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! filmsWish it could be Christmas every day? Well, for nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her family, it is! Living her merriest life in a house with year-round fairy lights and Christmas trees, a carol-singing toilet and a diva donkey who thinks he’s a reindeer, home-schooled Holly tries to spread cheer wherever she goes.But when she goes to a new school with a singing Santa backpack and first day Christmas cards (during a heatwave in September!), she realises not everyone shares her enthusiasm for spreading cheer. In fact, when the neighbours try to remove the Carrolls from the street and Holly discovers a group of children that may not get a Christmas at all, her snowglobe world begins to crack. Is the world’s most Christmassy girl about to lose her Christmas spirit?The Christmas Carrolls is a heartwarming, hilarious and inclusive tale about the power of spreading cheer, the magic of friendship and what really matters at this most wonderful time of the year.

Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race? ‘You’ll LOVE racing to Imagination Island!’ MAZ EVANS ‘Joyful!’ JENNY MCLACHLAN ‘Riotously fun!’ HANNAH GOLD Observers! Dreamers! Inventors! Explorers! The time has come to crown four new Protectors of Imagination Island. Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race? Mario Kart meets The 13 Storey Treehouse in this thrilling new series from the author of The Christmas Carrolls. The time has come for four children to be named the new Protectors of Imagination Island. Children all over the world scour the globe in search of lightstreams (portals) to the magical island where anything they imagine comes to life. To become a Protector, they must compete in teams and complete a series of challenges to prove they have what it takes.Dreamy 10-year-old Luca is afraid of everything, not least the lightstream he stumbles into by accident. Imagination Island is everything that he’s terrified of. But there’s no way out. So he hits on a plan. Work out how to come LAST, and get sent home. That’s what he really wants. Isn’t it?The Race is ON! ‘Race to Imagination Island is a cannon-blasting, explosive whirlwind of fun.’ Jennifer Bell ‘Pacy, funny, gloriously inventive and perfectly pitched for kids.’ Abi Elphinstone ‘Brilliant, bonkers and visually spectacular.’ Laura Ellen Anderson ‘A wildly inventive rip-roaring ride!’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande ‘A riotously fun and colourful story guaranteed to entertain.’ Hannah Gold ‘A brilliantly bonkers, ferociously fun, action-packed dive into the marvellously mad mind of Mel Taylor-Bessent.’ Jack Meggitt-Phillips ‘This book fizzes with creative energy.’ Joseph Elliott ‘A brilliantly engaging voice – kids are going to love this wild ride!’ Andy Shepherd

Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race? ‘You’ll LOVE racing to Imagination Island!’ MAZ EVANS ‘Joyful!’ JENNY MCLACHLAN ‘Riotously fun!’ HANNAH GOLD Observers! Dreamers! Inventors! Explorers! The time has come to crown four new Protectors of Imagination Island. Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race? Mario Kart meets The 13 Storey Treehouse in this thrilling new series from the author of The Christmas Carrolls The time has come for four children to be named the new Protectors of Imagination Island. In an event that only happens once every 80-100 years, children all over the world scour the globe in search of lightstreams (portals) to the magical island where anything they imagine comes to life. To become a Protector, they must compete in teams and complete a series of challenges to prove they have what it takes. But not everyone will make it to the next level of Imagination Island, and the last person to reach the checkpoint will be transported back home immediately…Dreamy 10-year-old Luca is afraid of everything, not least the lightstream he stumbles into by accident. Imagination Island is everything that he’s terrified of. But there’s no way out. So he hits on a plan. Work out how to come LAST, and get sent home. That’s what he really wants. Isn’t it?The Race is ON!

Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race?🌈🏁🌈🏁🌈🏁‘You’ll LOVE racing to Imagination Island!’ MAZ EVANS‘Joyful!’ JENNY MCLACHLAN‘Riotously fun!’ HANNAH GOLDObservers! Dreamers! Inventors! Explorers! The time has come to crown four new Protectors of Imagination Island. Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race?Mario Kart meets The 13 Storey Treehouse in this thrilling new series from the author of The Christmas CarrollsThe time has come for four children to be named the new Protectors of Imagination Island. In an event that only happens once every 80-100 years, children all over the world scour the globe in search of lightstreams (portals) to the magical island where anything they imagine comes to life. To become a Protector, they must compete in teams and complete a series of challenges to prove they have what it takes. But not everyone will make it to the next level of Imagination Island, and the last person to reach the checkpoint will be transported back home immediately…Dreamy 10-year-old Luca is afraid of everything, not least the lightstream he stumbles into by accident. Imagination Island is everything that he’s terrified of. But there’s no way out. So he hits on a plan. Work out how to come LAST, and get sent home. That’s what he really wants. Isn’t it?The Race is ON!

Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race? ‘You’ll LOVE racing to Imagination Island!’ MAZ EVANS ‘Joyful!’ JENNY MCLACHLAN ‘Riotously fun!’ HANNAH GOLD Our hero Luca is back for the second leg of the Race to Imagination Island! This time, our plucky Racers create team mascots to help them with the three challenges they must overcome: crossing a canyon full of tricks and traps, passing through a forest of evil icy-blue fairies, and quite literally pulling the plug out of the ocean … Who will pass? Who will fail? And who will be sent home forever?THE RACE IS ON!

Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race? ‘You’ll LOVE racing to Imagination Island!’ MAZ EVANS ‘Joyful!’ JENNY MCLACHLAN ‘Riotously fun!’ HANNAH GOLD Our hero Luca is back for the second leg of the Race to Imagination Island! This time, our plucky Racers create team mascots to help them with the three challenges they must overcome: crossing a canyon full of tricks and traps, passing through a kingdom of evil icy-blue fairies, and quite literally pulling the plug out of the ocean …Who will pass? Who will fail? And who will be sent home forever?THE RACE IS ON!

Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race?🌈🏁🌈🏁🌈🏁‘You’ll LOVE racing to Imagination Island!’ MAZ EVANS‘Joyful!’ JENNY MCLACHLAN‘Riotously fun!’ HANNAH GOLDOur hero Luca is back for the second leg of the Race to Imagination Island! This time, our plucky Racers create team mascots to help them with the three challenges they must overcome: crossing a canyon full of tricks and traps, passing through a kingdom of evil icy-blue fairies, and quite literally pulling the plug out of the ocean …Who will pass? Who will fail? And who will be sent home forever?THE RACE IS ON!

Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race? ‘You’ll LOVE racing to Imagination Island!’ MAZ EVANS ‘Joyful!’ JENNY MCLACHLAN ‘Riotously fun!’ HANNAH GOLD Luca and his teammates have conquered two maps in the fabled Imagination Island, where anything they imagine comes to life. Now they have three more challenges to face in this THIRD leg of the Race! They must crack jokes in Laughter Lagoon, ride giant space hoppers along Silly String Street, and finally, join in a game of Sneak ’n' Seek in a crumbling Roman-style coliseum, where if you are found, you are turned to stone… Will Luca overcome his fears? Will Om find the courage to speak for the first time? And who will lose and leave the Race FOREVER?Perfect for readers of MAGICALIA and DUNGEON RUNNERS!READERS LOVE IMAGINATION ISLAND! ‘One of the most joyful books I have read … The only problem with Imagination Island is that you never want to leave.’ Jenny McLachlan

Do YOU have what it takes to win the Race? ‘You’ll LOVE racing to Imagination Island!’ MAZ EVANS ‘Joyful!’ JENNY MCLACHLAN ‘Riotously fun!’ HANNAH GOLD Luca and his teammates have three more challenges to face in this THIRD leg of the Race! They must crack jokes in Laughter Lagoon, ride giant space hoppers along Silly String Street, and finally, join in a game of Hide and Seek in a crumbling Roman-style coliseum, where if you are found, you are turned to stone…Who will lose this time, and leave the Race FOREVER?

Riley Wright is starting at Heverton Junior School with one awkward disadvantage: her MAJORLY embarrassing dad is the new head teacher …!! 🦄 🌈 📓🦄 🌈 'A lively fun-filled story’ — Dame Jacqueline Wilson New school, new friends (hopefully!). Riley Wright has to figure out how to fit in, pin down a talent for the talent show, look out for her unpredictable new BFF Emmie and face down super mean girl Harper … As someone who gets a lot of stuff wrong, when will Riley finally get something RIGHT?KIDS LOVE RILEY!‘Mel is a great writer. Can’t she just publish like three of these at the same time?’ – Anaya, 9‘I definitely recommend Riley Wright!’ – Lily, 8‘A must-read book if you like fun and secrets’ — Joseph, 8AUTHORS LOVE RILEY TOO!'A lively fun-filled story that children will love’ — Dame Jacqueline Wilson‘As funny as Lottie Brooks, with the madcap energy of Pamela Butchart, Riley Wright is smart, sharp and totally relatable. I loved it!’ – Abie Longstaff, author of The Magic Potions Shop and The Fairytale Hairdresser series‘I love Riley! A fun and charming book bursting with energy.’ – Laura Dockrill, author of Darcy Burdock‘Instantly engaging, hugely appealing and full of laughs. Riley Wright is a wonderfully bright and bubbly new voice in the diary style format – like a younger female Wimpy Kid.’ – Andy Shepherd, author of The Boy Who Grew Dragons‘It is impossible not to smile at every page and cheer out loud for the new girl in school, Riley Wright. With a big personality and heart to match, Riley is just the BFF that readers have been waiting for. A fresh, funny and utterly charming book, from start to finish.’ – Clara Vulliamy, author of Dottie Detective‘Riley and her BFF are a laugh-out-loud unstoppable duo, taking readers on a giggly, squirmy tour through the ups and downs of junior school. Packed with laughs, oops moments and best friend fun.’ – Vashti Hardy, author of Harley Hitch‘An adorable, fun and feel-good story. Readers will love Riley with her electrocuted chicken hair, her relatable worries and her sparky attitude. A new series that’s sure to become a favourite.’ – Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar‘I loved it! Funny, heartwarming and very engaging.’ – Harriet Muncaster, author of Isadora Moon‘Hilarious, heartfelt and filled with so many memorable moments. Get ready for Riley Wright to be the best friend you never knew you needed. Why be right when you can have so much fun being wrong!’ – Jo Clarke, author of Libby and the Parisian Puzzle‘Riley Wright is ADORABLE! Funny, zippy and relatable – these books will become fast favourites.’ – Perdita Cargill, author of Diary of an Accidental Witch‘Riley Wright thinks she is Awkward, Accident-prone, and Annoyingly Average. I think she's AMAZING and AWESOME! A hilarious, endearing and uplifting read which made me laugh and cringe on Riley's behalf in equal measures. I can't wait to see what Riley does next!’ – Serena Patel, author of Anisha Accidental Detective‘As a parent, Dad is absolute parent-goals but as a reader, who was once a child with major hair frizz issues, Riley is a character I think everyone young person can relate to. I was giggling away from the first page and desperately wishing I had a Secret Understairs Library too! Mel Taylor-Bessent has created a perfect read for those who love a funny book – it’s feel-good Louise Rennison for junior school readers.’ – Swapna Haddow, author of Dave Pigeon‘Massively fun and laugh out loud. I loved this book. Riley Wright is going to become your new BFF!’ – Jenny McLachlan, author of Fairy vs Wizard‘Riley Wright ticks ALL the WRIGHT boxes with all the scented rainbow pens, a tonne of hilarity and oodles of heart. This is the kind of book I’d have devoured as a kid! And I’m pretty sure it will never be in the school library because there will be an infinite waiting list to borrow it! It’s the kind of book kids in class would fight over to read next.’ – Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang

Riley Wright is starting at Heverton Junior School with one awkward disadvantage: her MAJORLY embarrassing dad is the new head teacher … 🦄 🌈 📓🦄 🌈 📓🦄 🌈 📓🦄 🌈 📓New school, new friends (hopefully!). Riley Wright has to figure out how to fit in, pin down a talent for the talent show, look out for her unpredictable new BFF Emmie and face down super mean girl Harper … As someone who gets a lot of stuff wrong, when will Riley finally get something RIGHT?KIDS LOVE RILEY!‘Mel is a great writer. Can’t she just publish like three of these at the same time?’ – Anaya, 9‘I definitely recommend Riley Wright!’ – Lily, 8‘A must-read book if you like fun and secrets’ — Joseph, 8AUTHORS LOVE RILEY TOO!'A lively fun-filled story that children will love’ — Dame Jacqueline Wilson‘As funny as Lottie Brooks, with the madcap energy of Pamela Butchart, Riley Wright is smart, sharp and totally relatable. I loved it!’ – Abie Longstaff, author of The Magic Potions Shop and The Fairytale Hairdresser series‘I love Riley! A fun and charming book bursting with energy.’ – Laura Dockrill, author of Darcy Burdock ‘Instantly engaging, hugely appealing and full of laughs. Riley Wright is a wonderfully bright and bubbly new voice in the diary style format – like a younger female Wimpy Kid.’ – Andy Shepherd, author of The Boy Who Grew Dragons ‘It is impossible not to smile at every page and cheer out loud for the new girl in school, Riley Wright. With a big personality and heart to match, Riley is just the BFF that readers have been waiting for. A fresh, funny and utterly charming book, from start to finish.’ – Clara Vulliamy, author of Dottie Detective ‘Riley and her BFF are a laugh-out-loud unstoppable duo, taking readers on a giggly, squirmy tour through the ups and downs of junior school. Packed with laughs, oops moments and best friend fun.’ – Vashti Hardy, author of Harley Hitch ‘An adorable, fun and feel-good story. Readers will love Riley with her electrocuted chicken hair, her relatable worries and her sparky attitude. A new series that’s sure to become a favourite.’ – Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar ‘I loved it! Funny, heartwarming and very engaging.’ – Harriet Muncaster, author of Isadora Moon ‘Hilarious, heartfelt and filled with so many memorable moments. Get ready for Riley Wright to be the best friend you never knew you needed. Why be right when you can have so much fun being wrong!’ – Jo Clarke, author of Libby and the Parisian Puzzle ‘Riley Wright is ADORABLE! Funny, zippy and relatable – these books will become fast favourites.’ – Perdita Cargill, author of Diary of an Accidental Witch ‘Riley Wright thinks she is Awkward, Accident-prone, and Annoyingly Average. I think she's AMAZING and AWESOME! A hilarious, endearing and uplifting read which made me laugh and cringe on Riley's behalf in equal measures. I can't wait to see what Riley does next!’ – Serena Patel, author of Anisha Accidental Detective‘Massively fun and laugh out loud. I loved this book. Riley Wright is going to become your new BFF!’ – Jenny McLachlan, author of Fairy vs Wizard‘Riley Wright ticks ALL the WRIGHT boxes with all the scented rainbow pens, a tonne of hilarity and oodles of heart. This is the kind of book I’d have devoured as a kid! And I’m pretty sure it will never be in the school library because there will be an infinite waiting list to borrow it! It’s the kind of book kids in class would fight over to read next.’ – Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson on The Christmas CarrollsThe Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back! Funny festive middle grade from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! filmsThe Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back – and this time, they have an ice-skating baby penguin!There’s a new family in town determined to steal the Carrolls’ tinselly crown. Can Holly and her family win the Christmas Chronicle’s competition for the Most Festive Family? Or will they discover that there is more to life than perfect Christmas decorations, a personal toboggan run, and more pressies than you can shake a candy cane at?

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson Funny festive middle grade about the world's most Christmassy family from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ readers and fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! films The Christmas Carrolls is a heartwarming, hilarious and inclusive tale about the power of spreading cheer, the magic of friendship and what really matters at this most wonderful time of the year.Wish it could be Christmas every day? Well, for nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her family, it is! Living her merriest life in a house with year-round fairy lights and Christmas trees, a carol-singing toilet and a diva donkey who thinks he’s a reindeer, home-schooled Holly tries to spread cheer wherever she goes.But when she goes to a new school with a singing Santa backpack and first day Christmas cards (during a heatwave in September!), she realises not everyone shares her enthusiasm for spreading cheer. In fact, when the neighbours try to remove the Carrolls from the street and Holly discovers a group of children that may not get a Christmas at all, her snowglobe world begins to crack. Is the world’s most Christmassy girl about to lose her Christmas spirit?

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson Funny festive middle grade about the world's most Christmassy family from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ readers and fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! films Wish it could be Christmas every day? Well, for nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her family, it is! Living her merriest life in a house with year-round fairy lights and Christmas trees, a carol-singing toilet and a diva donkey who thinks he’s a reindeer, home-schooled Holly tries to spread cheer wherever she goes.But when she goes to a new school with a singing Santa backpack and first day Christmas cards (during a heatwave in September!), she realises not everyone shares her enthusiasm for spreading cheer. In fact, when the neighbours try to remove the Carrolls from the street and Holly discovers a group of children that may not get a Christmas at all, her snowglobe world begins to crack. Is the world’s most Christmassy girl about to lose her Christmas spirit?The Christmas Carrolls is a heartwarming, hilarious and inclusive tale about the power of spreading cheer, the magic of friendship and what really matters at this most wonderful time of the year.

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson on The Christmas Carrolls Funny festive middle grade about the world's most Christmassy family from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel and the Nativity! films The Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back – and this time, they have an ice-skating baby penguin!There’s a new family in town determined to steal the Carrolls’ tinselly crown. Can Holly and her family win the Christmas Chronicle’s competition for the Most Festive Family? Or will they discover that there is more to life than perfect Christmas decorations, a personal toboggan run, and more pressies than you can shake a candy cane at?

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson on The Christmas Carrolls Funny festive middle grade about the world's most Christmassy family from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! films The Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back – and this time, they have an ice-skating baby penguin!There’s a new family in town determined to steal the Carrolls’ tinselly crown. Can Holly and her family win the Christmas Chronicle’s competition for the Most Festive Family? Or will they discover that there is more to life than perfect Christmas decorations, a personal toboggan run, and more pressies than you can shake a candy cane at?

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson on The Christmas Carrolls The Christmariffic Carrolls hit NEW YORK! Funny festive middle grade from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! films The Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back – and this time, they’re in NEW YORK!Holly and her family are about to lead the famous Christmas parade in New York City! But there’s a hitch. They have been invited to join the EXCLUSIVE Christmas Club, whose members are among the MOST CHRISTMASSY FAMILIES IN THE WORLD. They simply have to follow the mysterious White Reindeer to find the Christmas Club’s secret headquarters in Manhattan. But when the White Reindeer shows up in the MIDDLE of the Christmas parade, the Carrolls are faced with a dilemma . . . Should they stay, or should they go?With loveable New York characters, a mystery surrounding Holly’s mum Snow’s real name, and a new little furry friend, this book is a CHRISTMAS CRACKER!

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson on The Christmas CarrollsThe Christmariffic Carrolls hit NEW YORK! Funny festive middle grade from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! filmsThe Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back – and this time, they’re in NEW YORK!Holly and her family are about to lead the famous Christmas parade in New York City! But there’s a hitch. They have been invited to join the EXCLUSIVE Christmas Club, whose members are among the MOST CHRISTMASSY FAMILIES IN THE WORLD. They simply have to follow the mysterious White Reindeer to find the Christmas Club’s secret headquarters in Manhattan. But when the White Reindeer shows up in the MIDDLE of the Christmas parade, the Carrolls are faced with a dilemma . . . Should they stay, or should they go?With loveable New York characters, a mystery surrounding Holly’s mum Snow’s real name, and a new little furry friend, this book is a CHRISTMAS CRACKER!

‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson on The Christmas Carrolls The Christmariffic Carrolls hit NEW YORK! Funny festive middle grade from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! films The Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back – and this time, they’re in NEW YORK!Holly and her family are about to lead the famous Christmas parade in New York City! But there’s a hitch. They have been invited to join the EXCLUSIVE Christmas Club, whose members are among the MOST CHRISTMASSY FAMILIES IN THE WORLD. They simply have to follow the mysterious White Reindeer to find the Christmas Club’s secret headquarters in Manhattan. But when the White Reindeer shows up in the MIDDLE of the Christmas parade, the Carrolls are faced with a dilemma . . . Should they stay, or should they go?With loveable New York characters, a mystery surrounding Holly’s mum Snow’s real name, and a new little furry friend, this book is a CHRISTMAS CRACKER!