Frances Lincoln Children's Books – serie

In this deliciously funny picture book from Children's Laureate Lauren Child a child really wants a pet – but Mum, Dad, Granny and Grandad aren't keen on any of her ideas! Sheep are forever following you around, an octopus would leave eight dirty footprints wherever it went and boa constrictors have a habit of wrapping themselves around you and squeezing too tightly… Can she find a pet that will please everyone? Perfect for any child who has ever wanted a pet, and any parent who has ever objected!

After a stormy night, a farmer searching for his lost calf finds a baby eagle that has been blown out of its nest. He takes it home and raises it with his chickens. But when his friend comes to visit one day, he tells the farmer that an eagle should be flying high in the sky, not scrabbling on the ground for grain. A powerful and uplifting African tale of fulfilment and freedom brought to life by stunning illustrations.

"Bake Off meets Downton Abbey for preschoolers' — The TimesA stunning, nostalgic picture book about a beautiful hotel and the people who stay, live and work there.If you ever go to the great city of Delaunay, take a left at the Duchess’s palace and cross the Bridge of Spires, and here you will find The Incredible Hotel.  Everything runs like clockwork, thanks to Stefan the kitchen porter, who brews the coffee every morning, and dreams of being a chef. Until the morning of the Grand Ball, when a fire starts in the kitchen just as the Duchess of Delaunay arrives... can Stefan save the day?With a style that evokes Wes Anderson-esque imaginary worlds, this is a timeless tale to read again and again from the award winning illustrator of 'JOY'. Each time you read it you will notice new details - look out for the cat and mouse hiding on every page, who have their own little story to tell!

What if every young girl loved her body? Love Your Body encourages you to admire and celebrate your body for all the amazing things it can do (like laugh, cry, hug and feel) and to help you see that you are so much more than your body.Bodies come in all different forms and abilities. All these bodies are different and all these bodies are good bodies. There is no size, ability or colour that is perfect. What makes you different makes you, you – and you are amazing!Love Your Body introduces the language of self-love and self-care to help build resilience, while representing and celebrating diverse bodies, encouraging you to appreciate your uniqueness. This book was written for every girl, regardless of how you view your body. All girls deserve to be equipped with the tools to navigate an image-obsessed world. Featuring a special surprise poster on the jacket, this book will show you that freedom is loving your body with all its “imperfections” and being the perfectly imperfect you!

I Love My Bike tells the story of a girl's first experience with her bike, and is filled with beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming message of perseverance.There’s a flame on the frameand I love how it feelsfrom my head to my heelswhen my feet push the pedalsand the pedals turn the wheels.I love my bike. I Love My Bike is a picture book about a daughter learning to ride a bike with the help of her father. It’s also about that exhilarating feeling you get when you succeed at something for the first time as a child. And, most importantly, it’s about learning that when you fall off, the best thing to do is get back on again!The story is told through wonderful watercolours from critically acclaimed artist Sam Usher, with words from children's poet Simon Mole.Celebrating both family relationships and being outdoors, this is the perfect read for families everywhere.

'The much-needed straightforward introduction to consent that we've all been waiting for.'– Meg-John Barker'SO needed right now. I only wish it was around when I was younger!' – Dr Ranj Singh'Excellently written, thoughtful and relevant for today's generation without patronising the reader.' – 5* Reader ReviewWhat exactly is consent? Why does it matter? How can you respect other people’s boundaries, and have them respect yours? Can We Talk About Consent? breaks down the basics of how to give and get consent in every aspect of life for readers aged 14 years and older. It's a powerful word, but not everyone understands exactly what it means. This stylish guide explains clearly why consent matters – for all of us.With honest explanations by experienced sex and relationships educator Justin Hancock, you'll learn how consent is a vital part of how we connect with ourselves and our self-esteem, the people close to us and the wider world.The book covers a broad range of topics, including:how we greet each other how to choose things for ourselveshow we say no to thingscommunicating and respecting choices in sexual relationshipsthe factors that can affect a person's ability to choosehow to empower other people by giving them consentAnd – there's a whole lot of pizza. This guide to consent gives you all the tools you need to build consensual relationships.

This touching children's book is a heartfelt and heartwarming tribute to the people who worked hard to keep us safe and keep society going during the global pandemic, from Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho. Tatenda says thank you every day, wherever he can. Thank you to Mum and Dad for making breakfast, thank you to the post lady for delivering his favourite comic, thank you to his teacher for marking his work and thank you to the shop assistant stacking shelves. But lately, it seems no one can hear his thank yous: their heads are too foggy with worry. So Tatenda decides to say his biggest 'Thank you' ever. He stands on tiptoe, brings his arms down like a huge rainbow… and this time, his thank you helps the whole community feel better! This beautiful story from an award-winning author and illustrator team was inspired by the coronavirus pandemic and the NHS Thursday clap and helps to show children how they can celebrate the key workers in their lives. By buying a copy of this book you are making a donation of 3% of the retail price to Groundwork, a charity that helps some of the UK's most disadvantaged communities deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. 

This charming tale tells the story of little Nicky Claus, who wanted to make every child happy, if only just for one day.Nicky Claus works with his three uncles in the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium. Uncle Hanz makes the toys, Uncle Louis checks them and Uncle Levi adds the… what's the scientific term for it? Ah, yes. The magic! For each toy made at the Emporium has a special sparkle that means it will find the child it is perfect for. One day, Nicky notices a young girl with her face pressed up to the glass. When she disappears, he follows her and finds her living on the streets with lots of other children, none of whom can afford a toy. Nicky vows that for one night only, every child will have the toy of their dreams and—with the help of his uncles and some flying reindeer—the legend of Father Christmas is born.This magical and heartwarming story from bestselling author–illustrator David Litchfield is a true festive treat centred on kindness, generosity and looking after each other.

Meet a green-fingered family whose diverse community is bursting with love in this lushly illustrated and lyrical picture book.This beautiful and warmly-told story teaches us that love really does grow everywhere, in all shapes, forms and sizes.Through gentle, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, feel the love in a close-knit family who grow plants and sell them in their local market, and discover the types of love that exist in the many homes of their diverse community.There are kisses from Dad, songs with Grandma, charity from neighbours and playtime with friends. There’s old love, new love and everything in between!But there’s a new kid who is not quite so sure... Can the gardeners’ daughter be brave and extend the love to him?Beautiful and characterful illustrations from the exceptionally talented Tisha Lee help bring this book to life, and the gentle rhyming text from Barry Timms helps underscore the message of kindness, charity and love. This warm and charming tale, perfect for Valentine’s Day and beyond, celebrates the many different ways love grows to make a brighter world.

In this follow-up to The Incredible Hotel, a crime disrupts the prestigious baking competition taking place at the hotel. But will detective Matilda be able to solve the case?The World Baking Competition is coming up. It is taking place at the Incredible Hotel and will be judged by guest of honour, Chef Tartine. Stefan has perfected his chocolate cake recipe but on the morning of the event... the recipe is nowhere to be found!Luckily, the best detective in Delaunay is on hand – Stefan’s best friend, Matilda. Who could the thief be?! Everyone has their theory and Mr Starch, the hotel manager, is ready to point the finger at a baking saboteur...From exceptionally talented author Kate Davies and award-winning illustrator Isabelle Follath, this enchantingly illustrated and nostalgic picture book visits the same unique hotel as the previous book, depicted in characterful illustrations and described with whimsical and charming text. With a strong and smart female lead, this is a principled and entertaining story.

This special book asks children a simple question: How Can We Be Kind? The answer is: by learning from the animal kingdom!Animals demonstrate kindness and empathy towards each other, and care and compassion can be seen all throughout the natural world.This book shows children the ways they can be kind just like animalsare to each other, while at the same time teaching them about the magic and the beauty of the natural world.They can learn to be welcoming like capybaras, who let other animals sit on top of them while they wallow in mud.Or perhaps they might want to be like dolphins, who guide other species to their destinations. Or maybe they would like to work together like ants and bees, share what they have like jackdaws or stick up for their friends like zebras.With beautiful illustrations from Darla Okada, this beautiful picture book will enchant and entertain children time and time again. There are facts at the back about how each animal lives with and looks after its fellow creatures.This sweet and thoughtful book is both a celebration of the animal world and a manifesto for being kind in everyday life.

Empower children to stand up for what is right with this picture book inspired by the real-life events around the statue of a slave trader, its toppling and heroic replacement.  They call him ‘HERO’, but he’s no HERO – not to me.  A Hero Like Me is inspired by the events of 7 June 2020, when a statue of seventeenth-century slave trader Edward Colston was pulled down and thrown into Bristol Harbour during an anti-racism protest. Co-author Jen Reid was one of the protesters that day, and despite being afraid of heights, she spontaneously climbed onto the empty plinth and raised her fist high above her head – a moment that was captured on camera and shared around the world.  On the morning of 15 July, a statue of Jen by Marc Quinn was added to the empty plinth. It was called A Surge of Power and it gained national attention for the 24 hours it was in place, and beyond.   This inspiring picture book tells the story of these events through the eyes of a little girl who, every day, on her way to school, sees a towering statue. A statue of a man who sold freedom for cotton and tea. The world around her says this man is a hero. But she knows he’s not a hero – not a real one.  Heroes are hard to find. She looks for them around corners, under rocks, and on TV, but there are none that she can see. And so, the little girl marches and shouts for them instead. And that statue – he doesn’t belong. He doesn’t stand for Kindness. He doesn’t stand for Peace.  Maybe he shouldn’t stand at all.  A Hero Like Me empowers children to have courage to stand up for what is right and be their own hero. It shows every child that they have a voice in their community and a say in who is on their streets. That they too have power, just like Jen.

Lucky Cat is a heartwarming story about an immigrant family in America, and a new friend their daughter June makes as they prepare to open their restaurant.June's family have a new home in America. There’s plenty to do before their restaurant opens, but Mama is excited when she finds the previous owners have left a Lucky Cat! It’s meant to bring good luck to their ventures, and June is even more excited the next evening when she finds that the statue can come to life.But unfortunately, Lucky Cat doesn’t seem that lucky. She has the best intentions but she knocks over the vinegar bottle and rips holes in people’s clothing. Will she ever get anything right? Luckily, June learns that real luck is earned through hard work and perseverance as the family embark on a new venture, close to their hearts. This beautiful book, authored by the hosts of the hugely popular AsianBossGirl podcast and packed with lively, characterful illustrations from the exceptionally talented Eunice Chen tells a funny and uplifting tale of family love and fitting in in a new country.

THE GUARDIAN "[...] gorgeous illustration […] intricate monochrome […] acid-bright touches of colour […] will prompt lively discussion."From the creators of the critically acclaimed The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky comes a whimsical and elegantly illustrated picture book about community, art, the importance of giving back – and the wonder that fell from the sky.It fell from the sky on a Thursday. None of the insects know where it came from, or what it is. Some say it’s an egg. Others, a gumdrop. But whatever it is, it fell near Spider’s house, so he’s convinced it belongs to him.Spider builds a wonderous display so that insects from far and wide can come to look at the marvel. Spider has their best interests at heart. So what if he has to charge a small fee? So what if the lines are long?But as Spider raises the prices, insects stop showing up, much to Spider's bemusement. And then, all of a sudden, an unexpected disaster hits and the marvel disappears!This charming story is accompanied by characterful illustrations, and also teaches children important life lessons about greed and the importance of sharing.

An Unexpected Thing is a beautifully illustrated, touching children's picture book about facing fears, dealing with anxiety and learning to explore the world.Fred is afraid. Of everything. He spends his days jumping at loud noises, recoiling from scary shadows and hiding from new people. So you can imagine how he felt when a huge, menacing spot appears as if from nowhere. Too terrified to do anything else, Fred hides away from the spot and imagines all the awful things it could be... Luckily, Coco isn’t afraid of anything! She loves exploring new things and sees the best in every new experience that comes her way. When Coco sees the spot she knows that it must be something wonderful. And she’s going to find out what it is. And this time, Fred is going to come with her and face his fears once and for all. This is a story of different perspectives, overcoming those feelings of worry and uneasiness, facing your fears and finding out that the world isn’t such a bad place afterall of all if you’re ready to explore.

Lizzy and the Cloud is the whimsical and sweet tale of a young girl who cares for her pet cloud as it grows.From the creators of the critically acclaimed The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky comes this delicately illustrated picture book all about letting things go when we need to.It’s a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn’t mind. She’s not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that’s right for her. And she finds it in Milo.She loves her new pet and includes him in all her fun activities. Soon, she’s taking Milo out on walks with her family, watering Milo right on schedule and seeing Milo grow and grow.But what happens when Milo gets too big for Lizzy to handle? What about when he storms across the skies and Lizzy can do nothing about it? Or when he’s uncomfortable in Lizzy’s small bedroom?This is the story all about the power of letting go of what we love when the time is right. It teaches kids the value of making important decisions even when they are difficult. This charming story with beautiful illustrations from the exceptionally talented Fan brothers will enchant readers young and old alike, teaching children an unpredictable journey of growth and loving something enough to set it free.

WINNER of the Junior Juries Award and Judges Special Award – KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards 2024WINNER of the UKLA Book Awards 2024 SHORTLISTED for The Oscar's Book Prize 2024'A beautiful, gentle, rhyming exploration of grief and mourning.' – Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children's Laureate 22-24The Hare-Shaped Hole is a beautiful, touching and poignant picture book that gently explores themes of grief and loss.Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare.They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever, and whenever you looked, you would find them together... until quite unexpectedly... the end came. When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back. It seems like hope is lost... until Gerda the kindly bear finds him.She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly... Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.Powerful and moving text from children's author and poet John Dougherty is paired perfectly with warm illustrations from the wonderfully talented Thomas Docherty in a thoughtful and sensitive approach to this difficult topic.This moving picture book will be loved and treasured by children and adults alike. With kids, it can be used to start a gentle conversation about death and grief. And as a gift for a grieving friend, it’s the ideal gesture. Anyone who has lost a pet or loved one will be comforted by Bertle’s journey to acceptance and reassured by the fact that, eventually, things do get better.

'Essential reading in these lean times.' – City Kids Magazine'The book I wish I had 20 years ago!' – 5* Reader Review'A brilliant book to empower young women and girls to make the right financial choices for them.' – 5* Reader ReviewCash is Queen breaks down the basics of how young women of today can learn to understand and manage money - an empowering skill that will last them a lifetime.The world’s first money book written exclusively for girls,Cash is Queen is designed to deliver the sophistication, practicality and fun guaranteed to appeal to today’s young woman.Study after study shows that women are far happier discussing virtually anything else but bank balances, and this lack of confidence in openly discussing money matters is crippling the female population financially. Women negotiate less in salary discussions, are excessively cautious and risk averse when it comes to investing and lack the general awareness around how to optimise retirement savings to guarantee a comfortable retirement.With clear explanations and empowering text by experienced financial expert Davinia Tomlinson, you'll learn that establishing a positive relationship with money as an adult must be cultivated in childhood.Cash Is Queen explains in a tone that’s relatable, fresh and fun, everything a young girl needs to know about saving, spending and stashing her cash, helping girls everywhere establish positive financial habits that will last a lifetime..Non-patronising or preachy, this book is essential reading for young girls everywhere as they enter adulthood and begin the journey of discovery in identifying the mark they would like to leave in the world.

Aditi the cat is loved by her little girl, but her owner is heartbroken when she disappears! Will she be found? This beautifully illustrated rhyming story will be loved by children and parents alike.I love my catThat shiny black furThat tiny white ringthat goes right round the tip of her tailI think it means she might be magic!A little girl loves her cat, from the tip of her tail to the way she opens doors and even has taught herself to drink from the tap!But one day, the cat tries to nibble at her toast and she won't stop, and then she digs her claws in, and then they both fall over… and the little girl shouts, 'Out!'She is heartbroken when the cat doesn't come home for dinner. But after a week of the cat being missing, finally she returns.This beautifully illustrated title has lyrical rhyming text from award-winning children's poet and author Simon Mole which will brings the narrative to life.This is the follow-up to I Love My Bike and is the second in a picture-book series based on first experiences and the magic in the everyday.

'This gentle, colour-swirled picture book offers a “mindful moment for bedtime”, wandering dreamily through memories of a joyful day as it encourages small listeners to relax and drift off.'  – The Guardian'I am gifting it to everyone!' – 5* Reader ReviewThe day is nearly over and now it’s time to curl up and remember all of the incredible adventures of the day before we say goodnight.This is the perfect book to end the day with. It will capture babies' and toddlers' imagination and curiosity, with soothing artwork and melodic text and help them prepare for a restful night’s sleep.This is also a book for parents and guardians – providing them with a few moments of reflection, and a chance to pause in their busy day.The lyrical text that runs through the child's day – waking up, mealtimes, exploration and learning – is paired with gentle illustrations that will prepare little ones for bed. One phrase, “Let's take a moment to think about what made us smile today..." encourages the reader to reflect on the day – adding a personal touch to each nightly read.With expert guidance from sleep consultant Andrea Grace this is the perfect book to create a sense of calm before bedtime, helping children sleep soundly through the night.

Winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize for Illustration 2023Shortlisted for Illustrator of the Year - British Book Awards 2025A new book from award-winning illustrator Mariajo Ilustrajo, Lost is the story of a polar bear who finds himself lost, in a big concrete city.He politely asks the city folk for help but everyone is much too busy and impatient to help the newcomer. He finds himself travelling on the subway only to be noticed, finally by a little girl.The girl takes the homesick bear by the paw and under her innocent wing. Under the nose of her seemingly unaware mum, she feeds him dinner, gives him a bath and they read stories together. When the polar bear wistfully looks at a poster of the North Pole on her bedroom wall, the little girl realises that her friend needs help to get home.This is a story about the power friendship has to help you feel found, and even to transport you home.

Following on from Love Grows Everywhere, A Pinch of Love is Barry Timms and Tisha Lee's second book on the subject of love – this time celebrating the love that comes through baking, cooking and sharing food.In this beautiful story told in rhyming verse, a boy and his grandmother, are preparing for a big neighbourhood bake-off. See the loving (and sticky!) moments of their tender relationship, along with the many other warm bonds that exist within their community.Barry Timms’ gentle text skilfully links these loving moments with the love that is represented by the food, while Tisha Lee’s lush illustrations give real depth to this vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.This book is a warm and charming tale, perfect for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

If I Were King is a heartwarming picture book about the importance of home and family from the fantastic illustrator Chelsea O’Byrne. Thomas is fed up with his annoying family. He has been stuck inside with them for ages and he can’t even escape into his books without his annoying little brother distracting him.‘If I were a king, I would be in charge! No more eggs and toast for breakfast, I’d eat CAKE! I would read books all day long, and wear a glittering gold crown that I’d never take off.’But after a night of particularly strong wishing, he wakes up a king and can do anything he wants! Living in the castle are all the other children who had the same wish. Things are fun at first but, even though he is allowed cake for breakfast, it doesn’t seem as fun as if he could share it with his naughty little brother.This moving story about the power of imagination and the even greater power of home is told with tenderness with words and beautiful illustrations by the enormously talented Chelsea O'Byrne.Funny, relatable and full of character, this book will be enjoyed by readers young and old alike!

A hilarious exploration of grumpiness: this is a book for any child who has ever woken up to find everything unreasonably annoying.Today is a terrible day for Wolfie: it's cloudy (there is a single cloud), the water in the bubble bath is ice cold, there aren't enough chocolate chips in the cookies and everyone else is having a nice day (lucky them). No one understands Wolfie at school. But then Penguin comes along... and she does understand. Suddenly things start to get a whole lot better. This is a story about how when you're feeling misunderstood, sometimes all it takes to change your perspective completely, is a like-minded friend.A wonderful, and relatable story about the loneliness that comes with feeling grumpy and how a friend can give a rain cloud day, a sunny new spin. Funny for both children and adults alike - while children will delight at the funny dissonance between text and image, the parents will recognise the all too relatable tale of out-of-proportion toddler grumpiness.

*2022 New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Winner*Teach values of generosity, understanding and community with this calm and scrumptious story about a lunch cart that feeds the wildlife creatures in the local area.Furry noses sniff the air as mouthwatering smells waft down city streets, luring growling bellies to the Night Owl. Inside this elegant, horse-drawn establishment, a feathery cook works the grill, serving up tasty dishes for shift workers and operagoers alike: a mince pie for Fox, a ham sandwich for Badger and puddings for little Possums.Mouse, a poor street sweeper, watches as the line of customers swells, ever hopeful that someone will drop a morsel of food – but Owl’s cooking is far too delicious for more than a crumb to be found. As the evening’s service winds down, weary Owl spots trembling Mouse. Has he found his own night lunch, or will he invite this small sweeper inside for a midnight feast for two?From the imagination of two acclaimed picture book creators, together for the first time, this dreamlike picture book is a magical ode to Victorian lunch wagons. With stark, feathery illustrations and minimal, poetic wording, the visuals are simple yet sweet. Evoking the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the city at night, Night Lunch reveals how empathy and kindness as well as dignity and gratitude can be found – and savoured – in the most unexpected places.

Explore the magical worlds of myth and fable with Mythology Land, and open the gates to the stories and adventures of cultures from all over the world.  Mythology Land is a collection of expertly retold legends and stories that are perfect for bedtime, with each story adorned with its own illustrated map of its mythical setting. Travel to Midgard and face the giants with Thor, race along the Yangtze River to see which animal wins the great race, or delight in the thrilling run from Baba Yaga in the Deep Dark Forest.  What wonders will you discover along the way? Mythology Land includes 12 legendary tales from around the world: Rama & Sita (Hindu) The Great Race (Chinese) The Trojan Horse (Greek) Quetzalcoatl Brings Food to the World (Aztec) The Great Māui (Polynesian) Thor and the Land of the Giants (Norse) The Tale of Blodeuwedd (Welsh) Baba Yaga (Slavic) Anansi and the Sky God (Ghanaian) The Story of Isis and Osiris (Egyptian) The Grateful Crane (Japanese) The Legend of Sedna (Inuit) With vibrant, intricately detailed illustrations, Mythology Land transports readers to faraway lands of mystery, fantasy and magic, making this magical anthology something to be treasured and revisited time and time again. If you love exploring magical worlds, don't miss Fairy Tale Land, the previous title in this enchanting series!

From the creator of the internationally bestselling, award-winning classic The Bear and the Piano – which has sold more than 120,000 copies in the UK – My Friend, Billy Whiskers is a charming celebration of friendship, bravery and the little push we sometimes need to step into something new.Some friends are real, some are imaginary, but all can help us find our voice. On a snowy day, while the other children play together, Patrick sits alone, but he isn’t really alone. His imaginary friend, Billy Whiskers, is always there, ready for bike rides, tree climbs and magical adventures where Patrick’s worries can just disappear. But on this special snow day, with the help of Billy Whiskers, Patrick finds the courage to take a new adventure and say hello to real life children playing in the real life playground. Can you guess what happens next? This heart-warming and uplifting picture book from award-winning author-illustrator David Litchfield celebrates the magic of imaginary friendship, the power of empathy and the friends who help us grow.