Youth

Hugless Douglas is very excited about Rabbit's sleepover, but he collects so many friends along the way that soon it's a big squash in Rabbit's small burrow! How will they ever get to sleep? David Melling is one of the UK's best-loved author-illustrators and this third book in the Hugless Douglas series is as funny and compelling as the first. It combines brilliantly imaginative illustrations with an endearing sense of what it is like to be a small child learning about the world. 'A new Hugless Douglas book is always a cause for celebration.' Daily Mail

From the hooting owl to the chirping cricket, the meowing cat to the barking dog, each of the busy animals are hushed, one by one, so that Baby Bear can fall asleep. Listen to noises each animal makes, brought to life by sound chips in this interactive board book that is perfect for calming young children ready for bed. Featuring beautiful illustrations, bold lines, whimsical animals, and repeating patterns, this is the perfect bedtime reading for very young children.

I am the god Hermes, the messenger of the gods. I was born in a cave and on the very first day of my life I accomplished so many feats that other people cannot achieve in their entire lives. I got out of my cradle, walked hundreds of kilometres across the country, fashioned the very first lyre, stole the god Apollo’s cattle and then went back to the cave to sleep. When I grew up I defied Argus, the invincible monster with the hundred eyes.

I am Poseidon. I am the salt on the faces of seafarers, the deep grooves in their hardened hands. I am the love that people feel for the sea. I am also their fear and dread for the mighty waves that rock the boats. I’m not one to boast, but I am a powerful god.

I am Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. No other woman, mortal or divine, surpasses me in beauty. Hera and Athena once took it in their heads that they were fairer than me, but a handsome young fellow by the name of Paris judged us all and gave me the first prize - a golden apple.

I am Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Of all animals the one I love most is the owl. I like to help people, but I prefer to help those that help themselves rather than expect everything on a silver platter. I am a first-rate warrior but I also love the arts and letters. Weaving is also one my favourite pastimes. My weaving work is the best in the world, better even than that foolish girl’s, Arachne, whom I was forced to compete.

"I write this sitting in the kitchen sink" is the memorable first line of this enchanting coming-of-age story, told in the form of Cassandra Mortmain's journal. Cassandra wittily describes life growing up in a crumbling castle, with her father who suffers from crippling writer's block, her glamorous but ineffectual step-mother and her vain but beloved sister Rose. When two visiting Americans arrive, all of their lives are turned upside down, and Cassandra experiences her first love. This is a classic coming-of-age story, beloved of generations of teenage and adult readers, by Dodie Smith, who also wrote The Hundred and One Dalmatians.

A follow-up to the gorgeous How Many Sleeps till My Birthday and How Many Sleeps till Christmas. Today is a very special day - if only Little Pip could remember why! With Daddy Grizzle's gentle help, Little Pip works out exactly why today is a day to be celebrated - it's Father's Day! - and they spend a glorious day doing all their favourite things. And the best thing? That's easy - spending time together! A heart-warming story celebrating the relationship between fathers and their children - with a wonderful message.