Scallywag Press

Normally Zarah and her brother are collected from school by their dad, who rushes them home taking every shortcut. But today, Uncle Jerome is collecting them, and he takes them on 'The long way home'. Reluctant to go further than necessary, the children complain at first, but are soon caught up in amazing adventures, as their uncle gets them to use their five senses to conjure up a world of fun and imagination. Birds become pterodactyls, ripples in the water become crocodiles ... they soon realise that the best adventures only happen on the long way home!

From the bestselling and award-winning creator of They All Saw a Cat comes a bold and playful exploration of how the sun touches all life on earth - perfect for celebrating Earth Day! Good golden sun, there is much we'd like to know! Are you happy? Are you lonely? Are you feeling well today? Does your belly ever ache? Won't you come down to play? From sunbeam, to flower, to insect, to animal, to plant, to soil, and the earth itself...the sun makes, moves, and transforms life all around us. Celebrate the mysteries of light from sunup to sundown as it weaves its way through creation inspiring change, hope, wonder, and curiosity.

From the author of classic picture books Dark Dark Tale and Greyfriars Bobby comes this beautiful picture book about a day in the life of Tick Tock the cat. Follow Tick-Tock through a noisy and eventful day from waking up until bedtime. His encounters with squirrels and mice don't end up quite as he hoped, but he always has a meal and a lap to return to every evening. A comically observed and detailed picture book from one of the greats of children's illustration.

Did you know there was a School for Imaginary Friends? Well there is - and one of its star pupils is the narrator of Ray's story. Ray loves life in his village, until one day he hears his parents talking about moving house. Horrified by the idea, Ray invents an imaginary friend to talk to and even runs away. Eventually Ray is able to accept the move, and also the Ukrainian refugee mother and child who come to live with his family in their new home. As Ray finds his feet again, the Imaginary Friend wonders if he is needed any more, or if he can also move on?

The lion at the little French zoo is a favourite of all the townspeople. Every day they stop by to feed him tidbits and say, 'Bonjour, Happy Lion.' Naturally, when the lion finds his door open, he decides it would only be proper to visit all his friendly neighbours in return. But, wait-sacre bleu! Why is everyone fleeing in terror? More than 50 years after its first publication this title is still a firm favourite, making it an ideal gift from both grannies or those who love the retro style. A wonderful feel good message about learning who you are, and finding happiness and a real friend.

A foolish knight is certain that his side of the wall is the safe side in this clever, amusingly meta picture book by the acclaimed creator of It's Only Stanley There's a wall in the middle of the book, and our hero--a young knight--is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers of the other side--like an angry tiger and giant rhino, and worst of all, an ogre who would gobble him up in a second! But our knight doesn't seem to notice the crocodile and growing sea of water that are emerging on his side. When he's almost over his head and calling for help, who will come to his rescue? An individual who isn't as dangerous as the knight thought--from a side of the book that might just have some positive things to offer after all!