Books beginning with: G
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Curse of the Chosen: Volume 1
Author: Alexis Deacon
Publisher: Nobrow
Interest age: 12-18
Reading age: 12+Fifty warriors partake in a competition to decide which of them will rule the kingdom. An enthralling graphic novel packed with magic, adventure, and action.
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Curse of the Chosen: Volume 2
Author: Alexis Deacon
Publisher: Nobrow
Interest age: 12-18
Reading age: 12+In the epic conclusion to this graphic novel series, the warriors undertake the final task of the competition, deciding who will win and go on to become chief.
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Galloglass
Author: Scarlett Thomas
Publisher: Canongate
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+In this third volume of the Worldquake Sequence, the friends continue on their quest to protect the universe from a sinister organisation from the shadowy Underworld. An inventive fantasy adventure that will keep older readers turning the pages.
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Game On
Author: Bali Rai
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 8+Rai's pacy short novel, in Barrington Stoke's usual dyslexia-friendly format, grips throughout, and will particularly engage football-mad reluctant readers.
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Gamer
Author: Chris Bradford
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 7+ (Hi-Lo reader: content is appropriate to teenagers)Scott struggles to survive on the streets of a post-apocalyptic world. His only way out is to get into the Virtual Kombat gaming tournament, but will he ever be able to leave it again? A fast-paced thriller that keeps the reader engaged through every twist and turn.
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Gamerunner
Author: B. R. Collins
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+Collins’ fourth teen novel is dark, intense and disturbingly prophetic
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Gaming Record Breakers
Author: Clive Gifford design by Jake Da’Costa and WildPixel Ltd
Publisher: Carlton Kids
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 7-9Presented in a colourful, large paperback with each double-page spread dedicated to either a different game or gaming-related topic, this is an ideal read for any gaming-mad kid.
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Gangsta Granny
Author: David Walliams Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+Ben hates visiting his Granny every Friday night while his parents go to ballroom dancing. Then he discovers Granny isn't quite what she seems, and life takes a dramatic turn for the better.
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Gardd Gwenno / April's Garden
Author: Isla McGuckin Illustrator: Catalina Echeverri
Publisher: Graffeg
Interest age: 6-7
Reading age: 6+Wrth galon y stori mai taith mam a merch sy’n ceisio addasu i fywyd newydd ar ôl gadael sefyllfa anhapus.
At the heart of this story is the journey of a mother and daughter trying to adapt to a new life after leaving an unhappy situation.
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Gary’s Banana Drama
Author: Jane Massey
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 2-5
When Gary the gorilla runs out of bananas he is forced to go out and find more but although he sees bananas everywhere, he can’t eat a single one of them! Hilarious and packed with visual puns.
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Gaslight
Author: Eloise Williams
Publisher: Firefly
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+This brilliantly evocative take on Cardiff in 1899 will take young readers on a heartstopping ride as they follow Nansi's quest to find out the truth about what happened to her missing mother.
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Gathering Blue
Author: Lois Lowry
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+Being disabled from birth, Kira was supposed to be taken to the Field, where the dead and 'useless' are left to be eaten by beasts. But Kira's mother protected her and she grew up to be a talented weaver.
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Gathering Voices
Author: Kris Humphrey Illustrator: Chellie Carroll
Publisher: Stripes
Interest age: 11-14
Reading age: 10+The third in a series of four fantasy books set in the Kingdom of Meridina, which is being laid to waste by the demonic Narlaw - and can only be saved by the magical Whisperers.
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Gatty's Tale
Author: Kevin Crossley-Holland
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+Field-girl Gatty is called upon to accompany the serene Lady Gwyneth de Ewloe and a band of others on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
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Geek Girl
Author: Holly Smale
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 12+Everyone at school knows Harriet Manners is a geek.
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Geek Girl: Forever Geek
Author: Holly Smale
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 11-14
Reading age: 11+Holly Smale waves farewell to Harriet Manners in the perfect ending to her hilarious, thoughtful and emotional Geek Girl series.
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Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind
Author: Andy Robb
Publisher: Stripes Publishing
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 12+This is a very funny book about the trials and tribulations of growing up, portraying adolescent confusion and fear of change with humour and sensitivity.
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Gentleman Jim
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Vintage
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 10+The life of toilet attendant Jim Bloggs is pretty dreary and his great wish is to escape. Will he manage to do so? Briggs' story is funny and uplifting, with beautiful, delicate illustrations - a charming story for dreamers.
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Gently, Bentley!
Author: Caragh Buxton
Publisher: Child’s Play
Interest age: 2-5
This tale of an energetic and clumsy rhino tells the important message of not rushing around and being aware of your surroundings and others. Accompanied with quirky illustrations, this is a simple and soothing story for young ones.
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Geoffrey Gets the Jitters
Author: Nadia Shireen
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 4-5
Geoffrey’s jitters are out of control! How can he get rid of them? Told with humour and great empathy, this picture book from the author-illustrator of Barbara Throws a Wobbler is both funny and helpful.
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George and His Nighttime Friends
Author: Seng Soun Ratanavanh
Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press
Reading age: 4-8George is a lonely little boy who is afraid of the dark and finds it difficult to get to sleep at night. This wonderfully reassuring tale is sure to become a favourite bedtime read.
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George and the Big Bang
Author: Lucy & Stephen Hawking Illustrator: Garry Parsons
Publisher: Doubleday
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 8+Children with a strong interest in science will enjoy the scientific theories and essays about how the universe began
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George and the Dragon
Author: Chris Wormell
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 3-7
Reading age: 5+The dragon in this tale is a fire-breathing beast, but there's one thing that makes him cower in fear.
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George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt
Author: Lucy & Stephen Hawking Illustrator: Garry Parsons
Publisher: Corgi
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 9+George's best friend Annie needs help. Her scientist father, Eric, is working on a space project - and it's all going wrong.
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George's Dragon
Author: Claire Freedman Illustrator: Russell Julian
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+Freedman and Julian reveal the problems which arise when parents don't realise the difference between baby dragons and lizards in a pet shop!
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George's Secret Key to the Universe
Author: Lucy and Stephen Hawking Illustrator: Gary Parsons
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+This original and very readable adventure story is beautifully presented and packed with fascinating facts and full colour photos of real images from space
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Georgie Grows a Dragon
Author: Emma Lazell
Publisher: Pavilion
A new plant has plopped into Georgie’s garden, but it’s a bit different. This one doesn’t like being out in the sunshine, definitely doesn’t like being watered and other plants make it sneeze flames. Will Georgie be able to tame her new wild plant?
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Geronimo - The Dog Who Thinks He’s a Cat
Author: Jessie Wall Illustrator: Emily Stanbury
Publisher: Wacky Bee
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+Geronimo is a mixed-up puppy who thinks he is a cat! A funny and entertaining story for beginner readers.
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Get Me Out of Here!
Author: Andy McNab and Phil Earle Illustrator: Robin Boyden
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 6+This exhilarating story is written by Andy (SAS) McNab, together with Phil Earle. The adrenaline-pumping-pace and unashamed use of slang is a reminder that reading is ultimately about enjoyment and opening readers’ eyes to new experiences.
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Get Off, Bear!
Author: Tony Neal
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 6+Bear wants to play on his sledge, but he’s stuck. His animal pals offer to help buy pushing and pulling but it’s no use. A fantastic introduction to the concept of forces.
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Get Real, Mallory!
Author: Daisy Hirst
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+When Nomi’s drawing of a dog comes alive, they have brilliant adventures! This story about imagination – and longing for a pet when you live in a flat in the city – is full of Hirst’s appealing child-style illustration and delightful language.
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Get That Ball
Author: Judy Corbalis and Korky Paul
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+Tom and his Granny are playing football, but when Granny kicks the ball way over the bar, it's off on a massive adventure... Excellent fun with illustrations rich in detail.
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Get Up, Elizabeth!
Author: Shirin Yim Bridges Illustrator: Alea Marley
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+Before she became Queen Elizabeth I, Bess was just a little girl who struggled to get out of bed in the morning - just like everyone else! This charming, gently humorous picture book makes an important historical figure relatable to young people.
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Getting Ready
Author: Illustrator: Cocoretto
Publisher: Child’s Play
Interest age: 0-4
Time to get up! Pull back the covers and choose your clothes. Getting ready for the day is made both fun and interactive in this touch-and-feel book. An irresistible tactile treat.
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Ghost
Author: Jason Reynolds Illustrator: Selom Sunu
Publisher: Knights Of
Interest age: 12-16
Reading age: 12+Three years ago Ghost’s dad chased him and his mum down the road with a gun. His dad got ten years in prison, and Ghost learned how to run. Ghost has never thought of athletics as a sporting option – basketball is his thing. But now, after challenging a sprinter to a race at the local track, he’s won himself a place on an elite running team.
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Ghost Boys
Author: Jewell Parker Rhodes
Publisher: Orion
Interest age: 10-13
Reading age: 9+In Chicago, a white police officer shoots and kills black 12-year-old Jerome, mistaking his toy gun for a real one. As a ghost, young Jerome witnesses the aftermath of his death. A beautiful and tragic book that unfortunately feels very necessary.
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Ghost Hawk
Author: Susan Cooper
Publisher: Bodley Head Children's Books
Interest age: 14+
Reading age: 14+Set in 17th century America, this is the story of Little Hawk and the young settler to whom he becomes irrevocably and fatally linked.
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Ghost Knight
Author: Cornelia Funke Translator: Oliver Latsch Illustrator: Andrea Offermann
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+At his new boarding school in Salisbury, Jon finds himself contronted by a terrifying and vengeful gang of ghosts that no one else can see.
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Ghost Stadium
Author: Tom Palmer
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 8+Three boys go camping in the abandoned Northface football stadium. But all is not as it seems. Tom Palmer's Ghost Stadium is a fast-paced and properly spooky ghost story. The book will suit reluctant readers as the exciting mystery will grab their attention.
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Ghost World
Author: Daniel Clowes
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 13+This is an examination of the lives of two recent high school graduates from the advantaged perch of a constant and undetectable eavesdropper, with the shaky detachment of a scientist who has grown fond of the prize microbes in his petri dish.
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Ghost Writer
Author: Julia Jarman
Publisher: Andersen
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 9+Frankie Ruggles has just moved to a new school. Not only does he have to cope with explaining his dyslexia, but he's also visited by the ghost of a Victorian boy.
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Ghostcloud
Author: Michael Mann Illustrator: Chaaya Prabhat
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Kidnapped Luke shovels coal under Battersea Power station, but when he discovers he is half-ghost, he realises he has a chance to save his friends and find his family. This inventive adventure swirls elements of steampunk into a satisfying and surprising fantasy world.
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Ghostlight
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Publisher: Guppy Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 10+This ghostly horror story will have readers on the edge of their seats as the tension builds and terror mounts culminating in an extended, dramatic climax on top of Toronto’s CN tower.
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Ghostlines
Author: Katya Balen
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Tilda promises new boy Albie that they’ll go to the dangerous, forbidden island – but is it really haunted? A beautifully written story about community and belonging, with a real love for nature woven throughout.
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Ghosts
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+Cat is moving with her family to a new town in Northern California where the colder, wetter climate will be better for her sister Maya’s cystic fibrosis. She’s not overjoyed about leaving her life and friends behind.
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Ghosts of Shanghai
Author: Julian Sedgwick
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 8+The Shanghai Ghost Society run into trouble in the real and spiritual world when they try and hunt down restless ghosts.
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Ghosts of the Forest
Author: Steve Backshall
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 11+Following on from Tiger Wars, this second installment of The Falcon Chronicles continues the story of Saker and Sinter.
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Ghostyshocks and the Three Scares
Author: Laurence Anholt Illustrator: Arthur Robins
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 7+Ghostyshocks is terrified of everything. When she enters a deserted cottage in the forest, she is so nervous that she spills food down her dress and breaks a chair.
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Ghoul Scouts: Welcome to Camp Croak
Author: Taylor Dolan
Publisher: Guppy Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+When Lexie finds herself at Camp Croak for the summer, she’s happily at home with the other ghoulish kids - but when Euphemia Vile, a big-haired Texan glamazon, steps onto the scene, it’s clear that she’s got an evil agenda.
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Gigantosaurus
Author: Jonny Duddle
Publisher: Templar
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 7+Wonderfully characterised and atmospheric illustrations complement humorous rhyming text in a story that will appeal to young dinosaur-lovers. Ideal for reading to groups as plenty of repetition will encourage youngsters to join in.
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Giggle Giggle What’s So Funny?
Author: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 1+
Reading age: 2+Giggle, giggle, what's so funny? Is it two barmy ballet dancers jumping and jiggling? An exercising octopus all puffed out? Or perhaps there is a totally tickle-tastic answer?
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Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf
Author: Craig Barr-Green Illustrator: Francis Martin
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 6+Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with a neurodivergent protagonist.
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Ginger
Author: Charlotte Voake
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+Ginger has the perfect cat life - fed, warm and cared for. You know, made to feel special. Until, that is, his life is turned upside-down by the arrival of a kitten.
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Ginger and the Mystery Visitor
Author: Charlotte Voake
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-5
Reading age: 6+The little girl who looks after Ginger the kitten has a kind heart, and when a mystery cat becomes a regular visitor at dinner time she worries how to find out if he belongs to anyone.
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Giraffe Problems
Author: Jory John Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-5
Giraffe has decided he doesn’t like his neck. It’s too long, too bendy; it’s just too… necky. Lane Smith’s stunning illustrations are a perfect match for Jory John’s hilarious text, which also has an important and timeless message of self-worth and body positivity.
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Giraffes Can't Dance
Author: Giles Andreae Illustrator: Guy Parker Rees
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 3-7
Reading age: 6+Rhyming text and vibrant full-page illustrations make this marvellous picture book perfect for reading aloud.
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Girl (In Real Life)
Author: Tamsin Winter
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 11-14
Reading age: 9+Lots of teenagers are embarrassed by their parents but when yours vlog about everything in your life, including your first period, what can you do to get your life back? A funny and interesting look at social media, identity and privacy.
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Girl 15 Charming But Insane
Author: Sue Limb
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+Laugh-out-loud funny, a riotous take on Jane Austen’s Emma that is both snazzy and very contemporary
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Girl 38: Finding a Friend
Author: Ewa Jozefkowicz Illustrator: Anna Hymas
Publisher: Zephyr
Interest age: 9-14
Reading age: 9+The intertwining stories of school friendships and frenemies, World War Two Poland, and the otherworldly sci-fi setting of Girl 38’s planetary exploration sounds like a strange mix, but works perfectly.
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Girl Hearts Girl
Author: Lucy Sutcliffe
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+A real-life memoir about a young person coming to terms with her sexuality and her 'coming out', as well as her first relationship, this is a positive and upbeat read about being comfortable in your own skin that will inspire any young person.
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Girl on a Plane
Author: Miriam Moss
Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 11+Anna has spent the summer with her family in Bahrain and is on her way back to boarding school in England. Minutes into her flight, the plane is hijacked. A tense psychological thriller based on true events.
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Girl on the Fly
Author: Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl
Publisher: David Fickling
Interest age: 12-14
Reading age: 10+Set in Philadelphia, USA, in 1992, this coming-of-age story is packed with cultural and musical references from the era and explores themes of family, resilience and the evolving nature of friendships.
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Girl Online
Author: Zoe Sugg
Publisher: Penguin Books
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 11+This is the first book from Zoe Sugg, better known as Youtube star Zoella. Dealing with many issues that will be familiar to Zoella's millions of fans.
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Girl Out of Water
Author: Nat Luurtsema
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 13-18
Reading age: 10+From Olympic swimming hopeful to social outcast - the story of Lou Brown's fall from superstardom to awkward outsider is witty and engaging with a dose of brutal truth. A perfect beach read for teens.
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Girl Power: Indian Women Who Took on the World
Author: Neha J Hiranandani Illustrator: Aditi Kakade Beaufrand and Niloufer Wadia
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 8+Featuring 50 brilliant Indian women from history and the present day, Girl Power: Indian Women Who Took on the World is a truly inspirational read, with clearly laid out text and gorgeous painted portraits by Niloufer Wadia.
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Girl vs Boy Band: The Right Track
Author: Harmony Jones
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+When Teddy Reese (school heartthrob) asks Lark to play guitar with him in the talent show, she just can't. It would mean revealing her two biggest secrets: she's a gifted singer-songwriter herself, but also suffers crippling stage-fright.
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Girl with a White Dog
Author: Anne Booth
Publisher: Catnip Publishing
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 10+Jessie is delighted when she finds a beautiful white puppy at Gran's house. But then Gran starts becoming confused, and saying strange things about their new pet.
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Girlhood Unfiltered
Author: Ebinehita Iyere and Milk Honey Bees
Publisher: Knights Of
Interest age: 13-14
Reading age: 12+Twenty Black teenage girls reflect on girlhood and its joys and challenges. A powerful and important collection that amplifies the often-unheard voices of Black girls.
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Girls Can Vlog: Lucy Locket Online Disaster
Author: Emma Moss
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+A new country, new home, and now a new school. Lucy misses her friends, her stammer is worse than ever, and now school bully Dakota has made an extremely embarrassing video of Lucy’s disastrous first day and posted it online for everyone to see.
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Girls FC: Do Goalkeepers Wear Tiaras?
Author: Helen Pietichaty
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 8+Megan Fawcett loves football - but the teacher in charge of her school team never seems to notice her. Could she finally get her chance to play when she visits her aunt, who works at a football club? A hugely engaging, easy to read story.
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Girls in Love
Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 10+Ellie, whose mother died when she was young, misses her love and advice terribly, particularly when it comes to the ever-difficult area of boys.
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Girls Under Pressure
Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 9+Ellie feels like the ugly duckling beside her slim, gorgeous friends Magda and Nadine. She decides to go on a diet, but she soon gets carried away with her plan to lose weight.
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Girls Who Rocked the World
Author: Michelle Roehm McCann and Amelie Welden
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+This fun and fascinating collection celebrates women who left their mark on history before the age of 20. Featuring a diverse range of women, and written in a chatty style, this book will inspire any girl (or boy) to go out there and rock the world themselves.
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Girls, Goddesses & Giants
Author: Lari Don
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+This book contains twelve short stories from different cultures around the world. The selection is, as the title suggests, heroine stories, retold from traditional legends and folklore and in each one it's a girl who saves the day. The villains include the Baba Yaga, who eats children for supper, a shape-shifting demon who can't be killed by any man or god, …
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Gita: The Battle of the Worlds
Author: Sonal Sachdev Patel and Jemma Wayne-Kattan Illustrator: Soumitra Ranade
Publisher: Harper Collins
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9-12A captivating story, based around the Hindu epic Mahabharata, which explores the inner battle raging within Dev when his father dies. Gita is a great text for discussing difficult emotions but also an adventurous romp, full of cartoon-like artwork.
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Give Me Shelter
Author: Editor: Tony Bradman
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+Told through the eyes of children, this moving collection of short stories focuses on the experiences of asylum seekers from all over the world.
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Give Peas A Chance
Author: Morris Gleitzman
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 9+Fifteen funny stories, at times comic, wry, whimsical, moving, off-the-wall and downright hilarious, make up this brilliant book.
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Give Us a Smile, Cinderella
Author: Steve Smallman Illustrator: Marcin Piwowarski
Publisher: QED Publishing
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 6+A comical re-telling of a children's classic with a powerful message about brushing your teeth.
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Glass Sword
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Publisher: Orion Books
Interest age: 13-18
Reading age: 11+Mare Barrow's abilities have set her apart from her family and friends. Glass Sword sees her involved in both political and physical battles - which could have wide-reaching consequences.
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Glitch
Author: Sarah Graley
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+Izzy and her friend Eric just can’t wait for Dungeon City to arrive – until Izzy find that she’s sucked into the game. Sarah Graley’s fantastic and fun games-themed new comic novel is perfect for 8-11s, gaming-mad or not.
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Glitter Boy
Author: Ian Eagleton
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+James is being bullied at school, while dealing with grief and normal Year 6 worries. Can James find the sparkle in his life again? Brilliantly deals with bullying, friendship issues and working out who you are.
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Global
Author: Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin Illustrator: Giovanni Rigano
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9-11In this stunning graphic novel – by the same author and illustrator team as Illegal, which told the story of Ebo, a 12-year-old boy fleeing grinding poverty in his small village in Africa and travelling to Europe as an illegal immigrant – we see two different stories belonging to two different children. Both are at the mercy of climate change.
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Gloria’s Voice
Author: Aura Lewis
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Interest age: 5-7
Reading age: 5+An inspirational picture book biography of an amazing woman: the feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem. Aura Lewis’ dreamy, girly 70s-style watercolour illustration makes for a beautiful read for all children with a passion for justice.
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Glow up Lara Bloom
Author: Dee Benson
Publisher: Hot Key
Interest age: 12-14
Reading age: 10+Funny and heart-warming, this diary is an ode to celebrating yourself just as you are.
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Glow: The Wild Wonders of Bioluminescence
Author: Jennifer N. R. Smith
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+This large-format book is packed with incredible facts about the different flora and fauna that light up our world, from fireflies to anglerfish and even glowing mushrooms!
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Gnome
Author: Fred Blunt
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 3-5
Mr Gnome isn’t exactly the politest gnome that has ever lived. In fact, he’s pretty rude. So when Miss Witch asks Mr Gnome to stop fishing in her pond, it’s no surprise that he refuses - but Miss Witch has a pretty conclusive method for dealing with rudeness...
A fabulously funny cautionary tale for grumpy little ones.
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Go Saddle the Sea
Author: Joan Aiken
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 12+In this historical novel, young hero Felix travels from Spain to England, encountering all manner of adventures along the way.
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Go To Bed
Author: Emma Lynch
Publisher: Pearson UK
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+Go to Bed explores a variety of beds, nests and homes around the world, allowing parents and teachers to support children as they develop their own reading skills.
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Go to Sleep or I Let Loose the Leopard
Author: Steve Cole Illustrator: Bruce Ingman
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+It's bedtime for Joe and Ellie, or at least it should be, but they’d much rather be playing at Mattress Monsters, Pirate Chief Pyjamas and Wresting Wild Wardrobes than going to sleep.
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Go Wild in the Woods: An Adventure Handbook
Author: Goldie Hawk Illustrator: Rachael Saunders
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 7+This fantastically comprehensive handbook for young woodland explorers is packed full of ideas about how to make the most of the great outdoors, striking the perfect balance between having fun and staying safe.
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Go, Go, Pirate Boat
Author: Katrina Charman Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 2-5
A bold and witty pirate picture book, illustrated by the masterful Nick Sharratt, designed to be sung to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Preschoolers will love learning everything there is to know about pirates!
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Goat Goes to Playgroup
Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+Julia Donaldson reassures newcomers to playgroups everywhere in this picture book with a simple rhyming text. Nick Sharratt’s bright, bold illustrations will also prompt plenty of conversations with little ones.
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Goblins
Author: Philip Reeve
Publisher: Marion Lloyd Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 11+The dark towers of Clovenstone are home to several bands of goblins who spend their time squabbling and fighting each other. But Skarper is different: he is inquisitive and clever.
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Goddess Girls: Athena the Brain
Author: Joan Holub and Suzanne Morgan Williams
Publisher: Atom
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+One morning a mystery scroll arrives for Athena, revealing that she is not a mere mortal, but is in fact the goddess daughter of Zeus, and has been summoned to enrol in Mount Olympus Academy.
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Goddess: 50 Goddesses, Spirits, Saints and Other Female Figures Who Have Shaped Belief
Author: Dr Janina Ramirez Illustrator: Sarah Walsh
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+Goddesses, spirits, saints and other female figures in world religions, faiths and practices are a fascinating and empowering subject to learn about. In Dr Ramirez’s brilliant book, 9-12 year-olds will be fascinated to learn about 50 key figures from around the world.
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Goddesses and Heroines: Women of Myth and Legend
Author: Xanthe Gresham-Knight Illustrator: Alice Pattullo
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+In this gorgeous book featuring the stories of thirteen goddesses from different cultures – Sumeria (now Iraq), China, Mexico, Japan, Nigeria, Greece, Ireland and many more – Xanthe Gresham-Knight reminds us of the powerful women of myth and legend who have always had our backs.
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Gods and Warriors: The Outsiders
Author: Michelle Paver
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 11+In the first installment of a historical trilogy set during the Mycean Bronze Age, goatherd Hylas and High Priestess's daughter Pirra find themselves thrown together on a mysterious island.
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Goggle-Eyes
Author: Anne Fine
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 10+Kitty is not only a great storyteller, she is also the world's leading expert in mothers with unwanted boyfriends.
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Going Batty
Author: John Agard Illustrator: Michael Broad
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 8-12
Reading age: 7+Dyslexia-friendly, super-readable, illustrated story about a girl whose school project (and a hidden colony in the attic) makes her face up to her greatest fear.
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Going Home
Author: Cliff McNish
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+Vicky works for Happy Paws Rescue Centre where she tries to find new homes for the 'No-Hopers of the kennels'.
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Going to Mecca
Author: Na'ima B Robert Illustrator: Valentina Cavallini
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 8+This evocative and accessible picture book invites youngsters to journey to Mecca and experience the joys, hardships and rituals of the Hajj with a Muslim family travelling from the West.
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Going to the Volcano
Author: Andy Stanton Illustrator: Miguel Ordonez
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+Dwayne is heading off with Jane to look at the volcano. But when they get there, they have a bit of a shock! This hilarious and anarchic picture book from the author of the Mr Gum series is ideal for reading aloud.
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Gold Medal Mysteries: Thief on the Track
Author: Ellie Robinson Illustrator: James Lancett
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+Can Hannah and her new friends find the missing gold medals at the Olympic Games? A satisfying mystery, celebrating sport and friendship across the borders.
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Goldilocks
Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Jessica Ahlberg
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+Favourite author Allan Ahlberg retells the favourite story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears in a host of different ways in this delightful book
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Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Author: Valeri Gorbachev
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Interest age: 2-6
Reading age: 6+When a young girl walking in the woods discovers an empty house that belongs to a family of bears, she sets about making herself comfortable...
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Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Author: Estelle Corke
Publisher: Child's Play
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+The much-loved story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is retold in this story from Child's Play's Flip-up Fairy Tale series.
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Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Author: Tony Ross
Publisher: Anderson press
Interest age: 1-3
This is a lovely re-telling of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears story, with sturdy board pages for little hands to turn. Tony Ross' beautiful illustrations are absolutely delightful and really bring the tale to life.
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Goldilocks and the Three Crocodiles
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: David Melling
Publisher: Harper Collins
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+A funny re-imagining of the classic Goldilocks fairy tale, involving three scary crocodiles! Told in brilliant rhyming prose by Michael Rosen, with beautiful illustrations by David Melling.
Mae Goldilocks a'i chi Tiddles yn cychwyn ar daith drwy'r goedwig dywyll er mwyn dod o hyd i'r tŷ hwnnw - yr un gyda'r cadeiriau, uwd, gwelyau a'r tair arth.
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Goldilocks on CCTV
Author: John Agard Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 8+By turns funny, poignant and insightful Agard’s poems are told with a direct and distinctive voice
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Gone
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 14+
Reading age: 12+Fourteen year old Sam Templeton is having a completely normal day until his teacher disappearsin the middle of a class. But he soon discovers that it isn't only their teacher who is gone - everyone over the age of fifteen has inexplicably disappeared from the small town of Perdido Beach.
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Good Day, Good Night
Author: Margaret Wise Brown Illustrator: Loren Long
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's
Interest age: 3-5
From the author of the children's classic Goodnight Moon, this charming tale of a bunny saying hello to their world in the morning and goodnight when the sun comes down is a lovely way to think about the day.
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Good Dog Lion
Author: Alexander McCall Smith Illustrator: David Dean
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 8+A heart-warming African adventure, about a kind boy and a special dog, decorated with beautiful African borders and hot, sunny illustrations.
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Good Dog McTavish
Author: Meg Rosoff Illustrator: Grace Easton
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7-9When fluffy pooch McTavish moves in, he finds his new family in quite a pickle. But not to worry because he's sure he’ll have them retrained in no time at all. A charming and heartwarming short novel, full of spark, keen observations and sly humour.
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Good Dog, Bad Dog: Double Identity
Author: Dave Shelton
Publisher: The Phoenix Presents
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+Kirk Bergman and Duncan McBoo are back: the dog detectives are on a cinematic case that gets them caught up in the movie business. The Phoenix continues to showcase the best in contemporary comics.
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Good Little Wolf
Author: Nadia Shireen
Publisher: Jonathan Cape Children's Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+Rolf is a good little wolf - he likes baking cakes, eating all his vegetables, and is always nice to his friends
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Good News
Author: Rashmi Sirdeshpande Illustrator: Adam Hayes
Publisher: Wren & Rook
Interest age: 9-13
Reading age: 9+From pandemics to war, world news can sometimes seem rather bleak, leaving many children feeling anxious and despondent. This superb, upbeat book redresses the balance, highlighting amazing news stories from around the globe.
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Good Night Like This
Author: Mary Murphy
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 0-3
Beautifully illustrated and with special sparkly purple glitter for extra sleepy time loveliness, this calm and cuddly bedtime read is a must for any bedtime routine.
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Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
Author: Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo
Publisher: Particular Books
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7+If you're worried that your children experience a lack of female role models in the worlds of science, politics, the arts, history, sport and technology, worry no more!
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Good Night, Gorilla
Author: Peggy Rathmann
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+Gorilla has stolen the zoo keeper’s keys! Before he goes home, the zoo keeper walks around the zoo saying 'Good Night' to all the animals - but Gorilla is sneaking along behind him, unlocking all the cages.
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Good Night: A Pop-Up Lullaby
Author: Jan Pieńkowski; paper engineering by Helen Balmer and Martin Taylor
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-5
Reading age: 5-6This joyously varied big hardback pop-up picture book uses rhyme to weave a raft of unusual animals into the bedtime routine, reminding us that maybe snuggling down will actually be quite fun.
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Goodbye Hobbs
Author: Emma Bettridge Illustrator: Josephine Birch
Publisher: Graffeg
Interest age: 4-5
Merlin the dog desperately misses his friend Hobbs, and finds some comforting scent messages from him. A touching story about grief – perfect for anyone who’s lost a pet.
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Goodbye House, Hello House
Author: Margaret Wild Illustrator: Ann James
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 5+A girl is saying goodbye to everything she’ll miss when she moves house. Happily, there will be plenty of new rooms to say hello to! A wonderful book about saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new, helping children through periods of change.
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Goodbye Mog
Author: Judith Kerr
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 2-5
Reading age: 6+Mog helps a new kitten settle into life with the Thomas family afer she passes away.
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Goodly and Grave In a Bad Case of Kidnap
Author: Justine Windsor Illustrator: Becka Moor
Publisher: Harper Collins
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+After being duped during an important round of poker, Lucy Goodly finds herself working for the grumpy Lord Grave at the rather unusual Grave Hall.
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Goodnight Already!
Author: Jory John Illustrator: Benji Davies
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 3-5
Bear gets frustrated when Duck keeps waking him up because he isn't tired
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Goodnight Bear: A Magic Torch Book
Author: Joshua George
Publisher: Imagine That
Interest age: 2-3
Bear is going to help us all get ready for bed, but first, she needs to say goodnight to all her friends. Can you help find them? A clever 'magic torch' slides behind an illustrated plastic screen, illuminating the images and enabling children to find certain animals and see what’s on the panel. So ingenious you’ll wonder why you haven’t seen it before.…
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Goodnight Digger
Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Nick East
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+It’s time for bed. A little boy tidies away his toy vehicles and he says goodnight to each of them in turn - his train, plane, bus and of course his favourite - the big yellow digger.
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Goodnight Everyone
Author: Chris Haughton
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+The visuals are the main appeal of this beautiful bedtime book, which explodes with a fantastic pink-and-purple starry colour palette, as well as having a simple and lulling bedtime story that will help little ones yawn along.
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Goodnight Mister Tom
Author: Michelle Magorian
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+Willie Beech, a lonely and deprived child, is evacuated to a tiny English village just before the Second World War, and finds himself living with reclusive widower Thomas Oakley.
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Goodnight Monkey: A Magic Torch Book
Author: Joshua George Illustrator: Zhanna Ovocheva
Publisher: Imagine That
Interest age: 1-3
Monkey is going to help us all say goodnight - but first she needs to say goodnight to her friends. Can you help find them? An ingenious interactive book.
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Goodnight Moon
Author: Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Herd
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 0-3
Margaret Wise Brown's comforting, rhythmical text makes Goodnight Moon a timeless picture book, which is known and loved around the world. This gentle bedtime story, which has lulled generations of children to sleep, is the perfect first book to share at bedtime.
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Goodnight Spaceman
Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Nick East
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+Opening with a special letter from the first British ESA astronaut Tim Peake, this rhyming picture book will inspire any child who gazes at the night sky, longing to explore space. Informative, exciting and beautifully illustrated.
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Goodnight Tiger
Author: Timothy Knapman Illustrator: Laura Hughes
Publisher: Little Tiger Press
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 6+The animals in Emily's wallpaper can't get to sleep and they're keeping her awake... so she decides to climb into the wallpaper to show them how to settle down. A fun way to reinforce the idea of a bedtime routine - with lots of laughs along the way.
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Goodnight Tiptoe
Author: Polly Dunbar
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 3+This charming book will help children to better understand their own bedtime routine.
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Goodnight World
Author: Nicola Edwards Illustrator: Hannah Tolson
Publisher: Caterpillar Books
Interest age: 2-5
When it’s time to say 'Goodnight', every language has a different way of saying the same thing. This soothing picture book has a lilting rhyme throughout as it helps us learn the phrase in various languages - along with the message that whatever our language or culture, we all sleep under the same stars, and bedtime is special for everyone.
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Goodnight, Baby Moon
Author: James Mitchem Illustrator: Claire Patane
Publisher: DK
Interest age: 1-3
The simple story introduces young readers to the moon phases in a lovely, reassuring manner and makes a charming bedtime read.
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Goodnight, Little Bunny
Author: Amanda Wood Illustrator: Bec Winnel and Vikki Chu
Publisher: Magic Cat
Interest age: 0-3
Little Bunny sets out from her burrow for the first time - there are adventures to be had before it's time for bed. A simply told story and a very sweet book that combines illustrated backgrounds with real photography.
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Goodnight, Little Llama
Author: Amanda Wood Illustrator: Bec Winnel and Vikki Chu
Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing
Interest age: 0-3
Little Llama is the smallest in the herd and she can't always keep up! When Chinchilla offers to go to the top of the mountain with her, she realises friends come in all shapes and sizes.
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Goose
Author: Laura Wall
Publisher: Award Publications
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 4+- Brightly coloured picture book with simple and enchanting illustrations.
- Sophie meets Goose on a trip to the park and they soon become inseparable.
- Part of the Goose series, with other titles about the birthdays, school and the zoo.
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Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth
Author: Alex Latimer
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+Gordon is terribly mean. But when Anthony the Piglet gives him a flower, he feels unsettled. Could he be brave instead of mean? A very funny story with amazing colour illustrations.
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Gorilla
Author: Anthony Browne
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 6+Hannah's favourite animals in the whole world are gorillas, but her dad is always too busy to take her to the zoo.
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Gorilla Dawn
Author: Gill Lewis
Publisher: Oxford
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+This book tells the story of Imara, taken as a small child from her village when rebels raid it, and brainwashed into thinking that she has magical powers.
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Gormenghast
Author: Mervyn Peake
Publisher: Vintage Classics
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 13+Enter the world of Gormenghast, to which the seventy-seventh Earl, Titus Groan, is Lord and heir. It is a kingdom of Byzantine rule and ancient ritual weighed down by centuries of intrigue, treachery, manipulation and murder.
A classic of the fantasy genre, perfect for those who have finished The Lord of the Rings and are looking to move on to some…
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Gotcha!
Author: Clotilde Perrin Translator: Daniel Hahn
Publisher: Gecko Press
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+Look out! Three fearsome monsters are coming to gobble you up! Hide inside the houses of the three little pigs, Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping Beauty. With 40 flaps to lift, this large format picture book is lots of fun for all ages.
Mae hwn yn llyfr stori tylwyth teg rhyngweithiol gwych gyda 40 fflap i'w codi. Mae ei fformat mawr yn ei wneud yn ddelfrydol …
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Goth Girl and the Fete Worse than Death
Author: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 8-14
Reading age: 8+Chris Riddell's third book in the Goth Girl series intrigues and delights with a cakey combination of adventure, love and webbed footnotes.
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Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse
Author: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+Fans of Chris Riddell's Ottoline books will love this quirky story about young heroine Ada Goth.
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Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony
Author: Chris Riddell
Publisher: PanMacmillan
Interest age: 7-12
Reading age: 8+It's a musical time of year at Ghastly-Gorm Hall, which of course means another eerie mystery for Ada Goth to solve. Lord Goth is throwing a festival, with performances from the most renowned composers in the land. Ada can't wait, but is also preoccupied with the worrying fact that grandmother is trying to find her father a brand new wife, also there's a fau…
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Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright
Author: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 7-12
Reading age: 8+While famous writers and their pampered pets gather for a literary dog show at Ghastly-Gorm Hall, Goth Girl Ada has a mystery to solve. This high-speed adventure is penned and illustrated by the children's laureate, Chris Riddell.
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Grab that Rabbit!
Author: Polly Faber and Briony May Smith
Publisher: Pavilion
Interest age: 3-5
Hodge has been eating the carrots in Mrs Sprat’s garden, but gets stuck in the hedge. Will Mrs Sprat make rabbit pie for dinner, or try to forgive? Reminiscent of Peter Rabbit, this beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book is, ultimately, a tale of friendship.
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Grace and Family
Author: Mary Hoffman Illustrator: Caroline Binch
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+In this sequel to Amazing Grace, Grace is invited by her father to visit him in Africa. In the Gambia she meets his family and explores new relationships and a new culture.
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Grace at Christmas
Author: Mary Hoffman Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 6+The meaning of Christmas is encompassed in this tenderly yet realistically illustrated contemporary family story about sharing and celebration
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Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code
Author: Laurie Wallmark Illustrator: Katy Wu
Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Interest age: 5-12
Reading age: 8+The inspiring story of Grace Hopper: someone who revolutionised computer science and used her sparky sense of humour to make up the term “computer bug”. A great read for children in need of inspiration when it comes to science and maths.
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Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest
Author: Susan Brownrigg
Publisher: Uclan Publishing
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+Gracie and her family have just moved to Blackpool to live by the sea, but when Gracie's Ma mysteriously disappears, it's down to Gracie, her little brother, and her new friends to unravel the mystery of her past to try and find her.
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Gracie Grabbit and the Tiger
Author: Helen Stephens
Publisher: Alison Green Books
Interest age: 3-7
Reading age: 5+Gracie's daddy, Bobby Grabbit is very naughty, because he steals things from other people. When they go to the zoo, he even steals from the people and the animals there! Fortunately, Gracie's there to put things right and make sure that Daddy sees he error of his ways - with the help of the Tiger!
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Grandad Mandela
Author: Zazi Ziwelene & Zindzi Mandela Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Publisher: Lincoln Children’s Books
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 6+This insightful and uplifting picture book recounts the life of Nelson Mandela through the eyes of his great-grandchildren, Zazi and Ziwelene, as they ask their grandmother (Mandela’s daughter) a series of questions about him.
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Grandad’s Camper
Author: Harry Woodgate
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+A little girl helps her grandfather move on from his grief and look forward to fresh adventures. A poignant tale that acknowledges the sadness of losing a loved one but celebrates the pleasure of remembering those who have touched our lives.
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Grandad’s Pride
Author: Harry Woodgate
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 4+The sequel to the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winning Grandad’s Camper is full of verve and beautiful illustration from author-illustrator Harry Woodgate, with a simple but meaningful story about the history of Pride, and the importance of supporting inclusive communities.
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Grandad’s Secret Giant
Author: David Litchfield
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-5
Although the Secret Giant is rarely seen, grandad is convinced he exists. Maybe he's lonely, and just needs a friend? There's a mysterious luminosity to the illustrations of this magical story about accepting people who are different.
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Grandad's Island
Author: Benji Davies
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 7+A subtle story about love and loss enhanced by delightful illustrations.
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Grandma
Author: Jessica Shepherd
Publisher: Child's Play
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 4+This is a sensitive and touching picture book that helps young children understand dementia.
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Grandma Dangerous and the Egg of Glory
Author: Kita Mitchell Illustrator: Nathan Reed
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 6+The plot of this book is utterly far-fetched and yet strangely believable, and the hilarious characters are a delight! With short chapters and black-and-white line drawings, this fast-paced tale is ideal for confident independent readers who enjoy plenty of chuckles.
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Grandma's Bill
Author: Martin Waddell Illustrator: Jane Johnson
Publisher: Hodder Wayland
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 7+Bill and his Grandma look through an album containing old photographs - a touching story about a young boy's special relationship with his grandparents.
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Grandmas from Mars
Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Fred Blunt
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 6+Martians hatch a cunning plan to invade the Earth disguised as grannies, so everyone will obey them and they can take over the world! Can Fred and Nell stop them and get their grandmother back? A wonderfully wacky tale.
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Grandpa Bert and the Ghost Snatchers
Author: Malorie Blackman Illustrator: Melanie Demmer
Publisher: Little Gems
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 7+When Grandma Gertie visits Anna and Kasper from Barbados, they discover that the ghost of Grandpa Bert is in her handbag! Meanwhile, some ghost snatchers are determined to capture him. Fast-paced and funny.
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Grandpa Frank's Great Big Bucket List
Author: Jenny Pearson Illustrator: David O'Connell
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 7+Funny, heart-warming and full of slapstick comedy: Frank’s on a mission to use his half-a-million-pound inheritance to make his grandpa happy.
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Grandpa Was an Astronaut
Author: Jonathan Meres Illustrator: Hannah Coulson
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+Sherman is fascinated by the moon - all the more so because he knows someone who has actually been there, his Grandpa!
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Grandpa's Great Escape
Author: David Walliams Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 7-12
Reading age: 8+Jack and his World War II flying-ace Grandpa hatch a daring plan for Grandpa to escape from his dreadful old-age home, Twilight Towers.
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Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush
Author: Patrice Lawrence Illustrator: Camilla Sucre
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6-8Ava must dress up as someone she admires for a school project, but can’t decide who to be, so Granny offers to help. As they search for inspiration in Granny’s trunk of clothes, Ava is intrigued when she finds a small, cardboard suitcase, containing four objects: an empty jar, a pebble, a small blue hat and a pair of delicate lace gloves. Granny shares the p…
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Granny Samurai, the Monkey King & I
Author: John Chambers
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+Eccentric young wordsmith Samuel Johnson finds himself home alone while his diplomat uncle is off diverting a crisis in Azerbajan. As Samuel sits penning his memoirs and wondering how to divert the crisis in his own life - namely the big, hairy brute that is Boris Hissocks.
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Granny Ting Ting
Author: Patrice Lawrence Illustrator: Adam Larkum
Publisher: A&C Black (imprint of Bloomsbury)
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 5-8Granny Ting Ting is a delightfully funny story that looks at the cultural differences between two cousins who live in different counties: perfect for early readers and children making the transition from picture books.
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Granpa
Author: John Burningham
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 3-8
Reading age: 4+A sensitive and moving exploration of the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather.
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Grasshopper Jungle
Author: Andrew Smith
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Interest age: 14+
Reading age: 13+Grasshopper Jungle is both an exciting edge-of-your-seat young adult dystopia, and a bold and thoughtful novel about history and identity.
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Grave Matter
Author: Juno Dawson Illustrator: Alex T Smith
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 13-16
Reading age: 8+After Eliza dies, Samuel gets caught up in the sinister rituals of an occult sect, which promises to bring back his one true love.A chilling, supernatural tale of love, obsession and the darkest magic presented in a high-spec, super-readable format.
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Grave Mercy
Author: Robin Lafevers
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 13+Ismae Rienne is a novice with the Sisters of St Mortain who serve the God of Death and are sworn to protect the kingdom of Brittany at all costs.
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Great Lives in Graphics: Cleopatra
Author: Button Books
Publisher: Button Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+If reading about historical figures usually seems like hard work, this exciting, colourful, graphics-packed book about the legendary Cleopatra could be the one to change your mind.
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Greek Myths
Author: Jean Menzies Illustrator: Katie Ponder
Publisher: DK
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+A wealth of Greek myths and legends are told engagingly and simply in this gorgeously illustrated hardback, filled with colourful, graphic illustration by Katie Ponder.
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Green Eggs and Ham
Author: Dr Seuss
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 2-5
In Dr Seuss' rhyming classic, Sam-I-Am’s decided he’s going to invite his friend to try a very unusual dish: green eggs and ham! But his friend is decidedly against the idea...
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Green Glass Beads
Author: Various Editor: Jacqueline Wilson
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+An eclectic collection of poetry that mixes old and contemporary, funny and deadly serious poems
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Green Lizards vs Red Rectangles
Author: Steve Antony
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 2-6
Reading age: 5+This fabulously designed green and red picture book explores ideas around conflict, war and taking sides for young children, and is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
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Green Rising
Author: Lauren James
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 12-18
Reading age: 12+When teenagers across the globe develop the ability to grow plants from their skin, they become the subject of fierce debate - but could they use their powers to save the planet? A gripping, topical YA adventure.
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Green: The Story of Plant Life on Our Planet
Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Emily Sutton
Publisher: Walker
Interest age: 4-11
Reading age: 7+A beautifully illustrated book explaining how plants evolved and how they work now.
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Greenwild: The World Behind the Door
Author: Pari Thomson Illustrator: Elisa Paganelli
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Daisy discovers a world where people use green magic to protect nature everywhere. But these Botanists are vanishing and precious plants are being stolen. Can Daisy and her friends save Greenwild – and her own world too? A thrilling, immersive fantasy, beautifully written and truly original.
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Greta and the Ghost Hunters
Author: Sam Copeland Illustrator: Sarah Horne
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+Greta's mum and dad want to put Grandma in a home because she keeps insisting she can see ghosts... but Greta discovers their house really IS haunted. Part ghost story, part absurdist comedy, welcome to the world of Greta’s hilariously dysfunctional family - told by a very unusual narrator!
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Greta and the Giants
Author: Zoë Tucker Illustrator: Zoe Persico
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 5+This story, inspired by the life of Greta Thunberg, is for very young children. Suitably for the age group, it's a tale of hope, positivity and friendship, but there are also ideas at the end for how to get more involved in campaigning.
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Greta Zargo and the Death Robots from Outer Space
Author: A.F. Harrold Illustrator: Joe Todd Stanton
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9-12Greta Zargo is the key to protecting planet Earth from space robots - but is she too busy tracking down a cake thief to notice? A silly joy of a book that mashes up The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy with The Great British Bake Off.
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Gretel the Wonder Mammoth
Author: Kim Hillyard
Publisher: Ladybird Books
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 4+This book follows Gretel, the very last mammoth, as she tackles her anxiety with the help of her friends and learns her place in the world.
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Grey Island Red Boat
Author: Ian Beck
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 5+Everything on the Island of Ashes is grey, including the land, the sea, the trees, the flowers and maybe even the hearts of the islanders.
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Grill Pan Eddy
Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 8+Grill Pan Eddy is a daring and very intelligent mouse who takes up residence in a box of porridge oats and flatly refuses to be caught despite the family's best efforts.
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Grimwood
Author: Nadia Shireen
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 7+Fox siblings Ted and Nancy live in the big city but decide to find Grimwood, a faraway forest where they can lie low. Nadia Shireen’s first illustrated middle grade novel is a brilliantly hilarious and heartwarming tale, full of her trademark anarchic humour.
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Grobblechops
Author: Elizabeth Laird Illustrator: Jenny Lucander
Publisher: Tiny Owl
Interest age: 3-5
A stunningly illustrated reworking of a classic "monster under the bed" story, which helps defuse the fear for the next generation of youngsters.
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Grown-Ups Never Do That
Author: Davide Cali Illustrator: Benjamin Chaud
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 5+Determined to document adults misbehaving, a gang of kids spy on the grown-ups as they go about their days, breaking all the rules that they impose on children. Absolutely delightful and tons of fun.
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Grrrrr!
Author: Rob Biddulph
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 3-5
The best bear in the wood competition is here, and defending champion Fred looks to be unbeatable again. But newcomer Boris might be trouble… Bright and beautiful illustrations, great characters and a fabulously fun set-up.
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Grumpy Cat
Author: Britta Teckentrup
Publisher: Boxer Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+Cat eats, sleeps and spends his days alone. The other cats think he is grumpy, but really he is just lonely. But then Kitten turns up and everything changes.
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Grumpy Frog
Author: Ed Vere
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children’s Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+Ed Vere’s adorable illustration and sense of humour tells a wonderful story about little Frog overcoming his own anger and trying to think about others. There are also sweet and funny touches that help make this a very special book.
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Grumpy Hat
Author: Nicola Kent
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 2-5
This engaging picture book, with delightful canine characters, explores difficult emotions with young children, helping them to develop empathy and emotional awareness.
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Grumpycorn
Author: Sarah McIntyre
Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+This entertaining picture book about friendship, collaboration and determination is a delight to share with young children. Vibrant illustrations, which are full of humorous detail, burst from every page to bring the funny, warm-hearted tale to life.
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Grymm
Author: Keith Austin
Publisher: Red Fox
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 11+Mina and Jacob find themselves relocated to the desert town of Grymm, home to a host of very odd and sinister characters.
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Guardian Angel
Author: Robert Muchamore
Publisher: Hodder Childrens Books
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 13+In this installment of the CHERUB series, Ryan is once again engaged in trying to protect Ethan from his Uncle Leonid, who will stop at nothing to see Ethan dead.
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Guardians of the Wild Unicorns
Author: Lindsay Littleson
Publisher: Kelpies (Floris Books)
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+A heroic, contemporary tale mixing mythology, suspense and humour as two youngsters put themselves in danger in order to save the world’s few remaining wild unicorns from ruthless exploitation.
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Guess How Much I Love You
Author: Sam McBratney Illustrator: Anita Jeram
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 0-3
Reading age: 0-3This modern classic is a wonderful story about love between a child and a parent, which is never too early to share with your baby. The repetitive text lends itself perfectly to a soothing bedtime read.
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Guess What I Found in Dragon Wood
Author: Timothy Knapman Illustrator: Gwen Millward
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+Dragon is excited – and just a little scared – when he finds the Benjamin
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Guess Who’s Going to Sleep
Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Marta Altés
Publisher: Walker
Interest age: 2-3
Lift the flap board book with optical illusions
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Guinea Pig Party
Author: Holly Surplice
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+Ten little guinea pigs are having a party - but it's all going a bit wrong...
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Guinea Pigs Online
Author: Jennifer Gray and Amanda Smith Illustrator: Sarah Horne
Publisher: Quercus Publishing
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 8+When Fuzzy the guinea pig goes missing, his friend Coco must track him down - and rescue him from a sinister chef before he is filleted, fried and served up for dinner.
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Guinness World Records: Wild Things
Author: Guinness World Records
Publisher: Guinness World Records
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Do you know what the smallest owl is, or the largest snake? Which animals are the most bloodthirsty, or which are the sleepiest? This book describes itself as 'a globe-trotting adventure through the animal kingdom' – and that’s exactly what it is!
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Guitar Girl
Author: Sarra Manning
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 10+17-year-old Molly and her two friends dream of starting a girl band, but when her dream comes true she's left struggling to remember who she was before she became lead singer of The Hormones.
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Guji-Guji
Author: Chih-Yaun Chen
Publisher: Gecko Press
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+One day a rather unusual egg rolls into Mother Duck's nest and it hatches to reveal a baby crocodile. The little creature becomes a perfectly happy 'crocoduck', until one day he is asked to betray his duckling brothers and sisters…This warm and witty picture book is by an award-winning Taiwanese author and illustrator and is a great way to intro…
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Gullstruck Island
Author: Frances Hardinge
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+On Gullstruck Island the volcanoes quarrel, beetles sing danger and occasionally a Lost is born. Discover a dazzling world, a breathtaking heroine ...and an incredible adventure.
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Gus and Me
Author: Keith Richards Illustrator: Theodora Richards
Publisher: Orion
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 8In this beautifully presented book/CD combo, Richards tells the story of his granddad and his first guitar
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Gut Garden
Author: Katie Brosnan
Publisher: Cicada Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+Microbes are tiny life forms you can only see with a microscope – but what do they do? And are they helpful, harmful, or both? Katie Brosnan describes a microscopic universe which marvels with its ingenuity, variety and scale. This is a wonderful and eye-opening guide to the smallest things in the world.
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Guto a Dreigiau'r Nos / The Boy Who Dreamed Dragons
Author: Caryl Lewis Illustrator: Carmen Saldana
Publisher: Lolfa
Interest age: 4-5
Dyma lyfr sydd yn arwain plant trwy’r broses o wneud ffrindiau newydd gan ddefnyddio hud a lledrith i hwyluso’r ffordd.
This book guides children through the process of making new friends using magic to help along the way.
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Gypsy Girl
Author: Kathryn James
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 14+
Reading age: 10+A complicated heroine, troubled romance and intriguing plot in this teenage thriller.