Fungus the Bogeyman by Raymond Briggs

Deep in the tunnels of Bogeydom, Fungus is getting ready for another night as a Bogeyman.  After a restless day's sleep (bed too dry, not enough slime), waking up to a miserable sunny evening and going to work is the last thing Fungus feels like doing.  However, being a responsible husband to Mildew and father to Mould,  Fungus takes the long journey Up Top, where he begins his night of Bogling.  Creating boils, making things go 'bump' in the night and blocking disgustingly clean lavatories are all in a night's work for Fungus.The problem is, is Fungus doing a good enough job?

For those of you of a *ahem* certain age, Fungus the Bogeyman will likely be a familiar and fondly remembered character.  Now in his 35th year, Fungus has lost none of his appeal, in fact he may fit into the children's book world even better today than he did in 1977. This anniversary edition is a perfect way of introducing Raymond Briggs' wonderfully revolting Fungus to a new generation, or for mums and dads to reminisce about the days when they would read about slime, boils and bogeys with glee!


Age range 5-10. £7.99. Penguin

Department 19: The Rising by Will Hill

The Rising picks up the story of Jamie Carpenter and his friends not long after the extraordinary and bloody events on Lindisfarne, which ended book 1 of this fantastic series.

Jamie is now a fully-fledged Department 19 operator - and for those who don't know, Department 19 is the government department responsible for the control of supernatural threats.  Along with Lindisfarne survivor Kate, and his vampire girlfriend Larissa, Jamie forms part of one the top D19 operator squads. When a series of gruesome murders are followed with the mysterious threat 'HE RISES', the whole of Department 19 are on high alert.  The message is clear: the oldest and most feared vampire of all time, Dracula,  is about to return, and the department have no doubt as to the havoc he will wreak on the human population if he regains his strength.

All the while, Jamie is struggling to cope with the death of his close friend and mentor, Frankenstein, as well as coming to terms with the difficulties in his relationship with Larissa. He needs to put aside his personal demons and deal with the threat, but will it be too late?

If you enjoyed the first Department 19, you will definitely not be disappointed by this fast-paced, gripping and just-as-bloody sequel. With revelations galore and an ending that will knock your socks off, book 3 can't come too soon as far as we're concerned!  And if you haven't read Department 19, well, why on earth not?!

Age 13+ Harper Collins £12.99

The Bumper Book of London by Becky Jones and Claire Lewis

Now that we've had some sunny days, lots of us have found ourselves itching to emerge from our winter hibernation and get outside for some fun in the fresh air!

The Bumper Book of London is the perfect companion for your adventures. Packed full of exciting ideas for days out, handy maps and fascinating facts, this book has enough in it to keep you busy all spring, and all summer.  And don't worry, with lots of indoor attractions too, there will still be plenty to do on those inevitable rainy days.

Becky Jones and Claire Lewis are also the authors of London Adventure Walks and know the area like the back of their hand, so this book is definitely worth having if you're short of ideas and want to get out and about this Easter.

Age 5-15, PB, Frances Lincoln, £9.99

Books You've Always Meant to Read - Pride and Prejudice

In the spirit of the new adults fiction section in store, I have chosen to review one of my favourite novels; Pride and Prejudice. An unforgettable read, I fell in love with this novel whilst studying it at school

Arguably Jane Austen’s most famous and popular novel, Pride and Prejudice is a must read for all lovers of classic prose. This definitive piece of literature, first published in 1813 is still popular and relevant for today’s contemporary readers, with its beautifully written plot resonating with the reader long after they have put it down.

Following the tumultuous love lives of the five Bennett daughters, headed by the well-loved heroine Elizabeth and driven by the empty headed Mrs Bennett, this creatively woven novel  includes themes of social class and wealth as they are each faced with their own often humorous dilemmas. Though the young women are not affluent in wealth, they certainly are in wit and intelligence, as the reader will easily be able to relate to them. Not forgetting the proud and prominent character of Mr Darcy, this novel includes every vital ingredient needed to create the perfect page turner.

A vivid and heart-rending read, it is brimming with entertaining and often poignant moments that will keep the reader engaged throughout. Not to be deterred with its label as a classic or ‘chick-lit’, I can truly recommend this to any book worms or readers in need of a simply beautiful read; they can’t get much better than this.

Small and Tall Tales of Extinct Animals

Small and Tall Tales of Extinct Animals, by Helene Rajcak

Gaint Beavers? Dwarf Hippos? Sea Cows? Unheard of, right? Wrong! All these animals existed many years ago before their species died out. Find out more about these creatures and many others in this fascinating book documenting their stories, complete with drawings bringing them back to life. Buy it now whilst there's £1 off!

Age Range: 6-12, Hardback, £14.99

Seasons

Seasons, by Blexbolex

This beautiful book is filled with gorgeous illustrations bursting with bright colours and bold shapes highlighting all the things we love about the seasons. From winter chestnuts to spring swallows this book covers all the beauties we witness and experience during the changes of the seasons.

Age Range: Children/ Juvenile, Hardback, £12.99

Dog Loves Drawing

Dog Loves Drawing, by Louise Yates

Louise Yates' latest book is the winner of the Roald Dahl's Funny Prize and its clear to see why with its colourful and exciting images that come to life on the page. A great way to encourage children to explore their imaginations run wild...just like dogs!

Age Range: 0-5, Paperback, £5.99

Don't Put Your Pants On Your Head, Fred!

Don't Put Your Pants On Your Head, Fred!, by Caryl Hart

Fred is always in a muddle getting dressed, he just can't get it right! Will the Queen be able to help him or will he wind up causing hassle in the castle? This funny book is laugh out loud and easy to read with its lively animation and rhythmic sentences. Perfect for any mischevious child who just can't figure out where his pants go!

Age Range: 0-5, Paperback, £5.99

Croc and Bird

Croc and Bird, by Alexis Deacon 

Two eggs hatch together. One's a bird. One's a crocodile. Surely they're not brothers?

This stunning book follows the story of these two characters and how they teach each other their individual skills. A touching tale of how family ties aren't always so obvious to everyone but can be found right under your nose!

Age Range: 0-5, Hardback, £10.99

The Big Book of Monsters

The Big Book of Monsters, by Jenny Arthur and Maggie Bateson

Help find the partying monsters under the bed and around the house in this vibrant and colourful pop-up book. The pull out tabs and lift up flaps are great for kids to get involved in reading whilst the smiley and bright characters mean there's no longer a reason to be afraid of monsters!

Age Range: 0-5, Hardback, £9.99

My Mum is Fantastic

My Mum is Fantastic, by Nick Butterworth

This classic book from Nick Butterworth is one of a series praising family members, we've heard of Brilliant Dad and Wonderful Grandma; now its Mum's turn! Mums truly are fantastic and you're guaranteed to see something of your own mum in these beautifully illustrated pages. Lets all praise our FANTASIC Mums!

Age Range: 0-5, Paperback, £5.99

My Mum is Beautiful

My Mum is Beautiful, by Jessica Spanyol

This sweet and touching book is a new title from Jessica Spanyol listing the reasons why mum is beautiful. From her wonderful snuggles to the toys in her bath this picture book shows us how its the little things that makes mums beautiful.

Age Range: 0-5, Hardback, £11.99

Peppa Pig: My Mummy

Peppa Pig: My Mummy

This brand new book from the Peppa Pig collection sees Peppa highight all the things she loves about her mummy, such as jumping in muddy puddles with her. A perfect present on Mothers Day making us all think of what it is about our mums that make them so special.

Age Range: 0-5, Hardback, £4.99

My Mum's The Best

My Mum's The Best, by Rosie Smith

This funny and artistic book shows us how the mothers in the animal kingdom teach their babies important skillls...but do they remind you of anyone? Whether wild or tame, all mothers have skills to be passed on- that's why they're the best!  Perfect to read along with stunning drawings, this book is unmissable for mothers day!

Age Range: 0-5, Paperback, £5.99