"Hayley discovers the importance of giving people a chance in this thought-provoking tale from critically acclaimed author Lesley Parr.
Hayley is furious that her beloved cat, Judy Garland, keeps sneaking off to the garden of the weird old lady across the street. Lillian, or Boo, as Hayley calls her, hasn’t left her house for years, not since the council came up with their plan to knock down the row of houses to make way for a new development.
Everyone in the street dismisses Lillian as an eccentric old woman, but when Hayley is forced to get to know her, an unlikely bond develops between them and Hayley learns the real reason behind Lillian’s reluctance to move.
But when a misunderstanding threatens their friendship, Hayley must use all of her ingenuity to repair it.
Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8."
"Bloomsbury presents Fallout by Lesley Parr, read by Scott Arthur.
Is Marcus's fate decided by his family? Or can he stand up for himself to become the person he really wants to be?
A totally gripping read for readers of 10 and over, from the winner of the Wales Children's Book of the Year Award 2023.
Marcus has one brother in a youth offender centre and the other is working with their dad on plans for their next theft. Everyone assumes Marcus will follow in their footsteps, but he has other ideas, different hopes.
When a mysterious accident lands a man in hospital, it confirms what everyone in their community expects and Marcus gets the blame. He feels trapped. Only new girl Emma – with her peace protest banners and political badges – questions this story. Can they work together to clear his name – and help Marcus become the person he really wants to be?
'An exceptional story from one of our finest writers' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
An exciting and moving story about questioning your loyalties, from the acclaimed author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. Perfect for readers of 10+ who love Phil Earle, Frank Cottrell-Boyce or Brian Conaghan. C 2024 Lesley Parr P 2024 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"
"Bloomsbury presents Where The River Takes Us by Lesley Parr, read by Scott Arthur.
From the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets comes a thrilling adventure about the power of friendship, set in a Welsh valley in the 1970s, for readers of 9+. Shortlisted for the 2024 Tir na n-Og Awards.
Jason lives with his big brother, Richie, trying their best to make ends meet so they can stay together. They've got supportive neighbours and some great friends, but there's always the threat that someone will think they can't manage on their own since their parents died. It’s February 1974 and working-class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less work, and less money to get by on. Richie is doing his best, but to make enough money, he’s been doing favours for the wrong people.
An urban legend about a beast in the valleys catches Jason's eye in the local paper. A wild cat is said to roam the forest, far up the river from their bridge. A reward is offered for proof of The Beast’s existence. Jason's friends are desperate to help him, and they convince him that this is the answer to his and Richie’s money problems.
And so a quest begins. Four best friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them … forever.
With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure is packed with irresistible characters and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this another timeless story from one of our finest writers of historical fiction for kids.
'What a story. What a writer. Simply stunning' – Emma Carroll
Selected as The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week 12 March 2023
Longlisted for the Historical Association Young Quills Award 2024 C 2023 Lesley Parr P 2023 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"
"Bloomsbury presents When The War Came Home by Lesley Parr, read by Maya Grant.
WINNER: Wales Book of the Year 2023
A STIRRING HISTORICAL MYSTERY SET IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR, FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS
The First World War has ended, but it hasn’t gone away. When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war and shellshock.
Her cousin Huw can’t forget the terrible things he’s seen, but another young soldier Johnny doesn’t even remember who he is. Natty wishes she could get through to Huw and is desperate to help Johnny recover his memories but what can she do that the nurses and doctors haven't already tried?
Meanwhile Natty is fighting her own battles – protesting to get the local authority to help the schoolchildren who can't afford a midday meal. As she gets embroiled in the cause, and in trying to help the young soldiers, she starts to unravel a mystery. Natty knows that – just as Jonny and Huw did – she must fight for what she believes in, and she learns that some things should never be forgotten …
This mesmerising historical mystery includes an interactive clue so readers can unravel the mystery alongside the characters. Highly commended for the Young Quills Award 2023.
'A heartfelt, hopeful tale of the human spirit's incredible ability to recover' – Emma Carroll C 2022 Lesley Parr P 2022 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"
"Bloomsbury presents The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr, read by Iestyn Arwel.
A page-turning mystery about bravery and brotherhood among evacuees in the Second World War, from an prize-winning author.
September 1939.
When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn’t be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place.
But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed.
Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy – and the village – forever.
A perfect book for readers of 9 and over who love Michael Morpurgo's stories.
'Beautifully told. This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded' – The Sunday Times C 2021 Lesley Parr P 2021 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"
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