Grandpa’s Great Escape
David Williams
Harper Collin’s Children’s Books (paperback), 2015
PRs 1095
Jack’s Grandpa wears his slippers to the supermarket, serves up tinned tongue for dinner, and often doesn’t remember Jack’s name
But he can still take to the skies in a speeding Spitfire and save the day…
An exquisite portrait of the bond between a small boy and his beloved Grandpa – this book takes readers on an incredible journey with Spitfires over London and Great Escapes through the city in a high octane adventure full of comedy and heart. Illustrated by the award-winning Tony Ross.
What people are saying:
“A pleasure to read. A beguilingly funny, original and thought-provoking tale… hilarious” – Amanda Craig, The Times
“I absolutely love David Walliams’s books. In a few more years they will become classics” – Sue Townsend, author of Adrian Mole, Guardian
“The new Roald Dahl” – Evening Standard
“A triumphant mix of wit and warmth” – Telegraph Books of the Year
“Ridiculously over-the-top and utterly delightful “ – Spectator
“Another triumph for David Walliams. His books are a breath of wonderful fresh air” – Sun
“David Walliams’ children’s books are now guaranteed bestsellers… watch this fly off the shelves” – Daily Mail
“Delightfully funny” – Metro
Marina
Carlos Ruiz Zafon
W&N (hardcover), 2015
PRs 1595
‘Fifteen years on, the remembrance of that day has returned to me. I have seen that boy wandering through the mist of the railway station, and the name of Marina has flared up again like a fresh wound. We all have a secret buried under lock and key in the attic of our soul. This is mine...’
In May 1980, 15-year-old Óscar Drai suddenly vanishes from his boarding school in the old quarter of Barcelona. For seven days and nights no one knows his whereabouts...
His story begins in the heart of old Barcelona, when he meets Marina and her father German Blau, a portrait painter. Marina takes Óscar to a cemetery to watch a macabre ritual that occurs on the fourth Sunday of each month. At 10am precisely a coach pulled by black horses appears. From it descends a woman dressed in black, her face shrouded, wearing gloves, holding a single rose. She walks over to a gravestone that bears no name, only the mysterious emblem of a black butterfly with open wings.
When Óscar and Marina decide to follow her they begin a journey that will take them to the heights of a forgotten, post-war Barcelona, a world of aristocrats and actresses, inventors and tycoons; and a dark secret that lies waiting in the mysterious labyrinth beneath the city streets.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón was born in Barcelona and is the author of seven novels including The Shadow of the Wind. He is one of the world’s most read and best-loved writers. His work has been translated into more than 40 languages and published around the world, garnering numerous international prizes and reaching millions of readers. He divides his time between Barcelona and Los Angeles.
This Books Loves You
PewDiePie
Penguin (paperback), 2015
PRs 1045
This Book Loves You is a collection of beautifully illustrated inspirational sayings by which you should live your life. If you follow each and every one, your life will become easier, more fabulous, more rewarding.
Imagine what a chilled-out and wonderful human being people would think you were if you lived by the simple principle: ‘You can never fail if you never try.’ Your wasted life would be an inspiration to others. Think of all the pointless, unhappy striving you could simply give up. Throw away that guitar! Give up on your dreams! Embrace your astounding mediocrity.
This Book Loves You has something for everyone - or at least everyone willing to give up and stop caring. If all else fails, remember: ‘Don’t be yourself. Be a pizza. Everyone loves pizza.’
PewDiePie was sent to planet Earth to dispense wisdom, teach us common sense and instruct us in the ancient art of Inspirology. PewDiePie just wants to make you happy. PewDiePie loves you even more than this book does - isn’t that enough for you?
Cash: The Autobiography
Johnny Cash
Harper Collins (paperback), 2000
PRs 795
This fascinating autobiography of the country music legend recounts the highs and lows, the struggles and hard-won triumphs of his remarkable life.
The story takes us from Johnny Cash’s childhood on an Arkansas cotton farm to his early years at Sun Records. We read of his life on the road and meetings with, and performances for, world leaders. There is also the darker side of his life: the years of addiction to amphetamines and pain killers, a suicide attempt and the spiritual awakening that pulled him through.
He looks unsparingly at his turbulent past, but remains a man of honesty, humility and humour. His memoir reveals his friendships with Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Billy Graham.
The Mughal Throne: The Saga of India’s Greatest Emperors
Abraham Eraly
W&N (paperback), 2004
PRs 1695
A history of the great Mughal rulers of India, one of the world’s greatest empires.
In December 1525, Babur, the great grandson of the Mongol conqueror Tamberlaine, crossed the Indus river into the Punjab with a modest army and some cannon. At the battle of Panipat five months later he routed the mammoth army of the Afghan ruler of Hindustan. Mughal rule in India had begun. It was to continue for over three centuries, shaping India for all time. Full of dramatic episodes and colourful detail, The Mughal Empire tells the story of one of the world’s great empires.