Contemporary takes on children's classics
New stories with beloved characters
Saving Neverland by Abi Elphinstone
A magical, modern and adventurous reimagining of the much-loved classic, from one of today's most exciting children's writers.
When Martha Pennydrop and her little brother Scruff discover a drawer full of mysterious gold dust in the bedroom of their new house, it's the start of an incredible adventure to a magical world – Neverland!
The Pennydrop's new house used to belong to another family – the Darlings – who once visited this world themselves. Now Peter Pan is back, and in need of their help. Neverland is in the icy grip of a terrible curse – cast long ago by Captain Hook. And only Martha and Scruff can save it . . .
Hamlet is Not OK by R.A. Spratt
Selby hates homework. She would rather watch TV – anything to escape the tedium of school, her parents’ bookshop and small-town busybodies. So Selby didn’t plan to read Hamlet. She certainly never planned to meet him.
This novel transports Selby, and the reader, into the cold and crime-ridden play itself. Here she meets Hamlet: heavy with grief, the young prince is overthinking and over everything. Selby can relate. But unlike Hamlet, Selby isn’t afraid of making decisions. In her world, Selby is used to feeling overlooked. But in the bloody, backstabbing world of Shakespeare, Selby’s good conscience and quiet courage might just save some lives . . . hopefully before Hamlet stabs one of her classmates.
Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers Anna James
Eleven year-old Tilly has lived above her grandparents’ bookshop ever since her mother disappeared shortly after she was born. Like the rest of her family, Tilly loves nothing more than to escape into the pages of her favourite stories.
One day Tilly realises that classic children’s characters are appearing in the shop through the magic of “book wandering’ – crossing over from the page into real life. Now Tilly is embarking on adventures to uncover family secrets, with the help of Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland!
The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits.
Because when she arrives, she finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess, fleeing murderous villains, and trying to elude her shrewd older brothers – all while attempting to piece together clues to her mother’s strange disappearance.
Books that will remind you of a classic from your childhood
For lovers of Over Sea, Under Stone . . .
The House at the End of the Sea by Victoria M. Adams
Saffi doesn't want her new life, living with her dad, little brother and old-fashioned grandparents in their B&B by the sea. She is grieving for her mum and longs for things to go back to normal.
But this new home is anything but normal: the walls change colour, a face appears in the mirror, and the pantry is suddenly filled with fancy food. When a party of extraordinary visitors arrive at midnight, Saffi begins to realise that her family has a dark, magical secret. It will take all her bravery to discover the truth and find a way into another world ...
For lovers of Winnie the Pooh . . .
Wurrtoo by Tylissa Elisara, illustrated by Dylan Finney
Wurrtoo the wombat lives a quiet and solitary life in his burrow on Kangaroo Island, hoping to one day travel to the mainland and marry the love of his life, the sky. When Wurrtoo inadvertently saves Kuula the koala from a bushfire, he acquires the adventure companion he didn't know he needed.
With Kuula by his side, Wurrtoo leaves the safety of his burrow and sets out on an epic journey to cross the island, reach the mainland and climb to the top of tallest tree in the Forest of Dreaming. But it's fire season, and danger and strange creatures lurk behind every gum tree. To make it, the pair must face their fears together, learn the importance of friendship and discover the power of wombat wishes.
For lovers of Frankenstein . . .
Stitch by Pádraig Kenny, illustrated by Steve McCarthy
Stitch is not a monster - he's a creation.
He and his friend Henry Oaf were brought to life by the genius Professor Hardacre, and have spent all their days in a castle deep in the woods, far from humankind. But when the Professor dies and his pompous nephew comes to take over the laboratory, they soon find out that his sights are set not on scientific discovery, but personal glory. And Henry is his next experiment.
Can Stitch and Henry escape his clutches and make their way in a world they were never built for – and may never be ready for them?
For lovers of Treasure Island . . .
The Lucky Bottle by Chris Wormell
Ten-year-old Jack is stranded on a desert island. He's been very lucky: he's survived a terrible storm and the mysterious island he has found himself on has a kindly if unusual inhabitant, fresh water and plenty of food.
But Jack needs to find his way home, and as he uncovers incredible hidden treasures on the little island, he starts to formulate a plan. And if Jack's going to succeed, he will need to be very very lucky.
