alanna books autumn 2013 catalogue

alanna books

Autumn 2013

represented by MMS

...because everyone loves a good story

Alanna - for books that promote a love of reading

alanna books...because everyone loves a good story

Alanna Books is a small independent publisher.

We are sensitive to the increasing pressures on children to conform to narrowideals and we know that many children who are seen as different or whochoose their own paths do not see themselves in the books they read.So, we aim to produce books that are naturally inclusive and that celebratethe interesting and the unique.

Most of all, however, we believe that deep down, we are far more alike than weare different... and that everyone loves a good story!

So, as much as we focus on inclusion, we are committed to nurturing readers and showing them positive examples of children –and bears and geese – who love books and reading.

Anna McQuinnPublisher

UK Trade SalesAndrew Macmillan - Tel: 020 8898 5211 e.mail: [email protected]

Margaret Hayden - Tel: 020 8898 5211 e.mail: [email protected]

Solange Catterall - Tel: 020 8898 5211 e.mail: [email protected]

Tricia Macmillan - Tel: 020 8898 5211 e.mail: [email protected]

UK Special SalesRupert Harbour e.mail:[email protected]

UK School SalesAudrey WrightWright Rep Solutions LtdTel: 0771 301 8240 e.mail: [email protected]

Alanna Books 46 Chalvey Road East, Slough, Berks, SL1 2LR

Tel: 01753 573 245, E.mail: [email protected]

www.alannabooks.com

My Friend Amy – A story that shows how alike we all are with a special focus on Chinese culture

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Alanna Books office:46 Chalvey Road EastSlough, Berks, SL1 2LRe.mail: [email protected]

PublicityNicky PotterTel: 020 8889 9735e.mail: [email protected]

Ireland SalesConor HackettHackett/Flynn AssociatesDubline.mail: [email protected]

DistributionTrade Counter Distribution LtdMendlesham Industrial EstateNorwich RoadMendleshamSuffolkIP14 5NA

Tel: 01449 766 629 or 01449 767 122Email: [email protected]

Alanna Books are represented by MMS

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What Are You Playing At? – A provocative examination of gender roles

Lulu Loves Stories – A jumping off point for imaginative play and activities

Lulu Reads to Zeki – A reassuring story about coping with a new sibling

Lulu Loves the Library – A celebration of books and reading

What About Bear? – A funny story about keeping friends

Little Frog – An hilarious story with a warm message about acceptance

My Friend Jamal – A story that shows how alike we all are with a special focus on Somali culture

A Splendid Friend Indeed – A funny story about making friends

What Are You Playing At?

alanna books - because everyone loves a good story!

books that promote conversation - NEW November 2013

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Y A powerful message in a provocative format;

Y The flaps underpin the message and opening them will start interesting conversations about everything boys and girls can do and be;

Y Extremely relevant in the the current climate of increasingly narrow genderedmarketing of children’s books, toys and other play materials;

Y Endorsed by Amnesty International as supporting equal rights.

Everyone knows that boys don’t play kitchens - that would just be silly!

But open the flaps and the pictures tell a different story! Inside we seegrown men cooking, dancing, skipping, feeding a baby; and women whodrive cars, build boats and play sports...

The prescriptive tone of a text which would limit what children play basedon gender stereotypes is challenged by the clever juxtaposition of stunningphotos which undermine the dismissive tone each time.

ISBN:978-1-907825-026

Publication:20th November 2013Universal Children’s Day

Price: £12.99Age Group3 years and upwards

Format:Hardcover & Multi-Language CD32 pages

AuthorMARIE SABINE ROGER has enjoyed mak-ing up words since she was four years old.With over seventy books published, it’s apleasure she continues to enjoy every day.The wonderful film, My Afternoons withMargueritte staring Gerard Depardieu isbased on her adult novel, La Tete en Friche.

IllustratorANNE SOL was born in Colombes inFrance. She spent three teenage years in Ireland, then went to Paris to study pho-tography at l'école des Gobelins, Paris,France. She lives and works in Montreal,Quebec as a photographer and illustratorand has illustrated three children’s books.

www.alannabooks.com

Play for children is a rehersal and exploration of real life - solimiting their play limits what they can imagine is possible.Children understand this and these photos will encourageinteresting discusions about what boys and girls, men andwomen can do and be. The simple, positive message is that if we want children togrow into well-rounded adults – who can be both strongand emotional, clever and caring – we need to encouragethem to play at those roles and not limit their play, theirimaginations or their aspirations.

Below the photo of the chef counters the idea that only littlegirls should play in the play-kitchen more powerfully thanany words - so there’s no need for explanations!

Clever and brilliant!Letterbox Library

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A breath of fresh air -the perfect antidote to a surfeit of sparklyfairies or tough guys.Joy Court

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Lulu Loves the Library


books that promote a love of reading

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With a free Multi-language CDThe book is accompanied by a Multi-language CD - Listen to the story told in Englishand over 20 other languages - a perfect resource for inclusive storytimes.

Languages: English, Irish, Welsh, French, Dutch, Polish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese,Turkish, Arabic, Somali, Igbo, Luganda, Swahili, Amharic, Tigrinya, Ndebele, Urdu, Gujarati, Japanese and Chinese. And you can sing along to Twinkle Twinkle Little Starat the end.

Y A moment-by-moment account of a very young child’s visit to the local library;

Y A pint-size role model for young readers everywhere, her enthusiasm for booksleaps from every page;

Y A perfect story to prepare young children for a library visit - from home, nursery or pre-school;

Y The charming illustrations perfectly capture the little girl’s enthusiasm for books and stories, and paint a lovely picture of her book-loving Mum.

Y Gold Medal Winner - US National Parenting AwardsY BookTrust Recommended TitleY Chicago Public Libraries - Best of the Best Children’s Books 2007

Lulu loves Tuesdays. That’s when she and her mummy go to the library.They choose books and Lulu goes to story time and singing time.When they get home, Lulu’s mummy reads her one of the books atbedtime.

ISBN:978-1-907825-071


Format:Hardcover & Multi-Language CD32 pages

ISBN:978-0-9551998-20Irish edition: 978-0-9551998-82


Format:Paperback & Multi-Language CD32 pages

ISBN:978-0-9551998-75

Price: £4.99Age Group6 months and upwards

Format:Boardbook16 pages with short simple text

AuthorANNA MCQUINN divides her time betweenwriting and working directly with children as a Community Librarian. She has writtenover 30 books for children and this is one ofthree stories about Lulu.

IllustratorROSALIND BEARDSHAW’S favourite subject at school was Art so it was an easy decision to become an artist. She has illustrated over 20 children's books - her first book won theSheffield prize and she’s gone from strength to strength since.

“The message here is simple, direct, and a vitally important advo-cacy for libraries – the fun and enjoyment of a visit to the librarybeing conveyed in the bold, bright pictures painted from Lulu’sviewpoint. It's vital for all children to see characters who look similarto themselves: that Lulu, the central character in this story is black, istherefore particularly welcome.”

Books for Keeps

“This book is a useful addition to the book world in this day when libraries are threatened with closure. There have been story booksbefore based on library visits but this one is especially good. It is ahappy, optimistic story - a most worthwhile book which should be inall libraries and schools and would be a welcome addition to manyhomes. I truly recommend it.”

Armadillo Magazine

More reviews

www.alannabooks.com

Lulu should be mandatory reading for anyone who doubts the impact libraries have on young lives.Liz Broekmann, CYP, Slough Library

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I love this book and I want all library staff to have one.Kath Navratil, Early Years Librarian

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A joyful exploration of books, libraries and sharing stories –this should be available in every library and children’s centre.Annie Everall - The BooksellerChildren’s Buyer’s Guide

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Lulu Loves Stories



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With a free Multi-language CDThe paperback is accompanied by a Multi-language CD - Listen to the story told inEnglish and 20 other languages - a perfect resource for inclusive storytimes.

Languages: English, Irish, Welsh, French, Dutch, Polish, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, Somali, Luganda, Swahili, Tigrinya, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Japanese and Manderin Chinese.

Y A welcome return of readers’ favourite pint-sized role-model!

Y Celebrates the way books and stories inspire children and fuel their creativity,their imaginations and their play;

Y An excellent jumping off point for so many reading and play activities.

YWinner of the Coventry Inspiration Award 2012Y Bookstart Dual Language choice 2012 & 2013Y BookTrust Recommended TitleY National Literacy Association Recommended ListY Selected title for Kansas’ One-Book-One-State programme 2012Y Chicago Public Libraries - Best of the Best Children’s Books 2010

Lulu loves stories - each night she reads a different one, and next daythey inspire her play. She becomes a fairy, a pilot, a farmer, a mummy, a tiger and a monster!

ISBN:978-0-9551998-51


Format:Hardcover 32 pages

ISBN:978-1-907825-019


Format:Paperback & Multi-Language CD32 pages

ISBN:978-1-907825-002

Price: £4.99Age Group6 months and upwards

Format:Boardbook16 pages with short simple text



“Emphasises how special it is to share stories.”Bookstart Toddler Book Guide

“The irrepressible Lulu returns in another book-lovingstory, superbly illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. There is plenty here – Dad as primary carer and a girl whocan switch between fairy and DIY expert effortlessly!”

Letterbox Library

“An excellent jumping off point for so many reading activ-ities. Having read the story, children will enjoy findingbooks about princesses, pilots, farmers, friendship,builders and especially ‘wild and wicked monsters’ forthemselves.”

Teaching with Picture Books

More reviews

www.alannabooks.com

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Couldn’t recommend it morestrongly - all those different languages – fantastic idea!Liz Morris, Griffeen Valley Educate Together Primary School

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Lulu can convince us all thatbooks and stories are absolutely the best thing in the world. The Reading Zone

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Graphically illustrates how achild’s imagination can besparked by a story and how playtime can be made muchmore interesting. Curled up with a Good Kid’s Book

ISBN:978-1-907825-040



ISBN:978-1-907825-057


Format:Paperback 32 pages



“Rosalind Beardshaw's illustrations with their remarkable vitality, make ever more strongly and still more effectivelyAnna McQuinn's important message about the properplace of reading and books in children's and their families' lives. The roots of reading, along with matters of love and life, are happily married in this bright, uplifting, outstanding and important offering.”School Library Journal

“This is a book that I would recommend to all parents.A big 5 stars!!”Wanda on Goodreads

More reviews

www.alannabooks.com

Lulu Reads to Zeki



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Y A warm story that will help any new big sister or brother to look forward to the arrival of a sibling;

Y A pint-size role model for young readers everywhere, Lulu is keen to share herenthusiasm for books with her new brother;

Y Not every ‘new baby’ story needs to deal with rivalry - here the positives are emphasised and Lulu’s family show how preparing Lulu with some stories andsticking to her bedtime story routine helps her adjust to her new role;

Y The charming illustrations perfectly capture the little girl’s enthusiasm for books and stories, and paint a lovely picture of her book-loving family.

Lulu becomes a big sister in her latest story celebrating books and reading.From bath time to bedtime, Lulu knows just the right book to read to hernew baby brother Zeki.

This warm story deals gently with the disruption caused to a young child by the arrival of a new sibling. But Lulu’s family are role-models too,using books about new babies to prepare Lulu, and making sure they stillhave time for her and her stories once baby arrives.So, it is no surprise that Lulu believes every problem can be solved bya story - inspirational!

Excellent. This will be at thetop of my list for recom-mending from the ‘new babyat my house’ genre. Greataddition to the series andstands alone well, too.Robin Rousu on Goodreads Review site

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Every library and schoolshould have a copy.Parents in Touch

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ISBN:978-0-9551998-99


Format:Paperback32 pages

ISBN:978-1-907825-088


Format:Hardcover32 pages

Author and illustratorSUZANNE BLOOM is the author andillustrator of many award-winningbooks. Drawing, however, was herfirst love. Her delightful illustra-tions brighten her books, and asshe says, “…as much as I lovewriting the story, drawing the pic-tures is like dessert.” Suzanne has written and illus-trated 14 books and is the proudwinner of many prizes in the US.A Splendid Friend, Indeed is herfirst book to be published in theUK, and was shortlisted for theUKLA prize in 2012.

“Once upon a time a tiny publisher found a book so perfect for thepreschool children it specialised in. That book was A SplendidFriend Indeed – shortlisted for the UKLA Book Award and belovedby those teacher judges for the simplicity of the text and the impactof the evocative illustrations and its emotional truth.

Like me, those teachers will be jumping for joy to see the bear andhis best friend again and will be slightly tense as they open the covers. But they can relax; once again we have the perfect renditionof a very typical emotional problem for children of any age. Thetemptation and attraction of the new friend juxtaposed with loyaltyto the old friend.

There is incredible emotion in these skilfully rendered highly tex-tured pastel pictures. A pre-reader could completely tell the storyfrom the pictures alone and indeed it will prompt very valuable talkopportunities if you let them explain the pictures to you.

This is a very valuable resource for emotional literacy and a brilliantdemonstration of the efficacy of good quality picture books to speakto us all. We should all say a big Thank You to Alanna Books!”Joy Court, Librarian on the Reading Zone

More reviews

www.alannabooks.com

Splendid friends


books about friendship

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Y Suzanne Bloom creates characters children will love - wonderfully expressive - even young children will be able to ‘read’ the story in the illustrations alone;

Y The stunning illustrations and sparse text explore the difficulties with a lightness of touch. A classic!

Y A tremendously funny book - both children and parents will recognise themselves in persistent Goose and Bear who doesn’t like interuptions;

Y The message about not judging others on first appearances and the importance offriendship are explored with the lightest of touches.

Y Shortlisted for the UKLA award 2012

Stunning illustrations capture the exasperation of Bear, whose solitaryreading and writing are constantly interrupted by over-enthusiasticGoose. In the end, Bear is won over and to his own surprise, findsGoose to be a splendid friend.

In the second story, Bear and Goose’s splendid friendship is threatenedby the arrival of Little Fox. The dilemma of choosing one friend over another is one of childhood’s classic problems. Goose and Bear showFox that including friends is more fun than excluding them.

A piece of picture book perfection.E.R. Bird, Children’s Librarian

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It is the ‘splendid’ illustrationsthat really make this book. Books for Keeps

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It is impossible to imagine amore effective book about thetrials and tribulations of friend-ship for younger readers thanthis one...IBBY Link

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M”The bold simple text in this exceptional book tells the storyof complex emotions in only100 words. School Librarian 2013

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ISBN:978-0-9551998-13



ISBN:978-0-9551998-37


Format:Hardcover32 pages

AuthorANNA MCQUINN moved to the UKin her early 20s and is sensitive tothe difficulties of adapting to anew country. Working directly with children as a Community Librarian, she noticed how wellyoung children from different backgrounds got on, and wasmoved to write about it.

IllustratorBEN FREY grew up in British Columbia. In first grade, he noticed that his letter 'O' lookedlike a character from a comic strip.It was all downhill from there! Since graduating in Illustrationand Design, Ben has been work-ing as an illustrator. Drawing hasalways been his passion he enjoysillustration as a career. He stillfinds time to enjoy the beauty ofthat part of the world that initiallyinspired him to be an artist.

“This book is superb. From its brilliant colours to its frank honesty, My Friend Jamal hits the right chord. It accurately and respectfullydescribes the Somalian culture through the eyes of a young boy....The author does an excellent job of handling sensitive topics like thewar in Somalia and respectfully showcases elements of the Somaliculture... I would recommend this book for all school and public libraries.”Resource Links

“These two glorious picture books are a joyful and exuberant por-trayal of friendship and show how children from different culturalbackgrounds celebrate and share those differences.... we learn so much about Jamal/Amy's culture - although it's done insuch a gentle way that the reader almost soaks it up without realisingquite how much factual information they are absorbing... These delightful books show that the things that we have in commonare far greater than the things that set us apart. Vibrant illustrationsand full-colour photographs featuring real chldren with proper gap-toothed grins, good-sized text in easy-to-follow boxes.”National Literacy AssociationThe Guide to Literacy Resources Spring 2012

More reviews

www.alannabooks.com

My Friend series

alanna books - because everyone loves a good story!14

Y Presents a believable friendship between two children from different backgroundswithout being preachy or ‘worthy’;

Y Set in modern, multicultural Britain, the information is both relevant and interesting to young readers;

Y The funky mix of photos and artwork gives the stories a modern and fun feel.

Y National Literacy Association Recommended List

A unique series about the powerful friendships between children fromdifferent backgrounds. The emphasis is on shared experience – grow-ing up together, in a modern, multi-cultural city, they have far more incommon than different.

In My Friend Jamal, Joseph tells us about his friend Jamal, who wasborn in the UK but whose family are from Somalia. Joseph describes allthe things they like to do - growing up together, they have lots in com-mon. However, when Joseph visits Jamal’s home, he discovers thatfamilies that come from other places do some things very differently.

In My Friend Amy, Monifa tells us about her friend Amy, who was bornin the UK but whose family are from Hong Kong. Monifa describes allthe things they like to do and also what she finds different about Amy’shome - including the fact that her family call her Mei Jing!

This book is superb. I would recommend this book for allschool and public libraries. Resource Links

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A superb exploration of friendship across cultures. Enchanting! Letterbox Library

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These books are a completejoy from start to finish and apositive reflection of Britain'srich and varied multi-culturalsociety.The National Literacy Association

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books about friendship

It is refreshing to see a children'sbook addressing the topic ofcultural diversity in such a non-judgmental way. Many adultswould benefit from reading thisbook too! Bookhaven

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books that promote acceptance

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Y A tremendously funny and enjoyable book - children will simply adore Little Frog and will enjoy being shocked at the naughty but funny things he gets up to;

Y The lively, colourful and vibrant illustrations will allow children to ‘read’the story by following the pictures and expressions;

Y Underneath the hilarious and riotous story there’s a warm and important messageabout acceptance and belonging.

Y A particularly useful title to reassure any children with behaviour difficulties thateven when others struggle with their behaviours, they are still loved.

Y BookTrust Recommended Title

ISBN:978-0-9551998-69


Format:Paperback32 pages

Author & IllustratorJAKOB MARTIN STRID was born inDenmark. He began his career asa cartoonist and had his break-through with the general publicwith a daily strip entitled ‘Strid’ inthe Copenhagen daily, Politiken.The strip’s main character’sdiminutive body and large headwith spiky hair is a cartoon versionof himself. His satirical talentquickly won Strid a position as acontroversial cartoonist.

The anti-authoritarian, humorous,and poetic blend continued inStrid’s children’s books, though ina form that was less harsh. Therethe political satire was trans-formed to an anarchistic, humor-ous tale with great sympathy forthe foreigner and the outsider.With the picture book Little Frog,Jakob Martin Strid won the BØFA(a children's librarians' group) Cultural Honorary Award.

“A heartwarming tale of unconditional love in spite of allthe mischief Little Frog gets up to... This simple andfunny tale will strike a chord with all parents. It is an inspirational story of just loving and not giving up onchildren even when they are at their worst stages in life.”Good English.Org

“This is a very funny picture book about the eponymousLittle Frog who hasn’t yet worked out the rules of behav-iour. Like a human toddler, he repeatedly misbehavesand doesn’t like being told off, so he runs away. Little Frog has a journey of discovery and finally realiseshe has nowhere to go. However, his worried family havefollowed him far and wide to tell him that whatever hedoes they will always love him... A reassuring book forall young children, who will enjoy Little Frog’s naughtyantics as well as the message his family brings.”Nicola Collins, IBBY Link

More reviews

www.alannabooks.com

I read this story to my almost three year-old grandson, who was enthralled, and, I think, got the message that however bad a child is, his parents will still love him. There are plenty of spaces for the reading adult to turn to the child and say: ‘Wasn’t that naughty?’

Armadillo magazine

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When Little Frog drops into the lives of a very normal family, chaos ensues. The family want to love him, and he wants very much to beloved. The trouble is, he’s very very naughty.

Little Frog is trying to help. But, he just hasn’t worked the rules out yet.He doesn’t tear the family’s books, but he does wash them in the sink!He never hits his new siblings, but he does draw on their faces whilethey are asleep! This makes his parents very upset and Little Frogthinks this means they don’t love him anymore.

So Little Frog takes off and goes on a long and difficult journey before realising that his family (who have followed him to the ends of the earth to prove it) continue to love him despite his naughty behaviour.

A really funny book with a vitally important message that will reassurenaughty and not so naughty) children everywhere.

Little Frog

ISBN: 978-1-907825-101PUB March 2013

www.alannabooks.com

Zeki Loves Baby Club


sneak preview

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Y A close up look at a familiar event in many babies’ days;

YWith a free CD, parents and children can watch and sing along at home;

Y A perfect story for Lulu fans, her baby brother in his own book!

Y Charming illustrations from new illustrator will delight babies and parents alike.

Baby Club is such fun!

Zeki and his friends sing rhymes and songs and do all the actions –

they clap, stretch, shake, wiggle and zoom to the moon! And at the

end, there’s time for a story and making new friends.

sneak preview

Lulu Loves Flowers

ISBN: 978-1-907825-118PUB TBC

After Lulu reads a book of garden poems, she wants to plant her own

flowers. She gets some books from the library and chooses her plants.

Then, Lulu and her mummy buy seeds, plant them and mark the rows.

Now it’s time to wait...

Y Lulu loves flowers and everyone loves Lulu!Another charming story featuring the adorable Lulu and her family;

Y A pint-sized role model for book lovers everywhere;

Y Fabulous illustrations will have children rushing to look at books about gardens, and poems and cupcakes... inspirational!

YYCOMINGNEXT YEAR YYCOMING

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alanna books autumn 2013 catalogue

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