Patrice Lawrence

A collection of sizzling summer-themed crime and mystery stories by thirteen of the most exciting children’s book authors! Co-edited by Serena Patel, the award-winning author of the Anisha: Accidental Detective series and by Robin Stevens, author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series. This gorgeous summery collection brings back together thirteen bestselling, award-winning and exciting authors: Abiola Bello, Annabelle Sami, Benjamin Dean, E.L. Norry, Elle McNicoll, Dominique Valente, Maisie Chan, Nizrana Farook, Patrice Lawrence, Robin Stevens, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson. With stunning illustrations by Harry Woodgate. Grab your sunnies and your magnifying glass, and join the Murder Club for more sensational short stories as they lead you on a journey of foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries! Including sun-thieves, fantastical creatures of the deep, airport mayhem, weddings gone wrong, tropical resort travesties, and a very sticky situation at a berry picking farm. This is the prefectly entertaining collection to pack in every young reader’s summer holiday bag. Serena Patel is the winner of the This Week Junior’s Young Fiction Book of the Year award. Her debut children’s series Anisha Accidental Detective won the fiction category of the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards, being shortlisted for a British Book Award and the Blue Peter Prize 2021 and selected for The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge. Serena lives in Walsall with her family. Robin Stevens is the award winning and bestselling author of the Murder Most Unladylike mystery series. She was born in California and has been making up stories all her life. When she was twelve, her father handed her a copy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and she realised that she wanted to be either Hercule Poirot or Agatha Christie when she grew up. She spent her teenage years reading a lot of murder mysteries and hoping that she'd get the chance to do some detecting herself (she didn't). Robin lives in Oxford.

A collection of wintery crime and mystery stories by thirteen of the most exciting and diverse authors in children’s books today! Co-edited by Serena Patel, the award-winning author of the Anisha: Accidental Detective series and by Robin Stevens, author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series. Sleuthing through the snow, on a merry mysterious day, in disguise we go, investigating all the way . . . This gorgeous wintery collection brings together thirteen bestselling, award-winning and exciting debut authors: Abiola Bello, Annabelle Sami, Benjamin Dean, E.L. Norry, Elle McNicoll, Dominique Valente, Joanna Williams, Maisie Chan, Nizrana Farook, Patrice Lawrence, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson. With stunning illustrations by Harry Woodgate. Join them as part of the Very Merry Murder Club as they lead you on a snow-covered wintery journey of festive foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries! Serena Patel was shortlisted for the Asian Writer Short Story Prize and was a finalist in the Undiscovered Voices Anthology 2018. Her debut children’s series Anisha Accidental Detective won the fiction category of the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards, being shortlisted for a British Book Award and the Blue Peter Prize 2021 and selected for The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge. Serena lives in Walsall with her family. ROBIN STEVENS is the award winning and bestselling author of the Murder Most Unladylike mystery series. She was born in California and has been making up stories all her life. When she was twelve, her father handed her a copy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and she realised that she wanted to be either Hercule Poirot or Agatha Christie when she grew up. She spent her teenage years reading a lot of murder mysteries and hoping that she'd get the chance to do some detecting herself (she didn't). Robin lives in Oxford.

Paris, 1925. Nineteen-year-old Dorothea Walker has fled the poverty and prejudice of St Louis for the glittering cabarets of the City of Light. But her dreams of stardom are quickly dimmed - pushed to the end of the chorus line, she's nearly invisible. Until one daring, scandalous performance catapults her into fame. For more than a decade, Dorothea dances her way across Paris and Europe, adored and envied in equal measure. But as the shadow of Nazi power spreads, she finds herself drawn into a world far more dangerous than the stage: the French Resistance. Forming an alliance with American promoter Joseph Smith, Dorothea embarks on her own high-stakes missions. With secrets hidden in sheet music and couture gowns lined with classified files, Dorothea plays a double game in clubs, salons, and occupied cities. But as the stakes get ever higher, not only is her job on the line - her life is, too. Dorothea must decide how far she's willing to go and how much she's willing to risk - not just for herself, but for the freedom of a country that became her home. Sweeping from the smoky nightclubs of Montmartre to the perilous under world of wartime espionage, The Last Star in Paris is a tale of ambition, survival, and one woman who refuses to be silenced.

A stunningly imagined, action-packed fantasy adventure for fans of Nevermoor, Neverwhere and the Lizzie and Belle Mysteries, from bestselling and award-winning author Patrice Lawrence. "A beautifully written book, bristling with magic, set in an ancient London filled with dragons, ghosts, water spirits, and a mysterious, creeping sleeping-sickness that must be fought by the brave young heroes. I loved it." Cressida Cowell, Children’s Laureate & author of How to Train Your Dragon. Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits: the fiery Dragons, the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and the earthbound Magogs. Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits: the fiery Dragons, the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and the earthbound Magogs. Marisee and Robert - the Elemental Detectives - are back to solve a third mystery on the streets of multi-cultural eighteenth century London. A dragon is dreaming of a time when plague blighted the city, when a mysterious cauldron was used for wicked magic and what this would mean if it fell into the wrong hands now... On a mission from the shores of the Thames, to the ghost-filled gardens of Hyde Park and the forbidding Tower of London, Marisee and Robert must use every ounce of ingenuity they possess to defeat the most villainous foe yet... and find out some secrets about their own families. Big, bold, future classic storytelling for a new generation. A London where magic sparks just beneath the surface - this book is set to ignite young imaginations. The third book in a captivating fantasy adventure series. MORE PRAISE FOR ELEMENTAL DETECTIVES "I loved reading about a re-imagining of London with so much invention and energy. The world-building is well...out of this world. Patrice Lawrence is amongst the greatest voices for young people writing today. I'm honoured to be a peer of hers." - Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors "BRILLIANT... history and fantasy woven magnificently into a thrilling, magical adventure" - Sophie Anderson, author of The House with the Chicken Legs "A fantastic adventure, packed with rich world building and stunning elemental magic." - Peter Bunzl, author of Cogheart "Wow - The Elemental Detectives is a cracking fantasy. Clever, inventive, and pacy, with wonderfully drawn characters and a breathless plot. I want to read more!" - Bali Rai, author of Mohinder's War "The Elemental Detectives is a rip roaring magical adventure... Patrice Lawrence has done a marvellous job of building an imaginative and creative mythology which lurks just under the city streets." Catherine Johnson, author of Freedom "The Elemental Detectives is a richly imagined, inventive and immersive fantasy adventure." - L. Norry, author of Son of the Circus

Multi-award-winning Patrice Lawrence's first contemporary middle grade novel is a page-turning mystery and exploration of fractured families, long-buried secrets and the power of friendship, told with warmth and compassion. “Masterful storytelling weaves together the lives of the three protagonists in a page-turning mystery with a fierce heart.” - The Scotsman “[An] instantly gripping, funny and moving 9+ story by an outstanding contemporary author.” - The Guardian “Secrets and lies power People Like Stars... Lawrence's plot twists are fuelled by compassion” - The Observer “A classroom-friendly story for younger teenagers.” - The Times Children's Book of the Week Three 13-year-old strangers are connected by one big secret. Nervous Ayrton was stolen away from his mum as a baby. He was returned safely, but now Mum won't let him out of her sight. Curious Stanley has a Forbidden Grandmother. His mum won't even talk about her. Homeless Sen has finally found a place to live, but she'll be out on the street if she upsets her secretive landlady. What happens when their paths cross...? Stunning storytelling – by turns powerful and witty – from an exceptional writer for young people. A page-turning mystery with real depth. Patrice has won the Waterstones Children's Prize and the YA Book prize and been shortlisted for many other prestigious awards.

Super-Readable Rollercoasters: Super authors, super accessible, simply super-readable fiction When his mum is sent back to prison, Al knows exactly who's to blame. Mr Brayker from downstairs has been making trouble for Al's mum ever since they moved in. Al is determined to get his revenge with a plan that involves the only two creatures he can rely on: his pet rats, Venom and Vulture. But things don't turn out exactly as he'd imagined ...

When Paloma goes to visit her family in Trinidad, she doesn't feel that she fits in. But Tante Janet has a story to tell her: An ancient story of warrior queens and talking drums, of treasures and tales that span thousands of years... a story that Paloma shares in, because her story starts in Africa, too... Join Tante and her inquisitive niece as they share the story of how her family came to the Caribbean, through the dark days of colonization and slavery, to the emergence of a thriving, contemporary community of many faces, places and successes.This picture book for children 4+ features: -A sensitive pathway through the long, complex history of colonisation in Africa and the Caribbean -Authentic, lyrical text from multi award-winning author Patrice Lawrence, who draws on her own Caribbean heritage -Further resources and reading at the back This is a sensitively told and vibrantly illustrated story of Black history from its very ancient origins through to its dynamic future, and one which ends with a joyful celebration that provides a message of triumph and pride. 'A bright, enticing picture book that sensitively explores the legacy of colonisation and the sustained telling of African stories' - The Guardian

Best New Children's Books – GuardianChildren's Book of the Week – Sunday Times'A wonderful collection of short stories and poems from 40 black writers and illustrators . . . Brilliantly curated by Dapo Adeola' - Joseph Coelho, Children's LaureateA hugely entertaining, fully colour-illustrated collection celebrating joy, perfect for children age 8 to 12 (and beyond!). Curated by Laugh Out Loud Awards winner Dapo Adeola, with a foreword by the acclaimed author Patrice Lawrence.Featuring both exciting new talents and globally renowned creators – every specially created poem and story is illustrated by an amazing artist.With stories featuring a mythical whale, a message from the future, a Halloween dance competition, a talking book, a miraculous discovery in a moment of lost hope, the joy of jollof rice (along with an easy recipe) and so much more. The creators hail from around the world, from the UK and US, to Uganda, the Netherlands, Nigeria and more.Colourful and beautifully illustrated, with artwork from an array of talented illustrators including Ken Wilson Max, Dapo Adeola, Dorcas Magbadelo, Odera Igbokwe and Denzell Dankwah, alongside stories and poems by the likes of Malorie Blackman, Alex Wheatle, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Dorothy Koomson.Contributors include: Adejoké ‘Joké’ Bakare, Alex Wheatle, Arantza Peña Popo, Ashley Evans, Awuradwoa Afful, Camilla Sucre, Camryn Garrett, Charis JB, Dapo Adeola, Denzell Dankwah, Dorcas Magbadelo, Doreen Baingana, Dorothy Koomson, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Funmbi Omotayo, Hannah Lee, Jeffrey Boakye, Jess Nash, Kelechi Okafor, Ken Wilson-Max, Kofi Ofosu, Koleka Putuma, Lewis James, Maame Blue, Malorie Blackman, Matilda Feyisayo Ibini, Michael Kennedy, Nathan Bryon, Odera Igbokwe, Ojima Abalaka, Olu Oke, Patrice Lawrence, Rahana Dariah, Robyn Smith, Rosaline Tella, Sharna Jackson, Snalo Ngcaba, Terrence Adegbenle, Tomekah George, Tracey Baptiste, Trish Cooke, Yasmin Joseph and Zaïre Krieger.

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.”As a young orphan, Jane Eyre is thrown upon the mercy of an aunt and cousins who are anything but merciful, and when they send her away to an austere boarding school for charity cases, it seems she will never be allowed to forget her humble beginnings. However, Jane has a quiet inner strength and resourcefulness, and when she take on a role as governess at Thornfield Hall, she quickly gains both the affection and respect not only of her young pupil, but also the child's guardian, the fierce and brooding Mr Rochester.Perhaps Jane has finally found the love for which she has always longed? But Mr Rochester has a dark secret. A secret that will rock Thornfield Hall to its very foundations…

Jag skakar på huvudet, svarar bara enstavigt ja och nej. Jag berättar inte för polisen att jag bara ville träffa min syster.Allt förändrades för femtonåriga Charlene när hennes mamma dog. Sedan dess har hon flyttats runt i olika fosterfamiljer och får inte längre träffa sin älskade halvsyster Kandi. Allt hon vill är få se Kandi igen och ge henne filten som hon stickat till henne i födelsedagspresent. Men under ett bråk i fosterhemmet tappar Charlene behärskningen, blir våldsam och hamnar i förvar hos polisen. Där sluter hon sig helt och vägrar att tala med någon. Kommer hon någonsin att få se sin lillayster igen?En berättelse om fördomar, orättvisa och vad som händer när en flicka vägrar be om ursäkt."En stark och intensiv ungdomsbok om en arg, sårad tonåring fångad i ett skadligt system, skriven av en prisbelönad författare." The Guardian

A clear explanation of what empathy is, and understanding the emotions of those around you.This is a book about empathy. Feelings aren't always easy, especially when they are other people's. This book teaches kids (and grownups) how to feel "with" someone, and not just for them.This book teaches kids aged 5-9 to understand the importance of empathy, and how they can apply it to their everyday lives. Teaching about emotions can reduce conflict, miscommunications and misunderstandings, which can be helpful in life.A Kids Book About Empathy features: - A large and bold, yet minimalist font design that allows kids freedom to imagine themselves in the words on the pages.- A friendly, approachable, yet empowering, kid-appropriate tone throughout.- An incredible and diverse group of authors in the series who are experts or have first-hand experience of the topic.Tackling important discourse together! The A Kids Book About series are best used when read together. Helping to kickstart challenging, empowering, and important conversations for kids and their grownups through beautiful and thought-provoking pages. The series supports an incredible and diverse group of authors, who are either experts in their field, or have first-hand experience on the topic.A Kids Co. is a new kind of media company enabling kids to explore big topics in a new and engaging way. With a growing series of books, podcasts and blogs, made to empower. Learn more about us online by searching for A Kids Co.

A stunningly imagined, action-packed fantasy adventure for fans of Nevermoor, Neverwhere and Mortal Engines, from bestselling and award-winning author Patrice Lawrence. "A beautifully written book, bristling with magic, set in an ancient London filled with dragons, ghosts, water spirits, and a mysterious, creeping sleeping-sickness that must be fought by the brave young heroes. I loved it." Cressida Cowell, Children’s Laureate & author of How to Train Your Dragon. Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits: the fiery Dragons, the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and the earthbound Magogs. Marisee and Robert - the Elemental Detectives - are back to solve another mystery on the streets of eighteenth century London. An orchestra explodes in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and suddenly the music of London disappears... and a terrifying monster stirs off the Greenwich peninsular, threatening to trample London underfoot. The detectives must track down the thief behind the music's disappearance - via the Whispering Gallery of St Paul's Cathedral, a Windmill-with-teeth on the Isle of Dogs and the dark streets of Soho... where a shadowy villain and his mechanical animal spies live. Big, bold, future classic storytelling for a new generation. A London where magic sparks just beneath the surface - this book is set to ignite young imaginations. The second book in a major new series. MORE PRAISE FOR ELEMENTAL DETECTIVES "I loved reading about a re-imagining of London with so much invention and energy. The world-building is well...out of this world. Patrice Lawrence is amongst the greatest voices for young people writing today. I'm honoured to be a peer of hers." - Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors "BRILLIANT... history and fantasy woven magnificently into a thrilling, magical adventure" - Sophie Anderson, author of The House with the Chicken Legs "A fantastic adventure, packed with rich world building and stunning elemental magic." - Peter Bunzl, author of Cogheart "Wow - The Elemental Detectives is a cracking fantasy. Clever, inventive, and pacy, with wonderfully drawn characters and a breathless plot. I want to read more!" - Bali Rai, author of Mohinder's War "The Elemental Detectives is a rip roaring magical adventure... Patrice Lawrence has done a marvellous job of building an imaginative and creative mythology which lurks just under the city streets." Catherine Johnson, author of Freedom "The Elemental Detectives is a richly imagined, inventive and immersive fantasy adventure." - L. Norry, author of Son of the Circus

A beautiful, moving celebration of what it truly means to be family, from the brilliant new picture book duo Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen. 'A lively, heartfelt picture book celebrating mixed heritage' Guardian 'Best New Picture Books' 'A must have for all book shelves and libraries' Dapo Adeola Every family is different. Every family is special. Josie loves her family. Her mum, dad, brothers and sister - they're all the best and they all look different. But people always seem to ask Josie "Is that YOUR mama?", and soon she starts to wonder if her family are actually supposed to look the same. When Josie shares her worries with her family, they find a way to help her see what truly matters. Heartfelt and empowering words by Patrice Lawrence, multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy Bright, gorgeous artwork from Diane Ewen, winner of the Jericho Prize and The Queen's Knickers Awards, 2021 More praise for Is That YOUR Mama: "This is a heartfelt celebration of the variety within families. Every family is different. Every family is special. This book will encourage conversations about difference and about empathy. And manners! Gorgeously illustrated and beautifully told." BookTrust

"A wonderful collection of short stories and poems from 40 black writers and illustrators . . . Brilliantly curated by Dapo Adeola" - Joseph Coelho, Children's LaureateA hugely entertaining, fully colour-illustrated collection celebrating joy, perfect for children age 8 to 12 (and beyond!). Curated by Laugh Out Loud Awards winner Dapo Adeola, with a foreword by the acclaimed Patrice Lawrence. Joyful, Joyful is a book to sing about!A large hardback packed full of colourful illustrations, Joyful, Joyful: Stories Celebrating Black Voices is the perfect gift to spread joy.Featuring both exciting new talents and globally renowned creators – every poem and story is individually illustrated by an amazing artist.With stories featuring a mythical whale, a message from the future, a Halloween dance competition, a talking book, a miraculous discovery in a moment of lost hope, the joy of jollof rice and so much more. The creators hail from around the world, from the UK and US, to Uganda, the Netherlands, Nigeria and more.Colourful and beautifully illustrated, with artwork from an array of talented illustrators including Ken Wilson Max, Dapo Adeola, Dorcas Magbadelo, Odera Igbokwe and Denzell Dankwah, alongside stories and poems by the likes of Malorie Blackman, Alex Wheatle, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Dorothy Koomson.Contributors include: Adejoké ‘Joké’ Bakare, Alex Wheatle, Arantza Peña Popo, Ashley Evans, Awuradwoa Afful, Camilla Sucre, Camryn Garrett, Charis JB, Dapo Adeola, Denzell Dankwah, Dorcas Magbadelo, Doreen Baingana, Dorothy Koomson, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Funmbi Omotayo, Hannah Lee, Jeffrey Boakye, Jess Nash, Kelechi Okafor, Ken Wilson-Max, Kofi Ofosu, Koleka Putuma, Lewis James, Maame Blue, Malorie Blackman, Matilda Feyisayo Ibini, Michael Kennedy, Nathan Bryon, Odera Igbokwe, Ojima Abalaka, Olu Oke, Patrice Lawrence, Rahana Dariah, Robyn Smith, Rosaline Tella, Sharna Jackson, Snalo Ngcaba, Terrence Adegbenle, Tomekah George, Tracey Baptiste, Trish Cooke, Yasmin Joseph and Zaïre Krieger.

"A beautifully written book, bristling with magic ... I loved it." Cressida Cowell, Children’s Laureate & author of How to Train Your Dragon A stunningly imagined, action-packed fantasy adventure for fans of Nevermoor, Neverwhere and Mortal Engines, from bestselling and award-winning author Patrice Lawrence. Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits: the fiery Dragons, the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and the earthbound Magogs. But humans have been causing chaos for centuries, trampling through the landscape trailing noise, mess and pollution. What if the Elements could slow down this new world... or stop it all together? The revenge-fuelled Shepherdess, who moves between the everyday and the supernatural London worlds, is the perfect weapon. She brings a sleeping sickness down on the city with the destruction of society in her sights. Marisee and Robert are the Elemental Detectives chasing the clues to avoid catastrophe: they must face the ghosts of Hyde Park, the monstrous coiled snake of the Serpentine, and a whole host of other fantastical creatures in their mission to stop the Shepherdess and prevent London slumbering for all eternity... Big, bold, future classic storytelling for a new generation. A London where magic sparks just beneath the surface - this book is set to ignite young imaginations. The page-turning, empowering, heart-racing first book in a major new series. More praise for Elemental Detectives: "Breathtaking, captivating, and magical. ... I really couldn’t put it down" Reya, The Week Junior’s Summer of Reading 2023 "I loved reading about a re-imagining of London with so much invention and energy. The world-building is well...out of this world. Patrice Lawrence is amongst the greatest voices for young people writing today. I'm honoured to be a peer of hers." - Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors "BRILLIANT... history and fantasy woven magnificently into a thrilling, magical adventure" - Sophie Anderson, author of The House with the Chicken Legs "A fantastic adventure, packed with rich world building and stunning elemental magic." - Peter Bunzl, author of Cogheart "Wow - The Elemental Detectives is a cracking fantasy. Clever, inventive, and pacy, with wonderfully drawn characters and a breathless plot. I want to read more!" - Bali Rai, author of Mohinder's War "The Elemental Detectives is a rip roaring magical adventure... Patrice Lawrence has done a marvellous job of building an imaginative and creative mythology which lurks just under the city streets." Catherine Johnson, author of Freedom "The Elemental Detectives is a richly imagined, inventive and immersive fantasy adventure." - L. Norry, author of Son of the Circus

A powerful and heart-rending exploration of a teenager’s journey through grief, rage and getting caught in the criminal justice system from award-winning author Patrice Lawrence. Winner of the 2023 Little Rebels Award and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Charlene is a demon knitter. It’s the only thing she enjoys and the only thing she believes she’s really good at. So when her foster mum’s son destroys her latest creation, Charlene loses it and stabs him in the hand with her knitting needle. It damages a nerve and she gets sucked into the criminal justice system for assault. Charlene's not sorry and she’s never apologised to anyone in her life. But people keep telling her that if she says sorry, they’ll go easier on her. Can she bring herself to say it and not mean it when her freedom’s at stake? Particularly suitable for children aged 13+ with a reading age of 8.

This heart-warming and heartfelt debut picture book from multi-award-winning author, Patrice Lawrence, will help ensure that the struggles and achievements of the Windrush generation are never forgotten.

This heart-warming and heartfelt debut picture book from multi-award-winning author, Patrice Lawrence, will help ensure that the struggles and achievements of the Windrush generation are never forgotten.