Martin Howard

The third in a spooky and hilarious new series about a talkative skull and a necromancer-in-training. Full of brilliant illustrations! Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Wednesday. Mallory Vayle and her talkative skull, Maggoty, star in another fabulous adventure! When Mallory is invited to see Madame Majika deVinckel's magic show, she rolls her eyes... Majika is bound to be a fraud, pretending to have powers she can't possibly have. But Majika appears to be the real deal, and she has good headdresses so of course Maggoty is an immediate fan. Majika has a proposition for Mallory: help her open the Chest of Secrets and steal its contents, and in return she will help Mallory speak to her dead parents. But can Mallory trust Majika? And what will happen if she steals what's inside the chest... With proper laughs and proper scares, this series is not only the perfect Halloween treat but a side-splitting and spine-tingling year-round read. Have you read the spooktastic... Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull (Waterstones Children's Book of the Month, October 2024) Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in... The Beast from Beneath Praise for Mallory and Maggoty: "Effortlessly blends outrageous humour and genuine creepiness" - The Guardian "Skullduggery pleasant meets A Series of Unfortunate Events. Do not miss! Spooky AND funny, a killer combo!" - Louie Stowell

Kings squabble, armies clash and arrows fly in this thrilling, hilarious historical retelling of 1066, this is the Bayeux Tapestry as you've never seen it before! Written by Martin Howard (Mallory Vayle & The Curse of Maggoty Skull),and packed with medieval mayhem, kids will laugh out loud as the story behind one of history's most famous artworks unfolds as an action-packed graphic novel! Brilliantly illustrated in full colour by graphic novelist Javi de Castro, this graphic novel is published in partnership with the British Museum's landmark Bayeux Tapestry exhibition (between Sept-July 2026) and has been fully researched by museum experts. Explore the full Bayeux Tapestry Collection for all the family today: My Bayeux ABC: A Bayeux Tapestry Alphabet Book (for age 2+) My Bayeux Tapestry: A Colouring Book (for age 5+) So You Think You've Got It Bad?: A Kid's Life a Medieval Castle (for age 6+) The History of the Bayeux Tapestry: Discover the World of the Bayeux Tapestry and the Norman Conquest (for age 7+) The Bayeux Tapestry: The Graphic Novel (for age 7+)

Mallory Vaylen vanhemmat ovat kuolleet oudoissa olosuhteissa. Outoa on myös se, että Mallory pystyy edelleen näkemään heidät ja puhumaan heidän kanssaan. Vanhempien haamut seuraavat mukana, kun Malloryn on muutettava Lilith-tätinsä aavemaiseen taloon. Siellä Mallory huomaa, että hänellä on vielä vahvempiakin mystisiä kykyjä. Hellysh Spatzlin, historian synkimmän ja ilkeimmän nekromantin varjon ryöstäessä Malloryn vanhempien henget nuo kyvyt on otettava käyttöön. Apurikseen pelastustehtävässä Mallory saa puheliaan pääkallon nimeltä Kallo Matonen. Vastineeksi avustaan turhamainen Kallo haluaa upean peruukin. Lisäksi Malloryn on murrettava Kallon kirous. Kallon kirous aloittaa Mallory Vayle -kirjasarjan, joka on noussut tapaukseksi Iso-Britanniassa. Tunnistat fanit värikkäistä peruukeista!

The second in a spooky and hilarious new series about a talkative skull and a necromancer-in-training. Full of brilliant illustrations! Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Wednesday. Mallory Vayle and her talkative skull, Maggoty, star in another fabulous adventure! Mallory is getting to grips with her new powers and her new talkative friend, Maggoty. But when Maggoty sees a wig in Les Wigs shop, he just won't shut up about it! It's expensive, and no one seems able to pay Mallory properly for her cosmic services. So her Aunt Lilith takes matters into her own hands and summons a demon to help her increase her own supernatural skills. It, inevitably, goes HORRIBLY wrong and Mallory must take a perilous journey into the bowels of Carrion Castle in search of the solution to Aunt Lillith's demonic problem... But it's only when a bony fella with a scythe turns up that she knows she and Maggoty are in for some terrifying fun and games! With proper laughs and proper scares, this series is not only the perfect Halloween treat but a side-splitting and spine-tingling year-round read. Have you read the spooktastic... Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull (Waterstones Children's Book of the Month, October 2024)Praise for Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull:"Effortlessly blends outrageous humour and genuine creepiness" - The Guardian"Skullduggery pleasant meets A Series of Unfortunate Events. Do not miss! Spooky AND funny, a killer combo!" - Louie Stowell

The Acquisition of French as a Second Language: A Research Overview is the first text to present, in one place, a comprehensive, systematic overview of research on the acquisition of French as a second or additional language. Drawing on classic and current empirical studies on learner cohorts at different proficiency stages in various learning contexts all over the world, Martin Howard expertly synthesises and analyses a range of linguistic features, factors affecting learning, theoretical approaches or conceptual frameworks, and methodological or experimental issues in French SLA, and connects these insights from L2 French to key applied and theoretical questions in SLA research more broadly. The text further offers details of key corpora of L2 French data and sets the agenda for future work in French SLA by indicating gaps in the literature and recommending directions for future research. This unique, cohesive volume will be an invaluable foundational resource to advanced students and researchers in SLA, bilingualism/multilingualism, French & Romance studies, applied linguistics, language education and related areas to those who are interested in LOTEs (languages other than English) and French SLA in particular. It will also be useful to those studying to become French second language educators.

The Acquisition of French as a Second Language: A Research Overview is the first text to present, in one place, a comprehensive, systematic overview of research on the acquisition of French as a second or additional language. Drawing on classic and current empirical studies on learner cohorts at different proficiency stages in various learning contexts all over the world, Martin Howard expertly synthesises and analyses a range of linguistic features, factors affecting learning, theoretical approaches or conceptual frameworks, and methodological or experimental issues in French SLA, and connects these insights from L2 French to key applied and theoretical questions in SLA research more broadly. The text further offers details of key corpora of L2 French data and sets the agenda for future work in French SLA by indicating gaps in the literature and recommending directions for future research. This unique, cohesive volume will be an invaluable foundational resource to advanced students and researchers in SLA, bilingualism/multilingualism, French & Romance studies, applied linguistics, language education and related areas to those who are interested in LOTEs (languages other than English) and French SLA in particular. It will also be useful to those studying to become French second language educators.

Dejaki vcheni vvazhajut, scho vsi ljudi majut spilnu pra-pra-prababusju. Nevazhlivo, chi ti ukrajinets, krimskij tatarin, jevrej chi rumun, a tvoji susidi poljaki, greki, nimtsi chi moldavani. Vi mozhete buti ne skhozhimi odne na odnogo, govoriti riznimi movami, spivati riznikh pisen i jisti riznu jizhu, ale vas ob'jednuje spilna prababusja - zhinka, imeni jakoji mi ne znajemo i jaka virushila v podorozh z Afriki blizko 70 000 rokiv tomu. Jakscho zaglibitisja daleko-daleko v istoriju, to vijavitsja, scho vsi ljudi je chlenami odnijeji rodini - sim'ji, jaku mandri zaveli v kozhen kutochok planeti na im'ja Zemlja. Chomu ljudi migrujut? Kim buli pershimi mandrivnikami v istoriji? I kudi mi, ljudi, podorozhuvatimemo dali? Tsja kniga rozpovist pro najzakhoplivishi istoriji migratsij za vsju istoriju ljudstva, sche tut je chudovi iljustratsiji ta karti, jaki detalno opisujut tsi podorozhi j robljat jikh sche tsikavishimi. Khtos shukaje pritulku, postrazhdavshi vid vijni, dekhto pokidaje ridnu domivku, schob znajti robotu, a komus prosto khochetsja novikh vrazhen i prigod. U tsij knizhtsi zibrani istoriji z riznikh kutochkiv svitu: pro gugenotiv, puritaniv, novikh ljudej Ameriki, a takozh pro deportatsiji v SRSR. Dekhto osidav, a inshi prodovzhuvali vidkrivati novi kutochki svitu j zminjuvati svoje zhittja. Dejaki narodi zhili okremo protjagom trivalogo chasu, ale potim znovu zustrichali ljudej." Koli mi ozirajemosja nazad, istorija vchit nas, scho ljudi zavzhdi mandruvali j zavzhdi mandruvatimut", - tozh, nezalezhno vid prichin migratsij, same tsej rukh ljudej rozvivaje nash svit. PerekladachViktorija Narizhna

Super funny, super spooky MG for budding horror fans about a talkative skull and a necromancer-in-training - perfect for Lemony Snicket readers! Mallory Vayle would list her interests as being normal, books about ponies and very definitely NOT talking to dead people. But when her parents' carriage takes a leap off Gibbett Bridge - an accident for which there appears to be no explanation - she is taken in by a strange aunt the family disowned years ago and brought to her new, and very spooky, home. Aunt Lilith, a charlatan psychic, is quick to monetise Mallory's prodigious skills in talking to dead people and starts to advertise grand seances (ticketed obvs) in her spiritual news sheet. The ghosts of her parents also take up residence in the house but are cruelly snatched away by the shadow of Hellysh Spatzl, the grimmest, wickedest necromancer in all of history. To get them back, Mallory will have to learn how to use the talents she hates and raise the old hag from the dead. Her teacher? A talking skull called Maggoty, who wants some favours in return for his help - not just a gorgeous blond wig and some sparkly earrings, but for Mallory to break the curse that has left his spirit locked inside his own skull for 500 years. Mallory will have to lean into who she is and what she can do and make a pact with the evil Hellysh Spatzl to get her parents back while at the same time putting on a sensational Halloween spectacular at only five shillings a head for an amazed audience at Nightmare Castle. And learn to love her chatty sidekick and his glorious wig... As darkly hilarious as The Addams Family, this is really good fun. An alternative spooky Victoriana packed with laughs and outrageous characters, at its heart, it's a story of a young girl coming to terms with her own gifts and accepting that nobody is 'normal'.

Cartoons, as a form of humour and entertainment, are a social product which are revealing of different social and political practices that prevail in a society, humourised and satirised by the cartoonist. This book advances research on cartoons and humour in the Saudi context. It contributes to the growing multimodal research on non-interactional humour in the media that benefits from traditional theories of verbal humour. The study analyses the interaction between visual and verbal modes, highlighting the multimodal manifestations of the rhetorical devices frequently employed to create humour in English-language cartoons collected from the Saudi media. The multimodal analysis shows that the frequent rhetorical devices such as allusions, parody, metaphor, metonymy, juxtaposition, and exaggeration take a form which is woven between the visual and verbal modes, and which makes the production of humorous and satirical effect more unique and interesting. The analysis of the cartoons across various thematic categories further offers a window into contemporary Saudi society.

Are you stuck in a holiday rut? Need a change from your usual two weeks in Boredom-on-Sea? Want to explore more far flung destinations but not sure where to start? Well look no further because Alfie Fleet's Guide to the Universe will show you the best and worst holiday destinations that are literally out of this world! Enjoy a flight around the bird-planet of Winspan, enjoy a cocktail on beautiful planet Blyssss, or rent a giant hollowed-out mushroom to sleep in on planet Nomefulch - the universe is yours for the taking. And if you're a thrill-seeking adventurer then head for Solstice and join the pirates on a cruise around the planet - but watch out for the hostile mermaids and the strange recluse who inhabits the Isle of Sheds . . . Alfie Fleet and the Professor are on a planet-hopping quest-keep up if you can! More than funny fiction - this story does for travel guides what Wimpy Kid did for diaries and Tom Gates did for doodle books. With amazing illustrations by Chris Mould throughout, this book is a visual feast and will appeal to readers everywhere.

A dedicated and brave pilot, known for staying calm under pressure, he became the first person to set foot on the moon.

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right level Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available. It was only a tiny stalactite and I didn’t know it would make the tunnel cave in if I snapped it off … Find out what really happened on Oak Class's school trip, told through field trip reports written by the pupils. This humorous and unusual story was written by Martin Howard. Lime Plus/Band 11+ books provide challenging plots and vocabulary as well as opportunities to practise inference, prediction and reading stamina. Pages 46 and 47 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall. Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.

Neil Armstrong is: An astronaut An explorerAn inspirationOne little boy who loved the idea of flying became the first person to set foot on the moon. On 20 July 1969 Neil Armstrong made history, his 'giant leap for mankind'. From his childhood playing with model planes to becoming one of the most famous astronauts of all time, discover the incredible story of Neil Armstrong's life in this beautifully illustrated book, complete with narrative biography, facts and timelines. Explore other extraordinary lives:The Extraordinary Life of Stephen HawkingThe Extraordinary Life of Michelle ObamaThe Extraordinary Life of Katherine JohnsonThe Extraordinary Life of Mahatma GandhiThe Extraordinary Life of Rosa ParksThe Extraordinary Life of Serena WilliamsThe Extraordinary Life of Nelson Mandela

Bored of the same old routine? Longing for a bit of adventure in your life? Love living life on the edge? Then join Alfie Fleet and discover a whole universe of wonders (and things that are not so wonderful too, but we won't go into that now). From giant sand lobsters on planet Maureen and the Twang Bears of Mumsy, to the eerie (yet oddly quite boring) brains in jars on Brains-in-Jars World - there is something for everyone. And if danger's your thing you won't want to miss Outlandish, with its gold-hoarding dragon, take-your-life-in-your-hands cuisine, and welcoming locals who'll fire lightning bolts at you. Thrills and adventure await, just hop on board the slightly old and rusty moped of infinity! More than funny fiction - this story does for travel guides and maps what Wimpy Kid did for diaries and Tom Gates did for doodle books. With amazing illustrations by Chris Mould throughout, this book is a visual feast and will appeal to readers everywhere.

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right level Revisit Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy. When King Lear asks his three daughters to prove their love for him, he never expects the devastating outcome he faces. This remarkable edition allows readers into the minds of each of the principal characters to better understand their crafty plans and desperate motivations. Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. Text type: Fiction from our literary heritage Curriculum links: English: fiction from the English literary heritage

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right level Follow the exciting adventure of D’Artagnan as he desperately tries to fight for a place as one of the King’s Musketeers, in this gripping retelling of Alexandre Dumas’ classic story. Will D’Artagnan have the courage, bravery and skill to join the finest swordsmen in all of France? Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view. Text type: Fiction from our literary heritage Curriculum links: English: fiction from the literary heritage

The third and much anticipated final instalment in the highly-praised Witches at War! seriesHilarious fun for children aged 8+ and brilliant for parents and children to read togetherStunning illustrations throughout As you’ll recall, the previous book in the series ended with a shocking revelation. Now, Sam and her mentor, the incompetent and rude but strangely likeable Esmelia Sniff, have been separated and evil is beginning to dominate the world. It’s the longest, coldest winter since records began and the newspapers are reporting sightings of strange and evil creatures making their way towards the Bleak Fortress. Inside the fortress Sam is a prisoner to Diabolica's evil plans while her friend, the potion expert Helza Poppin, is trapped in the dungeon and scheduled for torture. Things ain’t looking good. Approximately 35,000 words/Age range: 8+ Follow Esmelia Sniff on Twitter:@esmeliasniff and on Facebook Other titles in the Witches at War! series include The Wickedest Witch (9781843651314) and The White Wand (9781843651345).

Christopher Columbus' astonishing life is a story of inspiration, bravery, incredible achievement and terrible hardship. As the explorer who took three small boats across the Atlantic and found an undiscovered continent, he was a hero - but his greed for gold and power brought tragedy on the people living there, and eventually caused his own downfall. His amazing story captures the excitement and urgency of the Golden Age of Discovery. Lives in Action is a series of narrative biographies that recount the lives of some of the key figures in history. Page-turning, thrilling plots that read like fiction will keep the most reluctant reader hooked.