#ReadforEmpathy Collection 2024
Kicked Out, by A. M. Dassu, is an EmpathyLab 2024 Read for Empathy title.
EmpathyLab’s work is based on scientific research showing that empathy is learnable, and that books help to build it: identifying with fictional characters helps build real-life empathy. Teachers report that using empathy-rich texts builds mutual understanding. Impacts include improved behaviour and a culture with less racism and in which children themselves help resolve disputes.
Empathy Day will be celebrated on 6th June 2024. Find out more here.
Publishing March 2024
Shortlisted for the New Zealand Book of the Year, YA Fiction
‘Kate De Goldi’s love of language and Christchurch shine through in this exquisite novel about faith, love and loss.’ – shortlist citation
New Zealand author Kate De Goldi first came to the attention of the UK reading public with The 10pm Question, New Zealand Post Book of the Year. Eddy, Eddy demonstrates the same unparalleled empathy with the torturred mind of a teenager, in this case traumatised by earthquake and family tragedy. But the story is quirky and funny; no-one handles language as deftly.
Eddy is a deep teenaged sigh come to life... With his love of literature and classical music, Eddy is an old soul, but tempered with the right and normal concerns of young people: love, sex, beer, and the teenaged boy's physical inability to give voice to a feeling. Circumstances contrive to make Eddy spill the emotional beans, and there are many of them. If an eddy is an area of swirling water that forms behind an obstacle, like a boulder in a river, then this boy is that. We'll travel with him, whilst he overcomes. – New Zealand Herald
The Lorikeet Tree
This coming-of-age novel from Australian superstar Paul Jennings is both moving and inspirational, embracing big themes including the loss of a parent and environmental concern. KidsBookReview said: "Big stuff, and yet the way Jennings delivers this book… it’s like he’s holding your hand through it all". Expect a departure from his funny 'stories with a twist' but know that you are in the care of a master storyteller. Suggested age range 11 - 14 years; Longlisted for the UKLA Awards and Nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024
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Eco-fiction for 9 - 13 yrs
The Raven's Song
Aftershocks, by Anne Fine
Nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medals 2023, this teen title from the multi-award-winning, legendary author of 'Madame Doubtfire' and 'Goggle Eyes' was Book of the Week for both The Times and the Sunday Times. In 'the book of my heart', Anne Fine here confronts for the first time the long shadows cast by grief, for individuals and for communities at large. And she does it in a gripping adventure that will have you willing Louie on to its conclusion! Signed bookplates available on request.
View full detailsMadeline Finn and the Rescue Dog
A picture book about caring and sharing, from the author of Madeline Finn and the Library Dog'. Madeline worries who is caring for the dogs in the Rescue Home. Most importantly, who is reading to them? She tries to read to them all herself, but realises she needs help. Luckily, her friends at the library are ready to step in.
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Madeline Finn and the Library Dog
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Learning about pollinators
Check out the latest bee-themed events and advice from the British Beekeepers Association or click through below for Old Barn Books pollinator-themed titles.
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Picture Books
see more hereWordless books, picture books to help you face your fears or to explore the wonders of the natural world: we strongly believe that a child's first books should be beautiful, educational and entertaining!
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Gift Books
take a lookGreat artwork, great paper engineering and, for the older reader, fantastic photography!
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Fiction
keep readingWe publish fiction from around the world (although it seems we do love Australia!) and for readers aged approximately 9+.
7 of our 9 eligible titles have been nominated for The Carnegie Medal