The Moose Fairy

by Steve Smallman

Published 20 July 2021

Moose has always wanted to be a fairy...

He joins The Secret Fairy Club, but when he arrives he realises that everyone else is... little! Moose completes all the club tasks, but the members say he just doesn't fit in. But will they change their mind after Moose saves them from a nasty Fox?

A funny and touching picture book, with a positive message about being kind and accepting those who are different from ourselves. Includes discussion points for parents and teachers to build understanding and enjoyment of the story and the morals behind it.


Listen Up, Pup!

by Steve Smallman

Published 7 January 2012
An experienced pet dog gives advice to a new puppy on how to train humans.

Not-So-Brave Penguin

by Steve Smallman

Published 4 October 2018

Posy the penguin is scared of many things – snowstorms, loud noises, the dark – but when her adventurous friend Percy is missing, Posy plucks up the courage to overcome her fears and goes on an excursion to find him.

This heartwarming story about friendship, being brave and overcoming fears when it really matters is sure to become a bedtime favourite.

Beautifully illustrated, QED’s Storytime series introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. Featuring charming animal and human characters, the books explore important social and emotional themes like friendship, gratitude, perseverance and overcoming fears. A Next Steps page at the back provides guidance for parents and teachers.
 
 


If the Wind Changes

by Steve Smallman

Published 7 January 2011
Alfie loves pulling grumpy faces and doesn't care about scaring other cats or making his mum unhappy. But when his Great Aunt tells him his face will freeze if the wind changes, the unimaginable happens - Alfie's frown freezes into a smile! Suddenly Alfie's life is changed...and isn't so sure he wants to frown again! This is a charming and funny story about being happy. It is written by an award-winning author. It is presented with supporting notes for parents and teachers.

When the Weather Monster  is sad it rains – and it has been  raining for days!

Desperate for  some sunshine, the villagers send  Tom up the mountain with a cake.

But maybe what this monster  really wants is a friend?

Beautifully illustrated,  QED Storytime  introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. The diverse series has been written by various authors, including multiple prize winners and many who are established worldwide.


Zebra can hardly contain his excitement  when he receives a dinner party invite from  Lion - the king of the jungle!

Elephant on the other hand is more sceptical  about Lion's motives. She sets out to prevent  Zebra from going to the party, but Zebra  thinks Elephant is jealous because she  hasn't been invited!

Elephant tries to keep Zebra busy and in the meantime  the invitation blows across the savanna...  leading Porcupine and Rhino to believe it is  addressed to them.

Lion is less than impressed when the wrong  guests arrive at his party. When clever Elephant disguises  herself as Zebra, Lion also ends up very  squashed and confesses all.

Zebra is truly sorry for how he treated his  friend Elephant and is grateful to her for  saving his life.

 

Part of the series  Storytime.  Beautifully illustrated, QED Storytime introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. Discussion points for parents and teachers are also  included.


The Wishing Stone

by Steve Smallman

Published 7 January 2010
The shy Armadillo would love to make friends but every time he sees other animals he rolls up into a ball! When he overhears Monkey, Flamingo and Mouse's wishes he decides to make them come true! Will the animals' new wishing stone turn into a friend? This is a sweet story about friendship and bravery. It is written by an award-winning author. It is presented with supporting notes for parents and teachers.

When Rex has to watch over his little sister Daisy he isn't very happy about it. He starts telling Daisy what to do - sit over there, stand on one leg - and she does it! But when he tells her to get lost he regrets being mean to his sister - will he ever find her again? This adorable story about two dinosaur siblings is perfect for reading at bedtime with a family member or sharing in the classroom. Also includes a set of supporting notes for parents and teachers with questions to encourage discussion of the themes in the book, either at home or in the classroom.


A sweet story about being heard that's sure to become a bedtime favourite. Seth slithers out of his hole and tries to say his first word, but all that comes out is 'Shhh'. His mother encourages Seth to try again, but no luck. All he can say is 'Shhh'! The jungle animals who have gathered to hear Seth's first word erupt into giggles and fits of laughter. Whoever heard of a snake that said shhh? The grumpy leopard then tells the other animals that they need to decide on a present to give Seth. The animals shout out suggestions from a toothbrush to leaves. But none of them can agree. Their shouting escalates until Seth cannot take any more. He loudly says 'SHHHHH!' The jungle animals then realize that the best gift for Seth would be some peace and quiet. QED's Storytime series is going from strength to strength and has recently had several titles read on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. These charming books combine colourful illustrations with heartwarming narrative, each with its own unique message for young children.

Kind Mr. Bear

by Steve Smallman

Published 19 November 2019

Kind Mr. Bear is very kind. He's always happy to help those in need. But the animals in the forest are so used to him being there, they start to take his help for granted. Then one day Mr. Bear gets ill and finds himself all alone in his cave. Will anyone come to help him?

This touching title from award-winning author/illustrator Steve Smallman shows that when it comes to true friends, kindness is something to give as well as receive.

Beautifully illustrated, QEB's Storytime series introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. Featuring charming animal and human characters, the books explore important social and emotional themes like friendship, gratitude, perseverance, and overcoming fears. Discussion points for parents and teachers are also included.


Batmouse

by Steve Smallman

Published 7 July 2014
When Pip the mouse sees a bat flying over his home, he has a big idea - when he grows up, he's going to be a BAT! Pip makes himself some cardboard wings, and prepares for take-off. But flying is harder than it looks. Sleeping upside down isn't easy either, and what on earth do bats eat? It's not long before Pip makes friends with a real bat...and decides he'd rather be a mouse after all! But he still really, really wants to fly. Pip's new friend comes to the rescue and flies him all the way home. All is well until Pip has another big idea. When he grows up, he's going to be a mole! This Storytime title is perfect for children who are enthusiastic about what they'll become when they grow up.

Monty the Hero

by Steve Smallman

Published 15 September 2015

Monty the mole's favourite bedtime story is  about a hero, a monster and a magic wand.  Monty wants to be a hero too so he sneaks  out at night in search of adventure. 

He meets Herbert the hedgehog and  together they decide to be heroes and  search for magic. Monty finds a conker shell  and uses it as a helmet for protection in case  they meet a monster! And they do – along  comes a grumpy badger but Herbert uses his  spikes to send him on his way.

Then Herbert tumbles down a hole and  it's Monty's chance to be a hero and help  his friend. The heroes continue on their  adventure and find what they think is a  magic wand – a dandelion.

They shake it but  all the magic seems to disappear – or does it? Will Monty's wish come true?

 

Part of the QED Storytime series, this  beautifully illustrated book introduces young  children to the pleasures of reading and  sharing stories, and includes supporting  notes for parents and teachers. Storytime has recently featured on Cbeebies Bedtime Stories.


The Not-So-Perfect Penguin

by Steve Smallman

Published 6 January 2014

All of the penguins are smart and sensible. All except, Percy, who is... well... not so perfect. Each day is a constant struggle for Percy to behave like everyone else. He’s just not serious in any way…which sometimes comes at the expense of others. He doesn’t mean any harm, he just wants to have fun. But when Percy leaves, things just aren’t the same without him and the other penguins soon realize there’s more to life than being perfect! This gentle moral story about the difference between being silly and going too far and upsetting other people features adorable penguin characters and is perfect for reading at bedtime with a family member or sharing in the classroom. Also includes a set of supporting notes for parents and teachers with questions to encourage discussion of the themes in the book, either at home or in the classroom.