The sound of Sam's life was like the best piece of music you have ever heard. Everyone liked Sam, and Sam liked himself. But then one day the mud words begin and they get inside his head - and Sam can't hear the music anymore. Mud Boy is an illustrated book for ages 5-11, showing how children can go from being joyfully buoyant to totally deflated when being bullied and teased, and offering advice to get them back to their best. Mud, music and a family cat are used to conjure up the story to children in a very new and real way, showing that recovery happens through talking to others about our problems. The book also includes a guide for further talking points by Dr Pooky Knightsmith on how to discuss the topic, and the emotions that come up on reading the book, with children.

To avoid taking a bath, Fister Farnello runs away from home and is befriended by Dirt Man, a filthy giant who lives in the woods. Watercolor paintings are accompanied by hilarious text.

Old Portsmouth, England is walking distance to the dockyard and resting place to Nelson's flagship: HMS Victory. Today Old Portsmouth, also known as Spice Island, is a very upmarket area, but In 1907 it was a place to be avoided. It was a naval red light area where Pub brawls were commonplace and in warmer months, tide permitting, ragged kids would tussle in the harbour mud for coins thrown to them by travellers from the causeway above. These are the facts that separate the following fiction. At Boswell's: naval outfitters a young seamstress is brutally murdered. The vacant post is filled by Nell Masters, a pretty sixteen-year-old. Nell, having lost her father in a fatal accident is made to be the bread-winner for her and her work-shy young mother. Nell finds her first love while working at Boswell's but jealousy and conspiracy among fellow workers result in Nell being threatened by the hangman's noose. This is the beginning of a fast moving and gripping tale.