Books by Jean Ure

One of the brilliant titles in Jean Ure's acclaimed series of humorous, delightful and poignant stories written in the form of diaries and letters which make them immediately accessible to children.This is the story of how Mandy learns to cope with her untidy life and finally emerges triumphant.Mandy Small has trouble writing so Cat, her teacher, suggests that she tells her life story into a tape recorder. So begins Mandy's funny and sometimes sad story of life with her loving but chaotic parents - Dad, the Elvis look-alike, and Mum, whose idea of a special meal is burnt toast!Then there's school, where the horrible Tracey Bigg picks on Mandy and her timid friend, Oliver, not to mention Old Misery Guts, the landlady and Nan, who thinks that Mandy's parents aren't fit to look after her. With so many things to worry about, Mandy begins to think that she's in danger of turning into a real Fruit and Nutcase!Mandy's story, told in the form of diary into a tape recorder, is a funny and often moving account of a child's everyday life, with all its difficulties. Hilariously illustrated by Mick Brownfield.

A quirky, warm and exciting story about family, friendship and time-travel - from legendary author Jean Ure.When twelve-year-old Lily is walking to school one day, a very unusual girl appears out of nowhere! It is 1953 and this stranger is dressed in a green sparkly dress, purple tights with orange swirls and has bright yellow hair sticking up like a dandelion. As quickly as she appears, she disappears again into thin air!Lily rushes to tell her best friends Tara and Geraldine about this strange encounter, and they begin an investigation to solve the mystery. Could it be that the girl is from the future? And what does she want with Lily?

A brand-new adventure about animals and friendship. From the legendary author of the bestselling Frankie Foster series, Jean Ure.Eleven-year-old best friends, Hannah and Katy LOVE animals. Every weekend, they learn to ride at Mrs Foster's Riding School, where they meet a loveable horse named Rosie.Rosie isn't able to ride like the other horses, and when Mrs Foster cannot afford to keep her, she is sent to another Riding School. But Farley Downs is no ordinary Riding School, and the owner mistreats Rosie, forcing her to gallop when she isn't able. Hannah and Katy want desperately to save the horse, but to do that, they will need to raise more money than either of them have ever had.Follow the girls on their journey as they rescue their four-legged friend, Rosie.A heart-warming tale about the love of animals and the power of friendship.

A warm and wise tale about the unique challenges of pre-teen life and sibling rivalry from a master of the genre. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+

The final instalment in this inspiring series about dancing, friendship and following your dreams. From best-loved author Jean Ure, whose books are described by Jacqueline Wilson as "funny, funky, feisty - and fantastic reads!"

The first in a brand-new series about dancing, friendship and following your dreams from best-loved author Jean Ure, whose books are described by Jacqueline Wilson as "e;funny, funky, feisty - and fantastic reads!"e;When new girl Caitlyn arrives at Coombe House School Maddy is sure she must be a fellow ballet dancer; she certainly has all the grace and poise of a ballerina. So when Caitlyn denies it, Maddy isn't convinced. But it isn't until she comes across Caitlyn practising ballet in the gym that she realises there must be more to her story... Just what can it be? Maddy is determined to find out!

A heartwarming and insightful story for pre-teens from one of the best writers of the genre. Expertly told with a strong message of friendship and forgiveness at its heart. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+

When Billy the Skid and his nasty gang of mountain bikers ride into Bodley Street and ride menacingly up and down, Danny and friends are determined to fight back. They know bullies must be stopped - the question is how? After a little thought, Danny comes up with an ingenious plan and enlists the help of the twins, Daisy and Donna. All will be well providing Danny can lure Billy into the spooky graveyard and sprint through like dynamite!A cheering story for new readers, with a cosy setting, a clear triumph for Danny against the bully and told with lots of humour.

The second fantastic book about ten-year-old FRANKIE FOSTER - the girl who wants to help, but ends up causing chaos!Frankie Foster loves fixing people's problems. Her help might not always be welcome - and she might cause the odd total disaster - but Frankie always fixes things. Eventually!When Frankie's mum agrees to have a friend's daughter to stay for a fortnight, it falls on Frankie's shoulders to look after Amelia. Having another girl share her broom cupboard of a bedroom is one thing, but wherever Amelia goes, trouble seems to follow, however hard Frankie tries to keep her out of it!Frankie certainly gets more than she bargains for with Amelia, but in typical Frankie fashion, she soon realises how being different is no bad thing and learns some important lessons along the way... like the true meaning of friendship and how to keep life 'sweet'!

A woolly dog and a fluffy cat live together in perfect harmony - until the arrival of a tiny kitten. Heartwarming story from a renowned author.Woffles is a dog. Very big and woolly.Stretch is a cat. Very smooth and slinky.But one day, this contented pair have a new addition to their family. A big ball of black fluff in the form of a very naughty kitten - Muffy - who holds up her claws with her nails sticking out so they look like pins on a pin cushion. And Muffy decides to play tricks on Woffles and mayhem ensues. It's up to Stretch to restore harmony to the household . He does so by introducing Muffy to a monster - her own reflection in a long mirror in the upstairs bedroom. Muffy is tamed. Meanwhile Woffles, thinking there is a monster in the upstairs bedroom refuses to go anywhere near it, until persuaded to by Stretch to be brave. What confronts Woffles is a big and woolly dog. So Muffy the kitten seeks protection from the monster in the mirror from Woffles; And Woffles knows that he will be protected by the big woolly dog in the mirror!

A fun and feisty comedy drama from master storyteller Jean Ure - with a gorgeous cover look to appeal to all girls who love real-life stories.When Daniella Cassidy and her best friend Lisa fall in love with the gorgeous puppy in the next door garden, they never imagine they'll end up getting to keep him - that they'll have to save his life - or that he'll lead them into such big trouble...A crazy real-life adventure about friendship, family, pets - and a plan that spirals out of control.

A fun and feisty novel from master storyteller Jean Ure - with a gorgeous look to appeal to all girls who love real-life stories.Thirteen-year-old Tamsin has never had a boyfriend, and she's starting to feel left behind. Even her ten-year-old sister has a boyfriend, so surely it must be her turn soon! When Tamsin meets Alex, she just can't stop thinking about him, and she's thrilled when he asks her out on a date. But he's sixteen and has already left school. Before she knows it, Tamsin is lying about her age and going behind her parents back... but for how long can she keep up the pretence?A charming story about the innocence of first love - and learning to do the right thing.

Rose and Nicola Bruce are two talented but very different sisters who have to overcome the problems of jealousy and uncertainty before thay can begin to realise their ambitions, while Jamie Carr faces the problem of unexpectedly getting involved in the world of ballet and having to face his friends at school.