Using a vibrant colour palette of reds, yellows and purples, the beautiful artwork is full of emotion and movement. Noor’s facial expressions, from excitement to dismay, are brilliantly funny and work well alongside the text. From 1st July 2021, VAT will be applicable to those EU countries where VAT is applied to books - this additional charge will be collected by Fed Ex (or the Royal Mail) at the time of delivery. Shipments to the USA & Canada: Being non-binary has never been a problem for 11-year-old Jamie – until secondary school looms, and the only two options are the boys’ school or the girls’. Suddenly Jamie and their friends find themselves protesting from the rooftops. Will Jamie ever find the place they belong? A sensitive, moving 9+ story about fighting for acceptance and change.

The Koh-i-Noor then passed into Afghan hands as plunder, however it brought little joy to Afghan leader Ahmad Shah Abdali, whose face was slowly eaten away by what the Afghan sources call a “gangrenous ulcer”. Abdali wore a jewel encrusted mask to hide his affliction, yet maggots dropped from his rotting flesh. After 25 years of rule, in 1772 he was murdered by one of his own bodyguards. In 1849 the East India Company took over the Lahore empire and the boy king was forced to sign a treaty relinquishing the kingdom and the Koh-i-Noor. The way in which he was separated from his mother, isolated and bullied into doing so has left an open wound in the Indian psyche. The Koh-i-Noor represents the humiliation of colonial rule for many Indians to this day. A heart-warming story, Not Now, Noor! is a celebration of Muslim women and gently approaches the religious reasons for wearing a hijab in a light-hearted way for children.

This is exclusive content.

This gutsy, vivid, gruesomely humorous retelling of the seminal Irish myth is perfectly judged for folklore addicts of 8+, with text heightened by brawny, satisfying illustrations. Abtaha says: “I absolutely loved reading a CBeebies Bedtime Story, it’s like nothing I’ve ever done before and I’m really excited to see it come to life. Both the stories I read are a great reminder that you can be whoever you want to be, no matter who you are, what religion you follow or what you choose to wear.” Ireland has raised similar questions more explosively in plays such as Cyprus Avenue and Ulster American, but as Matthew and Ray accept the truth about themselves, Not Now makes for a sparky comedy about heritage and hope.

In 2016 the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were on a visit to India and a member of the press asked whether they might like to return the diamond to foster better relations. In a spasm of embarrassment, the Indian Attorney General said there was no question of a return since the diamond had been a gift. The historians waded in with troublesome facts and within 24 hours the official line had changed. Full of curiousity, Noor sets out to find her answer, but her family are all busy and have no time to answer this important question. Just as Noor is ready to give up on her quest, her Ammu arrives home and knows just the thing to say.Determined to finally know the answer, Noor sets out to investigate. First, she asks her sister, but she’s too busy being cool with her friends. So, Noor heads to her aunt and her two grandmothers instead. But the women in her family are all busy and have no time to answer this important question. They all send her away, leaving Noor confused and frustrated. Just as Noor is ready to give up on her hijab quest, her Ammu arrives home and knows just the thing to say. Previous sports stars who have read a CBeebies Bedtime Story include Rob Burrow, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Anthony Joshua, Harry Kane and Leah Williamson. Other famous faces to have appeared on the daily slot include Rose Ayling Ellis, Tom Hardy, Dolly Parton, Harry Styles and Kate Winslet. With games across both competitions set to take place in the biggest stadia in the country, and multiple matches also to be broadcast on the BBC, fans will have numerous chances to watch the women’s teams in action. Airing on Friday 9 June, the Sciver-Brunts will become the first LGBTQ+ couple to feature on the programme, and will read Find Your Happy by Emily Coxhead, a book all about what a wonderful thing it is to feel happy. With vibrant illustrations, the uplifting story follows a sloth who shows little ones what to do if they’re feeling sad or angry, frightened or shy. It’s the first of two stories to be read by the couple for CBeebies.

Translated from Persian, the word Koh-i-Noor means “Mountain of Light” – ironic since its history is infused with such darkness. Named for its colossal size, the stone was originally 186 carats, and the size and heft of a hen’s egg. It isn’t only that Matthew instinctively defaults to RP to impress the teachers at Rada (pronounced “radar” by his uncle), it is also that even his own Protestant Belfast community is conflicted about its identity. He and Ray squabble over whether they are British, Northern Irish, Irish or some combination, while considering the irony of turning on the Irish charm to fellow British citizens in London. This heart-warming yet funny tale is a celebration of Muslim women, curious children, and family love. Abtaha’s story will air on Friday 14 July. Both the stories I read are a great reminder that you can be whoever you want to be, no matter who you are, what religion you follow or what you choose to wear. — Abtaha Maqsood

LoveReading4Kids Says

So far so Shakespearean, except Harry Ward’s Ray, beyond being Matthew’s uncle, has nothing in common with Claudius. He is a painter and decorator with an invented love life and a better knowledge of Stephen King than of the classics. And his knowledge of Stephen King stretches to one book. If you're coming to Coles by car, why not take advantage of the 2 hours free parking at Sainsbury's Pioneer Square - just follow the signs for Pioneer Square as you drive into Bicester and park in the multi-storey car park above the supermarket. Come down the travelators, exit Sainsbury's, turn right and follow the pedestrianised walkway to Crown Walk and turn right - and Coles will be right in front of you. You don't need to shop in Sainsbury's to get the free parking! Where to Find Us