Books with author Catherine Bruton

Winner of the Angels and Urchins Book Award for Older ReadersNominated for the 2020 CILIP Carnegie MedalThe Times Children's Book of the WeekAya is eleven years old and has just arrived in Britain with her mum and baby brother, seeking asylum from war in Syria. When Aya stumbles across a local ballet class, the formidable dance teacher spots her exceptional talent and believes that Aya has the potential to earn a prestigious ballet scholarship. But at the same time, Aya and her family must fight to be allowed to remain in the country, to make a home for themselves and to find Aya's father - separated from the rest of the family during the journey from Syria. With beautiful, captivating writing, wonderfully authentic ballet detail, and an important message championing the rights of refugees, this is classic storytelling - filled with warmth, hope and humanity."Bruton has done her research and used her imagination, as good fiction writers are wont to do, to come up with a moving, textured story[...] a Ballet Shoes for the 21st century." - Alex O'Connell, The Times"A perfect balance of tragedy and triumph" - Natasha Farrant, author of The Children of Castle Rock"A gem of a book." - Natasha Harding, Children's Book of the Week, The Sun"Wise and kind and unputdownable." - Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks War

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a hilarious holiday whodunit!It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Unless you’re Sally Muccio.The full-time baker and sometime sleuth is ready to burst into song. She and her husband are expecting a bundle of joy, her sister’s wedding is just around the corner, and it’s Christmas, her favorite time of year. But when Sal’s the victim of a carjacking by Santa himself and a forgotten item links her to a murder, she doesn’t feel like ho-ho-hoing anymore.Damian Ruger was a drug user, womanizer and first-class jerk. And unfortunately for Sal, she once had a connection to him in high school. The dough really hits the fan when her bakery's gingerbread cookies are found next to his dead body, and Sal's cake server is used as a murder weapon. Someone is trying to frame the expectant mother, but why? Sal has no choice but to try to clear her name...before she and the baby are singing Christmas carols in prison!*Recipes Included!*The Cookies & Chance Mysteries:Tastes Like Murder (book #1)A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)Baked to Death (book #2)Burned to a Crisp (book #3)Frosted With Revenge (book #4)Silenced by Sugar (book #5)A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection) Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)Sprinkled in Malice (book #7)Gingersnapped to Death (book #8)What critics are saying:"A fantastic cozy mystery!"—InD'Tale Magazine"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"—Fresh Fiction"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

Aya is eleven years old and has just arrived in Britain with her mum and baby brother, seeking asylum from war in Syria. When Aya stumbles across a local ballet class, the formidable dance teacher spots her exceptional talent and believes that Aya has the potential to earn a prestigious ballet scholarship. But at the same time, Aya and her family must fight to be allowed to remain in the country, to make a home for themselves and to find Aya's father - separated from the rest of the family during the journey from Syria. With beautiful, captivating writing, wonderfully authentic ballet detail, and an important message championing the rights of refugees, this is classic storytelling - filled with warmth, hope and humanity."A perfect balance of tragedy and triumph" - Natasha Farrant, author of The Children of Castle Rock"Wise and kind and unputdownable. - Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks War

Yes, learning Spanish can be fun for your child! Developed by language-learning expert Catherine Bruzzone, the Spanish for Children program is a fun and effective way for your child to learn the Spanish language and culture. This introduction gets your son or daughter speaking Spanish right from the very beginning and keeps him or her engaged with a wide range of activities and games that keep language-learning fun.A complete program, this package features: A full-color illustrated guidebook that features cartoons, characters, and fun facts Three audio CDs that guide your child through the course and teach language through a combination of Spanish-language songs, games, and activities An activity book filled with interactive puzzles and games that reinforce new language skills Advice for you on helping your kid get the most out of thelanguage-learning experience. Free print and audio downloads. Topics include: Saying hello, Saying "yes" and "no", Saying where places are, Talking about family, Around the house, Saying what you like to do, Describing things, At the zoo, At a picnic, Happy Birthday!

USA Today Bestseller! Baker turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Sally Muccio’s, finally found the happiness that’s eluded her for years. She’s in love with a great guy, her bakery is thriving, and now she and her best friend Josie Sullivan are gearing up to appear on the popular reality baking show, Cookie Crusades. But a visit from Sal’s greedy ex-husband Colin, who's looking to cash in on the bakery’s dough, changes everything. Within a few hours Sal’s world—like the shop’s original fortune cookies—is broken apart when Colin turns up dead, and her boyfriend’s arrested for the crime. Now Sal’s mixing it up with vengeful ex-inlaws, a suspicious new employee, slippery baking competitors, and a greasy mobster who’ll stop at nothing to collect on Colin’s unpaid debt. Can Sal prove her man is innocent in time? Or is she about to get baked herself?**Recipes Included!**The Cookies & Chance Mysteries:Tastes Like Murder (book #1)A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)Baked to Death (book #2)Burned to a Crisp (book #3)Frosted With Revenge (book #4)Silenced by Sugar (book #5)A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection) Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)What critics are saying:"Catherine Bruns dishes up a deliciously devilish mystery with this feisty suspense story. This is a highly entertaining cozy mystery that would appeal to anyone who likes a little zaniness with their suspense. "—Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick!"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"—Fresh Fiction"The delightful whodunit kept me guessing until the end, and the tasty treats had my mouthwatering from start to finish! A fantastic culinary mystery in the vein of Joanne Fluke and Diane Mott Davidson!"—Gemma Halliday, New York Times & USA Today bestselling mystery author"Catherine Bruns has found a winning recipe for an exciting mystery mixed with a dash of humor and a heap of danger. Add in a little romance for spice, and you get one sweet reading treat."—Mary Marks, bestselling author of the Quilting Mystery series.

For fans of Cathy Cassidy and Jacqueline Wilson, step in to the glamorous world of competitive gymnastics with Somersaults and Dreams. The British Champs are looming and Ellie is desperate to qualify. But with her two best friends growing distant and a bright new star joining her squad, she is finding it hard to stand out. Will hard work be enough, or will Ellie find something more to make her performance shine?Tumble into a world of friendships, rivalries and bright lights in this must-read new series - perfect for girls of 8+

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns, comes an Aloha Lagoon Mystery that proves sometimes paradise isn't all it's served up to be. New to both Hawaii and the Aloha Lagoon Resort, Carrie Jorgenson has big dreams of stardom. But while she awaits fame and fortune, she's forced to accept a job waitressing at the resort's The Loco Moco Café. It isn't long before she discovers the dish on her new boss—also known to many as "The Big Kahuna." Hale Akamu is rich, handsome, repulsive...and dead. When Carrie discovers Hale's lifeless body, she's suddenly forced into yet another role—amateur sleuth. With everyone from Carrie to the saucy chef to the café's hot assistant manager under suspicion, Carrie needs to track a killer before she becomes his next main entrée! **Recipes included!**The Aloha Lagoon Mysteries:Ukulele Murder (book #1)Murder on the Aloha Express (book #2) Deadly Wipeout (book #3) Deadly Bubbles in the Wine (book #4) Mele Kalikimaka Murder (book #5) Death of the Big Kahuna (book #6) Ukulele Deadly (book #7)Bikinis and Bloodshed (book #8)Death of the Kona Man (book #9)Lethal Tide (book #10)Beachboy Murder (book #11)Handbags & Homicide (book #12)About Aloha Lagoon:There's trouble in paradise...Welcome to Aloha Lagoon, one of Hawaii's hidden treasures. A little bit of tropical paradise nestled along the coast of Kauai, this resort town boasts luxurious accommodation, friendly island atmosphere...and only a slightly higher than normal murder rate. While mysterious circumstances may be the norm on our corner of the island, we're certain that our staff and Lagoon natives will make your stay in Aloha Lagoon one you will never forget!

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a boxed set of three full-length mysteries featuring baker turned sleuth Sally Muccio. This boxed set includes the first three novels—and tasty recipes!—from the #1 bestselling Cookies & Chance series, including:Tastes Like MurderSally Muccio’s had her crosses to bear: a cheating ex-boyfriend, crazy Italian parents, and an unfaithful husband, just to name a few. After her divorce, she returns to her hometown to start a novelty cookie shop whose specialties include original fortune cookies, served with a sprinkle of foreshadowing. But there’s no warning when her ex-husband’s mistress drops dead on Sal's porch!Baked to DeathBaker turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Sally Muccio’s, finally found the happiness that’s eluded her for years. But when Sal’s ex-husband winds up dead and her new boyfriend is arrested for the crime, everything begins to crumble.Burned to a CrispJust when things appear to be going well for baker and sometime sleuth, Sally Muccio, life turns up the heat again. When the bakery Sal’s worked so hard for goes up in smoke—along with her dreams!—she’s not sure how much more she can stand. Even worse...a man is found dead in the bakery’s back room, and now it's up to Sal to find out why.The Cookies & Chance Mysteries:Tastes Like Murder (book #1)A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)Baked to Death (book #2)Burned to a Crisp (book #3)Frosted With Revenge (book #4)Silenced by Sugar (book #5)A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection) Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)"Catherine Bruns has whipped up another delicious treat with this delightful cozy. If you like your mysteries to taste sweet this one is a good choice."—Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick!"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"—Fresh Fiction

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a boxed set of the next three exciting mysteries featuring baker turned sleuth Sally Muccio. This boxed set includes three full-length novels—and tasty recipes!—from the #1 bestselling Cookies & Chance series, including:Frosted With Revenge (book #4)The some-time amateur sleuth and full-time bakery owner is finally marrying the man of her dreams. But during a last minute taste testing of their wedding cake, Sally and her fiancé are witnesses—and almost victims!—of a random shooting. At least they think it’s random, until an original fortune cookie message proves otherwise. Can Sal make it to the church on time…and alive?Silenced by Sugar (book #5)Full-time baker and sometime-sleuth Sally Muccio wishes that sales in her bakery would pick up. So when a popular TV show invites her and best friend, Josie, to be guests, it’s a dream come true. Only it quickly turned into a nightmare when a dead body is discovered on the set, and fingers immediately point to Josie. Now it's up to Sal to save her friend and tack down a killer!Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)In need of some quick dough, full-time baker and sometime sleuth Sally Muccio decides to rent the vacant apartment over the bakery to a friend of her grandmother’s. But when the elderly woman is mowed down in a hit and run, it quickly becomes obvious this was no accident. Grandma Rosa asks for Sal’s help to find the killer, but can she catch a murderer before her world crumbles around her?The Cookies & Chance Mysteries:Tastes Like Murder (book #1)A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)Baked to Death (book #2)Burned to a Crisp (book #3)Frosted With Revenge (book #4)Silenced by Sugar (book #5)A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection) Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)Sprinkled in Malice (book #7)"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews"A fantastic cozy mystery!"—InD'Tale Magazine"A fast-paced and light hearted whodunit that kept me engaged throughout the telling of this tale."—Dru's Book Musings

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a hilarious holiday whodunit!It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Unless you’re Sally Muccio.The full-time baker and sometime sleuth is ready to burst into song. She and her husband are expecting a bundle of joy, her sister’s wedding is just around the corner, and it’s Christmas, her favorite time of year. But when Sal’s the victim of a carjacking by Santa himself and a forgotten item links her to a murder, she doesn’t feel like ho-ho-hoing anymore.Damian Ruger was a drug user, womanizer and first-class jerk. And unfortunately for Sal, she once had a connection to him in high school. The dough really hits the fan when her bakery's gingerbread cookies are found next to his dead body, and Sal's cake server is used as a murder weapon. Someone is trying to frame the expectant mother, but why? Sal has no choice but to try to clear her name...before she and the baby are singing Christmas carols in prison!*Recipes Included!*The Cookies & Chance Mysteries:Tastes Like Murder (book #1)A Spot of Murder (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)Baked to Death (book #2)Burned to a Crisp (book #3)Frosted With Revenge (book #4)Silenced by Sugar (book #5)A Drizzle Before Dying (short story in the "Pushing Up Daisies" collection) Crumbled to Pieces (book #6)Sprinkled in Malice (book #7)Gingersnapped to Death (book #8)What critics are saying:"A fantastic cozy mystery!"—InD'Tale Magazine"I want to visit more with all of the quirky characters just to see what crazy and outrageous things they will do next!"—Fresh Fiction"The Cookies and Chance Mystery series is more than just a series....it's a family !! Once you read the first book, you are hooked and feel like a member of the crazy Muccio family."—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

Yes, learning French can be fun for your child! Developed by language-learning expert Catherine Bruzzone, the French for Children program is a fun and effective way for your child to learn the French language and culture. This introduction gets your son or daughter speaking French right from the very beginning and keeps him or her engaged with a wide range of activities and games that keep language-learning fun.A complete program, this package features: A full-color illustrated guidebook that features cartoons, characters, and fun facts Three audio CDs that guide your child through the course and teach language through a combination of French-language songs, games, and activities An activity book filled with interactive puzzles and games that reinforce new language skills Advice for you on helping your kid get the most out of thelanguage-learning experience Free print and audio downloads Topics include: Saying hello, Saying "yes" and "no", Saying where places are, Talking about family, Around the house, Saying what you like to do, Describing things, At the zoo, At a picnic, Happy Birthday!

It's 1811. Ten-year-old Mary Anning, her brother Joe, and their widowed mother are eking out a meager existence running a little fossil shop in the seaside town of Lyme Regis. After a storm wipes out most of the shop's merchandise, Mary and Joe begin the slow work of restocking the shelves. They search high and low for fossils, and one day Mary spots a huge eye in a cliff face high above the town. She resolves to bring the creature down �� no matter what the risk. The exciting discovery and recovery of the first complete fossil of an Ichthyosaurus is told in an attractive graphic novel format, perfect for reluctant readers.