Books with author Jan Payne

Annie's not your ordinary heroine. She's quirkier, kinder, knows better . . . and always gets things wrong. Luckily her gran's normally there to bail her out—just as well, really, because Mom tends to be off tackling mountains, while Dad's sculpting skyscrapers out of carrots. So whether Annie's buying anteaters for her in-laws, baking birthday surprises for the circus family next door, or doing the laundry . . . in Lapland, you're guaranteed an adventure! Annie is a cracking new character whose stories of everyday events, though rooted in reality, will take you on some fantastic flights of fancy.

Four great new stories featuring the one and only Annie and her chaotic friends and family. When Annie needs new clothes, she goes off to the local department store with Dad and Gran on Grumbler the motorbike. How they end up pacing the catwalk with an ugly bulldog is typical of Annie and her spirited capers. Join Annie as she takes her dog to the dog-trainer and joins the Brownies at school—Annie is a girl with a mind of her own, and she shows it!

Thirteen-year-old Josh McCullen expects an adventure when he joins his twelve friends on a boating trip along the Pacific coast, but he never anticipates being lost at sea. In the midst of their trip, the boys are caught in a storm that blows them away from the shore-and now they have no idea which direction leads to land.Alone in the unforgiving elements, the boys are faced with critical choices as they try to find land before their limited supply of food and water runs out. Once they reach land, the youngsters survive for a whole week by catching fish with a homemade fishing pole and hunting deer and rabbits with a hand-carved bow and arrows. But troubles mount as the boys encounter hostile natives, including Zemanu, who wants to sacrifice them to "the Great One."In a grand escape, the boys overcome Zemanu and flee the island, but troubles and struggles follow them to a second, and then a third island! Eventually, Josh taps into his inner strength to take command of the young crew after several tragedies, but he has to lead them through their final challenges, including a winner-take-all confrontation with Zemanu!

In this book, we have hand-picked the most sophisticated, unanticipated, absorbing (if not at times crackpot!), original and musing book reviews of "Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions". Don't say we didn't warn you: these reviews are known to shock with their unconventionality or intimacy. Some may be startled by their biting sincerity; others may be spellbound by their unbridled flights of fantasy. Don't buy this book if: 1. You don't have nerves of steel. 2. You expect to get pregnant in the next five minutes. 3. You've heard it all.

Thirteen-year-old Josh McCullen expects an adventure when he joins his twelve friends on a boating trip along the Pacific coast, but he never anticipates being lost at sea. In the midst of their trip, the boys are caught in a storm that blows them away from the shore-and now they have no idea which direction leads to land.Alone in the unforgiving elements, the boys are faced with critical choices as they try to find land before their limited supply of food and water runs out. Once they reach land, the youngsters survive for a whole week by catching fish with a homemade fishing pole and hunting deer and rabbits with a hand-carved bow and arrows. But troubles mount as the boys encounter hostile natives, including Zemanu, who wants to sacrifice them to "the Great One."In a grand escape, the boys overcome Zemanu and flee the island, but troubles and struggles follow them to a second, and then a third island! Eventually, Josh taps into his inner strength to take command of the young crew after several tragedies, but he has to lead them through their final challenges, including a winner-take-all confrontation with Zemanu!

Annie Fidgen's mum is an adventurer, but forget her, she's always off climbing a Himalaya, searching for abominable snow persons or saving whales. Annie's dad works at home doing stuff in his bedroom, and for a hobby makes scale models of New York out of carrots - so forget him too. With both parents well and truly forgotten, Annie must make her own way in life, which is why she gets into so many scrapes that are, at times, epic in scale (even if she does always come out on top).Annie is not alone though - there is always gran. Granny Weatherburn is ancient and according to Annie has all her veins on the outside of her legs. Even so, she's up for everything Annie can lure her into. She has many uses - she can weld a bit of washing machine to a bit of Hoover and an axe to make a battle robot - she can take a Centurion tank engine to bits blindfolded - well, OK, that's not that useful to Annie. (The tank engine is in the cupboard under the stairs, if you're interested, but you'll have to put it back together again yourself.)This is book three of the Annie and Granny series, and it is Annie's own account of their adventures, so you will have to take her word for it that it's all true.What some seriously clever people have said about the Annie Books.The Children's Film and Television Foundation –'These are absolutely delightful stories. I was particularly taken with Annie. The humour and the character are wonderful with much hilarity in the situations.' The School Librarian'Genuinely funny. This is the first book from the Paynes but with two more in publication they promise to give emerging readers a female character who will challenge Horrid Henry's popularity. The writing is a blend of subtle and slapstick humour. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Suitable for 6 to 8 years and good for reading aloud.'The Guardian'Not Again Annie!' is a wonderful sequel and a fantastic read.'Waterstone’s Children's Books'Annie is a delightful heroine, who sometimes gets things a little bit wrong yet is determined to make the best of each situation. With lots of humour and clever word play, these amusing stories will really appeal to young readers.'The Bookseller'Funny and quirky, children will instantly recognise themselves. Ideal for reading out loud and for beginner readers.'