The music for Out Of The Box has been created to enhance you and your child’s sharing of the sensory cards. 

Out Of The Box was commissioned by Playground and co-created by Nicola Flower, Jeremy Harrison and Daniel Naddafy. 

Music by Jeremy Harrison featuring Tom Tegento. Sound Mix by Joe Wright. Out of the Box is a Playground commission and was made possible through Kent County Council's Reconnect Programme

Find out more about Playground at youtu.be/H0ogewJBD10

Find and join in with a session near you for free: kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/clubs-and-activities-in-libraries

Out of the Box

Taste

'A gorgeous second-chance love story'

Fabulous magazine
'What makes this story truly special is its raw honesty. This book is not just a love story, it’s a tribute to resilience, to the courage it takes to open one’s heart again, and to the quiet, enduring power of love.' Reader review 

 'The banter? Hilarious. The chemistry? Off the charts. And the heartwarming moments? Perfection.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One beautiful Greek summer and a second chance at love.

Grace Foreman never expected to find herself widowed before she turned sixty – but when she packs her bags for a summer on a gorgeous Greek island, the last thing on her mind is a holiday romance. Grace would rather take a chance on a tan … or maybe a new summer wardrobe…

But then Grace meets ex Special Forces soldier Will Lancing – and although Grace isn’t looking for love, she soon finds out she’s still got it when it comes to playing the dating game…

Praise for Still Got It:
'Still Got It is a delightfully warm and uplifting story that makes you want to head straight for the airport and jump on a plane to a sunny Greek island. This debut novel is the perfect summer read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I really enjoyed this one, this was the perfect heartfelt summer read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Proof that love, laughter, and second chances never go out of style. This book had me grinning from page one, completely hooked by its charm, wit, and oh-so-relatable characters.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'It's raw, it feels good, it's beautifully written. Highly recommend!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This was so much fun. I had a phenomenal time!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Still Got It, By Claire Carver, Read by Mira Dovreni

Carnegie Medal winning author Tanya Landman delivers a terrifyingly enthralling and truly accessible retelling of Bram Stoker’s legendary Gothic horror novel. 

 Bram Stoker's Dracula is a masterpiece of horror fiction in which he creates a nightmarish world of vampires, evil-doing and insanity.

A ship steered by a dead man…

A huge black dog springing from its deck…

A girl, sleepwalking towards disaster…

When rising young solicitor Jonathan Harker helps a rich client purchase property in London he unleashes an evil that threatens to destroy the whole of humanity.

Particularly suitable for readers aged 13+ with a reading age of 9.

Dracula: A Retelling, By Tanya Landman, Read by Beth Eyre and James Groom

Calling all Bridgerton and Jane Austen fans! Fall in love with your favourite new Regency series, with this second installment from the Fairfax family…

‘Worthy of Georgette Heyer…the most wonderfully satisfying five star Regency Romp’ Julie Caplin 

 ‘I wager you this, Miss Fairfax – you’ll choose to marry for every reason other than love by the end of the season!’

Miss Sophie Fairfax has every intention of marrying for love, refusing to go along with her brother’s plans for a marriage of convenience or title. Throwing caution to the wind at her very first ball, Sophie finds herself in the path of the most notorious rake in the ton.

Agreeing a wager with him may be wicked, but finding herself alone with the dangerously attractive Lord Rotherby might be one scandal too far…

A must-read for fans of Evie Dunmore, Martha Waters and Virginia Heath

Praise for Scandal of the Season:
'Easiest five stars ever … A must-read for anyone who loves Julia Quinn, Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Each character is so well written, each plot twist leaves you gasping and the end is perfection' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved this book … ridiculously entertaining and I could not stop reading' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A fun, romantic enemies to lovers regency read. I really enjoyed it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A delightfully lighthearted regency romp … a perfect springtime read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Filled with witty banter, emotional turmoil, and surprising twists … a perfect choice for historical fiction fans' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A fun enemies to lovers book which will brighten your day!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A stunning follow-up to The Mismatch of the Season … this book had real depth! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I absolutely adored this book! Full of charm, interesting and relatable characters, and of course a swoony love story.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Michelle Kenney is definitely turning into my go to author for a sweet little regency romp' ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A fun, clean and entertaining read with a satisfying ending and I can honestly recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The Mismatch of the Season was one of my favorite reads, and I think I may love The Scandal of the Season even more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved every single second of it … the characters are fantastic' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Sometimes you just need a good regency romance romp and this delivered! Would recommend to fans of Bridgerton or Evie Dunmore books! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved every single character … You nailed the ending!' Reader review

The Scandal of the Season, By Michelle Kenney, Read by Hollie Hales

'Such a fresh, smart, original debut' Beth O'Leary

'The best romcom I've ever read!' Emily Slapper
🦋🦋🦋  

 With the warmth and charm of Bridget Jones and a main character as unforgettable as Eleanor Oliphant, this is an irresistible debut about a young woman navigating love, friendship and happiness in a world that doesn’t think like she does.

🦋🦋🦋

Pearl O’Reilly is twenty-seven (nearly twenty-eight). She likes salmon pink, the number three and going to the pub with her best friend Una the same night each week. Thanks to her OCD, her other routines – from counting her way downstairs to obsessively washing her hands – pose more of a problem.

But that’s all about to change. Because it’s time for Pearl to say to hell with it – starting with the gorgeous naked man in her bed this morning…

🦋🦋🦋

Readers (and your favourite authors!) are LOVING To Hell With It:
‘Moving, funny, and totally satisfying, I loved this book’ Katie Fforde, author of From London With Love

'Funny, empathetic and engaging. Loved it!' Sunday Times bestseller Sally Page, author of The Secrets of Flowers

'Now and then, a character carves our a permanent place in my heart. Step forward Pearl' Claire Alexander, author of Meredith, Alone

‘This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This debut by Claire Frances is a rollercoaster of relatable quirks, raw emotions, and laugh out loud moments that’ll steal your heart faster than Pearl counts her way down the stairs.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I LOVED this book! […] Frances had me laughing and then almost crying, particularly nearer to the end.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely adored Pearl! She is messy, flawed scattered and so real I can imagine sitting down for a cup of tea with her.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘If you’re looking for a read that’s both entertaining and insightful, add this one to your list. I promise you won’t regret it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An absolute rollercoaster of chaos, charm, and unexpected heart! From the first page, I was hooked on its witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and the kind of chemistry that sizzles off the page. Claire Frances has delivered a story that’s wickedly fun and impossible to put down! Can’t wait to see what she writes next!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous debut!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This was my first five-star read of 2025, and I absolutely devoured this book!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘To Hell With It is a wonderfully honest and uplifting tale about love, friendship, and finding happiness in a world that doesn’t always understand you.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely adored Pearl! She is messy, flawed scattered and so real I can imagine sitting down for a cup of tea with her.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is just gorgeous.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

To Hell With It, By Claire Frances, Read by Avena Mansergh-Wallace

You don't choose the book. The book chooses you…
'A book I was sorry to finish.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A timeless story that emphasizes the healing and transformative power of books.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– 

 Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created. 

It’s ready and waiting to welcome all those who know where to find it…

Strangers Jo, Adelaide and Kye are the least likely people to find themselves across the threshold of a bookshop.

But as their midnight book club shows them that a single book can change everything, all three realise that their own stories can be rewritten.

–

Readers love The Midnight Bookshop…
'This was an emotional and heartfelt read and had me invested from the start.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A thoroughly uplifting enjoyable read that will certainly leave you feeling better with the world. Amanda James always seems to write intriguing, sensitive books with that touch of magic and The Midnight Bookshop is no exception.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'To appreciate the book fully you have to leave any preconceived ideas at the first page and open up you mind to a magical world.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This is quite an intriguing and magical story of fantasy and realism [and] in many ways, is a complex novel about relationships and Amanda James successfully weaves magic with realism to create a potent tale in an unforgettable way.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The book underscores the importance of community and self-reflection, especially in a time when many people feel isolated or overwhelmed.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book had me rooting for all three of them and didn't disappoint.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'[Amanda James’] writing so beautifully captured all the emotions throughout the novel.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Those who enjoy [magical realism] are going to love the fairytale aspects of this charming, well-written book with its uplifting message and sweet romance.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Midnight Bookshop, By Amanda James, Read by Tesni Kujore

Don't miss USA Today bestseller Lana Kortchik's upcoming WWII historical novel. Pre-order now! 

 The Philippines, 1941. Rose Williams arrives in Manila on her first assignment as a US Army nurse, enthralled by the new environment and its promise of adventure. Although worlds away from the land she grew up in, Rose feels connected to her father, who worked in the Philippines before he died.

War seems like a distant possibility as Rose takes midnight dips in a warm sea with the other nurses, explores secret corners of the island, and falls in love with a locally stationed US Army officer.

But when Japan bombs Manila, the nurses’ lives change. Torn away from the man she loves, Rose faces constant threat, not only to her life, but from those around her she thought she could trust…

Will Rose and those close to her survive in the turmoil of war?

Readers love Lana Kortchik:
‘Absolutely wonderful! I recommend all Lana’s books, but I believe this one is my favourite and her best yet! TEN STARS!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book packs a powerful punch… [it] makes your heart soar with every flight, pound in every battle, and break with every loss.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A story I won’t be forgetting any time soon… I highly recommend this book.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautiful novel. Loved the way it is written. The characters and the era are well portrayed, wrapped in the history of WWII.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Lana Kortchik has a great writing style and the historical elements were everything that I was hoping for.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Angels of War, By Lana Kortchik, Read by Laurel Lefkow

With a witchfinder skulking about town, gifted healer Ann and a young Isaac Newton must be careful not to draw too much attention in this high-stakes story from Lindsay Galvin. 

 Will the discovery of the Elixir of Life lead to a death sentence for a talented young healer?

Ann Storer has inherited her grandmother’s mysterious gift of healing, which she shares through the special tinctures she dispenses in her family’s apothecary shop. When she combines her talents with the genius of a young Isaac Newton, recently arrived to board above the shop, the two create an incredible elixir with seemingly unlimited powers.

But seventeenth-century England is a dangerous place to display any special abilities, and Ann must hide all evidence when witchfinder Abel Geach arrives in town.

So when the plague starts to run rife and those she loves are in danger, will Ann risk everything to help them?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

The Elixir, By Lindsay Galvin, Cover artwork by Kristina Kister, Read by Lauren Moakes

'An inspiring story of personal growth, and the edifying power of friendship, The Santorini Writing Retreat left me feeling uplifted and hopeful … and craving a holiday in the Greek sunshine.' Kate Storey, bestselling author 

 Three women, one writing retreat, endless possibilities…

Bestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?

Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s determined to make her new business a success.

And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud.

In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud of…

Praise for The Santorini Writing Retreat:
'A glorious book celebrating the power of friendship, storytelling and the kindness of strangers. I adored spending time with these characters as they grappled with their past and present to find their future. A beautiful novel that instantly transported me to the pistachio groves of Santorini.' Emma Cowell

'A new book from the pen of the hugely talented Eva Glyn is always a treat. This story is emotional and life-affirming, and the sun-soaked setting will have you reaching for the travel brochures' Maisie Thomas

'A true page turner … no hesitation in awarding five stars.' Angela Petch

'I loved every page of this beautiful, heart-felt tale. The characters are warm, believable and human. By the end, I felt as though they were my friends too. For a summer read that will have you moving from laughter, to tears to genuine sadness as the stories of the women unfold, The Santorini Writing Retreat is the one book you must read' Alexandra Walsh

'The story beautifully captures the evolving bind between the women. An uplifting read, both atmospheric and heartfelt, Eva Glyn has done it again.' Caroline James

The Santorini Writing Retreat, By Eva Glyn, Read by Melanie Crawley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'One of my favourite detectives…it reminded me of some of the old Sherlock Holmes cases' 

 November 1930

After accepting an invitation to attend the ballet in snowy Salzburg, Miss Atalanta Ashford is shocked when a convicted jewel thief is found dead in the concert hall where the theft occurred a decade ago.

Did he return to the scene of the crime because he wanted to prove his innocence? Is the real culprit among the high-society guests? In her quest for the truth, Atalanta uncovers dangerous secrets about the European elite that put her own life in mortal danger…

The smell of Glühwein and spiced Lebkuchen from the Austrian winter markets fill the air, but for Atalanta there’s an intriguing puzzle to be solved in this cosy historical mystery for 2024.

Look out for more Miss Ashford mysteries and get your passports ready as you travel with her to some of the most sought-after destinations on the continent…

Book 1: Mystery in Provence

Book 2: Last Seen in Santorini

Book 3: A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany

Book 4: Last Dance in Salzburg

Book 5: Death on the Rhine

Readers love this series!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This is a series which allows me to enjoy the delights of travel from my armchair…For me, an easy five stars'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A unique story and I enjoyed how good the characters were'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Atalanta was a really interesting and smart character…The time period and place were perfect'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'A delightful mix of intrigue, romantic angst, looking back, wishing things had been different, finding oneself…And, I didn't even mention that murder is involved'

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A terrific series, filled with human emotion and interesting crimes to solve'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'Plenty of twists and turns with so many suspects that I wasn't sure who the guilty person was right until the end'

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A delightful blend of historical intrigue, picturesque European settings, and a fiercely independent protagonist'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'I couldn’t wait to find out the villain…There were twists & turns & I was kept guessing until all was revealed'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'Family secrets, lies and a good old fashioned murder mystery'

⭐⭐⭐⭐'What I love about this series are the glamorous settings and interesting people…This story really has you wondering who the murderer is and there are plenty of red herrings to confuse you'

Last Dance in Salzburg, By Vivian Conroy, Read by Jessica Whittaker

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Marriage Lie comes a brand new gripping domestic crime thriller from Kimberly Belle, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Shari Lapena 

 Rayna Dumont is getting a fresh start in Amsterdam. Following a nasty divorce, she takes a jet-setting new job and embraces the single life. All seems to be going well until she wakes up in the bed of Xander van der Vos, her one-night stand from the night before, only to find him brutally murdered in the room next door. To make matters worse, millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds are missing from his safe. Quickly, Rayna becomes the prime suspect and is thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse with forces beyond her wildest imagination.

From her lavish home in the heart of the city, Willow Prins is enraptured by the case. The wife of Thomas Prins, CEO of the House of Prins and Xander’s former boss, Willow is too familiar with what it’s like to be the outsider in the elite world of luxury goods. But as the House comes under scrutiny, tensions rise in her already strained marriage and Willow starts to wonder if Rayna might be the solution she’s been looking for.

As both women dive into the dark underbelly of the diamond industry, their hope for survival hinges on navigating a web of power and revenge. And as Rayna fights to clear her name, will she unravel the truth or find herself another victim?

Readers LOVE Kimberly Belle!
'When a book catches your attention from page 1, you know it's going to be great. It was compelling to read until the very last page. A thriller unlike anything else' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An absolute page-turner! Keeps you hooked' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'My favourite of hers yet! You won’t be able to put this one down as you zoom through Europe with them and follow the cat-and-mouse game of who the good folks are are who the bad are… Highly recommend!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An irresistible, fast-paced read set in some of Europe’s most inviting locales… An intense story that leads the reader through mystery and danger' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The search for answers kept me enthralled. The ending was perfect' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Twisty-turny thriller. Suspense, fear, love, heartbreak, mystery, confusion, betrayal, loyalty, danger, secrets, it’s all there' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Expat Affair, By Kimberly Belle, Read by Jennifer Jill Araya and Marni Penning

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Taste

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