
Titles in This Set:
The Dog Who Saved the World
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible
The 1,000-year-old Boy
The Kid Who Came from Space
When We Got Lost in Dreamland
Into the Sideways World
Format: Paperback
Overview:
This Ross Welford collection brings six irresistible middle‑grade adventures into one affordable paperback set. Spanning time travel, invisibility, ancient history, space visiting, dreamland journeys, and parallel worlds, these stories blend wit, warmth, and big ideas with fast-paced plots and sharp character voices. Fans of imaginative, character‑driven fiction will find heart, humor, and plenty to spark conversations about bravery, friendship, and being true to yourself. The author’s acclaimed voice, praised for accessibility and emotional resonance, guides readers through surprises and twists with clarity and charm. Whether readers are new to Welford or long-time fans, this set offers a cohesive reading experience that works beautifully for library shelves, classroom reads, and family evenings alike. Ross Welford’s reputation as a Costa-shortlisted author underscores the quality and appeal of these intertwined tales.
What This Collection Covers:
Across the six titles, readers explore how imagination fuels courage and how friendship can bridge gaps in time, space, and even reality. The collection moves from a clever invisibility misadventure to a poignant tale of a 1,000-year-old boy seeking a place in the modern world, then to a dog‑powered mission to save humanity, a boy from space adapting to life on Earth, a dreamlike odyssey that tests loyalty, and finally a sideways World full of wonder. Each story stands alone with its own stakes and tone, yet together they form a cohesive reading experience that invites empathy, curiosity, and a love of big ideas in accessible prose. This is a complete reading journey for curious minds, ideal for fans of smart, heart-led adventures.
Book-by-Book Guide:
The Dog Who Saved the World
When eleven-year-old Georgie befriends an eccentric retired scientist, she becomes the test subject for a revolutionary virtual‑reality future. A deadly disease threatens every dog in the country, and Georgie’s loyal companion Mr Mash must be saved. This fast‑paced adventure blends science fiction, friendship, and a touch of whimsy as Georgie and her helpers race against time to protect the dogs—and humanity—without leaving the living room. It’s a heartwarming expedition about responsibility, courage, and the power of ingenuity in the face of a global crisis. Georgie’s world grows bigger with every twist, and Mr Mash steals the show with his endearing antics.
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible
Twelve-year-old Ethel’s attempt to cure her spots accidentally makes her vanish from sight. The invisible days that follow are terrifying, hilarious, and revealing as she tries to conceal her new reality while uncovering a larger secret about who she really is. This tale balances quirky mishaps with a deeper journey toward self‑acceptance, friendship, and resilience—showing that sometimes the bravest act is simply being yourself, even when others can’t see you. A funny, heart‑felt study of identity under pressure.
The 1,000-year-old Boy
Alfie Monk isn’t your typical teen—he’s 1,000 years old, with memories of centuries past and a longing to belong in a world that has moved on. After a devastating fire upends his life, Alfie seeks a new way to live and, crucially, a way to die if needed. This poignant, witty tale explores friendship, loyalty, and the challenge of finding one’s place across time, inviting readers to question what it means to grow up and when it’s okay to let go.
The Kid Who Came from Space
A fresh, adventurous take on first contact, this story follows a young protagonist who arrives from beyond the atmosphere with questions, courage, and a thirst for belonging. As friendships form and misunderstandings unfold, the narrative navigates identity, acceptance, and the humor and heartbreak of growing up under extraordinary circumstances. It’s a hopeful, fast-moving journey about finding home when you feel out of place among the stars.
When We Got Lost in Dreamland
In this dream-soaked adventure, eleven-year-old Malky and his brother Seb discover a Dreaminator that unleashes worlds beyond waking life. They soar through tree-top skies, sail on imagined seas, and face daunting challenges as Seb slips into a coma. The quest to wake his brother blends fantastical landscapes with emotional stakes, testing family bonds, bravery, and what it means to wake up to reality after a dream‑heavy voyage.
Into the Sideways World
A clever, imaginative voyage into a sideways world where reality twists and new choices emerge. This tale invites readers to rethink possibilities, test friendships, and navigate unexpected challenges with wit and warmth. It’s a playful, page‑turning entry that rewards curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to see the world from a different angle.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Young readers aged roughly 9–12 will delight in the mix of funny, brave, and tender moments across these six titles. The collection is ideal for reluctant readers who crave fast plots and clear emotional arcs, as well as classroom libraries and family read‑alouds that spark discussion about curiosity, kindness, and resilience. Fans of engaging, if slightly quirky, hero‑journeys will appreciate the varied settings and themes, while parents and teachers will value the accessible, age‑appropriate storytelling and the author’s track record for thoughtful, award‑worthy writing. This set makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or back‑to‑school expansion in school libraries. Costa-shortlisted author and celebrated middle‑grade writer
Key Benefits:
About the Author:
Ross Welford is a celebrated author of thoughtful, accessible middle‑grade fiction. Best known for Time Traveling with a Hamster, he has been recognized as a Costa-shortlisted writer and has earned praise for blending imaginative concepts with strong character voices. A former journalist and television producer, Welford brings a clear sense of pacing, humor, and emotional honesty to his storytelling. His work—across Time Traveling with a Hamster, What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible, and The 1,000-year-old Boy, among others—has resonated with readers who relish smart, adventurous narratives that also tug at the heart. This collection showcases his range and consistent ability to craft memorable, kid‑friendly worlds with memorable characters who feel real.
Why You’ll Love This Set:
If you’re searching for a complete, engaging reading experience for a growing reader, this six‑book collection delivers variety without sacrificing cohesion. Each title stands on its own, yet together they form a curated journey through time, space, dreams, and imagination. The paperback format makes the set portable for school bags and travel, while the warm, witty voice of Ross Welford invites readers to keep turning pages—from the first misadventure to the final, hopeful note. This is the kind of collection that sparks conversations, invites rereading, and becomes a cherished shelf staple for years to come.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
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