Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories: Cultural heritage

Book SynopsisAn absolutely enchanting tale . . . I adored it. Tamzin Merchant, author of The HatmakersA bold and evocative new adventure novel from Cerrie Burnell, celebrating difference and found family. Perfect for fans of Sophie Anderson, Katherine Rundell and Catherine Doyle. Silverthorne is a place of secrets. A forest of twisting paths and tangled thorns. A castle with locked towers and whispers of tragedy. A village trapped between terrors known and unknown. But something is stirring in the leaves . . .Saffy is a good girl, tired of being told to stick to the forest paths, and always follow the rules.Aurelia is a hidden girl, locked in a castle tower, dreaming of escaping the fate she''s told awaits her.Wild Rose is a fierce girl, raised by wolves, full of spells and fearlessness and cunning.Together, they will change life in Silverthorne forever.Wildly exciting and wickedly whimsical . . . a story as warming and delicious as stolen porridge. Hana Tooke, author of The UnadoptablesOne of the most delightful stories I''ve read in years. Burnell''s writing sparkles like starlight, guiding you through a wild fairy tale brimming with friendship, magic and hope. Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows seriesA story of girls, glorious girls, in all their feisty, feminine brilliance. Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an ElephantTrade ReviewThis story is just the sort I would have loved as a girl - I adored its sparkling words, feisty heroines and spirited narrative as well as its message of loving the body we're born with - pure fairytale magic with so many twists. From the very first turn of the page it swept me under its powerful spell...I would happily have lived there for a hundred years! * Jasbinder Bilan *Wilder than Midnight is my new favourite fairy tale adventure; magnificent as a starry sky, and guaranteed to bring beauty, magic and joy into the hearts of all who read it. * Sophie Anderson *A wild, lyrical tale. * Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant *Wildly exciting and wickedly whimsical. * Hana Tooke, author of The Unadoptables *An absolutely enchanting tale. * Tamzin Merchant, author of The Hatmakers *

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Book SynopsisThis bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover to celebrate 10 years of The Fairytale Hairdresser!The Beast''s heart is melted by the beautiful and artistic Bella - but could she ever love someone so beastly?Join Kittie Lacey, the best hairdresser in all the land, as she teaches Beast that looks aren''t everything - it''s what''s on the inside that matters most. Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures:*A brand new story for 2021: The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood*The Fairytale Hairdresser and RapunzelThe Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the BeastThe Fairytale Hairdresser and CinderellaThe Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping BeautyThe Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow WhiteThe Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum FairyThe Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the PeaThe Fairytale Hairdresser and AladdinThe Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the FrogThe Fairytale HairdTrade ReviewKittie Lacey is the best hairdresser in all the land and she has wonderful fairytale adventures too. It's soon to be Prince Charming and Princess Cinderella's Ball, but Kittie faces a real challenge - can she make Beast lovable? Of course, this IS a fairytale, so you can be sure of a happy ending but it's quite different to the traditional tale. This is a lovely series, peopled on every page with a wondrous range of fairytale characters for children to spot, and with some very contemporary twists on the outcomes. * Parents in Touch *Kittie Lacey is the best hairdresser in all the land and she has wonderful fairytale adventures too. It's soon to be Prince Charming and Princess Cinderella's Ball, but Kittie faces a real challenge - can she make Beast lovable? Of course, this IS a fairytale, so you can be sure of a happy ending but it's quite different to the traditional tale. This is a lovely series, peopled on every page with a wondrous range of fairytale characters for children to spot, and with some very contemporary twists on the outcomes. * Parents in Touch *Definitely another hit book from this super duo whose use of diverse characters breaks the mould. * City Kids *

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Book SynopsisBased on the well-loved classic tale. Goldilocks is walking through the woods when she discovers a house belonging to three bears. With curiosity getting the better of her, what will happen when the bears return home? Goldilocks and the Three Bears is from Early Reader Level 1 and is perfect for children aged from 4+ who are taking their first steps beyond phonics.Each book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading.With five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading and a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest, Read It Yourself helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.

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Book SynopsisThe classic Arthurian legend is brilliantly recreated by an award-winning author/illustrator team.Of all the tales of the Knights of the Round Table, the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is surely the most magical. Here are thrills and enchantment, chivalry and courage, a challenge and a quest. Its hero is the greatest of all King Arthur's knights, Sir Gawain. His adversary is the fearsome Green Knight, who rides into Camelot one New Year's Eve with a challenge that strikes dread into Arthur's court. For Gawain, it is the start of an extraordinary adventure.

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Book SynopsisMeet brave princesses, kind giants, magical elves, and vengeful serpents in this beautifully illustrated collection of traditional tales from around the world.From African animal fables to Native American trickster tales, curious readers will find 20 spellbinding retellings of ancient stories from across the continents. Take a peek into the memories, fears, and dreams of the people who first told these stories hundreds - or even thousands - of years ago.Inside A Treasury of Traditional Tales: 20 traditional tales from around the world passed down over the years and retold from authors who represent the heritage of each tale''s region Important lessons on living your best life, facing dangers, being brave, and respecting nature can be found within the stories Arranged continent-by-continent with stunning illustrations

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Book SynopsisThe traditional stories of Wales conjure up a world of adventure and chivalry. Knights and princesses, kings and bards, and the little people who can make the impossible happen – these are just a few of the characters in the stories featured in this book. Drawing on ancient traditions, handed down for centuries by word of mouth, this book features sixteen of the most famous tales from the fertile plains and high mountain passes of Wales. They tell of the great hero, King Arthur, and his Knights of the Round Table. They speak of magical encounters with the fairies, who can make a castle appear out of the air, and of a shepherd high in the mountains of Caermarthen who falls in love with the Maiden from the Lake. All the tales are simply retold by Philip Wilson, with a lively introduction by folklorist Neil Philip.

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Book SynopsisA fearless, fun-filled fairytale perfect for any little reader who loves a twist in the tale!* With a fabulously foiled cover! *Kingsley is the finest cat in the kingdom. How does he know? His crystal ball tells him so!But one day, the crystal ball has a different story to tell. A new cat by the name of Snowy White has arrived in the kingdom. She's beautiful . . . she's kind . . . and Kingsley is determined to get rid of her.Luckily, though, Snowy gets a helping hand or seven from some very special new friends!The third hilarious title in a fun-filled fairytale series with empowering messages for young readers!Perfect for fans of The Fairytale Hairdresser and The Lion Inside series.Look out for:Rabunzel and Cindergorilla

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Book SynopsisOpen the box to go on an adventure into Fairyland and create a library of magical miniature books that you can really read! Just cut, fold and stick to make 20 tiny fairy books, from guides to Fairyland and its inhabitants to illustrated stories and books to complete yourself. The kit comes with tiny shelves to store your books and the box becomes a magical fairy playset! With stunning illustrations from Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, this is an enchanting follow-up to 2017's My Miniature Library, lauded by the LA Times as 'the most precious gift set of the year.'

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Book SynopsisCan knights and dragons ever be friends?

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Book SynopsisThis bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover! Kittie Lacey''s salon is buzzing with excitement - the Queen of Hearts is holding a ball to find the PERFECT girl for her PERFECT prince. But Kittie''s new friend Cinderella doesn''t have a dress and her invitation has mysteriously got lost in the post. Luckily, Kittie has the perfect plan to get Cinderella to the ball . . .Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures:The Fairytale Hairdressser and the Little MermaidThe Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the BeastThe Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping BeautyThe Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow WhiteThe Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum FairyThe Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the PeaThe Fairytale Hairdresser and AladdinThe Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the FrogThe Fairytale Hairdresser and ThumbelinaThe Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding HoodThe Fairytale Hairdresser and Fat

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Book SynopsisFirst Stories: The Ugly Duckling is the perfect introduction for young children to this classic fairy tale.Push, pull and turn mechanisms bring the story of the lonely duckling to life. This well-loved fairy tale is beautifully imagined for a new generation by children's illustrator Dean Gray.Little ones can collect more books in the First Stories series, including The Jungle Book, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and The Three Little Pigs.Trade ReviewYoung ones will be absorbed by all the interactive elements of the book, as they push, pull and slide to make the story come alive. With its shiny board pages, this is an enticing book to encourage young ones to enjoy books. * Parents In Touch *

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Book SynopsisPrincess Miranda is lonely and bored. Her busy mother gives her a precious golden ball to play with, and Miranda drops it into the palace pond. A helpful frog retrieves it - but as payment, he demands to eat from Miranda's plate and sleep on her pillow. Will Miranda keep her side of the bargain?With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English. CEFR level: A1. 500 headwords, 1116 words

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Book SynopsisA completely original version of the Arabian Nights Stories by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean. In order to delay her inevitable execution, Queen Shaharazad tells her murdering husband, King Shahryar, an exciting story every night. She tells her wonderful stories until the King realizes that he won't be able to live without them...

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Book SynopsisRama''s Journey is an action-packed retelling of the Ramayana. Prince Rama is sent away from his kingdom into the wild forests and his wife is kidnapped by a ten-headed demon. Rama has lots of courage and determination, but can he rescue her?Captivating versions of some of the best myths and legends from around the world. TreeTops Myths and Legends are fascinating and action-packed stories that will motivate and inspire readers. These are some of the oldest and most enduring stories in the world, retold by leading contemporary children''s authors to bring out all of the action, drama, humour and depth of the original stories in a way that makes them as exciting and meaningful today as ever. The stories are beautifully illustrated in a range of styles to bring each tale to life.Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with children''s reading development also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewExciting, scary, romantic and deliciously readable * Guardian *Full of hilarious, loveable characters * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisThese cheerful and inviting Early Readers bring the blast of colour that Rainbow Magic''s youngest fans have been waiting for!Kirsty and Rachel are attending a grand costume party at McKersey Castle. But Jack Frost thinks the castle should be hosting his party instead, and steals Flora the Fancy Dress Fairy''s magic items to further his naughty plan! It''s up to Rachel and Kirsty to set things right in this abridged, simplified version of the bestselling Rainbow Magic story.''These stories are magic; they turn children into readers!'' ReadingZone.comIf you like Rainbow Magic, check out Daisy Meadows'' other series: Magic Animal Friends and Unicorn Magic!

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Book SynopsisThis story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)

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Book SynopsisAnansi is king of the spiders: he may be small, but he's very clever. One day, offended that Elephant hardly even notices him, he challenges her to a tug of war. How can a tiny spider win against the mighty Elephant, or against the determined Rhino?With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English. CEFR level: low A1. 300 headwords, 571 words.

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Book SynopsisTHE BREATHTAKING SEQUEL TO THIS POISON HEART, FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR KALYNN BAYRON _______________ 'This duology closer delves deeper into mythology while depicting textured, realistic relationships' - Kirkus Reviews 'A delicious mix of intoxicating fantasy and coming of age, steeped in Greek mythology and peppered with references to the Jordan Peele films Get Out and Us' - Observer New Review on THIS POISON HEART 'This Poison Heart is a book to enjoy on the first read, notate in the rereads, and pump you up for what’s to come in its sequel. You should pick up this book!' - blackgirlscreate.org _______________ Briseis’s mother is dead, but there is one chance to bring her back: find the last piece of the deadly Absyrtus Heart. If Bri is to locate the missing piece, she must turn to the blood relatives she’s never known, learn of their secret powers and take her place in their ancient lineage. But Bri is not the only one who wants the Heart, and her enemies will stop at nothing to fulfil their own ruthless plans. Strengthened by the sisterhood of ancient magic, can she harness her power to save the people she loves most? Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella is Dead and This Poison Heart, returns with the second and final book in this stunning, empowering and inclusive fantasy duology.Trade ReviewThe book centres Black characters, and its prose sings. This Wicked Fate is a delightful novel about literal Black Girl Magic, found family, and queer love, with adventures and a satisfying twist on Greek mythology * Foreword Reviews, starred review *This duology closer delves deeper into mythology while depicting textured, realistic relationships * Kirkus Reviews *Mesmerising and beautiful * Tracy Deonn, NYT bestselling author of Legendborn on THIS POISON HEART *This Poison Heart is a book to enjoy on the first read, notate in the rereads, and pump you up for what’s to come in its sequel. You should pick up this book! * blackgirlscreate.org *A delicious mix of intoxicating fantasy and coming of age, steeped in Greek mythology and peppered with references to the Jordan Peele films Get Out and Us * Observer New Review on THIS POISON HEART *Brings much-needed inclusivity and contemporary flavour to the teen fantasy genre * Kirkus Reviews on THIS POISON HEART *This Poison Heart masterfully weaves a unique story grounded in the depths of Greek mythology and Black girlhood * Booklist starred review *Ambitious, replacing the happily-ever-after with a tragic legacy and a defiant, feminist tone * Publisher's Weekly Online on THIS POISON HEART *Kalynn Bayron does more than re-write a fairy-tale ... She breaks it apart and rebuilds it into a wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after * Brigid Kemmerer on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *

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Book SynopsisOn small silent feet, the Tomten tiptoes through the snow, keeping watch over the farm on chilly winter nights.One night, a cunning fox comes by. How will the Tomten guard the chickens, and help the hungry fox?These classic stories are a delight for young children, depicting the traditional Swedish character of the house elf, or tomten.This is a beautiful collector's combined edition of Astrid Lindgren's two classic Tomten tales, The Tomten & The Tomten and the Fox.Trade Review'Astrid Lindgren's Tomten Tales have been delighting children for decades through soft and simple prose paired with gentle watercolor illustrations... Readers and listeners will be able to understand the message of kindness and appreciate the story of the Tomten, even without knowing its origins... This is a great story for quiet storytimes (either in groups or one-on-one) for early elementary students.-- Youth Services Book Review'Worthy as a gift.'-- Kirkus Reviews'Two classic stories by Sweden's acclaimed children's author have been created into this charming edition with the original soft, enchanting illustrations by Harald Wilberg allowing the world of the Tomten to be vividly brought to life. '-- Outside in World'Children love these stories!'-- KindlingPraise for The Tomten:'Astrid Lindgren writes evocatively of long cold winters and the benevolent guardianship of the Tomten. A lovely, feelgood picture book with traditionally styled illustrations that show the Tomten as a genial gnome-like figure. Delightful! Families Rating: 5 out of 6'-- Families South West magazine'It would be hard to find a nicer bedtime story. Beautifully painted, quiet moonlit scenes and poetic words tell of the Tomten, a small elf-like person who lives on a farm. It is a beautiful cosy tale of winter bedtimes, very comforting and definitely one of our favourites.'-- Hilary Woolf with Isaac (age 4), Education Otherwise

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Book SynopsisChicken Licken is convinced that the sky is falling. One by one, he persuades the other birds around the farm to come with him and tell the King. Then the procession meets Foxy Loxy, who seems extremely keen to help them. Why, he even knows the quickest route... A lively retelling for young English language learners of a well-loved cumulative story, with delightful illustrations full of charming detail.

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Book SynopsisAn Irish proverb tells us. "A tale is more precious than the wealth of the world," and judging from the richness of their storytelling traditions, the Celts have always believed this. In In fairy tales, as in music, the romantic artistry of the Celts came to full flower. In this wonderful collection of fairy tales from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, The Isle of Man, and Brittany, we meet heroes and villains, princes and paupers, enchanting creatures and magical mermaids. Each story has been retold by Neil Philip and display a common Celtic heritage in their love of extravagance and poetry, their quick wit and their daring sense of adventure. Here, retold much as they were around Celtic peat fires a hundred years ago, are the enthralling tales of 'Fair, Brown, and Trembling', 'The Brown Bear of the Green Glen', and 'The Ship That Went to America'. Some of the stories give familiar tales a Celtic twist: 'Duffy and the Devil' is a comic Cornish take on the Rumpelstiltskin story; 'The Black Cat' is a dark and mysterious Breton Cinderella. Others seem new and strange: the doomed love of 'Lutey and the Mermaid', or the mystic rapture of 'The Little Bird'. Perhaps most riveting of call is the Irish tale of 'The Soul Cages', in which a fisherman makes friends with one of the sea-people, Coomara, and uses that friendship to free the souls of drowned sailors, kept by Coomara in lobster pots in his house beneath the waves. Illustrated in watercolour and gold by acclaimed artist Isabelle Brent, these tales are full of Celtic magic.

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Book SynopsisFrom Snow White to Cinderella, Rapunzel to Rumpelstiltskin, the Brothers Grimm bequeathed a canon of stories which have become literary and childhood classics. The most widely read story collection after the Bible, their magical tales are stalwarts of early learning and imagination, listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register as a vital part of our history and culture. This beautiful hardback anthology is based on the Grimm’s popular 1857 edition and features 27 of their best-loved stories in a vibrant and meticulous new translation commissioned for this publication. The tales are accompanied by exquisite vintage illustrations from the past 200 years, including masterpieces from the legendary Kay Nielsen, British artists Walter Crane and Arthur Rackham, and giants of 19th-century German illustration Gustav Süs, Heinrich Leutemann, and Viktor Paul Mohn. Additional historic and contemporary silhouettes dance across the pages like delicate black paper lace. In addition to the tales and illustrations, the book contains a foreword on the Grimms’ legacy, brief introductions to each fairy tale, and extended artists’ biographies in the appendix. For adults and children alike, this precious edition brings the eternal magic of the Grimms’ stories to the heart of every home.The following fairy tales are featured in the book:The Frog Prince, The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats, Little Brother and Little Sister, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, The Fisherman and His Wife, The Brave Little Tailor, Cinderella, Mother Holle, Little Red Riding Hood, The Bremen Town Musicians, The Devil with Three Golden Hairs, The Shoemaker and the Elves, Tom Thumb’s Travels, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, The Three Feathers, The Golden Goose, Jorinde and Joringel, The Goose Girl, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, The Star Coins, Snow White and Red Nose, The Hare and the Hedgehog, Puss n’ Boots, The Golden KeyTrade Review“…a truly bewitching coffee-table tome.” * Modern Luxury Interiors *“The perfect addition to any nursery library, it will have readers and listeners spellbound.” * Daily Telegraph *"This gloriously illustrated collection, TASCHEN's first children's book, includes lesser-known tales like 'Little Brother and Little Sister' and 'The Devil With the Three Golden Hairs' along with the favorites... Best are the timeless illustrations, mostly European, gleaned from previously published work from the 1820s to the 1950s. The stories, if not all their characters, live happily ever after." * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisWhen Little Red arrives at Granny's cottage, there's someone BIG, HAIRY and very, very SCARY waiting in Granny's bed... Will Little Red be breakfast for that big, bad wolf? My First Fairy Tales are a magical introduction to the well-loved stories that are a key part of every childhood. With fresh and fun illustrations, these simple re-tellings of classic fairy tales make a perfect bedtime read for three to six year olds. Make sure you collect Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, too!

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Book SynopsisJohanna Spyri's Heidi is beautifully retold, following the exploits of the orphaned girl sent to live in the Alps with her grumpy grandfather. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence, with clear, engaging text and stunning original illustrations.Trade Review'Irresistible for children learning to read' - Child Education Plus; 'The Usborne Young Reading Program has a lovely selection of classic tales adapted for younger readers. Graded in seven levels, these have just enough stretch in them and yet are not too overwhelming' - The Irish Sunday Independent; 'Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme' - Julia Eccleshare

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Book SynopsisThree original mermaid tales for children who are just beginning to learn how to read. Meet a scheming mermaid lurking to sabotage the Great Seahorse Race, a mermaid on a journey to the spooky Pirates' Graveyard and a mermaid who just loves to dance! Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.Trade ReviewA collection of three stories, each of which gives a cheery insight into the lives of mermaids... These mermaids could be little girls anywhere the world over. * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisA rich collection of classic and lesser known myths from all around the world. Illustrations: Full colour throughout

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Book SynopsisRosie Dickins grew up in England and Hong Kong. An avid reader, she always loved dreaming up her own stories. After studying literature at Oxford University, art in Paris and plenty of travelling, she settled in London, where she works for Usborne Publishing. She has written over a hundred children's books, from award-winning information books to fiction.Trade Review'Irresistible for children learning to read' - Child Education Plus; 'The Usborne Young Reading Program has a lovely selection of classic tales adapted for younger readers. Graded in seven levels, these have just enough stretch in them and yet are not too overwhelming' - The Irish Sunday Independent; 'Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme' - Julia Eccleshare

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Book SynopsisA wonderfully witty take on a much-loved fairy tale, The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Book celebrates the magic of reading and storytelling, and being kind to others.When Ben's mum gets distracted halfway through his bedtime story, he decides to finish the tale himself. There's only one problem – he can't quite read yet. To Ben's surprise, the three little pigs come knocking on the door, and the big bad wolf isn't far behind ... But this time, will the story have a different ending?A playful rhyming story by Lucy Rowland, with hilarious illustrations from Ben Mantle.

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Book SynopsisWilde's short fiction includes such masterpieces as 'The Happy Prince', 'The Selfish Giant', 'Lord Arthur Savile's Crime' and 'The Canterville Ghost', as well as the daring narrative experiments of 'The Portrait of Mr. W. H.' and 'Poems in Prose'. This edition shows how they continue to the enthral and challenge the reader.Trade ReviewI defy anyone to read them and be unmoved. * Emily Labram, The Observer *Table of ContentsPOEMS IN PROSE; APPENDIX

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Book SynopsisWhilst leaving footpaths should never be done, Straying from stories is all sorts of fun!Little Red Reading Hood loves reading books and making up stories of her own. When she meets a cunning wolf while on her way to the library, he convinces her to stray from the path and read for a little while. But hasn’t she read this in a story before? Perhaps it’s time she came up with a new ending . . . This is a contemporary and fun take on the classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, created by an incredible picture book partnership. With a playful rhyming story by Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle's entertaining illustrations, Little Red Reading Hood will inspire children, and adults, about the magic of books and reading.

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Book SynopsisThrough the dark and wolfish woods,through the white and silent snow,lived a small girl called Hortense.Though kind and brave, she was sad as an owl because of one thing . . . Hortense hated her shadow.A beautifully illustrated dark fairy tale that will remind you of the fables you read as a child. A treasure not to be missed.Trade ReviewThis stunning debut from the O'Hara sisters draws on classic fairy stories and fables, along with their Eastern European heritage. It's both classic and contemporary all at once - a picture book to cherish and a duo to watch. * Books with Baby *A delicious slice of crisp, wintry and gloriously immersive storytelling... Exquisite in every way. You owe it to yourself to pick up this book. * Read it Daddy *This book is empowering, haunting and wonderfully reminiscent of age-old Russian folk tales... a picture book classic to treasure. * WRD About Books *Painted in expressive, moody watercolours and beautifully reminiscent of the Polish fairy tales that the author and illustrator listened to as children, Hortense and the Shadow is deeply captivating and atmospheric. The message - that we all have a shadow side, and it's part of us, not to be ignored and denied - is simply and effectively expressed. There's both a real sense of originality and a classic quality here that is impressive for a debut picture book. Ideal for winter bedtime reading for children and grown-ups. * Book Trust *This contemporary fairytale has the feel of a timeless classic... with a strong female protagonist and an empowering message, this is a book to be read to all of your sons and daughters. * Picture Books Blogger *Natalia O'Hara's lyrical prose and Lauren's delicate, muted illustrations, sometimes ornate, sometimes stark and looming, together make for a story to have you tingling with delight. Absolutely beautiful. * Red Reading Hub *Full of the landscapes one both expects and looks forward to in Russian fairytales, Hortense and the Shadow is both elegant and ominous, poetic and dark, and enchanting. * Library Mice *A beautiful story of identity and self-acceptance... an utterly lovely picture book with an empowering message. * Typewritered *Hortense hates her shadow - crooked, tall and always there - and tries to ditch it in this hauntingly beautifully illustrated fairy tale. But one night, in the dark woods, bandits come a-calling and Hortense realises she needs her shadow after all. Entirely gorgeous. * The Sunday Express *A delightful picture book... could be read time and time again, becoming a treasured book. * Splashes Into Books *Hortense detests the dark shadow that follows her wherever she goes. Until, on a lone walk one night, she comes upon a group of bandits in the woods and her shadow proves an invaluable ally. Stunning illustrations and sparse text combine to create a fascinating, nuanced tone in this tale that touches on themes of fear, friendship, and self-acceptance. * Brightly *The lilting text and gorgeous spreads of snowy landscapes in pastel shades, with touches of bolder colours, create a magical atmosphere that is perfect for this carefully crafted fairy tale. The story gently touches on themes of self-perception and facing your fears. This is a stunningly beautiful debut picture book from two sisters who first discovered a love of stories and fables through the tales told to them by their Polish grandmother. * Carousel *It's a classic in the making, real new talent, original, and set in a perfect fairy tale world. What more could you want from a bedtime story? * It's All About Stories *Had I owned this book as a little girl, I would have read it over and over, looking for hidden details. * From Britain With Love *

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Book SynopsisKing Odysseus is happy at home with his loving wife and baby son. Then King Menelaus asks him to help bring Queen Helen back from the city of Troy. For ten years the Greeks besiege Troy, but they can't break into the city until Odysseus thinks of a plan. With fun activities and online audio in both British English and American English.

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Book SynopsisFrom the classic story by Jonathan Swift. After a shipwreck, Gulliver wakes on an island to find that he is a prisoner of the tiny people of Lilliput. Gradually he adapts to his new home. He even stops a war; but he also makes enemies, and little people can be just as dangerous as large ones.

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Book Synopsis"Fee!" he said, and "Fi!" he said, and "Fo!" he said and "Fum!"Look out children, the Giant of Jum is grumpy and hungry and he's off in search of a tasty snack. And the tastiest of all is a boy called Jack! But Jack and his friends don't see a scary giant, they see a magically tall man - a man who can fetch lost balls and rescue cats from trees! Perhaps this hungry giant is softer than he seems... An incredible rhyming text and a brilliant, big-hearted twist on a classic fairy tale, from the uniquely talented author and poet, Elli Woollard, and award-winning illustrator, Benji Davies.The Giant of Jum also contains an important message for all: don't eat kids, eat cake!Trade Reviewenormous fun * Daily Mail *a read-aloud gem * Bookseller *The illustrations brim with jokes and delightful details, the rhyming text is breezy fun, and the linebetween darkly gruesome and good-hearted is deftly maintained. * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisA hilarious and anarchic collection of classic bedtime stories for young readers, all utterly updated for a new generation - now in paperback format. Meet Trumplestiltskin, a vain and gold-obsessed little man who will stop at nothing to become richer and richer. There's Sleeping Brainy, the princess whose only dream is to become Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Gingerbread Kid, who escapes persecution in his home country but struggles to fit in in his new one. You won't forget the lingering stench of Mouldysocks - a boy obsessed with staring at his iPad but rather less obsessed with personal hygiene - and you'll be rooting for Rap-Unzel when she gets the chance of fame by appearing on Kingdom's Got Talent . . . but at what cost?Packed with stories about boys who aren't afraid to cry and rhymes about girls who refuse to kiss frogs, FEARLESS FAIRY TALES shakes up dusty, old-fashioned (and, to be honest, rather sexist) bedtime stories and totally reinvents them for the twenty-first century. From fake news to female footballers, environmental pollution to equal pay, nothing is off limits in this anthology of laugh-out-loud fairy tales with thoroughly modern morals.Told in the fresh, vibrant and unique voice of Blue Peter favourite Konnie Huq, writing with James Kay, and packed full of irresistible illustrations by Rikin Parekh, FEARLESS FAIRY TALES is the perfect gift for young readers (and older readers fed up with serving their kids the same old boring bedtime stories).

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Book SynopsisMy First Reading Book. This is an illustrated first reading book in a large, fun format - ideal for use in show-and-tell. Janet Brown's fresh and lively storyline is designed to appeal to youngsters, with appropriate vocabulary for those who are learning to read by themselves. Interactive pages and an odd-one-out puzzle at the back of the book encourage literacy and observation. It is an enchanting retelling of a timeless fairy tale, with bright and imaginative paintings by Ken Morton. Gepetto the woodcarver longs to have a son. One day, he makes himself a wooden puppet in the shape of a boy, which he calls Pinocchio. That night, while Gepetto is sleeping, a fairy brings Pinocchio to life. He is still made from wood, but the fairy promises that he can become a boy if he remains honest, brave and unselfish. Will Pinocchio succeed...? This classic story is retold for a new generation. It is illustrated with engaging images throughout, and uses simple vocabulary and familiar language that children can easily follow and enjoy.

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Book SynopsisThis is a first reading book. It is a great big version of The Little Red Hen - perfect for use in show-and-tell! The large-format pages, simple repeated language and vibrant characters make this book ideal for helping with your child's first steps in reading. It introduces words such as hen (with her lazy friends cat, dog and duck), wheat, field, flour, windmill and more. It includes a simple picture dictionary. It's fun to start reading with this well-loved story. Young children may already know this traditional tale - about a farmyard hen whose hard work and patience pays off in the end. This edition can be used in several ways to allow early learners to gain confidence. Grownup helpers can start by reading out the illustrated words shown at the side of each left-hand page. Key words on the right-hand page have already been introduced on the left-hand page, so readers can have fun trying to spot the same words in the story itself. All the pictured words are recapped in a dictionary at the back of the book.

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Book SynopsisThis wonderful collection of fairy tales draws on the classic folklore of Eastern Europe. Read about stories of romance and adventure, gods who help mere mortals to wealth and happiness, and fables that touch on the origins of man and the creation of the world. Meet a man transformed into a noble animal to help him find his true love, the dragon trying to eat the man who saved his life, and the beautiful princess Vassilissa who is courted far and wide. Gods on a mountaintop help a young girl to wealth and happiness in `The Twelve Months', and a man transformed into a noble animal finds his true love in `The Feather of Bright Finist the Falcon'. Fables teach about the `Origin of Man' and the creation of the world from an egg (in `God's Cockerel'), and also of the injustice with which a friendly gesture is too often rewarded (`A Good Deed is Always Requited with Ill'). The twenty-two traditional tales reflect a wide range of emotions and experiences, flavoured by a shared cultural heritage. Whether the setting is a poor cottage deep in the forest, a small village, or a king's court, each story reveals a fascination with routines of family, church and community life, and a humorous ironic perspective on people and their affairs. Folklorist Neil Philip retells these stories in modern English, preserving the richness, meaning and magic of the original tales; ideal to read aloud or for older readers to discover by themselves. Larry Wilkes's lively illustrations of fantastical dragons and beautiful princesses complete the translation of Eastern European culture into stories for children of all ages to enjoy.

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Book SynopsisA story about how the elephant got his trunk, that is adapted from an original African folklore tale. This paperback book comes complete with stickers for interactive storytelling which your little one can get involved in the story.

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