Children’s / Teenage fiction: Classic fiction

Book SynopsisSolve the mystery with the Secret Seven - everyone''s favourite detective club! This fantastic bumper collection contains Secret Seven books 1-3, with illustrations by Tony Ross.Book 1: The Secret Seven (first published in 1949)It''s their first adventure and the Secret Seven super-sleuths are already on the trail of a mystery! The gang are dressed in disguise, following a lead to a spooky old house in the snow...Book 2: Secret Seven Adventure (first published in 1950)When a priceless pearl necklace goes missing the Secret Seven are first off the mark to catch the thief! Why? Because they saw him making his escape! Now all they have to do is find the necklace ...Book 3: Well Done, Secret Seven (first published in 1951)The Secret Seven have a new meeting place - a treehouse! But someone else is using it too. The gang are furious, but then they learn the intruder is in big trouble and needs their help. Can the SeveTrade ReviewKids who enjoy adventures or dreaming up adventures will love these * Herfamily.ie *Kids who enjoy adventures or dreaming up adventures will love these * Herfamily.ie *They're the perfect introduction to one of Enid Blyton's best-loved series - the Secret Seven, which is still the gang every child wants to belong to * Surrey Advertiser *They're the perfect introduction to one of Enid Blyton's best-loved series - the Secret Seven, which is still the gang every child wants to belong to * Surrey Advertiser *

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Book SynopsisWhenever there''s a mystery, the Find-Outers are on the case! A brilliant bumper collection, from bestselling author Enid Blyton.The Mystery of the Burnt CottageSomeone has set fire to Mr Hick''s cottage, but who could it be? Fatty, Larry, Daisy, Pip, Bets and Buster the dog have their very first case to solve. But it''s not easy being detectives with policeman Mr Goon telling them to clear orf. The Find-Outers are determined - they have to solve the mystery before Mr Goon does!The Mystery of the Disappearing CatA prize-winning Siamese Cat has been stolen, and all evidence points to the Find-Outers'' friend Luke. Fatty Larry, Daisy, Pip and Bets know Luke is innocent, but how can they prove it? The Find-Outers have another mystery to solve!The Mystery of the Secret RoomPip discovers a room in Miss Crump''s old empty house isn''t empty at all - someone has been using it! It''s the perfect mystery for Fatty to put his new

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Book SynopsisSnappy rhymes invite young readers to watch workers dig, pour, pound, and bolt a skyscraper into existence. Simple yet satisfying sidebars provide further information about each step in the construction process. Perfect for preschoolers and all those who dig diggers.Quirky, colorful art enhance the appeal of a construction site with all the equipment and sounds of building.

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Book SynopsisThe magical Peter Pan comes to the night nursery of the Darling children, Wendy, John and Michael. He teaches them to fly, then takes them through the sky to Never-Never Land, where they find Red Indians, Wolves, Mermaids and... Pirates. The leader of the pirates is the sinister Captain Hook. His hand was bitten off by a crocodile, who, as Captain Hook explains 'liked me arm so much that he has followed me ever since, licking his lips for the rest of me'. After lots of adventures, the story reaches its exciting climax as Peter, Wendy and the children do battle with Captain Hook and his band.

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Book SynopsisA retelling of Disney Sleeping Beauty, accompanied by art from the original Disney Studio artists.Collect the whole Animated Classics series!This beautiful hardback features premium cloth binding, a ribbon marker to match the cover, gold foil stamping and illustrated endpapers, making this the perfect gift for all those who have been enchanted by the magic of Sleeping Beauty and a book to be treasured by all.A family favourite for nearly sixty years, Disney Sleeping Beauty is one of the best-loved films of all time. Relive its magic through this retelling of the classic animated film, accompanied by paintings, sketches and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists. Also featured is a foreword by Mike Gabriel, an animator, story artist, visual development artist, production designer and director at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Turn to the back of the book to learn more about the artists who worked on this iconic animated film.Trade ReviewMost Disney fans would be able to tell you the stories of 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Sleeping Beauty,' and 'Snow White' according to the Walt Disney Animation Studios - they've become so ingrained in the public consciousness. These beautiful new hardback editions offer new insights into these animated classics.As well as retelling these beloved stories, the books contain a wealth of paintings, sketches and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists.It was fascinating to see how characters developed from the first sketches to finished articles and to learn about the artists who created them in a special section at the end of the book.I am sure that fans of the Disney films would be absolutely thrilled to have one of these special hardback editions for their book collections, and they would make a great gift for younger fans to keep and enjoy as they grow up. * Library Girl and Book Boy *

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Book SynopsisFar from fading with time, Kenneth Grahame's classic tale of fantasy has attracted a growing audience in each generation. Rat, Mole, Badger and the preposterous Mr Toad (with his ‘Poop-poop-poop’ road-hogging new motor-car), have brought delight to many through the years with their odd adventures on and by the river, and at the imposing residence of Toad Hall. Grahame's book was later dramatised by A. A. Milne, and became a perennial Christmas favourite, as Toad of Toad Hall. It continues to enchant and, above all perhaps, inspire great affection.

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Book SynopsisEnid Blyton''s very funny school series follows Elizabeth Allen as she is sent away to boarding school and makes up her mind to be the naughtiest pupil there''s ever been. Hilarious reading alone or aloud for ages 7 and up.Book 1: The Naughtiest Girl In The SchoolElizabeth Allen is spoilt and selfish. When''s she''s sent away to boarding school she makes up her mind to be the naughtiest pupil there''s ever been! But Elizabeth soon finds out that being bad isn''t as simple as it seems ...Book 2: The Naughtiest Girl Again The naughtiest girl in the school is back! And this term she''s trying to be good. But someone wants to spoil things for her. And they''re not going to let her forget how she got her nickname!Book 3: The Naughtiest Girl Is A MonitorWhen Elizabeth Allen is chosen to be a school monitor, she''s delighted. But she soon finds out just what a responsible job it is. The harder she tries, the worse she behaves!Trade ReviewA classic. Perfect for Blyton fans. * Woking Advertiser *

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Book SynopsisJill Murphy's bestselling classic Peace at Last has delighted young children for almost forty years, and is equally beloved by tired parents who are all too familiar with the plight of poor Mr Bear. With a snoring Mrs Bear, an excitable Baby Bear and a house full of tapping and dripping and ticking, peace is hard to come by – will Mr Bear ever get a decent night's sleep?The familiar noises, repetition and beautiful illustrations make Jill Murphy's delightful Peace at Last an all-time favourite bedtime story with children and adults everywhere. This is a beautiful refreshed edition of a much-loved picture book classic.Enjoy more Bear Family stories with Whatever Next! and Just One of Those Days.Trade ReviewAn enchanting book from cover to cover * Guardian *Illustrations mingle with the satisfying text and offer delectable touches * The Times *Peace at Last has delighted children for 40 years and is equally beloved by tired parents all too familiar with the plight of poor Mr Bear * Eastern Daily Press *

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Book SynopsisCicely Mary Barker was born in Croydon, South London in 1895 and died in 1973. She found international acclaim as an artist with her delightful Flower Fairies books the first of which, Flower Fairies of the Spring, was printed in 1923.

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Book SynopsisPhizzwhizzing new cover look and branding for the World''s NUMBER ONE Storyteller!George Kranky''s Grandma is a miserable grouch. George really hates that horrid old witchy woman.One Saturday morning, George is in charge of giving Grandma her medicine.So-ho! Ah-ha! Ho-hum! George knows exactly what to do.A magic medicine* it will be. One that will either cure her completely . . . or blow off the top of her head.*WARNING: Do not try to make George''s Marvellous Medicine yourselves at home. It could be dangerous.

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Book SynopsisThe beloved story of orphan Anne Shirley''s adoption by an elderly brother and sister is now available in an exclusive collector''s edition featuring: A beautiful, high-end hardcover with Laci Fowler''s distinctive hand-painted art and embossing/debossing treatments to bring the art to life Story details are incorporated into the cover art as surprise finds for the consummate fan Decorative interior pages containing quotes throughout Matching ribbon marker and gold page edges When eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley is mistakenly sent to live on a farm with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, Anne finds herself in a real home for the first time in her life. Fiery and spirited, she certainly isn''t the sturdy boy they had planned to adopt. Despite her mischief and affinity for finding trouble, the longer Anne stays at Green Gables, the harder it is for the Cuthberts to imagine life without her.Exploring the time-honored themes

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Book SynopsisPush, pull and slide the moving mechanisms to meet all your favourite characters from the deep dark wood in this brilliant board book based on the bestselling classic picture book, The Gruffalo – and bring the story to life!Discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse comes face to face with a fox, an owl, a snake . . . and a hungry Gruffalo! Move the magical push, pull and slide mechanisms on every spread to join in the fun.With a short, simple rhyming text based on the original story, The Gruffalo: A Push, Pull and Slide Book is the perfect introduction for preschoolers to The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and a great gift for fans of the bestselling picture book.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the festive period with Peter Rabbit and all the family in this beautifully illustrated board book perfect for Christmas Eve!Christmas Eve is SO exciting that Peter Rabbit and his sisters can''t sleep!But, he knows that Father Christmas will only visit when they''re all fast asleep. And this year he''s wished for an extra special present.Will he manage to fall asleep in time?Get into the Christmas spirit with this festive tale, a great gift for little readers and the perfect way to introduce children to the world of Peter Rabbit!Look out for more Christmas adventures with Peter:Peter Rabbit The Christmas Present HuntPeter Rabbit Christmas Sticker FunPeter Rabbit Christmas is Coming

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Book SynopsisA beautifully designed colouring book, using the original, stunning illustrations by Pauline Baynes a perfect gift for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, and for anyone, of any age, who enjoys colouring in.Step through the wardrobe and enter the magical world of Narnia a glorious land of centaurs, fauns and Aslan, the great lion. Join, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy on their adventures and let your imagination run free as they stand against the White Witch, voyage across the seas and face a last ferocious battle to save Narnia.This beautifully designed colouring book contains iconic, original artwork from all seven stories in The Chronicles of Narnia. It also includes intricate patterns created using characters and elements unique to Narnia delightful maps and inspirational quotes for you to colour in.The official The Chronicles of Narnia Colouring book celebrating this classic, epic and much-loved series.Trade Review“The magic of C. S. Lewis's parallel universe never fades.” The Times

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Book SynopsisA retelling of Disney Mulan, accompanied by art from the original Disney Studio artists. Collect the whole Animated Classics series!This beautiful hardback features premium cloth binding, a ribbon marker to match the cover, foil stamping and illustrated endpapers, making this the perfect gift for all those who have been enchanted by the magic of Mulan and a book to be treasured by all.A family favourite, Disney Mulan is one of the best-loved films of all time. Relive the magic through this retelling of the classic animated film, accompanied by paintings, story sketches and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists. Also featured is a foreword by Paul Briggs, a director at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Turn to the back of the book to learn more about the artists who worked on this iconic animated film.

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Book SynopsisA retelling of Disney The Little Mermaid, accompanied by art from the original Disney Studio artists. Collect the whole Animated Classics series!This beautiful hardback features premium cloth binding, a ribbon marker to match the cover, gold foil stamping and illustrated endpapers, making this the perfect gift for all those who have been enchanted by the magic of The Little Mermaid and a book to be treasured by all.A family favourite for over thirty years, Disney The Little Mermaid is one of the best-loved films of all time. Relive the magic through this retelling of the classic animated film, accompanied by paintings, sketches and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists. Also featured is a foreword by Brittney Lee, a visual development artist at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Turn to the back of the book to learn more about the artists who worked on this iconic animated film.Trade ReviewMost Disney fans would be able to tell you the stories of 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Sleeping Beauty,' and 'Snow White' according to the Walt Disney Animation Studios - they've become so ingrained in the public consciousness. These beautiful new hardback editions offer new insights into these animated classics.As well as retelling these beloved stories, the books contain a wealth of paintings, sketches and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists.It was fascinating to see how characters developed from the first sketches to finished articles and to learn about the artists who created them in a special section at the end of the book.I am sure that fans of the Disney films would be absolutely thrilled to have one of these special hardback editions for their book collections, and they would make a great gift for younger fans to keep and enjoy as they grow up. * Library Girl and Book Boy *

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Book SynopsisThe Famous Five celebrated 70 years in print in 2012 - but the celebrations are still continuing! Everyone loves reading the adventures of Dick, Anne, Julian, George and, of course, Timmy!

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Book SynopsisJulian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog find excitement and adventure wherever they go in Enid Blyton''s most popular series. A short story in colour for younger readers. George''s dog Timmy sniffs out an adventure when he spots some suspicious-looking passengers on a train. He is very interested in one of them, but what has he spotted?Can the Famous Five solve this mystery?In addition to the Famous Five novels, Enid Blyton wrote a clutch of short stories based on the characters. These were published in magazines and collected in the Famous Five Short Story Collection (Hodder). For the first time, the complete text of Five and a Half-Term Adventure (1956) appears in an individual volume, illustrated with lively contemporary colour art by Jamie Littler.Trade ReviewThese individual stories have been given a very modern production with creative use of font and layout and zany modern full colour illustrations by Jamie Little. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisLovely Bianca has a queue of admirers anxious to marry her. But her older sister, Katharina, must get married first. Katharina has such a fiery temper she is known as ''the shrew'', and no man is brave enough to propose. Can Petruchio tame her with his outrageous behaviour? With Notes on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre and Love and Marriage in The Taming of the Shrew. The tales have been retold using accessible language and with the help of Tony Ross''s engaging black-and-white illustrations, each play is vividly brought to life allowing these culturally enriching stories to be shared with as wide an audience as possible.Have you read all of The Shakespeare Stories books? Available in this series: A Midsummer Night''s Dream, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Hamlet, Twelfth Night, Antony and Cleopatra, Much Ado About Nothing, The Merchant of Venice, Henry V, Julius Caesar, As You Like It, Othello, The Taming of the Shrew, Richard III, and King Lear.<

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Book SynopsisAntoine de Saint-Exupéry''s tender and magical classic fable, adapted for picture book readers for the very first time!A beautiful gift edition of this touching and wise classic children''s book.The characters of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry''s classic tale have captured the hearts of generations of readers. Meet the pilot stranded in the desert. Meet the Little Prince who tends his beautiful rose on a planet of his own. Follow him as he embarks on a strange and wonderful journey to puzzling new planets and finally to Earth, where he discovers the nature of love.Will enchant little ones' The TimesBrilliant and beautiful' The ScotsmanAdapted by award-winning poet Louise Greig, author of the Greenaway-medal-nominated Sweep and The Night Box, with enchanting new artwork from the critically acclaimed illustrator of The Velveteen Rabbit and Star in the Jar.Trade Review ‘It’s never too soon to hear that we don’t know what we’ve got till it’s gone, and this pair (and the spirit of Saint-Exupéry) land that message in style.’ – Alex O’Connell, The Times “The first picture book adaptation of the classic fable captures its spirit of poetic mysteriousness with beautifully immersive visuals” – The I ’Retaining the essence of the original story, but pairing it back enough to make it accessible to children makes its key messages shine through. The Little Prince is as charming as ever, and Massini’s artwork superbly captures the surreal world he inhabits. Perfect for curious young readers, it’s a story that will stay with them long after the final page has turned.’ – The Scotsman ‘A thing of beauty, mysterious and poetic both verbally and visually.’ – Red Reading Hub ‘Contemporary but timeless illustrations, a perfect way to bring a classic to the next generation’ – @bookgiftblogger

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Book SynopsisIt''s never too soon to share your favourite classics with the next generation... This edition of The Wind in the Willows has been adapted for younger readers and features: Simplified text A child-friendly layout, designed for young readers Full-colour illustrations by award-winning artist Robert Ingpen.When the Mole leaves his spring-cleaning and heads up into the open air, he embarks on a series of exhilarating adventures with his new friends: the laid-back Ratty, the gruff yet kindly Badger and the self-satisfied, irrepressible Mr. Toad. The impulsive Toad leads the friends from one escapade to the next from upturned gypsy caravans to stolen motorcars, a daring prison escape and, finally, to a heroic confrontation with the sinister inhabitants of the Wild Wood.A full-colour illustrated edition of one of the world''s best loved stories. ''Ingpen''s drawings are utterly compelling'' Michael Morpurgo

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Book SynopsisIntroducing The Famous Five to younger readers with this NEWLY-CREATED story for children aged 5 and up!Set in the world of Enid Blyton''s best-loved series, this newly-created early reader follows Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog on a special new adventure - illustrated in gorgeous full-colour throughout by Becka Moor. Expect all the usual excitement as the Five head off to birthday party with a very special present. Little do they know, two thieves are on their trail and desperate to get their hands on it... The story is broken down into short chapters with vibrant, full-colour illustrations on every page - perfect for shared reading or for newly confident readers to enjoy independently. This new title sits alongside Enid Blyton''s eight original short stories about the Famous Five- also available in early reader format, illustrated by Jamie Littler. Collect them all! A Lazy AfternoonGeorge''s Hair Is Too LongWell Done, Famous Five Five and a Half-Term AdventureWhen Timmy Chased the Cat Five Have a Puzzling TimeGood Old TimmyHappy Christmas, Five!***The Famous Five, Enid Blyton and Enid Blyton''s signature are registered trade marks of Hodder & Stoughton Limited. No trade mark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trade mark and copyright owner.

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Book SynopsisSpecial collectors' hardback editions lovingly restored to original designs 'I love these editions - so beautifully produced, so solid and permanent, just as Tove Jansson deserved.' Philip Pullman A beautiful collectors' edition of this classic Moomin story, using original 50s and 60s cover artwork, newly scanned images and gorgeous endpapers. When signs appear that a comet is heading towards their beloved Moominvalley, Moomin and his friend Sniff set sail to consult with the professors in the distant Lonely Mountains. Their journey is full of adventures and narrow escapes; from crocodiles, giant lizards, eagles and the like, but new friends - soon to become firm friends - help lighten the way. In this first and most exciting Moomin novel, we meet the wandering Snufkin, the fascinating Snork Maiden and her brother the Snork as they join Moomin in his race to get home to Moominmamma before the comet crashes. From the publisher of The Invisible Child and The Fir Tree (all proceeds to Oxfam) here's the Moomin gift editions.Trade ReviewTove Jansson is one of the greatest children's writers there has ever been -- Sir Terry PratchettI love these editions - so beautifully produced, so solid and permanent, just as Tove Jansson deserved -- Philip Pullman(These editions) are simply stunning, and an absolute must-read. The Moomin novels are timeless stories full of adventure and heartwarming values - perfect for Christmas. * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisThe much-loved legend of King Arthur is brought to life in this stunningly illustrated collection, featuring stories including The Sword in the Stone, Excalibur and The Last Battle. Legendary characters such as Lancelot, Guinevere, Merlin and more are brought to life in stories specially retold for children.Trade ReviewFull of mystery, bravery and romance, the legends surround King Arthur and his brave Knights of the Round Table... are freshly told in this collection with characters and scenes vividly illustrated by Natasha Kuricheva. * Julia Eccleshare, Lovereading4kids *

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Book SynopsisIn a beautiful single volume, Inga Moore's magical illustrations bring Kenneth Grahame's much-loved classic to life for a new generation of readers.Kenneth Grahame''s classic children''s stories, which depict the adventures of the amiable Mole and the Water Rat and the comic misadventures of the wayward Toad, are collected in this beautiful volume. Carefully abridged by the artist herself, this version of the beloved stories is instantly accessible to a young picture book readership.Trade ReviewA stunning achievement – Moore's illustrations are just so perfect for the book that you can almost feel Kenneth Grahame smiling down upon it. * The Sunday Telegraph *A book for your child to treasure - and, in time, share with their own children. * The Good Book Guide *Inga Moores' illustrations are truly enchanting. With faultless draughtmanship, witty characterisation, a mass of period detail and breathtaking evocations of the English countryside. * The Guardian *With its wit, charm and finesse, and its atmospheric use of colour, her work rewards endless exploration. -- Joanna Carey * The Financial Times *

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Book Synopsis‘You must get away tonight,’ the man had told him. David escapes from the concentration camp where he has spent his entire life and flees across Europe. He is utterly alone – who can he trust? What will await him? And all the while, how can he be sure that they won’t catch up with him …

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Book SynopsisThe Little Prince is a modern fable, and for readers far and wide both the title and the work have exerted a pull far in excess of the book’s brevity. Written and published first by Antoine de St-Exupéry in 1943, only a year before his plane disappeared on a reconnaissance flight, it is one of the world’s most widely translated books, enjoyed by adults and children alike. In the meeting of the narrator who has ditched his plane in the Sahara desert, and the little prince, who has dropped there through time and space from his tiny asteroid, comes an intersection of two worlds, the one governed by the laws of nature, and the other determined only by the limits of imagination. The world of the imagination wins hands down, with the concerns of the adult world often shown to be lamentably silly as seen through the eyes of the little prince. While adult readers can find deep meanings in his various encounters, they can also be charmed back to childhood by this wise but innocent infant. This popular translation contains the author’s own delightful illustrations, bringing to visual life the small being at the tale’s heart, and a world of fantasy far removed from any quotidian reality. It is also a sort of love story, in which two frail beings, the downed pilot and the wandering infant-prince who has left behind all he knows, share their short time together isolated from humanity and finding sustenance in each other. This is a book which creates a unique relationship with each reader, whether child or adult.

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Book Synopsis'The Little White Horse was my favourite childhood book. I absolutely adored it. It had a cracking plot. It was scary and romantic in parts and had a feisty heroine.' - JK Rowling - The Bookseller In 1842, thirteen-year-old orphan Maria Merryweather travels to her family's ancestral home, Moonacre Manor, to live with her uncle Sir Benjamin. She immediately feels right at home with her kind and funny uncle and meets a wonderful set of new friends — but she quickly learns that beneath all this beauty and comfort, a past feud haunts Moonacre Manor and it’s her destiny to right the wrongs of her ancestors and restore the peace to Moonacre Valley. A beautifully written fantasy story filled with magic, a Moon Princess, and a mysterious white horse. Little White Horse and the delightful heroine, Maria Merryweather, are sure to be loved by all children.

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Book SynopsisFrom the mysterious cat-faced lady whose magic allows a servant girlto attend a prince's ball, to the princess who meets an enchantedfrog; from ogres and hooded crows, to faery bagpipers and shape-shiftingmonsters... This book includes traditional favourites,classic myths and legends from Scottish heritage.

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Book SynopsisCelebrating seventy-five years of the Moomins, Stories From Moominvalley is a beautiful collection of three stories based on Tove Jansson's beloved and classic chapter books. Sensitively adapted for a younger audience by Alex Haridi and Cecilia Davidsson, it's both perfect as a gift and a must-have for fans of Tove Jansson’s enchanting world.Join Moomintroll, his charming family and his eclectic band of friends on a series of adventures in a picturesque valley where anything can happen - and it often does! But even when a father is washed away in a flood, electric Hattifatteners appear on a desert island, and a magical hat causes mayhem - the kind-hearted Moomins take it all in their stride.Everyone is welcome in Moominvalley, and Moomin lovers of all ages will delight at the stunning artwork that accompanies the lively storytelling in this collection.

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Book SynopsisJulian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog find excitement and adventure wherever they go in Enid Blyton''s most popular series.Five On A Hike TogetherDick is woken by a light flashing through his window. Is someone trying to send him a coded message? When the Famous Five hear of an escaped convict in the area, they are on red alert. Five Have A Wonderful TimeThe Famous Five are on an adventurous holiday in horse-drawn caravans. They discover a ruined castle that looks deserted. But is that a face at the window? Or is it a trick of the light? Just who is hiding in the castle?Five Go To Mystery MoorThe Five find out about something dangerous out in Mystery Moor. They''ll have to risk the treacherous mists and follow the trail if they want to find what''s lurking in the shadows. Do they know what they''ve let themselves in for?This 70th anniversary edition features the Classic editions of three Famous Five advenTrade ReviewThese books bring back special memories and ... kids still enjoy them today. A beautiful Christmas present to cherish and pass on. * Irish Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThe wonderfully contrary, strong-willed, angry, misunderstood Mary Lennox. When Mary Lennox is sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle, everybody says she is the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.Trade ReviewThe Secret Garden should be on every child's bookshelf * The Times *The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is my "current" favourite children's book. I reread it to my six-year-old daughter last summer and both of us loved it - although she did require me to have a go at the full Yorkshire accent for Dickon, which proved a little bit tricky. It has magic, darkness, whimsy and truth and the fact that it was first published in 1909 yet still managed to enthral my 21stcentury daughter is a testament to its greatness -- Kirsty YoungThe Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a wonderful story that I could think myself into, given that the heroine is the sort of awkward little girl that I thought I was. I loved the idea of a secret place where children could be on their own -- Nina BawdenSo what makes these different to any other set of classics? In a moment of inspiration Random House had the bright idea of actually asking Key stage 2 children what extra ingredients they could add to make children want to read. And does it work? Well, put it this way...my 13-year-old daughter announced that she had to read a book over the summer holiday and, without any prompting, spotted The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas...and proceeded to read it! Now, if you knew my 13-year-old daughter, you would realise that this is quite remarkable. She reads texts, blogs and tags by the thousand - but this is the first book she has read since going to high school, so all hail Vintage Classics! * National Association for the Teaching of English *Mary is a tough feisty character, who manages to turn a whole household, and the lives of those in it, completely upside down... The book is brim full of magic and joy * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisA chaotically magical sequel to Howl's Moving Castle.One of the greatest ever writers for children' Garth NixA true original' Katherine RundellShe is the best writer of magical fantasy for children' Evening StandardCharmain Baker is in over her head. Looking after Great Uncle William''s tiny cottage while he''s ill should have been easy, but Great Uncle William is better known as the Royal Wizard Norland and his house bends space and time. Its single door leads to any number of places the bedrooms, the kitchen, the caves under the mountains, the past, to name but a few.By opening that door, Charmain is now also looking after an extremely magical stray dog, a muddled young apprentice wizard and a box of the king''s most treasured documents, as well as irritating a clan of small blue creatures.Caught up in an intense royal search, she encounters an intimidating sorceress named Sophie. And where Sophie is, can the Wizard Howl and fire demon Calcifer be far behind?Trade Review“Diana Wynne Jones ought to be crowned with coloured garlands because she is the best writer of magical fantasy for children in this country” Evening Standard “Diana Wynne Jones could teach Stephen King and JK Rowling a thing or two … [she] has a skill for inserting just the right amount of detail in her written words, leaving you satiated but not stuffed.” SFX “Diana Wynne Jones is, quite simply, the best writer of magic there is, for readers of any age.” Neil Gaiman “…Her hallmarks include laugh-aloud humour, plenty of magic and imaginative array of alternate worlds. Yet, at the same time, a great seriousness is present in all of her novels, a sense of urgency that links Jones’s most outrageous plots to her readers’ hopes and fears…”Publishers Weekly “Truly magical – guaranteed to leave you gasping – even hotter than Potter”The Bookseller

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Book SynopsisGrown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn't be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Will Father return home safely?Trade Review"The American female myth."—Madelon Bedell

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Book SynopsisThis collection of stories from Shakespeare's plays, with beautiful illustrations and quotations, is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare. Each story includes short details about the main characters, and famous and memorable quotations from the play. This is a fabulous book that will be referred to again and again, by both children and adults.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic Sherlock Holmes mystery – at an easy-to-read level for readers of all ages! Also includes a QR code for the free audiobook! Body thought to be that of E.J. Drebber discovered last night in empty London house. No obvious cause of death. Address given as Cleveland, Ohio. Any information would be appreciated. After a mysterious murder leaves the police baffled, the world’s best amateur detective is asked to investigate. With Dr Watson at his side, Sherlock Holmes sets about uncovering a quest for revenge that runs far deeper than anybody suspected.Trade ReviewIn this first volume, Dr. Watson narrates the story wherein he first meets the eccentric sleuth. Returning to London in 1879 after a bullet wound in Afghanistan ended his career as an army surgeon, Watson decides to share lodgings with Holmes, a strange man who conducts forensic experiments in a hospital chemistry lab. The two quickly plunge into their first case: who killed E.J. Drebber, an American whose body is found in an empty house? Colorful characters appear to add clues, bumbling police provide humor, but readers will be more intrigued by Holmes’s extraordinary talent for discerning obscure details and the team’s use of logic to solve mysteries than the solution itself. Droll full- and partial-page black-and-white illustrations liven up the text. Inset definitions of potentially unfamiliar terms keep the story moving along. A quick, fun read and an accessible introduction to a popular classic British literary personality. -- School Library JournalThis is an excellent introduction to the amazing world of Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is one of literature's finest characters and I am so pleased to see him available for younger readers. This series of books has the characters, the crimes and solving the riddles all laid out perfectly clear for readers. -- Erin Hamilton, LibrarianThis is a book I’ll share with my nephew and people I know who are learning English so they can practice reading and also have fun during the process. -- Natalia I. Valia, EducatorThis was so charming, I wish it had been around when I was younger. -- Erin Benediction, ReviewerA terrific way to introduce young children to one of the most famous detectives ever – Sherlock Holmes. I recommend this to all young budding sleuths and detectives as a way to learn about an important literary character along with some historical information. -- Christi, ReviewerI've read all the Sherlock Holmes books and I loved that this book allows our younger generation to enjoy Sherlock and his sidekick Dr Watson. I will definitely get this for my daughter aged 10yrs to read as she enjoys crime and mystery novels. I would happily read the others in the series. -- Charley Reads, BloggerI really enjoyed reading this, I have never read a Sherlock Holmes book. It introduced you to the main characters and was a great start to a collection for middle grade. My son is 7 and I would definitely get him reading this once he’s moved on from his first chapter books. -- Becky Way, ReviewerI thoroughly enjoyed it, the story sticking to the plot that we know and love yet simplified for a younger audience. I loved the illustrations from Arianna Bellucci and also the explanations of terms that children may not be aware of. -- Karen O'Hare, ReviewerI hope to introduce my 6-year-old to Sherlock Holmes soon and this book will be a great way to do so. I definitely recommend this for younger readers. -- Kennedy Penn-O'Toole, LibrarianA classic which in this new edition has been added the illustrations created by Arianna Bellucci, that gives the book a more modern and contemporary character. -- Libros Happy, ReviewerA quick, fun read and an accessible introduction to a popular classic British literary personality. -- School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisA retelling of Disney Cinderella, accompanied by art from the original Disney Studio artists. Collect the whole Animated Classics series! This beautiful hardback features premium cloth binding, a ribbon marker to match the cover, foil stamping and illustrated endpapers, making this the perfect gift for all those who have been enchanted by the magic of Cinderella and a book to be treasured by all.A family favourite for seventy years, Disney Cinderella is one of the best-loved films of all time. Relive the magic through this retelling of the classic animated film, accompanied by paintings, story sketches and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists. Also featured is a foreword by a Mark Henn, a supervising animator and director at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Turn to the back of the book to learn more about the artists who worked on this iconic animated film.

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Book SynopsisAn adapted and illustrated edition of Jack London's The Call of the Wild - at an easy-to-read level for all ages! Also includes a QR code for the free audiobook! Buck, a wealthy judge’s dog, leads a quiet life until he is kidnapped, sold and taken to the freezing north. Forced to become a sled dog, Buck learns to love the harsh, natural world. When the time comes, will he return to his former life as a pet, or will he embrace the call of the wild? About The American Classics Children's Collection: From fancy parties with Gatsby in 1920s New York to sailing the ocean in search of the monstrous white whale Moby Dick – discover 10 iconic American classics adapted for children aged 7+.

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