Children’s / Teenage fiction: Classic fiction

Book SynopsisJulian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog find excitement and adventure wherever they go in Enid Blyton''s most popular series. The most famous racehorse in England is being trained in Kirren, and the Famous Five are eager to watch. But when the horse bolts the friends need to think quickly to make sure he isn''t lost or injured. The whole of England is depending on them!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 and original text of Well Done, Famous Five (1956) appears in an individual volume, illustrated with brand new colour art by Jamie Littler.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSolve the mystery with the Secret Seven - everyone''s favourite detective club! These timeless stories are perfect for young fans of mystery, adventure or detective series. Also available in audiobook! In book five, a sinister-looking man gets George in trouble with the police. The Secret Seven are outraged. Spying on him, the gang are certain he''s bad news, but what exactly is he up to?They need to investigate, and solve the mystery, once and for allSolve the mystery! Cover and inside illustrations are by the brilliant Tony Ross, illustrator of David Walliams''s books. The story was first published in 1953. This edition features the classic text and comes with a Bonus Blyton section at the back with quizzes, puzzles and other bonus extras! Enid Blyton , The Secret Seven and Enid Blyton''s signature are Registered Trademarks of Hodder and Stoughton Limited. No trademark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written pe

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.''So says Rat to Mole, as he introduces him to the delights of the river and his friends Toad, the spirit of rebellion, and Badger, the spirit of England. But it is a world where the motor-car is about to wreck the gipsy caravan, the revolutionaries in the Wild Wood are threatening the social fabric, the god Pan is abroad, and the warm seductive whispers of the south are drifting into the English lanes.An international children''s classic, The Wind in the Willows grew from the author''s letters to his young son, yet it is concerned almost exclusively with adult themes: fear of radical changes in political, social, and economic power. Mole''s acceptance into the conservative world of the River Bank, and Toad''s wild attempts to escape from it, are narrated in virtuoso language ranging from lively parody to elaborate fin-de-siècle mysticism. A profoundly EnglTrade ReviewPerfect summer reading. * Christopher Hirst, The Independent *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe boy who wouldn’t grow up, Peter Pan has the power of flight and lives on a magical island. But he is fascinated by Mary Darling’s bedtime stories for her children and makes covert night-time visits to their Bloomsbury home. One evening he loses his shadow, and after Mary’s daughter Wendy helps him reattach it, he invites her to fly away with him on an extraordinary adventure. In addition to the famous 1911 novel Peter and Wendy, which tells the familiar adventures of Peter Pan in Neverland and popularized the characters of Tinkerbell and Captain Hook, this volume contains the celebrated stage version on which Peter and Wendy is based, as well as Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, in which Peter Pan is a seven-day-old infant who consorts with birds and fairies and travels down the Serpentine in a thrush’s nest.Trade ReviewThe illustrations are super, and it all comes in a very affordable paperback. Nice job! -- Sarah Watkins * And Then I Read A Book *A new edition of one of the greatest classics of children’s literature with stunning pictures by acclaimed illustrator Joel Stewart * Aldershot News & Mail *

Read more less

Book SynopsisCommitted to the deadly pursuit of the monster he created, Victor Frankenstein tells his chilling story. It all began with a desire to help mankind, but where will it end? Frankenstein leads us through vast mountainous landscapes and over frozen seas. Can he stop the fiend’s murderous course? Is he prepared to do what the monster demands? The reader will be shocked and surprised. Is the monster as evil as he seems? Is Victor Frankenstein responsible for the tortures he himself endures? What can Frankenstein’s terrible tale teach us today?

Read more less

Book Synopsis''As soon as I started to read it, I was hooked'' GUARDIAN ''One of my all-time favourite books . . . It''s a wonderful book'' JACQUELINE WILSON ''Katy speaks with a charm and directness that remains as fresh as when it was written'' AMANDA CRAIG ''Europe beckoned more brilliantly now that they were fairly embarked on their journey. The sun shone, the lake was a beautiful, dazzling blue, and Katy said to herself, After all, a year is not very long, and how happy I am going to be!''When Mrs Ashe discovers that her visiting nephew has scarlet fever, she sends her young daughter Amy to stay with the Carr family. There, Amy develops a strong attachment to Katy who treats her like a little sister. Mrs Ashe, grateful for the kindness Katy has shown, invites her to join them on a year-long trip around Europe. Katy is at first reluctant - a year is a long time to be away from her family - but soon she gets swept up in the adventurTrade ReviewI fell head over heels in love with Katy Katherine Rundell One of my all-time favourite books ... It's a wonderful book, very easy to read, even though it was published in the 19th century. It's a very lively funny story Jacqueline Wilson Katy speaks with a charm and directness that remains as fresh as when it was written Amanda Craig

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe bestselling children's books series for over 50 years!Using magic to help people is Little Miss Magic''s favourite thing! But what happens when someone outsmarts her?The Mr Men and Little Miss have been delighting children for generations with their charming and funny antics. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience for children aged two up. Have you met them all?Trade Review‘The colourful characters have been delighting children since Mr Tickle first appeared on bookshelves in 1971.' The Independent 'The timeless Mr Men books capture modern stereotypes perfectly.' The Telegraph 'The Mr Men and Little Miss characters remain a cultural phenomenon, whose impact is felt far beyond the nursery bookshelf.' The Telegraph Top 100 Children’s Book – Junior Magazine, 2019

Read more less

Book SynopsisA classic children's story from one of our best-loved authors, former Children's Laureate Anne Fine.Chester Howard can see Joe's project How to Write Neatly' can only be a disaster. Joe makes a terrible mess of his work, jumbling letters and numbers up together. But a project called How to Write Really Badly' now there's something Joe can do better than anyone else. And Chester is about to find there's a lot more to Joe than he expected Anne Fine's fun school stories have been delighting children for more than 20 years, winning her awards such as the Smarties Book Award and Carnegie Medal along the way.Trade Review"'Screamingly funny' Herald 'Fine has a rare genius for building a funny, enriching and moving story around the nuts and bolts of school life' The Times * 'A remarkable writer' British Book News * 'Anne Fine is an author who knows how to make readers laugh' Guardian"

Read more less

Book SynopsisFoolish and bad-tempered, King Lear divides the kingdom between his two wicked daughters, disowns his honest youngest daughter and banishes his friends. As the kingdom falls apart and Lear''s humiliation turns him mad, will he finally realise what he has done? With Notes on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre and Chaos and Old Age in King Lear.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.Trade ReviewOne of a series of retellings for young children. Tony Ross's illustrations add greatly to children's appreciation and understanding. * Books for Keeps *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA classic story of friendship between man and beast.Saved from the jaws of the evil tiger Shere Khan, young Mowgli is adopted by a wolf pack and taught the law of the jungle by lovable old Baloo the bear and Bhageera the panther. The adventures of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi the snake-fighting mongoose, little Toomai and the elephant''s secret dance, and Kotick the white seal are all part of Mowgli''s extraordinary journey with his animal friends.This special Puffin Classics edition brings together two of the most inspirational collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London - the works of Arts and Crafts pioneer William Morris and the literature of Rudyard Kipling. Illustrator Liz Catchpole has selected patterns from the V&A archive and introduced new artwork inspired by the collection to create a beautiful cover which brings Ruddyard Kipling''s timeless story to life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe bestselling children's books series for over 50 years!Little Miss Somersault is very acrobatic! When she wants to get somewhere she doesn''t walk she does cartwheels instead.The Mr Men and Little Miss have been delighting children for generations with their charming and funny antics. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience for children aged two up. Have you met them all?Trade Review‘The colourful characters have been delighting children since Mr Tickle first appeared on bookshelves in 1971.' The Independent 'The timeless Mr Men books capture modern stereotypes perfectly.' The Telegraph 'The Mr Men and Little Miss characters remain a cultural phenomenon, whose impact is felt far beyond the nursery bookshelf.' The Telegraph Top 100 Children’s Book – Junior Magazine, 2019

Read more less

Book SynopsisI is the GUID FREENDLY GIANT!I is the GFG.Ae nicht, sophy is wheeched fae her bed in the orphanage by the muckle haund o a giant. Lucky for her, it belangs tae the Guid Freendly Giant. The GFG disna eat wee lassies. He jist eats footsie feechcumbers an drinks fuzzleglog. But there are ither giants that are no sae freendly an that snashter up slaversome human beans for their tea.Read Susan Rennie's new translation tae find oot if Sophy an her new freend can think on a sleekit ploy tae stap the likes o the Bluidsqueesher, the Girslegorbler, the Slaistermaister, an their hail ugsome clan!

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother start exploring a gravel pit not far from their new countryside home, they make an unexpected and very curious discovery. The gravel pit is home to a Psammead, a sand fairy. This ugly creature has eyes like a snail, ears like a bat and the body of a spider, and is very grumpy indeed. He grants the children one wish every day, and though they are excited to have all their desires fulfilled, they soon realize that having one's wishes come true can have unexpected consequences... E. Nesbit's much loved children's tale has enchanted generations of readers, and has been adapted for the screen numerous times - most notably by the BBC in a hugely popular 1990s series. It remains one of the most cherished children's classics ever written, and an indispensable part of every young reader's library.Trade ReviewI love E. Nesbit - I think she is great and I identify with the way that she writes. Her children are very real children and she was quite a groundbreaker in her day. -- J.K. Rowling

Read more less

Book SynopsisBy the bestselling author of Black Narcissus and The Battle of the Villa Fiorita'This is an absolutely heart-warming read, which will make you laugh, cry and love it' GUARDIAN 'Her craftsmanship is always sure' NEW YORK TIMES'Godden's expert narration, her beguiling setting and her heartening celebration of love and happy endings' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY'Never forget, Charlotte, you were born to be a dancer . . . Never forget. Promise.'Before her ballet teacher died, Lottie promised Madame Holbein to be the dancer her mother never lived to become. Orphaned at birth, Lottie has been brought up by her aunt, and though she is loved, she is lonely. Then she finds Prince, a spaniel puppy, and discovers a love and loyalty that is boundless. When Lottie passes the tough audition for Queen's Chase, Her Majesty's Junior Ballet School, everybody is thrilled - except, surprisingly, Lottie. She will have to board at school, and what will happen to her beloved dog? To choose between the two is breaking her heart.Trade ReviewThis is an absolutely heart-warming read, which will make you laugh, cry and love it * Guardian *Her craftsmanship is always sure; her understanding of character is compassionate and profound; her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty * New York Times *Godden's expert narration, her beguiling setting and her heartening celebration of love and happy endings * Publishers Weekly *Her sympathetic characterizations are cunningly built of peccadillos, revealing responses to various stresses and moral dilemmas, and heart-warming and/or satirical details * Kirkus Reviews *

Read more less

Book SynopsisShare the spirit of Christmas with Dickens A Christmas Carol as an illustrated chapter storybook made for young readers! This timeless tale will have beginner readers drawn into the memorable story of Ebenezer Scrooge.Humbug! On a cobblestone street in London, on a cold Christmas Eve, the wealthy, greedy Ebenezer Scrooge is staying late at work at his “counting-house,” keeping his clerk, poor Bob Cratchit, busy and cold and away from his family. But little does Scrooge know that his old business partner, Jacob Marley—dead for seven years—is about to pay him a ghostly visit! His intention: to warn Scrooge that three spirits, the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, will be soon coming to see him, in order to convince him to change his ways before it’s too late! As Scrooge comes to see the mistakes he’s made, as only the three spirits can show him, he realizes that nothing is better than being loved by his family and his fellow people.In this gorgeously illustrated hardcover classic, the true meaning of Christmas is brought to life! Kid Classics: A Christmas Carol gives kids a chance to read Dickens’s classic short novel at their reading level—and come away with a greater appreciation for the spirit of Christmas! With page after page of captivating illustrations, this magical hardcover will be the fought over favorite in your home and schoolroom!This just-for-kids retelling of Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol: Is an abridged, child-friendly retelling of original novel Is a beautiful illustrated hardcover with illustrations in each chapter Is perfect for homeschooling, school reading challenges, and beginning readers Makes a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer for Advent or Christmas

Read more less

Book SynopsisOnce again the eminent detective is presented with a series of seemingly impenetrable cases: an anonymous but illustrious client employs him to rescue the daughter of a famous personage from the clutches of a roguish aristocrat and suspected murderer; a retired art-supply dealer asks him to investigate the suspicious disappearance of his wife with a neighbour and a stash of money; a veteran of the Boer War appeals to him to track down a missing friend; a man has become convinced that his wife has been sucking their baby son’s blood. Will the most famous of sleuths be persuaded to offer his services and set off in pursuit of the criminals? The final collection of Holmes adventures, containing twelve brilliant, unpredictable stories, The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes is a fitting conclusion to its protagonist’s long career and a powerful send-off for Conan Doyle’s greatest creation.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMeet the Marvellous Little Misses!The Little Misses are all amazing in their own different ways, though Little Miss Princess is often too busy to spend time with her friends. She doesn't have much time to just have fun. But Little Miss Sunshine and Little Miss Naughty have a plan to rectify that with the help of the marvellous Little Misses!A fun story about friendship and believing in yourself. The perfect book to celebrate our differences and give young girls confidence to be themselves.Trade ReviewThe colourful characters have been delighting children since Mr Tickle first appeared on bookshelves in 1971.The IndependentThe timeless Mr Men books capture modern stereotypes perfectly.The TelegraphThe Mr Men and Little Miss characters remain a cultural phenomenon, whose impact is felt far beyond the nursery bookshelf.The Telegraph

Read more less

Book SynopsisOriginally published as part of Kipling''s famous The Jungle Book, the story of Rikki Tikki Tavi, the little mongoose rescued by a family when he was half-drowned in a storm, has been an enduring favourite with young and old for more than half a century.Rikki, of course, grows to become a family pet and repays the kindness of his rescuers by defending them from the evil cobras that lurk in their garden. Like Kipling''s other magical tales from India, Rikki Tikki Tavi has inspired Robert Ingpen to achieve some of his most amazing depictions of wildlife. Rikki and the other creatures are brought to life as never before although, as Robert says ''I have tried to tread as lightly as I can with my images and hope I have left enough space for the reader to continue to make the adventure that Kipling created during his time in India.'' This new edition of Kipling''s classic story includes many new illustrations by Robert Ingpen created especially for this book.

Read more less

Book Synopsis''An extraordinary book ... a classic'' - Sunday TelegraphSylvia Waugh''s extraordinary novel about the Mennyms, a family of life-sized rag dolls, won the 1994 Guardian Children''s Fiction Award.From the outside, 5 Brocklehurst Grove looks like an ordinary house - the windows are always clean, and the garden well tended. And from the inside, to hear the voices of the inhabitants, the Mennym family, you would think they were a perfectly ordinary family, too. But you''d be wrong, for the Mennyms are far from ordinary. The whole family shares an astonishing secret behind which it''s hidden for forty years; a secret to which nobody has ever come close - until perhaps, now.When a letter arrives from Australia, the whole family is plunged into fear that, for the first time, their secret is about to be exposed . . .Trade ReviewAn extraordinary book - a classic * Sunday Telegraph *A wise and witty book * Financial Times *A remarkable achievement * TES *Wonderfully eccentric * Publishers Weekly *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA beautiful hardback edition of The Silver Chair, book six in the classic series, The Chronicles of Narnia. This edition is complete with cover and colour interior art by the original illustrator, Pauline Baynes.Quick! said Eustace. Hold hands! We mustn''t get separated! And before Jill quite knew what was happening, he had pulled her out of the door, out of the school grounds, out of England, out of our whole world into That Place.Eustace and Jill are whisked to the land of Narnia where Aslan, the great Lion, needs their help to find the missing Prince Rilian. Teaming up with Puddleglum, the Marsh Wiggle, the search takes them through some of the most dangerous underland of Narnia. Even if they attain their goal, it can only be the start of further trouble.Trade Review‘The magic of C. S. Lewis’s parallel universe never fades.’ The Times

Read more less

Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe hilarious adventures of everyone's favourite bear, Paddington, now a major movie star!Paddington always finds himself in unusual situations so it is no surprise when he has a run-in with the police, appears in a TV cookery show, and gives one of his hard stares to a hypnotist!For more than sixty years, Paddington Bear has touched the hearts of adults and children worldwide with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures.Trade ReviewPraise for Paddington’s Finest Hour: “…a delight throughout…” Financial Times Praise for Love From Paddington: “…a jolly ride through the best of the Paddington tales” The Times “…a delightful collection…” Sunday Express Praise for the Paddington series: ‘I’ve always had great respect for Paddington…He is a British institution.’ Stephen Fry ‘Paddington has joined Pooh as one of the great bears of English children’s literature.’ The Teacher ‘Michael Bond’s accident-prone bear…has become one of the most enduring of children’s characters.’ The Bookseller

Read more less

Book SynopsisA thrilling, classic children's adventure with a courageous heroine, from the beloved author of Ballet Shoes.Margaret Thursday was named after the day she was found on the church steps as a baby. But she isn't really an orphan each year a bag of gold coins is left at the church for her keep. However, when Margaret is eleven years old, the money suddenly stops and her guardians have no choice but to send her away to an orphanage.The orphanage is worse than they could have imagined. The children are poorly treated and barely fed, and fearless Margaret soon makes herself the enemy of the evil matron who runs it. Vowing to protect her new friends, Peter and Horatio, Margaret plans their daring escape . . . but she'll have to outwit Matron at every turn.Margaret's action-packed adventure, set in turn-of-the-century England, takes her from orphanage to canal boat to the world of the theatre. Through it all, Margaret is propelled by her unwavering sense of self and determination.Trade Review‘Noel Streatfeild’s position in the children’s book world is unique. She is endlessly inventive, full of verve and real understanding of the surfaces of childhood. Her stories are rich in documentary interest and entertainment, escapism of a most satisfying sort.’ – The Times Literary Supplement ‘Noel Streatfeild has that happy, skilful knack of turning her characters into real people – something which only really good novelists can do.’ – BBC Children’s Hour ‘Noel Streatfeild is an author who is a true master of her craft.’ – Illustrated London News ‘Written for unalloyed enjoyment … Children will love it.’ – Daily Telegraph

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn empowering and engaging Mr Men Little Miss story about appreciating and celebrating our differences.Little Miss Tiny wishes she was taller. But Mr Tickle loves his long arms, perfect for tickling. Do you appreciate what makes you unique? The Mr Men and Little Miss are all different, and it's time for them to realise that they're all uniquely brilliant in their own way!Join the Mr Men and Little Miss as they help little ones unpack big feelings in the brand new, collectable series: Discover YouThe Mr Men and Little Miss are the perfect characters to help children understand a bit more about their own emotions and how to manage them. With engaging questions to encourage conversations and some helpful tips from favourite characters to help children develop their emotional intelligence.Trade Review“Sensitive and engaging, full of bright, gorgeous illustrations, these books are a wonderful tool to read with your child at any time, in particular if they are struggling with these emotions or behaviours.” – Mini Travellers “Perfect additions to any home, nursery or school” –Lancashire Newspaper Group “The colourful characters have been delighting children since Mr Tickle first appeared on bookshelves in 1971.” –The Independent “The timeless Mr Men books capture modern stereotypes perfectly.” –The Telegraph “The Mr Men and Little Miss characters remain a cultural phenomenon, whose impact is felt far beyond the nursery bookshelf.” –The Telegraph

Read more less

Book SynopsisArthur Ransome was born in Leeds in l884 and went to school at Rugby. He was in Russia in l917, and witnessed the Revolution, which he reported for the Manchester Guardian. After escaping to Scandinavia, he settled in the Lake District with his Russian wife where, in l929, he wrote Swallows and Amazons. And so began a writing career which has produced some of the real children's treasures of all time. In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for his book, Pigeon Post.Trade ReviewOne could hardly have a better story * Times Literary Supplement *The best kind of adventure story * Observer *Thrilling episodes * The Times *Mr Ransome's style is highly distinguished, his narrative hair-raising, credible and amusing * Spectator *

Read more less

Book SynopsisCELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF ALICEOh my ears and whiskers, how late its getting!Would you be surprised to see a white rabbit take a watch out of his waistcoat pocket? It certainly seems a remarkable sight to Alice and, full of curiosity, she follows him down a rabbit-hole into a very strange world. She meets a disappearing cat, plays croquet with a bad-tempered Queen, joins a mad Hatter''s tea party and becomes entangled in the case of some missing tarts. In Wonderland nothing but out-of-the-way things happen...Includes Through the Looking Glass.BACKSTORY: Learn about the author and what inspired him to create Wonderland, and try writing some nonsense verse!Trade ReviewOnly Lewis Carroll has shown us the world upside down the way a child sees it, and has made us laugh as children laugh -- Virginia WoolfPrecise, dream-like, subversive -- Quentin Blake * Independent on Sunday *The clue to the enduring fascination and greatness of the Alice books lies in language. . .. It is play, and word-play, and its endless intriguing puzzles continue to reveal themselves long after we have ceased to be children -- A. S. ByattWithout these two books in my childhood I doubt whether my imagination would have developed at all -- Kate Atkinson"What is the use of a book" thought Alice "without pictures or conversation?" If you feel the same way, then you'll love Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It is full of good conversations. Alice talks to a pipe-smoking caterpillar and a mad hatter -- Chris Riddell

Read more less

Book SynopsisRead this 19th-century childhood adventure story that confronts the reality of racism in America. ''There comes a time in every boy''s life when when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure''Impish, daring young Tom Sawyer is a hero to his friends and a torment to his relations. For wherever there is mischief or adventure, Tom is at the heart of it. During one hot summer, Tom witnesses a murder, runs away to be a pirate, attends his own funeral, rescues an innocent man from the gallows, searches for treasure in a haunted house, foils a devilish plot and discovers a box of gold. But can he escape his nemesis, the villainous Injun Joe?BACKSTORY: Find out some fascinating facts about the author and have a go at a game of marbles!Trade ReviewThis classic story will stay with you through life, and always remind you of the things that you knew were important when you first read it * Independent *Whet juvenile appetites with Tom, his entrepreneurial spirit and his taste for treasure-hunting adventure. A paean to true boyhood * Guardian *The language is hard to begin with but the hero is one of the most endearing in literature -- Michael Morpurgo * Daily Telegraph *Twain had a gift for reliving the innermost feelings of growing up, the insecurity, fears and hopes that lie beneath the swagger that young boys maintain. He turned them into literature * Daily Mail *Tom and Huck Finn are as immortal as their swashbuckling friendship * Daily Mail *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''For God''s sake, hold on!''On a stormy night off the coast of Scotland, young David Balfour faces his most terrifying test yet. He''s been double-crossed by his wicked uncle, tricked into a sea voyage and sold into slavery. When the dashing Alan Breck Stewart comes aboard, he finds a brave friend at least, and the pair fight back against their treacherous, black-hearted shipmates. But then the ship hits a reef, it''s every man for himself, and David must battle against the raging sea itself!BACKSTORY: Learn about the true stories that inspired this adventurous tale!Trade ReviewIt's a pacy, twisting story that appeals to all ages and across classes and cultures. It's a tale of friendship in adversity, and a coming-of-age story -- Ian Rankin * Guardian *Generations of readers have been enthralled by his tale of the gauche young David, orphaned at 17, who is plunged into a life of danger and excitement... His rescue by the daredevil Jacobite Alan Breck Stewart, their bloody battle with the crew of the Covenant and shipwreck on rocks off the west coast isle of Earraid are among the most exciting scenes penned * Daily Mail *Stevenson conveyed such a strong sense of place and time that I felt I was right there with the Jacobites, running through the heather, being chased by the Redcoats -- Michael Morpurgo * Daily Mail *A rollicking adventure story * Sunday Mirror *So 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 *

Read more less

Book SynopsisLet fly jib sheet! Slack away main! Fenders out!' Dick and Dorothea also known as The Ds arrive in Norfolk all ready to learn how to sail. They couldn't hope for a better teacher than Tom Dudgeon. But Tom is in a spot of trouble. After seeing the beastly Margoletta moored clean across the nests of his beloved coots, Tom set the motorcruiser adrift. Now the enemy have offered a bounty on his head. Can they save the birds' nest from almost certain destruction? Will they avoid being caught by the awful Hullabaloos? Only some brave friends and quick thinking stands between them and disasterIncludes exclusive material: In The Backstory' you can test your knowledge of the book, learn about the adventurous author and get some handy facts about birds and boats.Vintage Children's Classics is a twenty-first century classics list aimed at 8-12 year olds and the adults in their lives. Discover timeless favourites from The Jungle Book and Alice'Trade ReviewIn my early teens I read Arthur Ransome's books, Coot Club and The Big Six. They're set in Norfolk and the kids in the books go sailing on the Broads. They impressed me so much that I persuaded my father to take me on holiday to the Norfolk Broads where we had great fun teaching ourselves to sail, all on the impetus of Ransome's books. -- Aidan Chambers * Observer *I read the entire series of Arthur Ransome's children's books as a child and thought they were absolutely fantastic. They were full of adventure, all sorts of exciting things happened and they were truly inspirational -- Ellen MacArthurCoot Club, that great classic of the Norfolk Broads * Evening News Norwich *

Read more less

Book SynopsisL. Frank Baum was born in New York in 1856. The Wizard of Oz, published in 1900, was based on a story he used to tell his own children. It became an international bestseller and was subsequently adapted into a stage play (1902) and a film starring Judy Garland (1939). Baum wrote thirteen further Oz books, alongside numerous other novels, short stories, scripts and poems. After his death in 1919, his publishers carried on producing Oz stories and didn't stop until 1963.Trade ReviewLike Robin Hood, Alice or Winnie the Pooh, Baum's inventions - the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Woodman, the Wizard and the Wicked Witch of the West, as well as Dorothy and her dog Toto - have become the mythological furniture of our children's minds, and of our own and our parents... Funny and inventive -- Marina Warner * Guardian *The tales of Aesop and other fabulists...will never pass entirely away, but a welcome place remains and will easily be found for such stories as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz * New York Times *Baum created a truly extraordinary world, a real world…and filled it with amazing things -- Dinitia Smith[It] has worked its way into the national psyche as a fable of eternal hope in which things are not always as fearsome as they seem * New York Times *Baum dared to offer delight without instruction * Michael Patrick Hearn *

Read more less

Book SynopsisBumps in the Night is one of the titles in Allan Ahlberg''s iconic children''s picture book series about skeletons, Funnybones. Despite being set in a dark dark house, this brightly coloured book is perfect for early readers!No matter where they are, the two skeletons keep going bump in the night - clonk!There''s only one thing to do: Send for Doctor Bones!''There can be few families in the British Isles who do not possess at least one well-thumbed Ahlberg'' - Independent on SundayAllan Ahlberg has published over 100 children''s books and with his late wife Janet, created such award-winning children''s picture books, including Peepo!, Each Peach Pear Plum and the Kate Greenaway Medal winning The Jolly Postman. Other titles in the Funnybones series include Funnybones, Mystery Tour, The Ghost Train, The Pet Shop, The Black Cat, Dinosaur Dreams, Skeleton Crew, Give the

Read more less

Book SynopsisJonathan Harker is travelling to Castle Dracula to see the Transylvanian noble, Count Dracula. He is begged by locals not to go there, because on the eve of St George''s Day, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will come full sway. But business must be done, so Jonathan makes his way to the Castle - and then his nightmare begins. His beloved wife Meena and other lost souls have fallen under the Count''s horrifying spell. Dracula must be destroyed . . .With an exciting introduction by Holly Black, bestselling author of The Spiderwick Chronicles.Trade Review"Those who cannot find their own reflection in Bram Stoker's still-living creation are surely the undead."

Read more less

Book SynopsisL. M. Montgomery was born in Clifton, Prince Edward Island, in 1874. A prolific writer, she published many short stories, poems and novels but she is best known for Anne of Green Gables and its sequels, inspired by the years she spent on the beautiful Prince Edward Island. Montgomery died in Toronto in 1942 and was buried in Cavendish on her beloved island.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGustas is nearly killed in the hurricane, trying to save his banana tree; Nenna and her brother patrol the cocnut plantation at night, ready to catch interlopers; Becky longs for a bicycle and Fanso longs to find his father who walked out thirteen years ago. This collection of short stories brings the author's Caribbean childhood vividly to life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRoald Dahl''s wickedly funny novels have turned him into the world''s number 1 storyteller. In this collection five splendiferous stories are brought to life by the author himself.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Abridged)Willy Wonka''s famous chocolate factory is opening at last!James and the Giant Peach (Abridged) A little magic can take you a long wayFantastic Mr. Fox (Unabridged) Nobody outfoxes Fantastic Mr. Fox!The Enormous Crocodile (Unabridged) This greedy crocodile loves to guzzle up little boys and girlsThe Magic Finger (Unabridged) Horrible neighbors learn their lesson from a little girl with powerful magic!

Read more less

Book SynopsisPenguin presents a phizz-wizzing treat for the ears with 2 favourite Roald Dahl stories:Billy and the Minpins by Roald Dahl, read by Bill BaileyBilly''s mum says he must never go out through the garden gate and explore thedark forest beyond. So, one day, that''s exactly what he does! There he meetsthe Minpins, tiny tree-dwelling people whose children are the size ofmatchsticks. They live in fear of the terrible, galloping GRUNCHER. Will itgobble Billy too - or can he find a way to defeat the hungry beast?The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl, read by Kate WinsletEvery Saturday morning the Greg family goes off to shoot animals and birds. But the girl who lives next door hates hunting. Now it''s made her so angry she''s PUT THE MAGIC FINGER ON THEM ALL. And very strange things have begun to happen . . .Listen to Billy and the Minpins AND The Magic Finger and other Roald Dahl audiobooks read by some very famous v

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe beloved coming-of-age tale of a spunky heroine named Anne “with an E”, for the first time as a Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, with a foreword by bestselling author J. Courtney Sullivan. Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read   L. M. Montgomery’s novel Anne of Green Gables recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan mistakenly sent to a pair of siblings who intended to adopt a boy to help work on their farm in Prince Edward Island. Yet Anne’s quirky personality and good-natured spirit causes the siblings to grow to love her anyway, and soon the entire town falls for the precocious little girl with bright red hair.   Cherished by both children and adults, Anne of Green Gables is a celebration of fierce individualism, and the families we create, rather than the ones we are born into. This Deluxe edition is enhanced with a Trade Review“Anne is the kind of gal we can all relate to; she screws up a lot, she has a healthy handful of frenemies, she talks back a lot and sometimes wishes she had a different life, a different name, and definitely different hair. But that's what makes [Anne of Green Gables] so perfect for when your real-world anxiety is off the charts. No matter what happens, Anne always finds the beauty in the world.” —Kerri Jarema, Bustle “Rather than dispense the message that it’s only what’s on the inside that counts, ‘Anne of Green Gables’ conveys something more nuanced, that beauty can be a pleasure, that costumes can provide succor, that the right dress can improve your life — all things that adults know to be true, sometimes, but that we try to simplify for our children.” —Willa Paskin, The New York Times Magazine

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis Oxford Children''s Classic features the complete unabridged text, an introduction by Hannah Gold, and other bonus material including insights for readers, facts, activities, and more . . .As a young horse, Black Beauty is kindly treated and well cared for, but after he is scarred in an accident his fortunes start to change. From high-stepping thoroughbred to downtrodden cab horse, Black Beauty''s story remains one of the most moving novels ever written about an animal''s life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis Oxford Children''s Classic features an introduction by Julia Green and other bonus material including insights for readers, facts, activities, and more . . .Heidi loves life in the mountains with her grandfather, looking after the goats, picking flowers in the meadow, and dancing among the fir trees. So when she''s sent away to work in the city, she longs for home, the open sky, and the fresh air. Will she ever make it back to the mountains and her loving grandfather?

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis stunning Oxford Children's Classic edition is the perfect introduction to The Railway Children-the ultimate story of courage and hope. Features the complete unabridged text, an introduction by Onjali Q. Raúf, and other bonus material including insights for readers, facts, activities, and more . . .

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis stunning Oxford Children's Classic edition is the perfect introduction to The Wind in the Willows-the best-loved animal tale of friendship and daring. Features the complete unabridged text, an introduction by M.G. Leonard, and other bonus material including insights for readers, facts, activities, and more . . .

Read more less