Children’s / Teenage fiction: Classic fiction

Book SynopsisAn illustrated adaptation of Charles Dickens's Victorian classic – at an easy-to-read level for readers of all ages! Pip’s just your average boy. He has no parents, lives with his scary sister and once met an escaped criminal on Christmas Eve – in the middle of a graveyard. Totally normal. And things get even stranger when a mysterious stranger starts paying him loads of money. Sure, Pip’s loving his new life of luxury, but will he ever find out who’s paying the bills, and what they want from him in return? About The Charles Dickens Children's Collection: Bah humbug! Who says the classics are just for adults? Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his ghostly Christmas adventure, or follow orphaned Oliver Twist from rags to riches in some of literature's most famous tales from the foggy streets of Victorian London.

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Book SynopsisWhen Father goes away with two strangers one evening, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are shattered. They and their mother have to move from their comfortable London home to go and live in a simple country cottage, where Mother writes books to make ends meet. However, they soon come to love the railway that runs near their cottage, and they make a habit of waving to the Old Gentleman who rides on it. They befriend the porter, Perks, and through him learn railway lore and much else. They have many adventures, and when they save a train from disaster, they are helped by the Old Gentleman to solve the mystery of their father's disappearance, and the family is happily reunited.

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Book SynopsisA hilarious story of everyone's favourite bear, Paddington now a major movie star!When Mr Gruber takes Paddington to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard, there are so many people in the way he can't see a thing. Luckily, a mysterious someone on high' appears to like small bearsTrade Review“Enchanting” Telegraph Praise for Paddington: “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” Bookseller

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Book SynopsisWhen a grumbling volcano causes Moominvalley to flood, the Moomins escape by boat, finding refuge on a floating theatre. Adventures abound when the theatre casts adrift leaving Moomin,The Snorkmaiden and Little My marooned. Will they all be reunited before the final curtain?Trade ReviewI love these editions - so beautifully produced, so solid and permanent, just as Tove Jansson deserved -- Philip PullmanTove Jansson is one of the greatest children's writers there has ever been -- Sir Terry Pratchett[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 SynopsisZagazoo is a baby like no other. In this quite exceptional picture book young readers will be delighted by the hilarious and unexpected changes in his behaviour as Zagazoo grows up. There have been many classic picture books from the incomparable pen of Quentin Blake, but never one more extraordinary.

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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 SynopsisJoin in the Easter fun with the Mr Men and Little Miss!There are lots of things to count and see, including bouncing bunnies, cheeping chicks and leaping lambs, but it wouldn't be Easter without an eggstraordinary Easter egg hunt!A fun-filled rhyming story, celebrating the joys of spring!Mr Men and Little Miss Celebrations introduce children to all the exciting occasions that people celebrate including sports day, a visit from the tooth fairy, Halloween and Chinese New Year.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

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Book SynopsisAn adapted and illustrated edition of Jane Austen's romantic classic - at an easy-to-read level for all ages! All Catherine wants is to be like the heroines in the books she reads. On her first trip away from home, she finally gets her chance. A new friendship and a growing love lead her to the spooky Northanger Abbey. There Catherine will find that a little imagination can cause a lot of trouble. About Jane Austen Children's Stories: From the gardens of Pemberley to the spooky halls of Northanger Abbey, join some of literature's most iconic heroines on their path to self-discovery and true love. An adaptation of Jane Austen's famous stories, illustrated to introduce children aged 7+ to the classics.

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Book SynopsisDorothy wants something exciting to happen to her. Then a storm carries her to the magical land of Oz, where Dorothy must find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and, hopefully, a way back home.

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Book SynopsisWinnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood have an Easter adventure.This Winnie-the-Pooh picture book is written by talented author Jane Riordan. It helps children and all fans of Pooh and his friends to celebrate the wonders of springtime and especially the magic of Easter! It features beautiful, colourful images set in the Hundred Acre Wood created by skilled illustrator Andrew Grey.When Winnie-the-Pooh smells spring in the air he sets out on a grand Easter hunt but just what is it that he's hunting for?Join Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit and friends as they have fun together and discover lots of Easter surprises along the way!The storybook includes a fun illustrated list of plants, birds and animals that young readers can look out for when they, like Pooh and friends, carry out their own springtime hunt where they live.The book encourages children and their parents to enjoy the great outdoors. It includes lots of cute animals, springtime plants and flowers and there are plenty Trade Review‘Winnie-the-Pooh has always been a very special (albeit funny old) bear, not least of all because his books are filled with wonderful words of wisdom, and an irrepressible sense of youthful fun that never ages or fades.’, Lancashire Post Reviews for ‘Pooh Meets the King’: This gentle tale, written by Jane Riordan and Andrew Grey, would, I think have won the approval of AA Milne and EH Shepard.’, Newburytoday ‘Winnie-the-Pooh makes a special appearance and charms everyone… including the king!’, Lancashire Post ‘Author Jane Riordan and illustrator Andrew Grey turn on the smiles as they put the nation’s favourite bear at centre stage in this gorgeous picture book which is filled with A.A. Milne’s unique enchantment and classic characters.’, Lancashire Post Reviews for ‘Once There Was a Bear’: ‘For those who don’t know the background of the bear bought from Harrods and how he met his friends, it’s a treat.’, Daily Mail Christmas gift guide ‘Not only is Winnie-the-Pooh a much-loved character, the appeal of these stories is enduring. They have followed me through my childhood, into adulthood and, now, I can share these cherished books with the next generation. I’m reminded of the power of reading, of shared stories and connection. There’s something wonderful about that.’, Northern Soul Reviews for ’Tales from the Forest’: 'Riordan’s collection captures the essence of Milne’s characters and the Hundred Acre Wood … [a] gift for the special people in your life whatever their age.’, Lancashire Evening Post‘ 'Beautifully illustrated in colour throughout the stories are sensitively written and give the same warm fuzzy feeling inside that the originals do.’, Waterstones Bookseller Review 'Pooh bear is my absolute favourite fictional character of all time and these books give me the nostalgia I constantly crave. Adorable!’, GoodReads Review

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a fresh take on a classic narrative. Each of the four main characters tells the story from their point of view, plus the traditional fairytale. With delightful hand-drawn illustrations, this collection of stories offers young readers a deeper experience of a well-loved tale. Beautifully presented, quarter-bound in red linen with a silver-embossed spine, this newly-told classic makes a wonderful gift to be enjoyed by all the family. * Classic fairytale retold * Silver foil block on spine; red linen cloth quarter binding * Beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations * Unique storytelling experience * Recognisable and relatable characters given new life * Helps children understand someone else's point of view

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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! Mr McPherson shook his head, squeezed his hands into tight fists and, using the last of strength, said: ‘The lion’s mane’. Retired now and living in Sussex, Holmes’ life should be perfectly peaceful. But when a local teacher drops dead in front of him, Holmes is thrown back into the world of dangerous detective work. With multiple suspects, mysterious wounds and no Watson around to help him, Holmes is going to be pushed to his limits to solve this strange case.

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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! Be at the third pillar from the left outside the Lyceum Theatre tonight at seven o’clock. You are a wronged woman and shall have justice. Do not bring police. If you do, all will be in vain. When Holmes is asked to look into a cryptic message received by Mary Morstan, neither he nor Watson expect to be drawn into a decades-old web of betrayal. Soon they’re conducting dangerous moonlit expeditions to uncover the meaning of the sign of the four, and resolve a long-buried crime.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated adaptation of Charles Dickens's Victorian classic – at an easy-to-read level for readers of all ages! David’s life isn’t easy. His father is dead and his mother is getting married to the meanest man in the country. And when he is sent off to a truly terrible school, David discovers punishments more terrible than he can imagine. Surely life can’t get any worse! The only happy ever afters David knows are in the pages of his favourite books. Can he rewrite his own ending? About The Charles Dickens Children's Collection: Bah humbug! Who says the classics are just for adults? Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his ghostly Christmas adventure, or follow orphaned Oliver Twist from rags to riches in some of literature's most famous tales from the foggy streets of Victorian London.

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Book SynopsisEnjoy Wales's rich heritage of myth and fairy tales, re-told foryoung readers. From magical Welsh dragons that destroy a castle night after night,to a princess made out of flowers and a fairy changeling bother,this book includes traditional favourites and classic myths andlegends from Welsh folklore.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisFor my lunch today, he said, I would like a nice JUICY little child.The Enormous Crocodile is planning what to have for his lunch. He''s the greediest croc in the whole river, and he wants to eat something juicy and delicious. But what can the greedy grumptious brute guzzle up? Beware! He''s looking for someone to feast upon... someone who looks a lot like YOU!The text in this edition of The Enormous Crocodile was updated in 2022 for young independent readers.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisJoin Peter as he discovers the changing seasons in his countryside home. This enchanting book is the perfect gift to share with the family and read all about Peter''s adventures throughout the year.With 24 new stories and activities, this book celebrates the natural world and all Peter''s friends within it. Join him harvesting apples in the autumn, stargazing on a crisp Winter night, finding a missing lamb in the spring meadows and enjoying a perfect picnic in the summer sun!Featuring 24 brand new stories, inspired by Beatrix Potter''s original tales, and an activity to enjoy, this beautiful book makes the perfect gift to read throughout the year and will become an annual tradition for Peter Rabbit fans young and old.

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Book SynopsisRonja, the robber's daughter, causes mayhem by befriending the son of her father's sworn enemy. Together Ronja and Birk explore the magical forest they have fled to and must fend for themselves in the hope that one day they can return home.Trade Review"Fantastic for little kleptomaniacs with a spirit of adventure." * The Times - Books of the Year 2018 *"Katsuya Kondo's soft sketches are interwoven with this bold, invigorating story of a robber chieftain's only child" * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA masterpiece -- Philip PullmanMore relevant today than ever -- Benjamin Zephaniah

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Book SynopsisLittle Nell Trent’s childhood is over. Her grandfather’s mind is failing, his dark secret makes him sad and distracted, and he has nobody to care for him but Nell. The grotesque Daniel Quilp is out to cause trouble. What plans does he hatch with the dreadful Sampson and Sally Brass? What use can he hope to make of the foolish Dick Swiveller? Is Nell’s one true friend, Kit, a match for Quilp’s villainous mind? Nell and her grandfather must disappear or be separated forever, and so they begin their lives as beggars. When a mysterious gentleman arrives in London, determined to track them down, it becomes a race against time and against the evil of Quilp. Can Little Nell keep her grandfather safe? Who will protect Nell? Will the mysterious gentleman find them before it is too late?Trade ReviewAt a recent department meeting, it became evident that Dickens is an author who can divide a room. ‘Let’s teach some Dickens at key stage three,’ some argued. ‘I can’t imagine anything worse,’ others said. ‘Too difficult’, ‘too wordy’, ‘enough to put anyone off’. ‘But the stories are great,’ I argued. It’s easy to see both sides of the argument. As someone who has dipped in and out of Dickens over the years, I have always been delighted by the actual reading of the novel, but sometimes it has taken a considerable effort of will to start the thing. Many are long, all are complex, and there is some truth in the assertion that they are too difficult—not for all, certainly, but for some children at key stage three, Dickens could sound the death knell for reading pleasure. There is a case, then, for a differentiated Dickens, and here, as with other literary classics, Real Reads provides a helpful solution. The series currently includes nine of the major novels: Bleak House, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Hard Times, Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Tale of Two Cities and Little Dorrit. All follow the same format—a couple of pages introducing the characters with some delightful illustrations by Karen Donnelly, forty-seven pages of narrative and a ‘Taking Things Further’ section at the back. Like other Real Reads, too, the novels are not designed to replace the originals, but to complement them. The publisher’s hope is that for some readers, the Real Reads are a springboard into the original texts; for others it is to broaden their range of cultural experience and introduce them to a world of wonderful plots and characters. What makes these retellings particularly appealing from a classroom point of view is that significant attention is paid to the language use characteristic of the authors. The novels are retold with some integrity to the original—that is that some of the cadence of Dickens is retained; that some of the vocabulary remains authentic, and that some of those seminal passages remain relatively unaltered. Take the opening of A Tale of Two Cities as an example, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the season of wealth, it was the season of poverty. In short, it was a time very much like the present.’ In short, it is very much like the original. The retellings go some way to preserving Dickens’s characters and while there are of course casualties, the characters that remain are rounded and engaging. For Oliver we feel pity as he pleads with Sikes ‘P-p-p-please don’t make me steal,’ in the face of Sikes terrifying whisper ‘Quiet, vermin’. We long for Nancy to be saved by Mrs Maylie and feel the poignancy of her departure: ‘You must take Oliver to safety. I must return to my life.’ We sense the justice in Fagin’s wait for death ‘his face so distorted and pale, his eyes so bloodshot, that he already looked more dead than alive as he awaited his punishment.’ Of course, we also feel the delight and relief as ‘Oliver and Mr Brownlow walked hand in hand to their carriage.’ Some of Dickens’s humour is preserved: Mrs Joe is to be found bringing Pip up by hand and at the birth of David Copperfield, Peggotty’s ‘bosom swelled with such joy and pride that two buttons popped from her bodice and flew across the room.’ The heartbreak remains too: ‘As he wasted away over the next few days, Little Dorrit didn’t leave her father’s side. His spirit was like a maimed bird, able to think only of the place that had broken its wings. Finally, his spirit broke free of all earthly concerns. Little Dorrit wept bitterly. The ‘Filling in the Spaces’ section at the back of each book provides a helpful resource for teachers. Elements of the plot that have been omitted in order to contain the retelling in such a thin volume are listed here and can provide a useful point of departure to read some of the original text. There is some contextual material pertinent to the text, so for Little Dorrit we learn that Dickens’s father was sent to Marshalsea Prison when Dickens was twelve and for Hard Times we can read about the rise of steam power and the way in which machinery in factories gave rise to mass migration to cities. There is also a two-page section called ‘Food for thought’ that provides points for discussion, themes, style and symbols and would neatly help shape classroom discussion and activity. In The Old Curiosity Shop, for example, ‘Oscar Wilde said that Nell’s death makes the reader laugh, whereas critics in Dickens’ time were usually overcome by grief. Which is closer to your own reaction? Why?’ would lend itself very well to paired, group or whole-class debate. Thinking about how the symbols of fog, hands, light and shadow and city and countryside match the action in Bleak House immediately suggests ways in which pupils might track language against action as they read. At the lower end of the price range for class readers, the excellent and durable quality of the books presents a good investment at £4.99 RRP for individual texts. -- Jane Campion * English in Use *

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Book SynopsisLittle Women is one of the best-loved children's stories of all time, based on the author's own youthful experiences. It describes the family of the four March sisters living in a small New England community. Meg, the eldest, is pretty and wishes to be a lady; Jo, at fifteen is ungainly and unconventional with an ambition to be an author; Beth is a delicate child of thirteen with a taste for music and Amy is a blonde beauty of twelve. The story of their domestic adventures, their attempts to increase the family income, their friendship with the neighbouring Laurence family, and their later love affairs remains as fresh and beguiling as ever.

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Book SynopsisAn amazing pop-up version of the bestselling classic story with groundbreaking paper engineering and Tenniel inspired illustrations.

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Book SynopsisJulia Donaldson is the author of some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 17 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was Children's Laureate 201113 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.Axel Scheffler is a star illustrator whose instantly recognizable, warm and witty illustrations have achieved worldwide acclaim and numerous awards. In addition to his picture books, Axel is the illustrator of wonderful novelty and gift books for Macmillan, such as the bestselling The Bedtime Bear, The Tickle Book and Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes. He also illustrates the popular Pip and Posy series. Born in Hamburg, Axel now lives with his family in London.

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Book SynopsisLewis Carroll was the pen-name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. Born in 1832, Dodgson was a mathematics tutor at Christ Church College, Oxford, where he met Alice Liddell, daughter of the dean, and inspiration for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The book and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, have delighted children all over the world for 150 years.Filippa Widlund is a Swedish illustrator who has created over fifty picture books for children. She illustrates children's books from her house on a hill overlooking a lake in a small town just outside Stockholm. Her other work for Macmillan includes A Year in the Moominhouse: A Carousel Book of the Seasons.

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Book SynopsisPenguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers'' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.Learn all about the mysterious and exciting legends of the gods and heroes in Ancient Greece, from the birth of Heracles and the adventures of Theseus, to the first fall of Troy and the battle of the giants.

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Book SynopsisAdapted and illustrated to introduce children and students to the works of Shakespeare! Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare is a delightful comic love story. The play begins with a shipwreck, during which Viola, a young aristocratic-born woman, is separated from her identical twin brother, Sebastian, and is swept onto the shores of the Kingdom of Illyria. Thus begins this entertaining tale of mistaken identities and thwarted love. Includes a QR code for the FREE audiobook! The easy-to-read narrative and comic-style illustrations are a great way to introduce children and students to the story before approaching the original texts.

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Book SynopsisIn London’s respectable society, Jekyll’s friends grow concerned. Why has Jekyll suddenly changed his will, and what is his connection with the frightening Mr Hyde? In London’s squalour, a child is trampled and an elderly gentleman brutally murdered. Why do all fingers point towards Mr Hyde? Is Jekyll strong enough to resist Hyde’s strange power? Are Jekyll’s friends strong enough to help? In this exploration of two sides of Victorian London and two sides of human nature, the conflict between good and evil has been given a terrifying twist.

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, and what is the use of a book, thought Alice, without pictures or conversations?'So begins the tale of Alice, who follows a curious White Rabbit down a hole and falls into Wonderland, a fantastical place where nothing is quite as it seems: animals talk, nonsensical characters confuse, Mad Hatters throw tea parties and the Queen plays croquet. Alice's attempts to find her way home become increasingly bizarre, infuriating and amazing in turn.A beloved classic, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland has continued to delight readers, young and old, for over 150 years.

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Book SynopsisPeep! Peep! All aboard with Thomas & Friends in this All Engines Go magnetic adventure!All Engines Go! Toddlers can take a journey across the Island of Sodor and meet all the trains in this fun, magnetic book with 5 great scenes. Start the day at the Engine Sheds, visit the Farm and race down Lookout Mountain. Then create adventures of your own with the magnetic characters of Thomas, Percy, Kana, Nia, Diesel, Bruno, Sandy and Carly. Each of the 8 engines is a magnetic play piece that can be used again and again.The illustration on the front cover shows the magnets that are stored inside the book. This removes the need for a plastic holder on the front cover.There are hours of fun to be had and this is the perfect way to encourage children aged 3 and up to use their imagination and build a life-long love of books.Thomas has been teaching children lessons about life and friendship for over 75 years. He ranks alongside other beloved character such as Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage and appeals to young fans of Paw Patrol, Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig.

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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! It is with great sadness that we report the death of Miss Julia Stoner of Stoke Moran. The cause of death remains unknown. The mysterious noises last heard around the time of Julia Stoner's death are back. Her sister Helen knows it is simply a matter of time before she suffers the same fate. There is a dark plot afoot, and the only way to catch the culprit is to walk into a deadly trap …

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Book SynopsisStunning illustrations by Chris Mould make this one of the most exciting editions of The Iron Man to be published.The Iron Man came to the top of the cliff.Where had he come from? Nobody knows.How was he made? Nobody knows.Mankind must put a stop to the dreadful destruction by the Iron Man and set a trap for him, but he cannot be kept down. Then, when a terrible monster from outer space threatens to lay waste to the planet, it is the Iron Man who finds a way to save the world.''Stunning.'' WRD Magazine''Whether you''re already a fan of this classic children''s story or a new reader, this wonderful new version is a real treat.'' BookTrust''Gripping . . a classic.'' Phillip Pullman''A visionary tale.'' Michael Morpurgo''One of the greatest of modern fairy tales.'' Observer

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Book SynopsisCharles Dickens was born in Hampshire on February 7, 1812. His father was a clerk in the navy pay office, who was well paid but often ended up in financial troubles. When Dickens was twelve years old he was send to work in a shoe polish factory because his family had been taken to the debtors' prison. His career as a writer of fiction started in 1833 when his short stories and essays began to appear in periodicals. The Pickwick Papers, his first commercial success, was published in 1836. The serialisation of Oliver Twist began in 1837. Many other novels followed and The Old Curiosity Shop brought Dickens international fame and he became a celebrity in America as well as Britain. Charles Dickens died on 9 June 1870. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.

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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 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! Seven years ago a disturbing incident took place in the village of Abbas Parva. Mr Ronder, owner of Ronder’s Wild Animals Show, met his end after an escaped lion attacked him. Holmes is confronted with an old mystery when he is summoned to visit a lady who refuses to show her face. A grisly crime committed seven years ago has had terrible consequences, and it is up to Holmes to save the veiled lodger from her own conscience.

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Book SynopsisMeet the Moomins - all 8 magical adventures relaunched in a stunning new package. Celebrating 80 years since the first Moomin book was published! Rediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this magical edition of Moominland Midwinter complete with a charming new cover design.Moomins always sleep through the winter - or they did until the year Moomintroll woke up and found he couldn''t go back to sleep again. All the clocks had stopped, there was nothing to eat and no one to talk to at home, so he went out - into the unknown. The valley was white and silent and very scary. But then Moomintroll spied some tracks in the snow. . .They seem to grow in wisdom and delight every time I read them - Philip PullmanTrade ReviewThey seem to grow in wisdom and delight every time I read them... a perfect marriage of word and picture. -- Philip PullmanIt's not just Tove Jansson's wonderfully strange fairytale world that so appeals but also her beautiful line work and exquisite sense of design. -- Lauren Child

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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! The Red-Headed League is looking for a new member to assist with minor tasks. The salary for this position will be four pounds a week. All red-headed men in good health and over the age of twenty-one will be considered. After Jabez Wilson’s well-paid position with the Red-Headed League ends with no warning, he asks Holmes to find out why. What starts out as a straightforward investigation turns into a midnight stake-out as Holmes attempts to prevent a shocking crime.

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Book SynopsisAdapted and illustrated to introduce children and students to the works of Shakespeare! One of Shakespeare's most robust comedies, The Taming of the Shrew, is about Katherine, the ill-tempered daughter of a wealthy merchant in Padua. Katherine is so petulant that her father always believed no man would ever want her as his wife. However, Petruchio, a rich young man, comes into Katherine s life and brings about a great change in her behaviour. Includes a QR code for the FREE audiobook! The easy-to-read narrative and comic-style illustrations are a great way to introduce children and students to the story before approaching the original texts.

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Book SynopsisEnjoy Every Cherry's new adaptation of our Symbolised Classics'Oliver Twist, featuring illustrations, sensory features and symbols to accompany the text to aid in reading comprehension and accessibility. Accompanied by a free signed and animated video of the story, this book strives to provide tools into reading in as many ways as possible.

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