Children’s / Teenage fiction: Short stories

Book SynopsisSee the Grishaverse come to life on screen with the Netflix series, Shadow and Bone -- Season 2 premiering March 16, 2023! Trace the roots of Grisha power and discover this deliciously atmospheric, fully-illustrated collection of Grishaverse fairy tales filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice and love.Inspired by myth, fairy tale and folklore, THE LANGUAGE OF THORNS will transport you to both lands familiar and strange that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, no. 1 New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans of the Grishverse.This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them beautifully illustrated with art by Sara Kiplin that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.Trade Review'Lushly designed and wonderfully rendered ... Bardugo doesn't twist familiar tales so much as rip them open' * Booklist, starred review *Gorgeously otherworldly...Any lover of retellings or original fairy tales will enjoy * Kirkus Reviews *'Every story is superb, Leigh Bardugo has an honest, vibrant voice that's capable of unfolding her imaginings with true skill. Sara Kiplin's beautiful illustrations grow in complexity . . . making this a sumptuous feast for the mind and eyes' * SFX Magazine *It's like THE HUNGER GAMES meets POTTER meets TWILIGHT meets LORD OF THE RINGS meets GAME OF THRONES; basically epic magical fantasy but completely for grown-ups * Stylist on the SHADOW AND BONE trilogy *Bardugo outdoes herself with this book, creating the gorgeously built backdrop of Ketterdam and populating it with a sophisticated cast of rogues and criminals. SIX OF CROWS is a twisty and elegantly crafted masterpiece that thrilled me from beginning to end * Holly Black on SIX OF CROWS *Cracking page-turner with a multi-ethnic band of misfits with differing sexual orientations who satisfyingly, believably jell into a family. * Kirkus on SIX OF CROWS *A delicious blend of masterfully executed elements... Bardugo outdoes herself in this exhilarating follow-up, and series fans will have their eyes glued to every page. * Booklist on CROOKED KINGDOM *

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Book Synopsis_______________ Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year _______________ In difficult times, what children really need is hope. And in that spirit, bestselling author Katherine Rundell emailed some of the children's writers and artists whose work she loved most: 'I asked them to write something very short, fiction or non-fiction, or draw something that would make the children reading it feel like possibility-ists: something that would make them laugh or wonder or snort or smile. The response was magnificent, which shouldn’t have surprised me, because children’s writers and illustrators are professional hunters of hope … I hope that the imagination can be a place of shelter for children and that The Book of Hopes might be useful in that, even if only a little.' This collection, packed with short stories, poems and pictures from the very best children’s authors and illustrators, aims to provide just that. Within its pages you'll find animal friends from insects to elephants, high-flying grandmas, a homesick sprite, the tooth fairy, and even extra-terrestrial life. There are 133 contributions from authors and illustrators, including Anthony Horowitz, Axel Scheffler, Catherine Johnson, Jacqueline Wilson, Katherine Rundell, Lauren Child, Michael Morpurgo and Onjali Q. Raúf. A donation from the sale of each book will go to NHS Charities Together, in gratitude for the incredible efforts of all those who worked in hospitals over the quarantine period. _______________ 'An anthology on the theme of hope … it includes a rich range of images, poetry, stories and non-fiction' - Sunday Times, 'Stories to charm on endless days' Proceeds from this book will be donated to NHS Charities Together. In respect of UK sales, this will be £2.10 and in respect of sales in other territories this will be 16% of net receipts (at least 62p). NHS Charities Together is a charity registered in England and Wales (registered charity no. 1186569).Trade ReviewWe need happy endings now more than ever ... This book will sustain you * Sunday Times CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK *Rundell is as persuasive as she is talented ... These joyous gobbets, all beautifully snappy, are perfect for a bus journey to school or a golly-is-that-the-time bedtime literary scamper * The Times CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK *This is a tasting menu of small but sumptuous confections, all uplifting in simple or complex ways * TLS *Hope is needed as never before so three cheers too for Katherine Rundell and the children’s authors and artists who contributed to her anthology The Book of Hopes * Books for Keeps *An anthology on the theme of hope … it includes a rich range of images, poetry, stories and non-fiction * Stories to charm on endless days, Sunday Times *The stories and poems celebrate animals, nature, courage, kindness and books. They include tales about finding friends or overcoming fears, and many have surprising twists or jokes, with illustrations that suggest anticipation or happiness... This book will sustain you * Children’s Book of the Week, The Sunday Times *Hope is needed as never before so three cheers too for Katherine Rundell and the children’s authors and artists who contributed to her anthology The Book of Hopes * Book For Keeps *It has something for almost every young reader * The Herald *a gorgeous collection of words and pictures that gifted many readers a ray of sunshine to move forward, to make sense of the world, or to get through the day * Waterstones *An outstanding anthology with contributions from over 100 contemporary children’s authors and illustrators, The Book of Hopes should be on bookshelves in every home and school. * LoveReading4Kids *uplifting * 30 best children’s books for Christmas 2020, iNews *These stories show that imagination can be a shelter, provide hope, make us laugh, smile and help us to see some light - much needed! * Books for Giving 2020, Books for Keeps *a book full of comforting words and pictures to inspire and entertain ... it’s one for your bookshelf, now and always * Best Ever Christmas *a handsome hardback full of treats. With its sprightly poems and pictures, fairytales and furry friends, it’s the perfect place to take shelter when the outside world feels dark and overwhelming * Books of the Year, Guardian *no child should be without The Book of Hopes * Sweet dreams guaranteed, The Daily Telegraph *A glorious collection of stories written by some of our favourite authors and illustrations as a way to get us all through it ... Should be on every family's Christmas list * Dandelion *a handsome Christmas hardback * The best children's books of 2020 for all ages, Observer *This collection of stories, poems and pictures is full of possibility, optimism and joy ... This special book will make you smile, not least because it is helping to raise money for NHS Charities Together * 5 Books For Your Christmas List, The Week Junior *

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Book SynopsisMillions of young readers have loved the World's Worst Children tales and revelled in the World's Worst Teachers with their delightfully dreadful deeds now prepare forTHE WORLD'S WORST PARENTS! From the phenomenally bestselling David Walliams and illustrated in glorious colour by the artistic genius, Tony Ross.Are you ready to meet the worst parents ever? Sure, some parents are embarrassing but they're NOTHING on this lot. These ten tales of the world's most spectacularly silly mums and deliriously daft dads will leave you rocking with laughter.Pinch your nose for Peter Pong, the man with the stinkiest feet in the world jump out of the way of Harriet Hurry, the fastest mum on two wheels watch out for Monty Monopolize, the dad who takes all his kids' toys and oh no, it's Supermum! Brandishing a toilet brush, a mop and a very bad homemade outfit

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Book Synopsis The brilliant follow-up to the bestselling The World’s Worst Children! Ten more stories about hilariously horrible kids! Trade Review Praise for The World’s Worst Children: “This really is Walliams at his most indulgently gross and silly – the perfect combination for thousands of his loyal fans… stunningly illustrated by Ross who captures the energy and chaos of the stories” Daily Mail “Laugh-out-loud funny and…downright disgusting” Daily Express “Often described as the modern-day Roald Dahl, Walliams is a big author with big ideas and plenty of illustrations, all combining to make for real page-turners, even for kids who would normally look at you as if you’re mad to suggest reading for pleasure” Independent Praise for David Walliams’ books: “The new Roald Dahl” Evening Standard "A triumphant mix of wit and warmth" Telegraph “Ridiculously over-the-top and utterly delightful” Spectator "His books are a breath of wonderful fresh air" Sun “Delightfully funny” Metro

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Book SynopsisIn this collection of compelling short stories, authors including M. G. Leonard, Neal Shusterman and Tolá Okogwu offer hope for our planet in the face of climate change.A brilliant collection of inspiring stories with the power to change the world. Innovative, original and essential. Hannah GoldSkyscraper farms. Insects for dinner. Guerilla gardening. Nine authors pose ingenious and thought-provoking solutions to the climate crisis in this anthology of climate fiction. Rooted in real-world science and technology, the stories offer a roadmap for a future where our planet can thrive. From a rewilding project with unexpected consequences to a rebellion against augmented reality, these wide-ranging stories will leave the reader feeling a little less powerless in the fight to save planet Earth.Full list of contributors: Eli Brown, L. R. Lam, M. G. Leonard, Rebecca Lim, Oisín McGann, Tolá Okogwu, Neal and Brendan Shusterman, Louie Stowell and Bijal Va

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Book Synopsis Uncover the stories from one of the greatest-novelists of all time in this beautiful anthology of tales from Charles Dickens, rewritten and adapted in an accessible way for children. This book introduces children to eight of Dickens’ greatest works, accompanied by beautiful, colourful illustrations which breathes new life into these timeless classics. Includes favourites such as Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. A timeline at the back shows when each story was written, and gives facts about Dickens’ life. Revisit your favourite Dickens stories and introduce his legacy to next generation of readers with this beautiful first introduction to some of the greatest stories all time. Includes: Oliver Twist The Old Curiosity Shop David Copperfield Great Expectations Trade ReviewMcAllister’s versions of eight stories by Charles Dickens are both fresh and compelling. * The School Librarian *Table of ContentsOliver Twist The Old Curiosity Shop David Copperfield Great Expectations Hard Times A Christmas Carol Nicholas Nickleby A Tale of Two Cities Timeline About Charles Dickens

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Book SynopsisPaul Jennings worked as a special-education teacher before becoming a full-time writer. He has been voted 'favourite author' by children in Australia over forty times and has won every children's choice award in Australia. His books, including Undone!, Unreal! and Tongue-Tied! are hugely popular and he has sold more than 6.7 million books worldwide.

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Book SynopsisFrom phenomenal number-one bestseller David Walliams comes another collection of more hilariously horrible children!Look out! It?s more badly behaved boys and ghoulish girls!Like Boastful Barnabas who is so big-headed he might just explode! And Tandy and her titanic tantrums and who will be crowned bully of the year!From number one bestselling author David Walliams come ten more hilarious and horrendous tales, illustrated throughout by artistic genius Tony Ross.Trade Review Praise for The World’s Worst Children: “This really is Walliams at his most indulgently gross and silly – the perfect combination for thousands of his loyal fans… stunningly illustrated by Ross who captures the energy and chaos of the stories” Daily Mail “Laugh-out-loud funny and…downright disgusting” Daily Express “Often described as the modern-day Roald Dahl, Walliams is a big author with big ideas and plenty of illustrations, all combining to make for real page-turners, even for kids who would normally look at you as if you’re mad to suggest reading for pleasure” Independent Praise for David Walliams’ books: “The new Roald Dahl” Evening Standard "A triumphant mix of wit and warmth" Telegraph “Ridiculously over-the-top and utterly delightful” Spectator "His books are a breath of wonderful fresh air" Sun “Delightfully funny” Metro

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Book SynopsisThis collection spans cultures as diverse as South Africa, India, New Zealand and Northern Ireland. The stories enable students to investigate a wider range of genres, compare first and third person accounts, and explore different story structures, as required by the National Curriculum.Table of ContentsMr Mongoose and Mrs Hen by James Berry The Loaded Dog by Henry Lawson Attila by R.K. Narayan Sredni Vashtar by Saki First Foot by Janice Galloway Urban Myths: The Choking Alsatian and The Vanishing Hitchiker The Sniper by Liam O'Flaherty The Friendship by Mildred D. Taylor The Mirror by Eiko Kadono Once Upon a Time by Nadine Gordimer The First of my Sins by Brian Friel The Guest by Leena Dhingra Fifty-Fifty Tutti-Frutti Chocolate-Chip by Norman Silver Two Kinda Truth by Farrukh Dhondy

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Book SynopsisIntroducing The Famous Five to younger readers with this NEWLY-CREATED story for children aged 5 and up!When the Five go to the village show, they find themselves in the heart of a storm! Can they help find the prize that has mysteriously disappeared?Set in the world of Enid Blyton''s best-loved series, this newly created story follows Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog on a special new adventure. 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.Also look out for: The Birthday Adventure, Five to the Rescue!, Five and the Runaway Dog, Message in a Bottle, Timmy and the Treasure and The Mysterious Noise, illustrated by Becka Moor.Enid Blyton''s eight original short stories about the Famous Five are also available as early readers illustrated by Jamie Littler. Collect them all!

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Book SynopsisDiscover magical princesses, mighty dragons, mischievous monkeys and more in this captivating collection of Chinese stories, specially retold for readers today. The book features stunning traditional-style brush and ink illustrations by Chinese artist Li Weiding, and includes links to websites to find out more about Chinese folk tales and art.Table of Contents1 About the Stories2 About the Illustrations3 The Fox and The Tiger4 The Pearl that Shone in the Dark5 The Frog in the Well6 The Butterfly's Dream7 Great-Aunt Tiger8 The Painter of Dragons9 How the Phoenix got his Feathers10 There is No Silver Buried Here11 The Mouse's Marriage12 The Old Man who Moved a Mountain13 The Golden Slippers14 The Monkey King15 The New Year Monster

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Book SynopsisAn unmissable collection of three How to Train Your Dragon stories, featuring new and exclusive short story WHEN THE WINDWALKER CHANGED.Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third is a smallish Viking with a longish name. The Hairy Hooligan tribe think he''s totally useless, but Hiccup is brave enough to face his destiny, with the help of one tiny dragon.This collection features three stories about Hiccup at different times in his life, including one BRAND-NEW tale:1. Hiccup''s dragon Toothless gives his best tips on training a human in HOW TO TRAIN YOUR VIKING 2. A deadly sea dragon stalks the Isle of Berk in THE DAY OF THE DREADER3. And the BRAND-NEW WHEN THE WINDWALKER CHANGED, packed with action, adventure and grand reveals!Fully illustrated with Cressida Cowell''s artwork, this deluxe paperback is a perfect gift for all fans of the global phenomenon How to Train Your Dragon.HOW T

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Book SynopsisIncredible journeys feature in many ancient tales – made in the quest for love, honour, glory or dazzling rewards; to challenge terrible monsters; or obliterate enemies. This beautifully illustrated edition gathers together myths and legends from every corner of the globe. The stories seethe with intrepid characters and a rich pageant of gods and monsters. Superheroes, strange beasts and beautiful women overcome perilous obstacles, pit themselves against raging elements and visit fabulous lands. Some of the classic quest tales include Thor’s epic journey to Utgard, the quest for the Holy Grail, Gilgamesh’s attempt to conquer death, and the seven voyages of Sindbad. Background information to the tales is also included to provide a superb context for young students.

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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. When George is kept awake at night by a toothache, she notices a light on the supposedly empty Kirrin Island. While George is at the dentist the others decide to investigate and strange things start happening...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 and original text of Five Have a Puzzling Time (1956) appears in an individual volume, illustrated with brand new colour art by Jamie Littler.

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Book SynopsisUsborne is one of the world's leading specialist children's publishers: an independent, family business which creates irresistible, engaging, and accessible books for children of all ages. Usborne books are written to appeal directly to children and are there for every age, stage, and curious question. From the internationally bestselling touchy-feely series That's not my... to award-winning non-fiction and activity books, children can grow - and grow up - with Usborne books.Trade ReviewAlvarez’s distinctive and endearing illustrations are a riot of colour and detail, bringing the words of each story to vivid life and ensuring this book of fairy tales will be treasured through the years… and through the generations. * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisFeaturing Stitch, Simba and more, Disney 100 Stories is packed full of family favourites making it the perfect choice for your next reading adventure

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Book SynopsisDelight in the magic of Christmas with this heart-warming collection of 25 classic tales from the world''s best-loved storyteller - the perfect Christmas gift for children aged 5 and up! This hugely popular short story collection, first published in 2014, is back with a shiny new gold cover...In this classic collection there''s mystery and mischief, the joy of shared times and plenty of scrumptious food, so curl up by the fire and get ready for a Christmas treat! These fun, entertaining stories are ideal for newly confident readers and are the perfect length for reading aloud at bedtime or in the classroom.Enid Blyton remains one of Britain''s favourite children''s authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her work to the latest generation of readers.The collection contains: The Lost PresentsSanta Claus Gets a ShockA Week Before Christmas; The Christmas Tree Aeroplane Trade ReviewA wonderful selection to read and share. Mystery and magic, laughter and mischief, the joy of shared times and plenty of delicious food - many of the ingredients which have been delighting Enid Blyton's readers for more than 70 years. * Western Morning News *A wonderful selection to read and share. Mystery and magic, laughter and mischief, the joy of shared times and plenty of delicious food - many of the ingredients which have been delighting Enid Blyton's readers for more than 70 years. * Western Morning News *Shared excitement and laughter, a little bit of mischief and plenty of delicious food are all mixed together with a pinch of magic and lots of Christmas joy * Carousel *Shared excitement and laughter, a little bit of mischief and plenty of delicious food are all mixed together with a pinch of magic and lots of Christmas joy * Carousel *

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Book SynopsisEnjoy 7 stories featuring the determined Lilo and mischievous Stitch

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Book SynopsisA charming collection of stories from celebrated storyteller Atinuke and with tender illustrations from Emily Hughes.Beti lives in a little round house in the woods with Mam, Tad, Baby Jac, her cheeky goat Naughty and many other farm animals. Written in Atinuke's rhythmic, heartfelt style and brought to life by Emily Hughes' lush, warm illustrations, this exquisite collection of four stories centred around a strong-willed little girl is a celebration of having adventures with our friends in the lush wild with each changing season. Every page is rich in humour and filled with touching observations of the family's wild and enchanting way of life. It is escapism at its finest and will inspire readers to reconnect with nature, to find happiness on their doorstep among the love of friends and family.

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Book SynopsisA range of simple stories for new readers, with beautiful colour illustrations. With a shrill whistle the Night Train is off, delivering its passengers to children’s dreams. The yeti, the ballet dancer, the friendly monster and the princess all have starring roles. Then the train comes to an unexpected halt. A tree has fallen across the track and there’s no way the guard can move it on his own. It’s a race against time and the passengers will need to use all their talents to get the train moving again. Can they reach their dreams before midnight? An uplifting story celebrating the power of working together by Matilda Woods, author of THE BOY, THE BIRD AND THE COFFIN MAKER, gorgeously illustrated by debut artist Penny Neville-Lee.

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Book SynopsisMore funny, clever trickster tales from India.Prince Veera''s great-uncle, Raja Apoorva, invites the prince and his best friend, Suku, to the summer festival in Peetalpur, where they participate in some of the competitions. Can they make the peahen sing, though peahens can''t sing? Or win the painting competition, or even defeat the country''s champion wrestler? The boys face each challenge with great wit and wisdom. Back at the palace, they are faced with more challenges. Raja Apoorva enjoys puzzles and presents several to the boys: who was the intruder who dared to pull the Raja''s beard? How can the journey to the seaside be shortened? And at court it''s Prince Veera and Suku who will decide which neighbour owns the tree that produces the wonderful figs for the palace, as well as solve the mysteries of the holy man and the astronomer.Four stories packed with clever and amusing tricks and puzzles which will delight children from 6 to 8 and well beyond.Trade ReviewA Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth by Chitra Soundar is a lyrical collection of stories from Indian folklore. Simply and warmly told, the narrative follows Prince Veera and his friend as they find themselves thrown into mishap at a summer festival. * The Daily Telegraph *The black & white illustrations scattered through on page after page add charm and authenticity, while the stories themselves sing with drama (in the best way), surprise and wisdom. Entertaining, genuine, and utterly wonderful. This book is a little treasure. * Fallen Star Stories *

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Book SynopsisPuffin Clothbound Classics are stunning collectable hardback editions of some of the best-loved classics in the world - including this haunting edition of Tales of Mystery and Terror by Edgar Allen Poe. Enter the dark, doom-laden world of Edgar Allen Poe with a selection of some of his most chilling tales, chosen for children aged 10+. There was an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart'Revel in thirteen tales of horror, suspense and the supernatural by the inimitable Edgar Allen Poe. Featuring some of his most famous stories, including 'The Tell-Tale Heart', 'The Fall of the House of Usher' and 'The Masque of the Red Death', this chilling collection of short stories is the perfect way to introduce new readers to the long-lasting thrills and chills of outstanding horror writing or to indulge in them yourself!Full of rich, atmospheric writing, haunting tales of murder and madness, and mysteries that baffle the mind, this beautiful hardback edition is the perfect gift for horror fans of all ages.

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Book SynopsisAn arranged marriage interferes with star-crossed love in this sweeping medieval romance from Sally Nicholls – perfectly pitched for struggling teen readers. Lady Elinor of Hardford has fallen in love for the first time, with Dan, her cousin and knight-in-training. But her father has other plans. She must marry his friend, Sir William of Courtney – and he’s nearly 50! Ellie must draw on all her skills to work out a solution to her dilemma. Can she change her father’s mind? And will she ever get to marry Dan?

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Book SynopsisAfraid includes a calming exercise to help children feel safe and secure.

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.Dear Prince, I must leave you, but I will never forget you, and next spring I will bring you back two beautiful jewels in place of those you have given away. The ruby shall be redder than a red rose, and the sapphire shall be as blue as the great sea.'In The Happy Prince' a statue jewelled and opulent keeps careful watch over the city and its inhabitants. Enlisting the help of a swallow, his selfless acts bring comfort to those most in need. The Nightingale and the Rose' is a tragic tale of personal sacrifice in the name of love, while in The Selfish Giant' the end of an eternal winter finally brings springtime and happiness.In this collection of enchanting tales from a master storyteller, Oscar Wilde has entranced readers both young and old since publication in the late nineteenth century.

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Book SynopsisThese stories are arranged to help students investigate and compare the features of different genres and how authors conform to or deviate from established conventions. The book includes activities which draw out key features at word, sentence and text level.Table of ContentsGhost stories The Sweeper by A M Burrage The Boys' Toilets by Robert Westall Fairy tales Hansel and Gretel by The Brothers Grimm Sweet Shop by Marc Alexander The Werewolf by Angela Carter Crime fiction The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Lamb to the Slaughter by Ronald Dahl Love stories The Knight's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer, retold by Geraldine McCaughrean Cinderella Girl by Vivien Alcock Gift by Susan Gates Science fiction A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury Mind Bend by Martin Martinsen Horror stories The Tomb of Sarah by F G Loring Interview with a Vampire (extract) by Anne Rice

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Book SynopsisA comforting story tonight for a happy day tomorrow . . . A gorgeous gift to treasure for years to come, this collection of bedtime stories is brimming with hope and positivity as an antidote to the at times challenging world we live in.Fabulously illustrated by Sarah McIntyre, the stories promote modern-day messages of inclusivity, acceptance and bravery in the face of adversity.With brand new stories from: Aisha Bushby, Ann Jungman, Ayesha Braganza, Claire Barker, Emma Carroll, Hannah Lee, Ingrid Persaud, Kate Saunders, Kieran Larwood, Lou Kuenzler, Lucy Farfort, Martyn Ford, Michael Mann, Natasha Farrant, Pip Jones, Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Reba Khatun.

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Book SynopsisCurl up with this cosy Christmas collection from the world's best-loved storyteller, Enid Blyton. Perfect for reading before bedtime!

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Book SynopsisAuntie Katusha has just come from the Old Country, bringing poppy seeds to make cakes for a mischievous four-year-old boy named Andrewshek. A little neighbour, Erminka, who wears red boots which are too big for her, joins Andrewshek for a series of adventures with talking animals, including a greedy goose who steals the cakes; a naughty white goat who hides on the roof; and a kitten, a dog and two chickens who are determined to gatecrash the children’s tea party. There is art on every page, featuring cheeky animals, gooseberry tarts, colourful shawls and Russian dolls, and cheerful Auntie Katusha in her kerchiefed and aproned splendour.

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

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Book SynopsisOscar Wilde's fairy tales were, he said, "meant partly for children, and partly for those who have kept the childlike faculties of wonder and joy." The tales include The Happy Prince, The Remarkable Rocket, and The Fisherman and his Soul. In them, Wilde mocks the self-important and self-righteous, and celebrates the virtues of pity and charity. Finely-wrought, and studded with dazzling word-pictures, these are stories to treasure. In this new edition, which contains all of Wilde's fairy tales, his rich prose is evoked beautifully with the sumptuous, intricate work of artist Isabelle Brent. With an insightful introduction by Neil Philip, this is surely the definitive edition of Wilde's classic tales.

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Book SynopsisExplore friendship, love, revenge, life and death in the pages of From Hereabout Hill. A spell-binding collection of short stories from the nation's favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.Michael Morpurgo demonstrates why he is considered to be the master story-teller with this diverse collection of stories for children.Included in this collection of short stories is a poignant tale about civil war, where a young girl hides from enemy soldiers in a public toilet; a haunting story of a little girl swept out to sea while collecting cowrie shells; and the moving account of two brothers, who, over the years, create a mental picture of their absent father.Michael Morpurgo has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Morpurgo: “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”Elizabeth Reilly, British Council “The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian

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Book SynopsisHorrid Henry receives a most unwelcome present . . .

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Like Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, this title shows promise of being read and retold again and again by this generation’s thrill-seekers." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Twenty different entries, with atmospheric illustrations, create new yet classic-feeling tales for younger readers... Ideal for any younger reader looking for bite-sized horror." — Kirkus Reviews "The sheer variety of creepy concepts, unsettling moments interspersed with humor, and gotcha twists will appeal to younger middle grade readers who are ready for a gateway into horror fiction—and a book to read around the campfire." — Publishers Weekly "Given the range of stories and formats, this is a strong choice for both horror fiends and those just wanting to dip their toes into scarier waters." — Booklist "Hide and Don't Seek is a Halloween goody bag full of treats–and not a few tricks–that will appeal to any young reader with an appetite for thrills ‘n chills. Certain to be a gateway drug to Stephen King." — Portland Press Herald

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Book SynopsisWho would believe that a kid at a sleepover could be a spy? CHERUB: Dark Sun is a short novel aimed at new readers to CHERUB, originally written for World Book Day and now made available in print again by popular demand! To go with it are three stories never before seen in print: The Switch, CHERUB at Christmas and Kerry''s First Mission. For official purposes, these children do not exist.Trade ReviewReaders should brace themselves for an action-packed ride * The Daily Express *A skilful writer and the book has great pace. * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisGus loves the hedgehog in his nan's garden but what happens to Huffkin in the winter? This beautiful fiction story was written by Pip Jones.Gus loves the hedgehog in his nan's garden but what happens to Huffkin in the winter? This beautiful fiction story was written by Pip Jones.Blue/Band 4 offers longer, repeated patterns with sequential events and integrated literary and natural language. Non-fiction uses signs, labels and diagrams.This book focuses on adjacent consonants with long vowel phonemes.Pages 14 and 15 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall.Reading notes within the book provide practical support for reading Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds with children, including a list of all the sounds and words that the book will cover.

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Book SynopsisA collection of eight quirky, bizarre, and very funny short stories from the brilliant Paul Jennings.

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Book SynopsisFunny Stories For 7-Year-Olds is a bright and varied selection of wonderfully entertaining stories by some of the very best writers for children. Perfect for reading alone or aloud - and for dipping into time and time again.With stories from Dick King-Smith, Michael Bond, Philippa Gregory, Jacqueline Wilson and many more, this book will provide hours of fantastic fun.

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Book Synopsis Princess Minna loves to sort out mix-ups and mishaps in the kingdom! In this full-colour, illustrated chapter book, join her on another adventure to tame a unicorn and much more - all in time for tea. Princess Minna lives in Castle Tall-Towers with the King and Queen, Raymond the Wizard and her best dragon friend, Lorenzo. There are often mix-ups and mishaps in the kingdom and Princess Minna loves to sort them out! She can tame unicorns, kiss frogs and fight dragons (apart from Lorenzo) and she is very good at fixing things before it's time for bed. In The Unicorn Mix-Up, Princess Minna is so tired she gets a bit muddled and fights a unicorn, kisses a dragon and tries to tame a frog - which won't do at all! Can she sort it all out and make a new friend along the way? Full of colourful illustrations, these short, funny stories are perfect for readers just moving on from picture books and visual readers.

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

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Book SynopsisThe #1 New York Times bestseller is now a major Netflix film starring Kiernan Shipka, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush and Isabela Moner.It''s Christmas Eve and the worst blizzard for fifty years has blanketed Gracetown. But as well as snowflakes, love is in the air - and appearing in the most unexpected ways . . .Who''d have thought a freezing hike from a stranded train would end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger? Or that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow could lead to romance with an old friend? Or that the path to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks?Touching, hilarious and filled with festive cheer, the magic of the holiday season shines on these three interconnected tales of love, romance and breathtaking kisses. The perfect book for a cold winter''s night for any fan of The Fault in Their Stars, The Sun is Also a Star and Eleanor and Park._____ John Green is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Turtles All the Way Down, The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns and, with David Levithan, Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Maureen Johnson is the bestselling author of 13 Little Blue Envelopes, Devilish, Girl at Sea, The Name of the Star and Suite Scarlett. Lauren Myracle is the author of many books for teens, including Shine, Kissing Kate, Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks and The Winnie Years series.Trade ReviewA comedy as DELICIOUS as any whipped up by the Bard. * Washington Post Book World *A GREAT story * KLIATT *The authors share an ironic, idiosyncratic sense of humor that helps bind their stories, each with a slightly different tone and take on love, into one interconnected volume brimming with ROMANCE. * The Horn Book *

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Book SynopsisEveryone loves little Mrs Pepperpot! This compilation has 20 classic Mrs Pepperpot tales.Mrs Pepperpot can''t choose when she will shrink to the size of a pepperpot - it just happens.But whatever she encounters, whether it be a mountain of pancakes, a crafty fox or a monstrous mousetrap, little Mrs Pepperpot will always come out on top.The Mrs Pepperpot tales are delightful short stories for children, perfect for fans of Dick King-Smith and Enid Blyton. Trade ReviewThe stories have that sense of magic which all the best children's stories have * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisTom the F-14 Tomcat has a need for speed. Convinced he's only valued for his ability to break the sound barrier, the mighty fighter jet is determined to win a race to Australia to keep the airshow alive. But when a rival F-15 Eagle tricks him into skipping refueling, the supersonic plane fears he's let everyone down as his tanks run empty. Can Tom get help from his talented friends and finish the contest before it's too late? We land with the Tomcat on the pitching deck of an aircraft carrier while Woody, the little biplane, finds he has some remarkable abilities that earn Tom's respect. Will Woody succeed in transporting a tiny passenger without losing face? But wait, what's that terrible smell? Can Vul rescue a six-engined giant who desperately needs help to get home? With his lonely backstory, having been shut in a hangar deemed unfit to fly, the Vulcan is determined to prevent an Antonov with a faulty landing gear from experiencing the same fate. And the Spitfire's leadership skills are exceptional as expected of a flying ace. With a keen sense of protocol, he is experienced and knowledgeable, but to his consternation, he has to transport a passenger who is oblivious to his importance. (His elliptical wings are described in a useful section at the back of the books entitled In and Out of the Cockpit, an A-Z of aviation information.) Flying Circus Takes to the Skies is a collection stories from the Aeroplane Adventure series centering around four true-to-life aeroplanes, exciting action, and important themes of self-esteem, patience and friendship. Illustrated with line drawings by the highly esteemed aviation illustrator Tim O'Brien.Trade Review"Leona Cobham tells a good yarn. With three short stories, you can get through one as an evening bedtime story and there's plenty of humour along the way." Al Suttie, editor, Brooklands Bulletin --- "Leona Cobham has written a mesmerizing tale, bringing to life intelligently imagined and perfectly accomplished characters for young readers. The characters are genuinely flawed and believable. Vul, the Avro Vulcan is an easy-going, confident airplane with a troubled past. Woody will need more encouragement to uncover his hidden strengths. A conversation between Vul and Woody shows Woody's simplicity and Vul's strong sense of loneliness: “There aren’t any Vulcans left apart from me.” The only thing that drives Tom is his need for speed, but as he undertakes a mission with others, he begins to re-evaluate his values, putting teamwork above other things. Flying Circus Takes to the Skies features excellent prose and language that is suitable for young readers. The glossary at the end of the book provides more understanding of terms related to aeronautics. I enjoyed the adventure, the fascinating characters, and the gorgeous writing. The exceptional use of anthropomorphism renders the story relatable and the characters lovable." Cristina Prescott, The Book Commentary.---"The book has lessons for children about friendship, helping others and not being too proud. It demonstrates that we all have something to offer, no matter how different we are. The book is educational, while still being fun and humorous. Children will learn more about aeroplanes because certain words in bold text are explained at the end of the book. This book is well-worth reading and I highly recommend it." LoveReading4KidsTable of ContentsPedal to the Metal The Flying Circus must pull together to win an important race Fit to Fly Can the Flying Circus rescue a stranded Antonov? What's in the Box? The Flying Circus are each given an endangered species to take to safety. But who is to carry what? In and Out of the Cockpit A glossary of terms

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Book SynopsisIntroducing The Famous Five to younger readers, age 5+. In this full-colour, newly created adventure story, the children and Timmy find a special toy, hidden deep inside a cave . . . The Five have found a bottle with a message inside! It says that there''s a hidden doll in the caves across from Kirrin Island, so the Five set off on a rescue mission. But the caves are dark and they soon lose their way ...Set in the world of Enid Blyton''s best-loved series, this newly created story follows Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog on a special new adventure. 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.Also look out for: The Birthday Adventure, Five to the Rescue!, Timmy and the Treasure and Five and the Runaway Dog, illustrated by Becka Moor.Enid Blyton''s eight original short st

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Book SynopsisEarly Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey.Horrid Henry is determined to win the class football match and defeat Moody Margaret, by whatever means necessary...

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