Search results for ""Author Lesley Sims""

Lola the Locust is looking for a job, but everything she tries ends in chaos. Poor Lola cannot focus on the task at hand. Join her as she tracks down her perfect role in this charming tale set in the mini world of bugs. Lively rhyming text and humorous illustrations make this an excellent addition to the ever popular Usborne Bug Tales series.

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Splendid Squid is the king's magician but Sneaky Sid the shark has ruined her latest trick. Now she's lost the royal crown and the king is FURIOUS. Follow her lifting lid after lid as she tries to track it down. Lively rhyming text and humorous illustrations make learning phonics fun.

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Eight delightful tales of heart-warming fun and adventure. Stories include “King Donkey Ears”, “The Enormous Turnip”, “Danny the Dragon”, “The Inch Prince”, “Androcles and the Lion”, “Stone Soup”, “The Clumsy Crocodile” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”. Each story is brilliantly illustrated by artists from the Usborne Young Reading Programme.

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This humorous guide to Ancient Greece is crammed with information and advice for time-tourists. Each illustrated page is full of things to see and do, and there’s also quotations from notable Greeks, a glossary of new words, a timeline and more. A book for libraries and schools, with contents and index plus internet links to recommended websites.

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A wonderful collection of six classic Greek myths and legends, specially retold for younger readers. Includes the stories of ‘The Wooden Horse’, ‘The Minotaur’ and ‘The Odyssey’, as well as a guide to the Greek Gods. Beautifully bound in padded hardback, and packed with information, colour and culture, this makes a thrilling read for any child. With a pronunciation guide to Greek names on the Usborne Quicklinks website.

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Five funny stories that make reading a joy. In this collection you'll visit the unicorn hotel, go to the water park with a gang of skunks and take to the air in Spider's glider. Then head to the beach to watch Lizard hard at work on his inventions, before diving under the sea to hear Whale's tall tale. A delightful set of hilarious rhyming stories sure to excite the imaginations of beginner readers.

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This book is filled with five fun rhyming stories that make reading a pleasure. There's an owl who dreams of being a superhero, a window-cleaning adder who's scared of heights and an axolotl who meets a genie. Add a flamingo who loves bingo plus a musical pangolin and you have a collection that's sure to appeal to any young reader.

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Even little fleas have to mind their Ps and Qs as some endearing but rather rude fleas find to their cost, in this lively, cautionary tale about the importance of manners. With free online audio.

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Have you ever heard the song of a nightingale? The Emperor hadn't - but when he did, he became so entranced he just had to try to capture it for himself. But maybe trying to own a piece of nature for yourself isn't the best idea? Readers of all ages will get lost in this heartbreaking but ultimately heartwarming story, which comes with free online audio.

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Spider wishes she could fly, so she builds her very own glider. But when danger strikes, can Spider save the day? This entertaining story for beginner readers has simple rhyming text and stylish illustrations throughout. A delight to share with very young children, and with parents notes on phonics at the back of the book.

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The fascinating history of castles told for children just beginning to read growing in reading confidence and ability. Explains in a lively way why castles were first built, what it was like to live in one, and the cunning tricks used to defend them. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. Also available with an audio CD with a dramatic listen-along recording with music and sound effects, followed by a read-along version with prompts for page turns.

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A sturdy box with a delightful 30-piece jigsaw and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs picture book beautifully illustrated by John Joven. Little children can talk about the story as they do the jigsaw and the book and puzzle set makes a lovely gift. The large jigsaw pieces are suitable for little hands, and the completed puzzle measures 35 x 35cm.

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Long, long ago, the gods made the very first tree... and it could talk! Was it happy, you ask? It was not. The Baobab Tree whinged and moaned, it grumbled and groaned, all day long. But gods have a unique way of dealing with trees who complain too much. A delightful retelling of a traditional story, with free online audio.

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Sam's best friend is a dragon! But when the townsfolk find out, they are terrified. "Send for St George, the dragon fighter," they cry. Now it's up to Sam to save her friend. Specially written for little children, with online audio to listen to the story.

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All is not well at Bumble's Big Circus. The stars of the show, three fabulous fleas on their flying trapeze, have let fame go to their heads and now they never say please. It's up to the earwig clowns to remind them that "EVERYTHING'S better with 'Please'!" Lively rhyming text and humorous illustrations, set in the wonderful world of bugs, make this an excellent addition to the ever popular First Reading Level 3 titles.

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Gopher drives the Queen from one crazy escapade to another on an unexpected road trip. This laugh-out-loud rhyming story, starring quirky characters and stunning illustrations, will encourage a love of language and a joy of stories. With lots of details to spot in each scene and the added bonus of online audio.

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Ted is busy in his shed, but can you guess what he’s making? This entertaining story for beginner readers has simple rhyming text and colourful illustrations by Stephen Cartwright – and you can also listen to the story online. A delight to share with young children, or for beginner readers to read themselves, with parent’s notes on phonics at the back.

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Little Red Riding Hood is visiting her granny, but someone is there before her… who could it be? A charming retelling of the much-loved tale, with a child-friendly ending and beautiful illustrations by Bao Luu throughout.

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Seal loves her new speed boat, but she keeps going too fast! Can she learn to be more careful? This entertaining story for beginner readers has simple rhyming text and stylish illustrations throughout. A delight to share with very young children, and with parents notes on phonics at the back of the book.

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A cheerful story sure to entertain young children with its irresistible illustrations. Uses phonic repetition and simple rhyming text, specially designed to help develop essential language and early reading skills. Also includes guidance notes for parents at the back of the book.

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Hares are fast, and tortoises are slow - everyone knows that! But sometimes, winning a race isn't just about being fastest, it's also about just getting on with the job. For thousands of years, children and adults have been telling and retelling this tale, which always brings a smile. This latest version comes with free online audio.

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A short-sighted dinosaur, crashing around the forest... What could possibly go wrong? This laugh-out-loud rhyming story, starring quirky characters and stunning illustrations, will encourage a love of language and a joy of stories. With lots of details to spot in each scene and the added bonus of online audio.

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Oh no, there’s a shark in the park! Or is there? This entertaining story for beginner readers has simple rhyming text and colourful illustrations by Stephen Cartwright – and you can also listen to the story online. A delight to share with young children, or for beginner readers to read themselves, with parent’s notes on phonics at the back.

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…' The traditional and much-loved Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore, beautifully illustrated and published as a charming picture book for children to enjoy year after year. A magical rhyming story to share together on Christmas Eve, or for older children to read on their own as they wait for Father Christmas

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This lively rhyming story with irresistible illustrations and phonic repetition is a delight to share with very young children. It can also be enjoyed by children who are starting to read for themselves. Simple rhyming text helps to develop early language and reading skills, and there are notes for parents about phonics and reading aloud together.

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The essential survival guide for novice soldiers about how to stay alive in the Roman Army. Reveals all the gruesome truths of life in the Roman army, including what soldiers ate, what they wore and how they lived. Witty illustrations complement the informative text, creating a friendly and accessible introduction to Roman history to use at home and in school.

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Attractive retelling of Lewis Carroll's story with evocative illustrations. Clear, engaging text to encourage independent reading with direct speech and speech bubbles. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence. Also available with an audio CD with a dramatic listen-along recording with music and sound effects, followed by a read-along version with prompts for page turns.

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This spoof travel guide covers all aspects of Ancient Roman life, from how Romans farmed and what they ate to Roman gods and how they were worshipped. With humorous cartoon illustrations, fact boxes and timelines, plus a guide to the best villas and markets. Contents and index pages are included, plus internet links to help children find out more.

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Chang is the best painter in all of China, so it's Chang the Emperor sends for when his new temple needs painting. But why is Chang painting dragons without any eyes? Is it true, as he claims, that if you add eyes, painted dragons come to life? This delightful retelling has sweet, simple text and gorgeous illustrations, with plenty for children to spot as Chang paints his surprising dragons.

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The Little Red Hen has found some grains of wheat! Who will help her grow and harvest them? A faithful retelling of the popular European tale, showing the stages from wheat to flour to freshly-baked bread. With free online audio.

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Pangolin loves playing her mandolin. There's just one problem... She's nocturnal so she's twanging her strings in the middle of the night. The other animals in the rainforest aren't happy to be kept awake. Will they reach a compromise? Starring quirky characters and stunning illustrations, this story has been specially written to develop phonemic awareness. With free online audio.

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A sweet retelling of one of the most famous fairy tales in the world, specially adapted for toddlers. Cinderella's father isn't dead - only away - and her wicked stepmother has become an aunt, but the pumpkin coach and glass slippers are still ready to whisk her away to the ball. With free online audio.

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Axolotl longs for adventure. One day, she finds an old bottle with something amazing inside. What could it be? This entertaining story for beginner readers has simple rhyming text, stylish illustrations and parents’ notes on phonics at the back of the book. With free online audio to listen to the story and weblinks to find out more about axolotls.

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Lizard has decided to make a snow machine. The trouble is, once it starts to snow, he can’t make it stop... This entertaining story for beginner readers has simple rhyming text and stylish illustrations throughout. A delight to share with very young children, and with parents’ notes on phonics at the back of the book.

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Mole, Ratty, Badger and the infamous Mr Toad love nothing more than messing around on the river. But when Mr Toad develops an obsession with motor vehicles, will his friends be able to help before he loses everything? Delightful retelling of the much loved tale of Mole, Ratty and Mr Toad. The simple and engaging text is accompanied by the charming illustrations of Mauro Evangelista. Available as ebook with narration (on tablets that support audio).

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Cheeky Chimp has a limp…or does he? Follow his extremely tall tale as he explains why he cannot possibly help Cheetah. This fun story, specially written to develop phonemic awareness, features simple text and wonderful illustrations by David Semple. It’s ideal for reading aloud and for children who are beginning to read for themselves.

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The classic story retold for children growing in reading confidence. Mole, Ratty, Badger and the infamous Mr Toad love nothing more than messing around on the river. But when Mr Toad develops an obsession with motor vehicles, will his friends be able to help before he loses everything? Featuring the charming illustrations of Mauro Evangelista. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

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Who's that flying in the sky? It's SuperOwl! She comes to the rescue, time and again, but is everything quite as it seems? A funny rhyming story, specially written to develop phonemic awareness, starring quirky characters and stunning illustrations. With free online audio to listen to the story.

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One starry night, a long, long time ago, a very special baby was born. Follow the animals, the shepherds and three wise men to say hello to him. Beautifully illustrated by Ag Jatkowska, this delightful retelling of the Nativity story has been specially written for little children. This is a revised edition of the title previously published as Baby Jesus.

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The story of a crafty fox, a foolish crow and a mouth-watering chunk of cheese. This lively retelling of a classic fable by Aesop has been specially written for little children and comes with online audio to listen to the story.

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Brush the pages of this book with water and see the fairies and flowers in the enchanted garden burst into beautiful colour! There are 16 scenes to paint with intricate, black and white illustrations of a fairy garden covered in snow, a lake of lily pads, a fairy fruit patch and lots more. With a fold-out back cover to prevent colours running onto the page beneath.

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A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale about the wicked Snow Queen’s attempt to kidnap a boy in the frozen north. Beautifully and atmospherically illustrated by Alan Marks, winner of the Carnegie Medal. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence. Also available with an audio CD with a dramatic listen-along recording with music and sound effects, followed by a read-along version with prompts for page turns.

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The classic Dickens story retold for children growing in reading confidence. Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean-spirited old man who hates everything - even Christmas! But when three spirits visit him one Christmas Eve, Scrooge is taken on a journey into the past, present and future that will change him forever. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence. Also available with an audio CD with a dramatic listen-along recording with music and sound effects, followed by a read-along version with prompts for page turns.

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On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me a partridge in a pear tree…' A stunningly illustrated picture book version of the well-known, traditional Christmas song, which is perfect for sharing over the festive season. Each page depicts a different line from the song, brought to life by Violeta Dabija's lavish and richly coloured illustrations. Little children will love hearing this festive rhyme read aloud, while more confident readers can enjoy it alone.

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A lively, rhyming story with irresistibly funny illustrations and phonic repetition specially designed to help children learn to read. “Goat rows his boat around the moat. He sits and gazes at his float. It sinks. He blinks. “A fish!” he thinks.” Simple rhyming text helps children develop essential language and early reading skills, and there are guidance notes for parents at the back of the book.

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A delightful version of Shakespeare's play specially retold for children to read themselves. The enchanting story of magic and mix-ups, fairies and fools is retold in a captivating style, with beautiful illustrations that bring the characters to life. Includes links to carefully chosen websites with video clips and activities. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence.

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