Children’s & Young Adult

A title in the BRIGHT AND EARLY BOOKS FOR BEGINNING BEGINNERS series. Simple stories and basic concepts are humorously presented in rhythm and rhyme. Pictures that fully explain the text help even the younest children make the important connection between word and meaning.

Contains explanations of over 20 types of commonly used verbal reasoning question types. This work includes 3 thirty minute practice papers.

Ivan lives in a land where the winter is dark and fearful. Starjik, King of Winter, steals Ivan's little brother and Ivan braves the bitter cold to find him.

From the award-winning author Kevin Crossley-Holland comes a collection of very short stories; none more than two pages long, and some much shorter. There are stories about ghosts, supermarkets, animals, adventures, and all kinds of things to inspire every short story writer.

Twenty-four robbers display their cooking talents in this retelling of the traditional skipping rhyme.

I heard the wind above me in the sails. I remember thinking, this is silly, you haven't got your safety harness on, you haven't got your lifejacket on. You shouldn't be doing this . . . I was in the cold of the sea before I could even open my mouth to scream.Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up to die. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone . . .From the author of War Horse comes this tale of survival against all odds, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pacific and recalling memories of the Second World War. This is a remarkable and unforgettable story.

Do you want your young child to develop a love of languages? This book introduces kids ages three to six to everyday French vocabulary using the same simple techniques that help children build vocabulary in their native language.

It's a busy year for the Queen - she has lots of important events to attend. Meanwhile, a little girl is wondering what knickers Her Majesty will choose to wear on a school visit! Will they be her 'at home' knickers - adorned with corgis - or her 'garden party' knickers, or perhaps her woolly Balmoral ones...?Both children and adults will love this very special and endearing insight into a child's imagination, from the best-selling author-illustrator of Father Christmas Needs A Wee and Jesus' Christmas Party.Recently, the Queen visited a nursery in Norfolk and enjoyed a display based on the book:"e;...just to make it special, there was one element that was not quite so traditional: pants. These were not just any pants, either. They were the Queen's Knickers, and at Dersingham Infant and Nursery School, in Norfolk, they were put on special display in honour of their royal visitor"e; ~ Valentine Low, The Times

Packed with facts, this miniature encyclopaedia is designed to be both fascinating and fun to use and covers a vast scope of information, from the Earth, its plants and animals, to its people and discoveries.

The Jolly Postman delivers cards and letters to various fairy-tale characters. He has a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack for the giant, a solicitor's letter on behalf of Little Red Riding-Hood for the wolf who ate grandma, and so on.

Billy wants only one thing for his birthday - a bucket. Inside it, he can see all kinds of magnificent sea creatures. But Mum and Dad are sceptical and, when Dad unwittingly uses the bucket to clean his car, he's in for a big surprise!

Penguin presents, the downloadable audiobook edition of Goodnight Mr Tom, read by Patrick Malahide. Young Willie Beech is evacuated to the country as Britain stands on the brink of WW2. A sad, deprived child, he slowly begins to flourish under the care of old Tom Oakley - but his new-found happiness is shattered by a summons from his mother back in London... Winner of the Guardian Childrens Fiction Award.

Set in Victorian London, the book follows the shifting fortunes of a horse as he moves from owner to owner. Narrated by noble Black Beauty himself, the tale offers an animal's perspective of the world, & highlights the thoughtless treatment animals endured at that time. Illustrations created by Scott McKowen in scratchboard. Ages 9+.

A fun flap book packed with interesting information about space, and the amazing things that float through it - stars, moons, comets, and the planets of our solar system. Each double-page spread has a colour illustration, and several flaps to lift to find out more about what's going on in the scene.

Shakespeare's enchanting comedy of magic and mix-ups, fairies and fools, chaos and confusion beautifully retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Easy reading text and delightful illustrations bring the characters and story vividly to life. Includes a guide to the characters and links to recommended websites for children to find out more about Shakespeare and the play. "e;Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme."e; - Julia Eccleshare

One of the brilliant titles in Jean Ure's acclaimed series of humorous, delightful and poignant stories written in the form of diaries and letters which make them immediately accessible to children.This is the story of how Mandy learns to cope with her untidy life and finally emerges triumphant.Mandy Small has trouble writing so Cat, her teacher, suggests that she tells her life story into a tape recorder. So begins Mandy's funny and sometimes sad story of life with her loving but chaotic parents - Dad, the Elvis look-alike, and Mum, whose idea of a special meal is burnt toast!Then there's school, where the horrible Tracey Bigg picks on Mandy and her timid friend, Oliver, not to mention Old Misery Guts, the landlady and Nan, who thinks that Mandy's parents aren't fit to look after her. With so many things to worry about, Mandy begins to think that she's in danger of turning into a real Fruit and Nutcase!Mandy's story, told in the form of diary into a tape recorder, is a funny and often moving account of a child's everyday life, with all its difficulties. Hilariously illustrated by Mick Brownfield.

The trouble is, Willy is one of 300 million sperm and they all want the same prize - an egg. It's lucky Willy is such a good swimmer ... Hilariously funny, warm, endearing and totally non-threatening - this small masterpiece presents the facts of life to young children in a unique but totally accessible way.

Follow the Tomten through one chilly night as he guards the farm and keeps everyone safe, even while they sleep.

An adventure that allows children to join in the search for the mischievous puppy by lifting the flaps on every page to see where Spot is hiding. It features simple text and colourful pictures that can engage a whole new generation of pre-readers as they lift the picture flaps in search of Spot.

A collection of four linked stories of family life set in modern west Africa.

'Your little cousin cannot help being dull and stupid.'

A bumper combination of the popular "Fairies" and "Princesses" titles from the Sticker Dolly Dressing series. With over 800 stickers to dress the characters for a variety of occasions, including tea parties, balls and ice skating.

Part of a series of piano pieces, this title is suitable for kids. Selected, edited, graded and fingered for Pre-Grade 1 piano, it presents music which is complemented with cartoon illustrations, puzzles and games. It features superhero themes including Batman, Star Wars, James Bond and Superman as well as some fresh superhero pieces.

A new edition of the hugely popular First Cookbook, which introduces children to the basic techniques of cooking through a selection of mouth-watering recipesAges 7+

A practical and comprehensive beauty guide for teen girls by an award-winning beauty journalist.

Travel 20,000 years into the past and discover what life as a caveman was like in this prehistoric picture book by a prodigiously talented artist.