Books in the 3.2 Young Reading Series Two (Blue) series

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

Romeo and Juliet are in love... but their families are bitter enemies. Set in medieval Vienna, a place of sword fights, secrets and magic potions, their tragic love story plays out to a desperate end. This simple retelling is a brilliant introduction to the work of William Shakespeare for young readers growing in confidence and ability. 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

On November 4th 1606, a traitor was caught beneath the Houses of Parliament with a plot to kill the king. This is the extraordinary story of the Gunpowder Plot from its daring beginning to its grisly end, specially written for young readers who are growing in confidence. With colourful illustrations on every page, a timeline and list of key people.

The Russian folktale retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Prince Ivan sets off in search of the Firebird, which has been stealing his father's golden apples. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme.

When a ghostly figure appears to Prince Hamlet, he discovers the dreadful truth about his father's death. His quest for revenge leads him into a world of mayhem, madness and murder. An exciting retelling of Shakespeare's classic play, specially written for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Includes 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

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. The classic Dickens story retold for children growing in reading confidence. "e;Irresistible for children learning to read'"e; - Child Education Plus

Down by the riverbank, Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad are about to begin their adventures. Join in the fun with this beautifully illustrated retelling of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale. This is a highly illustrated ebook that can only be read on the Kindle Fire or other tablet.

Cassy the clumsy crocodile leaves a trail of destruction at the Everglades Department Store. But her clumsiness saves the store from a pair of greedy robbers. A comical story for children growing in reading confidence. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

A lively and engaging history of "the beautiful game". Tells the story of football, from its beginnings in the Roman Army to the modern day premiership including how both American Football and Rugby were born. Usborne Young Reading has been developed in conjunction with reading experts from Roehampton University.

A poignant and moving retelling of Anna Sewell's classic novel, which follows the story of Black Beauty - the brave and noble horse that overcomes danger and cruelty to eventually find a loving home. It is illustrated by Alan Marks. Young readers will like this edition. This series is designed to encourage independent reading.

Designed for young children who are just beginning to read alone and are looking for lively stories to tackle. Colurful pictures combine with narrative text written to encourage reading skills for developing and emergent readers.

Three dramatically illustrated stories about Thor, the Norse god of thunder, specially written for readers who are growing in confidence. Thor never backs down from a fight, and can't resist a challenge. Here he wrestles a huge sea serpent, faces a cave full of giants and has to fight a frost giant - without his magical hammer.

A brilliant introduction to the history of The Olympics, from the traditional games of Ancient Greece, to their revival by Pierre de Coubertin and the pomp and ceremony of the modern Games. Specially written as part of the Usborne Reading Programme for children growing in reading confidence and ability.

It smells horrible and looks disgusting, but rubbish hasn't always been a problem. Some of it can even be useful. Intended for children whose reading ability and confidence allows them to tackle longer and more complex stories, this title tells its intriguing story, past ancient animal droppings, stinking sewers, and dirty nappies.

The story of the Roman Empire, from the myth of Romulus and Remus to the foundations of the vast Empire and the Emperors who ruled it and its eventual collapse, retold as a story for children growing in reading confidence. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.

Rich little Sara Crewe loves to imagine things. At her English boarding school, surrounded by luxury, she sees herself as a princess. But then disaster strikes as Sara is forced to work as a servant. Only her imagination can make life bearable, until something truly incredible happens. Ages 5+.