Books in the Collins Big Cat Progress series

The Ironman triathlon competition is the ultimate test of endurance. Find out how competitors train and compete in such a gruelling event in this exciting photographic non-fiction report by Mary Colson.

In Victorian times, many children had to work to earn money for their family. One factory employed young girls to make matches, but the chemical they used made them very ill and many died. One woman decided to stand up for these girls, and her protest took her all the way to the Houses of Parliament in London.

Douglas Bader was the most famous RAF pilot of the Second World War. Find out about the fateful crash that resulted in the loss of both his legs, and how he fought back to return to the cockpit of his plane in this graphic novel by award-winning author/illustrator team Mick Manning and Brita Granstroem.

If it wasn't for Tom, one young boy would be much happier at school - he would be able to play football without being taunted from the sidelines. But is Tom as strong-willed when he is forced to play football as well? This thought-provoking story was written by award-winning author Catherine MacPhail.

Long ago, the king of Denmark built a huge hall for feasts, and he called it Heorot. But the noise from the hall woke a sleeping monster in the nearby swamp - Grendel. Could the brave warrior Beowulf save Denmark's people and fight the monster? This retelling of the Old English tale was written by award-winning author Anita Ganeri.

The Paralympic Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. In the 1990s a special blade was developed to replace prosthetic limbs and allow amputees to run races. Find out all about the development of and inspiration for this important element of the Paralympic Games in this photographic information book.

Joe has birthday money to spend, and decides a cute dog he's seen in a pet shop window is the perfect purchase. For some reason, though, the pet shop owner is determined not to sell that particular dog ... This wonderful story was written by Carnegie award-winning author David Almond, and brought to life with the illustrations of Ayesha Lopez.

During the Second World War, bomber planes were used in combat. With photographs straight from the archives of the Imperial War Museum, discover what it was like to be a bomber pilot in preparation for a dangerous but important mission.

She sits in her bedroom overlooking the harbour, remembering how it looks when a storm arrives, when the walk across the pier to the lighthouse is fraught with danger - and horrible memories. This beautiful story was written by Anne Curtis and illustrated by Chris Corner.

Andrew Watson was the first black footballer in the UK. Find out how he reached this position and what life was like for professional footballers in 1870 in this biography of the sportsman by Adam Sunderland.

On their way to a camping trip, Jack and Sam stumble on an old cave, and find themselves travelling through time to help Jason and the Argonauts and King Phineus to escape from the food-stealing harpies. This exciting graphic novel was written by Linda Chapman and illustrated by Dylan Coburn.

Discover the exciting world of motocross racing - from tricks and jumps to the World Championship - in this photographic information book by Adrian Bradbury.

Lucas is the best in his football team at taking penalties. He never misses - ever. But one day that all changes and Lucas has to learn to deal with his mistake, finding a way of building up his confidence once again ... This thought-provoking story was written by Tom Palmer.

Find out what happens in a rescue centre for orphan elephants - from feeding time to bath time - in this beautiful photographic information book by Louise Spilsbury.

In 1838 a young woman named Grace Darling was thrown into the spotlight after helping her lighthouse keeper father to save a group of people who had been shipwrecked on the rocks in a storm. This biography by Anita Ganeri explains the true story that captured the imagination of the Victorian public.

Horses were important in World War 1 for many reasons. Find out what they did and how they helped in a war that cost the lives of so many humans and animals alike in this non-fiction book by Charlotte Guillain.

A man sits alone on the prow of a ship and remembers the diving he did as a child. When the ship reaches its destination the anchor is lowered and the man climbs into his diving suit. He's ready to return to the water; ready to find the treasure. This beautiful book was written by Anne Curtis and wonderfully illustrated by Chris Corner.

Cities all over the world have an underground network of trains running right beneath our feet, helping the public to travel around quickly and safely. But how did these underground networks begin, and how were they built? Find out the fascinating history of underground trains in this non-fiction book by Richard Platt.

In Ancient Greece, the warrior Perseus was tricked by a cunning king to fight a monster called Medusa, who lived in a cave and had hair of hissing snakes - and anyone who looked into her eyes was turned to stone. Could Perseus survive his mission and return home safely? This thrilling retelling of the traditional tale was written by Zoe Clarke.

It's 1941 and you are a secret agent for Great Britain. Find out what training and skills you need to ensure you achieve your mission and return home safely. This instruction book was written by Jillian Powell, with photos straight from the archives of the Imperial War Museum.

It's a young boy's last day at primary school, and he excitedly lists off all the points he won't miss when he goes to "Big School". But is there anything he will miss? This thought-provoking story was written by Dave Cousins.

As he spends his days playing makeshift cricket, Adnan dreams of playing the game professionally for a team. When one of Adnan's games ends with a damaged car, he fears his chances of practising will be over - his future all depends on what the owner of the car says to his parents ... This lovely story was written by Tom Palmer.

Search and rescue dogs play a crucial part in helping people in danger. Find out how they are trained and what they can do to help the humans who are risking their lives to save others in this book by Chris Oxlade.

A steam train is slowly making its way through a terrible thunderstorm towards its destination. Suddenly, out of the darkness comes a lonely figure with a haunting message for the passengers ... This spooky tale, written by Alan Durant, has been beautifully illustrated by Dave Hill.

How were skateboards invented? What tricks do skateboarders do and what competitions can they enter? Find out all about this sport, packed with exciting photos and written by Andrew Peters.

Follow the amazing true story of Mary Anning, a child from a poor family who sold seashells for a living and stumbled across a world of dinosaurs and fame. This fascinating story was written by Lou Kuenzler and illustrated in a graphic novel style.

Follow the true story of Winkie, a carrier pigeon in WWII whose crew crash landed in the sea. All hopes rested with Winkie as she battled to reach help - but would she be able to lead them back to her crew? The story is told in the style of a graphic novel and illustrated by award-winning author-illustrator team Mick Manning and Brita Granstroem.

Find out what life was like for the children growing up during World War II. With photographs straight from the archives of the Imperial War Museum, Jillian Powell looks at rationing, schooling and evacuation and how the daily lives of children were affected by the war.

Read the miraculous survival stories from across the world of lucky people who escaped dangerous situations, such as being bitten by a shark or trapped in an avalanche. This inspirational book by John Foster is accompanied by real-life photos and illustrations.

Where does the food in your lunch-box come from? How far has it travelled? Find out where bananas are grown, where tuna is found and how chocolate is made in this highly photographic information book.