Books in the Young Reading Series 2 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 Gorgon is a hideous creature, with snakes for hair and a deadly glare - and she's fighting Perseus to the death. Specially written for children growing in reading confidence, this thrilling retelling of the Greek myth is brought to life with full colour illustrations. Includes links to recommended websites to find out more about Ancient Greece. "e;Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme."e; - Julia Eccleshare

The enchanting classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Mary Lennox feels forlorn and lonely in her uncle's gloomy house on the moors. But behind an old ivy-covered wall is a garden, waiting to be discovered...

The classic story by L. Frank Baum, retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When Dorothy is whizzed to Oz in a tornado, she lands in a place where nothing is quite as it seems. Can she find the Wizard, defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, and be granted her wish to return to Kansas?

Robin Hood, along with his band of Merry Men, robs from the rich to give to the poor. But when the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham threatens the throne of King Richard, can Robin save the kingdom and win the heart of the fair Maid Marian?

A collection of eight of Aesop's best-loved fables retold for children growing in reading confidence. Sly foxes, thirsty storks and greedy dogs all feature in these fun stories, each with its own moral at the end. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.

Part of a series which helps young readers grow in confidence and ability. This title includes an audio CD inserted into a wallet inside the back cover, making the book and CD easy to store together.

Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Prospero and his daughter Miranda are stranded on a lonely desert island when a magical storm washes a royal ship ashore. Prospero finally has the chance to right old wrongs but can he conjure up a happy ending? "e;Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme."e; - Julia Eccleshare

Shakespeare's classic comedy specially retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When Viola is left shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, she must disguise herself as a boy for protection. But when she becomes a page for Duke Orsino, things start to get a little complicated. "e;Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme."e; - Julia Eccleshare

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.

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.

Johanna Spyri's Heidi is beautifully retold, following the exploits of the orphaned girl sent to live in the Alps with her grumpy grandfather. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence, with clear, engaging text and stunning original illustrations.

Retells Shakespeare's classic tale of madness and murder, treachery and witchcraft for a younger audience.

A timeless love story specially rewritten for children growing in their reading confidence and ability. The Beast lives alone in his castle, enchanted by a wicked fairy and waiting for true love to break the spell. Could Beauty be the one to see through his ugly exterior?

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 re-telling of the classic Jonathan Swift story told for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Gulliver sets off on the adventure of a lifetime - and meets miniature people, civil war and a price upon his head. Will he make it back in one piece?

A re-telling of the classic E.Nesbit story for children growing in reading confidence. When their father is accused of spying, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis' life is changed overnight by their move from London to the countryside. But will their father ever come back?

The classic adventure story by Robert Louis Stevenson re-told for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When Jim Hawkins sets sail searching for buried treasure and adventure, he finds himself caught up in a deadly mutiny where he must outwit the cunning pirate Long John Silver in order to stay alive.

An attractive retelling of Lewis Carroll's story with evocative illustrations, written as part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme for readers growing in confidence.

"Only good sons have a chance of becoming real boys," warns the wise cricket. But, try as he might, Pinocchio the puppet just can't stay out of trouble. Is Pinocchio doomed to be wooden forever. Ages 5+ years.

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.

The classic tale of Phileas Fogg and his quest to travel around the world in just eighty days, specially retold as part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence.

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.

The outlaw Robin hood is determined to stop the evil Sheriff of Nottingham from bribing his way to becoming King. He sets out to steal the Sheriff's treasure - by winning an archery competition and becoming one the Sheriff's chief guard. But when his gang are all captured, will Robin be able to save them from the hangman's noose?

The quirky sequel to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. After returning from Wonderland, Alice's adventures continue when she steps through a looking glass and into the topsy-turvy world beyond.