Francesca Simon

Francesca Simon spent her childhood on the beach in California, and then went to Yale and Oxford Universities to study medieval history and literature. She now lives in London with her family. She has written over 45 books and won The Children's Book of the Year in 2008 at the Galaxy British Book Awards for Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman. Francesca is one of the UK's best-selling children's authors and was the 5th most borrowed in 2010.

If you are interested you can click here to read a letter from the author about her character 'Horrid Henry'.

Author photo © Francesco Guidicini

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Featured Books, with extracts by Francesca Simon

Horrid Henry's Monster Movie
Francesca Simon
May 2012 Book of the Month. The twenty-first storybook in this multi-million-copy-selling series, containing four brand new Horrid Henry stories. Click here and here for some fun Horrid Henry activity sheets.
Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers | Books of the Month | Free Prize Draws | Pre-Publication
Format: Paperback - Released: 24/05/2012
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Horrid Henry Meets the Queen (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
For all Horrid Henry fans here's the perfect book to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.  Bestselling Horrid Henry celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in his own special way… When Perfect Pete is asked to greet the Queen and present her...
Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers | Diamond Jubilee | Early Readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/05/2012
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The Sleeping Army
Francesca Simon
May 2012 Book of the Month. Freya is an ordinary girl living in modern Britain, but with a twist: people still worship the Viking gods. One evening, stuck with her dad on his night shift at the British Museum, she...
Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers | Books of the Month | Ebooks
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/05/2012
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Jogger's Big Adventure (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
This charming, funny animal story is perfect for early readers. Jogger the hamster is on an adventure, nibbling on books and climbing on chairs. But mean old Sour Puss is about - will Jogger make it back to his cage in...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 05/04/2012
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Horrid Henry's All Time Favourite Joke Book
Francesca Simon
Enjoy some jokes from the irrepressible Horrid Henry with his most totally brilliant, fiendishly funny, utterly wicked joke book yet! Why did aliens have difficulty drinking tea? Because of the flying saucers! What do dinosaurs put on their chips? Tomatosaurus! Which King had...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 15/03/2012
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Horrid Henry's Author Visit (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books have words and colour pictures on every page.  This wicked and naughty story of Henry together with the funny pictures and lively design make it hugely appealing...
Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers | Early Readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/03/2012
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A Horrid Factbook: Horrid Henry Sports
Francesca Simon
Packed with freaky facts and random trivia, this is the perfect guide to everything you ever wanted to know (and lots of things you might never have wanted to know) about the world of sport - Horrid Henry style!  
Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers | Fascinating Facts
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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Rampage in Prince's Garden (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
The Buffin Street animals explore Prince the poodle's secret garden in this charming, funny animal story, perfect for early readers. Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books are punctuated by  bright, funny pictures and...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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The Topsy-Turvies (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Meet the Topsy-Turvies family, who do everything back to front, in this brand-new edition of Francesca Simon's picture book, The Topsy Turvies, perfect for early readers.  Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books have...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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Horrid Henry's Rainy Day (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Horrid Henry is bored and fed up because he has been naughty yet again so he's been banned from doing all sorts of things he likes doing. This is the perfect time for Henry to think of something really naughty...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Yum Yum
Francesca Simon
Lola the cat sets off in search of a delicious dinner in this charming, funny animal story, perfect for early readers. Featuring all the gang from Buffin Street.  If you enjoyed this one then why not try some of the...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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A Horrid Factbook: Dinosaurs (Horrid Henry)
Francesca Simon
Horrid Henry is MAD about dinosaurs – although not always for very good reasons! Enjoy sharing his enthusiasm for the Tyranosaurus Rex or Velociraptor and the rest. Stuffed full of facts, this is a must have for all Horrid Henry...
Featured in: 5+ readers | Books of the Month | Fascinating Facts
Format: Paperback - Released: 10/11/2011
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Horrid Henry's Christmas Play (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Horrid Henry is looking forward to the school play. He’s sure he will star in it. But, when he discovers that Miss Battle-Axe has only given him a part with one line to say, he has to take desperate measures....
Featured in: 5+ readers | Ebooks
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/11/2011
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Horrid Henry's A-Z of Everything Horrid
Francesca Simon
Best-selling Horrid Henry has never been one to conform so it is not a surprise that his A-Z is full of typically entertaining and unusual entries. Starting with Abominable Snowman and ending with Zombie Vampires it acts as a guide...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Hardback - Released: 03/11/2011
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The Sleeping Army
Francesca Simon
Best-selling author Francesca Simon tells a witty adventure set in a world still ruled by the Norse gods. Freya has problems familiar to many: she is dealing with splitting her life between her parents as they squabble and bicker. One...
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Format: Hardback - Released: 20/10/2011
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Horrid Henry Shows Who's Boss
Francesca Simon
Following in the footsteps of previous gift books (HH'S DREADFUL DEEDS, HH'S HOUSE OF HORRORS, HH RULES THE WORLD, HH'S EVIL ENEMIES, HH'S WICKED WAYS, HH'S BIG BAD BOOK), let Henry lead you through his year in this hilarious compilation...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 13/10/2011
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Horrid Henry Tricks and Treats
Francesca Simon
Who better to go trick or treating with than the wicked but brilliant Henry?  Henry can't wait to go out but then he discovers his brother perfect Peter, dressed as a fluffy pink bunny is coming too.  This title is one...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 03/10/2011
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Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampire
Francesca Simon
For the cover alone, this is a must-have! Bad boy Horrid Henry is back as the star in four new exciting stories in which, as ever, he torments his brother Perfect Pete and drives his misguided parents to the brink…How...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2011
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Meet the Gang (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Honey, the delightful puppy, has to make her mark on the animal gang in Buffin Street. At first they are suspicious but loveable Honey soon wins their trust in this exciting adventure led by a cast of dogs, cats, rabbits...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2011
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Moo Baa Baa Quack (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
It's a big day for the Potter's Barn Band - their first concert! But nobody can remember the words. The animals need a plan - and fast! One of a series of Early Reader titles perfect for those children ready...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2011
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Chicks Just Want to Have Fun (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
In this funny farmyard series perfect for early readers it's bedtime, but the chicks don't want to go to sleep.  Great for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books have a terrific story and their bright,...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 07/07/2011
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Moody Margaret's School (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
As with every Horrid Henry title there's action and adventure on every page and here Moody Margaret, temporarily at least gets the upper hand but as with everything involving horrid Henry the result is full of wickedness and brilliance.
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Format: Paperback - Released: 07/07/2011
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Mish Mash Hash
Francesca Simon
The animals of Potter's Barn are making a cake in this funny farmyard series perfect for early readers aged 5+.
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Format: Paperback - Released: 07/07/2011
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The Parent Swap Shop (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
A brand new story perfect for early readers, particularly those who are sick and tired of being told what to do!  Nag nag nag. Why can't she have the kind of parents that let her eat sweets all day? Or...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 02/06/2011
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A Greedy Gulp of Horrid Henry
Francesca Simon
Everybody’s favourite bad boy, Henry is back with vengeance in this bumper volume of three of the funniest and best-loved books. Here Henry tangles with the Abominable Snowman, gets involved with bank robbery and  sets about waking the dead…As ever,...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/06/2011
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Barnyard Hullabaloo (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Naughty Fox is on the prowl in this funny farmyard series perfect for early readers and the animals of Potter's Barn must come up with a plan to get rid of him once and for all. It's time to create...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 05/05/2011
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Billy the Kid Goes Wild (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Billy the Kid can't wait for Gabby Goose's birthday party in this funny farmyard series perfect for early readers. There are lots of Early Reader titles to choose from that are great for sharing with your youngsters and for kids just...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 05/05/2011
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Horrid Henry's Car Journey (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Utterly wicked and totally brilliant.  Henry will do anything to stop this car journey - he wants to be at Ralph's birthday party instead! More hilarious Henry escapades - especially for younger readers. There are lots of Early Reader titles to...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 05/05/2011
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Runaway Duckling (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
One little duckling is determined to go exploring in this funny farmyard series perfect for early readers.  For more farmyard fun with the animals at Potter's Barn, look out for the other books in the series, Where are my Lambs,...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 03/03/2011
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Where are My Lambs? (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Mother Sheep can't find her lambs, Tilly and Tam, in this funny farmyard series perfect for early readers.  For more farmyard fun with the animals at Potter's Barn, look out for the other books in the series, Runaway Duckling, Billy...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 03/03/2011
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Horrid Henry Reads a Book (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
How Horrid Henry is almost tricked into reading not just one but many books is a great story with a surprising twist at the end. Henry’s attitude to books may well be shared by many emerging readers who will revel...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 15/02/2011
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Horrid Henry's Purple Hand Gang Joke Book
Francesca Simon
Great gags from everyone’s favourite bad boy.  Horrid Henry invited his gang – loyal readers – to send in their best jokes. The result is a suitably hilarious collection perfect for all Henry’s fans and definitely NOT for their parents.
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Format: Paperback - Released: 15/02/2011
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A Horrid Factbook: Horrid Henry's Bodies
Francesca Simon
A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. Horrid Henry fans will delight in their favourite bad boy’s book of disgusting facts. The way Horrid Henry looks at things, much about the body is pretty disgusting so, from ear...
Featured in: 5+ readers | Fascinating Facts
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/02/2011
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Horrid Henry's Thank You Letter (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Great story coupled with Tony Ross' trademark illustrations in full colour on every page make this the perfect book to get both boys and girls enjoying the reading experience both on their own and with a member of the family. ...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 06/01/2011
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How to Survive ... Christmas Chaos with Horrid Henry
Francesca Simon
How Horrid Henry rampages through Christmas may strike a painful chord with many adults! Horrid Henry has strong views about Christmas with which most young readers will entirely agree… “Christmas! Presents! Presents! Presents! Chocolate! Presents!” reads his list of what...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/11/2010
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Spider School (Early Reader)
Francesca Simon
Brand-new Early Reader edition of Francesca Simon's Spider School with new full-colour illustrations from Tony Ross. It's a funny and original story from the Horrid Henry team. There are lots of Early Reader titles to choose from that are great for...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 05/08/2010
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Horrid Henry's Dreadful Deeds
Francesca Simon
10 of Horrid Henry’s most dreadful deeds all in one wonderful volume, and perfect for every boy and girl aged 5+.  Whether it’s sabotaging his parents’ dinner party, plotting revenge on everyone by writing his will or just generally being...
Featured in: 5+ readers | Books for Boys
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/07/2010
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Horrid Henry's Horrid Holidays
Francesca Simon
A perfect holiday pack for kids of 5+ includes a copy of Horrid Henry, the very first book and featuring Henry and his brother perfect Pete.  There’s also a terrific Puzzle Book that’s packed with brilliant puzzles – mazes, word...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 27/05/2010
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Horrid Henry's Football Kit
Francesca Simon
Bumper pack, including Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend, as well as the Horrid Henry Joke Book and a pack of World Cup Snap cards featuring the flags of all the competing countries.  Laugh along with Henry as he tries...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 29/04/2010
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Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend
Francesca Simon
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Best Book of the Decade. A Richard and Judy Children's Book Club selection 2011 - Reading Together category A new collection of stories about Horrid Henry and his little brother, Perfect Pete. Henry is as determined...
Featured in: 5+ readers | Audio Books | Ebooks
Format: Paperback - Released: 29/04/2010
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Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend: Early Reader
Francesca Simon
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Best Book of the Decade. A Richard and Judy Children's Book Club selection 2011.  A brilliant story with football as the backdrop to the story about Horrid Henry, his little brother, Perfect Pete and of course not...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 29/04/2010
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Horrid Henry Wakes the Dead
Francesca Simon
5 +. Everybody’s favourite bad boy is back for a new set of shocking adventures. Horrid Henry and his brother Perfect Peter will squabble over anything and everything – and, as his fans will know, his behaviour is getting worse!...
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Format: Paperback - Released: 01/10/2009
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Horrid Henry Robs The Bank
Francesca Simon
Horrid Henry is back starring in four more perfect stories which hilariously show off his very worst behaviour. Wherever Henry is, trouble is never far behind as he works out his cunning plots all of which are designed to upset...
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Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 07/08/2008
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Horrid Henry Rules the World
Francesca Simon
Ten favourite Horrid Henry stories have been enriched by new colour illustrations by Tony Ross. As ever, Horrid Henry subverts every possible occasion – with hilarious results for everyone except, of course, Perfect Pete.
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/07/2008
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Don't Be Horrid, Henry! (Book and CD)
Francesca Simon
Horrid Henry reaches a younger generation of readers in this new picture storybook. It’s an amusing tale about brotherly love and sibling rivalry and comes complete with a fantastic CD full of extra Horrid Henry entertainments. Horrid Henry is the...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 07/02/2008
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Horrid Henry's Christmas Stocking Pack
Francesca Simon
The perfect stocking filler for all Horrid Henry fans whether they be unbelievably cheeky, awesomely wicked and utterly horrid like Henry, or angelic beings totally unlike Henry.  This is a boxed set of two laugh out loud books - Horrid...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/11/2007
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Horrid Henry Rules The World
Francesca Simon
Ten favourite Horrid Henry stories have been enriched by new colour illustrations by Tony Ross. As ever, Horrid Henry subverts every possible occasion – with hilarious results for everyone except, of course, Perfect Pete.
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/09/2007
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Hat Trick Of Horrid Henry
Francesca Simon
The awful exploits of the ever-terrible Henry never fail to delight. Three books are bound up as one to give twelve hair raising stories including how Henry builds himself a time machine, how he wrecks the school play and how...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback (b Format) - Released: 07/06/2007
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Horrid Henry's Jolly Joke Book
Francesca Simon
A must-have for all Horrid Henry fans. Horrid Henry’s jokes are irresistibly awful, reflecting all of his terrible characteristics.
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 15/03/2007
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Horrid Henry's Christmas Cracker
Francesca Simon
Four Christmas stories about the mayhem everyone’s favourite bad boy causes at Christmas. In the count down to Christmas, Horrid Henry deals with the Christmas play, with presents, sets out to ambush Father Christmas and deals with Christmas lunch itself....
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Format: Paperback - Released: 05/10/2006
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Horrid Henry's Evil Enemies
Francesca Simon
Feast on Horrid Henry and his terrible exploits in this roll-up of ten of the best stories about the boy who’s nastiness knows no bounds. Here, Henry pits his wits against his familiar enemies - Moody Margaret, Sour Susan and,...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Hardback - Released: 07/09/2006
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Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend
Francesca Simon
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Best Book of the Decade. A Richard and Judy Children's Book Club selection 2011 - Reading Together category A new collection of stories about Horrid Henry and his little brother, Perfect Pete. Henry is as...
Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers | Ebooks
Format: Paperback (b Format) - Released: 04/05/2006
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A Giant Slice of Horrid Henry
Francesca Simon
5-7 years. Horrid Henry is the ultimate irresistible bad boy! His mean ways are completely alluring as he sums up the desperate wanting in all readers. So much so that no one will waste much sympathy on his goody-goody brother...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2006
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Horrid Henry's Wicked Ways
Francesca Simon
Eleven of the top Horrid Henry stories gathered together in this bumper edition with an invaluable Horrid Henry fact file to boot. The perfect anti-hero, Horrid Henry would be bad enough on his own but everything he does looks worse...
Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/10/2005
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Horrid Henry's Big Bad Book
Francesca Simon
In each of the ten hilarious stories in this collection, Horrid Henry is up to no good. He frightens the daylights out of the new teacher, causes chaos on a school trip and he nearly drowns everyone in the swimming...
Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers | Reluctant Readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/08/2005
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