Lovereading 4 Kids Updates from the world of children’s books

Books for babies and toddlers

1		Say Hello to the Baby Animals Ian Whybrow Stroke all the baby animals in the jungle in this attractive board book in which baby lion sets out to meet all the other baby animals around him. There’s a baby giraffe stretching up tall to eat the leaves at … Download free opening extract
2		Baby And Toddler Treasury A rich resource of stories, poems, action rhymes and more for all new babies and their parents, this Treasury is an excellent ‘first book’. The addition of a scrap book for recording all the babies own milestones is fun too. If … Download free opening extract
3		Little Bear’s Little Boat Eve Bunting Tender and true, this is a beautiful story about Little Bear’s loss as he grows too big for the little boat he loves. Since he can no longer fish from the boat or dream in it, he searches for another … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Rabbit Problem Emily Gravett An outstandingly original and entertaining book packed full of rabbitty details and a feast of novelty features that makes it all the more fun to read again and again and again. The Rabbit Problem shows what happens after Lonely sends … Download free opening extract
2		Call Me Gorgeous Giles Milton Stunning illustrations show the most arresting features of all sorts of animals – the pointy teeth of a crocodile and the long curving neck of a flamingo – all of which are fitted together to create a wonderful invented creature.  … Download free opening extract
3		Gruff the Grump Steve Smallman Kindness works like a magic charm on the grumpy old Gruff, a growly, grizzly grump of a bear. When Gruff the Grump unexpectedly does something kind and rescues a rabbit stuck in a tree, the rabbit repays him by bringing … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … Download free opening extract
2		The Icky, Sticky Snot and Blood Book Steve Alton Disgustingly informative, this is a touchy, feely guide to some of the most disgusting things in life. Open the flap and find out about blood and bones, travel on a roller coaster ride around the fast flowing systems that control … Download free opening extract
3		The BFG Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Boom! Mark Haddon Everything about this deliciously improbable adventure is almost completely daft – and that’s the fun of it all. When Charlie sets up his walkie-talkie in the staff room he doesn’t hear gossip about the pupils as he had expected. Instead, … Download free opening extract
2		Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children Conn Iggulden It’s Peter Pan with attitude as Conn Iggulden, creator of the phenomenal bestseller The Dangerous Book for Boys, introduces an explosive and magical new fictional world of the Tollins – flying creatures that aren’t fairies! – all beautifully illustrated in … Download free opening extract
3		Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventures: The Disappearing Moon Simon Bartram Exciting moon adventures for Bob, the man on the moon, and his dog Barry. Bob’s job is to look after the moon but it isn’t always easy especially when the magician Alacazamo suddenly makes it disappear! Can Bob and Barry … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Ghost Hunter: Book 6 Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Michelle Paver Dazzling entertainment, seamless storytelling, this is the stunning 6th and final episode, bringing the bestselling ‘The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness’, which began so dramatically with Wolf Brother, to a close. Now it is Torak’s last adventure; he must travel up into … Download free opening extract
2		The Boy in the Dress David Walliams Touching, funny and full of insight, this tender story tells how Dennis decides that everyone does not have to be the same. Bravely, he decides to do something completely different. Taking a risk he reinvents himself and begins to see … Download free opening extract
3		Wolven Di Toft A howlingly hairy summer adventure – Picture a boy, his eccentric grandparents and a pet dog that is a kind of special werewolf in reverse, all living on the edge of a strange and eerie wood. Now imagine that this … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Timewalker Justin Stanchfield Full of intrigue, this is a terrific time-twist adventure with a dramatic plot that keeps its tension to the end. When sleepwalking along a lonely road near the quiet town of Antler, Sean meets a strange girl who is being … Download free opening extract
2		Threads Sophia Bennett Fresh, witty and wholly contemporary, prize winning Threads won The Times/Chicken House writing competition in 2009. How three teenage friends with completely different interests – one’s into fashion, one plans to save the world and one is a budding young … Download free opening extract
3		Double Cross Malorie Blackman This thrilling new title in award winning Malorie Blackman’s cleverly observed series, which began with Noughts and Crosses, captures the drama and potential violence of growing up – especially in a world where the Noughts are willing to use violence … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Darke Academy 1: Secret Lives Gabriella Poole This is the first story in a series of three featuring supernatural spirits, with each one set in a different exotic city.  Secret Lives has a gripping unputdownable plot, a sophisticated Parisian setting and paranormal romance that will set the … Download free opening extract
2		Back to Life Joanna Nadin More hilarious exploits from the angst ridden teen diarist Rachel Riley.  Fans of Louise Rennison’s character Georgia Nicolson will love this as will all those who have enjoyed the ups and down and ups again of Rachel’s life to date. … Download free opening extract
3		Grass Cathy Macphail A thrilling, fast-paced, high octane story that is brilliantly spun out by the queen of teen thrillers Cathy Macphail as she captures how Leo gets caught up in the terrifying gang warfare that rules his town in Scotland. Leo and … Download free opening extract

As August draws to a close and we all hope for good weather for the Bank Holiday don’t forget books when it comes to keeping your children occupied and happy in the holidays. Much more absorbing and rewarding than any game console and we have dozens and dozens of brilliant ones to recommend.

Strike gold before the crowds – Pre-publication exclusives

Threads by Sophia Bennett

A vibrant and thought-provoking story for fashion-conscious girls of 11+. Shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Fiction Award, this is not just a great book, it’s pure gold.

Ernest by Catherine Rayner

A stunning picture book with minimal text about a rather large moose written and illustrated by the winner of the 2009 Kate Greenaway Medal..

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

A wonderfully illustrated children’s version of the inspirational book by hero of our time, Nelson Mandela, perfect for 5+.

Tollins: Explosive Tales by Conn Iggulden

A magical book of short stories for 7+ readers about some creatures called ‘Tollins’ (just don’t ever call them fairies!)…

Boom by Mark Haddon

7+ readers A nuclear-powered hundred-ton adventure about two boys who determine to find out what secret plan their teachers are up to. From the author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime

Get closer to Authors with our new feature

New this month has been our Guest Editor genre. It’s proved very popular so,  if you’ve not yet checked it out then you’re in for a treat. Quite apart from Ali Sparkes’ wonderful adventures for 9+ year olds she has also selected her favourite books that have inspired her writing.

Please tell your school about Lovereading4schools

With the new academic year comes the inevitable new ‘booklist’ from your children’s school. It will probably be on a piece of paper in your child’s school bag and chances are it will get lost and even if it doesn’t the thought of trawling through a bookshop to find them is rather daunting. It’s a different story however, if your school has already signed up to the Lovereading4schools. This free to use site lets the school create reading lists which you can access and order from in the ‘click of a mouse’ – and 5% of what you spend goes back to the school for them to build their library – can’t say fairer than that. Find out more today and if you like it please make sure to tell your school….

Tintin and The Rainbow Orchid – Brilliant graphic adventures

If you loved Tintin as a child pass the love onto your own children with the beautiful 3 in 1 editions that have been recently re-released to coincide with the 100th year of Herge’s birth. And, if Tintin proves a hit you and your kids are sure to get hooked on The Rainbow Orchid too; an ambitious graphic-novel combining classic storytelling with cinematic artwork à la Tintin. If you’re quick you might even land a prestigious first edition, which in years to come just might be worth a bob or two. What we can absolutely guarantee is a brilliant rollercoaster ride.

This Month’s Highlights – Not to be missed

Free to enter competitions to win lots of Book Goodies

We always have lots of exclusive competitions on Lovereading for kids. Most of them are free to enter – so what are you waiting for! This month you could win, a family ticket to the British Museum, a family ticket to the spooky Wookey Hole cave and lots of signed books. Find out more today.

Happy reading and if you are still stuck for a great read then do try our Books of the Month. Our favourites this month are: for 3+ readers the stunningly illustrated Call me Gorgeous by Giles Milton. For 7+ readers the simply hilarious Dissapearing Moon by Simon Bartram and finally for 14+ readers the thrilling Grass by Catherine McPhail.

Hello again! We hope your kids are enjoying their holidays. But if they’ve started showing even the slightest symptoms of boredom, now is the time to act! Lovereading4kids has got everything you’ll need to calm them down and keep them happy.

Rabbit of the Month – Emily Gravett

Author of the Month is the talented Emily Gravett, who spent 8 years living on the road as a new age traveler before starting to create her beautiful picture books. Her latest, Rabbit Problem, follows two rabbits through one exhausting year as they take on different seasonal challenges and try to cope with their ever-expanding family! And, don’t forget to check out the rest of Emily’s books, each and every one of them a delight to behold for toddler and parent alike.

Eleven from heaven – our brilliant Books of the Month

For 3 + readers
Call Me Gorgeous Giles Milton: A stunning debut picture book which is a feast for the eyes and a puzzle for the brain.	Eeeek, Mouse! Lydia Monks: A Colourful and imaginative illustrated tale from a very talented artist.	Gruff the Grump Steve Smallman: A lovely story about a Bear, who reluctantly helps a rabbit and eventually become friends.
For 5 + readers		For 7 + readers	For 9 + readers
The Disappearing Moon Simon Bertram: A cosmic new series starring Bob and Barry, the famous ‘Men on the Moon’.	Henry’s House: Egyptians Philip Ardagh A brand new fun-packed, fact-packed non-fiction series for 5-7s.	The Comet of Doom Karen Walace: A thrilling tale from the time of Moctezuma; can Chantico save his uncle from execution?	The Last Straw Jeff Kinney: Third in the brilliantly imaginative ‘Wimpy Kid’ series mixing cartoons, jokes and great writing.
For 11 + readers		For 14 + readers
Timewalker Justin Stanchfield: ‘E.T. meets Terminator’ in this masterful gripping sci-fi adventure! 4410	Missing Believed Crazy Terence Blacker : A clever crime caper about some kids who fake a kidnap to raise money for charity!	Grass Catherine Mcphail: Riveting novel about a child who witnesses a gangland murder, and then has to deal with the insidious consequences.	Back to Life Joanna Nadin: Fifth hilarious installment of Rachel Riley’s diaries. Fans of Louise Rennison’s Georgia Nicolson will love it!

Debuts of the Month – the future stars of children’s writing

14+: Darke Academy is the first book of a new series. A scholarship student, Cassie Bell, begins her time at an elite paranormal academy – but what sinister secrets are some of the other students sitting on? Knowing too much could prove deadly…

9+: Wolven by Di Toft is a dark fantasy about a boy living on the edge of a strange wood, whose new dog starts growing human ears – a little like a werewolf in reverse…

Our spangle-clad Guest Editor – Ali Sparkes

Before becoming a much-loved children’s author, Ali Sparkes worked as a singer, journalist, broadcaster and the spangle-clad assistant to a juggling unicyclist. Here as our first Guest Editor on Lovereading4kids, Ali has shared with us the authors and books that have inspired her writing – so find out which colourful stories are behind this colourful character! Ali’s incredible new novel, Dark Summer, is also just out.

Three great Series of the Month

The Charlie Small books are a buccaneering adventure series that will grip even reluctant readers. Charlie is an 8-year-old explorer who has lived for over 400 years. He winds up in some fantastical places, but his mum isn’t worried – he’s sure to be home in time for tea. 7+ readers will love it.

For 9+ year olds and animal lovers of all ages, Lauren St John’s novels featuring animals of Africa are absolutely not to be missed. The latest one Elephant Tales is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching by turns.

Back to school – a head start for the new academic year

,The new school year comes around as inevitably as tax return time does. Better then to embrace it and give your child a head start! On our Back to School section you’ll find Dictionaries, Thesauri, Atlases and Foreign language books – suitable for every age from Reception class to the 6th form. And all at a 25% discount.

Books that inspired millions of readers – Children’s Classics

Generations of avid readers have been inspired by the timeless stories in our Children’s Classics section. We’ve added a few more this month including some gorgeous great value hardbacks including Huckleberry Finn, an illustrated paperback edition of Hans Christian Andersen and a number of Puffin paperbacks including Wuthering Heights, Kidnapped and What Katy Did.

Classic Illustrated – new genre on Lovereading4kids

Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo recently said that he was a reluctant reader as a child, but that these Classics Illustrated graphic novel versions of classics like Oliver Twist drew him in and led him on to read the original books later in life. On Lovereading4kids you can find this series of beautifully illustrated classics and they are sure to engage kids in the power of stories.

So download some free Opening Extracts, and choose some absorbing books to soak up some of your kids’ residual summer holiday energy!

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Little Bear’s Little Boat Eve Bunting Tender and true, this is a beautiful story about Little Bear’s loss as he grows too big for the little boat he loves. Since he can no longer fish from the boat or dream in it, he searches for another … Download free opening extract
2		Charlie and Lola’s Opposites Lauren Child Favourite TV characters Charlie and Lola explore the differences between big and small, few and many, off and on and other opposites.  A bold photographic illustration on each page of this sturdy board book makes it easy to grasp the … Download free opening extract
3		Walk With Me! Stella Blackstone Open the flaps to find out how different animals get about. Who can hop? A rabbit can hop. Who can glide? A snake can glide. Each spread shows a different country and the animals in it providing a perfect background … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		At the Seaside Germano Zullo An absolutely gorgeous large format board book.  Each spread is crammed full of fun and humorous illustrations.  You and your toddler can share in the excitement of finding one of the many characters in the book and follow that character … Download free opening extract
2		Harris Finds his Feet Catherine Rayner Winner of the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Touching and inspiring, this is a beautiful story of a youngster finding his feet and being encouraged to forge his own way in the world by his remarkable Grandfather. Harris is a very … Download free opening extract
3		The Way Back Home Oliver Jeffers Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. This is an absolutely delightful book that is sure to capture the imagination of toddlers.  Jeffers’ illustrations are an absolute delight and together with the text tell an extraordinary and original story about … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Troll Julia Donaldson An original and witty version of a traditional tale which shows what happens when two stories get blended into one. The Troll lives under the bridge – which is where he is meant to live. And the pirates are out … Download free opening extract
2		Urgency Emergency! Injured Spider Dosh Archer A fun first read that no 5+ year old, who is just beginning to want more words on the page than a picture book offers, should miss.  It’s been a while since something as good as has been published for … Download free opening extract
3		Dear Miss Amy Husband A perfect companion to the holiday season.  Written in the form of letters from a little boy called Michael who writes some terrifically witty notes to his new teacher to explain why he can be late getting back to school.  … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Master Crook’s Crime Academy: Robbery For Rascals Terry Deary Welcome to the school where scoundrels save the day.  This is Robin Hood meets Oliver Twist in a laugh-out-loud new series from one of the most-loved children’s authors, Terry Deary.  With a cast of hilarious characters, witty asides and farcical … Download free opening extract
2		Demon Defenders: Classroom Demons Jake Lancing Terrific comedy adventures with a footballing twist that are sure to be loved by boys in particular as well as reluctant readers. These books show that mischievousness doesn’t necessarily mean naughty!  The kids are part of an anything-but-ordinary football team.  For starters each kid … Download free opening extract
3		The Story of Matthew Buzzington Andy Stanton The bestselling creator of Mr Gum turns his hand to a wildly fanciful story about a boy with a very unusual power; he can turn himself into a fly. Matthew Buzzington’s adventures including getting locked into school and dealing with … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Boy in the Dress David Walliams Touching, funny and full of insight, this tender story tells how Dennis decides that everyone does not have to be the same. Bravely, he decides to do something completely different. Taking a risk he reinvents himself and begins to see … Download free opening extract
2		Angel Cake Cathy Cassidy Friends and relationships are the hallmarks of Cathy’s novels as she portrays her characters and their friendships particularly well.  The plot lines are easy to get into, there’s always a subliminal message too and in Angel Cake it’s don’t judge … Download free opening extract
3		Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts Emma Kennedy The author of Wilma Tenderfoot is a comedy actress who has appeared in The Kumars.  Her humour shines through brilliantly in her writing in this debut and readers will find her heroine Wilma Tenderfoot (a wannabe detective) enormously funny, feisty, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Girls to Total Goddesses in Seven Days Sue Limb Brilliant fun, this is a roller coaster of a read as it swings effortlessly from the wild extremes of  total despair to absolute ecstasy capturing the trials and tribulations of Zoe and Chloe, best friends forever. Zoe and Chloe have … Download free opening extract
2		Hide and Seek Catherine Macphail Chilling from start to finish this is a brilliant, fast moving and spooky story. When new girl Destiny arrives at school she asks if it is really haunted… Everyone knows it isn’t but tricking Destiny seems like a bit of … Download free opening extract
3		Bloodline Katy Moran Shortlisted for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award Go back in time to Dark Age Britain for this powerful story about loyalty and survival in another time. Abandoned by his father, Essa makes a new life for himself among … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Forest of Hands and Teeth Carrie Ryan This is a remarkable and moving debut novel that was causing waves well before it was published.  The author has crafted a powerful and at times frightening tale that explores humanity’s unfailing desire not just to survive, but to live, … Download free opening extract
2		The Traitor Game B R Collins Winner of for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award An extraordinary fantasy novel from a supremely talented debut novelist. Set partly in a boys’ school and also in another world that is both fierce and dangerous, it has themes … Download free opening extract
3		What I Saw and How I Lied Judy Blundell Winner of the prestigious National Book Award. Utterly gripping and beautifully told, this is a stunning rite of passage novel full of powerful and conflicting emotions, which captures Evie’s dramatic shift from child to adult in pinpoint sharp, painful detail. Excited … Download free opening extract