Julia Donaldson and Cressida Cowell have teamed up to find Britain’s top storyteller – read on to see how you can enter…

Are you sitting comfortably? Then we’ll begin.

Two of the country’s best loved children’s writers, Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and acclaimed author, Cressida Cowell, have teamed up with World Book Day to find the UK’s first Storytelling Superstar, somebody who thrills and charms a young audience when they read to them.

Julia and Cressida have enchanted millions with books such as The Gruffalo and How to Train Your Dragon, and they are now on a quest to find parents, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, teachers or librarians who add an extra element of fun when they read aloud to a young audience.

Julia and Cressida are now urging for video nominations of the country’s most skilled and passionate storytellers in action. It’s simple to enter. Just visit the special Storytelling Superstar page at www.worldbookday.com and follow the instructions to upload a short clip of the storytelling master. Entries close on Sunday 12th February 2012.

Julia said: “I’m delighted to team up with World Book Day and help find the country’s first ever ‘Storytelling Superstar’. All children love being told a story, and a good storyteller can transport his or her listeners into a different world. It’s a wonderful way of stimulating children’s imagination, helping them to understand themselves and others and to become the avid readers and the storytelling superstars of the future.”

Cressida said: “There are so many wonderful storytellers hidden away in homes, schools and libraries across the country. It’s about time we celebrated their exceptional talents and I’m incredibly proud to act as a judge for Storytelling Superstar. We’re looking for people who bring the reading experience to life and create excitement around story time. It could be they ‘act’ out a story, use funny voices, make tales up or even simply ensure children join in.”

Julia and Cressida will be joined on the judging panel by Sue Jones OBE, The Reading Agency’s Programme Manager for Young People. Sue heads up the MyVoice project, which gives young people the chance to co-create and produce creative reading events in libraries. Sue said: “Good reading starts early and research shows that children who share a book with others are more likely to develop language skills and advanced reading levels. Libraries across the country will be supporting Storytelling Superstar – it’s the natural place to look for books to inspire children.”

The nation’s narrating talent will then be scrutinised by the judging panel in time for World Book Day itself, which is on 1st March, when the winner of Storytelling Superstar will be unveiled to the nation. The winner will also receive a year’s worth of children’s books from National Book Tokens*. For more entry details and terms and conditions please go to www.worldbookday.com.

Now in its 15th year, World Book Day is celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide with a main aim in UK and Ireland to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading.

Visit www.worldbookday.com for more information and the latest news.

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Monkey Red, Monkey Blue Nicki Greenberg Notable Book, 2011 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year – Early Childhood Jolly chaos follows Monkey Red and Monkey Blue, the two bad monkeys who run amuck after bedtime. Together they create a riotous midnight feast; fruit salad, pancakes, … Download free opening extract
2		The Big Snuggle-up Brian Patten On a cold winter’s night one animal after another invites himself into a house and by the time it’s bedtime there’s all manner of animals and scarecrow tucked up by the fire. Some delightful close-up and colourful illustrations show the … Download free opening extract
3		My First Gruffalo Little Library Julia Donaldson Learn about colours, numbers, opposites and animals with this fabulous set of four bold, bright board books now available in a miniature slipcase. A perfect gift for young Gruffalo fans with small paws! Click here for the Gruffalo official website. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: Top Cat and Other Stories Julia Donaldson The Children’s Laureate and best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has carefully created the Songbirds Phonics series to support children who are learning to read. Julia Donaldson has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging … Download free opening extract
2		Ella Alex T. Smith Ella is a little ladybird with big dreams. Her ugly wasp stepsisters make her do all the housework, all of the time, and Ella feels very sad. Then one day the famous Parisian artist Pierre decides to throw a Grand … Download free opening extract
3		Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: The Ox and the Yak and Other Stories Julia Donaldson The Children’s Laureate and best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has carefully created the Songbirds Phonics series to support children who are learning to read. Julia Donaldson has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Swallows and Spiders : Follow the Swallow and Spinderella Julia Donaldson Two stories in one! – Follow the Swallow and Spinderella – in this great bind-up of two titles, perfect for children bridging the gap between picture books and chapter books.  It’s part of Egmont’s highly sought after and hugely respected … Download free opening extract
2		How the World Works Christiane Dorion Winner of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize. Click here to see How the Weather Works by the same author. A fully interactive guide to different aspects of the workings of the world. The story of the water cycle pops up in the … Download free opening extract
3		How the Weather Works Christiane Dorion When will it next snow? This hands-on guide with opening flaps and pop-ups gives masses of information about how different weather conditions come about. Where does rain come from? Why does the wind blow? What is a climate?  Answers to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Opal Moonbaby Maudie Smith When a strange new girl who claims to be an alien arrives unexpectedly in the street Martha is determined not to have anything to do with her. After all, she’s just given up friends For Ever after her disastrous experience … Download free opening extract
2		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Jeff Kinney The best-selling Wimpy Kid Greg Heffley has written a new diary for all his fans. With a giant snow storm raging outside, the Heffley family is trapped inside their small holiday cabin. How can the Wimpy Kid cope with the … Download free opening extract
3		Muncle Trogg and the Flying Donkey Janet Foxley A welcome return of a delightfully tiny giant. Everything has changed on Mount Grumble as the Smallings – or humans – have gone.  But, while all the other giants celebrate, Muncle Trogg worries that something is going badly wrong… Luckily … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Sky Hawk Gill Lewis Rich in atmosphere and full of heart, Sky Hawk is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird forges a deep and special friendship between two children. The osprey is Iona’s secret but she trusts Callum to … Download free opening extract
2		Moon Stewart Ross Winner of the 2011 Educational Writers’ Award. One of the greatest events of the twentieth century, the unforgettable moment of  man’s first landing on the Moon provides the perfect platform for this wide ranging introduction to many different aspects of the … Download free opening extract
3		The Wreck Of The Zanzibar Michael Morpurgo Michael Morpurgo’s name is almost synonymous with the little islands off the toe of Cornwall called The Isles of Scilly for a considerable number of his books are set there.  The Wreck of the Zanzibar is no exception.  Here the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		War Horse Film tie-in Edition Michael Morpurgo Best-selling War Horse, a magnificent First World War story of human and animal courage on the battle field in the face of deadly danger will shortly be a film following its sell-out adaptation as a play. This film tie-in edition … Download free opening extract
2		Mockingbird Kathryn Erskine Winner of the American National Book Award 2010. 11 year old Caitlin has Asperger’s.  Her world is torn apart when her beloved brother is kille in a school schooting.  Anxious and confused, caitline decides what she and her father need is … Download free opening extract
3		The Salt-stained Book Julia Jones In a nutshell this is Swallows and Amazons for the 21st century but with a modern twist.  It really is a very special book that will be enjoyed by the whole family, particularly all those who have any experience of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Blood Red Road Moira Young Winner of the 2011 Costa Children’s Book Award. The story’s searing pace, its spare style, the excitement of its fabulously damaged world, its unforgettably vivid characters, its violent action and glorious love story make this a truly sensatonal YA debut novel. Much … Download free opening extract
2		Tempest Julie Cross The Time Traveller’s Wife meets The Matrix in an action-packed romance and a mind-blowing debut novel that will keep you guessing at every turn. Click here to visit the MyKindaBook website, where you will find an exclusive bonus prequel short story by … Download free opening extract
3		The Weight of Water Sarah Crossan The Weight of Water is a startlingly original piece of fiction written in verse; most simply a brilliant coming of age story.  First love, friendship and quiet courage combine in this spare and beautiful story that will leave you sad, … Download free opening extract

Fresh from celebrating Winnie the Pooh Day on 18th January and looking forward to celebrating Lewis Carroll’s birthday on the 27th, January is a great month to launch children into a new year of reading. Find out more about some of the exciting new features on Lovereading4kids home page this month…

Not Off The Press! Pre-Publication Exclusive

Demon Trappers – Forgiven - Jana Oliver – 13+ … 3rd in the HUGELY popular series for girls about plucky Riley Blackthorne, who follows in her father’s footsteps to rid the world of demons… and while you’re there, we have a whopping 100 copies of the 1st in the series, Forsaken, to give away so if you’ve yet to dip into this series then here’s your chance before the 3rd one comes out! Click here to have a chance to win.

And How!! – The Brilliance of the “How The …” Books

We love the ‘How The …’ concept here. Following the huge success of How The World Works with its fully interactive, pop up explanations of the world we live in for youngsters aged 5+, the brilliant How The Weather Works has just been released. More brilliant explanations from the winner of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize! A classic for every bedroom shelf. Find out more today.

Listen to This!! – Songbirds Phonic Series by Julia Donaldson

Phonic reading is a proven method of helping young children to develop their reading skills. The Songbirds reading scheme written by the current Children’s Laureate, the creator of the Gruffalo stories, Julia Donaldson is all you’ll need to give your little ones a leg-up to a whole life of loving reading! At the tender age of 6, author Julia Donaldson taught her own sister to read by the phonic method and has been hooked ever since! This series which she has created with the help of Oxford Children’s Books encompasses a wonderful array of enjoyable stories that kids love to learn with. Find out more today.

A Gentle Reminder…

We love thinking of ways to make it easier for you and your kids to find great books to read and here are two special sections that we hope do just that …

Lovereading4kids Essentials

Exactly what it says on the tin! This is a one-stop shop of must-read children’s literature, old and new, for book lovers of all ages. This month we have been revisiting the amazing The Exploits of MoominPappa , first published in 1950, would you believe! It’s now re-released all shiny and new in 2012. Click here for more essential reads.

Word Perfect! – Lovereading4kids Dyslexia Friendly Books

This has been a real hit with parents and kids alike. Dyslexia need not be a hindrance to reading and this section helps you find books specifically targeted to your children’s individual ability to give them the confidence to love reading. Each title has an ‘Interest Age’ and a ‘Reading Age’. The bulk of the books are from the UK’s pre-eminent publisher, of books for dyslexics, struggling and reluctant readers, Barrington Stoke.

Page Boys! – Great Books for Young Men

Another popular section is our Great Books for Boys, packed full of high octane adventures that will get any boy hooked on books. We have refreshed the section for 2012 so if you have boys who need some encouragement with reading then look no further. Many of the books for younger readers will be great for reading aloud at bedtime too. Discover some great books today.

So, Happy New Year from all of us! Here’s to a 2012 of literary adventure! And of course, we’ll be with you all the way with our monthly shoves-in-the-right-direction. See you in Feb!

P.S. Quiet Please! – National Libraries Day

We are big fans of local libraries here at Lovereading4kids and are very pleased to endorse National Libraries Day 2012. This great initiative will take place on 4 February and drive home the importance for education, development and community of good, well-funded libraries.

Do get yourself and your kids down to the library if you can in the run up to 4 February when all sorts of activities are taking place. And don’t forget , if you don’t use your local library you may lose it.

There’s also a book to accompany National Libraries Day. The Library Book features contributions from literary greats such as Stephen Fry Zadie Smith and Alan Bennett. Famous writers tell us all about how libraries are used and why they’re important. Please do support you local library…

Happy Reading and more from us in Febuary

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Monkey Red, Monkey Blue Nicki Greenberg Notable Book, 2011 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year – Early Childhood Jolly chaos follows Monkey Red and Monkey Blue, the two bad monkeys who run amuck after bedtime. Together they create a riotous midnight feast; fruit salad, pancakes, … Download free opening extract
2		The Big Snuggle-up Brian Patten On a cold winter’s night one animal after another invites himself into a house and by the time it’s bedtime there’s all manner of animals and scarecrow tucked up by the fire. Some delightful close-up and colourful illustrations show the … Download free opening extract
3		My First Gruffalo Little Library Julia Donaldson Learn about colours, numbers, opposites and animals with this fabulous set of four bold, bright board books now available in a miniature slipcase. A perfect gift for young Gruffalo fans with small paws! Click here for the Gruffalo official website. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Ella Alex T. Smith Ella is a little ladybird with big dreams. Her ugly wasp stepsisters make her do all the housework, all of the time, and Ella feels very sad. Then one day the famous Parisian artist Pierre decides to throw a Grand … Download free opening extract
2		Love Monster Rachel Bright No one likes a funny-looking monster with sticking-out teeth and staring, googly eyes – especially if he lives in Cutesville, the home of cuddly bunnies and fluffy kitties. Poor Monster! Will he find happiness? He just needs one person to … Download free opening extract
3		Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: The Ox and the Yak and Other Stories Julia Donaldson The Children’s Laureate and best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has carefully created the Songbirds Phonics series to support children who are learning to read. Julia Donaldson has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Swallows and Spiders : Follow the Swallow and Spinderella Julia Donaldson Two stories in one! – Follow the Swallow and Spinderella – in this great bind-up of two titles, perfect for children bridging the gap between picture books and chapter books.  It’s part of Egmont’s highly sought after and hugely respected … Download free opening extract
2		The Flute Rachna Gilmore Full of hope springing from adversity, this is a touching story elegantly told, whose mood is captured in beautifully evocative illustrations. Chandra grows up hearing the tunes celebrating the wonders of nature that her mother plays on the magical flute. … Download free opening extract
3		Wild Child Jeanne Willis Meet Wild Child! She’s spirited and curious. She’s fearless and free. She lives alone in a mystical, prehistoric world – the last child in a dramatic landscape, where anything could happen. Follow her through her day as she explores her … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Opal Moonbaby Maudie Smith When a strange new girl who claims to be an alien arrives unexpectedly in the street Martha is determined not to have anything to do with her. After all, she’s just given up friends For Ever after her disastrous experience … Download free opening extract
2		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Jeff Kinney The best-selling Wimpy Kid Greg Heffley has written a new diary for all his fans. With a giant snow storm raging outside, the Heffley family is trapped inside their small holiday cabin. How can the Wimpy Kid cope with the … Download free opening extract
3		Muncle Trogg and the Flying Donkey Janet Foxley A welcome return of a delightfully tiny giant. Everything has changed on Mount Grumble as the Smallings – or humans – have gone.  But, while all the other giants celebrate, Muncle Trogg worries that something is going badly wrong… Luckily … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Sky Hawk Gill Lewis Rich in atmosphere and full of heart, Sky Hawk is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird forges a deep and special friendship between two children. The osprey is Iona’s secret but she trusts Callum to … Download free opening extract
2		The Wreck Of The Zanzibar Michael Morpurgo Michael Morpurgo’s name is almost synonymous with the little islands off the toe of Cornwall called The Isles of Scilly for a considerable number of his books are set there.  The Wreck of the Zanzibar is no exception.  Here the … Download free opening extract
3		Moon Stewart Ross Winner of the 2011 Educational Writers’ Award. One of the greatest events of the twentieth century, the unforgettable moment of  man’s first landing on the Moon provides the perfect platform for this wide ranging introduction to many different aspects of the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		War Horse Film tie-in Edition Michael Morpurgo Best-selling War Horse, a magnificent First World War story of human and animal courage on the battle field in the face of deadly danger will shortly be a film following its sell-out adaptation as a play. This film tie-in edition … Download free opening extract
2		The Salt-stained Book Julia Jones In a nutshell this is Swallows and Amazons for the 21st century but with a modern twist.  It really is a very special book that will be enjoyed by the whole family, particularly all those who have any experience of … Download free opening extract
3		Mockingbird Kathryn Erskine Winner of the American National Book Award 2010. 11 year old Caitlin has Asperger’s.  Her world is torn apart when her beloved brother is kille in a school schooting.  Anxious and confused, caitline decides what she and her father need is … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Blood Red Road Moira Young Winner of the 2011 Costa Children’s Book Award. The story’s searing pace, its spare style, the excitement of its fabulously damaged world, its unforgettably vivid characters, its violent action and glorious love story make this a truly sensatonal YA debut novel. Much … Download free opening extract
2		Lilah May’s Manic Days Vanessa Curtis Life is complicated for Lilah. Her family falls apart when her brother Jay disappears. Managing her anger is only possible because of her great friendship with Bindi. Now Jay suddenly returns. All should be well – but it isn’t. Lilah … Download free opening extract
3		The Weight of Water Sarah Crossan The Weight of Water is a startlingly original piece of fiction written in verse; most simply a brilliant coming of age story.  First love, friendship and quiet courage combine in this spare and beautiful story that will leave you sad, … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Monkey Red, Monkey Blue Nicki Greenberg Notable Book, 2011 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year – Early Childhood Jolly chaos follows Monkey Red and Monkey Blue, the two bad monkeys who run amuck after bedtime. Together they create a riotous midnight feast; fruit salad, pancakes, … Download free opening extract
2		My Mum’s the Best Rosie Smith My mum’s the best because… Is it her hugs, her kisses, her dancing? Whatever it is that makes a mum the best, this simple, classic book has it all – and features a cast of hilarious animal characters, too! … Download free opening extract
3		The Big Snuggle-up Brian Patten On a cold winter’s night one animal after another invites himself into a house and by the time it’s bedtime there’s all manner of animals and scarecrow tucked up by the fire. Some delightful close-up and colourful illustrations show the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Ella Alex T. Smith Ella is a little ladybird with big dreams. Her ugly wasp stepsisters make her do all the housework, all of the time, and Ella feels very sad. Then one day the famous Parisian artist Pierre decides to throw a Grand … Download free opening extract
2		Love Monster Rachel Bright No one likes a funny-looking monster with sticking-out teeth and staring, googly eyes – especially if he lives in Cutesville, the home of cuddly bunnies and fluffy kitties. Poor Monster! Will he find happiness? He just needs one person to … Download free opening extract
3		Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: The Ox and the Yak and Other Stories Julia Donaldson The Children’s Laureate and best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has carefully created the Songbirds Phonics series to support children who are learning to read. Julia Donaldson has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Swallows and Spiders : Follow the Swallow and Spinderella Julia Donaldson Two stories in one! – Follow the Swallow and Spinderella – in this great bind-up of two titles, perfect for children bridging the gap between picture books and chapter books.  It’s part of Egmont’s highly sought after and hugely respected … Download free opening extract
2		The Flute Rachna Gilmore Full of hope springing from adversity, this is a touching story elegantly told, whose mood is captured in beautifully evocative illustrations. Chandra grows up hearing the tunes celebrating the wonders of nature that her mother plays on the magical flute. … Download free opening extract
3		Charles Dickens Scenes from an Extraordinary Life Mick Manning & Brita Granstrom The eventful ups and downs of  the life of Charles Dickens, the best-selling author of his day, are told in words and pictures in this excellent introduction to the man and his works. Many of the scenes that Dickens includes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Jeff Kinney The best-selling Wimpy Kid Greg Heffley has written a new diary for all his fans. With a giant snow storm raging outside, the Heffley family is trapped inside their small holiday cabin. How can the Wimpy Kid cope with the … Download free opening extract
2		Opal Moonbaby Maudie Smith When a strange new girl who claims to be an alien arrives unexpectedly in the street Martha is determined not to have anything to do with her. After all, she’s just given up friends For Ever after her disastrous experience … Download free opening extract
3		The Snow Queen Sarah Lowes This powerful and chilling Hans Christian Andersen story is retold in a clear style and with a carefully chosen accelerated vocabulary to make it suitable for newly confident readers. Set out in a beautifully produced book, it has been divided … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Moon Stewart Ross Winner of the 2011 Educational Writers’ Award. One of the greatest events of the twentieth century, the unforgettable moment of  man’s first landing on the Moon provides the perfect platform for this wide ranging introduction to many different aspects of the … Download free opening extract
2		Sky Hawk Gill Lewis Rich in atmosphere and full of heart, Sky Hawk is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird forges a deep and special friendship between two children. The osprey is Iona’s secret but she trusts Callum to … Download free opening extract
3		One Dog and His Boy Eva Ibbotson A Lovereading4kids ‘Great Read’ you may have missed 2011 selection. Shortlisted for the Galaxy Children’s Book of the Year Award 2011 Award winning Eva Ibbotson’s poignant and beautiful last book celebrates a boy’s passion for a dog. All Hal has ever wanted … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		War Horse Film tie-in Edition Michael Morpurgo Best-selling War Horse, a magnificent First World War story of human and animal courage on the battle field in the face of deadly danger will shortly be a film following its sell-out adaptation as a play. This film tie-in edition … Download free opening extract
2		The Salt-stained Book Julia Jones In a nutshell this is Swallows and Amazons for the 21st century but with a modern twist.  It really is a very special book that will be enjoyed by the whole family, particularly all those who have any experience of … Download free opening extract
3		The Medusa Project : Hit Squad Sophie Mckenzie The sixth and final Medusa Project thriller about four teenagers with psychic abilities brings the bestselling series from Red House award-winning author, Sophie McKenzie to an explosive end. Click here to visit Sophie McKenzie’s website, packed with information and extras. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Tempest Julie Cross The Time Traveller’s Wife meets The Matrix in an action-packed romance and a mind-blowing debut novel that will keep you guessing at every turn. Click here to visit the MyKindaBook website, where you will find an exclusive bonus prequel short story by … Download free opening extract
2		The Weight of Water Sarah Crossan The Weight of Water is a startlingly original piece of fiction written in verse; most simply a brilliant coming of age story.  First love, friendship and quiet courage combine in this spare and beautiful story that will leave you sad, … Download free opening extract
3		Socks Are Not Enough Mark Lowery A piece of Passion from the Publisher: We at Scholastic Children’s Books are very proud to be publishing Socks Are Not Enough by Mark Lowery in February 2012.  It genuinely takes a lot to make me laugh – especially out loud. … Download free opening extract

Happy New Year from Lovereading4kids! The great J.R.R. Tolkien was born in January in 1892 and in 2012, from Lord of the Rings to the Olympic Rings, we have hoards of epic and exciting journeys for your kids to embark on! With New Year’s Resolutions in full swing, ours is simple: to help you help your kids to read more in 2012! Read on to start now.

Enjoy Yourshelf! – January’s Books of the Month

Christmas may be over but our bumper bag of books continues to bulge with great reads for bookworms of all ages. See our bookshelf below to discover what’s on offer.

Why have One when you can have …. January Series of the Month

The Medusa Project by Sophie McKenzie. The 6th and final story in this amazing 11+ series, Hit Squad, is out this month. It’s so popular with kids that, last summer, one member of our team was compelled to find a wireless connection in Mozambique strong enough to download the latest in the series as an eBook.

Could it be that his son holds the same powers of persuasion as the psychic futuristic kids of the Medusa Project? Catch them all here.

New Year – New Talent! Brilliant Debuts of the Month

Monkey Red, Monkey Blue Nicki Greenberg 3+ Cheeky monkeys making a mess in a massive midnight feast! Pure fun. Download Extract   More info	Opal Moonbaby Maudie Smith 7+ What would an alien make of us if she came to Earth to make friends? Download Extract   More info	Poppy’s Hero Rachel Billington 9+ dark and gripping ‘End of the World’ fantasy thriller … some forbidden love thrown in for good measure! Download Extract   More info
Sky Hawk Gill Lewis 9+ MEGA DEBUT – a tale of friendship and hope. Michael Morpurgo says it “turns the pages for you”. Need we say more? Download Extract   More info	The Weight of Water Sarah Crossan 11+ First love, friendship and quiet courage combine in this story that will leave you sad, happy and wanting more. Download Extract   More info	Tempest Julie Cross 14+ The Time Traveler’s Wife meets The Matrix – mind-blowing and action-packed romance. Download Extract   More info

Be in them to win them! – January Competitions

This month we have 5 signed copies of Stormswept – the latest in the Ingo Chronicles series – to give away. Helen Dunmore’s brilliantly crafted and richly imagined award-winning series for kids aged 11+ charts epic adventures through a mythical and magical land alongside our own. It’s gripping stuff. You’ll want to win one for yourself! Click here to try …

Puffin Books is also running a drawing competition linked to Wereworld : Shadow of the Hawk by Curtis Jobling to win a Kindle eBook reader and Wereworld prizes. They say: “Ability with a pen, pencil or crayon isn’t everything – as they are looking for something that captures the spirit of the books.” Click here to find out more.

Finally To celebrate the release of the third in the teen Demon Trappers series by Jana Oliver, Forgiven, we have 100 copies of the first book, Forsaken, to give away to lucky winners… But you need to be quick.

What the Dickens!! – Charles Dickens Bicentenary

Still as relevant today, the literary giant Charles Dickens was born 200 years ago in 1812. This year will be awash with celebrations and tributes and we are right at the front of the queue with a special selection of titles dedicated to his work. This month, or 7+ readers try Charles Dickens Scenes from an Extraordinary Life by Mick Manning & Brita Granstrom.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading – see more recommended reads by age range below.

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		The Big Snuggle-up Brian Patten On a cold winter’s night one animal after another invites himself into a house and by the time it’s bedtime there’s all manner of animals and scarecrow tucked up by the fire. Some delightful close-up and colourful illustrations show the … Download free opening extract
2		My First Gruffalo Little Library Julia Donaldson Learn about colours, numbers, opposites and animals with this fabulous set of four bold, bright board books now available in a miniature slipcase. A perfect gift for young Gruffalo fans with small paws! Click here for the Gruffalo official website. … Download free opening extract
3		The Big Book of Words and Pictures Ole Konnecke Nominated for the 2011 German Youth Literature Prize (Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis). A gorgeously simple ‘naming’ book, this book lists loads of the familiar things a small child comes across at home and outdoors. Each of the attractive illustrations is small and instantly … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Lion and the Mouse Jerry Pinkney A prize-winning book of exceptional beauty, this wordless version of Aesop’s classic story of how a lion’s life is transformed by an act of generosity when it saves the life of a mouse is a gem. The wonderful tawny colours … Download free opening extract
2		A House in the Woods Inga Moore Through its beautiful illustrations, this is a wonderful building story which captures all the joys of sharing. Two little pigs build themselves beautiful new homes. When away wandering in the woods, a moose and bear move in. The pigs are … Download free opening extract
3		Love Monster Rachel Bright No one likes a funny-looking monster with sticking-out teeth and staring, googly eyes – especially if he lives in Cutesville, the home of cuddly bunnies and fluffy kitties. Poor Monster! Will he find happiness? He just needs one person to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Cats Ahoy! Peter Bently Winner of the 6 and under category, Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2011. A swashbuckling tale of pirate plunder, derring do and a huge haul of haddock! “These two books are master classes in how to write and how to draw funny,” said … Download free opening extract
2		Nelson at Sea Simon Weston, David Fitzgerald Nelson at Sea is the third in Simon Weston’s humorous and heart-warming story that champions friendship and community spirit.  This bestselling series charts the adventures of Nelson, a delightful horse with a very practical and down-to-earth attitude to life. Nelson … Download free opening extract
3		Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp Philip Pullman 5+ readers. Award-winning Philip Pullman has long treasured this feisty and magical story from The Arabian Nights. When the young Aladdin rubs a dirty old lamp a genie appears and offers the boy three wishes. Riches? Happiness? Excitement? Three wishes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Jeff Kinney The best-selling Wimpy Kid Greg Heffley has written a new diary for all his fans. With a giant snow storm raging outside, the Heffley family is trapped inside their small holiday cabin. How can the Wimpy Kid cope with the … Download free opening extract
2		Muncle Trogg Janet Foxley A Lovereading4kids ‘Great Read’ you may have missed 2011 selection. A Lovereading4Kids ‘Debut of the Year 2011′ selection. 7+. Winner of The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2010, Muncle Trogg is the charming upside down fairytale about a tiny giant who … Download free opening extract
3		The Snow Queen Sarah Lowes This powerful and chilling Hans Christian Andersen story is retold in a clear style and with a carefully chosen accelerated vocabulary to make it suitable for newly confident readers. Set out in a beautifully produced book, it has been divided … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		One Dog and His Boy Eva Ibbotson A Lovereading4kids ‘Great Read’ you may have missed 2011 selection. Shortlisted for the Galaxy Children’s Book of the Year Award 2011 Award winning Eva Ibbotson’s poignant and beautiful last book celebrates a boy’s passion for a dog. All Hal has ever wanted … Download free opening extract
2		Moon Stewart Ross Winner of the 2011 Educational Writers’ Award. One of the greatest events of the twentieth century, the unforgettable moment of  man’s first landing on the Moon provides the perfect platform for this wide ranging introduction to many different aspects of the … Download free opening extract
3		Dead Man’s Cove: A Laura Marlin Mystery Lauren St.John A Lovereading4kids ‘Great Read’ you may have missed 2011 selection. Shortlisted for the Galaxy Children’s Book of the Year Award 2011. Overall winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2011 and winner of the Favourite Story Category. From the author of the much-loved … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		War Horse Film tie-in Edition Michael Morpurgo Best-selling War Horse, a magnificent First World War story of human and animal courage on the battle field in the face of deadly danger will shortly be a film following its sell-out adaptation as a play. This film tie-in edition … Download free opening extract
2		The Salt-stained Book Julia Jones In a nutshell this is Swallows and Amazons for the 21st century but with a modern twist.  It really is a very special book that will be enjoyed by the whole family, particularly all those who have any experience of … Download free opening extract
3		The Medusa Project : Hit Squad Sophie Mckenzie The sixth and final Medusa Project thriller about four teenagers with psychic abilities brings the bestselling series from Red House award-winning author, Sophie McKenzie to an explosive end. Click here to visit Sophie McKenzie’s website, packed with information and extras. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Socks Are Not Enough Mark Lowery A piece of Passion from the Publisher: We at Scholastic Children’s Books are very proud to be publishing Socks Are Not Enough by Mark Lowery in February 2012.  It genuinely takes a lot to make me laugh – especially out loud. … Download free opening extract
2		Blood Red Road Moira Young Winner of the 2011 Costa Children’s Book Award. The story’s searing pace, its spare style, the excitement of its fabulously damaged world, its unforgettably vivid characters, its violent action and glorious love story make this a truly sensatonal YA debut novel. Much … Download free opening extract
3		Tempest Julie Cross The Time Traveller’s Wife meets The Matrix in an action-packed romance and a mind-blowing debut novel that will keep you guessing at every turn. Click here to visit the MyKindaBook website, where you will find an exclusive bonus prequel short story by … Download free opening extract