Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Mr Bear Says: I Love You Debi Gliori Warm and loving, Mr Bear introduces all the things he likes and ends with what he loves best of all – his own little baby. Lovely bright illustrations in a slimline, easy to hold board book.  Download free opening extract
2		Embossed Board Books: Colours Emily Bolam Whole pages devoted to a single colour make this a striking book. The surface of each page is embossed with a pattern which makes it interesting and exciting to touch giving it multi-sensory appeal. Download free opening extract
3		The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eric Carle This is a much-loved classic but as relevant today as it was when first published 40 years ago. Its vivid and colourful illustrations and cut back and die-cut pages together with some very simple text provide a wonderful story that is immensely satisfying for … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		On Our Way Home Sebastien Braun A warm and gentle celebration of the relationship between parent and child. it is immensely touching and the perfect bedtime read. … Download free opening extract
2		The Perfect Baby Tony Bradman A wonderfully quirky story by Tony Bradman about a little girl who is not happy with the arrival of a little brother into the world is complemented brilliantly by some illustrations that are sure to get the smallest little child giggling away! … Download free opening extract
3		Gorilla Anthony Browne Greenaway winner in 1983.Wonderfully inventive story and almost tear-jerking at times but with a happy ending.  The illustrations are both detailed and colourful and children will delight in them. I’m sure for some parents it really touches a nerve as … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		A Child’s Garden: A Story of Hope Michael Foreman This is a wonderful celebration of optimism and a thoughtful and touching book about the importance of growth, green shoots and new life in a war torn world. Growing up amidst rubble a small boy tends a green shoot which … Download free opening extract
2		Dinosaur Cove: Finding The Deceptive Dinosaur Rex Stone Exciting adventures in this easy to read series about two boys and the dangerous dinosaurs they encounter – especially the deadly Tyrannosaurus Rex. Jamie’s dad is opening a dinosaur museum in Dinosaur Cove. Jamie expects to find some fossils but … Download free opening extract
3		Twinkle Twinkle Chocolate Bar Here is a collection of more than 80 poems and rhymes from a glittering galaxy of more than 50 poets. It is a delectable assortment of light, melt-in-the-mouth poems for the very young to dip into again and again.  They are the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Pig City Louis Sachar Bestselling author Louis Sachar is back with a stunning new novel, which all begins with a hat…The hat Laura Sibbie buys from an old man in the street that says Pig City on the front and so Pig City is … Download free opening extract
2		The Dragonology Chronicles (Vol II): The Dragon’s Diary Dugald Steer The dragonological adventure continues in this eagerly-awaited second instalment of The Dragonology Chronicles.  An illness has spread among the dragons and Daniel and Beatrice must deliver a strange book to Dr. Drake so that the cure that lies therein can … Download free opening extract
3		Highway Robbery Kate Thompson Shortlisted for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award. With the thundering of hooves never far away, Kate Thompson weaves an attractive yarn as told by a cheeky but brave street boy whose fortunes change after he’s left holding the horse … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Museum’s Secret: The Remarkable Adventures Of Tom Scatterhorn Henry Chancellor An irresistible adventure through a world full of dust, insects, magic potions, missing jewels and stuffed animals and an incredible secret that takes Tom back 100 years into a breathtaking adventure to far flung places of the world and back … Download free opening extract
2		Shark Island David Miller Hold on to your seats for what could well be THE blockbuster this summer for children of 9+. Marooned on a tropical island, two children – Hanna and Ned – are in fear of their lives after pirates had raided … Download free opening extract
3		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Jeff Kinney Take a peek into Greg’s diary and find out the story of his life – and especially about his relationship with his older brother Roderick. Wittily told in words and pictures, this diary charts the trials and tribulations of a … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Freefall: Tunnels 3 Roderick Gordon, Brian Williams More spine-tingling and menacing adventure from the authors of Tunnels and Deeper will once again take you way beneath the earth, in a subterranean world that’s almost too frightening to imagine and yet it will pull you into the story … Download free opening extract
2		The Pickle King Rebecca Promitzer A hugely entertaining adventure story tinged with enough horror to delight but not really to terrify. Bored during a wet holiday, Bea and her friend Sam go exploring and come across the body of a dead man. What’s the story? Bea … Download free opening extract
3		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Stolen Lucy Christopher This controversial debut is a moving drama about kidnapping, isolation and survival and an extraordinary psychological thriller that will steal the minds of those who read it. Sensitive, intelligent and gripping, Stolen is a contemporary story which will force the … Download free opening extract
2		The Resistance Gemma Malley This is an absolutely chilling, powerful sequel to Gemma malley’s acclaimed debut, The Declaration. With a dark and sinister vision of the future, it is set in 2140, The Resistance is an incredibly thought-provoking read. We raved about her first … Download free opening extract
3		Lifegame Alison Allen-Gray An incredibly topical thriller that captures the mood of the moment in terms of the scientific advances that are becoming increasingly possible and yet continue to be highly controversial. Picture if you can an island complete with families, all of … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Dear Zoo: mini board book Rod Campbell An elephant is too heavy, a giraffe is too tall, a frog is too jumpy. Hidden behind a flap, each new arrival that the zoo sends is a wonderful surprise but never quite right. Until, at last, they send the perfect pet…. This … Download free opening extract
2		My Animals Xavier Deneux Stylish imagery in black and white (with a cleverly done tiny hint of colour on each page) introduces some familiar animals in a highly original way. Perfectly placed holes for little fingers will encourage readers to engage closely with each picture as … Download free opening extract
3		No Bed Without Ted Nicola Smee Pull the tabs, lift the flap and help a little girl find her missing Ted. Is he in the drawer? No, that’s full of mice. Can he be in grandpa’s chair? No, that’s a bag of sweets. And he’s not … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Littlest Dinosaur Michael Foreman A touching story about being different and not fitting in. The littlest dinosaur and the long necked dinosaur both find it hard to fit in because of their size. But when the littlest dinosaur needs help he turns to the … Download free opening extract
2		The Perfect Baby Tony Bradman A wonderfully quirky story by Tony Bradman about a little girl who is not happy with the arrival of a little brother into the world is complemented brilliantly by some illustrations that are sure to get the smallest little child giggling away! … Download free opening extract
3		On Our Way Home Sebastien Braun A warm and gentle celebration of the relationship between parent and child. it is immensely touching and the perfect bedtime read. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		A Child’s Garden: A Story of Hope Michael Foreman This is a wonderful celebration of optimism and a thoughtful and touching book about the importance of growth, green shoots and new life in a war torn world. Growing up amidst rubble a small boy tends a green shoot which … Download free opening extract
2		Dinosaur Cove: Finding The Deceptive Dinosaur Rex Stone Exciting adventures in this easy to read series about two boys and the dangerous dinosaurs they encounter – especially the deadly Tyrannosaurus Rex. Jamie’s dad is opening a dinosaur museum in Dinosaur Cove. Jamie expects to find some fossils but … Download free opening extract
3		Twinkle Twinkle Chocolate Bar Here is a collection of more than 80 poems and rhymes from a glittering galaxy of more than 50 poets. It is a delectable assortment of light, melt-in-the-mouth poems for the very young to dip into again and again.  They are the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Pig City Louis Sachar Bestselling author Louis Sachar is back with a stunning new novel, which all begins with a hat…The hat Laura Sibbie buys from an old man in the street that says Pig City on the front and so Pig City is … Download free opening extract
2		Wigglers on the Run Caroline T Goodden Imaginative and hilarious, Wigglers on the Run is a delightful children’s tale that will be enjoyed in equal measure by parents reading to children or for 7+ children reading alone. Self-published through a company called Pen Press, here at Lovereading4kids … Download free opening extract
3		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Jeff Kinney Take a peek into Greg’s diary and find out the story of his life – and especially about his relationship with his older brother Roderick. Wittily told in words and pictures, this diary charts the trials and tribulations of a … Download free opening extract
2		The Museum’s Secret: The Remarkable Adventures Of Tom Scatterhorn Henry Chancellor An irresistible adventure through a world full of dust, insects, magic potions, missing jewels and stuffed animals and an incredible secret that takes Tom back 100 years into a breathtaking adventure to far flung places of the world and back … Download free opening extract
3		Coraline (graphic novel) Neil Gaiman A sensational graphic novel version of Neil Gaiman’s story which adds extra layers of fear to the already powerful narrative. When Coraline’s family move into a new home, she steps through a door into another house which seems strangely familiar. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Pickle King Rebecca Promitzer A hugely entertaining adventure story tinged with enough horror to delight but not really to terrify. Bored during a wet holiday, Bea and her friend Sam go exploring and come across the body of a dead man. What’s the story? Bea … Download free opening extract
2		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
3		Freefall: Tunnels 3 Roderick Gordon, Brian Williams More spine-tingling and menacing adventure from the authors of Tunnels and Deeper will once again take you way beneath the earth, in a subterranean world that’s almost too frightening to imagine and yet it will pull you into the story … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Stolen Lucy Christopher This controversial debut is a moving drama about kidnapping, isolation and survival and an extraordinary psychological thriller that will steal the minds of those who read it. Sensitive, intelligent and gripping, Stolen is a contemporary story which will force the … Download free opening extract
2		The Resistance Gemma Malley This is an absolutely chilling, powerful sequel to Gemma malley’s acclaimed debut, The Declaration. With a dark and sinister vision of the future, it is set in 2140, The Resistance is an incredibly thought-provoking read. We raved about her first … Download free opening extract
3		Lifegame Alison Allen-Gray An incredibly topical thriller that captures the mood of the moment in terms of the scientific advances that are becoming increasingly possible and yet continue to be highly controversial. Picture if you can an island complete with families, all of … Download free opening extract

After the raucous sun and fun of the Easter Holidays we hope your kids are settling back into school life. Of course, a good way to keep their brains flexing for a few more hours each week is to send them on some exciting extra-curricular reading adventures. There are loads on Lovereading4kids this month!

Author of the month – award winning Philip Reeve

Author of the Month is the inimitable Philip Reeve, whose highly original Mortal Engines quartet had young readers absolutely gripped. His hotly anticipated new story, Fever Crumb, is a prequel to the Mortal Engines books set many years before, and follows the misadventures of an odd-looking orphan who could hold the key to saving all of London.
 

Start that love of reading early with books for babies and toddlers

We’re delighted to announce the launch of a brand new category – books for Babies and Toddlers. Our 0-5 age range has always had a tendency to focus on books for 3+ rather than babies so we’re delighted to rectify that now with this new category. We certainly had a lot of fun choosing our favourites; concept books, touchy feely squashy books, bath books, interactive books and a few absolute classics we faintly remember from our own early days! We’ll be adding more each month so you can introduce your little one to the joy of books at a very young age.

A dazzling array of Books of the Month – something for every reading age and taste

The Littlest Dinosaur Michael Foreman A touching story about being different and not fitting in.  Download Extract		The Perfect Baby Tony Bradman A wonderfully quirky story about a little girl who is not happy with the arrival of a little brother into the world.  Download Extract		A Child’s Garden: A Story of Hope Michael Foreman This is a wonderful celebration of optimism and a thoughtful and touching book about the importance of growth, green shoots and new life in a war torn world. Download Extract		Pig City Louis Sachar A stunning new novel, which all begins with a hat…The hat Laura Sibbie buys from an old man in the street that says Pig City on the front  Download Extract
The Magic Thief: Lost Sarah Prineas An irascible wizard and his apprentice Connwaer set out on these entertaining, second set of adventures in this stand alone sequel. Download Extract		Freefall: Tunnels 3 Roderick Gordon, Brian Williams More spine-tingling and menacing adventure from the authors of Tunnels and Deeper  Download Extract		Lifegame Alison Allen-Gray An incredibly topical thriller that captures the mood of the moment in terms of the scientific advances that are becoming increasingly possible Download Extract		Puppet Master Joanne Owen This beautifully crafted debut novel, set at the turn of the twentieth century is rich in the tradition of circus, theatre and magic.  Download Extract
The Resistance Gemma Malley This is an absolutely chilling, powerful sequel to Gemma malley’s acclaimed debut, The Declaration.  Download Extract		The Ask and the Answer Patrick Ness This is a tough but compelling story which takes readers into shocking and moving territory.  Download Extract		Jackdaw Summer David Almond The story weaves together many strands which together give an intimate insight into the thinking of two boys growing up in Northumberland  Download Extract		More books of the month

Small is beautiful – our Joint Publishers of the Month

Children’s publishing is full of small, passionate companies, producing brilliant books for specific sections of the market. Small is beautiful. So this month we’re featuring four vibrant smaller children’s publishers you might not have heard about. We believe they have some beautiful books that really deserve to be seen and read they are Little Hare, Jane Nissen Books, Book House, and B Small Publishing. Download some free Opening Extract and don’t miss out!

Three startlingly brilliant first novels – our Debuts of the Month

The Pickle King Rebecca Promitzer A hugely entertaining adventure story tinged with enough horror to delight but not really to terrify. Bored during a wet holiday, Ella and her friend Sam go exploring and come across the body of a dead man.  Download Extract

Stolen Lucy Christopher This controversial debut is a moving drama about kidnapping, isolation and survival and an extraordinary psychological thriller that will steal the minds of those who read it.  Download Extract

Pongwiffy – classic witchery for our Series of the Month!

Our Series of the Month is the unbeatably named Pongwiffy, the witch with the dirtiest of habits. Originally published 21 years ago, these tales are coming back for a new generation of readers to fall in love. There are also some new adventures starting with Pongwiffy: Back on Track published this month. Download some FREE Opening Extracts of the books right here on Lovereading4kids.

Children’s Prize Winners for May

The shortlist for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award has just been announced. You’ll find the titles in our Prize winners section. Writing has always been a passion for the Irish and this shortlist will not disappoint.

Finally we’re always hearing that boys don’t read as much as girls. Well all seven of the thrilling books shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Carnegie Medal feature male protagonists – so if your kids are boys, then show them the prize winners section and see if any of the adventures on offer on the Carnegie shortlist hit the mark.

That’s all folks. Have fun choosing books with your children and don’t forget to download some FREE Opening Extracts so they can make sure they really love a story before you spend any money. Remember, there’s nothing like an amazing story to help get kids’ brains twitching back to life!

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Can You Moo Too? David Wojtowycz A big book which encourages all readers to join in with the noisy lion roaring, bouncy frogs croaking, baby bear growling, ducks quacking and cows moo-ing. Bright and lively illustrations make joining in fun! If you’re looking for other great books … Download free opening extract
2		Bathtime With Woof Caroline Jayne Church Experience bath time with Woof by feeling the slimy soap he washes with, the shiny bubbles he blows in the bath and the softness of the fluffy towel he dries himself on afterwards. All babies will love seeing themselves scrubbed … Download free opening extract
3		No Bed Without Ted Nicola Smee Pull the tabs, lift the flap and help a little girl find her missing Ted. Is he in the drawer? No, that’s full of mice. Can he be in grandpa’s chair? No, that’s a bag of sweets. And he’s not … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		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 friendship and home. … Download free opening extract
2		Babies Love Books Laurence Anholt Celebrate books anytime and any place with these jolly babies who are shown sharing books and loving them too, in all kinds of likely and unlikely places from the library to a beach and with loads of places in between. … Download free opening extract
3		Little Boat Thomas Docherty Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Wonderfully detailed yet simple illustrations coupled with minimal text make this an absolutely fantastic picture book to enjoy with even the youngest toddler.  Later this year, this title will be joined by an … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		A Child’s Garden: A Story of Hope Michael Foreman This is a wonderful celebration of optimism and a thoughtful and touching book about the importance of growth, green shoots and new life in a war torn world. Growing up amidst rubble a small boy tends a green shoot which … Download free opening extract
2		Snow Goose Paul Gallico Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Breathtaking illustrations capture the haunting magic of this modern classic. Set in the Essex marshes in the years before the Second World War, it is a touching story of how a young girl … Download free opening extract
3		Fantastic Mr. Fox Roald Dahl Ideal as an early introduction to Roald Dahl just as a child is starting to read alone because it’s a short story by comparison to some of his others. Filled with quirky black and white illustrations by the wonderful … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract
3		Flood And Fang: Raven Mysteries Book One Marcus Sedgwick Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Stepsisters’ Story Kaye Umansky A romping comedy of catastrophes, this version of the Cinderella story comes straight from the mouths of the step sisters. They make no apology for their terrible behaviour as they greedily pursue their own ends while doing down their step … Download free opening extract
2		Fever Crumb Philip Reeve This is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of 2009 from the critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling author of the Mortal Engines Quartet. Reeves’ post-apocalyptic world where mobile cities fight for survival has brought many a child into the world of reading … Download free opening extract
3		Living with Vampires Jeremy Strong Family problems of an unusual kind make life complicated for Kevin. With vampires for parents, he does his best to control them but things can’t help getting out of hand….Blood is their favourite drink so it isn’t surprising that they … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
2		Lifegame Alison Allen-Gray An incredibly topical thriller that captures the mood of the moment in terms of the scientific advances that are becoming increasingly possible and yet continue to be highly controversial. Picture if you can an island complete with families, all of … Download free opening extract
3		Coraline (film tie-in edition) Neil Gaiman Film-tie-in edition to the weird and wonderful Coraline, which has just released as an animated film in the UK.   When Coraline’s family move into a new home, she steps through a door into another house which seems strangely familiar.  It has … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Ask and the Answer Patrick Ness Tense, shocking and deeply moving, The Ask and the Answer is a terrifying novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. The sequel to the highly acclaimed and prize-winning The Knife of Never Letting Go, the author who is also … Download free opening extract
2		Gone Michael Grant Gripping from the first moment on, this is a scary, an unputdownable and a brilliantly plotted fantasy. One minute all the adults are there – next they’re gone! Only the children remain and they are trapped, cut off from the … Download free opening extract
3		Creature of the Night Kate Thompson Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009 and shortlisted for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award. From multi-award winning author Kate Thompson comes another absorbing read, blazing an enthralling path between the stark realities of modern-day society and the fantasy for … Download free opening extract

April is always a particularly exciting time in the children’s book market. The shortlist for two of the most important prizes were announced earlier today, so we have delayed our usual mid month email to get the news to you as soon as possible. We also have plenty of other exciting news too.

Stop Press.. Children’s Prize winning shortlists

The Carnegie Award is for the year’s best fiction and the Greenaway  for the best picture books and we have all the shortlisted books in our Prize Winners section. Gratifyingly, we have already featured a lot of the books and the whole shortlist makes impressive reading. On the Carnegie there are novels from established authors such as Frank Cottrell Boyce and Eoin Colfer through to a debut novelist Patrick Ness with his Knife of Never Letting Go. On the Greenaway shortlist you’ll find a wonderful variety and range of illustration styles. We don’t envy the judges’ job in choosing the winners. Find out more today…

New category dyslexia-friendly books

Our ‘reluctant’ readers category, launched in 2008 was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm but we also received feedback from our members that we needed to go further. So, working with the charity Dyslexia Action and the publisher Barrington Stoke we have created a special section featuring 12 books for readers of around 9+ readers, but whose reading age is around 6+, and this is just a start. We will be adding to it as the year progresses and we hope it will become an invaluable resource for all those parents of children who are struggling with reading.

Start reading books before they are published

Our pre-publication area of the site is becoming increasingly popular as parents and children want to get ahead of the crowds by reading extracts of books before they are published.

This month we have 4 pre publication books including Revolver, the latest from Author of the Month Marcus Sedgwick

Revolver Marcus Sedgwick 14+ A tense, psychological drama set in the snowy wilderness of the Arctic, where a boy confronts a stranger come to take revenge on his dead father. Download Extract    Buy £7.49 Saving £2.50 (25%)

The Ask and the Answer Patrick Ness 14+ Tense, shocking and deeply moving. This is the follow up to the award winning The Knife of Never Letting Go. Download Extract     Buy £9.74 Saving £3.25 (25%)

Fever Crumb Philip Reeve 9+ This is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of 2009 it’s a prequel to the brilliant Mortal Engine series. So why not check it out now.    Download Extract    Buy £9.74 Saving £3.25 (25%)

Lifegame Alison Allen-Gray 11+ A topical thriller that captures the mood of the moment in terms of the controversial scientific advances that are becoming increasingly possible.   Download Extract    Buy £5.24 Saving £1.75 (25%)

Find out what’s hot this week!

Another new feature on the site is one that enables you to see which books other Lovereading4kids members are looking at. It’s called our Top 10 and it updates every night with the ten most popular books on the site in the last week. Why not check it out on a regular basis to ensure you’re not missing some gems that other readers have discovered on the site?

Don’t miss some of April’s highlights

Classic books make perfect gifts

And you’re looking for the perfect gift then why not consider our superb range of Classics. Great to read aloud to children and enjoyed, by children and adults, time and time again. We have paperback classics from Penguin, some great value little hardbacks from Oxford and from Walker a sumptuous collection of illustrated paperbacks. Each month, we’re adding to the list with newly released titles so check it out on a regular basis and add titles to your collection.

Great films come from Brilliant Books

Finally you may have seen that Neil Gaiman’s book Coraline has been made into a film that is due for release on 7 May. So, why not read the book beforehand or try the graphic novel version to get the whole story.

Happy reading

PS – don’t forget our competitions page – lots of goodies to giveaway this month.

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		The Snowman Raymond Briggs This is one of the all time favourites of any nursery and certainly a book to turn back to time and time again whether you’re a child or an adult. No words, just the most wonderful pictures telling a … Download free opening extract
2		Daydream Dan Sarah Garson This is a debut picture book from an exciting new talent.  A delightful book that both parent and child will warm to as the plotline is something that both will relate to.  That dreaded ‘I’m not day dreaming’ as your child is quite … Download free opening extract
3		The Way Back Home Oliver Jeffers 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 friendship and home. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Barefoot Book of Earth Tales Dawn Casey This stunning collection of stories from around the world, which celebrate the importance of the world we live in, is supported by inspiring hands-on activities to encourage all to protect and preserve our world as much as we are able. … Download free opening extract
2		Tumtum and Nutmeg: Pirates’ Treasure Emily Bearn The enchanting and delightful mice Tumtum and Nutmeg are back for a third adventure. This time the two home lovers are off on a camping trip but soon things begin to go very wrong as they get swept down the … Download free opening extract
3		Winnie The Twit Laura Owen Fun to read and well-matched by their illustrations, these four short stories tell of yet more dramatic and hilarious adventures for Winnie the Witch and her cat Wilbur. Winnie variously tries to find the perfect pet, to fix things with … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract
3		Fungus The Bogeyman Raymond Briggs This is a book that is enduringly funny, wonderfully poignant and at times quite rude. Beautifully described through stunning illustrations and hand written text is the story of the bogey men – and in particular Fungus – who live … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Ribblestrop Andrew Mulligan In this quirky and original debut there’s never a dull moment.  Even before the student’s turn up to the school, you can tell is no ordinary place. The building is semi-ruined (some dormitories don’t even have a roof ), the … Download free opening extract
2		The Well Between the Worlds Sam Llewellyn From the pen of a very talented author whose writing is of the highest quality comes a book that is full of magic and intrigue, myth and environmentalism in a land that was once green and pleasant but whose land … Download free opening extract
3		Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones Derek Landy Prize winning Skulduggery Pleasant is back for a third thrilling adventure. Along with his side-kick Stephanie, Skulduggery, the skeleton detective, must stand up to the Faceless Ones in a typically dramatic, dangerous and funny new adventure. The world of Skulduggery … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
2		Dragonfly Pool Eva Ibbotson A wonderful, magical adventure spins out of a school story with a difference. Tally doesn’t want to leave her father and her aunts and go away to boarding school. But Delderton Hall is a very special school with interesting staff and pupils and … Download free opening extract
3		Unique Alison Allen-Gray This debut novel, published back in 2004 has only just hit our radar screen at Lovereading4kids with the publication of her second novel Lifegame. We’ve been so blown away by the brilliance of Unique that we just had to tell … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Gone Michael Grant  STOP PRESS – Read the whole book here online now  (book is available free from 8 – 22 April) or just click the download extract button above to get a cliff-hanger taster from the first two chapters.   Gripping from the first … Download free opening extract
2		Beautiful Dead: Jonas Eden Maguire This is the first of a proposed series of 4 books in the increasingly popular area of paranormal romance.  Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series will love the intrigue, the excellent writing style, compelling characters coupled with a powerful mystery.  … Download free opening extract
3		Falling Sharon Dogar Falling is a dark and dangerous multi-layered love story between an Asian girl and a white boy, in which the past and present collide. It’s the gripping second teenage novel from Sharon Dogar, the critically acclaimed author of Waves.  Intensely … Download free opening extract