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

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Again! Emily Gravett Prize-winning Emily Gravett has hit the jackpot again with a brilliant and original picture book that will delight adults as much as children. Everyone knows that the best bedtime stories can be read again and again and again… But sometimes, … Download free opening extract
2		Oh No, George! Chris Haughton Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012.  Chris Haughton’s distinctive artwork perfectly accompanies the innocent charm of affable George, a dog trying to be good – with hilarious results! This is the second picture book from rapidly rising star … Download free opening extract
3		Spooky Spooky Spooky Cathy Maclennan Explore what spooky goings-on there are in the dead of night.  Wacky and wonderful, it’s a fabulous read-aloud tale to share again and again particularly if it’s Halloween!  You’ll meet velvety bats and howling cats and not forgetting the bug-eyed … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Pirates Love Underpants Claire Freedman ‘Pants ahoy!’ in this hilarious new adventure by the best-selling author /illustrator duo of Aliens Love Underpants. Armed with a map, the pirate captain and his crew are off to search for the elusive Pants of Gold which are known … Download free opening extract
2		This is Not My Hat Jon Klassen Best-selling illustrator Jon Klassen follows up his successful I Want My Hat Back in this witty, almost wordless picture book about a tiny fish who steals a hat from a very big fish – and hopes to get away with … Download free opening extract
3		The Journey Home Frann Preston-Gannon A thought-provoking story with a powerful message about conservation from an award-winning, rising illustrator and literary star.  It is the first book by the first-ever UK recipient of the amazing ‘Sendak Fellowship’ and created with input from the great Maurice … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Snake Who Came To Stay Julia Donaldson Interest Age 5-8 Reading Age 6+. When Polly sets up an animal home for pets, she doesn’t anticipate quite how many problems she may face! But then, she doesn’t know she is going to be asked to look after a … Download free opening extract
2		Moody Margaret Casts a Spell Francesca Simon Short chapters and colour illustrations bring a favourite Horrid Henry story to life for newly confident readers with full colour illustrations from the fabulous Tony Ross on every page!. This pack contains a paperback and an unabridged CD. … Download free opening extract
3		Sad Tales for Me A Bio(dog)raphy James Barklee This is the story of James the dog told by himself.  His heart-warming story will resonate with readers, who identify with many of the feelings James shares. Like when James is sad or scared, or feeling brave, even when he’s … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas David Almond Award-winning David Almond tells a deliciously funny and refreshingly original story of Stanley, a boy who takes off on a journey of enlightenment and discovery after his uncle, whom he lives with, goes distinctly barmy and turns his home upside … Download free opening extract
2		Operation Bunny Sally Gardner A brand new quirky detective series called WINGS & Co. brimming with humour, mystery and magic by million-copy selling author Sally Gardner and illustrated by David Roberts.  Operation Bunny is the first case for the Fairy Detective Agency and with … Download free opening extract
3		Who Could That be at This Hour? Lemony Snicket Bestselling Lemony Snicket’s fast-talking writing is brilliantly on display in this wise cracking detective story which is full of references to the great detective writers of the past. Thirteen year Snicket is apprenticed to S. Theodora Markson, a second rate … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Witches at War!: The Wild Winter Martin Howard The third and much anticipated final instalment in the highly-praised Witches at War! series.  Hilarious fun for children aged 8+ and brilliant for parents and children to read together.  There are stunning illustrations throughout in this beautifully produced small hardback … Download free opening extract
2		The Great Unexpected Sharon Creech This is a stunning and unexpected tale in which curious things happen to strange and magical people and creatures. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it and one that you will be drawn back … Download free opening extract
3		Constable and Toop Gareth P. Jones Funny, gruesome and scary, with the great setting of a funeral parlour, this is an action packed adventure full of the darker and dirtier details of life in Victorian London. Sam’s father buries the dead which maybe why they find … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, Garth Nix A sizzling collection of witch tales from some of the best writers from around the world, this anthology looks at all kinds of witches – cruel, kind, funny, dour – and the paraphernalia of their profession. What all trusting readers … Download free opening extract
2		Eleven Eleven Paul Dowswell A powerful combination of historic detail, timeless narrative and action-packed plot.  The author places three teenagers, one American, one British and the other German at the centre of the story in the lead up to the 11th day of the … Download free opening extract
3		Oblivion Anthony Horowitz Best-selling Anthony Horowitz gives his eager fans a roller coaster ride in this thrilling addition to his supernatural Power of Five sequence of stories. Time has moved on, the Five have been separated and the world is now broken possibly … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Jepp, Who Defied the Stars Katherine Marsh Thrilling, romantic and in turns heart-warming and heartbreaking, Jepp is a highly original and unforgettable story about one young mans struggle to escape his destiny. Based on the real 17th century historical figure, Jepp’s story includes violence, love, astrology, and … Download free opening extract
2		Maggot Moon Sally Gardner September 2012 Book of the Month. Sally Gardner tells a story that is rich in drama and ideas as Standish Treadwell, an unlikely hero, takes on the vicious forces of the repressive motherland in a novel set in a bleak … Download free opening extract
3		Zom-B Darren Shan The exciting new series from the master of teen horror. Zom-B is a radical new series about a zombie apocalypse, told in the first person by one of its victims. The series combines classic Shan action with a fiendishly twisting … Download free opening extract

Dear Reader,

Just launched and a ‘world first’ – Paperback, CD Audio, Hardback, ePub, Kindle and iBook – whatever the format, we now have them all on Lovereading4kids. Find a book and we will automatically show you all the versions there are which you can buy at the click of your mouse.

Highlights Not to Miss this Month

A veritable feast of talent – Our May Pre-Publication Exclusives

The Boy Who Hated Toothbrushes Zehra Hicks 3+ Super sparkling fun. Minty-fresh and educational too! Download Extract   Buy £8.24 Saving £2.75 (25%)	Zoo Girl Rebecca Elliott 3+ Vibrant and energetic with a lasting impact both for the parent and the toddler. Download Extract   Buy £4.49 Saving £1.50 (25%)	Buttercup Mash Joanna Nadin 9+ Crazy teen Buttercup and her Glee Club diaries! Girls will love this. Download Extract   Buy £5.24 Saving £1.75 (25%)
Duty Calls : Dunkirk James Holland 11+ Gritty, real-life account of an incredible point in history. Download Extract   Buy £5.24 Saving £1.75 (25%)	Starcrossed Josephine Angelini 14+ Magical-reality tale of destiny romance and self-discovery. Download Extract   Buy £5.24 Saving £1.75 (25%)	Forgotten Cat Patrick 14+ What if you could see the future but not remember the past? Download Extract   Buy £5.24 Saving £1.75 (25%)
Life An Exploded Diagram Mal Peet 14+ Amazing and compelling coming-of-age tale set in the shadow of the Cold War. Download Extract   Buy £5.99 Saving £2.00 (25%)	Blood Red Road Moira Young 14+ Unforgettably vivid characters, violent action and a glorious love story. Download Extract   Buy £5.99 Saving £2.00 (25%)

Starting Out? – Try our New Section for Early Readers

There is a lot of talk about publishing books that bridge the gap between picture books and reading alone, so we hope our Early Readers section achieves just that. We plan to feature accessible stories, illustrated in full colour and designed to entertain and encourage a love of reading. From Horrid Henry to Cinderella, there really is an Early Reader for parents to share and enjoy with their kids. Perfect too, for children who are just starting to read alone but want short chapter books that are packed full of illustrations on every page. We hope they will inspire a life-long love of literature!

Practice at Home! Read with Biff and Chip (and Kipper and Floppy too!)

We understand the importance of nurturing a love of books and reading from an early age and hearing that Oxford University Press were relaunching their classic Read at Home series as ‘Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper’ has prompted us to give it a section of its own on our website. The series will not just help you to nurture a love of reading in your kids before they even go to school but will also support the work your kids are doing in the early stages of school!

Why not start with a visit to our site to find out how the Read with… series can help? There are also details of a great website called Oxford Owl, created by the publishers of Biff and Chip, that is dedicated to helping to parents encourage their youngsters to learn through reading.

Undercover Reads – Teen Fiction from Walker Books

We just had to spread the word about the new teenage books from Walker released under the umbrella of Undercover Reads. The quality of the writing, from award-winning and new featured authors, is nothing short of breathtaking – with a real highlight being our Mega Book of the Month, A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Of course, we have free extracts so your kids can try the books before you buy them and also we have a one-stop-shop for ebooks which is EXCLUSIVE to Lovereading.

Get ready for Half-Term

Every summer half-term the gates of Dairy Meadows in Hay are flung open to welcome thousands of families to Hay Fever. If you can find the time do consider a family day out or weekend to the Hay Festival.

Nine jam-packed days of fun ensue with plenty of brilliant things to get up to whether you’re a tot, teen or in between. Personal favourites of the Lovereading4kids team heading to Hay this time round include Emily Gravett, Julia Donaldson, Jason Wallace, Geraldine Mccaughrean, Korky Paul, Gill Lewis, Joanna Nadin, Tim Bowler, AliSparkes, Guy Bass, David Roberts, Peter Cocks, Patrick Ness, Emma Dodd, Johnny O’brien, Simon Scarrow, Charlie Higson, Alex Scarrow, Jeremy Strong, Michelle Magorian, Meg Rosoff, Marcus Sedgwick, Lauren St John, Keren David, Sean Taylor and Ally Kennen.

Second Wimpy kid Movie

There are also a couple of big films doing the rounds, perfectly timed for the half-term break . The second Wimpy Kid, ‘Rodrick Rules’, is just as funny as the original, with Greg trying to get the upper hand over his older brother Rodrick.

Happy reading – we’ll be back with more brilliant children’s books in June.

P.S. Have you discovered the World of Happy series from award-winning poet and illustrator Giles Andreae? They are playful, charming, quirky, joyous and heart-warming stories about positive and uplifting values: love, happiness, freedom, pleasure, being yourself and revelling in the wonders of what it means to be alive. Get happier today!

P.P.S. – Author / Illustrator Gillian McClure has become a publisher as well and if her delightful picture book The Little White Sprite is anything to go by we are all in for a treat. Live in Sussex? – then catch her at her local bookshop at half-term. See her book for more details.

Welcome to May! We have a bucketful of great books for your kids to dive into this summer and loads to help you inspire them! You could start by telling them that JM Barrie, creator of the ever-young Peter Pan, was a May baby. Born in1860, a lonely and very short child (the 9th of 10 siblings!), Barrie created a fantasy world that has captured the hearts of kids and adults ever since.

Guest Editor – Anthony Horowitz

All rise please! Our Guest Editor this month is Children’s fiction royalty! Creator of the amazing teenage super-spy, Alex Rider, and the wonderfully dark and magical Power of Five series, Anthony is already a favourite for thousands of young people having been the inspiration behind a huge number of kids in getting the reading bug. So, in the month after the final Alex Rider was released, he has kindly agreed to share with us some of the titles that have inspired him over the years, from Tintin to Goldfinger, I Claudius and I am the Cheese! Come to the site to find out more! And don’t forget if you have a child aged 9+ who is not yet hooked into the Alex Rider series then get them aboard now.

Books of the Month

Yet again we have an enviable range of books for all ages that we think are so good we have made them our Books of the Month. However we did want to single one out for a special mention by the late Eva Ibbotson who wrote among others the award-winning Journey to the River Sea. One Dog and his Boy is a warm and funny (and beautifully illustrated) story of friendship and adventure from the Queen of story-telling. She will be sorely missed.

A Howling Success! – Our Series of the Month: Changeling by Steve Feasey

Bored of Vampires and werewolves? Think you’ve seen it all? Think again! For those new to this series of five teenage reads by Steve Feasey, it will have you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages frantically.

For those eagerly awaiting the fifth and final one you’ll know about the the adventures of Trey – a not so ordinary teenager, about the bold characters, great plots and an addictively sinister world combining to make these Were-wolf thrillers a must-read.

All five in the series are featured here with extracts for each so you can ‘try before you buy’ – we’re pretty sure 11+ year olds will get hooked.

First-born! Our May Debuts

We don’t usually single out any of our Debuts for special treatment, but we are so excited about Sky Hawk by Gill Lewis that we want to ensure you don’t miss it!

Michael Morpurgo commented: ‘Here’s a rare thing, a novel, and a first novel too, that opens your eyes, touches your heart, and is so engaging it almost turns the pages for you.’ See below for more details.

Pretty Twisted Gina Blaxill 14+ Edge-of-your-seat, clever crime writing from a novelist with a bright future. Download Extract   Buy £5.24 Saving £1.75 (25%)	Ravenwood Andrew Peters 11+ A mile-high forest fantasy world held together by rope and gigantic nails is under threat and only ‘Ark’ can save it. Download Extract   Buy £5.24 Saving £1.75 (25%)
Divergent Veronica Roth 14+ Futuristic adventures in a society divided by character traits. Unique and thrilling. Download Extract   Buy £7.49 Saving £2.50 (25%)	Casper Candlewacks in Death by Pigeon! Ivan Brett 9+ Absurdist and brilliant adventure of the only bright boy in a village of idiots! Download Extract   Buy £4.49 Saving £1.50 (25%)

New Kids on the Book! – Brubaker, Ford & Friends a new picture book imprint of Templar Publishing

The publisher of the Ology books, Templar, has announced a brand new range of inspiring picture books to encourage happy lifelong readers. Eight titles are planned for the first year from established and award-winning authors and illustrators on both sides of the Atlantic. The first is Little Bee by highly acclaimed Edward Gibbs. The book follows the Little Bee as he flees a hungry frog, who in turn is fleeing a scary snake, who himself is fleeing from a mean mongoose and so on, until you have a whole host of wonderful creatures all running in a circle!

A New Category not to be MIFFed …

A favourite since the ‘50s, Miffy is the little girl bunny who’s adventures have been followed by millions of babies and toddlers over the years.

We have a whole section dedicated to this bright, fun and colourful friend featuring a number of titles and a competition to win 100 (yes 100) Miffy money boxes. We’re not going to rabbit on about it (…sorry). Just come to the site now to find out more!

Illustrating a Point. 2011’s Top 10 Children’s Illustrators Announced

A panel of expert judges has scrutinised and peered, listened and observed and has made its selection for the top 10 children’s illustrators of 2011 to look out for. The competition, which culminated in a glitzy awards ceremony in London, has highlighted some fabulous work, all of which is featured in a special category on the site. Find out more today.

Zombie Reviewers Needed! – Undead Competition

We are looking for 10 children to review Undead by Kirsty McKay – an unstoppable zombie-horror debut novel due out in September. If you are over 12 and a fan of comedy and zombie-horror then email contact@lovereading4kids, using the Subject line UNDEAD REVIEWER and tell us in no more than 200 words why you should be one of the 10 chosen reviewers. Good Luck!

P.S If you like books by Jaqueline Wilson then you will love the book The Taming of Lilah May by Vanessa Curtis. It features fourteen year old Lilah. Her brother Jay has gone missing and worst of all, she reckons it’s her fault. But how will she cope with this, and her anger problem, and her totally unconventional and grief-stricken parents?

P.P.S Michael Morpurgo needs YOU

Bestselling author Michael Morpurgo is again sponsoring the Wicked Young Writers’ Award, in association with Wicked, the musical that turns the story of The Wizard of Oz on its head. Helping to encourage children and young adults to get creative the prize is open to entrants aged from 5 to 25, who can write about whatever they like, in prose or poetry. Michael Morpurgo comments, ‘All children are born with a sort of spark of genius. Growing up should fan it’.

There are five different age categories and the deadline for this year’s award is July 31. For more details go to the award website – www.wickedyoungwriters.com. Good Luck!

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Cave Baby Julia Donaldson Best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has teamed up with prize-winning illustrator Emily Gravett to create a wonderfully witty story about a cheeky little Cave Baby. When the Cave Baby scribbles on the walls of his cave he is … Download free opening extract
2		Guess Who Says Moo? My Little Book of Riddles Leonie Shearing This perfect introduction to farm animals combines some absolutely charming illustrations with the ever-popular flip-the-flaps, creating a fun guessing game for the very young. Farm and farm animal words are introduced in a really fun way. … Download free opening extract
3		Dogs Emily Gravett Shortlisted for the Independent Booksellers’ Book Prize 2010. Prize-winning illustrator Emily Gravett delights with another wonderful new book. Apparently a celebration of dogs of all kind, this is also a book with a witty twist at the end. Gorgeous pictures of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Rabbit Problem Emily Gravett A Useful book about Families. 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 … Download free opening extract
2		Just Because Rebecca Elliott This is a book that deserves a place on the nursery bookshelf to be read and reread time and time again by parents and children alike.  It helps children to recognise that everyone is different.  Both heartfelt and loving it … Download free opening extract
3		Cub’s First Winter Rebecca Elliott Within this snuggly bedtime story there is an excellent introduction to looking at nature. It is Cub’s first winter and he wants to learn everything he can about it. Mum gives him lyrical answers to his many questions as she … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Ruby Nettleship and the Ice Lolly Adventure Thomas Docherty This is a magical adventure in which a drab landscape is transformed into a place of beauty and delight. Ruby’s playground is rundown; nothing works except for one swing for which there is always a long queue. One day, Ruby … Download free opening extract
2		Play the Shape Game Anthony Browne Take a shape and transform it into something new…Top names, including Jo Brand, Quentin Blake, Jacqueline Wilson, Phillip Pullman, Imelda Staunton, Anthony Horowitz, Sir Peter Blake, Linford Christie and Andrew Motion, have played Anthony Browne’s Shape Game and left a new shape … Download free opening extract
3		Vile A Cautionary Tale for Little Monsters Mark Robinson This is a terrific Cautionary Tale for mischievous kids demonstrating as it does that perhaps life’s not so great when spent solely in the pursuit of vileness  And when two of the pupils of the University of Vile discover that … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Dead Man’s Cove: Laura Marlin Mysteries 1 Lauren St.John Feisty orphan Laura Marlin is rescued from her life in a children’s home by her mysterious uncle Calvin. Laura loves everything about her new life in Cornwall but soon realises that it is full of secrets. Laura’s sharp observation and … Download free opening extract
2		Find Chaffy Jamie Smart Join in the search for the missing Chaffies! Ten loveable Chaffies have wandered off into the world and someone needs to set out and find where they are hiding! Join in the search for these delightful creatures among a graveyard … Download free opening extract
3		The Good Green Lunchbox: Tasty, Healthy Lunches and Picnics Jocelyn Miller This is the book to help you and the children give what you eat an eco-makeover! It’s a make-and-do book and contains 16 ideas for tasty and healthy lunches and picnics, which at the same time highlight a range of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Witches at War: The Wickedest Witch Martin Howard Full of dark humour in fact seriously funny this is the start of a series that should not be missed and packaged in a terrific small hardback format.  There is great anticipation in the witching world as the Wicked Witch … Download free opening extract
2		Eating Things on Sticks Anne Fine Shortlisted for Roald Dahl’s Funny Prize 2009. . Prize-winning Children’s Laureate Anne Fine is more entertaining than anyone else about families. Creating circumstances in which everything possible can go wrong, she delights her readers with bizarre situations that are hugely entertaining. … Download free opening extract
3		Midnight on Lundy Victoria Eveleigh This is Victoria Eveleigh’s fourth novel, her first three all feature an Exmoor pony called Trifle.  This one however, is set, first on Lundy Island* and then on the mainland in Devon.  Heart-rending but ultimately uplifting it will at times … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Reckless Cornelia Funke This title is published in September 2010 but we have an exclusive extract to whet your appetite.  Best-selling author Cornelia Funke whose Inkheart was a world-wide phenomenon has created a wonderful new imaginary world peopled with a gigantic cast of … Download free opening extract
2		Raven’s Gate (Power of Five) Graphic Novel Anthony Horowitz The long-awaited graphic-novel adaptation of the No. 1 bestseller Raven’s Gate, from the creator of Alex Rider, Anthony Horowitz.  A sinister and incredibly atmospheric story of the supernatural; first of five in the Power of Five series. Matt has always … Download free opening extract
3		Dark Life Kat Falls This is a debut novel that won’t disappoint.  Set in a world where the rising oceans have taken over continents and there are humans living on the small tracts of land that remain whilst others have moved under the sea … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The 10pm Question Kate De Goldi This is a warm, surprising, quirky, yet real and intelligent novel you will fall in love with. It’s a coming of age tale of Frankie Parsons, a twelve year old boy (who thinks and acts much older) who worries incessantly … Download free opening extract
2		Hunger Michael Grant This paperback edition will be available in September 2010. Here’s what Hugh (14), one of our teenage reviewers think of Hunger: Hunger, like it’s prequel Gone was unputdownable. It’s an excellent follow-up to an original idea. More children are developing powers and the … Download free opening extract
3		Whisper My Name Jane Eagland This is an incredibly eerie and chilling story of 16 year old Meriel Garland who is trapped in her grandfather’s strict regime of study and silence.  It’s a narrow, solitary existence, yet Meriel doesn’t always feel alone for someone is … Download free opening extract

Lovereding4kids Top 10

1		Grubtown Tales: Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky Philip Ardagh Winner of the 7 – 14 yr old category of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2009. You cannot fail to find the town of Grubtown and its inhabitants hysterically funny.  What goes on defies belief but if you’ve read books by … Download free opening extract
2		Mrs Cockle’s Cat Philippa Pearce This magical story weaves a delightful fantasy around a simple and touching story of a lost cat. Mrs Cockle lives at the top of a very tall house which has a useful trap door that opens directly onto the roof. … Download free opening extract
3		The Best of Times Michael Morpurgo Beautifully told and exquisitely illustrated, this is a gem of a book. Michael Morpurgo weaves a magical story about the unusual way a prince finds to make his princess happy and so to save her life. Emma Chichester Clark’s illustrations capture the subtle … Download free opening extract
4		The Death-defying Pepper Roux Geraldine Mccaughrean Prize-winning Geraldine McCaughrean has turned her deft hand to a brilliantly witty and fast moving story about a boy who wants to defy his destiny. Pepper is an unusual name and Pepper Roux is an unusual child especially since, according … Download free opening extract
5		Really Really Big Questions about life, the Universe and everything Stephen Law, Nishant Choksi 100 Really Really Big Questions is an unusual and fun introduction to philosophy that explores life’s important but often unanswered questions. Readers will be able to explore the history of thought and the great thinkers and learn how to think … Download free opening extract
6		The Vanishing of Katharina Linden Helen Grant Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book of the Year Award 2009. This debut novel is a great page-turner with an endearing story that’s full of rich detail and beautifully written.  It has a terrific sense of place.  Although the narrator … Download free opening extract
7		A Perfect Ten Chris Higgins Winner of the Young Minds Book Prize 2009. Chris Higgins’ writing rivals the likes of Cathy Cassidy and Jacqueline Wilson.  She’s an author truly in tune with the teen psyche.  This is her fourth novel and she gets better and better with each … Download free opening extract
8		The Penguin Who Wanted to Find Out Jill Tomlinson This is a perfect story for animal lovers young and old, filled with tenderness and love combined with a subtle humour.  Soft focus illustrations take readers right into the cold world of the penguins living in Antarctica. The beautiful pictures … Download free opening extract
9		Crocodile Tears: An Alex Rider novel Anthony Horowitz As exciting as ever with even more action and suspense, boy hero Alex Rider is back for his eighth spectacular adventure.  When Alex finds himself in great danger he turns to MI6 for protection. They are willing to help – … Download free opening extract
10		A Dinosaur Ate My Socks Eric Brown Space fantasy, dinosaurs and a trip back in time are the elements in this dramatic story about some homework that goes a bit wild. Millie and Mouse disagree about their homework on dinosaurs: Millie who loves them thinks it will … Download free opening extract

Books make perfect presents for children – they get the excitement of a rip-roaring story; you get the warm glow of watching them develop their reading skills. And with only seven weeks to go until the big day now’s the time to start choosing. If you’re not sure which titles will go down best, download some free Opening Extracts and take a sneak peak at some of the very best new stories.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reader

Lovereading4kids has compiled a list for Santa that has something for everyone, with great ideas for gift books and stocking fillers. They’re sure to make your children merry and bright for Christmas and a good long time afterwards. And don’t forget there’s 25% of most books and free delivery on every order over £20!

Author of the Month – the inimitable Stephen Davies

Stephen is a unique character – he works as a missionary in West Africa, preaching, accompanying cattle drives and giving advice on crops and health. We’ve brought together a selection of his brilliant kids’ books suitable for 7+ readers and his new title, Hacking Timbuktu, for 9+ readers in which a young computer whizz gets mixed up in the daring robbery of an ancient temple!

Books of the Month – outstanding quality new children’s books

We’ve got a whole host of really excellent new books for November, from established names like Anthony Horowitz with his brand new Alex Rider title and Jeanette Winterson, with her stunning first foray into children’s books, to rising stars like Emily Bearn and John Smelcer. All are exceptionally imaginative and well written – there’s never been so much talent in the children’s book world!

	For 3 + readers
For 3 + readers		For 5 + readers
For 5 + readers	For 7 + readers
For 7 + readers	For 9 + readers
For 11 + readers		For 14 + readers

Debuts of the Month – Fresh new reading talents

Jane Airhead by Kay Woodward

Inspired by Jane Eyre, Charlotte goes looking for a dashing modern day Mr. Rochester for her lovely mum; she finds one, but is he for real?

Winter Shadow by Richard Knight & Richard Johnson

A wonderful story of a little girl who finds an abandoned wolf cub and how they become inseparable as they grow up together.

Can you tell your Arabesque from your Grand Plie?

The Ballet Academy is our Series of the Month, perfect for any
7+ year old who loves to dance and who wants to read stories
that fuel that passion. We also have a wonderful, and essential, illustrated companion volume that provides a real insight into the world of ballet

and what young dancers need to know. Why not ‘jete’ over to have a look?

Children’s Classics – timeless tales for Christmas

There are certain stories your kids will enjoy just as much as you did as a child. So take a look at our Children’s Classics area on Lovereading4kids, where you’ll find collections of classics to suit every taste and they won’t break the bank either. Whether it’s the sumptuous Templar illustrated hardbacks, the Oxford great value small format hardbacks, the Walker Illustrated paperbacks or the Puffin paperbacks, they all make perfect gifts.

Fantastic new stories for dyslexic and reluctant readers

Books make perfect Christmas presents – and not just for confident readers. We’ve added a dozen new titles to our very popular Dyslexia category on the site to coincide with Dyslexia Awareness Week from 1st to 7th Nov, and we’ve also refreshed our Reluctant Reader section. If your children struggle to read, or just seem disinterested, there could well be a short, sharp and entertaining book here to foster a new enthusiasm for reading.

Three book awards to be announced – all first class fiction

The Teenage Book Prize continues to raise awareness of the very best writing for young adults. This year’s shortlist features some gloriously imagined characters and vividly painted worlds, both grittily real and wildly fantastical. Download some free Opening Extracts of books by such inspirational authors as Neil Gaiman, Paul Dowswell and Mal Peet.

Roald Dahl’s Funniest Book prize shortlist shouldn’t be missed – the winner will be announced in mid November alongside the winner of the Young Minds Book prize. All the shortlisted titles together with ‘try before you buy’ extracts are on Lovereading4kids.

Gift Vouchers – the Christmas present that can’t go wrong!

If you just can’t choose which books to buy your young cherubs or God cherubs for Christmas, then try a Lovereading4kids Gift Voucher. You can be confident that when your kids visit the site there will be a wonderful selection of books for them to have fun choosing from.

Happy Reading!

Lovereading4kids.co.uk most popular books by age range

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		The Chicken Thief Beatrice Rodriguez An entertainingly illustrated wordless picture book story which will be loved by all ages. When the daring fox comes by and steals the chicken away from under the noses of her friends Bear and Rabbit, he sets off a dramatic … Download free opening extract
2		Lulu’s Christmas Camilla Reid All the excitement of Christmas is crammed into this interactive picture book showing all the things Lulu has to do to get ready for the big day. And young readers will love pulling the tab to help her decorate the … Download free opening extract
3		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

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Penguin Who Wanted to Find Out Jill Tomlinson This is a perfect story for animal lovers young and old, filled with tenderness and love combined with a subtle humour.  Soft focus illustrations take readers right into the cold world of the penguins living in Antarctica. The beautiful pictures … Download free opening extract
2		Who’s Driving? Leo Timmers This is a delightful new take on the classic fable of the hare and the tortoise.  Full of shining cars and screeching tyres, it’s a picture book for drivers of all ages, young and old.  So many different cars and so … Download free opening extract
3		Mr Pusskins Best in Show Sam Lloyd Winner of the 6 and under category in the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2009. Pusskins is a larger-than-life character and it comes as no surprise that it has been shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funniest book prize!! There is fun and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Best of Times Michael Morpurgo Beautifully told and exquisitely illustrated, this is a gem of a book. Michael Morpurgo weaves a magical story about the unusual way a prince finds to make his princess happy and so to save her life. Emma Chichester Clark’s illustrations capture the subtle … Download free opening extract
2		Tumtum and Nutmeg: A Christmas Adventure Emily Bearn It’s Christmastime and the loveable characters Tumtum and Nutmeg are back for a new set of adventures. When they hear bad news about Christmas they set off for the Toy Kingdom to make sure that everyone gets the happy Christmas … Download free opening extract
3		My Brilliant Book! Michael Broad Short of a good book to read, Sam decides that writing his own is the only way to really enjoy a story. Vibrantly illustrated, Sam’s flights of fancy – aliens, a world full of sweets, a trip to the wildwest … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Really Really Big Questions about life, the Universe and everything Stephen Law, Nishant Choksi 100 Really Really Big Questions is an unusual and fun introduction to philosophy that explores life’s important but often unanswered questions. Readers will be able to explore the history of thought and the great thinkers and learn how to think … Download free opening extract
2		Grubtown Tales: Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky Philip Ardagh Winner of the 7 – 14 yr old category of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2009. You cannot fail to find the town of Grubtown and its inhabitants hysterically funny.  What goes on defies belief but if you’ve read books by … Download free opening extract
3		Mrs Cockle’s Cat Philippa Pearce This magical story weaves a delightful fantasy around a simple and touching story of a lost cat. Mrs Cockle lives at the top of a very tall house which has a useful trap door that opens directly onto the roof. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Death-defying Pepper Roux Geraldine Mccaughrean Prize-winning Geraldine McCaughrean has turned her deft hand to a brilliantly witty and fast moving story about a boy who wants to defy his destiny. Pepper is an unusual name and Pepper Roux is an unusual child especially since, according … Download free opening extract
2		The Unfinished Angel Sharon Creech Prize-winning author Sharon Creech tells a magical story that’s truly original, touching and funny of an unusual friendship between an unusual angel and Zola who find themselves sharing a tower high in the Swiss Alps. The story is told by Angel … Download free opening extract
3		Under the Weather: Stories About Climate Change Tony Bradman Perfectly pitched for younger readers, this is a timely collection of stories about an urgent matter that will affect everyone’s future. The stories have a global perspective with different authors tackling the different consequences of the world warming up. Crucially, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Vanishing of Katharina Linden Helen Grant Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book of the Year Award 2009.  The winner will be announced on 18th November 2009. This debut novel is a great page-turner with an endearing story that’s full of rich detail and beautifully written.  It … Download free opening extract
2		Crocodile Tears: An Alex Rider novel Anthony Horowitz As exciting as ever with even more action and suspense, boy hero Alex Rider is back for his eighth spectacular adventure.  When Alex finds himself in great danger he turns to MI6 for protection. They are willing to help – … Download free opening extract
3		Tales of Terror from the Tunnel’s Mouth Chris Priestley A spine chilling collection of short stories each of  which will horrify but also delight readers with its creepy characters and unexpected occurrences. Robert starts back to school on the train alone but, when the train stops right in the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Secret to Teen Power Paul Harrington ‘The Secret’ is an international phenomenon that has inspired millions of people to live extraordinary lives. The Secret to Teen Power makes that material accessible and relevant for today’s over programmed, stressed-out teens in this fast-movingand changing 21st century world. … Download free opening extract
2		Wildthorn Jane Eagland Set in Victorian England, this is a thought-provoking and shocking debut story for teenagers and adults of how a young woman with an ambition to become a doctor (at a time when it was frowned upon for women to have … Download free opening extract
3		Auslander Paul Dowswell Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book of the Year Award 2009.  The winner will be announced on 18th November 2009. A tense and dramatic story of growing up in Berlin during World War Two. When Piotr’s parents are killed … Download free opening extract

The Christmas lights have been turned on around the country and before you know it the round of Christmas parties will begin. So, before you get too busy to choose your little loved ones some brilliant books from our selections of Gifts, Stocking Fillers and  Books of the Year, all handily split by age range and all with free ‘try before you buy’ extracts. Get ahead now, here at Lovereading4kids.

Guest Editor – the marvellous Geraldine McCaughrean

Three-time winner of the Whitbread Prize, winner of the Carnegie Medal and the very first recipient of the Blue Peter Book Award,  Geraldine McCaughrean has written almost 150 books and plays. In 2006 she wrote the official sequel to JM Barrie’s Peter Pan: her adventure, Peter Pan in Scarlet, has already been translated into 38 languages. Her latest is an absolute corker of a book, The Death Defying Pepper-Roux. Incredibly fast-paced we guarantee no reader will fail to fall in love with this mad-cap character. As our Guest Editor this month find out more about her books and the ones that have influenced her on her own journey, from trainee teacher to literary heroine.

Other highlights this month

A Publisher we tip for the top – tip-top books from Top That!

Top That! is an independent publisher with a reputation for creating incredibly exciting books – books that have something a little bit extra within their covers – that challenge and stimulate readers from toddlers right through to nearly teenagers. We’ve selected ten of their titles from three of their ranges.

Green Reads – books to give your kids greater global awareness

With the Copenhagen Summit on climate change coming up in December, now is a good time to get children (and parents!) thinking about the world they live in. Our Green Reads section has some really great books that engage children in the world around them and make themes like global warming accessible. Added to our existing titles are 3 new ones:  Countdown to Disaster is a thrilling glimpse at colossal events, somenatural, some man-made, which could be the downfall of life as we know it. Under the Weather is a powerful collection of short stories looking at the personal perspective of climate change and  Gaia Warriors explains the science and answers the commonly-asked questions about global warming.

Classics Illustrated –more exciting blasts from the past

These comic book versions of classic books, first published in the ’50s and ’60s, are a great way in to what can sometimes seem like tough stories to new readers. Among the titles we’ve added recently are such all-time favourites as Pinocchio for younger readers and  Frankenstein for older readers. They’re also amazingly good value – less than £2 each on Lovereading4kids!

The world’s most irrepressible school boy is 90!

It’s hard to believe that Richmal Crompton began writing the  Just William stories nearly a century ago – they are still as funny. Times might have changed but children will still roar with laughter at William’s exploits. So, visit our special Just William anniversary section to find out more and make sure when he turns 100 he’s still being read.

Children’s Prize Winners – hot off the press

The winners of two prestigious children’s Book Awards, the shortlists for which we’ve previously featured, have been announced this week.  Roald Dahl’s Funny Book Award winners were, in the 6 and under category, Mr Pusskins Best in Show and in the 7 and over category, Grubtown Tales: Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky. All the winners and the shortlisted titles are in our Prize Winners area. Cracking titles every one of them.

Don’t let the kids have all the best presents. Make a Wish (list) today

Don’t forget your needs too; Lovereading is ready and waiting with a range of reading we think you will love. Why not make a wish list and give it to your ever-loving, and you too might get some Christmas presents you really want this year!

Exclusive prizes up for grabs, find out more today….

This month, like every month, we have some terrific book goodies to be won in our ‘free to enter’ prize draws. For toddlers we have a gorgeous limited edition glove puppet or some Lucy Cousins books, for slightly older readers we have some special 10 slipcase sets of Oxford Classics and very excitingly some signed sets of the Alex Rider backlist titles. Visit our Free Prize Draws page to find out more and enter.

We hope you have a lot of fun of choosing loads of Christmas presents on Lovereading4kids. Below you’ll find a taster by age range of our Christmas selection. However, to view our complete Christmas range go direct to one of our three Christmas sections – Gifts, Stocking Fillers or Books of the Year.

Happy Lovereading!

Lovereading4kids.co.uk Top 10

1		No Such Thing As Dragons Philip Reeve Carnegie Medal winner Philip Reeve weaves a brilliant adventure story set long ago when the myth of the dragon held many in paralysing fear. Ansel serves Brock, the famous dragon slayer who makes his living by slaying creatures whose very … Download free opening extract
2		The Best of Times Michael Morpurgo Beautifully told and exquisitely illustrated, this is a gem of a book. Michael Morpurgo weaves a magical story about the unusual way a prince finds to make his princess happy and so to save her life. Emma Chichester Clark’s illustrations … Download free opening extract
3		The Secret to Teen Power Paul Harrington ‘The Secret’ is an international phenomenon that has inspired millions of people to live extraordinary lives. The Secret to Teen Power makes that material accessible and relevant for today’s over programmed, stressed-out teens in this fast-movingand changing 21st century world. … Download free opening extract
4		The Unfinished Angel Sharon Creech Prize-winning author Sharon Creech tells a magical story that’s truly original, touching and funny of an unusual friendship between an unusual angel and Zola who find themselves sharing a tower high in the Swiss Alps. The story is told by … Download free opening extract
5		Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4: Dog Days Jeff Kinney Here at Lovereading4kids we are delighted to bring you a hot-of-the-press extract of Greg’s latest wimpy adventures. Rest-assured this eagerly awaited next instalment lives up to expectations.  So get ready to split your sides laughing as Greg struggles with all … Download free opening extract
6		Spells Emily Gravett A stunning new picture book from Emily Gravett, full of witchcraft, wizardry and magic. We meet a frog trying his utmost to turn himself into a handsome prince from a torn up spell book, resulting in inevitably confusing consequences. It has the same … Download free opening extract
7		Horrid Henry Wakes the Dead Francesca Simon Everybody’s favourite bad boy is back for a new set of shocking adventures. Horrid Henry and his brother Perfect Peter will squabble over anything and everything – and, as his fans will know, his behaviour is getting worse! At home … Download free opening extract
8		Ghost for Sale Terry Deary Terry Deary, one of the best known children’s authors writing today has written a scary yet funny short novel that is dyslexia friendly.  9+ year olds will find the storyline terrific yet the reading age for it is a little … Download free opening extract
9		Crocodile Tears: An Alex Rider novel Anthony Horowitz THIS BOOK WILL BE RELEASED ON PUB DATE – 12TH NOVEMBER. PLEASE PRE-ORDER As exciting as ever with even more action and suspense, boy hero Alex Rider is back for his eighth spectacular adventure.  When Alex finds himself in great danger … Download free opening extract
10		Really Really Big Questions about life, the Universe and everything Stephen Law, Nishant Choksi 100 Really Really Big Questions is an unusual and fun introduction to philosophy that explores life’s important but often unanswered questions. Readers will be able to explore the history of thought and the great thinkers and learn how to think … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Santa’s Littlest Helper Travels The World Anu Stohner Curl up on those cold starry winter nights and enjoy a magical Christmas story with Santa’s littlest helper who saves the day when everyone around him gets ill.  It’s a Christmas story with a twist and with some stunningly colourful … Download free opening extract
2		The Pencil Allan Ahlberg This book is an hilarious and unmissable treat! One day there is just a lonely pencil…It begins to draw – a boy, a dog, a cat and then a house and streets for them to play in. But everyone wants … Download free opening extract
3		Look Out, Stripy Horse! Jim Helmore, Karen Wall Hot on the hooves of the stripy horse’s first prize-winning adventure, Who Are You Stripy Horse? comes a wonderfully humorous and delightful tale of mischief, mayhem and monkeys and not forgetting of course, stripy horse. It’s a must for lovers … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Yuck’s Supercool Snotman Matt And Dave Loved by boys and girls of 5+ but particularly boys.  Two horribly disgusting adventures will be found within the covers of this latest Yuck adventure – Yuck’s Supercool Snotman and Yuck’s Dream machine. Seriously yuckable but utterly spellbinding. … Download free opening extract
2		The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Basil Wiley Miller A wonderful debut from an incredibly talented wordsmith and illustrator. Fans of The Wizard of Oz and James and the Giant Peach will love Basil and his erstwhile adventures. Basil is an ordinary boy living a very ordinary life in a lighthouse, … Download free opening extract
3		Alice In Wonderland (slipcase edition) Lewis Carroll, Rodney Matthews The story is timeless and can be read at so many different levels, but this lavish slipcased edition is quite simply stunning and will bring to the reader a very different Wonderland – even more fantastical and a little darker … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Birthday Book Michael Morpurgo This is a sumptuous collection of stories and verse compiled by Michael Morpurgo, beautifully illustrated by Quentin Blake and published in aid of The Prince’s Foundation for Children and Arts and to celebrate the Prince of Wales’s 60th birthday. It’s … Download free opening extract
2		A Christmas Carol: The Graphic Novel (Quick Text) Charles Dickens This is the full story in quick modern English for a fast-paced read. The original Christmas tale is brought to life in this colourful graphic novel adaptation. It is the second Charles Dickens title from Classical Comics and probably his … Download free opening extract
3		Whitaker’s World Of Weird Tracey Turner Attractively produced, this is a neat pocket book stuffed full of extraordinary facts about all kinds of unusual things. Set against a background of strong photographic images, the sections in this book cover many things including Weird Encounters, Weird Behaviour … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		A Christmas Carol with A Christmas Tree (illustrated by Robert Ingpen) Charles Dickens This gorgeous and sumptuously illustrated new edition of the completely unabridged A Christmas Carol is an absolute dream of a gift.  The illustrations are by the award-winning artist Robert Ingpen who has successfully captured the atmosphere of Victorian London and … Download free opening extract
2		The Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract
3		Girls Are Best Sandi Toksvig Women gladiators, women in the Bayeaux Tapestry, women inventors – Sandi Toksvig uncovers them all in her light-hearted approach to the serious message of this book – women have always done amazing things but have mostly been overlooked by history. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Power Of Five: Necropolis Anthony Horowitz Yet again Anthony Horowitz has come up trumps with an edge-of-the-seat thriller with some brilliantly spun twists that will keep you guessing right up to the very end. The female protagonist is brilliantly portrayed – the first time, we think … Download free opening extract
2		When The Snow Fell Henning Mankell Shortlisted for the Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation.  The winner will be announced on 20 January 2009. A touching story of growing up and discovering what really matters. Joel makes three New Year’s resolutions: To see a naked lady, … Download free opening extract
3		A Really Short History Of Nearly Everything Bill Bryson Full of extraordinary discoveries and wonder at the world we live in, this is a thrilling scientific journey through history. It raises and answers many of the questions young readers ask about how the greatest scientific discoveries were made and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
2		Young, Loaded And Fabulous Katherine Kingsley Addictive, scandalous and glamorous fiction from a brand new author writing for sophisticated teens!  As its title implies this is not for the faint-hearted.  If you’re up for a wild read where clubbing or holidaying in St Tropez is the … Download free opening extract
3		Eclipse Stephenie Meyer The much-anticipated 3rd novel in the captivating saga of vampire romance that began with Twilight, continued with New Moon. Friendships are stretched beyond breaking point and love choices must be made that are a matter of life and death and … Download free opening extract