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

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Mayfly Day Jeanne Willis Its message is one to treasure.  Mayfly lives for only one day. Is she sad? No, everything about that one day is to be celebrated. Mayfly sees buds burst open, she sees babies being born; she feels breezes blowing and … Download free opening extract
2		Zog (Paperback and CD-Audio) Julia Donaldson Winner of the Galaxy Children’s Book Award 2010. Book and CD edition. The creators of the best-selling Gruffalo have invented a delightful new character – Zog the little dragon who always wants to do best at school. Zog’s determination to win … Download free opening extract
3		Peppa Pig: Peppa Meets the Queen Join Peppa Pig as she goes to the Palace and gets to meet the Queen! Miss Rabbit is invited to the Palace to get an honour and Peppa and her friends are going too! It’s a wonderfully celebratory day out … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Monster Machine Nicola L. Robinson June 2012 Book of the Month. Have monster fun with the making of monsters and what they do next! Topped up with the right ingredients of slugs, toenail clippings, earwax, spiders and some special glue, the monster-making machine churns out … Download free opening extract
2		The Worst Princess Anna Kemp May 2012 Book of the Month. A funny new picture book from the team behind the successful Dogs Don’t Do Ballet and Rhinos Don’t Eat Pancakes! Girls everywhere will be cheering for Sue in this story of determination and derring-do. The galloping, tongue-in-cheek rhyming text … Download free opening extract
3		Where the Wild Things are Maurice Sendak Jacqueline Wilson, February 2012 Guest Editor: “The text is very minimal but perfect – and the illustrations are glorious. This isn’t a scary book in the slightest, though the monsters are grotesque, equipped with very sharp teeth and pointy claws.  Little Max … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Horrid Henry’s Monster Movie Francesca Simon June 2012 Book of the Month. Horrid Henry loves scary movies! The problem is Perfect Pete hates them. And so do mum and dad. How will Henry ever get to see The Vampire Zombie Werewolf ? As ever, in this … Download free opening extract
2		Horrid Henry Meets the Queen (Early Reader) Francesca Simon For all Horrid Henry fans here’s the perfect book to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  Bestselling Horrid Henry celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in his own special way… When Perfect Pete is asked to greet the Queen and present her … Download free opening extract
3		Me, the Queen and Christopher Giles Andreae, Tony Ross A touching and funny story about a 7 year-old girl’s adventure having tea with the Queen. Told with Giles Andreae’s trademark warmth and humour, but with an added poignancy when the Queen meets Christopher, Freya’s brother, this is a perfect … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Dragonsitter Josh Lacey May 2012 Book of the Month. A hilarious story full of useful tips for any dragon-minder. When Eddie’s Uncle Morton goes off on an urgent mission he leaves his dragon behind with Eddie as the babysitter. But a dragon is not … Download free opening extract
2		Little Manfred Michael Morpurgo June 2012 Book of the Month. Award-winning author and illustrator duo Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman have created a touching story about the way lives become entangled during conflict and how, unexpectedly, those ties can lead to enduring friendship. When … Download free opening extract
3		Muddle Earth Too Paul Stewart Invention after invention propels this witty new Muddle Earth story by best-selling duo Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell, now in paperback. Joe turns up in Muddle Earth entirely by accident when he falls through a portal while trying to build … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		White Dolphin Gill Lewis May 2012 Book of the Month. Bestselling Gill Lewis’s new story tells of the amazing, life-affirming powers of dolphins.  Kara’s life is in a mess; her mum has disappeared, she is in trouble at school and her father is about to … Download free opening extract
2		The Sleeping Army Francesca Simon May 2012 Book of the Month. Freya is an ordinary girl living in modern Britain, but with a twist: people still worship the Viking gods. One evening, stuck with her dad on his night shift at the British Museum, she … Download free opening extract
3		The Messenger Bird Ruth Eastham May 2012 Book of the Month. Cleverly interweaving a modern day storyline with one from the 1940s, it’s the story of Nathan who must find out what the link is between his father’s recent disappearance and that of Lily, an ex-Bletchley Park employee, before it’s too late … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Hero on a Bicycle Shirley Hughes May 2012 Book of the Month. Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the … Download free opening extract
2		A Dog Called Homeless Sarah Lean May 2012 Debut of the Month. How a young girl finds hope and a way forward after the death of her mother and the collapse of her familiar life is a deeply touching story. Cally stops talking when no one believes … Download free opening extract
3		The Kane Chronicles: The Serpent’s Shadow Rick Riordan May 2012 Book of the Month. This is the third and final book in this awesome and electrifying Kane Chronicles series that is set in ancient Egypt. Carter and Sadie have their biggest and most important quest yet; to defeat the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Slated Teri Terry May 2012 Debut of the Month. This is a debut novel not to miss. It’s an original and haunting psychological thriller that’s packed with intense mystery and secrets that will have you gripped from the very first page.  It’s the story of Kyla … Download free opening extract
2		Insurgent Veronica Roth May 2012 Book of the Month. This is heart-pounding dystopian fiction at its very best.  Insurgent is the thrillingly dark sequel to the New York Times bestselling debut, Divergent.  No teenager should miss these great reads. Will have fans of The … Download free opening extract
3		The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins Jacqueline Wilson, February 2012 Guest Editor: “I don’t usually go for blockbuster dystopian stories – but this trilogy is imaginatively conceived and well written and a genuine page-turner. Sixteen year old Katniss takes part in a terrifying annual televised game where teenagers fight … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Mayfly Day Jeanne Willis Its message is one to treasure.  Mayfly lives for only one day. Is she sad? No, everything about that one day is to be celebrated. Mayfly sees buds burst open, she sees babies being born; she feels breezes blowing and … Download free opening extract
2		Peppa Pig: Peppa Meets the Queen Join Peppa Pig as she goes to the Palace and gets to meet the Queen! Miss Rabbit is invited to the Palace to get an honour and Peppa and her friends are going too! It’s a wonderfully celebratory day out … Download free opening extract
3		Pip and Posy: The Big Balloon Axel Scheffler April 2012 Book of the Month. Best known for creating the pictures for the Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler has created a perfect story for pre-school. How can Pip’s friends cheer him up when his beautiful red balloon goes POP! ? Luckily Posy … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Where the Wild Things are Maurice Sendak Jacqueline Wilson, February 2012 Guest Editor: “The text is very minimal but perfect – and the illustrations are glorious. This isn’t a scary book in the slightest, though the monsters are grotesque, equipped with very sharp teeth and pointy claws.  Little Max … Download free opening extract
2		Charlie and Lola: We Completely Must Go to London Best-selling Charlie and Lola and their best friends Marve and Lotta are very excited to be going on a trip to London! They gaze up at Buckingham Palace and wonder which is the Queen’s Bedroom, they look in wonder at … Download free opening extract
3		The Worst Princess Anna Kemp May 2012 Book of the Month. A funny new picture book from the team behind the successful Dogs Don’t Do Ballet and Rhinos Don’t Eat Pancakes! Girls everywhere will be cheering for Sue in this story of determination and derring-do. The galloping, tongue-in-cheek rhyming text … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		HM Queen Elizabeth II: Diamond Jubilee This is a very special Ladybird souvenir edition to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. … Download free opening extract
2		Me, the Queen and Christopher Giles Andreae, Tony Ross A touching and funny story about a 7 year-old girl’s adventure having tea with the Queen. Told with Giles Andreae’s trademark warmth and humour, but with an added poignancy when the Queen meets Christopher, Freya’s brother, this is a perfect … Download free opening extract
3		The Perfect Pet Shop (Early Reader) Vivian French A delightful animal story, perfect for early readers. There’s nearly a pet shop disaster when a noisy puppy won’t stay quiet at night time. How will the other animals ever get to sleep? Maybe telling stories will do the trick? … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Dotty Inventions And Some Real Ones Too Roger Mcgough May 2012 Book of the Month.  Best-selling poet Roger McGough hits some real Eureka! moments in this cheerfully wacky picture book full of fabulously ingenious inventions. Professor Dotty Dabble is a great inventor so is sure she’ll win the National … Download free opening extract
2		Eeek! The Runaway Alien Karen Inglis April 2012 Book of the Month. A boy, an alien and football – without any shadow of doubt it’s a match made in heaven for boys in particular and if you have a reluctant reader in the house aged from 6-9 … Download free opening extract
3		Homecoming Michael Morpurgo Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate and the award-winning author of War Horse, has written a beautifully evocative story which celebrates the beauty of a place and the pain it creates when that beauty is under threat. Michael always liked to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		White Dolphin Gill Lewis May 2012 Book of the Month. Bestselling Gill Lewis’s new story tells of the amazing, life-affirming powers of dolphins.  Kara’s life is in a mess; her mum has disappeared, she is in trouble at school and her father is about to … Download free opening extract
2		The Sleeping Army Francesca Simon May 2012 Book of the Month. Freya is an ordinary girl living in modern Britain, but with a twist: people still worship the Viking gods. One evening, stuck with her dad on his night shift at the British Museum, she … Download free opening extract
3		Twelve Minutes to Midnight Christopher Edge April 2012 Book of the Month. A thriller with a fast-paced cinematic style, Twelve Minutes to Midnight is an electrifying story from an exciting new author featuring a feisty 13 year old heroine. It is the first book in a must-read … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		A Dog Called Homeless Sarah Lean May 2012 Debut of the Month. This is an outstandingly assured debut novel from a sparkling new talent.  When Cally Fisher sees her dead mother, real as anything, no one believes her. So Cally stops talking – what’s the point … Download free opening extract
2		Hero on a Bicycle Shirley Hughes May 2012 Book of the Month. Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the … Download free opening extract
3		A Waste of Good Paper Sean Taylor A moving, first person story that captures the frustrations and pent-up fury of a boy with a lot of problems. Jason has been told to write something in his new journal everyday. The trouble is there is nothing he wants … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Changeling Philippa Gregory May 2012 MEGA Book of the Month. Best-selling Philippa Gregory’s first book for teenagers is a thrilling story of malice and betrayal, courage and passion. Tricked out of her inheritance by her greedy and duplicitous brother, Isolde must swap ruling … Download free opening extract
2		Slated Teri Terry May 2012 Debut of the Month. This is a debut novel not to miss. It’s an original and haunting psychological thriller that’s packed with intense mystery and secrets that will have you gripped from the very first page.  It’s the story of Kyla … Download free opening extract
3		When It Happens Susane Colasanti May 2012 Book of the Month. A terrific romantic comedy drama for all those searching for The One! Sara and Tobey couldn’t be more different. She is focused on getting into her first-choice college; he wants to win Battle of the … Download free opening extract

Welcome to our mid-April children’s book update. Read on for some terrific titles from an already award-winning new children’s publisher, Nosy Crow, this month’s pre-publication exclusives and lots of ‘spring cleaned and refreshed’ book categories including a focus on dyslexia friendly titles…

Something to Crow About

Nosy Crow is new, independent, vibrant and within its first year has become an award-winning publisher of children’s books and apps. Find out more about some of the books in their exciting range in this special section we’ve created to celebrate their first year.

A Debut for 14+ readers Not to be Missed

Matched meets The Hunger Games in our April 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month, Starters by Lissa Price. This is an outstanding and action-packed futuristic dystopian thriller in which teenagers are at the mercy of wealthy geriatrics who will go to any lengths to use them for their own gain, whilst anyone aged 20 to 60 has been killed off.

Hot off the press next month but read an extract today!

Hitler’s Angel William Osborne 9 + Perfect for fans of Henderson’s Boys or the Young Bond series’. Download Extract   More info	White Dolphin Gill Lewis 11+ Engaging story of unlikely friendship and courage against adversity. From the author of Sky Hawk. Download Extract   More info
Unrest Michelle Harrison 14+ Chilling ghost story from an award – winning young writer. Download Extract   More info	Insurgent Veronica Roth 14+ Fast paced, high-octane fuelled dystopian thriller from the author of Divergent. Download Extract   More info

Carnegie and Greenaway shortlists just announced

The shortlists for these two prestigious children’s book awards have just been announced. Browse all the chosen books below. The winners will be announced on 14 June 2012.

Carnegie Medal shortlisted titles

Greenaway Medal Shortlisted titles

Dust off the Musts – Essential Reading for Kids …

We don’t want to blow our own trumpet but: TOOT-TOOT!! You have told us how much you love our Essentials ‘must read’ section – a comprehensive compilation of timeless classics brought back for a new generation. New this month:

Lady Lollipop Dick King-smith 5+ Lollipop is a pig with a difference. And it is lucky that she is as Lollipop becomes the pet pig of the very, very spoilt Princess Penelope. Download Extract   More info

Pippi Longstocking Astrid Lindgren 7+ Not to be missed, this classic story about a very special little girl with a great new cover by the wonderful Tony Ross. Download Extract   More info

Picture Books you’ll want to read again and again

Our Picture Book Picnic category is another of your favourites – and you’ll find a few more titles added to the collection. We LOVE this feast of a section dedicated to picture books for toddlers and early readers. And we’re glad you love it too!

A Walk in London Salvatore Rubbino 5+ All the best sights of London brought to life on a mother-daughter walk. Download Extract   More info

You’re a Hero, Daley B! Jon Blake 5+… or is he just a rabbit? This will be one of your favourites! Download Extract   More info

Great news for reluctant readers or children with dyslexia

If your child struggles to get into a book then take a browse through our totally revamped Dyslexia Friendly section. Shorter books from first class authors, with inspiring content, realistic characters and a gripping plot will help crack the reading code. The bulk of the books are from Barrington Stoke, the UK’s best known publisher of dyslexia friendly titles, and they are all sorted by interest age and reading age so you can quickly find the ones that are right for your child.

And if your child is not dyslexic but needs cajoling into getting into a good book then check out our Reluctant Reader category as this is chock-full of some really great reads that will hook them right from the start.

 

April Competitions with books galore up for grabs

If you haven’t visited our Free Prize Draw section this month then you are missing the chance to get some amazing prizes.

Courtesy of Pavilion Children’s Books, publisher of The Gentle Lion and the Little Owlet, you can win a family day out at a zoo! And the lovely people at Walker Books has given us a limited edition print of the brilliant picture book Oh No George. Not to be outdone, Templar Publishing has given us a load of Robert Ingpen books and signed book plates to celebrate the bicentennial publication of The Owl and the Pussycat.

Next up, we have 100 copies to give away of the horrifically good The Vampire Hunters from award-winning humorous author Pete Johnson. This new series continues with The Vampire Fighters, out in June, but you can start reading it now in our Pre-Publication section.

Finally, linked to the publication of Jasmine Skies, the second breathtaking novel from the winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, we have five signed copies of Sita Brahmachari’s debut novel Artichoke Hearts to be won.

Happy reading until your next Lovereading4kids instalment.

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Monkey Red, Monkey Blue Nicki Greenberg 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, popcorn – there’s food everywhere and it flies across the page in a … Download free opening extract
2		Goat Goes to Playgroup Julia Donaldson Playgroup has begun. Time to have some fun. A comforting story for any child starting at, or already attending, a playgroup. Perfect for reading aloud, even the youngest toddler will enjoy Goat’s antics. … Download free opening extract
3		Clare Beaton’s Bedtime Rhymes Clare Beaton Classic bedtime rhymes for small children, including favourites like ‘I See the Moon’, ‘Wee Willie Winkie’ and ‘Brahms’ Lullaby’. Soothing poems have been chosen to develop language and learning skills, while also encouraging peaceful and relaxing bedtimes. Click here for more by Clare Beaton. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		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
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		The Great Explorer Chris Judge Resourceful Tom has a great fantasy adventure in this exciting and action-packed story with clear, bold illustrations. Setting out to find his father who has gone missing on an expedition to the North Pole, Tom sails through icebergs, flees from … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		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
2		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
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 Story of Matthew Buzzington Andy Stanton Reading age 8+, interest age 9+. Creator of the best-selling Mr Gum series, Andy Stanton delights again is this story of the importance of self-belief. 10 year old Matthew Buzzington badly needs some special powers when his family suddenly relocates to … 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		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		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		Nature Mage Duncan Pile This is an exciting new fantasy series that fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Septimus Heap will absolutely love to read. Excitingly for Lovereading4kids we were approached by the author in early 2011 who showed us the first three chapters … Download free opening extract
3		Pendragon Legacy: Sword of Light Katherine Roberts A cracking page-turning adventure that brings a new twist on Arthurian legend.  The future of Camelot is in the hands of Arthur’s secret daughter, Rhianna.  Utterly gripping, this is the start of a series for 10+ year olds by an … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Someone Else’s Life Katie Dale A totally gripping roller-coaster of a story about family secrets, relationships and deceit.  It’s Jodi Picoult for teens and a wonderfully engaging debut from a talented young author who won the 2008 SCBWI Undiscovered Voices competition. … 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		Mice Gordon Reece Sixteen-year-old Shelley tells this dark and gripping story. Bullied so badly at school that she has to leave and surviving – just – her parents’ bitter divorce, Shelley and her mum hole up in an isolated house, miles from anywhere. … 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		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

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

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Hullabaloo Gordon Volke A wonderfully humorous picture storybook that kids will have great fun joining in with the animals. From a donkey called Drew, to hopping bunnies with grass to chew, this rowdy group of animals at the zoo are making a hullabaloo! … Download free opening extract
2		Pandamonium Dan Crisp Fantastic illustrations and humorous text follw the antics of the escaped zoo animals as they cause pandamonium.  Children will delight in watching the zoo keeper sleep as the animals around him cause pandamonium! Fantastic illustrations by award-winning artist Mark Chambers … Download free opening extract
3		Tabby McTat Picturebook and CD Julia Donaldson The best-selling author and illustrator team of the Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have created a heart-warming story about loyalty and friendship. When Tabby McTat the busker’s cat gets separated from the busker he begins a new life on … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Three Little Pirates (Early Reader) Georgie Adams Meet Trixy, Tammy and Trig, three little girl pirates who have a big adventure!  A delightful splash of ocean fun and adventure. Perfect for reading aloud or for children to enjoy alone, with lots of bright funny pictures, maps to … Download free opening extract
2		The Boy Who Hated Toothbrushes Zehra Hicks Billy hates toothbrushes. He’s tried all kinds but refuses to use any of them! But then he loses a tooth and the tooth fairy leaves him something to make sure the rest of his teeth are never so dirty! How … 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		The Diary of a Killer Cat Anne Fine A cat’s eye view of the world is not exactly the same as a humans! Tuffy’s got no problems with the trail of delicious victims he brings into the house. A bird, a mouse – they are both delicious. In … Download free opening extract
2		The Parent Swap Shop Francesca Simon A brand new story perfect for early readers particularly those who are sick and tired of being told what to do!  Nag nag nag. Why can’t she have the kind of parents that let her eat sweets all day? Or … Download free opening extract
3		Funnybones Allan Ahlberg Three white-boned skeletons have a great night out when they set forth with the express intention to “frighten somebody”. Big skeleton, little skeleton and dog skeleton live in the dark, dark cellar of a dark, dark house on a dark, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		One Dog and His Boy Eva Ibbotson Award winning Eva Ibbotson’s poignant and beautiful last book celebrates a boy’s passion for a dog. All Hal has ever wanted is a dog but his parents refuse to contemplate the idea. A dog would mess up their beautiful house … Download free opening extract
2		Too Much Trouble Tom Avery This prize-winning story will grab readers’ attention from the opening moments and hold them spell-bound from then on. When Emmanuel and Prince are sent to England to live with their uncle, Emmanuel is put in charge. But, when you are … Download free opening extract
3		Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jeff Kinney The 1st in the brilliant Wimpy Kid series that has taken the US, and now the UK by storm. The illustrations and story hillariously chart Greg’s life at a new school. It’s not essential to read the books in order but … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Sophie and the Shadow Woods : The Goblin King Linda Chapman, Lee Weatherly Exciting new six book character-led series for 7+ girls who love adventure! Very few people ever enter the Shadow Woods, for these woods are like no others. Hidden deep within them is the Gateway to the Shadow Realm, a dark … 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		Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster Joanna Nadin A bundle of awfulness! Penny Dreadful (not her real name) has an unfortunate habit of creating mayhem wherever she goes and whatever she does! Penny has some really brilliant ideas. The only trouble is, they often seem to go horribly … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		A Monster Calls Siobhan Dowd, Patrick Ness MEGA BOOK OF THE MONTH…. Prize-winning Patrick Ness displays brilliant new skills of sensitivity in this hauntingly touching story of how a boy deals with the looming threat of his mother’s death from cancer. Haunted by a monster in his dreams, … Download free opening extract
2		The Taming of Lilah May Vanessa Curtis This cleverly written novel is told with sensitivity and humour and introduces a new anti-heroine in Lilah May.  Clever and sassy Lilah is finding is hard to keep her anger under control but it’s only been like this since her … Download free opening extract
3		Six Days Philip Webb Enter a fantastic contest to appear in Philip Webb’s next book.  Each copy of Six Days is printed with its own unique 5-digit code.  Children can enter their unique code and email address and smartphone users can go direct to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Forgotten Cat Patrick  A teen story with a difference, London Lane seems like any normal high school student except that she can’t remember the past – her brain is wiped clean at 4.33 every day – and worse, she can see what is going to … Download free opening extract
2		Starcrossed Josephine Angelini Destiny brought them together. The Gods will keep them apart. This is the book of the summer to get love-struck by! ‘a gorgeous, haunting saga that completely swept me away.  OMGods, I can’t wait to read more’ – Lauren Kate, author … Download free opening extract
3		Life An Exploded Diagram Mal Peet This is a brilliant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Cold War and events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis.  The story is told in flashback by Clem when he is living and working in New York … Download free opening extract

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!