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

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

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

Not Off The Press! Pre-Publication Exclusive

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

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

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

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

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

A Gentle Reminder…

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

Lovereading4kids Essentials

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

Word Perfect! – Lovereading4kids Dyslexia Friendly Books

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

Page Boys! – Great Books for Young Men

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

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

P.S. Quiet Please! – National Libraries Day

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

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

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

Happy Reading and more from us in Febuary

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Cat on the Mat and Friends Brian Wildsmith A bumper picture book made up of four best-selling classic stories by this award winning illustrator. The simplicity of Brian Wildsmith’s illustrations and the jokes that both the pictures and the stories tell make this a delight for young readers…. … Download free opening extract
2		The Perfect Hug Joanna Walsh A gem of a book! How the panda finds the perfect hug is told in sparkling rhyming couplets which describe hugs of all sorts including ‘hugs for wrigglers and hugs for gigglers,/ Hugs that are tickly and hugs that are … Download free opening extract
3		I Like Toys (Petit Collage) Lorena Siminovich Irresistible ‘touch and feel’ books, these two chunky board books – I Like Peas and I like Toys – offer a wonderfully tactile experience to the very youngest readers while also imparting useful information. I Like Toys brings the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Wolf Won’t Bite! Emily Gravett Award winning Emily Gravett gives the wolf a chance in this visually bold and entertaining inversion of the story of three little pigs. Three brave little pigs tease the big scary wolf making him the butt of every circus trick. … Download free opening extract
2		Lonely Beast Chris Judge How the Beast overcomes his loneliness is a touching story about friendship of all kinds. Despite his name, the Beast, and all other Beasts, are gentle creatures who love gardening and cake baking. The Beast travels across the world to … Download free opening extract
3		Zou and the Box of Kisses Michel Gay A truly special picture book.  It’s the story of Zou the Zebra as he spends his first night away from his parents. Both endearing and reassuring for both and child this is a wonderful book to read aloud.  Zou disovers … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Little Old Ladies Franziska Kalch Just what do a group of old ladies do when they get together?  Well they have a whole load of fun, tell tales and share ideas.  Here the author and illustrator brings these exhuberant old ladies to life in this … Download free opening extract
2		My Brother Bernadette Jacqueline Wilson Fabulous reissue of an absolute gem of a book by on of the bestselling authors of all time but this is one of the very few titles by Jacqueline Wilson suitable for newly fluent readers. Still with colour illustrations on … Download free opening extract
3		How the World Works Christiane Dorion Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts*. A fully interactive guide to different aspects of the workings of the world. The story of the water cycle pops up in the most exciting and unusual way. The … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Muncle Trogg Janet Foxley Winner of The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2010, Muncle Trogg is the charming upside down fairytale about a tiny giant who saves the day. It’s a debut novel and the first in a series of adventures featuring Muncle, the … Download free opening extract
2		Spider Stampede (S.W.I.T.C.H. 1) Ali Sparkes Boy or insect? Twins Josh and Danny survive a series of thrilling adventures after they have been transformed into bug life by the crazy scientist Petty Potts who injects them with a most unusual serum. How insect-loving Josh and insect-hating … Download free opening extract
3		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Little Darlings Jacqueline Wilson Jacqueline Wilson takes a look into the lives of celebrities in this touching story of two girls, two families and one father. Destiny and Sunset’s lives seem miles apart; one lives in a council flat, the other in a posh … Download free opening extract
2		The Pasta Detectives Andreas Steinhofel Shortlisted for the 2011 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation. This is a funny and original mystery starring two unlikely boy detectives, the mildly autistic Rico and the brainy but anxiety-ridden Oscar.  The story of The Pasta Detectives explores the … Download free opening extract
3		Will Farts Destroy the Planet? Glenn Murphy Packed full of fascinating and vital information this is in part a story and in part a rich source of facts which, taken together, make it a brilliant introduction to how our world will be affected by climate change. How … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Twilight Robbery Frances Hardinge Award winning Frances Hardinge’s first novel Fly By Night starred Mosca Mye and Eponymous Clent. Now they are back for a thrilling new adventure in the city of Toll, a magical place which no one can enter or leave without … Download free opening extract
2		Buried Thunder Tim Bowler A tense and haunting thriller in which the power of the forest looks set to destroy all around it. Drawn to the forest around the house, Maya witnesses strange and unnatural events. Even when in the safety of her new … Download free opening extract
3		Street Heroes: Runaways Joe Layburn Street Heroes: Runaways is a fast-paced thriller that deals with important issues while keeping readers gripped from start to finish. By the aclaimed author of Ghostscape and Street Heroes it is in a nutshell ‘Heroes’ for children.  The Street Heroes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		I am Number Four film tie-in edition Pittacus Lore Read the book before seeing the film. John Smith is not your average teenager. He regularly moves from small town to small town. He changes his name and identity. He does not put down roots. He cannot tell anyone who … Download free opening extract
2		Dancing Jax Robin Jarvis There’s a dark power lurking in the empty house set down a long, lonely track. When a group of teenagers break in, they find a box of children’s books. Not any old books. There is something special about one book. … Download free opening extract
3		Withering Tights Louise Rennison Winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010 (Funniest Book for Children aged Seven to Fourteen). Laugh out loud at this launch title of a brilliant new series by Queen of Teen author Louise Rennison. Tallulah Casey, cousin of the … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		When I Dream of ABC Henry Fisher Wonderfully dreamy and fantastical illustrations – opera singing mermaids, shy dragons and even chocolate drinking vampires – combine with simple text to encourage children to learn their ABC.  Perfect as a bedtime read as after the parent has gone it’s … Download free opening extract
2		Alison Jay’s My First Board Books Slipcase Alison Jay Four stunning board books introduce the alphabet, numbers, nursery rhymes and fairy stories to the very youngest readers.  The books are very robust and are presented in an equally robust slip case for the perfect gift for even the smallest … Download free opening extract
3		My Circus Xavier Deneux Full of stylish images, this is a chunky board book from the author of My Animals with cunning holes and cutaways that reveal the different and lively characters that perform at the circus. A clown, magician, jugglers and a tightrope … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Wolf Won’t Bite! Emily Gravett Award winning Emily Gravett gives the wolf a chance in this visually bold and entertaining inversion of the story of three little pigs. Three brave little pigs tease the big scary wolf making him the butt of every circus trick. … Download free opening extract
2		Zoe and Beans: Where is Binky Boo? Chloe Inkpen, Mick Inkpen Join the loveably lively Zoe and her devoted dog Beans in a world full of fun, friendship and magical adventures. It’s a case of hide and seek as Beans loses his favourite toy. … Download free opening extract
3		Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell Sue Hendra Norman the slug longs to be a snail. If only he had a shell! What Norman wishes for, he gets, but it soon turns out that a shell isn’t such a good thing after all. Can Norman save himself and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		How the World Works Christiane Dorion Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts*. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2001: Best Book with Facts and Winner of the Best Overall Information Book in the Scholastic Education PLUS Read Me/ Best … Download free opening extract
2		Horrid Henry’s Thank You Letter (Early Reader) Francesca Simon Great story coupled with Tony Ross’ trademark illustrations in full colour on every page make this the perfect book to get both boys and girls enjoying the reading experience both on their own and with a member of the family.  … 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		Letters to Anyone and Everyone Toon Tellegen Winner of the 2011 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation [translated by Martin Cleaver]. Discover an extraordinary treasury of letters in this wonderful collection of short stories from Toon Tellegen and beautifully illustrated with Jessica Ahlberg’s delicate touch.  Whether it’s … Download free opening extract
2		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract
3		Cartoon Kid Jeremy Strong Loads of laughs in this new series from best-selling author Jeremy Strong.  Casper’s new teacher says everyone in the class is a superhero and together thy can fight injustice. Casper uses his drawing talent to become the Cartoon Kid. Teaming … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Pasta Detectives Andreas Steinhofel Shortlisted for the 2011 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation. This is a funny and original mystery starring two unlikely boy detectives, the mildly autistic Rico and the brainy but anxiety-ridden Oscar.  The story of The Pasta Detectives explores the … Download free opening extract
2		The Raven Mysteries 2: Ghosts and Gadgets Marcus Sedgwick There is hilarious fun to be had in these mystery stories about the original, not to say odd, family who live in Otherhand Castle. Told by Edgar the Raven whose views are sharp even if his perspective is unusual, the … Download free opening extract
3		There’s a Hamster in My Pocket Franzeska G. Ewart A warm-hearted family story in which problems are resolved and Yosser and her best friend Kylie together with Kylie’s pet hamsters must get to the bottom of someone’s strange behaviour and solve the mystery of the locked wooden box.  A … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Street Heroes: Runaways Joe Layburn Street Heroes: Runaways is a fast-paced thriller that deals with important issues while keeping readers gripped from start to finish. By the aclaimed author of Ghostscape and Street Heroes it is in a nutshell ‘Heroes’ for children.  The Street Heroes … Download free opening extract
2		Lily Alone Jacqueline Wilson Published in Feb 2011.  You can pre-order this title in January. Jacqueline Wilson’s storytelling powers are shown at their absolute best yet again in this brilliantly readable story in which Lily must contend with 3 younger siblings while her mother is … Download free opening extract
3		David’s Story Stig Dalager Shortlisted for the 2011 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation. This is a harrowing account of a boy who finds himself alone in Poland, his parents having been taken away by the Nazis in WW2.  The story which is shocking … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Dancing Jax Robin Jarvis There’s a dark power lurking in the empty house set down a long, lonely track. When a group of teenagers break in, they find a box of children’s books. Not any old books. There is something special about one book. … Download free opening extract
2		Mice Gordon Reece A Piece of Passion from the Publisher of Mice, Maria Rejt:”Mice is not a thriller that conforms particularly to what a bestselling thriller purports to be these days – there are no serial killers, no high-octane car chases, no baroque … Download free opening extract
3		Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf Curtis Jobling Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2011 This is an absolutely cracking debut fantasy novel.  Every teenager should make time for it as it’s truly gripping and utterly original.  You’ll find yourself totally immersed from page one in a completely … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Stripy Horse, Time for Bed Jim Helmore, Karen Wall Stripy Horse is a hugely lovable animal in children’s book publishing at the moment and we’re thrilled to see the publisher has decided to create some sturdy board books for babies and toddlers featuring this character who has, until now … Download free opening extract
2		How to Catch a Star Oliver Jeffers A prize winning illustrator with a reputation for spare illustrations which pack a huge emotional punch. A little boy so loves the stars that he decides to set off and try to catch one. But catching a star is not as easy as … Download free opening extract
3		The Puffin Mother Goose Treasury Raymond Briggs The welcome return of a modern classic, this Treasury should be a gift for every newborn. Prize-winning illustrator Raymond Briggs’ wonderful illustrations capture the humour, pathos, poignancy and downright silliness of some of the best known nursery rhymes and riddles … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Zoe and Beans: Where is Binky Boo? Chloe Inkpen, Mick Inkpen Join the loveably lively Zoe and her devoted dog Beans in a world full of fun, friendship and magical adventures. It’s a case of hide and seek as Beans loses his favourite toy. … Download free opening extract
2		Why Is The Sky Blue ? Susan Varley, Sally Grindley This is our personal favourite in terms of Sally Grindley’s picture books here at Lovereading4kids.  It tells the story of rabbit and donkey.  Rabbit is very inquisitive and is always asking questions about everything! He wants to know why the … Download free opening extract
3		When I Dream of ABC Henry Fisher Wonderfully dreamy and fantastical illustrations – opera singing mermaids, shy dragons and even chocolate drinking vampires – combine with simple text to encourage children to learn their ABC.  Perfect as a bedtime read as after the parent has gone it’s … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Harry and the Dinosaurs Roar to the Rescue! Ian Whybrow Wonderfully humourous illustrations coupled with a fun storyline sees Harry and his bucketful of dinosaurs run to the rescue when he discovers someone he knows has been robbed.  Harry is an endearing character that boys and girls all love. … Download free opening extract
2		A New Room for William Sally Grindley A beautifully moving picture book that deals delicately with a marriage break up and moving house, A New Room for William is a sensitive portrayal of the thoughts and emotions of a little boy in the midst of a dramatic … Download free opening extract
3		How the World Works Christiane Dorion Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts*. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2001: Best Book with Facts and Winner of the Best Overall Information Book in the Scholastic Education PLUS Read Me/ Best … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract
2		Cartoon Kid Jeremy Strong Loads of laughs in this new series from best-selling author Jeremy Strong.  Casper’s new teacher says everyone in the class is a superhero and together thy can fight injustice. Casper uses his drawing talent to become the Cartoon Kid. Teaming … Download free opening extract
3		The Iron Man Ted Hughes A stunning new version of a much-loved children’s classic with stunning and unusual illustations from Laura Carlin. Part modern fairy tale, part science fiction myth, The Iron Man describes the unexpected arrival in England of a mysterious giant “metal man” … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Billionaire Boy David Walliams Hugely entertaining, this captivating story is also thought provoking about the perils of having way too much money. Joe Spud is the richest twelve-year-old in the world; he has everything his heart desires – except happiness. As one disaster follows … Download free opening extract
2		Whispers in the Graveyard Theresa Breslin This is a gripping supernatural thriller and one of those rare books that makes the reader want to put life on hold for as long as it takes to finish it.  The writing is breathtakingly good and whilst tackling some … Download free opening extract
3		Alien Storm A.G. Taylor A gripping science-fiction adventure pits a group of kids with super powers against a mysterious Russian billionaire. Infected by an extraordinary virus from a meteor storm, Sarah, Robert and the younger children in their charge are now at risk from … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead Winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal, Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2011, this is a brilliantly fresh and original story with a puzzle at its heart. When Miranda’s best friend Sal is punched in the stomach by another … Download free opening extract
2		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes Winner of the BookTrust Teenage Book Prize 2010 and shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2010. One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids … Download free opening extract
3		Street Heroes: Runaways Joe Layburn Street Heroes: Runaways is a fast-paced thriller that deals with important issues while keeping readers gripped from start to finish. By the aclaimed author of Ghostscape and Street Heroes it is in a nutshell ‘Heroes’ for children.  The Street Heroes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Replacement Brenna Yovanoff Full of romance and danger, this is an arresting adventure that slips effortlessly between our world and the dark world of the paranormal. Mackie Doyle is not what he seems. Despite his apparently normal life, Mackie is a Replacement; he … Download free opening extract
2		Matched Ally Condie Introducing a rare new talent and almost certainly one of the biggest Young Adult debuts of the year this is the first in an utterly compelling, visionary and imaginative series that is set to be a sensation. The book is … Download free opening extract
3		Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf Curtis Jobling Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2011 This is an absolutely cracking debut fantasy novel.  Every teenager should make time for it as it’s truly gripping and utterly original.  You’ll find yourself totally immersed from page one in a completely … Download free opening extract