Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		WOW Said the Owl Tim Hopgood Shortlisted for the Best Pre-School Award, Early Year Awards 2009 Owl decides to wake up during the day and sleep at night.  A very odd thing for an owl to do.  But he discovers the world of colour and he’s in … Download free opening extract
2		Archie Domenica More Gordon June 2012 Debut of the Month. From an important and exciting new author/illustrator – a hugely original new talent – comes a riot of canine fun, bound to attract appreciative tail-wagging from dog fans! Featuring a royal guest star at the end it’s … Download free opening extract
3		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

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Keith the Cat with the Magic Hat Sue Hendra July 2012 Book of the Month. Best-selling Sue Hendra tells how Keith the cat creates some magic of his own in this entertaining story about Keith who is suddenly able to do some clever tricks after an ice cream cone … Download free opening extract
2		My Granny is a Pirate Val McDermid Hugely successful, internationally bestselling and multi award-winning author Val McDermid writes her first picture book for children.  This wonderfully cuddly granny started life as a cabin girl and now sails the seven seas as a redoubtable pirate seeing off her … Download free opening extract
3		I Want to Win! Tony Ross The best-selling Little Princess always manages to get her own way largely because she knows exactly what she wants! This time, she wants to win! The Little Princess is used to winning everything in the Palace because she can change … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Great Dog Disaster Katie Davies June 2012 Book of the Month. If you’re looking for entertainment and a wildly funny adventure then any one of the Katie Davies stories is perfect.  It’s told from the perspective of 9 year old Anna, a young girl with … Download free opening extract
2		The BFG 30th Anniversary Edition Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also shows … Download free opening extract
3		Paddington Goes for Gold Michael Bond Everyone’s favourite Bear joins in summer sporting fever! There are races for everything – even knitting – at the local sports club. Paddington and the Brown family are sure they will win something! Paddington tries hard but can he secure … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		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 Alex … Download free opening extract
2		Olympic Poems – 100% Unofficial! Brian Moses, Roger Stevens Age 7 + poetry. All the excitement of the big games – and smaller ones too – is captured in this anthology of poems devoted to different aspects of sport and sporting events. There’s boasting and imagination in I am … Download free opening extract
3		Sam Silver, Undercover Pirate 1 : Skeleton Island Jan Burchett, Sara Vogler, Leo Hartas June 2012 Book of the Month. This is the first in a fantastic new series that we guarantee will get even the most reluctant reader reading! It combines everything that boys and girls aged 7+ will love including time-travelling, treasure hunting … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		BFFs 1 : Sink or Swim! Holly Robbins July 2012 Book of the Month. All the hopes and fears for Ellie as she moves up to secondary school are brilliantly captured in this fun to read story which shows how important friends are when you are facing a … Download free opening extract
2		Elf Girl and Raven Boy : Fright Forest Marcus Sedgwick July 2012 Book of the Month.  Humour, magic and the altogether unexpected are woven together engagingly to create a delightfully original adventure. Elf Girl and Raven Boy meet by chance and soon become firm friends after Raven Boy crashes out … Download free opening extract
3		Willard Price: Leopard Adventure Anthony McGowan July 2012 Book of the Month. The classic animal tales of Willard Price are given a power conservation theme and a new look in this thrilling modern adventure. Twelve year Amazon and her cousin Frazer are recruited by TRACKS, an … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Case of the Deadly Desperados Caroline Lawrence July 2012 Book of the Month. Fast, furious and funny, meet 12 year old P K Pinkerton who believes he can be a Wild West Private Eye and a good one too.  With the help of his newly found friends … Download free opening extract
2		Next Keith Gray June 2012 Book of the Month. Brilliantly written, each of the stories in this thought-provoking and surprisingly entertaining collection asks what happens next? Award winning authors including Malorie Blackman, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Philip Ardagh and Keith Grey explore the question, what … Download free opening extract
3		The Night Sky in My Head Sarah Hammond July 2012 Debut of the Month. This is a stunning debut, perfect for fans of Skellig and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Mikey Baxter isn’t like other 14 year old boys. Since an accident he’s had … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Sister, Missing Sophie Mckenzie Bestselling Sophie Mackenzie follows up Girl, Missing with a nail-bitingly tense and action-packed thriller as Lauren, still reeling from her own kidnapping, loses her little sister Madison in the blink of an eye on a crowded beach. Surely this can’t … Download free opening extract
2		The Apothecary Maile Meloy July 2012 Debut of the Month. Spies, secrets and spells lie at the heart of this thrilling mystery adventure set in the 1950s. Newly arrived in England after her parents’ hurried flight from Los Angeles, Janie finds it hard to adjust. … Download free opening extract
3		Anna Dressed in Blood Kendare Blake July 2012 Debut of the Month. A best-selling young adult novel from the US, this is a story that will spook the faint hearted! Cas looks and behaves like an average teenager but he has a very unusual mission to complete. … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Archie Domenica More Gordon June 2012 Debut of the Month. From an important and exciting new author/illustrator – a hugely original new talent – comes a riot of canine fun, bound to attract appreciative tail-wagging from dog fans! Featuring a royal guest star at the end it’s … Download free opening extract
2		The Best Kind of Kiss Margaret Allum A stunning book with plenty of kisses on every page – from fluffy kisses and big kisses to lip smacky and snuggly cuddly mummy kisses – there’s a kiss for every moment. But the best kiss of all for the … Download free opening extract
3		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

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The King of Quizzical Island Digs Through the World Gordon Snell Age 3+. This is one of the loveliest picture books that’s been published in 2011 to share with your toddler.  In the extraordinary adventures of the King of Quizzical Island, the King decides he must prove to his citizens that … Download free opening extract
2		Have You Ever Ever Ever? Colin McNaughton Talented duo Colin McNaughton and Emma Chichester Clark have teamed up to create a witty and original introduction to some very favourite characters from nursery rhymes and popular songs. The cat and the fiddle, incy wincy spider, the four and … Download free opening extract
3		L is for London Harriet Rowe From daredevil doubledeckers leaping over Tower Bridge to drunken barristers unable to stand up to toast the king, this pocket A-Z is filled with fun and quirky facts about London.  Titles already published in the A is for Alphabet series … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Great Dog Disaster Katie Davies June 2012 Book of the Month. If you’re looking for entertainment and a wildly funny adventure then any one of the Katie Davies stories is perfect.  It’s told from the perspective of 9 year old Anna, a young girl with … Download free opening extract
2		O is for Olympics Ned Elliott Numerous amazing and little known facts about the Olympics will inform and amuse children in equal measure. From a heroic marathon runner in 490 BC to one who sneaked a lift in 1904, this A-Z brings to life the epic … Download free opening extract
3		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

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Sam Silver, Undercover Pirate 1 : Skeleton Island Jan Burchett, Sara Vogler, Leo Hartas June 2012 Book of the Month. This is the first in a fantastic new series that we guarantee will get even the most reluctant reader reading! It combines everything that boys and girls aged 7+ will love including time-travelling, treasure hunting … 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		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

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Tiger Wars Steve Backshall June 2012 Book of the Month. Wildlife specialist Steve Backshall, presenter of the Award winning TV show Deadly, brings the threat tigers are under sharply into focus in this thrilling eco-adventure. Saker and Sinter are two teenagers on the run from … Download free opening extract
2		Earthfall Mark Walden June 2012 Book of the Month. Rich in dazzlingly but sinister technology with Grendels, Drones and Hunters on the attack, this headlong adventure of how a group of kids fight against it is a thrilling corkscrew of a story. Miraculously … Download free opening extract
3		The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making Catherynne M. Valente June 2012 Debut of the Month and eBook of the Month. A witty and original prize-winning debut ‘fairy’ novel that has won the hearts of readers across the US. Once an ordinary 12 year old, nothing is ever ordinary again for September … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Next Keith Gray June 2012 Book of the Month. Brilliantly written, each of the stories in this thought-provoking and surprisingly entertaining collection asks what happens next? Award winning authors including Malorie Blackman, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Philip Ardagh and Keith Grey explore the question, what … Download free opening extract
2		The Adjusters Andrew Taylor June 2012 Book of the Month. A chilling story of perfect children, medically transformed! Newly arrived in a new town and in a new school it doesn’t take Henry long to discover that something is wrong. Very wrong. How can … 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		Theodore Boone 3: the Accused John Grisham June 2012 Book of the Month. Bestselling John Grisham’s needle-sharp writing is brilliantly on display in this detective story centring on 13 year old Theodore Boone. The son of lawyers, Theo is an expert in how the law works. It’s knowledge … Download free opening extract
2		At Yellow Lake Jane McLoughlin June 2012 Debut of the Month. Full of tension, this is a gripping debut novel with vibrant characters caught up in a complex interweaving of stories all of which are played out on the faraway shores of Yellow Lake. Etta finds … Download free opening extract
3		A Monster Calls Patrick Ness Winner of the 2012 Carnegie Medal AND 2012 Kate Greenaway Medal. This is the first time, in the Awards 75 year history, that one book has won both prizes! Rachel Levy chair of the 2012 CILIP Carnegie judging panel said: “A … Download free opening extract

Tags

Tell the Wolves I’m Home,Carol Rifka Brunt,River of Destiny,Barbara Erskine,Where the Bodies are Buried,Christopher Brookmyre,Wife 22,Melanie Gideon,The Villa Girls,Nicky Pellegrino,A Death in Summer,Benjamin Black,The Kashmir Shawl,Rosie Thomas,Anna Dressed in Blood,Kendare Blake,The Book of Summers,Emylia Hall,The Accident,Linwood Barclay,Sam Silver, Undercover Pirate 1 : Skeleton Island,Jan Burchett, Sara Vogler, Leo Hartas,Little Manfred,Michael Morpurgo,Tiger Wars,Steve Backshall,Next,Keith Gray,The Great Dog Disaster,Katie Davies,O is for Olympics,Ned Elliott,The Dragonsitter,Josh Lacey,Earthfall,Mark Walden,The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making,Catherynne M. Valente,The Monster Machine,Nicola L. Robinson,Archie,Domenica More Gordon,The Best Kind of Kiss,Margaret Allum,Zog (Paperback and CD-Audio),Julia Donaldson,The King of Quizzical Island Digs Through the World,Gordon Snell,Have You Ever Ever Ever?,Colin McNaughton,L is for London,Harriet Rowe,The Great Dog Disaster,Katie Davies,O is for Olympics,Ned Elliott,The Monster Machine,Nicola L. Robinson,Sam Silver, Undercover Pirate 1 : Skeleton Island,Jan Burchett, Sara Vogler, Leo Hartas,Little Manfred,Michael Morpurgo,The Dragonsitter,Josh Lacey,Tiger Wars,Steve Backshall,Earthfall,Mark Walden,The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making,Catherynne M. Valente,Next,Keith Gray,The Adjusters,Andrew Taylor,A Waste of Good Paper,Sean Taylor,Theodore Boone 3: the Accused,John Grisham,At Yellow Lake,Jane McLoughlin,A Monster Calls,Patrick Ness

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Archie Domenica More Gordon June 2012 Debut of the Month. From an important and exciting new author/illustrator – a hugely original new talent – comes a riot of canine fun, bound to attract appreciative tail-wagging from dog fans! Featuring a royal guest star at the end it’s … 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		I Love My Daddy Giles Andreae An amusing, touching and heart-warming look at the special relationship between father and child from the bestselling Giles Andreae, perfectly portrayed by Emma Dodd’s charming and vibrant artwork. It is the sister picture book to the award-winning I Love My … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Best Kind of Kiss Margaret Allum A stunning book with plenty of kisses on every page – from fluffy kisses and big kisses to lip smacky and snuggly cuddly mummy kisses – there’s a kiss for every moment. But the best kiss of all for the … Download free opening extract
2		Have You Ever Ever Ever? Colin McNaughton Talented duo Colin McNaughton and Emma Chichester Clark have teamed up to create a witty and original introduction to some very favourite characters from nursery rhymes and popular songs. The cat and the fiddle, incy wincy spider, the four and … Download free opening extract
3		Good Night, Gorilla Peggy Rathmann All young readers will delight at knowing the trick the animals play on the unsuspecting zoo keeper! It’s bedtime and the zoo keeper sets off to lock the animals up for the night. But, the gorilla has a clever plan. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Great Dog Disaster Katie Davies June 2012 Book of the Month. If you’re looking for entertainment and a wildly funny adventure then any one of the Katie Davies stories is perfect.  It’s told from the perspective of 9 year old Anna, a young girl with … Download free opening extract
2		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
3		The Fearsome Beastie Giles Paley-Phillips April 2012 Book of the Month. Winner of The People’s Book Prize 2012, a national competition aimed at discovering new and unknown works: a truly democratic book prize decided exclusively by the public. This is a terrific little picture book that parents … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Sam Silver, Undercover Pirate 1 : Skeleton Island Jan Burchett, Sara Vogler, Leo Hartas June 2012 Book of the Month. This is the first in a fantastic new series that we guarantee will get even the most reluctant reader reading! It combines everything that boys and girls aged 7+ will love including time-travelling, treasure hunting … 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		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

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making Catherynne M. Valente June 2012 Debut of the Month and eBook of the Month. A witty and original prize-winning debut ‘fairy’ novel that has won the hearts of readers across the US. Once an ordinary 12 year old, nothing is ever ordinary again for September … Download free opening extract
2		Earthfall Mark Walden June 2012 Book of the Month. Rich in dazzlingly but sinister technology with Grendels, Drones and Hunters on the attack, this headlong adventure of how a group of kids fight against it is a thrilling corkscrew of a story. Miraculously … Download free opening extract
3		Tiger Wars Steve Backshall June 2012 Book of the Month. Wildlife specialist Steve Backshall, presenter of the Award winning TV show Deadly, brings the threat tigers are under sharply into focus in this thrilling eco-adventure. Saker and Sinter are two teenagers on the run from … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Stealing Phoenix Joss Stirling June 2012 eBook of the Month. This is a must read for any fan of paranormal romance.  Phoenix belongs to the Community, a gang of thieves with paranormal powers. Yves Benedict, an American student visiting London, is her mark. But … Download free opening extract
2		Next Keith Gray June 2012 Book of the Month. Brilliantly written, each of the stories in this thought-provoking and surprisingly entertaining collection asks what happens next? Award winning authors including Malorie Blackman, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Philip Ardagh and Keith Grey explore, what is death? … Download free opening extract
3		The Adjusters Andrew Taylor June 2012 Book of the Month. A chilling story of perfect children, medically transformed! Newly arrived in a new town and in a new school it doesn’t take Henry long to discover that something is wrong. Very wrong. How can … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Theodore Boone 3: the Accused John Grisham June 2012 Book of the Month. Bestselling John Grisham’s needle-sharp writing is brilliantly on display in this detective story centring on 13 year old Theodore Boone. The son of lawyers, Theo is an expert in how the law works. It’s knowledge … Download free opening extract
2		At Yellow Lake Jane McLoughlin June 2012 Debut of the Month. Full of tension, this is a gripping debut novel with vibrant characters caught up in a complex interweaving of stories all of which are played out on the faraway shores of Yellow Lake. Etta finds … Download free opening extract
3		The Glimpse Claire Merle June 2012 Debut of the Month. We found this an utterly compelling debut novel. It is set in a disturbing near future where society is segregated according to whether people are genetically disposed towards mental illness. There’s a real passion … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Archie Domenica More Gordon June 2012 Debut of the Month. From an important and exciting new author/illustrator – a hugely original new talent – comes a riot of canine fun, bound to attract appreciative tail-wagging from dog fans! Featuring a royal guest star at the end it’s … Download free opening extract
2		I Love My Daddy Giles Andreae An amusing, touching and heart-warming look at the special relationship between father and child from the bestselling Giles Andreae, perfectly portrayed by Emma Dodd’s charming and vibrant artwork. It is the sister picture book to the award-winning I Love My … Download free opening extract
3		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

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Best Kind of Kiss Margaret Allum A stunning book with plenty of kisses on every page – from fluffy kisses and big kisses to lip smacky and snuggly cuddly mummy kisses – there’s a kiss for every moment. But the best kiss of all for the … Download free opening extract
2		Have You Ever Ever Ever? Colin McNaughton Talented duo Colin McNaughton and Emma Chichester Clark have teamed up to create a witty and original introduction to some very favourite characters from nursery rhymes and popular songs. The cat and the fiddle, incy wincy spider, the four and … Download free opening extract
3		The King of Quizzical Island Digs Through the World Gordon Snell Age 3+. This is one of the loveliest picture books that’s been published in 2011 to share with your toddler.  In the extraordinary adventures of the King of Quizzical Island, the King decides he must prove to his citizens that … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ 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 Great Dog Disaster Katie Davies June 2012 Book of the Month. If you’re looking for entertainment and a wildly funny adventure then any one of the Katie Davies stories is perfect.  It’s told from the perspective of 9 year old Anna, a young girl with … Download free opening extract
3		The BFG 30th Anniversary Edition Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also shows … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		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
2		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
3		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

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Sam Silver, Undercover Pirate 1 : Skeleton Island Jan Burchett, Sara Vogler, Leo Hartas June 2012 Book of the Month. This is the first in a fantastic new series that we guarantee will get even the most reluctant reader reading! It combines everything that boys and girls aged 7+ will love including time-travelling, treasure hunting … Download free opening extract
2		The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making Catherynne M. Valente June 2012 Debut of the Month and eBook of the Month. A witty and original prize-winning debut ‘fairy’ novel that has won the hearts of readers across the US. Once an ordinary 12 year old, nothing is ever ordinary again for September … Download free opening extract
3		Earthfall Mark Walden June 2012 Book of the Month. Rich in dazzlingly but sinister technology with Grendels, Drones and Hunters on the attack, this headlong adventure of how a group of kids fight against it is a thrilling corkscrew of a story. Miraculously … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Adjusters Andrew Taylor June 2012 Book of the Month. A chilling story of perfect children, medically transformed! Newly arrived in a new town and in a new school it doesn’t take Henry long to discover that something is wrong. Very wrong. How can … 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		Stealing Phoenix Joss Stirling June 2012 eBook of the Month. This is a must read for any fan of paranormal romance.  Phoenix belongs to the Community, a gang of thieves with paranormal powers. Yves Benedict, an American student visiting London, is her mark. But … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Changeling Philippa Gregory June 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		Next Keith Gray June 2012 Book of the Month. Brilliantly written, each of the stories in this thought-provoking and surprisingly entertaining collection asks what happens next? Award winning authors including Malorie Blackman, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Philip Ardagh and Keith Grey explore, what is death? … Download free opening extract
3		At Yellow Lake Jane McLoughlin June 2012 Debut of the Month. Full of tension, this is a gripping debut novel with vibrant characters caught up in a complex interweaving of stories all of which are played out on the faraway shores of Yellow Lake. Etta finds … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Cave Baby Julia Donaldson Best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has teamed up with prize-winning illustrator Emily Gravett to create a wonderfully witty story about a cheeky little Cave Baby. When the Cave Baby scribbles on the walls of his cave he is … Download free opening extract
2		Quentin Blake’s Ten Frogs (Board Book) Quentin Blake With Quentin’s hallmark illustration style this is a wonderful little board book to help toddlers learn to count all with the use of some delightful animals.  Starting with One Crow, Two Goats, Three Dogs, and Four Cats this board book … Download free opening extract
3		One Fluffy Baa-Lamb, Ten Hairy Caterpillars Nick Sharratt Open the flaps to find loads of jokes in this witty and surprising counting book which makes thinking about numbers fun! The lambs and the caterpillars get up to all kids of unexpected fun to entertain readers with their driving, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Zog Julia Donaldson 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 gold stars leads him into loads of mishaps but luckily he … Download free opening extract
2		The Three Sillies Tony Ross Silliness of all kind is wittily celebrated in this delightful picture book. Sensible and handsome George is surprised by the silliness of Jess the girl he falls in love with. In fact, he is so surprised the he decides he … Download free opening extract
3		Patrick Quentin Blake Stuffed full of happiness, Patrick is the story of all the wonderful, life enhancing things that happen when Patrick plays his violin. Patrick buys a magical violin from a market stall and immediately finds that by playing a few notes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Three Little Witches Storybook (Early Reader) Georgie Adams Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books are punctuated by catchy rhymes and speech bubbles, and with their bright, funny pictures and lively design they are hugely appealing.  They’re perfect for children from 5-7.  … Download free opening extract
2		The Hodgeheg Dick King-smith This is an absolutely charming modern classic from one of Britain’s all-time favourite authors.  There is no-one more impressive when it comes to animal stories than Dick King-Smith and this one is our favourite. The Hodegheg has everything – humour, … Download free opening extract
3		There’s Going to be a Baby John Burningham Award-winning husband and wife John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury have teamed up in this wonderful picture book which delicately captures the complex and sometimes overpowering feelings of an older sibling waiting for the arrival of a new baby. John Burningham’s … 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		Running Wild Michael Morpurgo Winner of the Independent Booksellers’ Prize 2010. Prize-winning author Michael Morpurgo’s new novel is a towering adventure and emotional roller coaster set at the time of a great tsunami. Trying to get over his father’s death, Will and his mother travel … Download free opening extract
3		Boom! Mark Haddon Everything about this deliciously improbable adventure is almost completely daft – and that’s the fun of it all. When Charlie sets up his walkie-talkie in the staff room he doesn’t hear gossip about the pupils as he had expected. Instead, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		No Such Thing As Dragons Philip Reeve This is the author’s first stand alone novel since the spectacular Here Lies Arthur, winner of the 2008 Carnegie Medal. Reeve’s brilliant imagination has conjured up a dragon story in the grand tradition of children’s fantasy fiction, but one that is spectacularly different … Download free opening extract
2		The Great Rabbit Rescue Katie Davies The eagerly awaited sequel to the award winning The Great Hamster Massacre. Once again featuring 9 year old Anna and five year old Tom go on a quest for a pet. The Great Rabbit Rescue reunites its readers with the … Download free opening extract
3		Skulduggery Pleasant: Mortal Coil Derek Landy Best-selling Skulduggery Pleasant has taken the world by storm. A hugely entertaining mix of fear and fun in a magical community where the strangest things seem to happen for unpredictable reasons, this fifth volume tells a new chapter in the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Scat Carl Hiaasen Totally topical, Scat is a brilliant fast-moving eco-aware thriller set in the swamps of Florida. Nick and Marta get sucked into the world of corrupt oil prospectors and fanatical eco-activists when Mrs Starch, a formidably horrible teacher at Truman School, … Download free opening extract
2		The Search for WondLa Tony Diterlizzi Creator of the best-selling Spiderwick series, Tony Diterlizzi has created a hugely imaginative world in which twelve year old Eva Nine sets out on a seemingly impossible quest with just small picture with the word ‘WONDLA’ on it to guide … Download free opening extract
3		The Dying Photo Alan Gibbons A brilliantly taut ghost story based on a blurb by a Year 6 boy from a Liverpool primary school who won a city-wide competition. A real page turner and a roller coaster ride that’s an excellent title for the reluctant, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2010 and BookTrust Teenage Book Prize 2010, the winner of which will be announced on 1st November 2010.  The shortlist of six includes: Halo by Zizou Corder, Nobody’s Girl by Sarra Manning, The … Download free opening extract
2		Reckless Cornelia Funke Best-selling author Cornelia Funke whose Inkheart was a world-wide phenomenon has created a wonderful new imaginary world peopled with a gigantic cast of original and outlandish characters. Searching for his missing father, Jacob Reckless steps through the mirror into a … Download free opening extract
3		Revolver Marcus Sedgwick Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book Prize 2010, the winner of which will be announced on 1st November 2010.  The shortlist of six includes: Halo by Zizou Corder, Nobody’s Girl by Sarra Manning, The Enemy by Charlie Higson, Revolver by … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		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
2		Playtime (Slip and Slide Book) Maureen Roffey This is a lovely book for little hands.  Slip and slide the tab to make the pages come alive in this robust and playful book for toddlers. Painting, drumming, skipping and reading are just some of the activities in Playtime … Download free opening extract
3		I Like Fruit (Petit Collage) Lorena Siminovich This is one of the most beautiful and touchy feely books I’ve seen for babies and toddlers for a while.  Each spread depicts a colour and a fruit; for example, a strawberry and alongside it, the words and pictures of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Heart and the Bottle Oliver Jeffers Award winning Oliver Jeffers’s latest book is wholly compelling for the importance of its message and the brilliance of how that is conveyed in words and pictures. To overcome her sadness when her grandfather dies a little girl decides to … Download free opening extract
2		Caterpillar Dreams Jeanne Willis This is a magical picture book from what you could call the dream team of Jeanne Willis (who writes the words) and Tony Ross (who creates the illustrations). Caterpillar Dreams celebrates the life of two curly caterpillars who dream of … Download free opening extract
3		Tiggy Jacquie Trajan A delightful picture book written and illustrated by a newcomer to the world of picture books. Tiggy is the story of an unhappy pig, a pig who desperately wants to look different, perhaps with long legs or a different nose … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Flossie Crums: The Fairies Cupcake Ball Nathan, Helen This is not just a wonderful story of Flossie Crums the Fairy, this is also a wonderful baking adventure too.  Simple mouth-watering recipes are woven into the story so that parents and children together can have fun baking alongside the … Download free opening extract
2		Dinosaur Cove: Clash of the Monster Crocs Rex Stone The dinosaurs in Dinosaur Cove are unusual: they are ALIVE! Jamie, Tom and Wanna can slip back into the Triassic period where they are on the trail of an enormous prehistoric crocodile. The crocodile is a dangerous creature and it … Download free opening extract
3		Winnie Goes Batty Laura Owen Well-loved Winnie the Witch is back in four new adventures each as madcap as the one before! Entranced by a visit to the circus, Winnie decides she’ll have a go herself. Inevitably, Wilbur the cat gets involved too and the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Raven Mysteries 3: Lunatics and Luck Marcus Sedgwick As told by a raven, this Gothic horror richly laced in humour is a delicious read – especially when the moon is full! Castle Otherhand is beset by problems. There are the usual ones of money troubles but this time … Download free opening extract
2		The Great Hamster Massacre Katie Davies Winner of the Waterstone’s Book Award 2010 An entertaining behind-the-scenes look at family life in all its intricacies as it revolves around pet ownership and the drama that surrounds it. Nine year old Anna tells how she and her younger brother … Download free opening extract
3		Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder Jo Nesbo Fuelled by farts, this is fast-paced and a delightfully ridiculous adventure. Newly moved into the neighbourhood, Nilly meets a strange old man who turns out to be Doctor Proctor, an almost famous inventor who is about to come up with … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Little Darlings Jacqueline Wilson Bestselling Jacqueline Wilson tells a fairy tale story of the unlikely intertwining of two very different families against a strong and realistic background. Destiny is growing up poor with her mum who does three jobs and struggles to pay the … Download free opening extract
2		The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 Harriet Goodwin Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. Adventurous, charming and poignant by turns, The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 is a quirky debut novel laced with humour and a dollop of magic. … Download free opening extract
3		The Queen Must Die: Chronicles of the Tempus K.A.S. Quinn Completely gripping, this rollercoaster time travel adventure takes Katie, a contemporary New York teenager, back right into the heart of Queen Victoria’s reign. Landing unexpectedly in the Buckingham Palace bedroom of Alice, Queen Victoria’s younger daughter, Katie is swiftly caught … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend Cora Harrison Rich in period detail and full of romance and fantasy, this is a delightful imaginary diary of Jenny Cooper which gives entertaining insights into what Jane Austen might have been like as a teenager.  Jenny is the pretty, clever but … Download free opening extract
2		Luke and Jon Robert Williams This is a wonderfully original and arresting debut novel about friendship, grief and love.  Written with great power, warmth and humour with not a word out of place you feel utterly compelled to read on.  Luke and Jon is a … Download free opening extract
3		This Book is Not Good for You Pseudonymous Bosch Mysterious, marvellous, witty, exciting and dangerous.  Here, in this the author’s 3rd book that you really shouldn’t be reading but few have taken heed, you’ll meet a cursed aztec artefact, an evil and deranged chef, a secret jungle lair inahibited … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Drawing with Light Julia Green A touching and tender teenage novel of love and exploration this tells how sixteen-year-old Emily finds first love and also begins an important search to find her mother. Emily was only two when her artist mother left home and she … Download free opening extract
2		The Facts of Life Joanna Nadin In this, another brilliant installment of Rachel Riley’s hilarious diaries, join her in her no-nonsense, fact-based approach to life.  Just when she thought she had finally found her knight in shining skinny jeans i.e. the ONE, an accidental snog with … Download free opening extract
3		No and Me Delphine de Vigan Deeply moving, this is the touching story of two teenagers from very different backgrounds whose friendship raises huge questions about what concepts of home and family really mean. Lou is bright and successful at school but her home is unhappy … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		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
2		Playtime (Slip and Slide Book) Maureen Roffey This is a lovely book for little hands.  Slip and slide the tab to make the pages come alive in this robust and playful book for toddlers. Painting, drumming, skipping and reading are just some of the activities in Playtime … Download free opening extract
3		I Like Fruit (Petit Collage) Lorena Siminovich This is one of the most beautiful and touchy feely books I’ve seen for babies and toddlers for a while.  Each spread depicts a colour and a fruit; for example, a strawberry and alongside it, the words and pictures of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Heart and the Bottle Oliver Jeffers Award winning Oliver Jeffers’s latest book is wholly compelling for the importance of its message and the brilliance of how that is conveyed in words and pictures. To overcome her sadness when her grandfather dies a little girl decides to … Download free opening extract
2		Don’t Want to Go! Shirley Hughes In her warm and readily recognisable illustrations, award winning illustrator Shirley Hughes always captures the small but important details of how young children feel. When Mum is ill one day, Dad says Lily has to go to Melanie’s house, but Lily … Download free opening extract
3		Caterpillar Dreams Jeanne Willis This is a magical picture book from what you could call the dream team of Jeanne Willis (who writes the words) and Tony Ross (who creates the illustrations). Caterpillar Dreams celebrates the life of two curly caterpillars who dream of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Flossie Crums: The Fairies Cupcake Ball Nathan, Helen This is not just a wonderful story of Flossie Crums the Fairy, this is also a wonderful baking adventure too.  Simple mouth-watering recipes are woven into the story so that parents and children together can have fun baking alongside the … Download free opening extract
2		The Pain and the Great One: Going Going Gone Judy Blume The Pain (aka Jake Porter) is six years old. His sister, The Great One (aka Abigail Porter), is eight. Like any siblings, they drive each other mad but they have fun adventures. In funny, warm and characterful episodes, the Porter family comes to … Download free opening extract
3		Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventures 2: A Right Royal Disaster Simon Bartram Bob, the much loved Man on the Moon, is back in a new adventure for beginner readers. As ever, he doesn’t believe in aliens! But when it looks as if he might lose his head after he tinkers with a … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Great Hamster Massacre Katie Davies Winner of the Waterstone’s Book Award 2010 An entertaining behind-the-scenes look at family life in all its intricacies as it revolves around pet ownership and the drama that surrounds it. Nine year old Anna tells how she and her younger brother … Download free opening extract
2		Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder Jo Nesbo Fuelled by farts, this is fast-paced and a delightfully ridiculous adventure. Newly moved into the neighbourhood, Nilly meets a strange old man who turns out to be Doctor Proctor, an almost famous inventor who is about to come up with … Download free opening extract
3		Raven Mysteries 3: Lunatics and Luck Marcus Sedgwick As told by a raven, this Gothic horror richly laced in humour is a delicious read – especially when the moon is full! Castle Otherhand is beset by problems. There are the usual ones of money troubles but this time … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 Harriet Goodwin Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. Adventurous, charming and poignant by turns, The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 is a quirky debut novel laced with humour and a dollop of magic. … Download free opening extract
2		Little Darlings Jacqueline Wilson Bestselling Jacqueline Wilson tells a fairy tale story of the unlikely intertwining of two very different families against a strong and realistic background. Destiny is growing up poor with her mum who does three jobs and struggles to pay the … Download free opening extract
3		The Queen Must Die: Chronicles of the Tempus K.A.S. Quinn Completely gripping, this rollercoaster time travel adventure takes Katie, a contemporary New York teenager, back right into the heart of Queen Victoria’s reign. Landing unexpectedly in the Buckingham Palace bedroom of Alice, Queen Victoria’s younger daughter, Katie is swiftly caught … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend Cora Harrison Rich in period detail and full of romance and fantasy, this is a delightful imaginary diary of Jenny Cooper which gives entertaining insights into what Jane Austen might have been like as a teenager.  Jenny is the pretty, clever but … Download free opening extract
2		Time Riders Alex Scarrow This is a thrilling action adventure which hurtles across time and place at breakneck speed. Three children are on the bring of death: Liam is about to drown as the Titanic sinks in 1912, Maddy is on an aeroplane fitted … Download free opening extract
3		This Book is Not Good for You Pseudonymous Bosch Mysterious, marvellous, witty, exciting and dangerous.  Here, in this the author’s 3rd book that you really shouldn’t be reading but few have taken heed, you’ll meet a cursed aztec artefact, an evil and deranged chef, a secret jungle lair inahibited … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Drawing with Light Julia Green A touching and tender teenage novel of love and exploration this tells how sixteen-year-old Emily finds first love and also begins an important search to find her mother. Emily was only two when her artist mother left home and she … Download free opening extract
2		The Facts of Life Joanna Nadin In this, another brilliant installment of Rachel Riley’s hilarious diaries, join her in her no-nonsense, fact-based approach to life.  Just when she thought she had finally found her knight in shining skinny jeans i.e. the ONE, an accidental snog with … Download free opening extract
3		No and Me Delphine de Vigan Deeply moving, this is the touching story of two teenagers from very different backgrounds whose friendship raises huge questions about what concepts of home and family really mean. Lou is bright and successful at school but her home is unhappy … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		I Like Bugs Lorena Siminovich A delightful touchy-feely counting book that depicts numbers and bugs through collage.  Whilst looking at some wonderfully vibrant insects as your toddler progresses through the book he/she can also begin to learn to count the number of insects on each … Download free opening extract
2		I Like Fruit Lorena Siminovich This is one of the most beautiful and touchy feely books I’ve seen for babies and toddlers for a while.  Each spread depicts a colour and a fruit; for example, a strawberry and alongside it, the words and pictures of … Download free opening extract
3		I Love You, Little Bear Claire Freedman, Gavin Scott Little Bear loves to go exploring with his mummy and as they do so they discover new places and meet new friends. This is a wonderful story about love and the importance of friendships. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Sylvia and Bird Catherine Rayner Shortlisted for the Pre-school Award, Early Year Awards 2009 Sylvia is the only dragon in the whole world, and she is very lonely… until one day, she meets Bird. Tiny and chirpy, so different from the huge dragon, Bird somehow changes Sylvia’s life … Download free opening extract
2		Blue Chameleon Emily Gravett Prize winning illustrator Emily Gravett triumphs again in her witty story of how a lonely chameleon does what he does best in a desperate attempt to make a new friend. Changing colour comes naturally to the blue chameleon so he … Download free opening extract
3		For Just One Day Laura Leuck, Marc Boutavant Everyone’s dreams are brought to life in this wonderful world of make believe as a child thinks of all the things she’d like to be  – just for one day. A buzzing bee, a creeping crocodile, a bunny rabbit, a … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Spells Emily Gravett Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Most Fun with Pictures’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. A stunning new picture book from Emily Gravett, full of witchcraft, wizardry and magic. We meet a … Download free opening extract
2		Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventures 2: A Right Royal Disaster Simon Bartram Bob, the much loved Man on the Moon, is back in a new adventure for beginner readers. As ever, he doesn’t believe in aliens! But when it looks as if he might lose his head after he tinkers with a … Download free opening extract
3		The General Michael Foreman As relevant as when it was first published, Michael Foreman’s very first book is beautifully reissued in this 50th anniversary edition. General Jodpur loves to train his soldiers making them the best fighting force in the world. But, one day, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Great Hamster Massacre Katie Davies Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Award 2010 An entertaining behind-the-scenes look at family life in all its intricacies as it revolves around pet ownership and the drama that surrounds it. Nine year old Anna tells how she and her younger brother … Download free opening extract
2		Peter the Penguin Pioneer Daren King Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Most Fun with Pictures’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in early March. Hugely inventive and charmingly funny with laugh out loud zany humour and wonderful illustrations throughout that … Download free opening extract
3		The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events 1) Lemony Snicket This bestselling series (in fact in the top five of bestsellers of the last decade), now at long last available in paperback, launches with the suitably named title that charts the unlucky reason why the whole woeful story of the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 Harriet Goodwin Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. Adventurous, charming and poignant by turns, The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 is a quirky … Download free opening extract
2		Frozen In Time Ali Sparkes Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. A page-turning mystery-adventure with a pleasingly old-fashioned feel as two children, frozen by cryonic suspension by … Download free opening extract
3		Flyaway Lucy Christopher Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Award 2010 Tender and touching, this is a delicate story about facing up to difficulties and finding a way through. When Isla’s father develops a serious heart condition he can no longer take her to see … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Time Riders Alex Scarrow This is a thrilling action adventure which hurtles across time and place at breakneck speed. Three children are on the bring of death: Liam is about to drown as the Titanic sinks in 1912, Maddy is on an aeroplane fitted … Download free opening extract
2		The Returners Gemma Malley The Returners is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller from the author of the equally provocative futuristic novels, The Declaration and The Resistance. What happens when your past catches up with you and you don’t like what you see?  This powerful … Download free opening extract
3		My So-Called Afterlife Tamsyn Murray A wonderful debut novel which, as well as being laugh-out-loud funny, is full of insights, compassion, and love.  Fifteen-year-old Lucy has been stuck in the men’s loo ever since she was murdered there six months ago. No one has been … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Beautiful Creatures Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl A teen romance with a twist of danger and the supernatural told with a sure touch that makes it a headlong read from start to finish. Typical teenager Ethan is bored by his life growing up in a small town … Download free opening extract
2		Magic Under Glass Jaclyn Dolamore A hair-raising story full of suspense and intrigue. Nimira is picked out of her poor life as a music hall performer by the wealthy and mysterious Hollin Parry who asks her to sing for his automaton piano player. Parry is … Download free opening extract
3		Savannah Grey: A Horror Story Cliff Mcnish If you’re looking for a real page-turner that will have you gasping for breath then this is it. It’s a horror story and a love story intertwined and 15 year old Savannah Grey is possibly the only person who can … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Nursery Rhyme Rainbow (board book) Alison Jay Beautiful illustrations with a delightful nostalgic feel bring to life the stories of a host of favourite nursery rhymes selected for their reference to different colours. Little Boy Blue dozes contentedly under a hay stack, the Owl and the Pussy … Download free opening extract
2		Let’s Take a Trip on Animal Airways Sally Hopgood, Andrea Petrlik The aeroplane in this book really does travel through the pages! This wonderful novelty format will help encourage counting, sequencing and recognition skills in any toddler.  Turn the page and the brightly coloured aeroplane pops out on a flexible ribbon … Download free opening extract
3		Baby Gym: Touch and Tickle Designed to stimulate the senses, this delightful board book that hooks into the baby’s first language – that of touch, is a book that will encourage interaction and bonding between parent and baby and thereby build a sense of security … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up Julia Eccleshare & Quentin Blake Fall down the rabbit hole, take flight into Neverland, or follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City; we all remember what it was like to disappear into the imaginary worlds of the most magical and fantastic type of … Download free opening extract
2		The Tear Thief Carol Ann Duffy This is a warm, poignant and beautifully illustrated story set in a magical world where the tears of children arising from every emotion are of a different colour. An underlying thought-provoking message about emotions lies at its heart. The multi-coloured … Download free opening extract
3		Where the Wild Things are Maurice Sendak When Max is sent to bed without any supper for making mischief, he sets off on an amazing adventure across the sea to the land where he meets the ‘wild things’. The wild things roar their terrible roar and gnash … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Spells Emily Gravett Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Most Fun with Pictures’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. A stunning new picture book from Emily Gravett, full of witchcraft, wizardry and magic. We meet a … Download free opening extract
2		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
3		The Church Mouse Graham Oakley A brilliant picture book thankfully now back in print. The stunning, detailed and humorous illustrations tell the entertaining story of how Sampson the church cat and Arthur the church mouse take over the local church despite the reservations of the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Peter the Penguin Pioneer Daren King Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Most Fun with Pictures’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in early March. Hugely inventive and charmingly funny with laugh out loud zany humour and wonderful illustrations throughout that … Download free opening extract
2		The Great Hamster Massacre Katie Davies Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Award 2010 An entertaining behind-the-scenes look at family life in all its intricacies as it revolves around pet ownership and the drama that surrounds it. Nine year old Anna tells how she and her younger brother … Download free opening extract
3		Batpants! Jeremy Strong Loads of laughter for readers from comic master writer Jeremy Strong.  Batpants is his new creation, a madcap story of high jinks as Finn, Zac and Tilly learn to live with a pet orang-utan. Batpants is just part of the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 Harriet Goodwin Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. Adventurous, charming and poignant by turns, The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 is a quirky … Download free opening extract
2		Flyaway Lucy Christopher Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Award 2010 Tender and touching, this is a delicate story about facing up to difficulties and finding a way through. When Isla’s father develops a serious heart condition he can no longer take her to see … Download free opening extract
3		Frozen In Time Ali Sparkes Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. A page-turning mystery-adventure with a pleasingly old-fashioned feel as two children, frozen by cryonic suspension by … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Season of Secrets Sally Nicholls A haunting and unforgettable new novel From the award-winning author of Ways to Live Forever. Season of Secrets weaves the tale of a heartbroken child and an age-old legend into beautiful story of love, healing and strange magic. Resonant of classics such as … Download free opening extract
2		Auslander Paul Dowswell Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book of the Year Award 2009. A tense and dramatic story of growing up in Berlin during World War Two. When Piotr’s parents are killed he is taking to an orphanage in Warsaw. But Piotr … Download free opening extract
3		Private Peaceful Michael Morpurgo One of our ‘Must Reads’. It will seem odd when reading this book that the author enjoyed writing it the most of all the 90 or so he has written so far. That’s because it’s the one that most … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Savannah Grey: A Horror Story Cliff Mcnish If you’re looking for a real page-turner that will have you gasping for breath then this is it.  It’s a horror story and a love story intertwined and 15 year old Savannah Grey is possibly the only person who can … Download free opening extract
2		The Carbon Diaries 2017 Saci Lloyd Laura’s witty diary entries cleverly combine the important events in her own life – managing her boyfriend and dealing with her attempts to be in a successful band – with the major and serious issues of climate change in a … Download free opening extract
3		My Love Lies Bleeding Alyxandra Harvey This is a teen romance to really get your teeth into.  It’s an action-packed, urban fantasy full of Gothic seduction, teen angst, passion, wicked humour and adventure, all skilfully ignited by an age-old prophecy and a reluctant vampire princess that … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Nursery Rhyme Rainbow (board book) Alison Jay Beautiful illustrations with a delightful nostalgic feel bring to life the stories of a host of favourite nursery rhymes selected for their reference to different colours. Little Boy Blue dozes contentedly under a hay stack, the Owl and the Pussy … Download free opening extract
2		Five Little Ducks Jason Chapman, Jemima Lumley, Francesca Stich Shortlisted for the Baby Book Award, Early Year Awards 2009 Complete with cleverly cut pages, all with rounded corners so that even the smallest toddler can handle this board book, it tells the story very simply of a duck who starts … Download free opening extract
3		Welcome to the Zoo Alison Jay This absolutely gorgeous wordless picture book has now been re-released in a small format rounded-edged board book that’s perfect for babies and tiddly toddlers.  Curious eyes will explore the zoo, which is brimming with beauty, humour and high-jinks.  Parents will … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Terrible Plop Ursula Dubosarsky, Andrew Joyner This is a great read-aloud storybook for parents and children alike.  It has funny, clever, rhyming text about a little rabbit who learns that some things aren’t as scary as they first seem and a bad-tempered bear who isn’t as … Download free opening extract
2		Do as you would be done by Hugh Salmon and Anthony Stileman This whole book is available to download and read free of charge. Either click the ‘Download Entire Book’ button above to get a PDF version you can print out or click the image to the right to read an online … Download free opening extract
3		1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up Julia Eccleshare & Quentin Blake Fall down the rabbit hole, take flight into Neverland, or follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City; we all remember what it was like to disappear into the imaginary worlds of the most magical and fantastic type of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Spells Emily Gravett Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Most Fun with Pictures’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. A stunning new picture book from Emily Gravett, full of witchcraft, wizardry and magic. We meet a … Download free opening extract
2		The Penguin Who Wanted to Find Out Jill Tomlinson This is a perfect story for animal lovers young and old, filled with tenderness and love combined with a subtle humour.  Soft focus illustrations take readers right into the cold world of the penguins living in Antarctica. The beautiful pictures … Download free opening extract
3		Usborne Lift the Flap Picture Atlas Alex Frith, Kate Leake Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Best Book with Facts’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in early March. An original, innovative and interactive atlas full of flaps to lift, revealing beautiful buildings, exotic animals … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Peter the Penguin Pioneer Daren King Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Most Fun with Pictures’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in early March. Hugely inventive and charmingly funny with laugh out loud zany humour and wonderful illustrations throughout that … Download free opening extract
2		Green Smoke Rosemary Manning A touching and magical adventure story, Green Smoke tells how Susan meets a very special dragon while on her summer holiday in Cornwall. R. Dragon is 1,500 years old. He’s green and scaly and has two golden-yellow horns but he’s … Download free opening extract
3		The Great Hamster Massacre Katie Davies An entertaining behind-the-scenes look at family life in all its intricacies as it revolves around pet ownership and the drama that surrounds it. Nine year old Anna tells how she and her younger brother Tom win the battle to be … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 Harriet Goodwin Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. Adventurous, charming and poignant by turns, The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 is a quirky … Download free opening extract
2		Frozen In Time Ali Sparkes Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. A page-turning mystery-adventure with a pleasingly old-fashioned feel as two children, frozen by cryonic suspension by … Download free opening extract
3		Flyaway Lucy Christopher Tender and touching, this is a delicate story about facing up to difficulties and finding a way through. When Isla’s father develops a serious heart condition he can no longer take her to see the swans on the lake. Instead … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Season of Secrets Sally Nicholls A haunting and unforgettable new novel From the award-winning author of Ways to Live Forever. Season of Secrets weaves the tale of a heartbroken child and an age-old legend into beautiful story of love, healing and strange magic. Resonant of classics such as … Download free opening extract
2		The 13 Curses Michelle Harrison Sequel to the award-winning The 13 Treasures, this shows just about how disagreeable fairies can get! Red returns determined to find her brother and get him back. To do so she must find a way to enter the fairy realm. … Download free opening extract
3		A Perfect Ten Chris Higgins Winner of the Young Minds Book Prize 2009. Chris Higgins’ writing rivals the likes of Cathy Cassidy and Jacqueline Wilson.  She’s an author truly in tune with the teen psyche.  This is her fourth novel and she gets better and better with each … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		My Love Lies Bleeding Alyxandra Harvey This is a teen romance to really get your teeth into.  It’s an action-packed, urban fantasy full of Gothic seduction, teen angst, passion, wicked humour and adventure, all skilfully ignited by an age-old prophecy and a reluctant vampire princess that … Download free opening extract
2		Hunger Michael Grant Michael Grant’s GONE was one of the highlights of 2009 and his sequel is, do I dare say it, as good or possibly even better.  The series hits the zeitgeist and HUNGER continues at heart-in-your-mouth pace just like GONE and … Download free opening extract
3		Inside Julia Jarman This is raw and powerful writing but a book that should be read for it doesn’t shy away from telling the reader exactly how awful a Young Offenders’ Institution is for a first-timer. Aged seventeen, Lee is inside for a crime … Download free opening extract