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

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Stick Man Julia Donaldson Creators of The Gruffalo, best selling author/ illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another bestseller on their hands. “Stick Man lives in the family tree/ with Stick Lady love/ And his children three”. But one day Stick … Download free opening extract
2		Sir Charlie Stinky Socks And The Really Frightful Night Kristina Stephenson Charlie is big, bold and daring but is he brave enough to rescue a damsel in distress?  Find out by joining him on a really big and frightening adventure.  Vibrant illustrations and fold-out flaps give the story an additional dimension … Download free opening extract
3		Winnie’s Flying Carpet Valerie Thomas Bestselling Winnie the Witch is back with a new adventure when she’s ‘all aboard’ her flying carpet. Winnie has always wanted a flying carpet but, when it comes, she finds it is unexpectedly hard to control. When the carpet whisks … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Do Try This At Home! Punk Science Science without the boring bits.  Produced in association with the Science Museum, Do Try This At Home is crammed with facts, jokes, big ideas and experiments. This very funny book is full colour and illustrated with artwork and photographs.  It … Download free opening extract
2		Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog Mini Grey Hilarious action-packed new adventures for the intrepid Traction Man and his popular side-kick, Scrubbing Brush, in this fantastic sequel by prize-winning illustrator Mini Grey. After an intrepid exploration of the compost heap, Scrubbing Brush returns so dirty that the foolish … Download free opening extract
3		Lost Happy Endings Carol Ann Duffy Shortlisted for the prestigious 2008 Greenway. A wonderfully lyrical story about the search for the happy endings that are needed to make the perfect story. Beautiful illustrations bring the story to life. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Teach Your Granny To Text And Other Ways To Change The World We Are What We Do Teach Your Granny to Text is a book that will inspire children to use their everyday actions to change the world. If lots of people make small changes then big changes can occur. It’s not rocket science but it does … Download free opening extract
2		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo A wonderfully emotional but heart-warming tale from the pen of one of the foremost writers for children.  Brilliantly interwoven in historical fact at the time of the sinking of the Titanic is the story of Kaspar the Savoy cat, who … Download free opening extract
3		Whitaker’s World Of Weird Tracey Turner Attractively produced, this is a neat pocket book stuffed full of extraordinary facts about all kinds of unusual things. Set against a background of strong photographic images, the sections in this book cover many things including Weird Encounters, Weird Behaviour … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Girls Are Best Sandi Toksvig Women gladiators, women in the Bayeaux Tapestry, women inventors, Sandi Toksvig uncovers them all in her light hearted approach to the serious message of this book – women have always done amazing things but have mostly been overlooked by history. … Download free opening extract
2		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stuart This is a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller that we’ve been raving about since it went stratospheric across the water earlier this year. Here you will meet four very unusual children each with three things in common – … Download free opening extract
3		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Power Of Five: Necropolis Anthony Horowitz Yet again Anthony Horowitz has come up trumps with an edge-of-the-seat thriller with some brilliantly spun twists that will keep you guessing right up to the very end. The female protagonist is brilliantly portrayed – the first time, we think … Download free opening extract
2		Skellig David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale … Download free opening extract
3		A Perfect Ten Chris Higgins 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 new storyline.  The characterisation is … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Graveyard Book (illustrated by Chris Riddell) Neil Gaiman Spooks galore in this brilliant and fantastic story of life in the graveyard. When Baby Bod escapes a murderer intent on killing his whole family, he is taken in by the graveyard ghosts. In eight chapters, each of which depicts … Download free opening extract
2		Young, Loaded And Fabulous Katherine Kingsley Addictive, scandalous and glamorous fiction from a brand new author writing for sophisticated teens!  As its title implies this is not for the faint-hearted.  If you’re up for a wild read where clubbing or holidaying in St Tropez is the … Download free opening extract
3		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Michael Rosen’s Book of Nonsense Michael Rosen In the best tradition of nonsense verse, here are poems, rhymes, wordplay and limericks to make everyone smile and laugh out loud.  Children will delight in unravelling the meanings of the words and in creating their own nonsense verse. … Download free opening extract
2		Stick Man Julia Donaldson Creators of The Gruffalo, best selling author/ illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another bestseller on their hands. “Stick Man lives in the family tree/ with Stick Lady love/ And his children three”. But one day Stick … Download free opening extract
3		The Story Blanket Ferida Wolff, Harriet May Savitz A beautifully heart-warming story about generosity rewarded with stunning illustrations by the award-winning illustrator Elena Odriozola. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Her Mother’s Face Roddy Doyle The first picture book from award winner Roddy Doyle is a heart-warming and gently reassuring tale about moving on and growing up.  The writing is quite sublime and the luscious illustrations by Freya Blackwood compliment the words beautifully. … Download free opening extract
2		Lost Happy Endings Carol Ann Duffy Shortlisted for the prestigious 2008 Greenway. A wonderfully lyrical story about the search for the happy endings that are needed to make the perfect story. Beautiful illustrations bring the story to life. … Download free opening extract
3		The Dragon Tamer’s Castle Ben Cort This amazing book contains everything you need to create your own dragon tamer’s castle, plus there’s an exciting storybook to read again and again.  So read the book, build the castle and let the adventure begin. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Cosmo and the Secret Spell Gwyneth Rees Brilliant spooky fun with plenty of giggles for both parent and child to enjoy as well as a fair dose of frightening goings on.  What more do you need at halloween? … Download free opening extract
2		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo A wonderfully emotional but heart-warming tale from the pen of one of the foremost writers for children.  Brilliantly interwoven in historical fact at the time of the sinking of the Titanic is the story of Kaspar the Savoy cat, who … Download free opening extract
3		Storlax: The Power of the Deep Robert Jackson, Bubbi Morthens This is an epic children’s story, told with great humour, optimism and warmth.  It will grip the reader not just because of the loveable fishy characters and exciting adventures but almost more so because it subtly shows us the impact … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The 39 Clues 1: The Maze Of Bones Rick Riordan Want to get your kids reading, well here’s a spellbinding adventure that we think kids of 8 upwards will really pick up on for it’s something more than a book as it integrates books, games, a website, cards and prizes … Download free opening extract
2		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract
3		Tamburlaine’s Elephants Geraldine Mccaughrean Geraldine McCaughrean is a genius in her ability to draw the reader in to a part of history that might not immediately spring to mind as being of interest and yet she makes you hungry for more.  Here, she draws upon a violent … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Uncle Montague’s Tales Of Terror Chris Priestley Chris Priestley in his first book with Bloomsbury has written a book that is impossible to put down. Be warned however! The content is scary, no doubt about it. The book contains a series of short fast-paced horror stories, climaxing … Download free opening extract
2		A Perfect Ten Chris Higgins 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 new storyline.  The characterisation is … Download free opening extract
3		The Knife of Never Letting Go Patrick Ness Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008. The electrifying and unflinching young adult debut novel about the impossible choices of growing up by award-winning fiction writer Patrick Ness. This title is part of Walker Books’ ‘New Voices’ campaign which throughout … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Eclipse Stephenie Meyer The much-anticipated 3rd novel in the captivating saga of vampire romance that began with Twilight, continued with New Moon. Friendships are stretched beyond breaking point and love choices must be made that are a matter of life and death and … Download free opening extract
2		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
3		Exposure Mal Peet A dramatic, topical novel inspired by Shakespeare’s Othello which will appeal to both boys and girls with its themes of football and celebrity culture.  Award winning Mal Peet’s Exposure is the third in the gripping trilogy which began with Keeper, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Stick Man Julia Donaldson Creators of The Gruffalo, best selling author/ illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another bestseller on their hands. “Stick Man lives in the family tree/ with Stick Lady love/ And his children three”. But one day Stick … Download free opening extract
2		Michael Rosen’s Book of Nonsense Michael Rosen In the best tradition of nonsense verse, here are poems, rhymes, wordplay and limericks to make everyone smile and laugh out loud.  Children will delight in unravelling the meanings of the words and in creating their own nonsense verse. … Download free opening extract
3		The Story Blanket Ferida Wolff, Harriet May Savitz A beautifully heart-warming story about generosity rewarded with stunning illustrations by the award-winning illustrator Elena Odriozola. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Lost Happy Endings Carol Ann Duffy Shortlisted for the prestigious 2008 Greenway. A wonderfully lyrical story about the search for the happy endings that are needed to make the perfect story. Beautiful illustrations bring the story to life. … Download free opening extract
2		Her Mother’s Face Roddy Doyle The first picture book from award winner Roddy Doyle is a heart-warming and gently reassuring tale about moving on and growing up.  The writing is quite sublime and the luscious illustrations by Freya Blackwood compliment the words beautifully. … Download free opening extract
3		The Dragon Tamer’s Castle Ben Cort This amazing book contains everything you need to create your own dragon tamer’s castle, plus there’s an exciting storybook to read again and again.  So read the book, build the castle and let the adventure begin. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Storlax: The Power of the Deep Robert Jackson, Bubbi Morthens This is an epic children’s story, told with great humour, optimism and warmth.  It will grip the reader not just because of the loveable fishy characters and exciting adventures but almost more so because it subtly shows us the impact … Download free opening extract
2		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo A wonderfully emotional but heart-warming tale from the pen of one of the foremost writers for children.  Brilliantly interwoven in historical fact at the time of the sinking of the Titanic is the story of Kaspar the Savoy cat, who … Download free opening extract
3		Cosmo and the Secret Spell Gwyneth Rees Brilliant spooky fun with plenty of giggles for both parent and child to enjoy as well as a fair dose of frightening goings on.  What more do you need at halloween? … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The 39 Clues 1: The Maze Of Bones Rick Riordan Want to get your kids reading, well here’s a spellbinding adventure that we think kids of 8 upwards will really pick up on for it’s something more than a book as it integrates books, games, a website, cards and prizes … Download free opening extract
2		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract
3		Tamburlaine’s Elephants Geraldine Mccaughrean Geraldine McCaughrean is a genius in her ability to draw the reader in to a part of history that might not immediately spring to mind as being of interest and yet she makes you hungry for more.  Here, she draws upon a violent … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		A Perfect Ten Chris Higgins 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 new storyline.  The characterisation is … Download free opening extract
2		Uncle Montague’s Tales Of Terror Chris Priestley Chris Priestley in his first book with Bloomsbury has written a book that is impossible to put down. Be warned however! The content is scary, no doubt about it. The book contains a series of short fast-paced horror stories, climaxing … Download free opening extract
3		Blade: Closing In Tim Bowler The second in the Blade series, this is another short, very accessible novel for teens. Pacy, gripping and packed with action, and a central character that’s incredibly engaging, even the most reluctant reader will devour it. Blade is on … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Eclipse Stephenie Meyer The much-anticipated 3rd novel in the captivating saga of vampire romance that began with Twilight, continued with New Moon. Friendships are stretched beyond breaking point and love choices must be made that are a matter of life and death and … Download free opening extract
2		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
3		The Reckoning James Jauncey A thought adventure begins with a heart-stopping moment. Fin hears car doors clam, a scream and a dull thud. Through the mist he glimpses a figure falling from the bridge; when he reaches it he finds it is a girl … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		The Story Blanket Ferida Wolff, Harriet May Savitz A beautifully heart-warming story about generosity rewarded with stunning illustrations by the award-winning illustrator Elena Odriozola. … Download free opening extract
2		Pink! Lynne Rickards This is a delightful tale of learning that it’s ok and quite fun to be different.  When Patrick turns pink overnight he worries about what his friends might think and travels the world to find out.  A really heart-warming story … Download free opening extract
3		Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark – Book & CD Jill Tomlinson Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way – except for one. He’s afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Bob’s Best Ever Friend Simon Bartram Simon Bartram’s Man in the Moon as one of the most memorable, witty, and intriguing picture books of recent times and now at last, Bob, the man in the moon is back but looking for a best ever best friend … Download free opening extract
2		The Iron Man Ted Hughes One of the greatest modern fairy stories, this tells of the strange giant Iron Man who appears from no where and begins a reign of terror throughout the countryside as he smashes up the farmers’ tractors and diggers. How the … Download free opening extract
3		Derek The Sheep Gary Northfield One of the Beano’s most popular cartoon strip characters, Derek the Sheep, makes his long-awaited entry into a bumper collection. Existing fans of Derek as well as children who enjoy a more graphic approach to reading will love this … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl A book that requires no introduction as it is probably Dahl’s best-known and most read creation and deservedly so. The secretive and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory is revealed to five ‘lucky’ children, each of who has won … Download free opening extract
2		The Bfg 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 … Download free opening extract
3		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Inkheart 3: Inkdeath Cornelia Funke Cornelia Funke’s acclaimed Inkheart trilogy, whilst rooted in the real world, sweeps beyond words to the Inkworld, a richly imagined parallel place that is the stuff of classic fairy tales that rivals Tolkien in its mastery. Inkdeath is … Download free opening extract
2		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract
3		The Red Necklace Sally Gardner Set against the turbulent and drastically violent time of the French Revolution, this story is about a boy who is destined to become a hero. The plot takes you from Paris to London and back to Paris again to confront … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Brisingr Christopher Paolini Oaths are sworn, loyalties tested and forces collide in a fantasy epic that promises to be one of the key publishing sensations of 2008. This, the third in Paolini’s Inheritance cycle is eagerly awaited on Saturday 20th September when it … Download free opening extract
2		Boy In The Striped Pyjamas John Boyne Film due for release 12 Sep 2008. To see a trailer click here or scroll down. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in … Download free opening extract
3		The Knife of Never Letting Go Patrick Ness Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008. The electrifying and unflinching young adult debut novel about the impossible choices of growing up by award-winning fiction writer Patrick Ness. This title is part of Walker Books’ ‘New Voices’ campaign which throughout … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
2		Tales Of Terror From The Black Ship Chris Priestley This is serious spine-tingling stuff and not for the faint-hearted, it’s a novel packed with chills, thrills, nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping revelations. Join Ethan and Cathy and steel yourself against the blood-curdling terror that lies ahead as you realise … Download free opening extract
3		The Knife That Killed Me Anthony Mcgowan No holds are barred in this gripping story about knife crime. And there’s no way to put it down…Tautly written, it captures how diffident Paul tries to chart his way through rival classroom gangs. Being an outsider is dangerous and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		The Story Blanket Ferida Wolff, Harriet May Savitz A beautifully heart-warming story about generosity rewarded with stunning illustrations by the award-winning illustrator Elena Odriozola. … Download free opening extract
2		Aliens Love Underpants! Claire Freedman   Joint winner of the Richard and Judy “Early” 5+ Category. Terrific illustrations capture the flood of jokes about pants that underlie this rhyming story now brilliantly brought to even greater life by the addition of a CD to accompany the story. There are … Download free opening extract
3		Pink! Lynne Rickards This is a delightful tale of learning that it’s ok and quite fun to be different.  When Patrick turns pink overnight he worries about what his friends might think and travels the world to find out.  A really heart-warming story … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Bob’s Best Ever Friend Simon Bartram Simon Bartram’s Man in the Moon as one of the most memorable, witty, and intriguing picture books of recent times and now at last, Bob, the man in the moon is back but looking for a best ever best friend … Download free opening extract
2		Tumtum and Nutmeg: The Great Escape Emily Bearn An absolutely delightful tale of secret friends and a cosy world in miniature told very simply with some charming detail. It’s very much Brambly Hedge meets The Borrowers. The life of the mice, Tumtum and Nutmeg who live at Nutmouse … Download free opening extract
3		Derek The Sheep Gary Northfield One of the Beano’s most popular cartoon strip characters, Derek the Sheep, makes his long-awaited entry into a bumper collection. Existing fans of Derek as well as children who enjoy a more graphic approach to reading will love this … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract
2		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo A miraculous story of survival. Kaspar is a feline fairy tale which tells how, after a pampered life as Countess Kandinsky’s beloved pet which includes a spell staying in the Savoy, the eponymous cat survives the dramatic sinking of the … Download free opening extract
3		The Bfg 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 … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Inkheart 3: Inkdeath Cornelia Funke Cornelia Funke’s acclaimed Inkheart trilogy, whilst rooted in the real world, sweeps beyond words to the Inkworld, a richly imagined parallel place that is the stuff of classic fairy tales that rivals Tolkien in its mastery. Inkdeath is … Download free opening extract
2		The Red Necklace Sally Gardner Set against the turbulent and drastically violent time of the French Revolution, this story is about a boy who is destined to become a hero. The plot takes you from Paris to London and back to Paris again to confront … Download free opening extract
3		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Boy In The Striped Pyjamas John Boyne Film due for release 12 Sep 2008. To see a trailer click here or scroll down. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in … Download free opening extract
2		Brisingr Christopher Paolini Oaths are sworn, loyalties tested and forces collide in a fantasy epic that promises to be one of the key publishing sensations of 2008. This, the third in Paolini’s Inheritance cycle is eagerly awaited on Saturday 20th September when it … Download free opening extract
3		Airhead Meg Cabot From the creator of Allie Finkle and The Princess Diaries comes a brand new novel featuring two very different girls, one a superbrain and the other a supermodel. They have absolutely nothing in common until something extraordinary happens. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008. The winner will be annouced 24th September. Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less … Download free opening extract
2		Tales Of Terror From The Black Ship Chris Priestley This is serious spine-tingling stuff and not for the faint-hearted, it’s a novel packed with chills, thrills, nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping revelations. Join Ethan and Cathy and steel yourself against the blood-curdling terror that lies ahead as you realise … Download free opening extract
3		The Knife That Killed Me Anthony Mcgowan No holds are barred in this gripping story about knife crime. And there’s no way to put it down…Tautly written, it captures how diffident Paul tries to chart his way through rival classroom gangs. Being an outsider is dangerous and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark – Book & CD Jill Tomlinson Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way – except for one. He’s afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for … Download free opening extract
2		My Grandpa’s Amazing Inventions Richard Johnson This is a wonderfully inspirational picture book for any young child.  Grandpa is an inventor and has been invited to enter a competition to win the ‘greatest invention prize’. Of course he wins it but that’s not all for something … Download free opening extract
3		Aliens Love Underpants! Claire Freedman  Joint winner of the Richard and Judy “Early” 5+ Category. Terrific illustrations capture the flood of jokes about pants that underlie this rhyming story now brilliantly brought to even greater life by the addition of a CD to accompany the story. There are … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Bob’s Best Ever Friend Simon Bartram Simon Bartram’s Man in the Moon as one of the most memorable, witty, and intriguing picture books of recent times and now at last, Bob, the man in the moon is back but looking for a best ever best friend … Download free opening extract
2		Tumtum and Nutmeg: The Great Escape Emily Bearn An absolutely delightful tale of secret friends and a cosy world in miniature told very simply with some charming detail. It’s very much Brambly Hedge meets The Borrowers. The life of the mice, Tumtum and Nutmeg who live at Nutmouse … Download free opening extract
3		Derek The Sheep Gary Northfield One of the Beano’s most popular cartoon strip characters, Derek the Sheep, makes his long-awaited entry into a bumper collection. Existing fans of Derek as well as children who enjoy a more graphic approach to reading will love this … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract
2		The Bfg 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 … Download free opening extract
3		Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl A book that requires no introduction as it is probably Dahl’s best-known and most read creation and deservedly so. The secretive and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory is revealed to five ‘lucky’ children, each of who has won … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract
2		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stuart This is a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller that we’ve been raving about since it went stratospheric across the water earlier this year. Here you will meet four very unusual children each with three things in common – … Download free opening extract
3		The Eye of The Serpent Philip Caveney When Sir William Devlin and his assistant Tom open the tomb of Akhenaten they uncover something that has been hidden for three thousand years. That something is so terrifying that it changes the lives of both. When Sir William’s nephew … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Stormbreaker Anthony Horowitz A fabulous story that crackles with suspense and daring and shows that a bit of cheek will take you a very long way. Alex Rider is fourteen when his whole world is turned upside down. Already an orphan, his guardian … Download free opening extract
2		Airhead Meg Cabot From the creator of Allie Finkle and The Princess Diaries comes a brand new novel featuring two very different girls, one a superbrain and the other a supermodel. They have absolutely nothing in common until something extraordinary happens. … Download free opening extract
3		Boy In The Striped Pyjamas John Boyne Film due for release 12 Sep 2008. To see a trailer click here or scroll down. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008. The winner will be annouced 24th September. Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less … Download free opening extract
2		Tales Of Terror From The Black Ship Chris Priestley This is serious spine-tingling stuff and not for the faint-hearted, it’s a novel packed with chills, thrills, nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping revelations. Join Ethan and Cathy and steel yourself against the blood-curdling terror that lies ahead as you realise … Download free opening extract
3		The Knife That Killed Me Anthony Mcgowan No holds are barred in this gripping story about knife crime. And there’s no way to put it down…Tautly written, it captures how diffident Paul tries to chart his way through rival classroom gangs. Being an outsider is dangerous and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark – Book & CD Jill Tomlinson Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way – except for one. He’s afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for … Download free opening extract
2		Colin And The Wrong Shadow Leigh Hodgkinson A stunning picture book from a wonderfully talented new children’s artist. Colin the cat is a very appealing protagonist, but he has a problem. Somebody has borrowed his shadow and given him someone else’s. Join Colin as … Download free opening extract
3		My Grandpa’s Amazing Inventions Richard Johnson This is a wonderfully inspirational picture book for any young child.  Grandpa is an inventor and has been invited to enter a competition to win the ‘greatest invention prize’. Of course he wins it but that’s not all for something … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Tumtum and Nutmeg: The Great Escape Emily Bearn An absolutely delightful tale of secret friends and a cosy world in miniature told very simply with some charming detail. It’s very much Brambly Hedge meets The Borrowers. The life of the mice, Tumtum and Nutmeg who live at Nutmouse … 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		Little Mouse’s Big Book Of Fears Emily Gravett Winner of the of the 2008 Kate Greenaway Medal. This award winning author illustrator continues to create some of the most innovative and imaginative illustrated children’s books. Through nursery rhyme stories follow Little Mouse as he confronts his many fears including Ablutophobia (Fear … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract
2		Wow! 366: Speedy Stories In Just 366 Words Various Authors , Ian Whybrow, Georgia Byng, Roddy Doyle, Jeremy Strong This anthology of 240 mini stories, each told in just 366 words, features authors such as Roddy Doyle, Raymond Briggs, Charlie Higson, Michael Morpurgo and a surprise entry from the current Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This book is a great … Download free opening extract
3		The Bfg 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 … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stuart This is a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller that we’ve been raving about since it went stratospheric across the water earlier this year. Here you will meet four very unusual children each with three things in common – … Download free opening extract
2		Oathbreaker Michelle Paver Welcome to best-selling author Michelle Paver’s latest in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness.This is the series that began with Wolf Brother and now continues with the story of Torak alongside his trusted and loyal Wolf. Once an outcast, Torak has … Download free opening extract
3		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Airhead Meg Cabot From the creator of Allie Finkle and The Princess Diaries comes a brand new novel featuring two very different girls, one a superbrain and the other a supermodel. They have absolutely nothing in common until something extraordinary happens. … Download free opening extract
2		The Resistance Gemma Malley This is an absolutely chilling, powerful sequel to Gemma malley’s acclaimed debut, The Declaration. With a dark and sinister vision of the future, it is set in 2140, The Resistance is an incredibly thought-provoking read. We raved about her … Download free opening extract
3		Pendragon: The Merchant of Death D J Machale This is the first in an epic series of adventures through time and space featuring a daring hero, Bobby Pendragon, with a quest to save the world. Time travel, adventure and excitement will greet the reader and if Pendragon … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
2		Tales Of Terror From The Black Ship Chris Priestley This is serious spine-tingling stuff and not for the faint-hearted, it’s a novel packed with chills, thrills, nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping revelations. Join Ethan and Cathy and steel yourself against the blood-curdling terror that lies ahead as you realise … Download free opening extract
3		Life On The Refrigerator Door Alice Kuipers Beautifully told through notes left on the kitchen fridge, here is an intimate glimpse into the lives of a mother who has just discovered she’s got cancer, and her teenage daughter. This tragic but ultimately uplifting debut novel explores what being a ‘good … Download free opening extract