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

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		The Bad-Tempered Ladybird Eric Carle A classic picture book in a robust board book format. The bad-tempered ladybird is too mean to share. Instead, it picks a fight with every creature it meets – even if it is a big as a rhinoceros! The journey, … Download free opening extract
2		The Great Sheep Shenanigans Peter Bently A catchy rhyming text propels this entertaining story of how the wily sheep manage to see off the predatory but foolish wolf. Lou Pine thinks he’s one cool and clever wolf but all his well-made plans go badly wrong – … Download free opening extract
3		Matilda’s Cat Emily Gravett Award-winning Emily Gravett has come up with another witty gem. Specialising in simplicity and relying on readers taking their cues from her characters, here Matilda’s cat makes it plain that she does NOT like all the things Matilda wants her … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		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
2		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
3		Winnie the Witch: 25th Anniversary signed hardback Valerie Thomas STOP PRESS: SIGNED LIMITED EDITION HARDBACK Winnie the Witch is a modern classic in the world of picture books so why not celebrate 25 years of Winnie and her cat Wilbur with this special 25th anniversary limited edition hardback signed by … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Big Sticky Bun (Early Reader) Vivian French Three short stories will delight early readers as they capture incidents from Jason and Daisy’s childhood which will strike a familiar chord.  Jason’s good behaviour earns him the bun he wants while his attempts to get Daisy to grow by … Download free opening extract
2		Horrid Henry’s Sports Day (Early Reader) Francesca Simon Sports day and Horrid Henry are a deadly combination! Henry hates sports day because he always looses and Perfect Pete always wins! But this year, Henry is determined that things will be different! How Henry sabotages everything he can and … 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		The Best of Pippi Longstocking Astrid Lindgren Pippi Longstocking is as popular as ever, with dedicated fans all over the world. She’s funny, feisty and incredibly strong and has the most amazing adventures! Here’s a chance to read three books about Pippi in one volume – Pippi … 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 Alex … Download free opening extract
3		The Famous Adventures of Jack Berlie Doherty Berlie Doherty, with her fantastic flare for storytelling, puts a different slant on a familiar fairytale. With beautiful line-drawn chapterheads by illustrator Steven Wood, this quirky set of stories within a story are perfect for children reading on their own, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		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
2		The Mystery of Wickworth Manor Elen Caldecott Two children thrown together on a residential week in Wickworth Manor find a mystery at the heart of the handsome stately home that provides a gripping diversion! Bouncy Paige and the reserved Curtis make an unlikely pair but their determination … 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		Ghosting Home Julia Jones July 2012 Book of the Month. This thrilling conclusion to the Strong Winds trilogy is an action-packed adventure set in and around the east coast of England and the North Sea in which 14 year old Donny, the protagonist in each … Download free opening extract
2		Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian : Book 8 Eoin Colfer July 2012 Book of the Month. This is bestselling master storyteller Eoin Colfer, who set readers alight with his first title about Artemis Fowl, a young criminal mastermind who was more than a bit mixed up with the fairy world. … Download free opening extract
3		A Midsummer Tights Dream Louise Rennison July 2012 Book of the Month. Best-selling Louise Rennison is as howlingly funny as ever as she sticks with a drama theme in this hilarious follow-up to Withering Tights. Tallulah Casey is back for a second summer at Dother Hall, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		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
2		Between the Lines Jodi Picoult, Samantha Van Leer July 2012 Debut of the Month. Bestselling Jodi Picoult, co-writing with her daughter who came up with the idea, tells a brilliantly romantic story of love across a divide in this entertaining and also thought-provoking story about stories, characters and readers. … Download free opening extract
3		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

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

Featured Books for 3+ readers

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

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		How the World Works Christiane Dorion Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts*. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2001: Best Book with Facts and Winner of the Best Overall Information Book in the Scholastic Education PLUS Read Me/ Best … Download free opening extract
2		Horrid Henry’s Thank You Letter (Early Reader) Francesca Simon Great story coupled with Tony Ross’ trademark illustrations in full colour on every page make this the perfect book to get both boys and girls enjoying the reading experience both on their own and with a member of the family.  … Download free opening extract
3		How the Weather Works Christiane Dorion When will it next snow? This hands-on guide with opening flaps and pop-ups gives masses of information about how different weather conditions come about. Where does rain come from? Why does the wind blow? What is a climate?  Answers to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Letters to Anyone and Everyone Toon Tellegen Winner of the 2011 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation [translated by Martin Cleaver]. Discover an extraordinary treasury of letters in this wonderful collection of short stories from Toon Tellegen and beautifully illustrated with Jessica Ahlberg’s delicate touch.  Whether it’s … Download free opening extract
2		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract
3		Cartoon Kid Jeremy Strong Loads of laughs in this new series from best-selling author Jeremy Strong.  Casper’s new teacher says everyone in the class is a superhero and together thy can fight injustice. Casper uses his drawing talent to become the Cartoon Kid. Teaming … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

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

Featured Books for 11+ readers

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

Featured Books for 14+ readers

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

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		What Shall we do with the Boo-hoo Baby? Cressida Cowell An entertaining story which will strike a chord with all parents! How can the animals stop the Boo Hoo baby from crying? Feeding him helps, as does bathing him and playing with him but, in the end, bedtime is the … Download free opening extract
2		Walk With Me! Stella Blackstone Open the flaps to find out how different animals get about. Who can hop? A rabbit can hop. Who can glide? A snake can glide. Each spread shows a different country and the animals in it providing a perfect background … Download free opening extract
3		Little Bear’s Little Boat Eve Bunting Tender and true, this is a beautiful story about Little Bear’s loss as he grows too big for the little boat he loves. Since he can no longer fish from the boat or dream in it, he searches for another … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Harris Finds his Feet Catherine Rayner Winner of the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Touching and inspiring, this is a beautiful story of a youngster finding his feet and being encouraged to forge his own way in the world by his remarkable Grandfather. Harris is a very … Download free opening extract
2		Barry the Fish with Fingers Sue Hendra Quirky and original, this will be a real joy for both toddler and parent.  Full of kindness, Barry, a fish with the special attributes of fingers, uses his unusual feature to delight his friends. Fingers are good for all sorts … Download free opening extract
3		At the Seaside Germano Zullo An absolutely gorgeous large format board book.  Each spread is crammed full of fun and humorous illustrations.  You and your toddler can share in the excitement of finding one of the many characters in the book and follow that character … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Troll Julia Donaldson An original and witty version of a traditional tale which shows what happens when two stories get blended into one. The Troll lives under the bridge – which is where he is meant to live. And the pirates are out … Download free opening extract
2		Urgency Emergency! Injured Spider Dosh Archer A fun first read that no 5+ year old, who is just beginning to want more words on the page than a picture book offers, should miss.  It’s been a while since something as good as has been published for … Download free opening extract
3		Urgency Emergency! Choking Wolf Dosh Archer The familiar characters from little Red Riding Hood are given an exciting new adventure in this entertaining and easy to read hospital drama. Everyone is afraid when the Big Bad Wolf  is brought into the hospital. Nurse Percy cowers under … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Master Crook’s Crime Academy: Robbery For Rascals Terry Deary Welcome to the school where scoundrels save the day.  This is Robin Hood meets Oliver Twist in a laugh-out-loud new series from one of the most-loved children’s authors, Terry Deary.  With a cast of hilarious characters, witty asides and farcical … Download free opening extract
2		Cookie Jacqueline Wilson Bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson knows exactly the ways in which Beauty Cookson feels insecure. It’s hard enough fitting in at school where she’s horribly teased by the cool crowd, but she has even more difficulties at home where she seems … Download free opening extract
3		Demon Defenders: Classroom Demons Jake Lancing Terrific comedy adventures with a footballing twist that are sure to be loved by boys in particular as well as reluctant readers. These books show that mischievousness doesn’t necessarily mean naughty!  The kids are part of an anything-but-ordinary football team.  For starters each kid … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Angel Cake Cathy Cassidy Friends and relationships are the hallmarks of Cathy’s novels as she portrays her characters and their friendships particularly well.  The plot lines are easy to get into, there’s always a subliminal message too and in Angel Cake it’s don’t judge … Download free opening extract
2		The Boy in the Dress David Walliams Touching, funny and full of insight, this tender story tells how Dennis decides that everyone does not have to be the same. Bravely, he decides to do something completely different. Taking a risk he reinvents himself and begins to see … Download free opening extract
3		Ghost Hunter: Book 6 Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Michelle Paver A stunning 6th and final episode, brings the bestselling ‘The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness’, which began so dramatically with Wolf Brother to a close. Now it is Torak’s last adventure; he must travel up into the mountains and find the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Girls to Total Goddesses in Seven Days Sue Limb Brilliant fun, this is a roller coaster of a read as it swings effortlessly from the wild extremes of  total despair to absolute ecstasy capturing the trials and tribulations of Zoe and Chloe, best friends forever. Zoe and Chloe have … Download free opening extract
2		Bog Child Siobhan Dowd Winner of Carnegie Award 2009 and the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award 2009 and shortlisted for the . New and challenging book full of mystery and shadows from recently deceased author Siobhan Dowd. Both terrifying and fascinating from the start, … Download free opening extract
3		The Demon’s Lexicon Sarah Rees Brennan From its dramatic start when two boys are set on by a savage flock of ravens – with demons inhabiting the bird’s bodies – this is a thrilling and chilling adventure. Nick and Alan’s everyday life looks quite normal but … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Forest of Hands and Teeth Carrie Ryan This is a remarkable and moving debut novel that was causing waves well before it was published.  The author has crafted a powerful and at times frightening tale that explores humanity’s unfailing desire not just to survive, but to live, … Download free opening extract
2		What I Saw and How I Lied Judy Blundell Winner of the prestigious National Book Award. Utterly gripping and beautifully told, this is a stunning rite of passage novel full of powerful and conflicting emotions, which captures Evie’s dramatic shift from child to adult in pinpoint sharp, painful detail. Excited … Download free opening extract
3		Megan Book One: The Biggest Decision of All Mary Hooper Tender and thoughtful, Megan charts the welter of complex emotions Megan goes through from the moment she discovers she’s pregnant. At only fifteen she has to deal with the impossibly difficult choices that it throws up, as well as coping … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Seriously Cute: Otto’s Trip to the Moon Katherine Lodge Join Otto and his friends on a very special birthday day out – to the moon! A delightful pull-tab book that little readers will enjoy again and again. With an originality and quirkiness that makes it stand out from the … Download free opening extract
2		Where’s Spot? Eric Hill Best-selling Spot is as irresistible as ever in this board book version. Spot is hiding. Where can he be? Opening the flaps to find where he isn’t hidden gives endless delight while finding him will always bring a smile. If you’re … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Seaside Poems Jill Bennett A wonderful collection of poetry perfect to read together with your toddler this summer on your beach holiday. Beach holidays will never be the same once you’ve read this. … Download free opening extract
2		Barry the Fish with Fingers Sue Hendra Extremely funny and wacky too, this crazy deep-sea caper is sure to have both parent and child in absolute stitches. Lots of bright bold artwork coupled with a great story make this a perfect read. … Download free opening extract
3		The Pencil Allan Ahlberg Winner of the Younger Children category – Red House Book Award 2009. This book is an hilarious and unmissable treat! One day there is just a lonely pencil…It begins to draw – a boy, a dog, a cat and then … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Jake in Danger Annette Butterworth Lovable Jake is an ordinary dog but with some very special qualities. Exciting stories written in easy-to-read texts with highly attractive illustrations make the Jake books perfect for first time readers. In Jake in Danger, Jake has to prove his … Download free opening extract
2		A Child’s Garden: A Story of Hope Michael Foreman This is a wonderful celebration of optimism and a thoughtful and touching book about the importance of growth, green shoots and new life in a war torn world. Growing up amidst rubble a small boy tends a green shoot which … 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 7+ readers

1		Green Fingers and Muddy Boots Ivor Santer Children benefit immensely from spending time outdoors in the fresh air, and a great way to get them outside is to encourage an interest in their garden. This book presents fun and practical activities to do in the garden every … Download free opening extract
2		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo CD Audio edition read by Paul Chequer. 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 … Download free opening extract
3		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: DIY Do-It-Yourself Book Jeff Kinney A book to write yourself, this diary is filled with the prompts any reader needs to make their own Wimpy Kid Diary. Embarrassing, revealing or just plain funny, answering these questions will encourage all kinds of writing amid the jokes. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Moon Stewart Ross One of the greatest events of the twentieth century, the unforgettable moment of  man’s first landing on the Moon provides the perfect platform for this wide ranging introduction to many different aspects of the moon. After excellent coverage of the … Download free opening extract
2		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stewart 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 – all orphans, all incredibly … Download free opening extract
3		Freak the Mighty Rodman Philbrick A poignant and moving story that is ultimately uplifting about friendship triumphing over adversity. Funny, touching and inspirational yet cleverly mixed with some scary and tragic moments, it is the story of Max who is considered big and stupid who … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Come On Danny (gr8 reads) Andy Croft Full of emotion and understanding but written in such a way that a struggling or reluctant reader will devour, Come On Danny is a hard hitting story describing the difficulties of dealing with life when everything goes wrong. Danny likes … 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. Meg cabot’s trademark wit is here … Download free opening extract
3		The Medusa Project: The Set-Up Sophie Mckenzie This is not science fiction.  Within the lifetime of children now the human race will have created new improved humans through genetic manipulation.  Frightening but true. Here in the first of a thrilling roller-coaster adventure series you can join four teenagers, each … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Knife of Never Letting Go Patrick Ness Shortlisted for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award – the winner will be announced in July Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009. Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008 and Booktrust Teenage Prize 2008. The electrifying and unflinching young … Download free opening extract
2		Bloodchild Tim Bowler If you’re on the hunt for a book that will really grab you, put shivers down your spine and ensure that at the end of every chapter you gasp for breath, then Bowler’s Bloodchild is the novel for you. Incredibly atmospheric of time … Download free opening extract
3		Creature of the Night Kate Thompson Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009 and shortlisted for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award. From multi-award winning author Kate Thompson comes another absorbing read, blazing an enthralling path between the stark realities of modern-day society and the fantasy for which … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Seriously Cute: Otto’s Trip to the Moon Katherine Lodge Join Otto and his friends on a very special birthday day out – to the moon! A delightful pull-tab book that little readers will enjoy again and again. With an originality and quirkiness that makes it stand out from the … Download free opening extract
2		What Shall We Do With The Boo-hoo Baby? Cressida Cowell An entertaining story which will strike a chord with all parents! How can the animals stop the Boo Hoo baby from crying? Feeding him helps, as does bathing him and playing with him but, in the end, bedtime is the … Download free opening extract
3		Each Peach Pear Plum (Board Book) Allan Ahlberg A delightful board book with simple rhyming text and engaging interactive pictures.  Children will be able to find characters that are mentioned in the text, such as Mother Hubbard and Cinderella. Wonderful detail in the illustrations provides endless entertainment in … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Barry the Fish with Fingers Sue Hendra Extremely funny and wacky too, this crazy deep-sea caper is sure to have both parent and child in absolute stitches. Lots of bright bold artwork coupled with a great story make this a perfect read. … Download free opening extract
2		The Pencil Allan Ahlberg Winner of the Younger Children category – Red House Book Award 2009. This book is an hilarious and unmissable treat! One day there is just a lonely pencil…It begins to draw – a boy, a dog, a cat and then … Download free opening extract
3		To The Beach Thomas Docherty Docherty’s Little Boat has recently been shortlisted for the prestigious Greenaway Medal so we thought we’d introduce to you an earlier title of his that is equally captivating. Join a delightful little boy when he decides he wants to go … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Jake in Danger Annette Butterworth Lovable Jake is an ordinary dog but with some very special qualities. Exciting stories written in easy-to-read texts with highly attractive illustrations make the Jake books perfect for first time readers. In Jake in Danger, Jake has to prove his … Download free opening extract
2		Oliver Moon and the Potion Commotion Sue Mongredien Enter the magical world of Oliver Moon – junior Wizard extraordinaire. He’s smashing at spell-craft and tip-top at toad training and with him you’ll encounter some fantastic adventures full of gruesome details, extraordinary characters, comic exploits and more than a … Download free opening extract
3		Princess Ellie to the Rescue Diana Kimpton Princess Ellie is pony-mad! And she’s fed up with being a princess! She’d much rather be riding one of her four gorgeous ponies.  Full of authentic pony facts and sparkly princessy detail this series is sure to set the mind … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Green Fingers and Muddy Boots Ivor Santer Children benefit immensely from spending time outdoors in the fresh air, and a great way to get them outside is to encourage an interest in their garden. This book presents fun and practical activities to do in the garden every … Download free opening extract
2		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: DIY Do-It-Yourself Book Jeff Kinney A book to write yourself, this diary is filled with the prompts any reader needs to make their own Wimpy Kid Diary. Embarrassing, revealing or just plain funny, answering these questions will encourage all kinds of writing amid the jokes. … Download free opening extract
3		Bumper Book of Nature Moss, Stephen This is the book that will get you and your child out of the house (away from the computer games and the TV) and into the great outdoors seeking out all sorts of exciting things to do during Spring and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Moon Stewart Ross One of the greatest events of the twentieth century, the unforgettable moment of  man’s first landing on the Moon provides the perfect platform for this wide ranging introduction to many different aspects of the moon. After excellent coverage of the … Download free opening extract
2		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stewart 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 – all orphans, all incredibly … Download free opening extract
3		The Thornthwaite Inheritance Gareth P Jones Fans of mayhem, mishap and adventure who also themselves have a flair for the mischievously macabre and an appreciation of deadly whodunits will love this darkly gothic tale.  In particular fans of Lemony Snicket, The Dragon Detective Agency, The Addams … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Medusa Project: The Set-Up Sophie Mckenzie This is not science fiction.  Within the lifetime of children now the human race will have created new improved humans through genetic manipulation.  Frightening but true. Here in the first of a thrilling roller-coaster adventure series you can join four teenagers, each … 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. Meg cabot’s trademark wit is here … Download free opening extract
3		Come On Danny (gr8 reads) Andy Croft Full of emotion and understanding but written in such a way that a struggling or reluctant reader will devour, Come On Danny is a hard hitting story describing the difficulties of dealing with life when everything goes wrong. Danny likes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Killing God Kevin Brooks A thrilling, thought-provoking novel from the critically acclaimed Kevin Brooks. Dawn Bundy is fifteen. She doesn’t fit in and she couldn’t care less. Dawn has other things on her mind. Her dad disappeared two years ago and it’s all God’s … Download free opening extract
2		The Knife of Never Letting Go Patrick Ness Shortlisted for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award – the winner will be announced in July Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009. Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008 and Booktrust Teenage Prize 2008. The electrifying and unflinching young … Download free opening extract
3		Bloodchild Tim Bowler If you’re on the hunt for a book that will really grab you, put shivers down your spine and ensure that at the end of every chapter you gasp for breath, then Bowler’s Bloodchild is the novel for you. Incredibly atmospheric of time … Download free opening extract

Summer is coming, school for another academic year is nearly over, so we reckoned now was the time to introduce to you our selection of Summer Reading books that will get your kids as excited about reading as they are about ice creams, outdoor swimming, and running like crazy around the park.

Download some free Opening Extracts and have fun choosing!

Get ‘Outdoors’ more with your children

With summer gathering pace we wanted to remind you not to miss our special Spring and Summer long feature on books to help your children make the most of getting ‘Out and About’ during the Summer holidays. It covers outdoorsy things to do from gardening to wildlife watching and we have 2 brilliant new titles, The Bumper Book of Nature and Green Fingers and Muddy Boots, to further inspire!

Classics Illustrated
– a new genre on Lovereading4kids

Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo recently said that he was a reluctant reader as a child, but that the Classics Illustrated graphic novels of classics including Oliver Twist drew him in and led him on to read the original books later in life. Well now we have a special section where you can find new editions of lots of the original Classics Illustrated, from Gulliver’s Travels to Lorna Doone, which will help engage kids in the power of stories.

Get set for a Summer of Reading

Our Summer Reading selection this year has been such fun to put together. There’s something to appeal to all. You’ll find books for avid readers, for reluctant readers, dyslexic friendly books and also you might like to take a look at one or two other areas of the site where we’re sure you’ll find a nugget or two, such as Usborne’s 10 titles celebrating Five years of Fantastic Fiction, the Real Reads, which are classics retold in just 64 pages or perhaps summer is the time to get your child hooked on the wonderful adventures of Tintin and his canine friend Snowy.

A reminder of the, not to be missed, June highlights

Gripping Pre-publication Exclusives

Get ahead of the crowds and start reading the best children’s books before they are even published! This month we have a sensational and moving novel from one of the best ‘teen authors around, Killing God by Kevin Brooks, the latest in the hugely popular Hero.com / Villain.net series for 9+ year olds and a brilliant new picture book Barry the Fish with Fingers. See below for more info and click on the covers to find out more.

3+ Barry the Fish with Fingers by Sue Hendra		9+ The Thorntwaite Inheritance by Gareth P.Jones		9+ The Undrowned Child by Michelle Lovric
9+ Villain.net: Power Surge by Andy Briggs		9+ Crisis Point by Andy Briggs		9+ Eating things on sticks by Anne Fine
11+ The Medussa Project by Sophie McKenzie		11+ Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick		14+ Killing God by Kevin Brooks

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Dear Zoo: board book Rod Campbell An elephant is too heavy, a giraffe is too tall, a frog is too jumpy. Hidden behind a flap, each new arrival that the zoo sends is a wonderful surprise but never quite right. Until, at last, they send the perfect pet…. This … Download free opening extract
2		Seriously Cute: Otto’s Trip to the Moon Katherine Lodge Join Otto and his friends on a very special birthday day out – to the moon! A delightful pull-tab book that little readers will enjoy again and again. With an originality and quirkiness that makes it stand out from the … Download free opening extract
3		Can You Moo Too? David Wojtowycz A big book which encourages all readers to join in with the noisy lion roaring, bouncy frogs croaking, baby bear growling, ducks quacking and cows moo-ing. Bright and lively illustrations make joining in fun! If you’re looking for other great books … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Barry the Fish with Fingers Sue Hendra Extremely funny and wacky too, this crazy deep-sea caper is sure to have both parent and child in absolute stitches. Lots of bright bold artwork coupled with a great story make this a perfect read. … Download free opening extract
2		The Adventures of Scratch, Sniff and Mr Smith: Mr Smith Invents a Robot Shibani Mohindra Mr Smith Invents a Robot is a beautifully illustrated ‘smell and tell’ book, containing smells to encourage young and reluctant readers to enjoy the reading experience. Big, bold, colourful imagery fills every page and coupled with the great storyline and … Download free opening extract
3		To The Beach Thomas Docherty Docherty’s Little Boat has recently been shortlisted for the prestigious Greenaway Medal so we thought we’d introduce to you an earlier title of his that is equally captivating. Join a delightful little boy when he decides he wants to go … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Oliver Moon and the Potion Commotion Sue Mongredien Enter the magical world of Oliver Moon – junior Wizard extraordinaire. He’s smashing at spell-craft and tip-top at toad training and with him you’ll encounter some fantastic adventures full of gruesome details, extraordinary characters, comic exploits and more than a … Download free opening extract
2		Jake in Danger Annette Butterworth Lovable Jake is an ordinary dog but with some very special qualities. Exciting stories written in easy-to-read texts with highly attractive illustrations make the Jake books perfect for first time readers. In Jake in Danger, Jake has to prove his … Download free opening extract
3		Princess Ellie to the Rescue Diana Kimpton Princess Ellie is pony-mad! And she’s fed up with being a princess! She’d much rather be riding one of her four gorgeous ponies.  Full of authentic pony facts and sparkly princessy detail this series is sure to set the mind … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Diary of a Wimpy Kid: DIY Do-It-Yourself Book Jeff Kinney A book to write yourself, this diary is filled with the prompts any reader needs to make their own Wimpy Kid Diary. Embarrassing, revealing or just plain funny, answering these questions will encourage all kinds of writing amid the jokes. … Download free opening extract
2		One Small Step Jerry Stone For all space enthusiasts, this scrapbook created by 14 year old Mike is an inspiring collection of the best moon-landing memorabilia and mind-boggling photos, as well as being packed with the latest amazing space science and indeed the future of … Download free opening extract
3		Pig City Louis Sachar Bestselling author Louis Sachar is back with a stunning new novel, which all begins with a hat…The hat Laura Sibbie buys from an old man in the street that says Pig City on the front and so Pig City is … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Moon Stewart Ross One of the greatest events of the twentieth century, the unforgettable moment of  man’s first landing on the Moon provides the perfect platform for this wide ranging introduction to many different aspects of the moon. After excellent coverage of the … Download free opening extract
2		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stewart 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 – all orphans, all incredibly … Download free opening extract
3		Toby Alone Timothee De Fombelle Winner of the 2009 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation. We think it’s an exciting, gripping fantasy story of a miniature world under threat and a boy hunted by his own people. In a sentence, The Borrowers for the 21st Century. Be prepared … 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. Meg cabot’s trademark wit is here … Download free opening extract
2		Come On Danny (gr8 reads) Andy Croft Full of emotion and understanding but written in such a way that a struggling or reluctant reader will devour, Come On Danny is a hard hitting story describing the difficulties of dealing with life when everything goes wrong. Danny likes … Download free opening extract
3		Journey to the Centre of the Earth (Classics Illustrated) Jules Verne One of a range of marvellous comic books created in the ’50s and ’60s now with artwork re-coloured and covers digitally enhanced for a new generation. Perfect Bound at a terrifically good value price. A message from the publisher: Classics Illustrated – … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Bloodchild Tim Bowler If you’re on the hunt for a book that will really grab you, put shivers down your spine and ensure that at the end of every chapter you gasp for breath, then Bowler’s Bloodchild is the novel for you. Incredibly atmospheric of time … Download free opening extract
2		Nicholas Dane Melvin Burgess Carnegie-prize winning author, Melvin Burgess, has written a long-awaited new novel.  This compelling story of a teenager caught in a corrupt 1980s care home is a powerful study of a particularly highly charged and distressing subject and one that is … Download free opening extract
3		Creature of the Night Kate Thompson Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009 and shortlisted for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award. From multi-award winning author Kate Thompson comes another absorbing read, blazing an enthralling path between the stark realities of modern-day society and the fantasy for which … Download free opening extract