To celebrate the release of FANTASTIC MR FOX in cinemas nationwide from 23 October, we look back at some of the wonderful books written by the master of childhood fantasy, Roald Dahl.

From the magical mischievousness of Matilda to the touching relationship between father and son in Danny Champion of the World there is bound to be a Roald Dahl story to suit the whole family. Read on to see our Top Ten packed with lots of film trivia. Or click here to see all of Roald Dahl books on one page!

Fantastic Mr Fox

After being caught stealing chickens from the mean local farmers Mr Fox is trapped in his underground home, with shotgun and spade aimed at his door. It is up to Mr Fox, with a little help from his fellow ground dwelling animals, to outsmart the crooked farmers and find a way out to provide food for his family and friends. Wes Anderson, well known for his critically acclaimed dry comedies combines his original sense of humour together with traditional stop motion animation to bring a distinct air of sophistication to the farmyard with a star studded voice cast in George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Bill Murray.

The Witches
They have no hair, have claw like fingernails disguised with gloves, have no toes, spit which is bright blue and pupils where you can see “fire and ice dancing”. The book that first introduced us as children to spot ‘the witches’ also managed to scare us behind the sofa when Angelica Huston portrayed the Grand High Witch that turns the protagonist into a mouse using the persuasive power of chocolate!

James and the Giant Peach
One of the best loved Roald Dahl books, follows the journey of the orphan James. After his parents are killed in a rhino rampage he is sent to live with his matriarchal aunts. With the help of some magical crystals he manages to escape the grasps of his awful aunts to a magical, miniature world filled with adventure, insects and lots of peach! Adapted for film in 1996, and featuring the voice talent of Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon and David Thewlis and appearances from Pete Postelthwaite and Joanna Lumley, makes this story one of the most beloved of Roald Dahl’s books.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
One of the most essential books to read in childhood Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has become a timeless childhood classic. Charlie becomes involved in a race across the world to win one of four golden ticket that will let him into the world’s most amazing chocolate factory. Introducing the world to Umpa Lumpas, everlasting gobstoppers and the repercussions of being greedy! Such is the popularity of the Classic Dahl book, there has been two adaptations of the book, both as magical and crazy as the other. The 1971 version, featuring Gene Wilder, manages to both fascinate and scare all those watching making us all want to avoid the suspicious Slugworth! The 2005 Tim Burton adaptation with Johnny Depp manages to match the book’s original wackiness with an incredible mix of CGI psychedelic visuals.

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
The lesser known sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Great Glass Elevator starts off where the previous book left off with Charlie, now the owner of the Chocolate Factory crash landing on the moon! Charlie must save the inhabitants of a space hotel from the attacks of the vicious, Vermicious Knids. Although never adapted for the big screen, Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory featured a few scenes mentioned in the book.

Matilda
Another dark book following the unhappy life of Matilda, A five year old girl whose parents have little interest in the well being of their child. Determined to do more in life than rot in front of the television, Matilda takes herself to the library. After reading classics from Dickens to Orwell Matilda’s intellect gets noticed in the classroom and is moved up a year into Miss Honey’s class. But the rulings of the school headmistress, Miss Trunchball seem just as harsh as her parents at home leading Matilda to discover one day that she has telekinetic powers. When it is discovered that miss honey has been swindled out of a large inheritance by Miss Trunchbull, Matilda strives to right the wrongs around her using her new found powers.
Adapted for film by Danny Devito in 1996, the film managed to transfer the magic of Matilda onto the silver screen.

The Twits
As this top ten list shows Roald Dahl had a tendency to focus on abusive adults, and this character trait continues with The Twits! Mr. and Mrs. Twit, an unhygienic shaggy haired (Mr Twit’s food has a habit of getting caught in his bushy beard!) couple, who take great pleasure in luring birds to bake in a pie and torment their pet monkey Muggle-wump. One day a ‘Roley-Poly bird’ from South Africa encourages Muggle-Wump and his animal friends to extract their timely revenge. Just desserts are served as Mr and Mrs Twit are terrorized and run out of house and home!

Danny, Champion of the World
After the death of his mother at the age of four Danny and his Father only have each other. By the age of nine Danny thought he knew everything that could be known about his best friend, his father, until he discovers a dark secret. What follows is an attempt at the most daring, the most dangerous and the most dastardly plan to outwit a wicked landowner.
A heartwarming story of father and son with the lead character a typical example of Dahl’s ability to paint witty and intelligent characters. The Television adaptation in the late eighties saw real life father and son, Jeremy and Samuel Irons, take on the lead characters.

George’s Marvellous Medicine
If there is an illness George Kranky is likely to have a cure for it! Fed up with his bad tempered grandmother, George sets out to cure it with his own special brews, concocted from all the dangerous liquids, tablets and substances you may find in the garden. He has medicine to make you tall, medicine to make you small but can he find that fantastic formula to make you happy? One of the few books not to have received a big screen adaptation, Georges Marvelous Medicine has featured on an episode of Jackanory and has been west end treatment with a critically successful stage play.

The BFG
The BFG is the nickname for the Big Friendly Giant, who befriends orphaned Sophie. The girl soon learns that her giant friend is responsible for creating the dreams of children and helps him along with his job. The 1989 animated film based on this story doesn’t exactly coincide with the book, but it still brings to life the interesting tale. The character of Sophie is actually based around Dahl’s daughter, Sophie Dahl.

FANTASTIC MR FOX is released in cinemas nationwide form 23 October 2009
For more information please visit the official website: fantasticmrfox-movie.co.uk

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Flip Flap Flop Mary Cartwright Perfect for ‘reading’ in the bath; penguins slip and slide, swim and glide and  flip and flap agreeably through the pages. If you’re looking for other great books for this age range then go to our Babies and Toddlers category. … Download free opening extract
2		That’s not my frog Fiona Watt Shortlisted for Baby Book Award, Early Year Awards 2009 Irresistible to inquisitive fingers, the strokeable features within each book in the ‘That’s not my…’ series help an owner to know more about an animal.  In That’s Not My Frog, the frog’s … Download free opening extract
3		The Big Night-night Book Georgie Birkett Shortlisted for the Baby Book Award, Early Year Awards 2009 With cuddly touch and feel pages this board book will provide comfort to the smallest toddler.  With a blanket to cuddle, curtains to open, PJs to feel and furry Ted to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Tom’s Tree Gillian Shields A truly uplifting story about love, hope and the importance of patience.  Tom plants a seed and imagines what it will be like as it grows – the trunk is a tall mast of a ship with dragons hiding in … Download free opening extract
2		Oliver Who Travelled Far and Wide Mara Bergman Winner of the Pre-School Award, Early Year Awards 2009 Through the terrific rhyming text and bold illustrations Oliver discovers that, though small, he is indeed mighty as he lives through his fears in this glorious, rollicking work of imagination. A picture … Download free opening extract
3		The Tail of the Whale Ellie Patterson, Christine Pym Shortlisted for the Pre-School Award, Early Year Awards 2009 An absolutely delightful debut from a brilliant new talent in the form of Christine Pym.  Dive into this exquisitely decorative picture book of a bright underwater world, rich with colour and full … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … 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		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

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Best of Times Michael Morpurgo A story that is by turns heart-wrenching but also ultimately uplifting as the protagonist in the story, a recently married Prince must find a way to bring love and laughter out of the sorrow and tears that his Princess feels. This square little hardback … Download free opening extract
2		Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children Conn Iggulden It’s Peter Pan with attitude as Conn Iggulden, creator of the phenomenal bestseller The Dangerous Book for Boys, introduces an explosive and magical new fictional world of the Tollins – flying creatures that aren’t fairies! – all beautifully illustrated in … 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		The Robbers Josh Lacey Peter is minding his own business depositing his savings in a bank when there’s a ‘hold-up’.  Can Peter’s quick thinking surprise and overcome the robbers in order to save his and other people’s money.  Edge of your seat writing for … Download free opening extract
2		I Spy: The Constantinople Caper Graham Marks An absolutely gripping spy adventure packed full of mystery, intrigue and high paced drama. It combines the action-packed exploits of Alex Rider, with the historical advnetures of Young Indiana Jones, in a classic story of one boy’s fight to find … Download free opening extract
3		A Misfitz Mystery: Two Tigers on a String Josh Lacey Humour and pace are the hallmarks of Josh Lacey’s writing (Grk series and Bearkeeper) and this new series (this is the second title) makes this an absolute must read for 9+ year olds.  The Misfitz are four children who share … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Pain Merchants (The Healing Wars) Janice Hardy Part one of a powerful historical fantasy full of politics, magic and enchantment. The Healing Wars tells of the unusual powers of fifteen year old orphan, Naya. In a world where many have special power, Naya stands out from the … Download free opening extract
2		The Return of Johnny Kemp Keith Gray A really gripping thriller for teenage boys.  Short and fast-paced, it’s the story of Johnny Kemp, a boy that no one is prepared to mess with, until that is, Dan manages to get him excluded from school.  But now he’s … Download free opening extract
3		Threads Sophia Bennett Fresh, witty and wholly contemporary, prize winning Threads won The Times/Chicken House writing competition in 2009. How three teenage friends with completely different interests – one’s into fashion, one plans to save the world and one is a budding young … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Traitor Game B R Collins Winner of for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award An extraordinary fantasy novel from a supremely talented debut novelist. Set partly in a boys’ school and also in another world that is both fierce and dangerous, it has themes … Download free opening extract
2		Pastworld Ian Beck Take a thrilling journey into the past in this clever time slip mystery which, written in different voices from different times, takes its readers from a dystopian future to a Dickensian past. Caleb is on a tourist trip to the … Download free opening extract
3		A Trick of the Dark B R Collins Prize winning B.R Collins’ A Trick of the Dark is a gripping supernatural thriller which explores the darker sides of adolescence. Annis sees her older brother Zach crushed and broken when the walls of a ruined house fall on to … Download free opening extract

Tags

The Lost Symbol,Dan Brown,A Change in Altitude,Anita Shreve,The Girl on the Landing,Paul Torday,The Perfect Man,Sheila O’Flanagan,The Book of Unholy Mischief,Elle Newmark,The Bradshaw Variations,Rachel Cusk,Hit and Run,Lawrence Block,The Surrogate,Tania Carver,The Little Stranger,Sarah Waters,The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science,Richard Holmes,The Robbers,Josh Lacey,The Best of Times,Michael Morpurgo,I Spy: The Constantinople Caper,Graham Marks,Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children,Conn Iggulden,The Traitor Game,B R Collins,Tom’s Tree,Gillian Shields,A Misfitz Mystery: Two Tigers on a String,Josh Lacey,StoryWorld: The Storytelling Book (slipcase edition),John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews,Living with Vampires,Jeremy Strong,Boom!,Mark Haddon,Flip Flap Flop,Mary Cartwright,That’s not my frog,Fiona Watt,The Big Night-night Book,Georgie Birkett,Tom’s Tree,Gillian Shields,Oliver Who Travelled Far and Wide,Mara Bergman,The Tail of the Whale,Ellie Patterson, Christine Pym,Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom,Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk,The BFG,Roald Dahl,The Tear Thief,Carol Ann Duffy,The Best of Times,Michael Morpurgo,Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children,Conn Iggulden,Boom!,Mark Haddon,The Robbers,Josh Lacey,I Spy: The Constantinople Caper,Graham Marks,A Misfitz Mystery: Two Tigers on a String,Josh Lacey,The Pain Merchants (The Healing Wars),Janice Hardy,The Return of Johnny Kemp,Keith Gray,Threads,Sophia Bennett,The Traitor Game,B R Collins,Pastworld,Ian Beck,A Trick of the Dark,B R Collins

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Flip Flap Flop Mary Cartwright Perfect for ‘reading’ in the bath; penguins slip and slide, swim and glide and  flip and flap agreeably through the pages. If you’re looking for other great books for this age range then go to our Babies and Toddlers category. … Download free opening extract
2		That’s not my frog Fiona Watt Shortlisted for Baby Book Award, Early Year Awards 2009 Irresistible to inquisitive fingers, the strokeable features within each book in the ‘That’s not my…’ series help an owner to know more about an animal.  In That’s Not My Frog, the frog’s … Download free opening extract
3		Row, Row, Row Your Boat A brilliant take on the classic nursery rhyme Row row row your boat gently down the stream that’s perfect for even the youngest toddler because of its board book format.  Here two toddlers row, rock, scream and roar their way … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Tom’s Tree Gillian Shields A truly uplifting story about love, hope and the importance of patience.  Tom plants a seed and imagines what it will be like as it grows – the trunk is a tall mast of a ship with dragons hiding in … Download free opening extract
2		The Tail of the Whale Ellie Patterson, Christine Pym Shortlisted for the Pre-School Award, Early Year Awards 2009 An absolutely delightful debut from a brilliant new talent in the form of Christine Pym.  Dive into this exquisitely decorative picture book of a bright underwater world, rich with colour and full … Download free opening extract
3		Tabby McTat Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have teamed up again to create a heart-warming story about loyalty and friendship. When Tabby McTat the busker’s cat gets separated from the busker he begins a new life on his … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		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
2		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … Download free opening extract
3		Bob’s Best Ever Friend Simon Bartram Simon Bartram’s Man on the Moon was one of the most memorable, witty, and intriguing picture books of recent times. Now at last, Bob, the man on the moon is back and he’s looking for a best ever best friend … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Best of Times Michael Morpurgo Lovereading comment to follow soon… The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award rewards the best in contemporary children’s and young adult literature from all over the world. Michael Morpurgo has been shortlisted for the award, the winner of which will be announced in March 2010. … Download free opening extract
2		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
3		Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children Conn Iggulden It’s Peter Pan with attitude as Conn Iggulden, creator of the phenomenal bestseller The Dangerous Book for Boys, introduces an explosive and magical new fictional world of the Tollins – flying creatures that aren’t fairies! – all beautifully illustrated in … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		I Spy: The Constantinople Caper Graham Marks An absolutely gripping adventure packed full of mystery, intrigue and high paced drama. Trey is off on the Orient Express to take a tour of Europe with his father. Even before the train has left the Gare de Lyon, Trey … Download free opening extract
2		StoryWorld: The Storytelling Book (slipcase edition) John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews A brilliant and completely unique book package appeared recently here at Lovereading4kids and we think it’s absolutely marvellous.  It will enable young and old, reluctant readers and those who love books, to unlock their imaginations.  The world of storytelling has … Download free opening extract
3		The Robbers Josh Lacey Peter is minding his own business depositing his savings in a bank when there’s a ‘hold-up’.  Can Peter’s quick thinking surprise and overcome the robbers in order to save his and other people’s money.  Edge of your seat writing for … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Enemy Charlie Higson A thrilling story of survival against the odds in a world in which adults have been killed or brain-crazed leaving only children under fourteen and with no one to look after them.  How a bunch of children survive as they … Download free opening extract
2		The Pain Merchants (The Healing Wars) Janice Hardy Part one of a powerful historical fantasy full of politics, magic and enchantment. The Healing Wars tells of the unusual powers of fifteen year old orphan, Naya. In a world where many have special power, Naya stands out from the … Download free opening extract
3		The Return of Johnny Kemp Keith Gray A really gripping thriller for teenage boys.  Short and fast-paced, it’s the story of Johnny Kemp, a boy that no one is prepared to mess with, until that is, Dan manages to get him excluded from school.  But now he’s … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Suzanne Collins Hot on the heals of the adrenaline rush that was Hunger Games comes the equally excellent and relentles sequel Catching Fire. Katniss’s hopes of an easy life after she was top dog in the leathal game show are short-lived after … Download free opening extract
2		The Traitor Game B R Collins Winner of for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award An extraordinary fantasy novel from a supremely talented debut novelist. Set partly in a boys’ school and also in another world that is both fierce and dangerous, it has themes … Download free opening extract
3		Pastworld Ian Beck Take a thrilling journey into the past in this clever time slip mystery which, written in different voices from different times, takes its readers from a dystopian future to a Dickensian past. Caleb is on a tourist trip to the … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Say Hello to the Baby Animals Ian Whybrow Stroke all the baby animals in the jungle in this attractive board book in which baby lion sets out to meet all the other baby animals around him. There’s a baby giraffe stretching up tall to eat the leaves at … Download free opening extract
2		Row, Row, Row Your Boat A brilliant take on the classic nursery rhyme Row row row your boat gently down the stream that’s perfect for even the youngest toddler because of its board book format.  Here two toddlers row, rock, scream and roar their way … Download free opening extract
3		Amazing Baby: Look at Me! Emily Hawkins look at me! has chunky pages cut into three sections, so you can have hands-on fun flipping back and forth to create a variety of funny baby faces. Includes a mirror at the back to reflect your own amazing baby’s … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Tabby McTat Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have teamed up again to create a heart-warming story about loyalty and friendship. When Tabby McTat the busker’s cat gets separated from the busker he begins a new life on his … Download free opening extract
2		Tom’s Tree Gillian Shields A truly uplifting story about love, hope and the importance of patience.  Tom plants a seed and imagines what it will be like as it grows – the trunk is a tall mast of a ship with dragons hiding in … Download free opening extract
3		The Rabbit Problem Emily Gravett An outstandingly original and entertaining book packed full of rabbitty details and a feast of novelty features that makes it all the more fun to read again and again and again. The Rabbit Problem shows what happens after Lonely sends … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … 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		The Icky, Sticky Snot and Blood Book Steve Alton Disgustingly informative, this is a touchy, feely guide to some of the most disgusting things in life. Open the flap and find out about blood and bones, travel on a roller coaster ride around the fast flowing systems that control … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventures: The Disappearing Moon Simon Bartram Bob, the Man on the Moon, has already had several prize-winning adventures. Now he and his extra special dog Barry are back in a new format for more surprises about a very special place. Bob and Barry have to use … Download free opening extract
2		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
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		StoryWorld: The Storytelling Book (slipcase edition) John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews A brilliant and completely unique book package appeared recently here at Lovereading4kids and we think it’s absolutely marvellous.  It will enable young and old, reluctant readers and those who love books, to unlock their imaginations.  The world of storytelling has … Download free opening extract
2		Hide and Seek Cathy Macphail Chilling from start to finish this is a brilliant, fast moving and spooky story. When new girl Destiny arrives at school she asks if it is really haunted… Everyone knows it isn’t but tricking Destiny seems like a bit of … Download free opening extract
3		Wishing for Tomorrow Hilary Mckay A new chapter to the story of Sara Crew has been cleverly crafted by Hilary McKay who picks up the threads at Miss Minchin’s after Sara has left and, in particular, the loneliness of Sara’s friend Ermengarde who is teased … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Threads Sophia Bennett Fresh, witty and wholly contemporary, prize winning Threads won The Times/Chicken House writing competition in 2009. How three teenage friends with completely different interests – one’s into fashion, one plans to save the world and one is a budding young … Download free opening extract
2		Ghost Hunter: Book 6 Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Michelle Paver Dazzling entertainment, seamless storytelling, this is the stunning 6th and final episode, bringing 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 … Download free opening extract
3		Timewalker Justin Stanchfield Full of intrigue, this is a terrific time-twist adventure with a dramatic plot that keeps its tension to the end. When sleepwalking along a lonely road near the quiet town of Antler, Sean meets a strange girl who is being … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Back to Life Joanna Nadin More hilarious exploits from the angst ridden teen diarist Rachel Riley.  Fans of Louise Rennison’s character Georgia Nicolson will love this as will all those who have enjoyed the ups and down and ups again of Rachel’s life to date. … Download free opening extract
2		Airhead: Being Nikki Meg Cabot Step right into the celebrity life of teenage supermodel Nikki. Apparently the golden girl of the catwalk Nikki looks like an absolute airhead but that’s just the surface. Underneath there’s nerdy Emmerson Watts who somehow got trapped in the wrong … Download free opening extract
3		The Traitor Game B R Collins Winner of for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award An extraordinary fantasy novel from a supremely talented debut novelist. Set partly in a boys’ school and also in another world that is both fierce and dangerous, it has themes … Download free opening extract

Books for babies and toddlers

1		Say Hello to the Baby Animals Ian Whybrow Stroke all the baby animals in the jungle in this attractive board book in which baby lion sets out to meet all the other baby animals around him. There’s a baby giraffe stretching up tall to eat the leaves at … Download free opening extract
2		Baby And Toddler Treasury A rich resource of stories, poems, action rhymes and more for all new babies and their parents, this Treasury is an excellent ‘first book’. The addition of a scrap book for recording all the babies own milestones is fun too. If … 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		The Rabbit Problem Emily Gravett An outstandingly original and entertaining book packed full of rabbitty details and a feast of novelty features that makes it all the more fun to read again and again and again. The Rabbit Problem shows what happens after Lonely sends … Download free opening extract
2		Call Me Gorgeous Giles Milton Stunning illustrations show the most arresting features of all sorts of animals – the pointy teeth of a crocodile and the long curving neck of a flamingo – all of which are fitted together to create a wonderful invented creature.  … Download free opening extract
3		Gruff the Grump Steve Smallman Kindness works like a magic charm on the grumpy old Gruff, a growly, grizzly grump of a bear. When Gruff the Grump unexpectedly does something kind and rescues a rabbit stuck in a tree, the rabbit repays him by bringing … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … Download free opening extract
2		The Icky, Sticky Snot and Blood Book Steve Alton Disgustingly informative, this is a touchy, feely guide to some of the most disgusting things in life. Open the flap and find out about blood and bones, travel on a roller coaster ride around the fast flowing systems that control … 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		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
2		Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children Conn Iggulden It’s Peter Pan with attitude as Conn Iggulden, creator of the phenomenal bestseller The Dangerous Book for Boys, introduces an explosive and magical new fictional world of the Tollins – flying creatures that aren’t fairies! – all beautifully illustrated in … Download free opening extract
3		Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventures: The Disappearing Moon Simon Bartram Exciting moon adventures for Bob, the man on the moon, and his dog Barry. Bob’s job is to look after the moon but it isn’t always easy especially when the magician Alacazamo suddenly makes it disappear! Can Bob and Barry … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Ghost Hunter: Book 6 Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Michelle Paver Dazzling entertainment, seamless storytelling, this is the stunning 6th and final episode, bringing 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 … 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		Wolven Di Toft A howlingly hairy summer adventure – Picture a boy, his eccentric grandparents and a pet dog that is a kind of special werewolf in reverse, all living on the edge of a strange and eerie wood. Now imagine that this … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Timewalker Justin Stanchfield Full of intrigue, this is a terrific time-twist adventure with a dramatic plot that keeps its tension to the end. When sleepwalking along a lonely road near the quiet town of Antler, Sean meets a strange girl who is being … Download free opening extract
2		Threads Sophia Bennett Fresh, witty and wholly contemporary, prize winning Threads won The Times/Chicken House writing competition in 2009. How three teenage friends with completely different interests – one’s into fashion, one plans to save the world and one is a budding young … Download free opening extract
3		Double Cross Malorie Blackman This thrilling new title in award winning Malorie Blackman’s cleverly observed series, which began with Noughts and Crosses, captures the drama and potential violence of growing up – especially in a world where the Noughts are willing to use violence … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Darke Academy 1: Secret Lives Gabriella Poole This is the first story in a series of three featuring supernatural spirits, with each one set in a different exotic city.  Secret Lives has a gripping unputdownable plot, a sophisticated Parisian setting and paranormal romance that will set the … Download free opening extract
2		Back to Life Joanna Nadin More hilarious exploits from the angst ridden teen diarist Rachel Riley.  Fans of Louise Rennison’s character Georgia Nicolson will love this as will all those who have enjoyed the ups and down and ups again of Rachel’s life to date. … Download free opening extract
3		Grass Cathy Macphail A thrilling, fast-paced, high octane story that is brilliantly spun out by the queen of teen thrillers Cathy Macphail as she captures how Leo gets caught up in the terrifying gang warfare that rules his town in Scotland. Leo and … 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		Mr Bear Says: I Love You Debi Gliori Warm and loving, Mr Bear introduces all the things he likes and ends with what he loves best of all – his own little baby. Lovely bright illustrations in a slimline, easy to hold board book. If you’re looking for other … Download free opening extract
2		Marvin Wanted More Joseph Theobold This board book comes complete with a wonderfully warm and woolly Marvin on the cover that’s wonderfully touchy-feely. The story inside though delivers a wonderful lesson in ‘wanting more’! Marvin the sheep takes drastic action to resolve the problem of … Download free opening extract
3		Orange Pear Apple Bear Emily Gravett With just 4 words this exceptionally talented author and illustrator has created a deliciously simple, yet wonderfully fun juxtaposition of animal and fruit as well as an all-important introduction to the ‘comma’. It’s not just a breathtakingly beautiful book but … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Great Paper Caper Oliver Jeffers Shortlisted for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award. Touching and funny, this is also a visually sophisticated picture book which lightly carries an important message about the use – and misuse – of resources. All is not well in the … Download free opening extract
2		Big Brave Brian M P Robertson An exuberantly illustrated book perfect to help children see that even the ‘seemingly’ bravest people in the world have things they are afraid of. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		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
2		Daisy and the Trouble with Kittens Kes Gray Holiday excitement nearly gets too much in this latest story about Daisy to whom too much is almost always happening! Daisy is going on holiday to Spain. She gets to go in a plane, to see a palm tree and … Download free opening extract
3		Dinosaur Cove: Finding The Deceptive Dinosaur Rex Stone Exciting adventures in this easy to read series about two boys and the dangerous dinosaurs they encounter – especially the deadly Tyrannosaurus Rex. Jamie’s dad is opening a dinosaur museum in Dinosaur Cove. Jamie expects to find some fossils but … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		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
2		The Dragonology Chronicles (Vol II): The Dragon’s Diary Dugald Steer The dragonological adventure continues in this eagerly-awaited second instalment of The Dragonology Chronicles.  An illness has spread among the dragons and Daniel and Beatrice must deliver a strange book to Dr. Drake so that the cure that lies therein can … Download free opening extract
3		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo CD Audio. 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 we also … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Shark Island David Miller A thrilling adventure story set on a tropical island…When Hanna and Ned’s parents are kidnapped, they find themselves stuck on an island and in the greatest danger. Surrounded by jungle and sea have they any hope of escape? Using all … Download free opening extract
2		Kensuke’s Kingdom Michael Morpurgo Age 9+.  Suffice to say the reading of this book will take you the reader through every emotion you can think of, from great joy and laughter to utter sadness and loss.  At its heart is a story of friendship … Download free opening extract
3		The Museum’s Secret: The Remarkable Adventures Of Tom Scatterhorn Henry Chancellor An irresistible adventure through a world full of dust, insects, magic potions, missing jewels and stuffed animals and an incredible secret that takes Tom back 100 years into a breathtaking adventure to far flung places of the world and back … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Coraline (film tie-in edition) Neil Gaiman Film-tie-in edition to the weird and wonderful Coraline, which has just released as an animated film in the UK.   When Coraline’s family move into a new home, she steps through a door into another house which seems strangely familiar.  It has … Download free opening extract
2		The Pickle King Rebecca Promitzer A hugely entertaining adventure story tinged with enough horror to delight but not really to terrify. Bored during a wet holiday, Bea and her friend Sam go exploring and come across the body of a dead man. What’s the story? Bea … Download free opening extract
3		The Reformed Vampire Support Group Catherine Jinks A murder-mystery comedy of errors about a vampire ‘support group’.  It’s the perfect introduction to the paranormal for young readers. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Skim Mariko Tamaki Stunningly drawn, this graphic novel brilliantly charts the deep and sometimes desperate conflicts and moods that prevail in teen years. Teenage witch Skim keeps a diary in which she records all her thoughts, hopes and fears. There’s the grief and … Download free opening extract
2		Stolen Lucy Christopher This controversial debut is a moving drama about kidnapping, isolation and survival and an extraordinary psychological thriller that will steal the minds of those who read it. Sensitive, intelligent and gripping, Stolen is a contemporary story which will force the … Download free opening extract
3		Magic Flutes Eva Ibbotson Romance and intrigue make this lyrical historical adventure an unputdownable read! When a British millionaire sets out to buy a secluded fairy tale castle set high up on a rock above a beautiful lake he finds that its heiress is … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		My Mum! Beth Shoshan From the same illustrator that brought us the charmingly funny My Dad! – we now have My Mum! – who is rather silly but simply lovely. Guarenteed to put a smile on your child’s face. … Download free opening extract
2		What the Ladybird Heard Julia Donaldson Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks have teamed up for another brilliant picture book. Right in the farmyard among all the noisy animals with their MOOs! and QUACKS! and BAAs! and OINKs!  lives a tiny silent ladybird. … Download free opening extract
3		Giraffes Can’t Dance Giles Andreae A touching and triumphant story republished in celebration of the title’s 10th birthday about how the giraffe goes from being hopeless on the dance floor to becoming the star of the show. Jeered by all for his disastrous dancing, Gerald … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		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
2		Oliver Moon and the Troll Trouble Sue Mongredien Fun to read wizard school adventures for Oliver. The auditions for the school play go badly wrong from the beginning. Instead of being cast as a hero, Oliver lands the part of a troll! A gruesome forest troll who will … Download free opening extract
3		My Brilliant Book! Michael Broad Short of a good book to read, Sam decides that writing his own is the only way to really enjoy a story. Vibrantly illustrated, Sam’s flights of fancy – aliens, a world full of sweets, a trip to the wildwest … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish Neil Gaiman Visually dramatic, this is a hugely entertaining adventure perfectly tinged with an alarming subtext.  Desperate to have his friend’s two goldfish, a boy swaps his father for them – despite the warning from his sister. Predictably, Mum is not pleased … Download free opening extract
2		Mr Gum And The Dancing Bear Andy Stanton Winner of The Blue Peter book award 2009 ’most funny book with pictures’ category – Mr Gum is off on his fifth best-selling adventure. And it is as zany and ridiculous as any that have gone before. This time, a gigantic … Download free opening extract
3		Wallace And Gromit Grand Adventures And Glorious Inventions Penny Worms Suitable for discerning Wallace and Gromit fans, this all-singing, all-dancing book sets out as Wallace’s secret invention scrapbook, with snippets of information and personal memorabilia about his cracking contraptions and his madcap capers with his dog, Gromit. With lots of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Shadow Forest Matt Haig Winner of the overall Blue Peter Book of the Year 2009 and category winner of ‘the book I couldn’t put down’.   A dramatic adventure story set in an enchanted magical world. Samuel Blink’s life changes forever when a giant log … Download free opening extract
2		The 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 stop it from disappearing … Download free opening extract
3		The Wolves In The Walls Neil Gaiman Prepared to be scared by this utterly brilliant romp of a story which is powerfully told in words and pictures. Lucy can hear all kinds of noises coming from the walls of the house. They are creeping, sneaking and crumpling … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		If You’re Reading This, it’s too Late Pseudonymous Bosch This is the quirky, original and deliciously dark sequel to the hilarious The Name of This Book is Secret.  Bursting with inventive characters and laugh-out-loud moments, readers will be instantly hooked once more by the stylish storytelling of Pseudonymous Bosch.   A … Download free opening extract
2		My Sister Jodie Jacqueline Wilson A fantastic book from Jacqueline Wilson. Pearl and Jodie are sisters who are very different. Jodie is noisy, brash, insensitive and bold. Pearl is only ten, little and shy and anxious all the time. When their parents both get jobs … Download free opening extract
3		The Book of a Thousand Days Shannon Hale Recorded as a highly readable diary, this is an original retelling of a fairy tale that gives a taste of the traditional while adding original and unexpected elements to make it anything but an ordinary fairytale and you certainly won’t … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Gone Michael Grant   Gripping from the first moment on, this is a scary, an unputdownable and a brilliantly plotted fantasy. First the teachers start to disappear from school; soon all the adults are gone. Only the children remain and they are trapped, cut … Download free opening extract
2		The Ant Colony Jenny Valentine An irresistible new novel from Jenny Valentine, winner of the Guardian Children’s Book Prize with Finding Violet Park.  Written with a wonderful lightness of touch, the author manages to weave and interweave the very different lives of a disparate range … Download free opening extract
3		Wildthorn Jane Eagland Set in Victorian England, this is a thought-provoking and shocking debut story for teenagers and adults of how a young woman with an ambition to become a doctor (at a time when it was frowned upon for women to have … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Minty And Tink Emma Chichester Clark The importance of a special toy is perfectly captured in this passionate story about how a toy can be ‘real’.  When searching for a birthday present for her baby brother, Minty finds a tiny toy bear who can talk. Instantly, … Download free opening extract
2		What the Ladybird Heard Julia Donaldson Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks have teamed up for another brilliant picture book. Right in the farmyard among all the noisy animals with their MOOs! and QUACKS! and BAAs! and OINKs!  lives a tiny silent ladybird. … Download free opening extract
3		Tin Forest Helen Ward Book and CD. Exquisite and fascinating illustrations beautifully capture the hopeful mood of this story about the power of dreaming. Living in a miserable grey world, an old man repeatedly dreams of colour and growth. Gradually his world begins to full up with … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		My Brilliant Book! Michael Broad Short of a good book to read, Sam decides that writing his own is the only way to really enjoy a story. Vibrantly illustrated, Sam’s flights of fancy – aliens, a world full of sweets, a trip to the wildwest … 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		Winnie The Twit Laura Owen Fun to read and well-matched by their illustrations, these four short stories tell of yet more dramatic and hilarious adventures for Winnie the Witch and her cat Wilbur. Winnie variously tries to find the perfect pet, to fix things with … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Mr Gum And The Dancing Bear Andy Stanton Winner of The Blue Peter book award 2009 ’most funny book with pictures’ category – Mr Gum is off on his fifth best-selling adventure. And it is as zany and ridiculous as any that have gone before. This time, a gigantic … Download free opening extract
2		Wallace And Gromit Grand Adventures And Glorious Inventions Penny Worms Suitable for discerning Wallace and Gromit fans, this all-singing, all-dancing book sets out as Wallace’s secret invention scrapbook, with snippets of information and personal memorabilia about his cracking contraptions and his madcap capers with his dog, Gromit. With lots of … Download free opening extract
3		Genie and the Phoenix Steve Cole, Linda Chapman An exciting fantasy adventure full of twist, turns and some very unexpected moments. Michael, Milly, Jason and Jess are just four ordinary children leading quite ordinary lives until they meet a most unusual genie disguised in the shape of a … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Shadow Forest Matt Haig Winner of the overall Blue Peter Book of the Year 2009 and category winner of ‘the book I couldn’t put down’.   A dramatic adventure story set in an enchanted magical world. Samuel Blink’s life changes forever when a giant log … Download free opening extract
2		The 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 stop it from disappearing … Download free opening extract
3		Ingo Helen Dunmore This is the first of the Ingo quartet. Helen Dunmore has done what few authors succeed in doing.  She’s created an absolutely believable mythical world alongside our own. One that makes you want to be there more than anything else, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		If You’re Reading This, it’s too Late Pseudonymous Bosch This is the quirky, original and deliciously dark sequel to the hilarious The Name of This Book is Secret.  Bursting with inventive characters and laugh-out-loud moments, readers will be instantly hooked once more by the stylish storytelling of Pseudonymous Bosch.   A … Download free opening extract
2		The Book of a Thousand Days Shannon Hale Recorded as a highly readable diary, this is an original retelling of a fairy tale that gives a taste of the traditional while adding original and unexpected elements to make it anything but an ordinary fairytale and you certainly won’t … Download free opening extract
3		My Sister Jodie Jacqueline Wilson A fantastic book from Jacqueline Wilson. Pearl and Jodie are sisters who are very different. Jodie is noisy, brash, insensitive and bold. Pearl is only ten, little and shy and anxious all the time. When their parents both get jobs … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Gone Michael Grant    Gripping from the first moment on, this is a scary, an unputdownable and a brilliantly plotted fantasy. First the teachers start to disappear from school; soon all the adults are gone. Only the children remain and they are trapped, cut … Download free opening extract
2		The Ant Colony Jenny Valentine An irresistible new novel from Jenny Valentine, winner of the Guardian Children’s Book Prize with Finding Violet Park.  Written with a wonderful lightness of touch, the author manages to weave and interweave the very different lives of a disparate range … Download free opening extract
3		Wildthorn Jane Eagland Set in Victorian England, this is a thought-provoking and shocking debut story for teenagers and adults of how a young woman with an ambition to become a doctor (at a time when it was frowned upon for women to have … Download free opening extract