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

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		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
2		Charlie and Lola’s Opposites Lauren Child Favourite TV characters Charlie and Lola explore the differences between big and small, few and many, off and on and other opposites.  A bold photographic illustration on each page of this sturdy board book makes it easy to grasp the … Download free opening extract
3		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

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		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
2		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
3		The Way Back Home Oliver Jeffers Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. This is an absolutely delightful book that is sure to capture the imagination of toddlers.  Jeffers’ illustrations are an absolute delight and together with the text tell an extraordinary and original story about … 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		Dear Miss Amy Husband A perfect companion to the holiday season.  Written in the form of letters from a little boy called Michael who writes some terrifically witty notes to his new teacher to explain why he can be late getting back to school.  … 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		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
3		The Story of Matthew Buzzington Andy Stanton The bestselling creator of Mr Gum turns his hand to a wildly fanciful story about a boy with a very unusual power; he can turn himself into a fly. Matthew Buzzington’s adventures including getting locked into school and dealing with … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		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
2		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
3		Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts Emma Kennedy The author of Wilma Tenderfoot is a comedy actress who has appeared in The Kumars.  Her humour shines through brilliantly in her writing in this debut and readers will find her heroine Wilma Tenderfoot (a wannabe detective) enormously funny, feisty, … 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		Hide and Seek Catherine 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		Bloodline Katy Moran Shortlisted for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award Go back in time to Dark Age Britain for this powerful story about loyalty and survival in another time. Abandoned by his father, Essa makes a new life for himself among … 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		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		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

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

The Summer holidays are nearly upon us, and this month’s selection of books will get your kids as excited about reading as they are about all those wonderful things associated with this time of year – ice creams, beaches, swimming, and picnicking in the park. With our special Summer Reading section and some of the most prestigious children’s book awards just announced, finding amazing stories for children with Lovereading4kids is easy.

For services to the planet’s young readers – medal-winning books

Two of the most important prizes in the children’s book world were announced at the end of June, and you can see for yourselves why they won by downloading free Opening Extracts of both books here. You may have seen them on Lovereading4kids before, because we’ve been raving about them for yonks!

The Carnegie Medal was won posthumously for Siobhan Dowd’s Bog Child, a fascinating novel about a boy who is simultaneously haunted by the body of a dead child he finds, and the troubles going on in his Northern Ireland home. It is sad but life affirming.

And the Greenaway Medal for Illustration went to the adorable Harris Finds His Feet by Catherine Rayner. Told in exquisite pictures, this is the story of a young hare with huge feet and a wonderful grandfather to help him realise how useful they are.

The judges said it was a particularly difficult decision to make on both awards for the quality of the shortlist was so strong. We have the full shortlist in our Prize Winners section so if you’ve not yet checked out the shortlist then why not go there now.  You can also find the shortlist for the Branford Boase Award for best debut there too, the winner of which will be announced later this month.

A bulging basket of Books of the Month

For fear of running out of breath and collapsing in an excited heap on the floor when telling you about our Books of the Month I’ll be brief but rest assured these are some of the very best children’s books out there at the moment. For toddlers there’s a funny fish called Barry who has fingers, for slightly older children a new Julia Donaldson featuring a troll, for 7+ there’s the delightfully named, The Boy in the Dress and for 9+ there’s Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s unputdownable Cosmic. A new series launch for 11+ readers from the hugely popular Sophie Mckenzie, The Medusa Project has been eagerly awaited and doesn’t disappoint and last but by no means least a superbly evocative historical romance/mystery for 14+ readers What I saw and how I Lied, a coming of age novel set just after WW2 in America. So download some Opening Extracts and see which piques your child’s enthusiasm. To view all our Books of the Month together, just click here.

For 3 + readers	For 5 + readers	For 7 + readers
For 9 + readers		For 11 + readers
For 11 + readers	For 14 + readers

First time lucky (and enormously talented) – Debuts of the Month

The Undrowned Child Michelle Lovric 9+ Part fairy tale, part historical fiction, this wonderful adventure set in a troubled 20th century Venice is a stunning debut. ………More info		The Forest of Hands and Teeth Carrie Ryan 11+ A fresh and riveting take on the zombie genre from a very talented new author, Carrie Ryan. …….More info
Escape from Shadow Island Paul Adam 9 +High octane adventure about an ordinary schoolboy who by night wows crowds as an escapologist. But can he discover the truth behind his father’s disappearance. ……..More info		Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts Emma Kennedy The humour shines through in this debut brilliantly. The heroin is enormously funny, feisty, cheeky and charming. ……..More info

Jiggy McCue – the off-the-wall hero is our Series of the Month

The Jiggy McCue series by Michael Lawrence has had boys and girls laughing their socks off with his peculiar misadventures for nearly a decade. Jiggy is a very odd 11-year-old who seems to encounter supernatural goings on wherever he goes! And now there’s a new collection of stories, One for All and All for Lunch – each told by a different character from the Jiggy stories. It’s a real treat for existing fans or indeed for any 8+ reader who is new to Jiggy it’s the perfect introduction. But you have been warned, it is laugh-out-loud funny.

Beat the crowds – Exclusive Pre-Publication Books

The Rainbow Orchid: The Adventures of Julius Chancer (Vol One)

An ambitious graphic-novel combining classic storytelling with cinematic artwork à la Tintin. A brilliant roller coaster adventure for boys and girls of all ages. You’ll be in awe of the creator when you see it. Check out a sneak preview now.

The 6th and final book of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series – for edge of the seat action, adventure and mystery there is no equal and the final denouement will satisfy all.

Darke Academy 1: Secret Lives

In the first book of a brand new series, a scholarship student Cassie Bell begins her time at an elite paranormal academy – but what sinister secrets are some of the other students sitting on? Knowing too much could prove deadly… Fans of the Twilight series shouldn’t miss it.

Get some rhymes in their minds

Poetry is definitely in. It can be fun, silly, clever, or goose-bump raising; it helps learning and memory and builds confidence when read aloud. It could even inspire your own children to start writing themselves.

With this in mind, we’ve picked two classic anthologies by John Foster for your children to get hooked on: School’s Out and Excuses, Excuses – both bestselling hilarious anthologies and very timely for the time of year.

So pick a few of this colourful array, sit down with your children and find out whether there’s a free Opening Extract that really gets them excited to find out what happens next.

Book Goodies galore to win this month

Finally, don’t forget about our Prize Draw page – there are as ever lots of prizes to be won including Benefit cosmetics for What I saw and How I Lied, lots of Clarice Bean goodies and signed copies of titles too numerous to mention.

Happy summer reading from the Lovereading4kids team of Julia, Louise, Steve and Peter.