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

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Cave Baby Julia Donaldson Best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has teamed up with prize-winning illustrator Emily Gravett to create a wonderfully witty story about a cheeky little Cave Baby. When the Cave Baby scribbles on the walls of his cave he is … Download free opening extract
2		Guess Who Says Moo? My Little Book of Riddles Leonie Shearing This perfect introduction to farm animals combines some absolutely charming illustrations with the ever-popular flip-the-flaps, creating a fun guessing game for the very young. Farm and farm animal words are introduced in a really fun way. … Download free opening extract
3		Dogs Emily Gravett Shortlisted for the Independent Booksellers’ Book Prize 2010. Prize-winning illustrator Emily Gravett delights with another wonderful new book. Apparently a celebration of dogs of all kind, this is also a book with a witty twist at the end. Gorgeous pictures of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Rabbit Problem Emily Gravett A Useful book about Families. 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 … Download free opening extract
2		Just Because Rebecca Elliott This is a book that deserves a place on the nursery bookshelf to be read and reread time and time again by parents and children alike.  It helps children to recognise that everyone is different.  Both heartfelt and loving it … Download free opening extract
3		Cub’s First Winter Rebecca Elliott Within this snuggly bedtime story there is an excellent introduction to looking at nature. It is Cub’s first winter and he wants to learn everything he can about it. Mum gives him lyrical answers to his many questions as she … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Ruby Nettleship and the Ice Lolly Adventure Thomas Docherty This is a magical adventure in which a drab landscape is transformed into a place of beauty and delight. Ruby’s playground is rundown; nothing works except for one swing for which there is always a long queue. One day, Ruby … Download free opening extract
2		Play the Shape Game Anthony Browne Take a shape and transform it into something new…Top names, including Jo Brand, Quentin Blake, Jacqueline Wilson, Phillip Pullman, Imelda Staunton, Anthony Horowitz, Sir Peter Blake, Linford Christie and Andrew Motion, have played Anthony Browne’s Shape Game and left a new shape … Download free opening extract
3		Vile A Cautionary Tale for Little Monsters Mark Robinson This is a terrific Cautionary Tale for mischievous kids demonstrating as it does that perhaps life’s not so great when spent solely in the pursuit of vileness  And when two of the pupils of the University of Vile discover that … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Dead Man’s Cove: Laura Marlin Mysteries 1 Lauren St.John Feisty orphan Laura Marlin is rescued from her life in a children’s home by her mysterious uncle Calvin. Laura loves everything about her new life in Cornwall but soon realises that it is full of secrets. Laura’s sharp observation and … Download free opening extract
2		Find Chaffy Jamie Smart Join in the search for the missing Chaffies! Ten loveable Chaffies have wandered off into the world and someone needs to set out and find where they are hiding! Join in the search for these delightful creatures among a graveyard … Download free opening extract
3		The Good Green Lunchbox: Tasty, Healthy Lunches and Picnics Jocelyn Miller This is the book to help you and the children give what you eat an eco-makeover! It’s a make-and-do book and contains 16 ideas for tasty and healthy lunches and picnics, which at the same time highlight a range of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Witches at War: The Wickedest Witch Martin Howard Full of dark humour in fact seriously funny this is the start of a series that should not be missed and packaged in a terrific small hardback format.  There is great anticipation in the witching world as the Wicked Witch … Download free opening extract
2		Eating Things on Sticks Anne Fine Shortlisted for Roald Dahl’s Funny Prize 2009. . Prize-winning Children’s Laureate Anne Fine is more entertaining than anyone else about families. Creating circumstances in which everything possible can go wrong, she delights her readers with bizarre situations that are hugely entertaining. … Download free opening extract
3		Midnight on Lundy Victoria Eveleigh This is Victoria Eveleigh’s fourth novel, her first three all feature an Exmoor pony called Trifle.  This one however, is set, first on Lundy Island* and then on the mainland in Devon.  Heart-rending but ultimately uplifting it will at times … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Reckless Cornelia Funke This title is published in September 2010 but we have an exclusive extract to whet your appetite.  Best-selling author Cornelia Funke whose Inkheart was a world-wide phenomenon has created a wonderful new imaginary world peopled with a gigantic cast of … Download free opening extract
2		Raven’s Gate (Power of Five) Graphic Novel Anthony Horowitz The long-awaited graphic-novel adaptation of the No. 1 bestseller Raven’s Gate, from the creator of Alex Rider, Anthony Horowitz.  A sinister and incredibly atmospheric story of the supernatural; first of five in the Power of Five series. Matt has always … Download free opening extract
3		Dark Life Kat Falls This is a debut novel that won’t disappoint.  Set in a world where the rising oceans have taken over continents and there are humans living on the small tracts of land that remain whilst others have moved under the sea … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The 10pm Question Kate De Goldi This is a warm, surprising, quirky, yet real and intelligent novel you will fall in love with. It’s a coming of age tale of Frankie Parsons, a twelve year old boy (who thinks and acts much older) who worries incessantly … Download free opening extract
2		Hunger Michael Grant This paperback edition will be available in September 2010. Here’s what Hugh (14), one of our teenage reviewers think of Hunger: Hunger, like it’s prequel Gone was unputdownable. It’s an excellent follow-up to an original idea. More children are developing powers and the … Download free opening extract
3		Whisper My Name Jane Eagland This is an incredibly eerie and chilling story of 16 year old Meriel Garland who is trapped in her grandfather’s strict regime of study and silence.  It’s a narrow, solitary existence, yet Meriel doesn’t always feel alone for someone is … 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

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

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		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
2		Bathtime With Woof Caroline Jayne Church Experience bath time with Woof by feeling the slimy soap he washes with, the shiny bubbles he blows in the bath and the softness of the fluffy towel he dries himself on afterwards. All babies will love seeing themselves scrubbed … Download free opening extract
3		No Bed Without Ted Nicola Smee Pull the tabs, lift the flap and help a little girl find her missing Ted. Is he in the drawer? No, that’s full of mice. Can he be in grandpa’s chair? No, that’s a bag of sweets. And he’s not … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		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 friendship and home. … Download free opening extract
2		Babies Love Books Laurence Anholt Celebrate books anytime and any place with these jolly babies who are shown sharing books and loving them too, in all kinds of likely and unlikely places from the library to a beach and with loads of places in between. … Download free opening extract
3		Little Boat Thomas Docherty Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Wonderfully detailed yet simple illustrations coupled with minimal text make this an absolutely fantastic picture book to enjoy with even the youngest toddler.  Later this year, this title will be joined by an … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		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
2		Snow Goose Paul Gallico Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Breathtaking illustrations capture the haunting magic of this modern classic. Set in the Essex marshes in the years before the Second World War, it is a touching story of how a young girl … Download free opening extract
3		Fantastic Mr. Fox Roald Dahl Ideal as an early introduction to Roald Dahl just as a child is starting to read alone because it’s a short story by comparison to some of his others. Filled with quirky black and white illustrations by the wonderful … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract
3		Flood And Fang: Raven Mysteries Book One Marcus Sedgwick Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Stepsisters’ Story Kaye Umansky A romping comedy of catastrophes, this version of the Cinderella story comes straight from the mouths of the step sisters. They make no apology for their terrible behaviour as they greedily pursue their own ends while doing down their step … Download free opening extract
2		Fever Crumb Philip Reeve This is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of 2009 from the critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling author of the Mortal Engines Quartet. Reeves’ post-apocalyptic world where mobile cities fight for survival has brought many a child into the world of reading … Download free opening extract
3		Living with Vampires Jeremy Strong Family problems of an unusual kind make life complicated for Kevin. With vampires for parents, he does his best to control them but things can’t help getting out of hand….Blood is their favourite drink so it isn’t surprising that they … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
2		Lifegame Alison Allen-Gray An incredibly topical thriller that captures the mood of the moment in terms of the scientific advances that are becoming increasingly possible and yet continue to be highly controversial. Picture if you can an island complete with families, all of … Download free opening extract
3		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

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Ask and the Answer Patrick Ness Tense, shocking and deeply moving, The Ask and the Answer is a terrifying novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. The sequel to the highly acclaimed and prize-winning The Knife of Never Letting Go, the author who is also … Download free opening extract
2		Gone Michael Grant Gripping from the first moment on, this is a scary, an unputdownable and a brilliantly plotted fantasy. One minute all the adults are there – next they’re gone! Only the children remain and they are trapped, cut off from the … 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 … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		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 friendship and home. … Download free opening extract
2		Little Boat Thomas Docherty Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Wonderfully detailed yet simple illustrations coupled with minimal text make this an absolutely fantastic picture book to enjoy with even the youngest toddler.  Later this year, this title will be joined by an … Download free opening extract
3		Harris Finds his Feet Catherine Rayner Shortlisted for 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

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Wind in the Willows – Illustrated Edition Kenneth Grahame Stunning is definitely the best word to describe this book that is bulging with superb illustrations that complement the moving story by Kenneth Grahame of Ratty, Moley and of course the irascible Toad. It is part of the Walker Illustrated Classics, … Download free opening extract
2		Varmints Helen Ward Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. The most overlooked threat in the world today is the loss of peace and tranquility. Can someone find the time and space to stop, think and plant the seeds of change before it’s … Download free opening extract
3		Tumtum and Nutmeg: Pirates’ Treasure Emily Bearn The enchanting and delightful mice Tumtum and Nutmeg are back for a third adventure. This time the two home lovers are off on a camping trip but soon things begin to go very wrong as they get swept down the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract
3		Flood And Fang: Raven Mysteries Book One Marcus Sedgwick Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Stepsisters’ Story Kaye Umansky A romping comedy of catastrophes, this version of the Cinderella story comes straight from the mouths of the step sisters. They make no apology for their terrible behaviour as they greedily pursue their own ends while doing down their step … Download free opening extract
2		Fever Crumb Philip Reeve This is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of 2009 and here at Lovereading we’re lucky enough to have a chapter taster for you pre-publication.  So why not check it out now. Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines quartet of a post-apocalyptic … Download free opening extract
3		Living with Vampires Jeremy Strong Family problems of an unusual kind make life complicated for Kevin. With vampires for parents, he does his best to control them but things can’t help getting out of hand….Blood is their favourite drink so it isn’t surprising that they … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Ask and the Answer Patrick Ness Tense, shocking and deeply moving, The Ask and the Answer is a terrifying novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. The sequel to the highly acclaimed and prize-winning The Knife of Never Letting Go, the author who is also … Download free opening extract
2		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
3		The Knife of Never Letting Go Patrick Ness 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 adult debut novel about the impossible choices of growing up by award-winning fiction writer Patrick Ness. A word … 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. One minute all the adults are there – next they’re gone! Only the children remain and they are trapped, cut off from the … Download free opening extract
2		Beautiful Dead: Jonas Eden Maguire This is the first of a proposed series of 4 books in the increasingly popular area of paranormal romance.  Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series will love the intrigue, the excellent writing style, compelling characters coupled with a powerful mystery.  … 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 … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Daydream Dan Sarah Garson This is a debut picture book from an exciting new talent.  A delightful book that both parent and child will warm to as the plotline is something that both will relate to.  That dreaded ‘I’m not day dreaming’ as your child is quite … Download free opening extract
2		Little Boat Thomas Docherty Wonderfully detailed yet simple illustrations coupled with minimal text make this an absolutely fantastic picture book to enjoy with even the youngest toddler.  Later this year, this title will be joined by an equally fun title from Thomas Docherty called … Download free opening extract
3		Charlie and Lola: Look After Your Planet Lauren Child A green message within a beautiful picture book. Loveable Charlie and Lola give all kinds of useful tips about the contribution they, and all other children, can make to looking after our planet. In Lauren Child’s witty illustrations, Charlie and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Tumtum and Nutmeg: Pirates’ Treasure Emily Bearn The enchanting and delightful mice Tumtum and Nutmeg are back for a third adventure. This time the two home lovers are off on a camping trip but soon things begin to go very wrong as they get swept down the … Download free opening extract
2		Barefoot Book of Earth Tales Dawn Casey This stunning collection of stories from around the world, which celebrate the importance of the world we live in, is supported by inspiring hands-on activities to encourage all to protect and preserve our world as much as we are able. … Download free opening extract
3		Her Mother’s Face Roddy Doyle The first picture book from award winner Roddy Doyle is a heart-warming and gently reassuring tale about moving on and growing up.  The writing is quite sublime and the luscious illustrations by Freya Blackwood compliment the words beautifully. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		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
3		Flood And Fang: Raven Mysteries Book One Marcus Sedgwick Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones Derek Landy Prize winning Skulduggery Pleasant is back for a third thrilling adventure. Along with his side-kick Stephanie, Skulduggery, the skeleton detective, must stand up to the Faceless Ones in a typically dramatic, dangerous and funny new adventure. The world of Skulduggery … Download free opening extract
2		The Well Between the Worlds Sam Llewellyn From the pen of a very talented author whose writing is of the highest quality comes a book that is full of magic and intrigue, myth and environmentalism in a land that was once green and pleasant but whose land … Download free opening extract
3		Ribblestrop Andrew Mulligan In this quirky and original debut there’s never a dull moment.  Even before the student’s turn up to the school, you can tell is no ordinary place. The building is semi-ruined (some dormitories don’t even have a roof ), the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
2		Jake Highfield: Chaos Unleashed Alec Sillifant A fast-paced and thrilling spy story that is also a debut novel, Chaos Unleashed tells how school boy Jake becomes an outsider when the Academy turns against him and he finds himself having to use all his skills and training … Download free opening extract
3		Dragonfly Pool Eva Ibbotson A wonderful, magical adventure spins out of a school story with a difference. Tally doesn’t want to leave her father and her aunts and go away to boarding school. But Delderton Hall is a very special school with interesting staff and pupils and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Gone Michael Grant  STOP PRESS – Read the whole book here online now  (book is available free from 8 – 22 April) or just click the download extract button above to get a cliff-hanger taster from the first two chapters.   Gripping from the first … Download free opening extract
2		Girl Meets Cake Susie Day A darkly comic romance about love, friendship, lies and gingerbread men! Heidi’s mad online life collides hysterically with her real one in a laugh-out-loud, über-cool teen novel.  Georgia Nicolson fans will adore this hilarious headlong teen-blog. … Download free opening extract
3		Beautiful Dead: Jonas Eden Maguire This is the first of a proposed series of 4 books in the increasingly popular area of paranormal romance.  Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series will love the intrigue, the excellent writing style, compelling characters coupled with a powerful mystery.  … Download free opening extract