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

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		A Bit Lost Chris Haughton Winner of the top children’s book award in Ireland in 2011 – the Bisto Award. When Little Owl falls out of the nest he needs help to find his way home again. Luckily squirrel is keen to help but how does … Download free opening extract
2		Tabby McTat Picturebook and CD Julia Donaldson The best-selling author and illustrator team of the Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have created 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 … Download free opening extract
3		Gilbert the Great (Board Book) Jane Clarke Award-winning illustrator Charles Fuge’s Gilbert is a charming picture book character – despite being a great white shark! The story of his touching friendship with Raymond the Remora is delightfully retold in this handsome board book version. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Rhyming Rabbit Julia Donaldson Award winning Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson has created a delightfully entertaining picture book that celebrates poems of all kinds. All the rabbits are sick of hearing the rhyming rabbit’s poems for every occasion. Forlornly, the rabbit sets off to find … Download free opening extract
2		The Boy Who Hated Toothbrushes Zehra Hicks Billy hates toothbrushes. He’s tried all kinds but refuses to use any of them! But then he loses a tooth and the tooth fairy leaves him something to make sure the rest of his teeth are never so dirty! How … Download free opening extract
3		Two Monkeys (World of Happy) Giles Andreae A gorgeous story that shows the importance of true friendship between two monkeys.  Will the monkey prince forget his servant friend in the end or not?Stylish and affordable books for children and parents alike. One of an initial series of 13 … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

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		Dirty Bertie : Ouch! Alan McDonald Dirty Bertie – the boy with nose-pickingly disgusting habits – is back for another helping in A&E after an accident with a door, forgets his swimming trunks on a visit to Splash City, and proves that Know-All Nick doesn’t actually … Download free opening extract
3		Conker Michael Morpurgo Prize-winning Michael Morpurgo packs in a range of big emotions in this beautifully written short novel for newly fluent readers and reissued for a new generation of children. Helped by his granny, Nick learns to see off the nasty bully … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		An Elephant in the Garden Michael Morpurgo Once again the former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, weaves an intensely moving story about an extraordinary animal caught up in a very human war.  It’s World War Two in Germany, the animals in Dresden are to be killed because of … Download free opening extract
2		Little Manfred Michael Morpurgo Award-winning author and illustrator duo Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman have created a touching story about the way lives become entangled during conflict and how, unexpectedly, those ties can lead to enduring friendship. When Alex and her little brother Charlie … Download free opening extract
3		Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster Joanna Nadin A bundle of awfulness! Penny Dreadful (not her real name) has an unfortunate habit of creating mayhem wherever she goes and whatever she does! Penny has some really brilliant ideas. The only trouble is, they often seem to go horribly … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Too Much Trouble Tom Avery Winner of the 2010 Frances Lincoln / Seven Stories Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award This prize-winning story will grab readers’ attention from the opening moments and hold them spell-bound from then on. When Emmanuel and Prince are sent to England to … Download free opening extract
2		Journey to the River Sea 10th Anniversary Edition Eva Ibbotson Special 10th Anniversary Edition Chosen by Anne Fine as one of her favourite reads.  A charming and magical adventure story that is full of wisdom, warmth and understanding. Orphaned Maia is sent off to stay with her relatives far, far away … Download free opening extract
3		Billionaire Boy David Walliams Shortlisted for the prestigious Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2011 Hugely entertaining, this captivating story is also thought provoking about the perils of having way too much money. Joe Spud is the richest twelve-year-old in the world; he has everything his heart … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Tall Story Candy Gourlay Shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2011. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Favourite Story. This is a debut novel packed with warmth, humour and quirkiness that will have you in fits of laughter one minute and … Download free opening extract
2		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes Shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase Award 2011. Winner of the BookTrust Teenage Book Prize 2010 and shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2010. One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny … Download free opening extract
3		Six Days Philip Webb Enter a fantastic contest to appear in Philip Webb’s next book.  Each copy of Six Days is printed with its own unique 5-digit code.  Children can enter their unique code and email address and smartphone users can go direct to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Life An Exploded Diagram Mal Peet This is a brilliant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Cold War and events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis.  The story is told in flashback by Clem when he is living and working in New York … Download free opening extract
2		Double or Quits Rachel Riley’s Year of (almost) Taking Control Joanna Nadin A fantastically fat and sparkly bind-up of two riotous Rachel Riley books … Back to Life and The Facts of Life. … Download free opening extract
3		When I Was Joe Keren David Shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2011. Highly Commended for the Teenage Book Prize 2010. An edgy and contemporary thriller about the life changing dangers of knife crime – and that’s just for the witness. When Ty tells the police … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Stripy Horse, Time for Bed Jim Helmore, Karen Wall Stripy Horse is a hugely lovable animal in children’s book publishing at the moment and we’re thrilled to see the publisher has decided to create some sturdy board books for babies and toddlers featuring this character who has, until now … Download free opening extract
2		How to Catch a Star Oliver Jeffers A prize winning illustrator with a reputation for spare illustrations which pack a huge emotional punch. A little boy so loves the stars that he decides to set off and try to catch one. But catching a star is not as easy as … Download free opening extract
3		The Puffin Mother Goose Treasury Raymond Briggs The welcome return of a modern classic, this Treasury should be a gift for every newborn. Prize-winning illustrator Raymond Briggs’ wonderful illustrations capture the humour, pathos, poignancy and downright silliness of some of the best known nursery rhymes and riddles … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Zoe and Beans: Where is Binky Boo? Chloe Inkpen, Mick Inkpen Join the loveably lively Zoe and her devoted dog Beans in a world full of fun, friendship and magical adventures. It’s a case of hide and seek as Beans loses his favourite toy. … Download free opening extract
2		Why Is The Sky Blue ? Susan Varley, Sally Grindley This is our personal favourite in terms of Sally Grindley’s picture books here at Lovereading4kids.  It tells the story of rabbit and donkey.  Rabbit is very inquisitive and is always asking questions about everything! He wants to know why the … Download free opening extract
3		When I Dream of ABC Henry Fisher Wonderfully dreamy and fantastical illustrations – opera singing mermaids, shy dragons and even chocolate drinking vampires – combine with simple text to encourage children to learn their ABC.  Perfect as a bedtime read as after the parent has gone it’s … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Harry and the Dinosaurs Roar to the Rescue! Ian Whybrow Wonderfully humourous illustrations coupled with a fun storyline sees Harry and his bucketful of dinosaurs run to the rescue when he discovers someone he knows has been robbed.  Harry is an endearing character that boys and girls all love. … Download free opening extract
2		A New Room for William Sally Grindley A beautifully moving picture book that deals delicately with a marriage break up and moving house, A New Room for William is a sensitive portrayal of the thoughts and emotions of a little boy in the midst of a dramatic … Download free opening extract
3		How the World Works Christiane Dorion Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts*. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2001: Best Book with Facts and Winner of the Best Overall Information Book in the Scholastic Education PLUS Read Me/ Best … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract
2		Cartoon Kid Jeremy Strong Loads of laughs in this new series from best-selling author Jeremy Strong.  Casper’s new teacher says everyone in the class is a superhero and together thy can fight injustice. Casper uses his drawing talent to become the Cartoon Kid. Teaming … Download free opening extract
3		The Iron Man Ted Hughes A stunning new version of a much-loved children’s classic with stunning and unusual illustations from Laura Carlin. Part modern fairy tale, part science fiction myth, The Iron Man describes the unexpected arrival in England of a mysterious giant “metal man” … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Billionaire Boy David Walliams Hugely entertaining, this captivating story is also thought provoking about the perils of having way too much money. Joe Spud is the richest twelve-year-old in the world; he has everything his heart desires – except happiness. As one disaster follows … Download free opening extract
2		Whispers in the Graveyard Theresa Breslin This is a gripping supernatural thriller and one of those rare books that makes the reader want to put life on hold for as long as it takes to finish it.  The writing is breathtakingly good and whilst tackling some … Download free opening extract
3		Alien Storm A.G. Taylor A gripping science-fiction adventure pits a group of kids with super powers against a mysterious Russian billionaire. Infected by an extraordinary virus from a meteor storm, Sarah, Robert and the younger children in their charge are now at risk from … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead Winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal, Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2011, this is a brilliantly fresh and original story with a puzzle at its heart. When Miranda’s best friend Sal is punched in the stomach by another … Download free opening extract
2		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes Winner of the BookTrust Teenage Book Prize 2010 and shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2010. One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids … Download free opening extract
3		Street Heroes: Runaways Joe Layburn Street Heroes: Runaways is a fast-paced thriller that deals with important issues while keeping readers gripped from start to finish. By the aclaimed author of Ghostscape and Street Heroes it is in a nutshell ‘Heroes’ for children.  The Street Heroes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Replacement Brenna Yovanoff Full of romance and danger, this is an arresting adventure that slips effortlessly between our world and the dark world of the paranormal. Mackie Doyle is not what he seems. Despite his apparently normal life, Mackie is a Replacement; he … Download free opening extract
2		Matched Ally Condie Introducing a rare new talent and almost certainly one of the biggest Young Adult debuts of the year this is the first in an utterly compelling, visionary and imaginative series that is set to be a sensation. The book is … Download free opening extract
3		Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf Curtis Jobling Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2011 This is an absolutely cracking debut fantasy novel.  Every teenager should make time for it as it’s truly gripping and utterly original.  You’ll find yourself totally immersed from page one in a completely … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		When I Dream of ABC Henry Fisher Wonderfully dreamy and fantastical illustrations – opera singing mermaids, shy dragons and even chocolate drinking vampires – combine with simple text to encourage children to learn their ABC.  Perfect as a bedtime read as after the parent has gone it’s … Download free opening extract
2		Christmas Time Alison Jay Come on a journey through Alison Jay’s magical festive world! Discover all the things that make Christmas the most special time of the year and see if you can spot two lucky children who are on their own Christmas Eve … Download free opening extract
3		The Story of the Little Mole – The Sound Book Werner Holzwarth The best-selling Little Mole has been delighting or displeasing readers according to their taste in toilet humour for a couple of decades. All young children will adore this sound version which adds an important dimension to the story of Little … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Dog Loves Books Louise Yates Winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010 (Funniest Book for Children aged Six and Under). Shortlisted for the Independent Booksellers’ Book Prize 2010. The magic of books and reading is perfectly illustrated in this joyful picture book. Dog loves books … Download free opening extract
2		Goodnight Tiptoe Polly Dunbar As with all Walker Books titles this doesn’t just have a fabulous story to it but it’s beautifully printed and bound in paperback on quality paper – it really makes a wonderfully affordable gift for babies and toddlers. Goodnight Tiptoe … Download free opening extract
3		The Ice Bear Jackie Morris Stunning illustrations capture the warm emotions of this magical story and juxtaposes them perfectly with  the winter landscape of the white bears and the hunters who live in it.  When Raven steals a white bear cub and delivers him to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Farther Grahame Baker-Smith Graham Baker-Smith’s debut Leon and the Place Between was shortlisted for the prestigious Greenaway Medal in 2010. Farther is the first book that he’s written and illustrated himself and it’s utterly captivating.  The text is so beautifully placed and inextricably … Download free opening extract
2		Quentin Blake’s Magical Tales John Yeoman, Quentin Blake Beautifully told, the fourteen folk stories in this collection are taken from around the world giving a slice of different kinds of magic from different times. In all there are elements of enchantment, transformation and trickery as the kind and … Download free opening extract
3		Grow Your Own Monsters Nicola Davies, Simon Hickmott, Clive Boursnell A practical guide to growing all kinds of unusual plants – not the ordinary, good looking ones that most people choose to grow! Voodoo Lilies, Venus Fly Traps, Squirting Cucumbers and Abyssinian Bananas are just some of the exotic and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		A Boy Called M.O.U.S.E. Penny Dolan An evocative and thrilling tale, set in a richly colourful Dickensian world, featuring a small boy, Mouse, whose parents are lost at sea, and whose life is threatened by the claims of his money-grabbing and debt-ridden Uncle and he is … Download free opening extract
2		Bink & Gollie Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee With deliciously spare text and delightful cartoons, the way friends Bink and Gollie, two very different girls both with very strong views(!), manage to be supportive of each other and also to give each other space to do their own … Download free opening extract
3		Lost Dogs Garrett Carr Ballydog may well be a weird, weird town (in Ireland as it happens) with weird  characters, and monsters giving it that supernatural touch but this is a great read.  The author is a terrific storyteller and has clearly had a … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Billionaire Boy David Walliams Hugely entertaining, this captivating story is also thought provoking about the perils of having way too much money. Joe Spud is the richest twelve-year-old in the world; he has everything his heart desires – except happiness. As one disaster follows … Download free opening extract
2		Alien Storm A.G. Taylor A gripping science-fiction adventure pits a group of kids with super powers against a mysterious Russian billionaire. Infected by an extraordinary virus from a meteor storm, Sarah, Robert and the younger children in their charge are now at risk from … Download free opening extract
3		The Iron Man Ted Hughes A stunning new version of a much-loved children’s classic with stunning and unusual illustations from Laura Carlin. Part modern fairy tale, part science fiction myth, The Iron Man describes the unexpected arrival in England of a mysterious giant “metal man” … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes Winner of the BookTrust Teenage Book Prize 2010 and shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2010. One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids … Download free opening extract
2		Withering Tights Louise Rennison Winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010 (Funniest Book for Children aged Seven to Fourteen). Laugh out loud at this launch title of a brilliant new series by Queen of Teen author Louise Rennison. Tallulah Casey, cousin of the … Download free opening extract
3		My Name is Mina David Almond For everyone who loved David Almond’s Skellig, My Name is Mina is its prequel written over 10 years after Skellig was published to such acclaim.  Skellig remains one of THE bestselling and well known novels of the last decade. So here, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Matched Ally Condie Introducing a rare new talent and almost certainly one of the biggest Young Adult debuts of the year this is the first in an utterly compelling, visionary and imaginative series that is set to be a sensation. The book is … Download free opening extract
2		The Truth About Leo David Yelland Shortlisted for the Young Minds Book Award 2010 Full of insight, this is a deeply moving story about how a child handles a parent with a serious problem. Leo’s life with his father is a mess but there is no way … Download free opening extract
3		You Against Me Jenny Downham Prize-winning Jenny Downham’s debut novel Before I Die was the profoundly moving story of the death of a teenager. Told with immense insight and compassion it showed Jenny’s talent for understanding the energetic positivity of teenagers; how, for them, the … Download free opening extract

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		Quentin Blake’s Ten Frogs (Board Book) Quentin Blake With Quentin’s hallmark illustration style this is a wonderful little board book to help toddlers learn to count all with the use of some delightful animals.  Starting with One Crow, Two Goats, Three Dogs, and Four Cats this board book … Download free opening extract
3		One Fluffy Baa-Lamb, Ten Hairy Caterpillars Nick Sharratt Open the flaps to find loads of jokes in this witty and surprising counting book which makes thinking about numbers fun! The lambs and the caterpillars get up to all kids of unexpected fun to entertain readers with their driving, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Zog Julia Donaldson The creators of the best-selling Gruffalo have invented a delightful new character – Zog the little dragon who always wants to do best at school. Zog’s determination to win gold stars leads him into loads of mishaps but luckily he … Download free opening extract
2		The Three Sillies Tony Ross Silliness of all kind is wittily celebrated in this delightful picture book. Sensible and handsome George is surprised by the silliness of Jess the girl he falls in love with. In fact, he is so surprised the he decides he … Download free opening extract
3		Patrick Quentin Blake Stuffed full of happiness, Patrick is the story of all the wonderful, life enhancing things that happen when Patrick plays his violin. Patrick buys a magical violin from a market stall and immediately finds that by playing a few notes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Three Little Witches Storybook (Early Reader) Georgie Adams Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books are punctuated by catchy rhymes and speech bubbles, and with their bright, funny pictures and lively design they are hugely appealing.  They’re perfect for children from 5-7.  … Download free opening extract
2		The Hodgeheg Dick King-smith This is an absolutely charming modern classic from one of Britain’s all-time favourite authors.  There is no-one more impressive when it comes to animal stories than Dick King-Smith and this one is our favourite. The Hodegheg has everything – humour, … Download free opening extract
3		There’s Going to be a Baby John Burningham Award-winning husband and wife John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury have teamed up in this wonderful picture book which delicately captures the complex and sometimes overpowering feelings of an older sibling waiting for the arrival of a new baby. John Burningham’s … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract
2		Running Wild Michael Morpurgo Winner of the Independent Booksellers’ Prize 2010. Prize-winning author Michael Morpurgo’s new novel is a towering adventure and emotional roller coaster set at the time of a great tsunami. Trying to get over his father’s death, Will and his mother travel … 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		No Such Thing As Dragons Philip Reeve This is the author’s first stand alone novel since the spectacular Here Lies Arthur, winner of the 2008 Carnegie Medal. Reeve’s brilliant imagination has conjured up a dragon story in the grand tradition of children’s fantasy fiction, but one that is spectacularly different … Download free opening extract
2		The Great Rabbit Rescue Katie Davies The eagerly awaited sequel to the award winning The Great Hamster Massacre. Once again featuring 9 year old Anna and five year old Tom go on a quest for a pet. The Great Rabbit Rescue reunites its readers with the … Download free opening extract
3		Skulduggery Pleasant: Mortal Coil Derek Landy Best-selling Skulduggery Pleasant has taken the world by storm. A hugely entertaining mix of fear and fun in a magical community where the strangest things seem to happen for unpredictable reasons, this fifth volume tells a new chapter in the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Scat Carl Hiaasen Totally topical, Scat is a brilliant fast-moving eco-aware thriller set in the swamps of Florida. Nick and Marta get sucked into the world of corrupt oil prospectors and fanatical eco-activists when Mrs Starch, a formidably horrible teacher at Truman School, … Download free opening extract
2		The Search for WondLa Tony Diterlizzi Creator of the best-selling Spiderwick series, Tony Diterlizzi has created a hugely imaginative world in which twelve year old Eva Nine sets out on a seemingly impossible quest with just small picture with the word ‘WONDLA’ on it to guide … Download free opening extract
3		The Dying Photo Alan Gibbons A brilliantly taut ghost story based on a blurb by a Year 6 boy from a Liverpool primary school who won a city-wide competition. A real page turner and a roller coaster ride that’s an excellent title for the reluctant, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2010 and BookTrust Teenage Book Prize 2010, the winner of which will be announced on 1st November 2010.  The shortlist of six includes: Halo by Zizou Corder, Nobody’s Girl by Sarra Manning, The … Download free opening extract
2		Reckless Cornelia Funke 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 original and outlandish characters. Searching for his missing father, Jacob Reckless steps through the mirror into a … Download free opening extract
3		Revolver Marcus Sedgwick Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book Prize 2010, the winner of which will be announced on 1st November 2010.  The shortlist of six includes: Halo by Zizou Corder, Nobody’s Girl by Sarra Manning, The Enemy by Charlie Higson, Revolver by … 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		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
3		Alison Jay’s Question Blocks Alison Jay A perfect gift for a newborn baby. Four stunning board books nestle in this beautiful box. Each poses a question. Who is That?, What is Yellow?, Where is Teddy?, What is This?  The answers to all the questions are to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Ice Bear Jackie Morris Stunning illustrations capture the warm emotions of this magical story and juxtaposes them perfectly with  the winter landscape of the white bears and the hunters who live in it.  When Raven steals a white bear cub and delivers him to … Download free opening extract
2		Iris and Isaac Catherine Rayner Prize-winning illustrator Catherine Rayner has produced a new outstanding title. Polar bears Iris and Isaac fall out over sharing their nest. Each stomps away in a Big Bear Huff but soon both find that they don’t enjoy anything half as … Download free opening extract
3		Zog Julia Donaldson The creators of the best-selling Gruffalo have invented a delightful new character – Zog the little dragon who always wants to do best at school. Zog’s determination to win gold stars leads him into loads of mishaps but luckily he … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Three Little Witches Storybook (Early Reader) Georgie Adams Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books are punctuated by catchy rhymes and speech bubbles, and with their bright, funny pictures and lively design they are hugely appealing.  They’re perfect for children from 5-7.  … Download free opening extract
2		Mr Chicken Goes to Paris Leigh Hobbs Mr Chicken has left his safe world sets off on a global adventure. He’s on a whistle-stop tour of Paris and, like a good tourist, he’s doing all the famous sites, accompanied by his French friend, Yvette. But it’s not … Download free opening extract
3		The Hodgeheg Dick King-smith This is an absolutely charming modern classic from one of Britain’s all-time favourite authors.  There is no-one more impressive when it comes to animal stories than Dick King-Smith and this one is our favourite. The Hodegheg has everything – humour, … Download free opening extract

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		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract
3		Slog’s Dad David Almond Award-winning author/ illustrator team David Almond and Dave McKean have followed up The Savage with an equally stunning new book told partly as a graphic novel and partly as a story. Full of the kind of mystery David Almond created … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		No Such Thing As Dragons Philip Reeve This is the author’s first stand alone novel since the spectacular Here Lies Arthur, winner of the 2008 Carnegie Medal. Reeve’s brilliant imagination has conjured up a dragon story in the grand tradition of children’s fantasy fiction, but one that is spectacularly different … Download free opening extract
2		To the Extreme David Gatward A fun adventure about facing your fears with high quality graphic novel-style illustrations depicting the action throughout and gripping narrative with stacks of fun facts.  Particularly suitable for reluctant readers who prefer non-fiction/fact books. FYI, the series, also entices them … Download free opening extract
3		Skulduggery Pleasant: Mortal Coil Derek Landy Best-selling Skulduggery Pleasant has taken the world by storm. A hugely entertaining mix of fear and fun in a magical community where the strangest things seem to happen for unpredictable reasons, this fifth volume tells a new chapter in the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Reckless Cornelia Funke 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 original and outlandish characters. Searching for his missing father, Jacob Reckless steps through the mirror into a … Download free opening extract
2		Scat Carl Hiaasen Totally topical, Scat is a brilliant fast-moving eco-aware thriller set in the swamps of Florida. Nick and Marta get sucked into the world of corrupt oil prospectors and fanatical eco-activists when Mrs Starch, a formidably horrible teacher at Truman School, … Download free opening extract
3		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book Prize 2010, the winner of which will be announced on 1st November 2010.  The shortlist of six includes: Halo by Zizou Corder, Nobody’s Girl by Sarra Manning, The Enemy by Charlie Higson, Revolver by … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		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
2		Almost True Keren David A thrilling adventure in which the stakes are dangerously high, Almost True is an emotional roller coaster. When someone is shot dead on the doorstep instead of him, fourteen year old Ty, already under police protection since witnessing a murder, … Download free opening extract
3		The Legacy Gemma Malley What started with The Declaration and continued with The Resistance is brilliantly brought to conclusion in The Legacy.  A thrilling finale in which Anna and Peter and their friends risk all to expose the truth behind the quest for Longevity.  … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		WOW Said the Owl Tim Hopgood Shortlisted for the Best Pre-School Award, Early Year Awards 2009 Owl decides to wake up during the day and sleep at night.  A very odd thing for an owl to do.  But he discovers the world of colour and he’s in … Download free opening extract
2		Not Me! Nicola Killen This is an utterly delightful picture book from a bright new talent found by a publisher who seeks out new talent from the MA Illustration course in Cambridge. The clever interaction of the illustrations with some very simple text make … Download free opening extract
3		Ernest Catherine Rayner A brilliant joke lies at the heart of prize-winning illustrator Catherine Rayner’s Ernest. Ernest is a LARGE Moose. So large that, even though he tries squashing and squeezing, he just can’t fit all of himself into a book. Luckily he … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Crocodiles are the Best Animals of All Sean Taylor Shortlisted for Roald Dahl’s Funny Prize 2009. This is a real romp of a read with bright humorous illustrations accompanying a rich, rhyming text that children will enjoy reading alone and with their parents, time and time again.  Crocodile demonstrates … Download free opening extract
2		Usborne Very First Reading 1: Pirate Pat Mairi Mackinnon Pirate Pat allows the very beginner reader to take part in a lively and exciting story, using short sentences and simple words made up of only the letters s a t p i n m d.  Parent or carer reads … Download free opening extract
3		The Night Iceberg Helen Stephens A touching story of a magical night time adventure as a little girl jumps aboard an iceberg. Grumpy at having to share everything with her new sister, Tofta wants the iceberg to be just for her. But the penguin who … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Titch and Mitch 1: Shipwrecked! Garth Edwards Titch and Mitch are two delightful pixies who survive being shipwrecked and end up on an island that’s full of extraordinary animal characters.  As they meet more and more friends they go off on some wonderful but sometimes frightening adventures … Download free opening extract
2		Ms Wiz RULES OK! Terence Blacker The classroom will never be the same again for those who love the stories about Ms Wiz, a teacher with a difference. Her unusual ways of running her class are hilarious, chaotic, unlikely and very, very funny. … Download free opening extract
3		Leon and the Place Between Angela Mcallister Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. When Leon goes to the magic show, he is the only one who believes. His brothers and sisters are in for a big surprise however: this is no ordinary show and Abdul Kazam … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Magical Mischief Anna Dale A bookshop stuffed full of unexpected and witty magic is a delight for Arthur when he first befriends Mr Hardbattle, the shop’s owner. But, as Mr Hardbattle soon explains, magic doesn’t help when you are trying to run a shop … Download free opening extract
2		Not Bad for a Bad Lad Michael Morpurgo This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby. Into this Michael Morpurgo weaves his story of … Download free opening extract
3		The Boy who climbed into the moon David Almond Author of the classic Skellig, and winner of the incredibly prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, David Almond is a wholly original writer of magical and unusual stories that make anything and everything seem possible. Packed full of wonder and magic, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Tall Story Candy Gourlay This is a debut novel packed with warmth, humour and quirkiness that will have you in fits of laughter one minute and in tears the next as the author explores a touching sibling relationship and the clash of two very … Download free opening extract
2		The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid Rick Riordan Best-selling author Rick Riordan who created Percy Jackson has once again created some non-stop thrilling action in this headlong adventure as the Egyptian past comes alive and threatens two present day children. Carter and Sadie, the children of world famous Egyptologist … Download free opening extract
3		The Hidden World: The Remarkable Adventures of Tom Scatterhorn Henry Chancellor An exciting new adventure (the second) with an amazing and exotic setting for Tom after he goes back in the Scatterhorn Museum hoping for a good summer holiday. What Tom hadn’t banked on was the arrival of Pearl Smoot who … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids who embark on an epic road trip to New York to find their long lost uncle. … Download free opening extract
2		Young Sherlock Holmes: Death Cloud Andrew Lane MEGA BOOK OF THE MONTH – JUNE 2010.  Two dead bodies. One unforgettable hero.  The beginning of a legend.  Followers of the young James Bond and junior spy Alex Rider will enjoy the adventures of school boy Sherlock Holmes who … Download free opening extract
3		The Battle of the Sun Jeanette Winterson A rollercoaster of a seventeenth century adventure begins with Jack’s dramatic kidnapping on his twelfth birthday. Jack’s been selected as the Radiant Boy and the evil Magus needs to get his hands on him so that he can turn London into a city … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Cardturner Louis Sachar The worldwide bestselling author of Holes takes readers on a journey right into the extraordinary and obsessive world of bridge.  Don’t be put off by this central theme before having a read of the extract on Lovereading4kids.  Alton Richards is … Download free opening extract
2		The Sky is Everywhere Jandy Nelson This is a debut novel that once read will never be forgotten.  It’s a vibrant, deeply romantic novel that will bring tears to your eyes but it will also bring laughter through the tears!  It’s also funny, sexy and deeply meaningful.  … Download free opening extract
3		What I Saw and How I Lied Judy Blundell Winner of the prestigious American National Book Award – Utterly gripping and beautifully told, this is a stunning rite of passage novel, set just after WW2, full of powerful and conflicting emotions, which captures the dramatic shift from child to … Download free opening extrac

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Not Me! Nicola Killen This is an utterly delightful picture book from a bright new talent found by a publisher who seeks out new talent from the MA Illustration course in Cambridge. The clever interaction of the illustrations with some very simple text make … Download free opening extract
2		Charlie and Lola’s Clothes Lauren Child Favourite characters Charlie and Lola show off the clothes they love in this attractive, brightly coloured board book. Gloves, socks, bobble hats, a dress and trousers – all are almost touchable in these bold illustrations. … Download free opening extract
3		I’m the Best Lucy Cousins Lovely bold illustrations capture Dog’s boundless and boastful enthusiasm. Dog loves his friends; he thinks they are brilliant but he also thinks that he is the best. How Dog’s friends show him how loveable he is, even if he is … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Crocodiles are the Best Animals of All Sean Taylor Shortlisted for Roald Dahl’s Funny Prize 2009. This is a real romp of a read with bright humorous illustrations accompanying a rich, rhyming text that children will enjoy reading alone and with their parents, time and time again.  Crocodile demonstrates … Download free opening extract
2		Christian, the Hugging Lion Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell An amazing, heart-warming and true story of how a lion cub grows up as a pet and ends up returned to his real home in the wilds of Kenya. When Ace and John see Christian the lion cub in Harrods, … Download free opening extract
3		The Lion Book of Two minute Bedtime Stories Elena Pasquali This book is a lovely collection of short bedtime stories from around the world.  Including ones by Aesop and Hans Christian Andersen and from countries as far and wide as Mauritius and Iran, the stories are retold in simple words … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Ms Wiz RULES OK! Terence Blacker The classroom will never be the same again for those who love the stories about Ms Wiz, a teacher with a difference. Her unusual ways of running her class are hilarious, chaotic, unlikely and very, very funny. … Download free opening extract
2		A Birthday Surprise: A Pocket Money Puffin Sue Bentley Full of magical excitement this is a charming story which tells how Martina helps Splash, the little puffin who loses his way returning from his first magic mission, to find his way home. Martina’s friendship with Splash gives her the … Download free opening extract
3		Crazy Hair Neil Gaiman Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. A father and child discover the joys of his crazy hair in this brilliant picture book. Bonnie tries to tame her father’s hair, but to no avail, as birds and beasts of every type jostle … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Not Bad for a Bad Lad Michael Morpurgo This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby. Into this Michael Morpurgo weaves his story of … Download free opening extract
2		The Boy who climbed into the moon David Almond Author of the classic Skellig, and winner of the incredibly prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, David Almond is a wholly original writer of magical and unusual stories that make anything and everything seem possible. Packed full of wonder and magic, … Download free opening extract
3		The World at Our Feet Football Poems Paul Cookson A terrific little book that’s full of poems about football. Many kids think poems are not for them, but perhaps with football fever in the air, as it is at the moment you can persuade them otherwise.  This collection is … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid Rick Riordan Best-selling author Rick Riordan who created Percy Jackson has once again created some non-stop thrilling action in this headlong adventure as the Egyptian past comes alive and threatens two present day children. Carter and Sadie, the children of world famous Egyptologist … Download free opening extract
2		The Hidden World: The Remarkable Adventures of Tom Scatterhorn Henry Chancellor An exciting new adventure (the second) with an amazing and exotic setting for Tom after he goes back in the Scatterhorn Museum hoping for a good summer holiday. What Tom hadn’t banked on was the arrival of Pearl Smoot who … Download free opening extract
3		Hazel’s Phantasmagoria Leander Deeny This is a stunning first novel, with exceptional quality writing and a uniquely imaginative plot. The author has combined the rich, gifted imagination of Lewis Carroll and Maurice Sendak with the child/adult crossover appeal of Mark Haddon. The plot is … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids who embark on an epic road trip to New York to find their long lost uncle. … Download free opening extract
2		The Graveyard Book (illustrated by Chris Riddell) Neil Gaiman Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Spooks galore in this brilliant and fantastic story of life in the graveyard. When Baby Bod escapes a murderer intent on killing his whole family, he is taken in by the graveyard ghosts. … Download free opening extract
3		The Vanishing of Katharina Linden Helen Grant Shortlisted for the CLIP Carnegie Medai 2010. This debut novel is a great page-turner with an endearing story that’s full of rich detail and beautifully written.  It has a terrific sense of place.  Although the narrator is only 10 years old, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Paper Towns John Green Award winning author John Green’s fresh-voiced novel is an utterly gripping story that gives a roller-coaster, unputdownable read. Strongly set with all the details of life in high school, at its heart is the powerful relationship between Quentin and Margo, … Download free opening extract
2		Viola in Reel Life Adriana Trigiani Full of a zest, this captures how a newcomer to Prefect Academy learns to enjoy the boarding school environment she thought she would hate. Viola provides a hugely entertaining account of Perfect and the people in it initially using her … Download free opening extract
3		If I Stay Gayle Forman Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, If I Stay is a haunting novel about the power of love and loss – a story that won’t quite let you go. It will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you’ve … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Not Me! Nicola Killen This is an utterly delightful picture book from a bright new talent found by a publisher who seeks out new talent from the MA Illustration course in Cambridge. The clever interaction of the illustrations with some very simple text make … Download free opening extract
2		I’m the Best Lucy Cousins Lovely bold illustrations capture Dog’s boundless and boastful enthusiasm. Dog loves his friends; he thinks they are brilliant but he also thinks that he is the best. How Dog’s friends show him how loveable he is, even if he is … Download free opening extract
3		Charlie and Lola’s Clothes Lauren Child Favourite characters Charlie and Lola show off the clothes they love in this attractive, brightly coloured board book. Gloves, socks, bobble hats, a dress and trousers – all are almost touchable in these bold illustrations. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Harry and Hopper Margaret Wild Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Harry and his dog Hopper have done everything together ever since Hopper was a jumpy little puppy. But one day the unthinkable happens and Hopper will never be there again. But Harry is … Download free opening extract
2		Christian, the Hugging Lion Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell An amazing, heart-warming and true story of how a lion cub grows up as a pet and ends up returned to his real home in the wilds of Kenya. When Ace and John see Christian the lion cub in Harrods, … Download free opening extract
3		Crocodiles are the Best Animals of All Sean Taylor Shortlisted for Roald Dahl’s Funny Prize 2009. This is a real romp of a read with bright humorous illustrations accompanying a rich, rhyming text that children will enjoy reading alone and with their parents, time and time again.  Crocodile demonstrates … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend Francesca Simon A World Cup Selection. A new collection of stories about Horrid Henry and his little brother, Perfect Pete. Henry is as determined as ever to get his own way and will stop at nothing to achieve his ends. Above all, he won’t … Download free opening extract
2		The Dunderheads Paul Fleischman Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Miss Breakbone is a fearsome teacher: she shouts, she confiscates, she makes kids cry. Until the Dunderheads – an unlikely band of kids, with extraordinary hidden talents, decide to teach Miss Breakbone a … Download free opening extract
3		Leon and the Place Between Angela Mcallister Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. When Leon goes to the magic show, he is the only one who believes. His brothers and sisters are in for a big surprise however: this is no ordinary show and Abdul Kazam … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Fantastic Football 2010 Clive Gifford Packed with facts and figures and handsomely produced, Fantastic Football makes perfect pre-World Cup reading. Everything about previous World Cups – who won, who lost, shock results and highlights about the superstars who created the thrilling moments is told in photos, charts and easy … Download free opening extract
2		The World at Our Feet Football Poems Paul Cookson A terrific little book that’s full of poems about football. Many kids think poems are not for them, but perhaps with football fever in the air, as it is at the moment you can persuade them otherwise.  This collection is … Download free opening extract
3		Not Bad for a Bad Lad Michael Morpurgo This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby. Into this Michael Morpurgo weaves his story of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Hazel’s Phantasmagoria Leander Deeny This is a stunning first novel, with exceptional quality writing and a uniquely imaginative plot. The author has combined the rich, gifted imagination of Lewis Carroll and Maurice Sendak with the child/adult crossover appeal of Mark Haddon. The plot is … Download free opening extract
2		Spider Moon: Part of the DFC library Kate Brown The dramatic illustrations of this powerful graphic novel convey the tension of a world in which a prophesy looks horribly likely to come true. The fates have decreed that Bekka’s world will be destroyed by the falling sky which will … Download free opening extract
3		The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid Rick Riordan Best-selling author Rick Riordan who created Percy Jackson has once again created some non-stop thrilling action in this headlong adventure as the Egyptian past comes alive and threatens two present day children. Carter and Sadie, the children of world famous Egyptologist … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids who embark on an epic road trip to New York to find their long lost uncle. … Download free opening extract
2		The Vanishing of Katharina Linden Helen Grant Shortlisted for the CLIP Carnegie Medai 2010. This debut novel is a great page-turner with an endearing story that’s full of rich detail and beautifully written.  It has a terrific sense of place.  Although the narrator is only 10 years old, … Download free opening extract
3		The Graveyard Book (illustrated by Chris Riddell) Neil Gaiman Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Spooks galore in this brilliant and fantastic story of life in the graveyard. When Baby Bod escapes a murderer intent on killing his whole family, he is taken in by the graveyard ghosts. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Keeper Mal Peet Reissued to coincide with the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, this is the extraordinary debut novel from multi-award winning author Mal Peet.  Set in South America, this compelling adventure is told as an interview between a top sports … Download free opening extract
2		Paper Towns John Green Award winning author John Green’s fresh-voiced novel is an utterly gripping story that gives a roller-coaster, unputdownable read. Strongly set with all the details of life in high school, at its heart is the powerful relationship between Quentin and Margo, … Download free opening extract
3		If I Stay Gayle Forman Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, If I Stay is a haunting novel about the power of love and loss – a story that won’t quite let you go. It will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you’ve … Download free opening extract

With the May half term not far away, why not take a look at some of our new features on the kids site and choose some amazing reads to keep your children engrossed in a book and not a video game. We have books with a footie theme, graphic novels that aren’t comics, some great ideas to do outside and the shortlists for two of the biggest book awards in the children’s market….

World Cup 2010 – could it kick-off your kids’ reading?

We’ve brought together some picture books and novels for kids of all ages to enjoy whilst the World Cup is on. Each one has football as its theme and perhaps even the most reluctant readers will get reading on the back of football. Visit our special page of stories about the beautiful game, and use World Cup fever to help your kids love reading too.

This month’s highlights

Just click on the banners below for instant access to our absolute top reads. In particular don’t miss Unhooking the Moon, our Mega Book of the Month, Philip Ardagh, who writes madcap mayhem for boys, or for girls classic Judy Moody.

Welcome to the DFC Library – another class of comic

The DFC was a high-quality, weekly comic featuring some of the very best storytellers and artists in the world – including Philip Pullman and Nick Sharratt. Boys and girls aged 8-12 absolutely loved it but sadly the plug has been pulled on it for the time being, so instead the owners of the DFC comic have brought together in book form three of the comic strips featured in the DFC. Called The DFC Library they’re great and you can check them all out here.

Four exciting new pre-publication exclusives

	Worldshaker Richard Harland An extraordinary story about a mobile city – for Victoriana-loving, clanking engine-obsessed ‘Steampunk’ genre fans! Download Extract Buy £5.24 Saving £1.75 (25%)		Day of Deliverance Johnny O’Brien Jack Christie, adventurer extraordinaire is back for more time travel mysteries. This time Jack and his friend Angus must save Queen Elizabeth I from an early death! Download Extract Buy £7.49 Saving £2.50 (25%)
	The Prince of Mist Carlos Ruiz Zafon Utterly gripping, this is a deliciously haunting and chilling tale for teens of dark magic and treachery, from the bestselling author of Shadow of the Wind. Download Extract Buy £7.49 Saving £2.50 (25%)		The Moonstone Legacy Diana De Gunzburg, Tony Wild Beginning where Wilkie Collins’ classic left off, it’s hard to believe this is a debut. It’s utterly gripping and  the quality of the writing is exceptional. . Download Extract Buy £6.74 Saving £2.25 (25%)

What do teens think of Oranges!

As part of the 15th Anniversary celebrations a panel of six 17 and 18 yr olds have selected their favorite 6 books from the 14 winners and then they will need to choose an overall favourite which will be announced at the Orange ceremony 9 June. Find out the 6 favourites in our special Orange section on Lovereading.

Vote for your Queen of Teen

The Queen of Teen award is a very ‘girly’ but fabulous prize that recognises authors like Jacqueline Wilson and Louise Rennison, whose brilliant books have inspired 1000’s of girls to get into reading. Nominate your favourite today.

Voting closes in June and the award will be announced in September. Watch this space! Why not also check out a brilliant collection of short stories – Queen of Teen – with contributions from well known authors all in aid of the charity, Kids Company.

We hope you enjoy our book selections. We love books and try our best to pass that passion on through everything we do.

Happy reading

P.S If you haven’t already checked out the competition pages then now’s your chance: there are plenty of free to enter prize draws with exclusive book prizes.

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Not Me! Nicola Killen This is an utterly delightful picture book from a bright new talent found by a publisher who seeks out new talent from the MA Illustration course in Cambridge. The clever interaction of the illustrations with some very simple text make … Download free opening extract
2		I’m the Best Lucy Cousins Lovely bold illustrations capture Dog’s boundless and boastful enthusiasm. Dog loves his friends; he thinks they are brilliant but he also thinks that he is the best. How Dog’s friends show him how loveable he is, even if he is … Download free opening extract
3		Never Shake a Rattlesnake Michaela Morgan Rollicking rhymes combine perfectly with Nick Sharratt’s trademark witty illustrations in this thoroughly modern look at good behaviour! … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Up in the Tree Margaret Atwood This is a delightfully simple and light-hearted story told with a poetic jauntiness written and illustrated by one of the foremost literary novelists writing today. Two children love their home in a tree, they can feel the wind rushing by … Download free opening extract
2		Christian, the Hugging Lion Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell An amazing, heart-warming and true story of how a lion cub grows up as a pet and ends up returned to his real home in the wilds of Kenya. When Ace and John see Christian the lion cub in Harrods, … Download free opening extract
3		Harry and Hopper Margaret Wild Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Harry and his dog Hopper have done everything together ever since Hopper was a jumpy little puppy. But one day the unthinkable happens and Hopper will never be there again. But Harry is … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Ms Wiz RULES OK! Terence Blacker The classroom will never be the same again for those who love the stories about Ms Wiz, a teacher with a difference. Her unusual ways of running her class are hilarious, chaotic, unlikely and very, very funny. … Download free opening extract
2		The Dunderheads Paul Fleischman Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Miss Breakbone is a fearsome teacher: she shouts, she confiscates, she makes kids cry. Until the Dunderheads – an unlikely band of kids, with extraordinary hidden talents, decide to teach Miss Breakbone a … Download free opening extract
3		Christian, the Hugging Lion Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell An amazing, heart-warming and true story of how a lion cub grows up as a pet and ends up returned to his real home in the wilds of Kenya. When Ace and John see Christian the lion cub in Harrods, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Boy who climbed into the moon David Almond Author of the classic Skellig, and winner of the incredibly prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, David Almond is a wholly original writer of magical and unusual stories that make anything and everything seem possible. Packed full of wonder and magic, … Download free opening extract
2		Not Bad for a Bad Lad Michael Morpurgo This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby. Into this Michael Morpurgo weaves his story of … Download free opening extract
3		Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree Andy Stanton Hilarious, delightful and utterly, utterly absurd, prize-winning Andy Stanton’s truly revolting hero Mr Gum and the extraordinary town of Lamonic Bibber where he lives are back in this riotous new adventure brought about by a little bit of Spring … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid Rick Riordan Best-selling author Rick Riordan who created Percy Jackson has once again created some non-stop thrilling action in this headlong adventure as the Egyptian past comes alive and threatens two present day children. Carter and Sadie, the children of world famous Egyptologist … Download free opening extract
2		The Pasta Detectives Andreas Steinhofel This is a funny and original mystery starring two unlikely boy detectives, the mildly autistic Rico and the brainy but anxiety-ridden Oscar.  The story of The Pasta Detectives explores the friendships between these two very disparate characters but who together … Download free opening extract
3		The Hidden World: The Remarkable Adventures of Tom Scatterhorn Henry Chancellor An exciting new adventure (the second) with an amazing and exotic setting for Tom after he goes back in the Scatterhorn Museum hoping for a good summer holiday. What Tom hadn’t banked on was the arrival of Pearl Smoot who … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids who embark on an epic road trip to New York to find their long lost uncle. … Download free opening extract
2		The Graveyard Book (illustrated by Chris Riddell) Neil Gaiman Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Spooks galore in this brilliant and fantastic story of life in the graveyard. When Baby Bod escapes a murderer intent on killing his whole family, he is taken in by the graveyard ghosts. … Download free opening extract
3		The Knife of Never Letting Go: Book 1 in the Chaos Walking Trilogy Patrick Ness Shortlisted for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award 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 … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Monsters of Men: Book 3 in the Chaos Walking Trilogy Patrick Ness This is a spine-tingling, page turning read. Heaped with well-deserved awards, the Chaos Walking Trilogy comes to a brilliant conclusion in Monsters of Men. Set in a dystopian future in a world where all thoughts can be heard, Todd and Viola … Download free opening extract
2		Viola in Reel Life Adriana Trigiani Full of a zest, this captures how a newcomer to Prefect Academy learns to enjoy the boarding school environment she thought she would hate. Viola provides a hugely entertaining account of Perfect and the people in it initially using her … Download free opening extract
3		If I Stay Gayle Forman Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, If I Stay is a haunting novel about the power of love and loss – a story that won’t quite let you go. It will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you’ve … Download free opening extract