No catches, no fine print just unconditional book loving for your children with their favourites saved to their own digital bookshelf.
New members get entered into our monthly draw to win £100 to spend in your local bookshop plus lots lots more...
Find out more
Jill Tomlinson never intended to be a writer. She trained as an opera singer, and then decided to have a family whilst her voice matured. But illness intervened, and she had to find another outlet for her energies. She started on a journalism course, and by the third lesson decided she wanted to write for children. So she did!
It did not come easily. Her first story, The Bus who went to Church, was rejected by sixteen publishers before it was accepted for a picture book. Several other picture books followed until she felt a need to stretch herself further. She wrote five short stories about a hen wanting to visit an aunt and her chicks, and Methuen thought that if she wrote another five stories on the same theme the book would fit well into their new ‘Read Aloud’ series.
This is one of the all time classics of young children’s fiction and this beautiful gift box set includes the picture book and an adorable true-to-character plush toy of Plop. A lovely, calming bedtime read with a wonderful uplifting finish. Perfect for story-led play, children can re-enact the tale as they learn like Plop, not to be afraid the dark.
An absolute must for all those who love animals. Otto is the first penguin chick to be born that year and he has to teach all the other chicks to swim, to dive and so on, but of course he must learn how to do it first and all by himself because the adult penguins seem preoccupied with other things! Tomlinson’s simple, lighthearted and often humorous writing style are great for those who read a little as they’ll be encouraged to read all the more and become hooked on the reading bug.
Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way - except for one. He's afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for very young readers.
Suzy the little striped cat is always curious; so curious that she often gets into all kinds of trouble. And that is exactly what happens when she climbs into a hot air balloon and finds herself swept up in the air and across the sea. Will Suzy ever get back to her own home? An exciting story for beginner readers. ~ Julia Eccleshare
A young gorilla wants to be as strong and brave as his father but everyone thinks he is young and rash. How can Pongo show how grown up he can be? Luckily, Pongo realises that being grown up isn’t just about being strong and brave! When his baby sister is born he learns how to be a grown up in other ways. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Hilda the hen wants to visit her new baby relatives but how will she get there? Hilda needs to find a way of making the journey to her aunt’s farm safely and reliably. Luckily, Hilda is a very resourceful hen! Hilda’s feisty character make her an engaging character in this entertaining story. ~ Julia Eccleshare
How can Plop, the baby owl who is afraid of the dark, overcome his problems? Luckily, everyone has a story to tell him about the very special things that happen after dark and soon Plop is as happy in the dark as any other baby owl. This classic picture book in a new edition will reassure and delight a new generation of readers. ~ Julia Eccleshare
The many dangers that beset a baby penguin are well-captured in this touching story about Otto, the penguin chick. Otto needs to take care to survive the risk of predators and the dangers from the terrible weather that he is born into. Luckily, there are many other penguins around who can help him both to learn and to survive in this touching story about being young and curious. ~ Julia Eccleshare
A bumper volume of The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark, The Hen who Wouldn’t Give Up and The Cat Who Wanted to Go Home in one volume.
This is a perfect story for animal lovers young and old, filled with tenderness and love combined with a subtle humour. Soft focus illustrations take readers right into the cold world of the penguins living in Antarctica. The beautiful pictures provide the perfect background for a story that’s also full of information about the life of a young penguin. Young Otto and his friend Leo are still small enough to be perched on their father’s feet but they are old enough to begin to ask questions about the amazing world around them. Through their questions and their dad’s answers the wonderful world of penguins is revealed. Based on Jill Tomlinson's classic story for slightly older readers, The Penguin who wanted to Learn, this stunning story together with some beautiful illustrations from the hand of Paul Howard brings the life of a penguin to life for toddlers too. Great to read aloud at bedtime.
Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way - except for one. He's afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for very young readers. The Lovereading Comment: This is one of the all time classics of 20th Century children’s fiction, which has now been beautifully brought together into a picture book for the nursery complete with the story, games and songs on CD by the wonderful Bill Oddie. If your child is at all fearful of something, then this is the perfect book to allay those fears for The owl who was afraid of the dark has a wonderful uplifting finish.
An enchanting story that will bring just a touch of sadness but also a huge amount of joy. This story touches upon so brilliantly the feeling of being lost and of finding home again.
An absolute must for all those who love animals. Otto is the first penguin chick to be born that year and he has to teach all the other chicks to swim, to dive and so on, but of course he must learn how to do it first and all by himself because the adult penguins seem preoccupied with other things! Tomlinson’s simple, lighthearted and often humorous writing style are great for those who read a little as they’ll be encouraged to read all the more and become hooked on the reading bug.
The many dangers that beset a baby penguin are well-captured in this touching story about Otto, the penguin chick. Otto needs to take care to survive the risk of predators and the dangers from the terrible weather that he is born into. Luckily, there are many other penguins around who can help him both to learn and to survive in this touching story about being young and curious. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way - except for one. He's afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for very young readers.
How can Plop, the baby owl who is afraid of the dark, overcome his problems? Luckily, everyone has a story to tell him about the very special things that happen after dark and soon Plop is as happy in the dark as any other baby owl. This classic picture book in a new edition will reassure and delight a new generation of readers. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way - except for one. He's afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for very young readers. The Lovereading Comment: This is one of the all time classics of 20th Century children’s fiction, which has now been beautifully brought together into a picture book for the nursery complete with the story, games and songs on CD by the wonderful Bill Oddie. If your child is at all fearful of something, then this is the perfect book to allay those fears for The owl who was afraid of the dark has a wonderful uplifting finish.
This is one of the all time classics of young children’s fiction and this beautiful gift box set includes the picture book and an adorable true-to-character plush toy of Plop. A lovely, calming bedtime read with a wonderful uplifting finish. Perfect for story-led play, children can re-enact the tale as they learn like Plop, not to be afraid the dark.
A young gorilla wants to be as strong and brave as his father but everyone thinks he is young and rash. How can Pongo show how grown up he can be? Luckily, Pongo realises that being grown up isn’t just about being strong and brave! When his baby sister is born he learns how to be a grown up in other ways. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way - except for one. He's afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for very young readers.
Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way - except for one. He's afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for very young readers. The Lovereading Comment: This is one of the all time classics of 20th Century children’s fiction, which has now been beautifully brought together into a picture book for the nursery complete with the story, games and songs on CD by the wonderful Bill Oddie. If your child is at all fearful of something, then this is the perfect book to allay those fears for The owl who was afraid of the dark has a wonderful uplifting finish.
Pat is an adorable little sea otter. She likes turning up her toes and floating in the sea, chasing fish and asking a hundred and one questions. One day Pat makes friends with another otter, called Bobby. The two enjoy playing and exploring together, until their lives are unexpectedly turned upside down when they get caught up in a storm and washed ashore on an island. Suddenly Pat doesn't have time to ask any questions, and even if she did, no one would know the answers. This time Pat just has to find things out for herself, to get back home to her family again.Maureen Lipman reads this classic children's story about an inquisitive baby otter who has a big adventure, from bestselling author Jill Tomlinson, whose books have been hugely popular for nearly thirty years. Told in clear, simple language, they are ideal for young listeners, who can identify with the baby animals and their adventures. The Otter Who Wanted to Know is an enchanting tale that will appeal to any child who loves animals or who has ever asked 'why'?
Pim is a baby aardvark, with a long, furry nose. He has tiny little claws instead of fingers and toes, and sleeps in a cosy burrow. But he isn't sure what being an aardvark really means. He asks his mother all sorts of questions, and she decides it is time he found out what being an aardvark is all about. In his quest to discover the world around him, he meets lots of exotic and interesting animals. There are snakes, cheetahs, elephants and monkeys, and they all have something to teach him. He's disappointed that aardvarks can't climb trees, but as he learns how to find termites, fight predators and build a burrow of his own, Pim realises there are some advantages to being an aardvark after all...This is a heartwarming story from bestselling author Jill Tomlinson, whose books have been hugely popular for nearly thirty years. Told in clear, simple language, they are ideal for young listeners, who can identify with the baby animals and their attempts to find out who they are. The Aardvark Who Wasn't Sure is bound to appeal to any child who loves animals, or who is curious about the world around them.
An enchanting story that will bring just a touch of sadness but also a huge amount of joy. This story touches upon so brilliantly the feeling of being lost and of finding home again.
Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way - except for one. He's afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for very young readers.
A charming story about an adorable sea otter from the author of The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark. Pat is an adorable little sea otter. She likes turning up her toes and floating in the sea, chasing fish and asking a hundred and one questions. One day Pat's quiet life is turned upside down when she gets caught up in a pretty scary adventure. Suddenly she doesn't have time to ask any questions, and even if she did, no one would know the answers. This time Pat just has to find things out for herself! Filled with gentle humour and comfort, Jill Tomlinson's animal stories have been enjoyed by children who want to snuggle down with a good read for decades. Perfect for kids aged 5+ who love Julia Donaldson, and Dick King Smith's The Sheep Pig. This edition is beautifully illustrated by Paul Howard. Have you enjoyed all of Jill's animal stories? The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark The Cat Who Wanted to Go Home The Gorilla Who Wanted to Grow Up The Hen Who Wouldn't Give Up The Otter Who Wanted to Know The Penguin Who Wanted to Find Out Jill Tomlinson never intended to be a writer. She trained as an opera singer, and then decided to have a family whilst her voice matured. But illness intervened, and she had to find another outlet for her energies. She started on a journalism course, and by the third lesson decided she wanted to write for children. So she did! Jill Tomlinson's animal stories are much-loved and have been best-selling children's books for nearly four decades.
Suzy the little striped cat is always curious; so curious that she often gets into all kinds of trouble. And that is exactly what happens when she climbs into a hot air balloon and finds herself swept up in the air and across the sea. Will Suzy ever get back to her own home? An exciting story for beginner readers. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Hilda the hen wants to visit her new baby relatives but how will she get there? Hilda needs to find a way of making the journey to her aunt’s farm safely and reliably. Luckily, Hilda is a very resourceful hen! Hilda’s feisty character make her an engaging character in this entertaining story. ~ Julia Eccleshare
An absolute must for all those who love animals. Otto is the first penguin chick to be born that year and he has to teach all the other chicks to swim, to dive and so on, but of course he must learn how to do it first and all by himself because the adult penguins seem preoccupied with other things! Tomlinson’s simple, lighthearted and often humorous writing style are great for those who read a little as they’ll be encouraged to read all the more and become hooked on the reading bug.
A heart-warming classic full of animal antics by Jill Tomlinson. Otto is a penguin chick, that much he knows, but other than this he has a lot to learn. Life at the bottom of the world is a curious thing and life can change at a moment's notice. The next blizzard, the next meal and the threat of being orphaned are all challenges that must be faced. But how will Otto and his friends manage? The only way that penguins can do - by looking after each other. A perfect story for animal lovers young and old, filled with tenderness and love combined with a subtle humour. Jill Tomlinson's animal stories have been enjoyed by children who want to snuggle down with a good read for decades. This edition of The Penguin Who Wanted to Find Out is beautifully illustrated by Paul Howard.
A heart-warming classic children's story from Jill Tomlinson about a Gorilla who's looking to the future. Pongo is a young gorilla who lives in the mountains of Africa. He has long glossy black hair and a black shiny nose. But Pongo can't wait to grow up, when he will have a silver back like his father's and a big chest that he can thump. Filled with gentle humour and comfort, Jill Tomlinson's animal stories have been enjoyed by children who want to snuggle down with a good read for decades. This edition is stunningly illustrated by Paul Howard, making it an even more enjoyable story for young readers.
Three heart-warming classic stories full of animal antics by Jill Tomlinson. Plop is a baby barn owl. He is perfect in every way - except for one thing. He's afraid of the dark! One day Suzy the cat finds herself flying away in a hot-air balloon. How is Suzy going to find her way home? Hilda is a small, speckled hen. When she makes up her mind to visit her new cousin chicks nothing can stop her! Filled with gentle humour and comfort, Jill Tomlinson's animal stories have been enjoyed by children who want to snuggle down with a good read for decades. This edition containing The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, The Cat Who Wanted to go Home and The Hen Who Wouldn't Give Up is stunningly illustrated by Paul Howard - making it a terrific collection of stories for young readers.
antics by Jill Tomlinson. Pat is an adorable little sea otter. She likes turning up her toes and floating in the sea, chasing fish and asking a hundred and one questions. One day Pat's quiet life is turned upside down when she gets caught up in a pretty scary adventure. Suddenly she doesn't have time to ask any questions, and even if she did, no one would know the answers. This time Pat just has to find things out for herself! Filled with gentle humour and comfort, Jill Tomlinson's animal stories have been enjoyed by children who want to snuggle down with a good read for decades. This edition of The Otter Who Wanted to Know is beautifully illustrated by Paul Howard.
A heart-warming classic full of animal antics by Jill Tomlinson. Plop, the Baby Barn Owl, is like every Barn Owl there ever was, except for one thing - he is afraid of the dark. Dark is nasty he says and so he won't go hunting with his parents. Mrs Barn Owl sends him down from his nest-hole to ask about the dark and he meets a little boy waiting for the fireworks to begin, an old lady, a scout out camping, a girl who tells him about Father Christmas, a man with a telescope and a black cat who takes him exploring. He realizes that through these encounters that dark is super after all. Filled with gentle humour and comfort, Jill Tomlinson's animal stories have been enjoyed by children who want to snuggle down with a good read for decades. This edition of The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark is beautifully illustrated by Paul Howard.
Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way - except for one. He's afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for very young readers. The Lovereading Comment: This is one of the all time classics of 20th Century children’s fiction, which has now been beautifully brought together into a picture book for the nursery complete with the story, games and songs on CD by the wonderful Bill Oddie. If your child is at all fearful of something, then this is the perfect book to allay those fears for The owl who was afraid of the dark has a wonderful uplifting finish.
If this is your author page then you can share your Twitter updates with your readers right here on LoveReading
Find out moreIf this is your author page then you can share your Facebook updates with your readers right here on LoveReading
Find out more
Check out the latest activities in our KidsZone.
NEW INDIE AND SELF PUBLISHED BOOK REVIEW AND PROMOTION SERVICE LAUNCHED!