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
Brian Patten was born in Liverpool in 1946. His poetry for adults has been published in many languages and his collections include ‘Love Poems’, ‘Storm Damage’, and ‘Grinning Jack’. His work for children includes the poetry collections ‘Gargling with Jelly’ and ‘Thawing Frozen Frogs’ as well as plays and the award-winning novel ‘Mr Moon’s Last Case’.
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | Interest Age 7-10 Brian Patten tells the story of the hero Beowulf in vivid, accessible prose; in Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series, aimed at readers of 6 – 8, he chooses not to skip any of the gore of Beowulf’s fights with the monster Grendel and his even more terrifying mother, but it’s lightened with touches of humour and poignancy. Illustrations are by Chris Riddell and full of atmosphere and drama: Grendel’s mother crouched in her bed of bones is a masterpiece of revulsion and pity. Storytelling of this quality is rare, and while the book is ostensibly for younger readers, this is a wonderful introduction to Beowulf for anyone, whatever their age. ~ Andrea Reece About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
Award-winning Nicola Bayley’s stunning illustrations of animals from the tiny mouse, who leads an expedition of curious friends on a great adventure, to the enormous whale ‘the biggest creature in the world’ who is their find, captivate readers as they follow this delightful and satisfying ‘building’ story. Brian Patten’s lyrical text tells the story of how a brave little mouse needs nothing more than curiosity and courage to set out on a big adventure. The frog, the otter, the kingfisher, the dog and the tiger, among others, all join him and are equally rewarded by their find.
Age 7+. A wonderful collection of witty and thought provoking poems on every subject you can think of. Ever thought Why Toads Look Much More Serious Than Frogs? Probably not. But, after reading Brian Patten’s poem you may look at a pond in a whole new way!
Age: Baby +. On a cold winter's night one animal after another invites himself into a house and by the time it's bedtime there's all manner of animals and scarecrow tucked up by the fire. Some delightful close-up and colourful illustrations show the detail on each and every animal that appears. A lovely bedtime read and a great way for toddlers to learn the names of lots of different animals.
Brian Patten is one of Britain's best-loved poets. This is his retelling of the touching story of Jumping Mouse, a remarkable Native American fol tale and teaching story that has captivated people of all ages for many years. Brian first heard this story from a friend when they were riding through Dublin on the top of a bus. Stories, like buses travel and this one tells how a mouse has the courage to leave the security of its nest in the roots of a giant tree, and set out on a dangerous journey of self-discovery. It's a beautifully written story and one to treasure, and like The Little Prince is a memorable story for all ages. 'A magic book, moving and wise, Jumping Mouse is the lind of story a child will remember forever' Roger McGough
Age 6+ This is a wonderful celebration of poems by ten of the most outstanding poets of the last 30 years or so. There’s something here for all the family to share and enjoy, time after time. There’s even an interview with each poet to introduce you to their poetry. Each of them has a highly individual voice making this poetry book on of the most varied in selection.
One dark night, the music and singing wake a monster from a swamp ... Warrior after warrior comes to slay the monster, but no one can outwit Grendel. Only the great hero Beowulf stands a chance - but even he is not prepared for the horror that lies in wait. A stunning prose retelling of a Beowulf tale from an author-illustrator dream-team. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Ben and Mary have got an embarrassing problem, their parents - they're impossible! Ben and Mary's parents are a total embarrassment, whether they're at school for parents' day or at home wanting to become green. And now Mr Norm has entered a poetry competition and claims he's won - surely that's impossible!
The monster Grendel has awoken and the townspeople are terrified. Even the King has abandoned his great Hall. Hero after hero comes to slay the monster, but no one can outwit Grendel. Only Beowulf has a chance. But when Beowulf finally triumphs, an even greater horror awakens. Grendel's mother, the Hag, wants revenge on the slayer of her son. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Gargling with Jelly by Brian Patten, one of our best-loved poets. Hilarious, lyrical, outrageous and serious poems all rub shoulders in this collection. Naughty children with nasty habits, cartoon heroes that come to life, lonely caretakers, unhappy ghosts, fantastical creatures with crazy names, giants, goblins, vampires, mermaids ... there's never a dull moment in this marvellously quirky and refreshing jelly pot!
A very small mouse decided it wanted to have a very big adventure. I'll go and find the biggest creature in the world, it thought. Along the way it meets many different animals and when at last they find the biggest creature, the little mouse feels a great sense of achievement. 'Sheer delight' Amanda Craig, The Times 'A truly lovely book!' The Independent on Sunday
A very small mouse decided it wanted to have a very big adventure. I'll go and find the biggest creature in the world, it thought. Along the way it meets many different animals and when at last they find the biggest creature, the little mouse feels a great sense of achievement. 'Sheer delight' Amanda Craig, The Times 'A truly lovely book!' The Independent on Sunday
It all started with a scarecrow coming into the house out of the snow, bringing with him the mouse that lived up his sleeve. But it wasn't only these two who were looking for a warm place to snuggle up!
I nibbled a mother, But wanting something new I boiled a bit of Granny And tried some Uncle-stew. I did not eat the baby, That was out of the question. (And anyway they wriggle And cause indigestion.) Ever joined a Giant's family dinner, kept a pet wig, thawed a frozen frog or snaffled a giraffe? Thawing Frozen Frogs is a brilliantly inventive collection from one of the UK's top performance poets, including a wide range of poems that showcase Brian Patten's wit, slapstick humour, wisdom and sensitivity - and his poetry's huge appeal to children of all ages. Perfect for reading at school or at home, out loud or by yourself. Illustrated with Chris Riddell's funny and illuminating line drawings.
It all started with a scarecrow coming into the house out of the snow, bringing with him the mouse that lived up his sleeve. But it wasn't only these two who were looking for a warm place to snuggle up!
This Native American folk tale tells how a little mouse had the courage to leave his family's warm nest in the roots of a giant tree, and go in search of the Sacred Mountains. He has many adventures on the way and finds his true name of Jumping Mouse. He makes friends with a racoon, frog, buffalo and wolf, whilst taking care not to be caught by the Spots circling watchfully above in the sky.
The Puffin Book of Modern Children's Verse is the definitive collection of modern children's poetry of our time. Enchanting, funny, exciting and poignant, there is every kind of poem for every kind mood. Discover the very best of children's poetry from the greats of the poetry world including, Allan Ahlberg, W. H. Auden, Charles Causley, Roald Dahl, T. S. Eliot, Thomas Hardy, Ted Hughes, Rudyard Kipling, Philip Larkin, Laurie Lee, Roger McGough, Spike Milligan, A. A. Milne, Wilfred Owen, Brian Patten, Sylvia Plath, Michael Rosen, Ian Serrallier, W.B. Yeats, Benjamin Zephaniah and many, many more!
Hilarious, lyrical, outrageous and serious poems all rub shoulders in this collection. Naughty children with nasty habits, cartoon heroes that come to life, lonely caretakers, unhappy ghosts, fantastical creatures with crazy names, giants, goblins, vampires, mermaids ... there's never a dull moment in this marvellously quirky and refreshing brew!
This title is for the age-range of 3+. 'One day, a shy little creature looked at its reflection in a frozen pond. All it could see were its eyes. They were as big and bright as the moon'. But the little creature doesn't know who it is! And so starts an odyssey of a quest, from snowy icebergs to the dry savannah, from the polar bear to the little harvest mouse, as the little creature asks, 'Who am I?' But nobody knows - until the wise old owl is asked; he knows the answer, and the clue is in the title! This is a beautifully lyrical text from acclaimed poet Brian Patten is combined here with illustrations from best-loved animal artist Michael Terry.
A great new collection of poetry, wide-ranging in both form and subject matter. Full of Brian Patten's wonderful wit and moments of beauty as in GERANIUMS IN THE SNOW: Like children snuggling down under a white duvet Slowly the red geraniums Vanish under the snow. Brilliantly complemented by Chris Riddell's illustrations.
An utterly brilliant collection of the very best poems, from Puffin Books, A celebratory anthology of the best of Puffin poetry publishing, including poems by Roger McGough, Michael Rosen, Charles Causley, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jackie Kay, Spike Milligan, John Agard, Brian Patten, Allan Ahlberg and Kit Wright. Each poet's work is illustrated by a different artist such as Emma Chichester Clark, Fritz Wegner and Korky Paul. Brian Patten came to public attention with the publication of THE MERSEY SOUND in 1967. He is a very popular performance poet, always in demand for conferences and school visits. Collections of his own poetry are published in Puffin and he is the editor of the PUFFIN BOOK OF TWENTIETH CENTURY VERSE. Brian lives in London. This collection features poems and illustrations from: Spike Milligan; Kit Wright; Michael Rosen; Charles Causley; Roger McGough; Benjamin Zephaniah; Brian Patten; Jackie Kay; John Agard; Allan Ahlberg; Emma Chichester Clark; Korky Paul; Alison Jay; Lydia Monks; Ali Chatterton; David Mostyn; Sue Williams; Sheila Moxley; Fritz Wegner
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!