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Find out moreThe Classics never go out of fashion. Find new editions of old favourites, plus some abridged and re-told tales in this section.
A family curse, a manipulating lawyer, poverty and secrets threaten to destroy Esther’s world. Are the walls of Bleak House strong enough to protect her and her new friends from such powerful forces? Caught up in an unfolding mystery that's full of surprises but perhaps the biggest mystery of all for the reader is: Who is Nemo? This and the other retellings by Real Reads are a fantastic way to introduce young children to some of the best-known and best-loved classics; beautifully presented and skilfully retold (and condensed – 64 pages in total) and illustrated, they are true to the original plot, capture something of the flavour and tone of the original work, while simplifying the narrative and dialogue. They’re primarily aimed for younger readers – 8-13 year olds but are also a great ‘quick fix’ for teenagers and adults. The Lovereading comment: What the Dickens does Dickens mean to you? Oliver’s empty bowl? Christmas ghosts? Exciting television dramas? Big books full of long words?Charles Dickens’ stories aren’t just classics because they’re old – they’re classics because they are fascinating, exciting and humorous, and because they show a great understanding of something that time can never change – human nature.Charles Dickens was a brilliant story-teller who had experienced every aspect of life in Victorian England. As a child he saw the misery of debtors’ prisons and, like Oliver Twist and David Copperfield, survived London’s dangerous streets. As an adult, he moved in high circles, amongst top politicians debating in parliament. Largely self-educated, he possessed the genius and the imagination to become the greatest writer of his age.A hundred and fifty years ago, anyone who could read read Dickens. Even Queen Victoria read Dickens. His work, often serialised in newspapers, was easily available. The exciting plots and lifelike characters appealed, as they do today, to young and old, rich and poor. Today, reading Dickens’ original novels is more of a challenge, as many of the things he described and the words he used to describe them are no longer part of our everyday experience.However, the things he wrote about – poverty, justice, cruelty, responsibility and love – are just as important today as they were all those years ago. A message from Gill Tavner:How many times have you heard somebody speak fondly about a Dickens, Austen or Hardy novel that they read in school or studied for an exam, yet they have not read another since? As an English Teacher and Head of English, I have witnessed the enjoyment experienced by children of all ages and abilities when guided sensitively through a daunting text. However, only the most confident readers will broaden their reading of classics independently of a teacher, either as children or in their adult life. Most people therefore deprive themselves of the delights offered by some of the most influential writers and thinkers. What a loss for them. What a loss for our society.Surely there is a way to make an abridged version an enjoyable and enriching rather than simply informative reading experience? Surely this is an important distinction if we aim to nurture keen, confident readers? In Real Reads we believe we have found an answer to these problems. For many readers, Real Reads will develop a confidence and enthusiasm to address the original, something we try to nurture in the ‘Taking Things Further’ section of every Real Read. For others, who might never have tackled the originals, Real Reads make accessible great stories, great characters and important moral debates which they might otherwise never have encountered. To take a look at the other classic novels published by Real Reads click here.
A book that is full of enchantment and pandemonium. The Wizard King is losing his hair and as no King is allowed lose his hair, his son and heir just back from school will have to take over. Poor Florian has little choice but to face up to the monuments challenges ahead which include taming a dragon, flying with feathers, going beneath the earth and fighting a water monster. Fortunately for Florian his friend Laura Jones is organised, sensible and is here to help! Full of witchcraft, wizardry and at times very funny, this book is ideal for young readers.
This is the complete and unabridged original text from J M Barrie, complete with a stunning new cover and black and white chapter heads, the perfect companion to its sequel by Geraldine McCaughrean, Peter Pan in Scarlet. Together, they are books to treasure forever. Also available in Hardback.
At last a sequel to one of the most endearing classics of all time. The author chosen to undertake this literary feat is not a household name but she is, a supremely talented storyteller and a winner of virtually every book award. The quality of her writing is breath-taking and she quickly transports you into the world of Neverland that you will remember from Peter Pan, whilst at the same time introduces you to some wonderful new characters, who together with Pan, with Wendy and the lost boys undertake some joyous, magical and fantastical adventures. Parent and child will enjoy it with equal enthusiasm but if you haven’t read Peter Pan for a while then why not read that first.
Generations of children have fallen in love with Pippi Longstocking. Readers are charmed by her sense of fun. This sumptuous gift edition produced to celebrate the recent 50th anniversary of first publication but also the centenary of Oxford Children’s Books has a sparkling new translation, and throughout there are the most stunning and wonderful collage pictures from award-winning illustrator, Lauren Child. Find out more about Lauren Child, her books, characters and inspirations in our Guest Editor feature.
A beautiful edition of this classic story about a remarkable little girl in a lavish full colour edition. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old and she lives alone with a horse, a monkey and a suitcase stuffed full of gold coins. The three have the most delightful, unusual and amazing adventures along with their neighbours Tommy and Annika. Astrid Lindgren’s classic story is perfectly brought to live in Lauren Child’s vibrant illustrations.
Generations of children have fallen in love with Pippi Longstocking. Readers are charmed by her sense of fun. This sumptuous gift edition produced to celebrate the recent 50th anniversary of first publication but also the centenary of Oxford Children’s Books has a sparkling new translation, and throughout there are the most stunning and wonderful collage pictures from award-winning illustrator, Lauren Child. Find out more about Lauren Child, her books, characters and inspirations in our Guest Editor feature.
A beautiful edition of this classic story about a remarkable little girl in a lavish full colour edition. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old and she lives alone with a horse, a monkey and a suitcase stuffed full of gold coins. The three have the most delightful, unusual and amazing adventures along with their neighbours Tommy and Annika. Astrid Lindgren’s classic story is perfectly brought to live in Lauren Child’s vibrant illustrations.
Probably one of the best known and best-loved classics has to be The Jungle Book. This Oxford edition is the original story. The unforgettable story of Mowgli, the man-cub, his jungle friends Baloo the Bear, Kaa the python and his enemy, the evil tiger, Shere Khan. The Jungle Book in a nutshell: Boy Mowgli raised by wolves. Wise animals teach human cub laws of jungle. Mowgli kidnapped by troublesome monkeys; rescued by bear, panther and python. Ferocious tiger Shere Khan tries to take Mowgli; Mowgli triumphs with burning branch. Rivalry continues. Oh, and there’s a heroic mongoose, too.
Christina is sent to stay with her terrifying uncle and her cousins at Flambards, a rambling house in the country where riding and hunting are the most prized activities. Everything about the countryside - and her relatives - is new to Christina but she soon finds she loves riding. And, in different ways, she begins to love her cousins. The first volume in a hugely romantic trilogy. Flambards in a nutshell: Orphan girl sent to live with cruel uncle in big country house. Learns to love riding and horses. Three boys in her life – horrid cousin Mark, nice cousin Will and poor, but lovely, groom Dick. Which of these super boys will she end up with? Fantastic preworld war one family saga. Just click here to view our range of Children’s Classics.
Christina is sent to stay with her terrifying uncle and her cousins at Flambards, a rambling house in the country where riding and hunting are the most prized activities. Everything about the countryside - and her relatives - is new to Christina but she soon finds she loves riding. And, in different ways, she begins to love her cousins. The first volume in a hugely romantic trilogy.
This is the story of Anne, a girl who wins a place in everyone’s heart who will appeal to readers both young and old. A feisty and much-loved heroine. Orphan Anne has always dreamed of being part of a proper family. So when she's chosen to go and live with the Cuthberts, life looks grand. But the Cuthberts wanted a little boy to help them on Green Gables farm, not a girl. They cannot keep her . . . Anne of Green Gables in a nutshell: Grumpy couple want boy to help at Green Gables farm. Disaster! Orphanagesends Anne instead. Gradually her chatter, spirit and humour wear downfarmers, friends and animals. Soon all love Anne. Happiness and harmonyreign for ever more. Just click here to view our range of Children’s Classics.
Caroline Lawrence, July 2012 Guest Editor: "When my brother and sister and I were 9, 10 and 11 – far too old to be read to, according to all accepted convention – my mother introduced us to Sherlock Holmes, and not just before bed. I’ll never forget one blistering summer afternoon in Bakersfield, California. We were sitting in the dim, cool garage as our mother read the Hound of the Baskervilles. Gradually kids from all over the neighborhood appeared and soon she had a captivated audience of kids in shorts and sneakers. As the asphalt bubbled outside, we were transported to the foggy moors of Devon where we shivered as we saw the footprints of a gigantic hound!" Also chosen by February 2010 Guest Editor Tim Bowler: "Another stunning thriller. I read this when I was twelve and it was my first Sherlock Holmes story. I've been a massive fan ever since. It's not just the double act of Holmes and Watson that makes these stories so compelling. It's the way Conan Doyle conveys evil. For all the quirkiness of the plots, the Holmes stories carry a relentless sense of menace; and nowhere is this greater than in The Hound of the Baskervilles with its dark mystery, its sinister characters and the bleak Dartmoor location, said to be haunted by a demonic hound." The LoveReading Comment: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his erstwhile side-kick Dr Watson is an unforgettable and haunting tale that will have the reader on the edge of their seat until the discovery of the truth about the family curse. The mysterious hound that terrorises the Grimpen Mire is a truly terrifying creature. Holmes and Watson unravel the story that surrounds the death of Sir Charles Baskerville against the wild atmosphere of the Devon countryside. Just click here to view our range of Children’s Classics.
Christina is sent to stay with her terrifying uncle and her cousins at Flambards, a rambling house in the country where riding and hunting are the most prized activities. Everything about the countryside - and her relatives - is new to Christina but she soon finds she loves riding. And, in different ways, she begins to love her cousins. The first volume in a hugely romantic trilogy. Flambards in a nutshell: Orphan girl sent to live with cruel uncle in big country house. Learns to love riding and horses. Three boys in her life – horrid cousin Mark, nice cousin Will and poor, but lovely, groom Dick. Which of these super boys will she end up with? Fantastic preworld war one family saga. Just click here to view our range of Children’s Classics.
Christina is sent to stay with her terrifying uncle and her cousins at Flambards, a rambling house in the country where riding and hunting are the most prized activities. Everything about the countryside - and her relatives - is new to Christina but she soon finds she loves riding. And, in different ways, she begins to love her cousins. The first volume in a hugely romantic trilogy.
A timeless storybook classic full of bright colourful pictures that accompany a simple, repetitive text. Children will delight in all the wonderful sound effects and Mr Bear's reaction to the noises that stop him going to sleep until...you'll find out when you read it to your toddler. The familiar noises, repetition and beautiful illustrations make this delightful picture book an all-time favourite with children and adults everywhere. Click here for an activity sheet related to this book !
A new board book edition of the picture book classic, in a size that's perfect for little paws! A timeless storybook classic full of bright colourful pictures that accompany a simple, repetitive text. Children will delight in all the wonderful sound effects and Mr Bear's reaction to the noises that stop him going to sleep until...you'll find out when you read it to your toddler. The familiar noises, repetition and beautiful illustrations make this delightful picture book an all-time favourite with children and adults everywhere. Click here for an activity sheet related to this book !
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