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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 wonderful collection of the greatest nursery tales designed for reading aloud with children at bedtime. Classic Nursery Tales contains the most popular stories, such as 'The Tortoise and the Hare', 'The Gingerbread Man' and 'The Three Little Pigs', as well as a few new discoveries. Perfect for reading to children at the end of a busy day.
Enchanting 10 minute tales, perfect for reading to children at the end of a busy day. A collection of stories full of imagination, colour and wonderful detail taken from all over the globe. Magical characters from every continent, including a kettle that transforms into a dancing badger from Japan, an Aboriginal tale of friendship between an owl and a hurricane and witches and butterflies from Persia.
A completely original version of the Arabian Nights Stories by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean. In order to delay her inevitable execution, Queen Shaharazad tells her murdering husband, King Shahryar, an exciting story every night. She tells her wonderful stories until the King realizes that he won't be able to live without them...
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. We’re offering free copies of Peter Pan to everyone who orders Peter Pan in Scarlet.
Anthony McGowan, Guest Editor June 2015 chose Animal Farm as one of his favourite short novels...."Orwell’s story of a farmyard revolution is one of the very few parables that works on both levels: his animal characters are so wonderfully drawn we come to love (or hate) them, share in their dreams, aspirations, and feel for their ultimate betrayal. Add to that the wider truths it tells us about power and injustice, and we have one of the greatest books of the twentieth century. All in 144 pages …" Animal Farm - the history of a revolution, under the leadership of the pigs Napoleon and Wellington leads to the animals taking over the farm but it all went wrong - is George Orwell's brilliant satire on the corrupting influence of power. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Geoffrey Trease is the master of historical fiction for children, and for many this is his best book. Set in Elizabethan England at the end of the 15th century it tells the story of fourteen year old Peter Brownrigg who, running from his home to escape his wicked lord, winds up working with a theatre company and apprenticed to William Shakespeare himself. There is treason afoot, and treachery and the story is full of drama, and a little romance too. It’s great to see this handsome new edition of this modern classic. ~ Andrea Reece
Chosen by Jacqueline Wilson. Step into the shoes of Sara, a girl with a lively imagination who although well-mannered is absolutely no angel, as fate determines her fortune. Transformed from princess to pauper join Sara in her battle to assuage her fears and conquer her hardships? It’s a story where triumph finally over adversity and is proof that if a character such as Sara can triumph then anything is possible for the reader. For Adeline Yen Mah, The Little Princess was a book that changed her life and had a profound effect upon her, both through stimulating her imagination but also on a personal level for she encountered similar hardships as she grew up, but in a very different world. In this terrific pocket size Puffin Classics edition there’s lots of additional material at the end of the book including an author profile, a guide to who’s who in The Little Princess plus many related activities to do beyond the book.
This is a book that fires the imagination with its bewitching and magical qualities and one that every young girl will absolutely love. There’s an Introduction by Sophie Dahl who at the age of nine (the same age as Mary, the heroine in the story) relished secret places just as Mary did. Sophie’s secret places were the airing cupboard and behind the compost heap in the garden. In this terrific pocket size Puffin edition there’s lots of additional material at the end of the book including an author profile, a guide to who’s who in The Secret Garden plus many related activities to do beyond the book. From Michael Morpurgo: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature."
Sally Nicholls, March 2012 Guest Editor: "I first came across The Secret Garden on story tape as a little girl. I think it's a near-perfect children's book – full of mystery and excitement, but grounded in a child's journey of self-discovery. Hodgson Burnett makes the most ordinary things extraordinary – a robin, a key, a skipping-rope. Brilliant." Michael Morpurgo says of this favourite: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature." The Lovereading comment: An exquisite new edition of the heart-warming tale of Mary, whose life is transformed as she restores an abandoned garden to its former beauty. The book is illustrated throughout with some stunning artwork from the pen of Robert Ingpen. Coupled with various other classics that Robert has illustrated including Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol and Treasure Island to name just four this is a terrific collection of collectible hardbacks for the nursery bookshelf. Click here to view all the classics that Robert has illustrated.
The riches to rags story of young Sara Crewe is one of the most poignant of the classics. Little Sara Crewe is only seven when her father leaves her at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies. She is serious, thoughtful and very much loved child. And she is very, very rich. Miss Minchin has little time for Sara herself but a lot of time for her great wealth. But then the money disappears and Sara’s life is turned upside down. Sara’s genuine good nature helps her to survive the misfortune of the changing circumstances around her. And to embrace another surprise when it happens! ~ Julia Eccleshare
The Endless Steppe is based on the author's true-life experience. Readers inspired by The Diary of Anne Frank, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas or The Book Thief will love this book. It is one of The Originals from Penguin - iconic, outspoken, first.
'Gadzooks!' said Dot ...'The things that boy can do!' Dot loves play-acting, dressing up her pet dachshund Piefke and making up words like 'splentastic'. Her best friend is Anton, who lives in a little apartment and looks after his mother. They share a secret - every night, when their parents think they are asleep, they sell matches and shoelaces on the streets of Berlin with Dot's grumpy governess. But why? The answers involve a villain called 'Robert the Devil', a club-wielding maid, a wobbly tooth, a pair of silver shoes and a policeman dancing the tango.