Children's Books

A delightful version of Shakespeare’s play specially retold for children to read themselves. The enchanting story of magic and mix-ups, fairies and fools is retold in a captivating style, with beautiful illustrations that bring the characters to life. Includes links to carefully chosen websites with video clips and activities. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence.

Vivid account of the extraordinary life of the explorer, Christopher Columbus. Lively narrative text, colourful illustrations and photographs bring the subject alive. Includes essential facts and insightful details to help the reader understand the famous person and their times. Internet links to recommended websites to find out more about Columbus’s life and discoveries. Part of Young Reading Series 3 for fully confident readers

In the land of pharaohs and pyramids, Cleopatra is a princess with an uncertain future. When her own brother tries to kill her, she realizes she can’t trust anyone. A vivid account of the life and times of Cleopatra with lively dialogue and full colour illustrations.

A delightful retelling of the classic tale of the fussy princess, with lively text and speech bubbles and carefully written text for children just starting to read alone. Also available with an audio CD with a dramatic listen-along recording with music and sound effects and a read-along version with prompts for page turns.

Howard Carter had spent five long years in the hot, dry desert, searching for the tomb of the Ancient Egyptian boy-king Tutankhamun. But what he found when he ventured deeper and deeper into the tomb was gold and treasure beyond his wildest dreams.

Designed for young children who are just beginning to read alone and are looking for lively stories to tackle. Colurful pictures combine with narrative text written to encourage reading skills for developing and emergent readers. AGe 5+

A timeless love story specially rewritten for children growing in their reading confidence and ability. The Beast lives alone in his castle, enchanted by a wicked fairy and waiting for true love to break the spell. Could Beauty be the one to see through his ugly exterior? This key series was developed in conjunction with reading expert, Allison Kelly from Roehampton University. Every title has clear and compelling text that allows children to build their burgeoning reading skills, accompanied by charming illustrations.

A captivating retelling of Anna Sewell’s classic novel beautifully illustrated by Alan Marks. Perfect for encouraging independent reading. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence. Also available with an audio CD with a dramatic listen-along recording with music and sound effects, followed by a read-along version with prompts for page turns.

The fascinating story of fashion – from cavemen’s coats to the catwalk couture of the modern age. Beautifully illustrated and full of fabulous fashion detail, bringing the costumes alive through every fold, sequin and pearl. Developed in conjunction with reading experts from the University of Surrey. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence.

A vivid retelling of a major historical catastrophe written in an engaging, narrative style with direct speech and speech bubbles. Dramatic illustrations, photos or maps on every page and Internet links to fun websites via the Usborne Quicklinks Website. The Usborne Reading has been developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, Senior Lecturer at Roehampton University

A vivid retelling of a major historical catastrophe written in an engaging, narrative style with direct speech and speech bubbles. Brings to life the gripping story of the “unsinkable” ship and its doomed maiden voyage. Dramatic illustrations, photos or maps on every page and Internet links to fun websites via the Usborne Quicklinks Website. Usborne Young Reading has been developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, Senior Lecturer at Roehampton University. Young Reading Series 3 is for readers who want to tackle longer stories.

Ever since he can remember, Nelson has longed to go to sea. When his uncle offers him a place on board his ship, the Raisonnable, he leaps at the chance and from then on, he shoots his way up the ranks of the Navy faster than a cannonball from a gun.

An informative account of the life of Adolf Hitler, from his childhood in rural Austria to becoming the dictator who led Germany into a bloody world war and murdered over six million Jews in the Holocaust. Part of the Usborne Young Reading series, this book features facts, photographs and links to websites with archive newsreels of historical events.