Children's Books

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+

Young readers may touch various surfaces on pictures of fairies that are not the one someone is looking for, until the right picture appears.

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 classic story by L. Frank Baum, retold for children growing in their reading confidence and ability, sumptuously illustrated by Mauro Evangelista. When Dorothy is whizzed to Oz in a tornado, she lands in a place where nothing is quite as it seems. Can she find the Wizard, defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, and be granted her wish to return to Kansas

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.

Attractively presented retelling of the story with fabulous illustrations. Clear, engaging text to encourage independent reading with direct speech and speech bubbles. With Internet links via the Usborne Quicklinks Website where readers can find out more about Shakespeare and listen to famous passages from the play. Usborne Young Reading has been developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, Senior Lecturer at Roehampton University. 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. 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.

A history of the often brutal world of the gladiators written in an engaging narrative style and containing full colour illustrations throughout. Includes details of the different types of gladiators, their costumes and weaponry, famous gladiators and the arenas in which they fought. Part of Young Reading Level 3, created for children ready to tackle longer stories and more diverse subjects. Developed in conjunction with reading experts from Roehampton University

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.

Thoughtful introduction to the remarkable life of Winston Churchill for young readers. 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 Churchill’s life and times. Part of Young Reading Series 3 for fully confident readers.

A gorgeous retelling of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s poignant novel. The story of kind-hearted Sara Crewe and her struggles at boarding school, as she goes from riches to rags following the death of her beloved father. Elegantly illustrated by Kate Aldous. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence.

A re-telling of the beloved Louisa May-Alcott story for younger children. The inspirational story follows the fortunes of the March sisters as they struggle through the American Civil War and learn the importance of love, family and following their dreams. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University. Series 3 is for confident readers. Sturdy hardback and ribbon marker make this incredible value for money.

This classic fairytale from the Brothers Grimm shows Hansel and Gretel pit their wits against their evil stepmother and a wicked witch. Cheerily illustrated throughout by Jan McCafferty. Young readers will treasure this gift edition, which is published in hardback with a ribbon marker. Part of Young Reading Series 1 for readers growing in confidence.

This classic tale by the Brothers Grimm is presented in a delightful hardback gift edition, which young children are sure to treasure. The story of the beautiful princess with skin as white as snow and hair as black as ebony, her wicked stepmother and her seven rescuers is delightfully retold and accompanied by bright, colourful and hugely appealing illustrations. Part of Young Reading Series 1 for children just starting to read alone.

The classic fairytale of Cinderella accompanied by beautiful and atmospheric illustrations that will enchant children and parents alike. Part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme, specially retold for children just starting to read alone