Princess Irene's great-great grandmother instructs Curdie to visit Gwyntystorm, the place where the king and his daughter have become unsuspecting targets of the royal court. He plans to use natural and magical gifts to save the king from impending danger. Following the events of The Princess and the Goblin, Princess Irene and her father travel to Gwyntystorm. Curdie, a young miner, stays at home where he encounters the divine presence of the monarch's great-great grandmother. She also sends him to Gwyntystorm, where he must decipher the true nature of its men. Once he arrives, Curdie discovers a plot to slowly kill the king and eventually steal the throne. The Princess and Curdie shines a light on a beloved supporting character. Curdie proves his unwavering loyalty to both the king and Princess Irene. This is an adventurous tale that brings the dutiful sidekick to the forefront. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Princess and Curdie is both modern and readable.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (1816) is a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. A leading writer of the German Romantic period, Hoffmann inspired generations of artists with his thrilling blend of fantasy, science fiction, and fairy tale. In 1892, Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky turned Alexandre Dumas' adaptation of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King into The Nutcracker, which remains one of the most popular ballets of all time. On Christmas Eve, Fritz and Marie anxiously await the presentation of gifts. Initially awed by the clockwork castle made by their godfather Drosselmeyer, a famous inventor, they soon turn their attentions to a nutcracker. When Fritz accidentally breaks their new toy, Marie carefully bandages its jaw back into place. That night, while the whole house sleeps, Marie is awoken by the chiming of the grandfather clock. Terrified, she watches as a battle is waged between a horde of mice-led by a seven-headed king-and the toys, suddenly brought to life, led by the noble nutcracker. The next morning, she attempts to inform her parents of what she has seen, but they refuse to believe her. All remains quiet for the next several days, but when Drosselmeyer returns with the mended nutcracker, he tells her a story of the vengeful Mouse Queen. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a classic of German literature reimagined for modern readers.

Readers young and old are invited into the enchanting world of Mary Engelbreit in this sparkling edition of Clement C. Moore's classic poem. It is the night before Christmas, in a house so cozy and colorful, so filled with expectation, so dusted with Christmas magic that only this beloved illustrator could have created it. Shhh. A mouse is asleep in its snug den and children are dreaming as sugarplum fairies flutter around their bed. Then there's the jingle of bells. . . .

For this merry celebration of Christmas, Mary Engelbreit has filled every page with bewitching details, rich color, and memorable characters. These include a bevy of mischievous elves, an adorable mouse, and a lovable, bespectacled Santa. The images in Mary's joyous vision will bring discovery and delight to generations of readers.

Over fifty years ago, a small bear set out on the adventure of a lifetime. With nothing but a suitcase, several jars of marmalade, and a label around his neck that read, "Please look after this bear. Thank you," he crossed the ocean heading for England. When he arrived at London's busy Paddington Station, he was discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Brown. As luck would have it, the Browns were just the sort of people to welcome a lost bear into their family--and their lives would never be the same.

Paddington Bear has charmed readers around the world with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This newly repackaged edition of the classic picture book, with illustrations by R. W. Alley, is the perfect introduction to Paddington Bear for young readers.

The Children of the New Forest (1847) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Although Marryat is more widely known for novels inspired by his experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, The Children of the New Forest is a historical children's novel set in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Bringing his readers into the world of danger and political intrigue that was England in the 17th century, Marryat earns his place as one of the leading adventure writers of his time. "It was in the month of November in this year that King Charles, accompanied by Sir John Berkely, Ashburnham, and Legg, made his escape from Hampton Court, and rode as fast as the horses could carry them toward that part of Hampshire which led to the New Forest." At the end of the English Civil War, Parliamentarian forces pursued King Charles and his dwindling allies into the ancient woods of the New Forest. Searching the scattered homes of the forest, they leave a wake of destruction in their path. Having already lost their father, a Royalist, in the Battle of Naseby, orphans Edward, Humphrey, Alice, and Edith are targeted by a group of Roundhead soldiers. Rescued from their burning home by Jacob Armitage, a local verderer, the children learn to survive using techniques passed down by generations of New Forest dwellers. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's The Children of the New Forest is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Chronicling the adventures of a disobedient but good-hearted puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, Carlo Collodi's Pinocchio is beloved by children around the world. This charming adaptation of the original text features the splendid illustrations of Manuela Adreani, who elegantly captures all the magic and poetry of a story that has become a timeless classic.

This beautiful hardback features premium cloth binding, a ribbon marker to match the cover, foil stamping and illustrated endpapers, making this the perfect gift for all those who have been enchanted by the magic of Dumbo and a book to be treasured by all.

A family favourite for almost eighty years, Disney Dumbo is one of the best-loved films of all time. Relive the magic through this retelling of the classic animated film, accompanied by paintings, story sketches and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists. Also featured is a foreword by Natalie Nourigat, a storyboard artist at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Turn to the back of the book to learn more about the artists who worked on this iconic animated film.

When Roberta, Peter and Phyllis's father is taken away and they move to a tiny cottage in the countryside, the only advantage is the nearby railway. Join them on their adventures as they befriend all those who work with the trains, prevent a railway disaster and try to discover the truth behind their father's disappearance. The Railway Children, a much-loved children's classic, was first published in 1906 and has never been out of print.

A Girl of the Limberlost (1909) is a novel by Gene Stratton-Porter. An immediate bestseller, A Girl of the Limberlost-her fourth novel-established Stratton-Porter's reputation as a leading naturalist and writer of the American Midwest. Written for children and adults alike, A Girl of the Limberlost is a classic tale of struggle and survival set in one of Indiana's iconic wilderness regions. Elnora Comstock has always felt different. Raised on the edge of the vast Limberlost Swamp, her life is forever associated with the death of her father, who drowned in quicksand while her mother Katharine was going into labor. Despite this tragedy, her mother has maintained a reverence for the swamp, refusing to sell their land for timber or mineral rights like most of her neighbors have done. Now a teenager, Elnora struggles to connect with other high schoolers, most of whom are unaccustomed to the rhythms of the natural world. Mired in poverty, she refuses to give up, soon excelling in her classes and becoming an accomplished violinist. Nevertheless, she still feels she must prove herself to her mother, who remains stuck in the past. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Gene Stratton-Porter's A Girl of the Limberlost is a classic work of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Oliver is growing up in an orphanage... until the day he dares to ask for more. Suddenly, he is cast out into a world of colourful characters, in which he will have to keep his wits about him and even pick pockets to survive. A retelling of the classic story by Charles Dickens, for children growing in their reading confidence and ability. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme, developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.

Ronja, the daughter of the robber chieftain, roams the forest but she must beware the grey dwarves and wild harpies. When she befriends Birk, the son of her father's greatest enemy, it causes uproar. Ronia and Birk can no longer be friends . . . unless they do something drastic. Like running away . . . Suddenly they are fending for themselves in the woods, but how will they survive when winter comes? And will Ronia's father ever accept her friendship with Birk so they can go home? This timeless classic story from bestselling and much-loved author, Astrid Lindgren, has been transformed by the acclaimed Studio Ghibli in a stunning TV series. This beautiful illustrated edition features artwork of the animation.

"Chop off my head, my hinny, my heart,
Chop off my head, my own darling . . ."

What is a poor girl to do, when the Frog of the Well of the World's End demands such a thing of her?

Or what of the bride-to-be who spies this above the door she must enter:

"Be bold, be bold, but not that bold,
Lest that your heart's blood should run cold!"

These forty-one traditional English tales abound with such odd, wonderful and often mysterious characters as Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar, Mr. Fox, and Nix Naught Nothing -- as well as a bevy of wicked stepmothers, fairy queens and beautiful rose-cheeked maidens.

Kids everywhere feel connected to Ramona's unique way of looking at the world as she tries to adjust to new teachers, feels jealous about Susan's curls, and is secretly pleased by Yard Ape's teasing. The scrapes she gets herself into--like wearing pajamas to school or accidentally making egg yolk shampoo--are funny and heartwarming, and sometimes embarrassing. No matter what--Ramona's lively, curious spirit shines through.

The appeal of the Beverly Cleary's stories about Ramona Quimby havenever faded. For the first time, all eight of Beverly Cleary's Ramonatitles are now included in one box set:

Beezus and RamonaRamona the PestRamona the BraveRamona and Her FatherRamona and Her MotherRamona Quimby, Age 8Ramona ForeverRamona's World

Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog find excitement and adventure wherever they go in Enid Blyton's most popular series. Borrowing some scissors is the beginning of an adventure for the Famous Five, as George manages to get mixed up with some burglars. The others are too busy eating ice cream to realise that George is in trouble! Will the Famous Five manage to catch up with the burglars and save the day? In addition to the Famous Five novels, Enid Blyton wrote a clutch of short stories based on the characters. These were published in magazines and collected in the Famous Five Short Story Collection (Hodder). For the first time, the complete and original text of George's Hair Is Too Long (1955) appears in an individual volume, illustrated with brand new colour art by Jamie Littler.

Robert Morrison sets Pride and Prejudice within the social contexts of female conduct books and political tales of terror and traces criticism of the novel from the nineteenth century to the present, including material on the 1995 film adaptation. Extensive introductory comment and annotation complement extracts from critical and contextual texts. The book concludes with fourteen widely studied passages from Pride and Prejudice, reprinted with editorial comment.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Pinocchio and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz have each been carefully abridged and reimagined in beautiful full-colour illustrations, accompanied by charming page decoration. Each jacket has been designed using a wealth of special effects. Truly a set to treasure. * Beautifully designed gift books with jackets picked out in foil, embossing and pantone colours * Full-colour plate illustrations throughout * The perfect introduction to classic literature for a new generation of readers

A Tale of Two Cities is Dickens' tale of London and Paris leading up to, and during, the dramatic upheavals of the French Revolution. After being released from Bastille prison, Doctor Manette is reunited with his daughter, Lucie, in London. When Lucie falls in love with and marries a French emigre, terrors return to haunt the family as France suffers the convulsions of revolution. Essential Classics is a wonderful new series that offers a quick way into a range of exciting stories. Fast-moving and accessible, each story is a shortened, dramatically illustrated version of the classic novel, which loses none of the strength and flavour of the original.

To celebrate Paddington Bear’s 60th birthday in 2018 this hilarious classic novel from master storyteller Michael Bond has been given a fresh new look. Paddington is now a major movie star!

“Goodness gracious!” cried Mrs Bird. “What on earth’s that bear doing now?”

Nothing is ever straightforward where Paddington is concerned. Whether he’s going to school, visiting the seaside or attempting to keep fit - one thing always leads to another.

For nearly sixty years, Paddington Bear has touched the hearts of adults and children worldwide with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures.

Winston Smith lives in a nightmare world where the Thought Police spy on everyone and children are taught to betray their parents. Even the smallest sign of disagreement with the Party results in torture, imprisonment, or death. Big Brother oversees everything - but who is he? Winston tries hard to keep his thoughts and fears to himself. But then he meets Julia, a strong-minded young woman who is willing to run the terrible risk of their being found together. Will kindly Mr Charrington keep their secret? Can Winston and Julia find happiness despite the dangers that threaten them?