"I like "Joan of Arc" best of all my books; and it is the best; I know it perfectly well. And besides, it furnished me seven times the pleasure afforded me by any of the others; twelve years of preparation, and two years of writing. The others need no preparation and got none." -- Mark Twain

Twain considered this book -- his last finished novel -- to be his most significant. Perhaps it is; certainly it's delightful -- but then, in retrospect, everything Twain did is good cause for delight.

Containing many of Arthur Rackham's beautiful colour pictures and black and white drawings. Originally published in 1921. Many of the earliest children's books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in affordable, high quality editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.

A full-colour short story taken from the magical Wishing-Chair series. Perfect for new readers. Be whisked away!

Molly and Peter are ever so lucky. They have a magical Wishing-Chair that will fly them to fairy-tale lands and grant them any wish they please!

But on a mission to find their missing toys, the children are captured and made to attend the very strict school for bad brownies! However will they escape and find the Wishing-Chair again?

Journey into the world of the Little Mermaid in this exquisite board book, which introduces the classic story to the youngest children with beautiful illustrations and innovative peek-through layered pages. The Little Mermaid combines a simple narrative with die-cut holes and high-contrast illustrations to create a captivating storytelling experience that encourages tactile interaction. Turn each page to delight in the increasingly expansive spreads as the Little Mermaid's journey is brought to life, from the magical underwater seascapes of her home to her dramatic encounter with the evil sea witch to her time on land with the handsome prince. Keep the magic of The Little Mermaid alive for the next generation with this gorgeous interactive retelling, which kids will love to read again and again. The Layer-by-Layer series of interactive board books introduces the youngest children to classic stories through beautifully layered pages featuring bright, contemporary illustrations, die cuts and gentle text. The illustrations, and wonders, expand as each new layer is revealed. Other titles in the series include Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty and The Jungle Book.

Journey into the world of Pinocchio in this exquisite board book, which introduces the classic story to the youngest children with beautiful illustrations and innovative peek-through layered pages. Pinocchio combines a simple narrative with die-cut holes and high-contrast illustrations to create a captivating storytelling experience that encourages tactile interaction. Turn each page to delight in the increasingly expansive spreads as Pinocchio's journey is brought to life, from his beginnings in Geppetto's workshop to his magical encounter with the Blue Fairy to his eventual lifting of the curse to become a real boy. Keep the magic of Pinocchio alive for the next generation with this gorgeous interactive retelling, which kids will love to read again and again. The Layer-by-Layer series of interactive board books introduces the youngest children to classic stories through beautifully layered pages featuring bright, contemporary illustrations, die cuts and gentle text. The illustrations, and wonders, expand as each new layer is revealed. Other titles in the series include The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty and The Jungle Book.

The Mr Men and Little Miss are giving each other secret Christmas presents! Little Miss Sunshine thought it would be a fun idea for the Mr Men and Little Miss to be Secret Santas for each other. Mr Nosey didn’t think it was such a good idea as he likes to know everything! What will the friends gifts be and how will Mr Nosey cope with all the secrets?! Mr Men and Little Miss Celebrations introduce children to all the exciting occasions that people celebrate including birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, sporting events … and even a trip to the moon. These colourful adventures will delight children of two years and upwards. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience

A book of love and friendship - the perfect gift for Paddington Bear fans! This uplifting collection of inspiring - often hilarious - quotes reveals the extraordinary impact that Paddington Bear has on everyone he meets, and just how much they love him . . . even if there are a few well-intended mishaps to take into account!

Another page-turning time travel adventure for ages 8-12 set between 1900s and present-day London. The long-awaited sequel to the international best-seller The Secret Lake. Almost a year has passed since Stella and Tom discovered a time tunnel and travelled to early 1900s London, where they befriended Emma, Lucy and Jack. The magical moles that made the tunnel and secret lake appear have since vanished, but the children are longing to meet again. Then an illness, which leaves Emma's life in danger, changes everything. The moles reappear, and Lucy realises the only hope of finding a cure lies in the future. So unfolds a thrilling tale of time travel, rekindled friendships and new threats that no one could have foreseen... The original Secret Lake mystery adventure has now been enjoyed by almost half a million young readers and is in translation around the world. This sequel does not disappoint!

THERE IS NO better way to introduce children to classical music than with Prokofiev's musical fairy tale of the little boy (played by all the strings of the orchestra) who, with the help of a bird (played by the flute), outsmarted the big, bad wolf (played by the French horns). And now with this book and CD package, children can look and listen all at the same time. A new retelling by Janet Schulman follows the basic story, but with a kinder ending for both the big bad wolf and the argumentative duck. Peter Malone's paintings have the luminous quality of old Russian masters. The CD, with music performed by the Cincinnati Pops and word-for-word narration by Peter A. Thomas, was made exclusively for this book and CD package.

For generations audiences have been gripped by the powerful drama of Macbeth: the ruinous journey of a man driven by his ambition for power, yet ultimately ending in fear violence, and madness. Macbeth, a Scottish general in King Duncan's army, is given a prophecy by three witches that he himself will become king. Fueled by this knowledge and goaded on by his ruthless wife he murders the king to gain the crown. Yet having gained his goal, the "peace to all their days and nights to come" prophesized by the witches fails to appear. Rather, he finds that having killed, he must do so again and again. Suspicion, fear and the ghosts of the dead haunt him and his wife, destroying everything that they fought for, including their relationship, their world and finally both of them. Holding new meaning for each generation this play is a masterpiece not to be missed.

Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - The stranger came early in February, one wintry day, through a biting wind and a driving snow, the last snowfall of the year, over the down, walking from Bramblehurst railway station, and carrying a little black portmanteau in his thickly gloved hand. He was wrapped up from head to foot, and the brim of his soft felt hat hid every inch of his face but the shiny tip of his nose; the snow had piled itself against his shoulders and chest, and added a white crest to the burden he carried. He staggered into the "Coach and Horses" more dead than alive, and flung his portmanteau down. "A fire," he cried, "in the name of human charity A room and a fire " He stamped and shook the snow from off himself in the bar, and followed Mrs. Hall into her guest parlour to strike his bargain. And with that much introduction, that and a couple of sovereigns flung upon the table, he took up his quarters in the inn.

A royal family is thrown into utter ruin by its own poisonous web of distrust, deceit and struggle for power. Shakespeare's tragedy is one unsurpassed power and depth. It follows the descent of the ageing King Lear into madness, perpetuated by his malevolent daughters Goneril and Regan who struggle to gain power over the kingdom. Having banished his favorite daughter Cordelia, a loving, compassionate and honest woman, when she refuses to partake in a competition of flattery, he sets in motion a catastrophic sequence of events that will ultimately destroy his sanity, family and kingdom. The lines between good and evil are faultlessly drawn in this exploration of filial ingratitude, injustice, avarice and love. In a time when swollen words, false pretexts and the struggle for power are again the order of the day the message of King Lear carries renewed significance.

Sarel Seemonser is lus vir avontuur. Maar voordat hy vertrek, waarsku sy ouma Seemonster: “Onthou, as jy in die moeilikheid is, het jy ’n wapen. Seemonsters blaas stoom uit en dit laat diere dink daar is vuur binne ons.” Sarel se stoom borrel en gorrel die lug in. Maar wat gaan gebeur as hy 'n skelm wolf, 'n slang en 'n aasvoël teëkom?

'n Heerlike prenteboek oor een van Louise Smit se gewildste karakters uit die destydse TV-reeks Wielie Walie​.

When a grumbling volcano causes Moominvalley to flood, the Moomins escape by boat, finding refuge on a floating theatre. Adventures abound when the theatre casts adrift leaving Moomin,The Snorkmaiden and Little My marooned. Will they all be reunited before the final curtain?

This volume is part of a series of novels, plays and stories at GCSE/Key Stage 4 level, designed to meet the needs of the National Curriculum syllabus. Each text includes an introduction, pre-reading activities, notes and coursework activities. Also provided is a section on the process of writing, often compiled by the author.

Aveline Jones loves reading ghost stories, so a dreary half-term becomes much more exciting when she discovers a spooky old book. Not only are the stories spine-tingling, but it once belonged to Primrose Penberthy, who vanished mysteriously, never to be seen again. Intrigued, Aveline decides to investigate Primrose's disappearance.

Now someone... or something, is stirring. And it is looking for Aveline.

Turn on your torches, and join Aveline Jones in her first charmingly spooky mystery, from debut author Phil Hickes.

The Mr Men are going on a fun-filled trip to the Emerald Isle! Mr Quiet has always spoken few words, but Mr Chatterbox has decided to take him to kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland in the hope he'll learn to chat more! Join the Mr Men and Little Miss as they visit the Titanic Experience, climb the Giant's Causeway, go fishing in Galway and enjoy the Kilkenny Arts Festival on their way to Blarney Castle. But will Mr Quiet be granted the gift of the gab when he kisses the famous Blarney Stone? Mr Men and Little Miss Celebrations introduce children to all the exciting occasions that people celebrate including birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, sporting events ... and even a trip to the moon.

NOMINATED FOR THE CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2019

NOMINATED FOR THE CILIP GREENAWAY MEDAL 2019

It's Christmas Eve and Theo - left at home with a babysitter - sees an odd-looking star out of his window and decides to make a wish. He wishes that he had some friends to keep him company. Moments later the Christmas decorations begin to disentangle themselves from the tree behind him, ready to wreak a little havoc .

Written with generous helpings of warmth and humour, this is a timeless Christmas story about treasuring the people and values that really matter at this time of year. With breathtaking illustrations by Emily Sutton capturing the magic of the season in stunning detail, this modern classic from master storyteller and bestselling children's author Katherine Rundell makes the perfect Christmas gift.