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.

'Dat gold bug was a vicious bug. Massa caught it first but it bit him. I think da bite has made Massa poorly. It has affected him in da head.' William Legrand has found a new type of bug, a golden bug, unusually heavy. His servant, Jupiter, is worried. Why is Legrand behaving so oddly? Has the bug's bite made him mad? When Legrand shows his friend a drawing of the gold bug, it looks more like a skull. What can this mean? The arrival of the gold bug leads the three men on an exciting adventure towards skeletons, a skull and a hunt for buried treasure. Should we believe Jupiter's superstitious fears, or is there a more logical explanation of events? If there is, can you, the reader, discover it? Real Reads are accessible texts designed to support the literacy development of primary and lower secondary age children while introducing them to the riches of our international literary heritage. Each book is a retelling of a work of great literature from one of the world's greatest cultures, fitted into a 64-page book, making classic stories, dramas and histories available to intelligent young readers as a bridge to the full texts, to language students wanting access to other cultures, and to adult readers who are unlikely ever to read the original versions.

Fearless heroes, feisty princesses, sly magicians, terrifying dragons, talking foxes and miniature dogs. They all feature in this enthralling compendium of Chinese fairy tales and legends, along with an array of equally colourful characters and captivating plots. Although largely unknown in the West, the 73 stories in this volume are just as beguiling as the more familiar Grimms' Fairy Tales or Arabian Nights. They were collected in the early 20th century by Richard Wilhelm and first translated into English by Frederick H Martens. This beautifully produced revised and edited new edition includes updated notes which not only provide background on the tales, but also offer a fascinating insight into ancient Chinese folk lore and culture. These are stories to return to time and time again. From awesome adventures to quirky allegories, from the exploits of the gods to fables about beggars who outwit their betters, Chinese Fairy Tales and Legends is extraordinarily diverse and endlessly engaging. These wonderful stories have enduring and universal appeal, and will intrigue both children and adults.

Ten-year-old Connie, who lives in the Brooklyn neigborhood called The Alley, investigates a burglary with her friend Billy Maloon.

When the Cuthberts send to an orphanage for a boy to help them at Green Gables, their farm in Canada, they are astonished when a talkative little girl steps off the train. Anne, red-headed, pugnacious and incurably romantic, causes chaos at Green Gables and in the village, but her wit and good nature delight the fictional community of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and ensure that Anne of Green Gables continues to be a firm favourite with readers worldwide. Anne of Avonlea continues Anne's story. Now half-past sixteen but as strong-headed and romantic as ever, Anne becomes a teacher at her old school and dreams of its improvement. But her responsible position and mature ambitions do not prevent her entanglement in the scrapes that still seem to beset her in spite of her best intentions. Thoroughly charming and amusing, with a supporting cast of colourful and endearing characters, both books will enchant and entertain readers, guaranteeing that Anne's adventures capture their affections as well as their imaginations.

Itty realizes that she has a copycat in this eighth Itty Bitty Princess Kitty chapter book.

Itty meets a young tiger named Tessa and it turns out she goes to Itty’s school! Itty thinks she’s nice and funny, and she can tell Tessa likes hanging out with her and her friends. But then Tessa shows up wearing the same dress as Itty—the one Itty had told her about that is very special to her. And in art class, Tessa copies Itty’s drawing. Itty doesn’t understand why Tessa is being such a...copycat! Does she really want to be Itty’s friend? Or does she just want to copy whatever Itty is doing?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on every page, the Itty Bitty Princess Kitty chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.

Meet heroic maid Pattern in The Last Duchess, the first Silver Service Mystery from Laura Powell, illustrated by Sarah Gibb. Pattern is only thirteen, but is already rising through the ranks at Mrs Minchin's Academy of Domestic Servitude and seems destined for a life below stairs. But fate intervenes when she is packed off to the small and secretive Duchy of Elffinberg, to serve as lady's maid to the recently orphaned Grand Duchess. Pattern's young new mistress is excitable and paranoid, yet despite their differences the two girls forge an unlikely friendship that quickly turns into a battle for survival. For picture-perfect Elffinberg hides an extremely dark and deadly secret . . . Armed only with her trusty sewing basket, a bottle of smelling salts and J. Bulcock's inestimable guide, The Duties of a Lady's Maid, Pattern will need all her wits and resourcefulness when dealing with above-stairs conspiracies and below-stairs intrigue. Darning stockings has never been so dangerous.

A fun and engaging Mr Men Little Miss story about the power of kindness and the happiness it brings. Lots of the Mr Men and Little Miss are kind. Mr Happy loves making his friends happy by doing kind deeds. But it can be easier to do what you want without thinking of others. Have you ever found it difficult to be kind? Mr Mean probably finds it the hardest to be kind. Can Mr Happy and Little Miss Giggles help him to learn that small acts of kindness bring much happiness? The Mr Men and Little Miss are the perfect characters to help children understand a bit more about their own emotions and how to manage them. With engaging questions to encourage conversations and some helpful tips from favourite characters to help children develop their emotional intelligence.

An abridged and illustrated chapter book retelling of Oliver Twist, part of the bestselling Classic Starts® series that has sold more than 8 million copies! Dickens’s timeless novel transports young readers to a colorful Victorian England filled with mistreated orphans, grim workhouses, and gangs of thieving children. The hero finds himself in dire circumstances after he dares to ask for more food in the orphanage. Determined to make his way in the world, he escapes to London, where he becomes involved with criminals . . . and finally finds a real home. The Classic Starts® series has sold more than 8 million copies since it launched in 2004. These abridged, kid-friendly editions are the perfect way to introduce beloved stories to the next generation. Each book includes discussion questions by early childhood educator Arthur Pober, EdD.

A perennial children's classic, Treasure Island, since its publication in 1883, has remained exciting reading even when there is such a plethora of adventure books today. The adventure of young Jim Hawkins in search for treasures in an island, about which he came to know from a hand-drawn map of an old pirate, how he overcomes the encounters with pirates to be successful in his mission forms the backdrop of this thrilling novel.

In the late 19th century, a cylinder crashes down near London. When George investigates, a Martian activates an evil machine and begins destroying everything in its path George must find a way to survive a War of the Worlds. These reader-favorite tiles are now updated for enhanced Common Core State Standards support, including discussion and writing prompts developed by a Common Core expert, an expanded introduction, bolded glossary words and dynamic new covers."

Following a prophecy of a former resident of their Brooklyn alley, two boys discover an underground passage behind their houses.

A full-colour short story taken from the world of the Magic Faraway Tree. Perfect for new readers. Discover the magic!

At the top of the Faraway Tree a new adventure awaits the children. What could be nicer than a visit to the Land of Do-As-You-Please? Frannie has always longed to ride an elephant and Joe wants to be a train-driver. Everyone's wishes can come true! The perfect format for new readers to enjoy the adventures of Moonface, Silky, Saucepan Man and friends.

A dreamy collection of tales by the world's best-loved storyteller. Perfect for children aged 5 and up! From adventures with sleepy giants to bedtime stories about how Bobs the dog got a cold nose, drift into dreamland with these short stories by Enid Blyton. Look out for midnight parties and falling stars! These traditional tales are ideal for younger children being read to and for newly confident readers to read alone. Each story stands alone and is the perfect length for reading at bedtime or in the classroom. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her to the latest generation of readers. Read all of Enid Blyton's bumper short story collections. New in 2022: Stories for Bedtime Stories of Mischief Makers Magical Stories Christmas Treats *** Enid Blyton (R) and Enid Blyton's signature are registered trade marks of Hodder & Stoughton Limited. No trade mark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trade mark and copyright owner.

Enjoy the timeless tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, now availabe as a Little Apple Classic! Fee-fi-fo-fum! Follow Jack's adventures with magical beans, golden harps, and giants in the timeless tale of Jack and the Beanstalk! This compact hardcover is perfectly sized for little hands and big imaginations, and features beautiful, full-color illustrations that bring the story to life. Encourage little ones to read with this classic tale and bring more fun to story time!

Pollyanna's eternal optimism has made her one of the most beloved characters in American literature. First published in 1913, her story spawned the formation of "Glad" clubs all over the country, devoted to playing Pollyanna's famous game. Pollyanna has since sold over one million copies, been translated into several languages, and has become both a Broadway play and a Disney motion picture.