A gorgeous gift for young children, this beautiful treasury of Usborne "Young Reading" and "First Reading" titles will delight and entertain with its collection of classic animal stories. This title contains twelve classic animal stories from around the world. Each story is bursting with colourful and lively illustrations. Usborne's "Young Reading" and "First Reading" series are developed in conjunction with experts from Roehampton University and are designed to encourage independent reading. Each story has clear, engaging text and is accompanied by original illustrations.

Animal Stories for 6 Year Olds is rich and varied selection of heart-warming animal stories by some of the very best writers for children. Perfect for reading alone or reading aloud - and for dipping into time and time again. With stories from David Henry Wilson, Meredith Hooper, Dick King-Smith, Margaret Mahy and many more, this book will provide hours of fantastic fun.

The Moomin family and their friends are back in More Adventures in Moominvalley, a collection of warm and charming stories based on the award-winning 3D animation. Go on a journey to Moominvalley - a beautiful and peaceful place where everyone is kind and caring - and join Moomintroll, his parents Moominmamma and Moominpappa, and their friends Snufkin, Little My, Snorkmaiden and more on their exciting adventures. Capturing the wit and whimsy of Tove Jansson's classic tales, the nine stories in this collection follow the goings-on in Moominvalley as Moomintroll wakes up in deep midwinter and meets his mysterious Ancestor, Moomintroll and Snorkmaiden are haunted by a not-so-spooky ghost, the friends undertake a perilous expedition to an erupting volcano, and a very special Invisible Guest comes to stay. Packed full of exciting and eccentric twists and turns and featuring all of Tove Jansson's most beloved characters, this beautiful collection is sure to be treasured by Moomins fans old and new.

An insightful and funny new collection of short stories from award-winning author Tim Wynne-Jones. In "War at the Snow White Motel," Rex and his family are vacationing in Vermont. A thoughtless act launches him into war with an older teenager at their motel, but a much bigger conflict - the Vietnam War - looms large on the horizon. Ant wants to join the #FridaysForFuture movement - and impressing the new girl at school is only one good reason why. Joseph and Danny are determined to right an old wrong, no matter the consequences. Michel takes a road trip to spot a rare bird, and along the way learns what his father is really afraid of. Robin has to battle her anxiety when her great-grandfather sends her in search of an old stuffed toy with a storied past. Walker is home for the summer, in time to help his little sister expose a local company's dubious environmental practices. A boy can't figure out why the class bully won't leave him alone - it's not anything he could have foreseen. Tim Wynne-Jones brilliantly captures pivotal moments small and large as these characters fight for understanding, courage and a better future. This new collection features six brand-new stories and three that have been previously published. Key Text Features author's note humor Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.6 Compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including the difference between first- and third-person narrations. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.6 Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.

What have Bernard Ashley, Marjorie Blackman, Berlie Doherty, Paul Jennings, Margaret Mahy, Michael Morpurgo, Jenny Nimmo, Michael Rosen, Jeremy Strong and Robert Swindells all got in common?

'They all went to school!

And they all write fantastic stories.'

Ten brand new school stories – based on their own schooldays – from ten of today's finest authors.

Find out how Jeremy Strong stopped being a 'thoroughly idle boy'; why Michael Morpurgo ran away from school and who the shyest girl in the class was. Discover what made Paul Jennings madder than mad; how a white elephant nearly got Jenny Nimmo expelled and why Marjorie Blackman hates bullies. Then learn how Bernard Ashley survived the Blitz; where Robert Swindells got close to Mount Everest and why Margaret Mahy became a witch…and much, much more! There are good days and bad days, funny days and sad days, but one thing is certain – school days can never be forgotten!

Rick: The Dog With A Difference is another great Igloo book that teaches children an important lesson in a fun way - it's okay to be different.

The girls are in charge in this full-to-the-brim collection featuring ten stories that can each be read aloud in five minutes flat. Fearless, fun, determined, daring, kind, and confident . . . these girls rule Whether you're looking for a strong role model, a quick pick-me-up, a jolt of inspiration, or just a giggle, this treasury has all that and more A padded cover with plenty of glitz and gloss makes this the perfect book for gifting. Get a good dose of girl power with these ten titles: Karen Beaumont and Dave Catrow's "I Like Myself ;" Beth Cadena and Frank Dormer's "Supersister;" Marilyn Singer and Alexandra Boiger's "Tallulah's Tutu; "Jeanne Birdsall and Matt Phelan's "Flora's Very Windy Day;" Tammi Sauer and Joe Berger's "Princess in Training;" Monica Brown and Magaly Morales's "Chavela and the Magic Bubble;" Jessica Meserve's "Small Sister;" Margaret Chodos-Irvine's "Ella Sarah Gets Dressed; "Erica Silverman and Betsy Lewin's "Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa; "Cynthia Jabar's "Wow, It Sure is Good to Be You "

This collection spans cultures as diverse as South Africa, India, New Zealand and Northern Ireland. The stories enable students to investigate a wider range of genres, compare first and third person accounts, and explore different story structures, as required by the National Curriculum.

Now in a bilingual Spanish/English edition. This colorful treasury of fun-loving monkeys features five full-length picture books--"Five Little Monkeys Jumping on a Bed," "Five Little Monkeys Bake a Cake," "Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree," "Five Little Monkeys with Nothing to Do," and "Five Little Monkeys Wash the Car"--an introduction by author and illustrator Eileen Christelow, a lesson on how to draw your own fabulous monkeys, and a sheet of colorful stickers. The treasury will feature both English and Spanish text set in two different colors for ease of readability.

A selection of quick-read tales from the Disney Pixar universe

Award-winning master of scary stories Chris Priestley returns with a spine-tingling collection of ghostly tales to chill you to the bone ... When Maya and her classmates are asked to write a creepy story with a winter theme, they come up with some brilliant ideas. Rising floodwaters uncover long-buried bodies and ghostly children take to the ice on a frozen canal. But as each of the stories is read out in class, Maya grows more and more uncomfortable. She features in each of her friends' creepy tales and they start to feel a little too real. Finally, when a mysterious new girl stands up to read the last story of the day, the light outside dims and it starts to snow. The classroom starts to freeze but everyone is trapped. Can Maya stop the story before the nightmare comes true?

The number one bestselling author of Alex Rider gives horror a whole new look in this mischievous collection of ten twisted tales.

This chilling collection of ten nightmarish and fiendishly funny short stories is a perfect read for fearless children. From a train journey straight to hell, out of control robots with a murderous streak and even a television show where death is the penalty - these terrifying tales display the dazzling wit and wicked humour of master storyteller Anthony Horowitz, and are guaranteed to make your blood curdle and your spine tingle.

Ten incredible trips into the unknown await you... Blast off with: * 'Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo' an all-new and exclusive tale from Rick Riordan 'A Day in the Life' by award-winning author/illustrator Shaun Tan 'Rise of the RoboShoes' by Tom Angleberger of Origami Yoda fame And many more weird and wonderful stories by legendary writer Ray Bradbury, Newbery medalist Rebecca Stead, Shannon Hale, D. J. MacHale, Eric Nylund, Kenneth Oppel and Neal Shusterman. Compiled by US National Ambassador for Children's Literature (and Secret Ambassador for the Intergalactic Alliance) Jon Scieszka, Other Worlds will boldly take you where no reader has gone before.

Almost Midnight: Two Festive Short Stories by Rainbow Rowell contains two wintery short stories, decorated throughout with gorgeous black and white illustrations by Simini Blocker.

'Midnights' is the story of Noel and Mags, who meet at the same New Year's Eve party every year and fall a little more in love each time . . .

'Kindred Spirits' is about Elena, who decides to queue to see the new Star Wars movie and meets Gabe, a fellow fan.

'Midnights' was previously published as part of the My True Love Gave to Me anthology, edited by Stephanie Perkins and 'Kindred Spirits' was previously published as a World Book Day title.

Stay tuned for a brand-new show coming in winter 2018 to PBS Kids: Pinkalicious & Peterrific!It's pinkerrific! It's pinkamazing! It's Pinkalicious! And it's only 5 minutes! #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Kann brings young readers a collection of 12 Pinkalicious stories designed for sharing at bedtime or storytime. Join Pinkalicious in this paper-over-board collection of 12 fun-filled stories as she meets a mini-mermaid, has fun with fashion, and learns to fly a kite. With 5 minutes of pinkatastic read-aloud adventure in each story, full-color illustrations throughout, and a sturdy padded cover, this storybook treasury is perfect for bedtime or for young readers on-the-go!

This book is a magical collection of seven bedtime stories for 6 to 9 year olds -- one story for each night of the week, each featuring one of the seven colours of the rainbow. The stories are all new, yet have a timeless, dreamy quality to them, which is perfect for sleepy night-time reading. The seven stories form a harmonious circle: the first story features a small girl wearing a dress as white as the stars, who discovers a casket of jewels in a forest of blue trees. In the last story, a pink butterfly flutters from an old woman's garden to a hut in the woods, where a girl in a white dress sleeps. In between are a host of other wonderful characters, including a red bird whose song inspires dreams, a boy with a golden flower, an astrologer who paints stars from his purple tower, fish that transport raindrop-jewels to an underwater sea cave, and a mother and baby possum who discover a mysterious green sanctuary. Parents and children alike will delight in the vivid imagery in these enchanting tales, which lead the imagination from the clear outlines of the waking world into the elusive realm of dreams.

"Fairyland" was familiar territory to young Louisa May Alcott and her sisters, for they had often romped there and explored its secrets under the guidance of family friend, Henry David Thoreau. Fifteen years her elder, Thoreau led the Alcott girls and their friends on berry-picking expeditions in the wooded land around Walden Pond, which he fancifully called "fairyland." It was on a piece of this land, owned by neighbor Ralph Waldo Emerson, that the girls' father, Amos Bronson Alcott, helped Thoreau build the now-famous cabin where he lived "deliberately" and wrote Walden. I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. The remarkable convergence of 19th century writers in Concord, Massachusetts may be glimpsed in this collection of stories inspired during visits to Walden Woods. The Alcott family often visited Thoreau to swim in the cove near his cabin or explore the changing seasons in this tranquil spot. I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society. When visitors came in larger and unexpected numbers there was but the third chair for them all, but they generally economized the room by standing up. It is surprising how many great men and women a small house will contain. I have had twenty-five or thirty souls, with their bodies, at once under my roof, and yet we often parted without being aware that we had come very near to one another. With Thoreau as a guide, Louisa and the other children learned much about nature, but Louisa in particular delighted in another aspect ofThoreau's point of view. The very fact that he called the woods "Fairyland" opened up a new way of thinking in the young writer's mind. Whether he pointed out a new animal track, made a perfect bird call or discovered a bit of a cobweb and called it a fairy's handkerchief, it was all magic to Louisa and fodder for her lively imagination. On many of her walks around Walden, Louisa shared original fairy stories with her sisters, Thoreau, and friends. One of these young friends was Ellen, the daughter of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Six years her junior, Ellen looked up to Louisa the way Louisa looked up to Thoreau. Ellen was so captivated by the fairy stories that Louisa eventually wrote them down as a present for her. The entire Emerson family noticed and delighted in their young neighbor's generous gift, and shared their pleasure with Louisa's father. Mr. Alcott was equally impressed with his daughter's stories. He was a complex and unusual man -- a genius, according to Emerson. He was a remarkable father, if an uncertain provider. He believed in encouraging children - even girls -- to follow their dreams. The norm of the day was not to allow young ladies to tax themselves with such "brain work" as writing. The rest of Boston society might have considered writing an improper occupation for a lady, but Mr. Alcott was proud and excited by his daughter's talent. He carried her fairy stories to George W. Briggs, a new publisher on Washington Street in Boston. Briggs decided to take a chance and agreed to publish Louisa's fairy stories under the title Flower Fables. Advance copies came out in time for Louisa to give them as gifts for the Christmas of 1854. How thrilled Ellen Emerson must have beento read the dedication in her friend's first published book: To Ellen Emerson, for whom they were fancied, these flower fables are inscribed, by her friend, The Author Boston, Dec. 9, 1854. Louisa also provided Ellen with her own copy and this Christmas note: Dear Ellen, Hoping that age has not lessened your love for the Fairy folk I have ventured to place your name in my little book, for your interest in their sayings and doings, first called forth these "Flower Fables," most of which were fancied long ago in Concord woods and fields. The pictures are not what I hoped they would be and it is very evident that the designer is not as well acquainted with fairy forms and faces as you and I are, so we must each imagine to suit ourselves and I hope if the fairies tell me any more stories, they will let an Elfin artist illustrate them. So dear Ellen will you accept the accompanying book, with many wishes for a merry "Christmas, and a happy New Year," from your friend, Louisa M. Alcott. Louisa took special pride in giving her mother a copy of the book. Mrs. Alcott was called "Marmee" by her daughters as was Mrs. March in the highly autobiographical Little Women. She read the following inscription in her copy of Flower Fables: 20 Pinckney Street, Boston, Dec. 25, 1854. Dear Mother, -- Into your Christmas stocking I have put my "first born," knowing that you will accept it with all its faults (for grandmothers are always kind), and look upon it merely as an earnest of what I may yet do, for, with so much to cheer me on, I hope to pass in time from fairies and fables to men and realities. Whatever beauty or poetry is to be found in my little book is owing to your interest in and encouragement ofall my efforts from the first to the last, and if ever I do anything to be proud of, my greatest happiness will be that I can thank you for that, as I may do for all the good there is in me; and I shall be content to write if it gives you pleasure. Jo is fussing about, My lamp is going out. To dear mother, with many kind wishes for a happy New Year and merry Christmas. I am your ever loving daughter Louy. Long before Louisa wrote Little Women or her now public "blood and thunder" tales, the publication of these fairy stories confirmed the hopes of this fledgling author that she might, indeed, succeed. The woodland sprites and struggling human children who encounter them evoke those idyllic walks with Thoreau and the tom-boyish prototype of Jo March, "Louy Alcott," who struggled with her conscience every bit as much as her character "Annie" in "Little Annie's Dream: or The Fairy Flower." ." . . now, dear Annie," said the Fairy, bending nearer, "tell me why I found no sunshine on your face. . ." "Ah, you will not love me any more if I should tell you all," said Annie, while the tears began to fall again; "I am not happy, for I am not good; how shall I learn to be a patient, gentle child? Good little Fairy, will you teach me how?" These stories provide a fresh look at a complex author. Due to the success of Little Women and subsequent children's books, Louisa was well known as "The Children's Friend." She was less known as "Nurse Tribulation Periwinkle" in Hospital Sketches, written after she served as a nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. She was completely unknown in her own life time as "A. M. Barnard," a prolific author of provocative thrillers. Today, many readers delight in those thrillers, but know nothing of her first published book, Flower Fables. Orchard House is proud to offer this commemorative edition of Flower Fables on the 150th anniversary of its publication. All proceeds from the sale of this edition will benefit the home where Louisa wrote and set Little Women, Orchard House in Concord Massachusetts. Known as "Apple Slump" to Louisa and her mother, this 1690's farmhouse has come to require a great deal of tender -- and costly -- care in order to save it from collapse. Thanks to initial funding from "Save America's Treasures," the first phase of its preservation is complete and includes a foundation where none existed before. There is much more to do in order to stabilize interior walls and preserve such artifacts as the drawings that the youngest Alcott sister placed on the walls. Many dedicated individuals are committed to continuing preservation work on the home until the "Little Women House," as it is often known, is secure for future generations of readers. Please log onto www.louisamayalcott.org, if you would like to support this effort.. Many visitors comment that they enjoy Orchard House because they feel as if they are "walking through the book." Their enjoyment increases when they discover the complexity, talent, bravery, integrity and love of the real family that inspired Little Women. We at Orchard House hope that Flower Fables will be part of that discovery for you. Happy reading! Jan Turnquist Executive Director, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House Concord, Massachusetts Christmas 2004

What dangers do runaway demigods Luke and Thalia face on their way to Camp Half-Blood? Are Percy and Annabeth up to the task of rescuing stolen goods from a fire-breathing giant who doesn't take kindly to intruders? How exactly are Leo, Piper, and Jason supposed to find a runaway table, dodge a band of party-loving Maenads" ("who just might be a little psychotic), and stave off a massive explosion...all in one hour or less?
With his trademark wit and creativity, Rick Riordan answers these questions and more in three never-before-seen short stories that provide vital back-story to the Heroes of Olympus and Percy Jackson books, with a bonus fourth story marking the publishing debut of Haley Riordan, the inspiration for Percy Jackson. Original art, enlightening character interviews and portraits, puzzles, and a quiz add to the fun in this action-packed collection.

For the Seven Oaks friends, there is always something to do. Whether they're singing along with Pokey Porcupine's harmonica or playing soccer with Jumper Rabbit, everyone is having fun and learning all sorts of things. These seven stories show how practising the 7 Habits makes this possible for the whole Seven Oaks Community. From learning how to take charge of their own lives to discovering how balance is best, the Seven Oaks friends have tons of adventures and find out how each and every kid can be a happy kid!

Join Moomintroll, his family and their friends in beautiful Moominvalley, where everyone is welcome. Surprising things happen every day in Moominvalley - luckily the Moomin family and their friends embrace the unexpected with their characteristic humour, kindness and charm. This beautiful book contains nine exciting adventure stories - all closely based on the warm and whimsical Moomin world and characters created by the celebrated writer, artist and illustrator Tove Jansson. Presented in chronological order, each story in Adventures in Moominvalley is taken from an episode of the 3D animation series and set in the idyllic and peaceful valley where the round blue Moominhouse stands. The stories describe the adventures of Moomintroll, his parents, Moominmamma and Moominpappa and their eclectic and happy band of friends - Little My, Snufkin, Snorkmaiden, the hattifatteners and other famous characters from the classic stories. The stories in this collection will delight Moomin fans of all ages. In one story Moomintroll sails to the mysterious Hattifattener island and in another, he finds a tiny dragon. The Moomins temporarily move house, Snufkin composes a new spring tune and Moomintroll encounters the mysterious Groke.

The traditional stories of Wales conjure up a world of adventure and chivalry. Knights and princesses, kings and bards, and the little people who can make the impossible happen - these are just a few of the characters in the stories featured in this book. Drawing on ancient traditions, handed down for centuries by word of mouth, this book features sixteen of the most famous tales from the fertile plains and high mountain passes of Wales. They tell of the great hero, King Arthur, and his Knights of the Round Table. They speak of magical encounters with the fairies, who can make a castle appear out of the air, and of a shepherd high in the mountains of Caermarthen who falls in love with the Maiden from the Lake. All the tales are simply retold by Philip Wilson, with a lively introduction by folklorist Neil Philip.

Eight exciting adventures with the five little monkeys are packed into one beautiful treasury. Each story can be read aloud in just five minutes!

There's plenty of monkey business in this collection of eight funny stories about the five little monkeys by best-selling author-illustrator Eileen Christelow. Come along with the lovable monkeys on their mischievous adventures as they do everything from jump on the bed to bake a cake to tease a hungry crocodile--and much more. With a padded cover, full-color illustrations, and stories that can be read aloud in just five minutes, this is the perfect book for bedtime, storytime, anytime!

Uncover the stories from one of the greatest-novelists of all time in this beautiful anthology of tales from Charles Dickens, rewritten and adapted in an accessible way for children. This book introduces children to eight of Dickens' greatest works, accompanied by beautiful, colorful illustrations that breathe new life into these timeless classics. Includes favorites such as Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. A timeline at the back shows when each story was written, and gives facts about Dickens' life. Revisit your favorite Dickens stories and introduce his legacy to next generation of readers with this beautiful first introduction to some of the greatest stories all time. Includes: Oliver Twist The Old Curiosity Shop David Copperfield Great Expectations Hard Times A Christmas Carol Nicholas Nickleby Tale of Two Cities The World Full of... series is a collection of beautiful hardcover story treasuries. Discover folktales from all around the world or be introduced to some of the world's best-loved writers with these stunning gift books, the perfection addition to any child's library. Also available from the series: A Year Full of Stories, A World Full of Animal Stories, A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories, A World Full of Spooky Stories, A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals, and A Bedtime Full of Stories.