How do pigs keep cool? Why do farmers shear their sheep? Which farm animals live underwater? These and other questions are answered with vivid, full colour photographs and illustrations and short, informative text for beginner readers. Includes internet links via Usborne Quicklinks to exciting websites to find out more.

Lots of useful information on how to care for cats and kittens, ideal for cat owners or those dreaming about acquiring a new pet. Covers everything from choosing a kitten and helping it settle in, to grooming, playing and going to the vet. Explains the basics of cat behaviour including how to spot when a cat is angry, scared or playful, as well as how to keep a pet cat occupied. Thoroughly checked by experts, this book also includes internet links to specially selected websites where you can find out more about cats and kittens, including fun things to make for them and video clips of how to care for them.

An essential guide covering everything children need to know to make their pet rabbits feel at home. Provides lots of useful information on caring for and understanding rabbits, ranging from feeding and grooming to toys and hutches, all illustrated with colour photographs and cartoons. Internet links to recommended websites allow you to find out more fascinating facts about rabbits, as well as watch video clips and take quizzes. Fully checked and approved by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (UK).

Find out how to keep your pet guinea pigs healthy and happy with this handy, practical guide - perfect for first-time owners. Thoroughly checked by experts, this book includes everything you need to know about how to care for guinea pigs, from choosing your guinea pig and setting up its home, to playing with it and grooming it. Ideal for those who own a guinea pig or dream of having one.

The perfect guide for first-time dog owners and those who yearn for a canine friend of their very own. Includes information on everything you need to keep a dog healthy and happy, from equipment and food, to grooming and training, all illustrated with full colour photographs and cartoons. Thoroughly checked by experts, this guide also includes internet links to carefully selected websites which allow you to find out which breed of dog suits you best, watch video clips, and find out more fascinating facts about dogs and puppies.

Three original high-seas stories for children just beginning to read. Find out if Charlie can get rid of his pesky parrot and Molly can escape the clutches of the sneaky Captain Spike in these swashbuckling stories. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University. 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.

Like so many children, Lucy wants a dog. But, unlike other children, Lucy interviews animals to fill the pet vacancy. And she gets a little more than she expected. Endearing and heart-warming, this story shows (with a humour that never overshadows the message) that being different is good. Another classic from this husband-and-wife team, told with simplicity and portrayed through appealing characters, illustrated with style and confidence.

An exciting pirate adventure in an interactive storybook with three tracks for the wind-up pirate ship to sail around. Captain Blackjack and his crew set sail for buried treasure but there are lots of dangers they must avoid along the way.

An amusing and original story with easy-reading text for children who have just started reading on their own. After a hard night's thieving, Alfie the burglar likes to go home to a tasty meal. But one day he returns to find his cupboards bare. Someone has burgled his breakfast! Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

The perfect guide for first-time hamster owners, providing lots of useful information on caring for and understanding them. From setting up hamster tanks and making toys and runs, to what they like to eat and how to keep them clean, this essential guide covers all the ways to keep your pet healthy and happy. Fully checked by experts, this book contains everything you need to know to make a hamster feel at home and help you decide whether owning one is the thing for you.

What's it like to drive a train? How are railway tunnels built? How do trains go up hill? This fantastic book for young readers has all the answers and more. With simple, easy-reading text, bright illustrations and fascinating photographs.

What do firefighters learn at fire school? How do they rescue people from all kinds of emergencies? How do they put out forest fires? What do they wear to protect themselves from smoke and flames? This book has all the answers, and more, with photographs, step-by-step illustrations, informative text and links to websites with fun activities and fascinating facts.