MEET DIPPY: Dippy is a Diplodocus (DIP-low-DOCK-us). Dippy was the first of its kind to go on display anywhere in the world when it arrived at the Museum more than a hundred years ago. Since then, Dippy has adventured across the length and breadth of the country. MEET WATERHOUSE: Waterhouse the Mouse lives in the Museum and thought he knew about everything within its famous walls. Until one day he meets a gigantic bony stranger and a big booming voice... When railroad workers unearthed the fossilised bones of a Diplodocus in Wyoming, USA in 1899, newspapers billed the discovery as the 'most colossal animal ever on Earth'. Dippy, a replica of this famous skeleton, first arrived in London in 1905, and for many years served as an awe-inspiring welcome for visitors to the Natural History Museum. This book answers all your questions about the nation's favourite dinosaur and will delight young readers with its imaginative illustrations.

When the corpse of Sir Charles Baskerville is found on the grounds of his Dartmoor estate next to a mysterious animal footprint, thoughts turn to a fabled family curse: that of a hellhound set out to avenge a crime committed by one of Sir Charles's ancestors. As the only surviving heir of the Baskervilles is terrified for his safety, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are called in to investigate. The most famous novel in Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes cycle, The Hound of the Baskervilles is a masterpiece of terror, suspense and mystery which has enthralled readers young and old since it was first published in 1902.

From his Baker Street apartment, Sherlock Holmes wields his powers of deduction in pursuit of justice and truth, venturing out into foggy Victorian London accompanied by his faithful sidekick Dr Watson. This classic collection of Holmes tales includes many of the detective's most-loved exploits: Holmes is confronted by a venomous snake in 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band', mystified by a missing thumb in 'The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb' and beguiled by a beautiful opera singer in 'A Scandal in Bohemia', never once losing his famous cool. First appearing separately in the Strand Magazine, these stories were published together in 1892 in a volume that rapidly became one of the most popular Sherlock Holmes collections. Showcasing Arthur Conan Doyle's inimitable genius for mystery and storytelling, these tales are proof that the famous detective remains one of the greatest crime fighters ever created.

One of the best-loved adventure stories ever written, Treasure Island's timeless tale of pirates, lost treasure maps, mutiny and derring-do has appealed to generations of readers ever since Robert Louis Stevenson penned it in 1881 with the claim: 'If this don't fetch the kids, why, they have gone rotten since my day.' But more than just a children's classic, the novel is considered to be one of the greatest feats of storytelling in the English language, with characters such as the unforgettable Long John Silver becoming part of the cultural consciousness. Treasure Island is a coming-of-age story that will captivate both adults and children for as long as stories are told.

If you enjoyed reading Treasure Island, you might also like Kidnapped also available in Alma Junior Classics collection.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Alma Junior Classics series of illustrated classics includes some of the greatest books ever written for younger readers and new translations of unjustly neglected international works. Our aim is to give our list an international feel and offer young readers to opportunity to connect with other cultures and literatures this applies not only to the titles we chose but also to the illustrators we commission so that we can bring a bit of novelty into the canon of British children s literature. All children s classics contain extra material for young readers, including a profile of the author, a section on the book, a list of characters, a glossary and a test-yourself quiz.

With Sherlock Holmes's reputation as the scourge of the criminal underworld preceding him, the ingenious detective, with the aid of Dr Watson, is confronted in these stories by some of his most fiendishly difficult cases yet. The collection culminates in `The Final Problem', in which the evil Professor Moriarty is plotting the detective's downfall. Soon Holmes and Watson are led across Europe in a deadly pursuit of their devilish quarry, until the final showdown in Switzerland, at the precipitous Reichenbach Falls... Stories included are: The Silver Blaze The Yellow Face Adventure of The Stockbroker's Clerk The Gloria Scott The Musgrave Ritual The Reigate Puzzle The Crooked Man The Resident Patient The Greek Interpreter The Naval Treaty The Final Problem

Regarded as one of the most influential horror stories of all time and the inspiration for countless literary spin-offs, the tale of the young Englishman Jonathan Harker's journey into the very heart of Count Dracula's evil realm remains a compelling read to this day. A thriller of hypnotic power, a dark exploration of human passion, mythology and the paranormal, and a plain old-fashioned masterpiece of storytelling, the nightmarish saga of Dracula is one of the enduring classics of supernatural fiction.

"Why should we get a brand-new dog when Hen is as good as new to us?" asks the young boy at the center of this story. The adorable mixed-breed pup is brought home in a cardboard box, given toys, and some food-and then proceeds to enthusiastically eat up his loving home. When nothing can be done (and all the pocket money has been spent on new toys) the boy's wise and thrifty grandmother finds a helpful solution. Readers of all ages will laugh at Hen's boundless energy and parents especially will identify with the challenges of training a headstrong dog. Any family that has ever adopted a rescue pet will appreciate this story's gentle lesson about finding value in our less-than-perfect belongings and loved ones.

What do you do when a bug just won’t buzz off?! A beautiful new picture book from the author/illustrator of Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School.

When a little bug looks for safety on a little girl’s arm and won’t let go, she moves from annoyance to affection in this stylishly atmospheric and quietly unforgettable tale from the author of ‘Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School’ and ‘The Frank Show’.

A modern-day fable about being a friend and the contentment that can come your way when you choose to be kind makes this an important book for today’s new generation. Perfect for ages four and up.