From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... AD 64 Rome is a frightening place. But little does Christian slave girl Mary realise the dangers that await her when she accompanies her master to the city. It is the day of the chariot races and Mary finds herself the only witness to a terrible crime. Soon it is not just the thieves and drunks she has to worry about, but someone far more cruel and powerful... A tale based on a key moment in Roman history, full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... The day Queen Mary Tudor came to town was the most terrifying day of young Meg's life. The Queen is also known as 'Bloody Mary' because she has anyone who doesn't go to church burned. Everyone wants to impress her, and what better way than by burning a witch. But the "witch" in question, Old Nan, is more clever and cunning than the townspeople who hunt her... Terry Deary's Tudor Tales explore the infamous world of the Tudors through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Tudor settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Every day, hapless hopefuls travel to dirty and dangerous Tudor London, trying to seek their fortunes. But what and who is waiting for them when they get there? Tricksters and conmen, like young Eleanor's family, who prey on their naivety. Meanwhile, the fearsome King Henry VIII has some rather cruel ideas of justice... for everyone. Terry Deary's Tudor Tales explore the infamous world of the Tudors through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Tudor settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... AD 51 Bran is a slave, a prisoner of Rome, but dreams of one day returning to his homeland, Britannia, to fight against the Romans. When the proud young slave is overheard criticizing Rome, he is thrown into prison and faces execution the next day. Luckily, his cell mate Caratacus is a very special prisoner indeed - a British chief. He believes he has a way to save both their skins, but he'll need Bran's help. A tale based on a key moment in Roman history, full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Young Acheron is a liar. Everybody knows it. Troy is under siege and Acheron tells tales of Trojan bravery to entertain Prince Paris and the beautiful Helen at the palace. But when a stranger comes to the city to announce that the Greeks have departed, leaving a special gift of a wooden horse, Acheron is suspicious. He races to tell Prince Paris about the Greek plot, but will anyone at the palace believe him? Terry Deary's Greek Tales explore the world of Ancient Greece through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Greek settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Norway, 793 AD. Fleece was snatched by Viking warriors when she was a young girl. Now she must work for a bullying farmer and his family, looking after their sheep. She longs to return to the country where she was born, but how will she ever make that journey back across the sea? Terry Deary's Viking Tales explore the world and mythology of the Vikings through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people from history and take place in some of the most recognizable Viking settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Whitby, Northern England, 867. Edwin and Luke are young boys training to be monks. It's a quiet life, until one day the Vikings invade. The boys are terrified of the fearsome Danes, whose gods are even more terrifying warriors than they are. What will happen if the boys are caught? Terry Deary's Viking Tales explore the world and mythology of the Vikings through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people from history and take place in some of the most recognisable Viking settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... King Henry VII is a mean and ruthless king and when a young boy named Lambert Simnel lays claim to the throne, Henry is furious. Lambert is no match for the powerful king - can he escape the extraordinary punishment he faces? Terry Deary's Tudor Tales explore the infamous world of the Tudors through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Tudor settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... 387 BC Rome is under attack from the vicious Gauls and the barbarian army is now preparing to besiege the Temple of Juno on Capitol Hill, home of Brutus, a trainee priest. The temple's inhabitants are offered help from the army of Lord Furius, but are not sure if he is to be trusted. However, when rescue eventually comes it is from an even more unlikely source... A tale based on one of the most famous of all Roman legends, full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit. Book band: Grey Ideal for ages 8+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... North America, 1009. The conquering Vikings are delighted to reach North America. The land is green and fertile - it's the perfect place to establish a new home. But first they must learn to get on with the natives. Terry Deary's Viking Tales explore the world and mythology of the Vikings through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people from history and take place in some of the most recognizable Viking settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... This is a tale of Neria, who works in the House of Death helping her father to make mummies. Neria enjoys her work, but when the pharaoh dies, everyone is so busy that Neria is given the responsibility of mummifying the pharaoh's cat, to accompany him to the afterlife. The trouble is, Neria doesn't want to kill and gut the cat! Can she find a way to save it - without being caught and punished? Terry Deary's Egyptian Tales explore the world of Ancient Egypt through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Egyptian settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Nevis Island, Caribbean, 1680 Red-legs Greaves has been a slave, a pirate, and a rich sugar planter. Now he's a prisoner. And next morning, he'll be dead - hanged by the neck for piracy! His only friend is a slave girl called Lou. Can Lou do anything to save Red-legs? It would take a miracle... A fantastic story blending pirate legend with historical fact and Terry Deary's vividly imagined characters. Book Band: Grey Ideal for ages 8+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Plymouth, 1577 Tom is a cabin boy for Captain Francis Drake, on his mission to steal South American gold from the Spanish fleet. Can Tom survive the trip round the world, through waves three times the height of their tiny ship, help Drake defeat the Spanish galleons - and come back rich? A fantastic story blending pirate legend with historical fact and Terry Deary's vividly imagined characters. Book Band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the best-selling author of Horrible Histories... Germany, 1227 One night in a quiet German village, a stranger enters a local tavern. He is Sir Ulrich of Bavaria, a knight with a deadly sword, a noble steed... and a green silk dress. Sir Ulrich fights for Venus, the goddess of love, and dresses as a woman in her honour. He will give a gold ring to any man who dares fight him, but who will step up to such an unusual challenger? A strange and exciting tale, based on a real medieval knight, this story is full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit.

A surprising and entertaining story from former children's laureate and multi-award winner Anne Fine, perfect for children learning to read. Bryce is fed up with tests. So far this week he's had a spelling test, a swimming test, and even a test on his bike. So, on Friday, Bryce decides to surprise the adults with his own test. What happens when Bryce turns the tables on all the adults? The Reading Ladder series helps children to enjoy learning to read. It features well-loved authors, classic characters and favourite topics, so that children will find something to excite and engage them in every title they pick up. It's the first step towards a lasting love of reading. Level 3 Reading Ladder titles are perfect for fluent readers who are beginning to read exciting, challenging stories independently. Varied sentences Detailed illustrations to enjoy Chapters Interesting characters and themes A rich range of vocabulary More complex storylines to stretch confident readers All Reading Ladder titles are developed with a leading literacy consultant, making them perfect for use in schools and for parents keen to support their children's reading. Book band: Gold.

From the best-selling author of Horrible Histories... England, 1485 The future of England is uncertain, the king's allies might really be his enemies, and poor young George is stuck in the crossfire. Held hostage by King Richard III, all George wants to do is become a noble knight. Can he and his servant Robin survive in the cut-throat world of medieval battles, betrayals and suspicious kings? A strange and exciting tale, based on a real medieval knight, this story is full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories, named 'the outstanding children's non-fiction author of the 20th century' by Books For Keeps _______________ Ideal for readers aged 7+ Wessex, Southern England, 878. Fortune is not on the side of the English and the Vikings will soon control all the land. Even young Ethelbert believes he could do a better job than King Alfred. Little does he know that soon he will be called on to prove it. Terry Deary’s Viking Tales explore the world and mythology of the Vikings through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people from history and take place in some of the most recognizable Viking settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period. Book band: Brown Quizzed for Accelerated Reader _______________ ‘Bubbling with wit, language play and robust dialogue....just the right mix of ingredients to trigger young readers' interest in all things historical’ - Books For Keeps

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... In a tunnel under the Thames, an urchin named Jenny and the young Queen Victoria dream of a wonderful new idea - underground trains! Twenty years later, the dream is finally becoming a reality. However, the construction of the Underground is tearing London apart and destroying the home of Jenny and her family. When Jenny comes face-to-face with the Queen again - will she tell her about the human cost of the 'dream'? Terry Deary's Victorian Tales explore the fascinating world of the Victorians, including many of the incredible achievements and breakthroughs that took place, through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the best-selling author of Horrible Histories... Spain, 1099 Cristina is a serving girl at the palace of Valencia, and she has a reputation for being cowardly. El Cid, King Alfonso's greatest knight, is a master of terror. Tomorrow he marches on the blood thirsty Berbers at the city gates, and Cristina must lead him into battle under very strange circumstances... can she find the courage to take the reins and save the day? An unusual tale, based on a real medieval knight, this story is full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... The North Atlantic, 1726 Captain Fly is the greatest pirate to sail the seven seas - or so he says. But his captives Jed and Arthur think he's a bad-tempered bully. Now Captain Fly has ordered his prisoners to work for him as pirates, or he'll kill them! It's time to stop the cruel captain for good... A fantastic story blending pirate legend with historical fact and Terry Deary's vividly imagined characters. Book Band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Henri Giffard has devoted all his free time and money to inventing the first steam-driven hot air balloon. He's determined to make mankind's first ever-powered flight, and so in 1852 he sets off for Paris with just an urchin girl to help him. Thousands of people gather to watch the flight. Will the machine work when the weather changes - or will Henri's dream of flying become his downfall? Terry Deary's Victorian Tales explore the fascinating world of the Victorians, including many of the incredible achievements and breakthroughs that took place, through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... A crowded train takes a wrong turn and hurtles at full speed into a section of track that should have been closed for repair. Among the passengers is the writer Charles Dickens. Can young workman Tommy stop the train in time and save the lives of those on board - or is it already too late? In this dramatic re-telling of one of the worst rail accidents in Victorian Britain, the Staplehurst Railway disaster, Terry Deary's Victorian Tales explore the fascinating world of the Victorians, including many of the incredible achievements and breakthroughs that took place, through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

Collins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds features exciting fiction and non-fiction decodable readers to enthuse and inspire children. They are fully aligned to Letters and Sounds Phases 1-6 and contain notes in the back. The Handbooks provide support in demonstration and modelling, monitoring comprehension and expanding vocabulary. Humpty Dumpty has fallen off the wall! Follow a cast of familiar fairy tale characters as they try to help him. Lilac/Band 0 books are wordless books that tell a story through pictures and are designed to develop an understanding of how stories work. They support early practice of reading and exploration of familiar themes to further develop curiosity and inspiration for early readers. Images from within each scene are pulled out along the bottom of the pages to focus and promote discussion. These books support Phase 1 of Letters and Sounds. Pages 14 and 15 contain an "I Spy" feature, which uses visual support to help children explore the themes and sounds contained within the book. Reading notes within the book provide practical support for reading Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds with children, including a list of all the sounds and words that the book will cover.