'Joyce Dunbar is one of the best writers for children today.' (The Guardian) A powerful and personal story from Joyce Dunbar about what it's like to experience hearing difficulties. Dylan can't hear as well as he used to be able to and he doesn't want to be different from his friends - he wants to be able to hear like everyone else. As his hearing gets worse he becomes more and more isolated from his friends. Luckily his dog Pluto is there to keep him down to earth... This heartwarming story from Joyce Dunbar has beautiful black-and-white illustrations by TBC and is perfect for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with brilliant books to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2, with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence, covering a wide range of genres and topics. With charming illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for reading both in the classroom and at home. For more information visit www.bloomsburyguidedreading.com. Book Band: Lime Ideal for ages 6+

From the creator of the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes the hilarious and entertaining festive tale for the whole family, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. Starring the Santa Claus whom we all know and love, L. Frank Baum's story takes us back to the fantastical origins of so many of our Christmas traditions as well as the humble origins of Santa Claus himself. Not many people know that, as a baby, Santa Claus was found by a woodsman in the Forest of Burzee, and placed into the care of the lioness, Shiegra, and the wood nymph, Necile. Although he is mortal, he is reared and educated by the many immortals of the forest: the gnomes, the sleep fays, the wind demons and the sound imps. But when Santa grows up, they encourage him to leave the forest so that he can see for himself the sad things that come with being a mortal, such as war and poverty. Once Santa has come to understand these issues, he makes it his mission to cheer up mortals and do good deeds for them. This tale unfolds the surprising reasons why Santa Claus invented toys, why he must deliver them at night and how he came to use reindeers to take him all over the world. Adults and children alike will be captivated by this magical, feel-good story as told by the master of children's fantasy, L. Frank Baum.