A beautiful anthology for animal lovers of ten folk tales, beautifully retold for a new generation of readers. Discover how Anansi the spider brought stories to the world, how trickster Coyote stole fire and follow a heroic wolf who helps a prince find a firebird. Full of magic and wonder, these tales will take you around the world, from desolate mountains and winter forests to lush jungles, meeting brave and inspiring animals along the way.

A colourful picture word book with illustrations of around a thousand everyday words. Words are arranged by theme, providing lots to spot and talk about together. A fun way to build a child's vocabulary, with delightful pictures to pore over. Listen to all the words read by a British English speaker at the Usborne Quicklinks website.

Every day, Sam takes the same old sheep up the same old mountain. What can he do to make life more exciting? First Reading Level 3 are real books for beginner readers which develop reading stamina through simple, repetitive text. Includes several pages of reading-related puzzles. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

Croc is late for everything, even her own birthday party! She sleeps through her alarm, misses the bus, and what's worse, she has the hiccups. A surprise birthday present may be just what she needs... Young children will love the humorous rhyming text and lively illustrations in this hilarious picture book, brilliant for sharing together or for children who are beginning to read for themselves. With simple rhyming text and phonic repetition specially designed to develop essential language and early reading skills. Also includes guidance notes for parents at the back of the book.

The classic fable retold with simple text for children just beginning to read. Harry Hare thinks he is the fastest runner around, and when he suggests a race, nobody expects Tom Tortoise to even take up the challenge, let alone stand a chance of winning. But could they all be in for a big surprise? Humorously illustrated by Daniel Howarth. Developed in conjunction with reading experts from Roehampton University. Available as ebook with narration in British English (only on tablets that support audio).

The wicked fairy says, "When she is sixteen, she will hurt her little hand on a spindle and die!" Instead, Princess Rose falls asleep for a thousand years. Who can wake her? Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). 500 headwords, 1,194 words

An appealing story to inspire very beginner readers. Based on the principles of synthetic phonics, supports the "Letters and Sounds" programme used in thousands of UK primary schools. Adult and child take turns to read, and the child's text uses only the letters s a t p i n m d plus new letters g o c k ck e u r. Fun puzzles test understanding, and provide opportunities for discussion and further reading practice.

Strange things are happening at the Paris Opera House. Young singer Christine is suddenly famous - but who is her 'angel of music'? There are stories about a ghost. Can they be true? Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). 800 headwords, 2,346 words

Odysseus and the Greek army have fought the Trojans for ten long years. Will the war ever end? Finally, Odysseus thinks of a clever trick. Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). 800 headwords, 1,304 words

The classic story of The Gingerbread Man retold with simple text and delightful illustrations. When the Gingerbread Man runs away from the old lady’s oven, the whole village is soon chasing after him. First Reading Level Three titles help beginner readers develop reading stamina and include character sheets or maps and the main story. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man! Everyone wants to catch the gingerbread man. Only the fox wants to help him - or does he? Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). 500 headwords800 words

Kind Katie shares her bread and cheese with an old woman on her way through the forest. The woman thanks her with the gift of a magic porridge pot - but it's important to give the pot the right instructions, or the porridge will get out of hand... With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English. CEFR level: low A1. 300 headwords, 526 words.

Chicken Licken is convinced that the sky is falling. One by one, he persuades the other birds around the farm to come with him and tell the King. Then the procession meets Foxy Loxy, who seems extremely keen to help them. Why, he even knows the quickest route... A lively retelling for young English language learners of a well-loved cumulative story, with delightful illustrations full of charming detail.

A lively phonics wordbook specially developed for young children who are just beginning to learn to read. This appealing book uses witty and lively scenes to introduce easy-to-read words and common spelling patterns. An engaging way to build a secure foundation for reading with confidence and pleasure.

A fun and interactive way for children to learn and listen to over 100 everyday English words spoken by a native speaker. Children will love selecting a card with illustrations of a topic such as clothes, food, or animals, slotting it into the book's special frame and pressing an illustration to hear the word read aloud. Each of the four double-sided topic cards shows sixteen words with colourful corresponding pictures. A fun and engaging way for preschool children to learn English as either a first or second language.

An exciting story to inspire very beginner readers. Based on the principles of synthetic phonics, supports the "Letters and Sounds" programme used in thousands of UK primary schools. Adult and child take turns to read, and the child's text uses only the letters s a t p i n m d. Fun puzzles test understanding, and provide opportunities for discussion and further reading practice.

Harry is hungry, but Nell doesn't want to give him any food. Then Harry says, "I can make soup from a stone." How can he do that? Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English).

Sam looks after the sheep all day. He's bored, so he thinks of a story. "Help, help, there's a wolf!" At first, everyone believes him, but then Sam tells the same story again, and again... Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). 500 headwords, 1,111 words

Father Mouse and Mother MOuse always want the best for their daughter, including the best possible husband... but Father Mouse has some rather grand and impractical ideas. Will Molly Mouse end up with the husband she really wants? With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English. CEFR level: low A1. 300 headwords, 598 words.

A popular European folktale retold for young English language learners, with bright, appealing illustrations packed with detail. Sara loves visiting her grandparents and helping in her grandmother's magnificent kitchen garden. When Grandmother tries to harvest one prodigiously huge turnip, she needs all the help she can get... A delightful cumulative story, originally from Russia. With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English.

A lively retelling of the classic Aesop's fable for young English language learners, beautifully illustrated and full of character and humour. "Hello, I'm new here!" says Hare to slow, quiet old Tortoise. Hare talks very fast, and likes to run and jump, and before Tortoise can think twice, he has agreed to an impossible race. But maybe Hare is a little too confident, and Tortoise has a chance of winning after all? And maybe both Hare and Tortoise have some lessons to learn about determination, believing in yourself and winning and losing well. With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English.

When Tom's father dies, Tom has to leave his home with Puss, the cat. Luckily Puss is a very clever cat, and soon Tom is riding in a carriage with the King and his pretty daughter. Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). 500 headwords, 979 words

"I'm sorry, Beast" said Beauty. "I can be your friend, but I can't marry you." Poor Beast! Can Beauty learn to love him? Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). 500 headwords, 1,015 words

Arthur dreams of becoming a knight, but no-one knows who he really is. His dream seems impossible until he finds a shining silver sword, fixed in a stone. What can it mean? Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). 800 headwords, 1,354 words