A lively story to inspire beginner readers. Based on the principles of synthetic phonics, supports the "Letters and Sounds" programme used in thousands of UK primary schools. Child reads with an adult’s support, and gains practice reading different spellings of the same vowel sounds. Fun puzzles test understanding, and provide opportunities for discussion and further reading practice.

Jonathan Harker is a guest in Cout Dracula’s castle. The Count is friendly, but something doesn’t seem quite right, As Jonathan explores the castle, he begins to guess at the terrible truth. Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English).

A delightful 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; the child's text uses all the letters of the alphabet in their most regularly-pronounced forms. Fun puzzles test understanding, and provide opportunities for discussion and further reading practice.

The Russian folktale retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Prince Ivan sets off in search of the Firebird, which has been stealing his father's golden apples. A story of bravery, determination and magic that has captivated generations, and inspired iconic paintings, music and ballet. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. Retold by Mairi Mackinnon.

From the classic adventure by Robert Louis Stevenson. An old sailor comes to stay at Jim Hawkins quiet inn. One night a terrifying visitor arrives, and Jim escapes with a mysterious map. His friend Squire Trelawney fits out a ship - but can the crew, even the friendly Long John Silver, be trusted? The Usborne English Readers series is a new range of graded readers in simplified English for younger learners. They include activities, glossaries and a full audio recording of the text in both British English and American English.

Usborne English Learner's Editions are a selection of titles from the bestselling Usborne Reading Programme, offering extra support to learners and teachers of English. Advanced Level word count: 1800-2500 words. The Russian folktale retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Prince Ivan sets off in search of the Firebird, which has been stealing his father's golden apples. A story of bravery, determination and magic that has captivated generations, and inspired iconic paintings, music and ballet. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

From the classic fairy tale. When the Queen's longed-for baby is born, the King invites seven fairies to the party in celebration. However, he fails to invite one malevolent fairy, and when the princess is sixteen years old, she hurts her hand on a spindle and falls asleep for a hundred years. With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English.

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.

King Midas really likes gold. King Midas would like more gold. How can he make more gold? Gold is always a good thing… isn't it? Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English). Retold by Mairi Mackinnon.

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). Retold by Mairi Mackinnon.

A delightful story to inspire beginner readers. Based on the principles of synthetic phonics, supports the "Letters and Sounds" programme used in thousands of UK primary schools. Child reads with an adult’s support, and gains practice reading different spellings of the same vowel sounds. Fun puzzles test understanding, and provide opportunities for discussion and further reading practice.

For children who are just beginning to learn to read, this book introduces simple words with easy letter sounds. It follows the UK government's reading strategy which uses synthetic phonics.

The seventh title in the new "Usborne Very First Reading" series, designed for younger children to introduce them to reading together with their parents. Parents and children take turns to read from the page (the text clearly marked for who should be reading) and as the books progress in the series the adults read less and less and the child more and more. There are puzzles at the end to check the child's understanding of the text and guidance notes for the parents. Beautiful illustrations help to motivate beginner readers.

From one of Shakespeare's best-loved plays. Romeo's family and Juliet's are enemies. The young people meet without realizing each other's identities, and fall in love. At first, it seems that their secret marriage may bring the families together, but a series of misunderstandings leads to tragedy. With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English. The Usborne English Readers series is a new range of graded readers in simplified English for younger learners. They include activities, glossaries and a full audio recording of the text in both British English and American English.

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.

A popular European folk tale. A little old woman makes a boy out of gingerbread. When she opens the oven, the gingerbread man jumps out and runs away. Animals, farmers and schoolchildren join the chase. Finally a fox offers to carry the gingerbread man across a river. How kind of him - or is it? The Usborne English Readers series is a new range of graded readers in simplified English for younger learners. They include activities, glossaries and a full audio recording of the text in both British English and American English.