The fascinating history of castles specially written as part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme. for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Explains why castles were first built, what it was like to live in one, and the cunning tricks used to defend them.

A lively retelling of the classic rags to riches tale with delightful artwork to match. A button on each page allows the reader to hear the story as they read. Retold by Lesley Sims.

One starry night, a long, long time ago, a very special baby was born. Follow the animals, the shepherds and three wise men to say hello to him. Beautifully illustrated by Ag Jatkowska, this delightful retelling of the Nativity story has been specially written for little children. This is a revised edition of the title previously published as Baby Jesus. Retold by Lesley Sims.

The classic story retold for children growing in reading confidence. Mole, Ratty, Badger and the infamous Mr Toad love nothing more than messing around on the river. But when Mr Toad develops an obsession with motor vehicles, will his friends be able to help before he loses everything? Featuring the charming illustrations of Mauro Evangelista. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. Adapted by Lesley Sims.

Six titles in the popular "Young Reading" series are re-issued with hardback covers with audio CDs inserted into a wallet inside the back cover, making the book and CD easy to store together. "The Young Reading" series is developed with experts at Roehampton University to help young readers grow in confidence and ability. The new packaging allows potential purchasers to view the inside of the book.

Bah Humbug! That's how Ebeneezer Scrooge feels about Christmas - until the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future decide to show the crotchety old miser the error of his ways. Together they travel through time, revisiting all the people who have played an important role in Scrooge's life. And as their journey concludes, Scrooge is reminded of what it means to have love in his heart, and what the true spirit of Christmas is all about. A timeless story the whole family will enjoy! Retold by Lesley Sims.

The quirky sequel to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. After returning from Wonderland, Alice's adventures continue when she steps through a looking glass and into the topsy-turvy world beyond. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. Retold by Lesley Sims.

The traditional European folktale retold for beginner readers to tackle with very light support. Nat and Ned are poor and often hungry, until Ned rescues a wish-granting fairy. But are all their troubles over for good? Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. Includes several pages of reading-related puzzles. Retold by Lesley Sims.

Welcome to Apple Tree Farm, where every day brings a new adventure for Poppy and Sam! This collection of ten delightful stories includes a curious piglet, a naughty sheep and a silly sheepdog. Each story features charming illustrations by Stephen Cartwright, and there's a Little Yellow Duck to spot in every picture too. Adapted by Lesley Sims.

Snuggle up with Poppy and Sam, and enjoy these ten gentle tales of their adventures on Apple Tree Farm. Stories include a runaway tractor, a journey on an old steam train, a camping trip and lots more. Each story features charming illustrations by Stephen Cartwright, and there's a Little Yellow Duck to spot in every picture too. Adapted by Lesley Sims.

A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale about the wicked Snow Queen’s attempt to kidnap a boy in the frozen north. Beautifully and atmospherically illustrated by Alan Marks, winner of the Carnegie Medal. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence. Also available with an audio CD with a dramatic listen-along recording with music and sound effects, followed by a read-along version with prompts for page turns. Retold by Lesley Sims.

A charming rendition of a German folktale specially written for beginner readers, featuring Santa, seven spiders and a Christmas surprise... It's Christmas Eve and all is ready for Christmas - until seven spiders cover the tree in cobwebs. Will Christmas Day be ruined - or can Father Christmas save the Day? Beautiful illustrations bring the sparkle of Christmas to this enchanting text, and the clear, easy-reading style is ideal for beginner readers. Includes fun puzzles at the end of the text to aid comprehension. Retold by Lesley Sims.

An enchanting collection of one hundred of the best-loved stories ever told, from elegant retellings of Grimm and Andersen to lively folk tales from around the world. Includes favourite stories such as The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and many more. Beautifully presented with illustrations that capture the warmth and wonder of these classic tales. An essential addition to every family bookshelf and a wonderful gift to be treasured. Retold by Sarah Courtauld, Susanna Davidson, Katie Daynes, Rosie Dickins, Russell Punter, Mary Sebag-Montefiore and Lesley Sims.

Castles and fortresses of medieval Europe Follow photographer Frederic Chaubin as he embarks on a unique, century-spanning journey through Europe. Featuring images of more than 200 buildings in 21 countries, Stone Age presents the history and architecture of the most dramatic medieval castles of the continent in an unprecedented collection. Building on the success of his foray into Soviet design with CCCP, Chaubin once again documents the afterlife of highly rational structures that seem out of place in a modern-day world. Precursors of Brutalism, these castles value function over form and epitomize the raw materials and shapes that would go on to define so much of architectural history. Shot on film with a Linhof view camera, the collection is the outcome of five years of travel and investigation. Complete with a practical map and explanatory essay, its castles tell the story of 400 years, unfolding through the feudal Middle Ages into the 15th century. A photographic study of decay as much as endurance, Stone Age traces the history of some of these singular structures that continue to enchant their audiences today and that occupy a distinct, mystical place in our collective imagination.

Rosie is a compelling novel by the bestselling author Lesley Pearse. Her brutal, violent family will be the death of her... Without a mother, Rosie is at the mercy of her father and thuggish brothers. Then one day a friend comes to the farm in the form of cockney housekeeper Heather Farley. But soon enough Heather vanishes, abandoning Rosie to her fate. Only when Thomas Farley comes to find his sister several years later, does Rosie learn the terrible truth about Heather - and her family. Running away from home, she finds herself pursued by the man who brought ruin on her family. Is he out to get her too? Or could he have some other reason for chasing her? Lesley Pearse, author of the UK and international best-sellers Stolen and Belle, tells a captivating and powerful story of family and secrets in her compelling novel Rosie. If you like Susan Lewis, you'll love Lesley Pearse.

Chang is the best painter in all of China, so it's Chang the Emperor sends for when his new temple needs painting. But why is Chang painting dragons without any eyes? Is it true, as he claims, that if you add eyes, painted dragons come to life? This delightful retelling has sweet, simple text and gorgeous illustrations, with plenty for children to spot as Chang paints his surprising dragons. Retold by Lesley Sims.