The Snow Queen

by Lesley Sims

Published 27 August 2004
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.

The Wind in the Willows

by Lesley Sims

Published 31 August 2007
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.

The Story of Castles

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 April 2004
The fascinating history of castles told for children just beginning to read growing in reading confidence and ability. Explains in a lively way why castles were first built, what it was like to live in one, and the cunning tricks used to defend them. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. 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.

Alice in Wonderland

by Lesley Sims

Published 31 March 2006
Attractive retelling of Lewis Carroll's story with evocative illustrations. Clear, engaging text to encourage independent reading with direct speech and speech bubbles. 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.

Story of Flying

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 April 2004
The history of man-made flight for children growing in reading confidence. From Da Vinci to the Wright Brothers, find out how people dreamed of taking to the sky in complex "flying machines", before inventions such as hot-air balloons, airships, helicopters and of course aeroplanes made it all possible. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.

A Christmas Carol

by Lesley Sims

Published 31 October 2003
The classic Dickens story retold for children growing in reading confidence. Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean-spirited old man who hates everything - even Christmas! But when three spirits visit him one Christmas Eve, Scrooge is taken on a journey into the past, present and future that will change him forever. 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.

The Magical Book

by Lesley Sims

Published 31 May 2007
An enchanting tale for children growing in reading confidence based on the story by E. Nesbit. When young King Leo disobeys his advisors and opens the magical book, a greedy dragon is released. He must find a solution before his kingdom is eaten. Can the magical book can help? Featuring the sumptuous illustrations of Victor Tavares. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 June 2005
A delightful version of Shakespeare's play specially retold for children to read themselves. The enchanting story of magic and mix-ups, fairies and fools is retold in a captivating style, with beautiful illustrations that bring the characters to life. Includes links to carefully chosen websites with video clips and activities. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence.

Alice Through The Looking-Glass

by Lesley Sims

Published 27 February 2009
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.

The Secret Garden

by Lesley Sims

Published 30 November 2007
The enchanting classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Mary Lennox feels forlorn and lonely in her uncle's gloomy house on the moors. But behind an old ivy-covered wall is a garden, waiting to be discovered. Beautifully illustrated by Alan Marks, winner of the Carnegie Medal. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.