Picture Books Series

Book 20

Stories from Around the World for Children

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.

Stone Soup

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 July 2005

A traditional folktale retold for beginner readers. When a traveller comes to town he claims to be able to make a wonderful soup from only water and a stone. He only needs a few more ingredients...Will the townspeople realise that they're being tricked? This picture book edition of a classic fable is illustrated by Georgien Overwater.

Old MacDonald had a Farm

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 November 2014

A beautifully illustrated, paperback picture book edition of this well-known and much-loved sing-a-long story. The story of farmer Macdonald and the multitude of noisy animals who live on his farm, quacking, mooing and neighing all day long! Perfect for young children who can follow the story as it is read and join in for the E-I-E-I-O.

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.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 June 2005

A lively retelling of this classic fairytale from the Brothers Grimm, recounting the story of a beautiful princess with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony; Charmingly illustrated by Desideria Guicciardini; Young readers will treasure this beautiful gift edition, which is published in hardback with a ribbon marker; The Young Reading Series is designed to encourage independent reading and covers a range of subject matter, including the retelling of children's classics, fairytales, and a wide variety of narrative non-fiction.

Twelve Days of Christmas

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 September 2013

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me a partridge in a pear tree…' A stunningly illustrated picture book version of the well-known, traditional Christmas song, which is perfect for sharing over the festive season. Each page depicts a different line from the song, brought to life by Violeta Dabija's lavish and richly coloured illustrations. Little children will love hearing this festive rhyme read aloud, while more confident readers can enjoy it alone.

The Ant and the Grasshopper

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 December 2012

Ant and Grasshopper have very different ideas about how to spend the summer. Find out what happens when winter comes, in this delightful retelling of the classic Aesop fable. Simple and engaging text is accompanied by enchanting illustrations.

Wizard of Oz

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 January 2013

A brilliant read-aloud version of the much-loved classic story by L. Frank Baum. Join Dorothy and her little dog Toto on the yellow brick road, as they set off to explore the magical Land of Oz. Can they find the Wizard, defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, and return to Kansas? With simple text and charming illustrations to bring the story to life for younger readers.

How Elephant's lost their Wings

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 January 2008

Believe it or not, elephants used to be able to fly. But flying elephants were big trouble... Simply written in lively, flowing text Usborne First Reading books are designed to capture the imagination and build the confidence of beginner readers. This book includes audio, simple comprehension puzzles and downloadable worksheets and teacher's notes.

"For every parent, child and teacher weary of the monotony of the average reading scheme, Usborne's First Reading series will offer rays of sunlight. The books are carefully levelled and offer a huge variety of accessible and fun, fiction and non-fiction." - Tamara Linke (Proprietor, Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop)

Rabbit's Tale

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 April 2013

A captivating picture book based on a traditional English tale. Rabbit's burrow is too small so he goes to Owl for advice. Owl suggests he invites all his friends and relations to stay - will that really solve Rabbit's problem? This lively retelling is enhanced by Fred Blunt's witty and endearing illustrations, which offer lots of opportunities for extra things to spot and discuss as you share the story.

'Twas the Night before Christmas

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 September 2013

This is a gorgeous gift edition of the traditional and much-loved Christmas poem with a sound panel to play Christmas music and sounds. Wonderful illustrations, combined with original music by Anthony Marks, bring the magic of Christmas Eve to life. Little children will love pressing the sound panel to hear the bells of Santa's sleigh, Santa falling down the chimney and other enchanting sound effects.

Magical Stories for Little Children

by Lesley Sims

Published 1 January 2012

Puss in Boots

by Lesley Sims

Published 27 April 2023

All Tom has in the world is his pet cat, but this cat can talk - and he has a stylish taste in boots. Thanks to Cat, Tom is soon meeting the king and defeating an ogre in Charles Perrault's fantastical fairy tale, specially retold for younger children. With free online audio.