Picture Books

6 total works

The Wizard of Oz

by Rosie Dickins

Published 27 October 2006

The classic story by L. Frank Baum, retold for children growing in their reading confidence and ability, sumptuously illustrated by Mauro Evangelista. When Dorothy is whizzed to Oz in a tornado, she lands in a place where nothing is quite as it seems. Can she find the Wizard, defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, and be granted her wish to return to Kansas? Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University. 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 Magic Porridge Pot

by Rosie Dickins

Published 28 September 2007

Poor Hannah never has enough to eat, and can't believe her luck when she is given a magic porridge pot. But when a greedy boy steals it, is he in for more than he bargained for? First Reading Level 3 are real books for beginner readers which develop reading stamina through simple, repetitive text.
Featuring the hilarious illustrations of Mike Gordon.
Includes several pages of reading-related puzzles.
Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

Emperor and the Nightingale

by Rosie Dickins

Published 27 April 2007

The classic Hans Christian Andersen story retold with simple text for children just beginning to read. The nightingale sings so sweetly that everyone loves to hear her song. But when the Emperor of China receives a new dazzling mechanical songbird made from gold and rubies, he has eyes for nothing else. What will become of the little nightingale now? Colourfully illustrated by Graham Philpot. Developed in conjunction with reading experts from Roehampton University. Available as ebook with narration in British English (only on tablets that support audio).

Greedy Dog

by Rosie Dickins

Published 1 February 2015

A colourful and lively retelling of Aesop’s fable about why it’s important not to be greedy. Dog is always on the lookout for food. Soon he finds a juicy bone to eat... but will one bone be enough? Very young children will enjoy looking at the delightful illustrations as this book is read aloud to them, whilst the simple text will appeal to children who are starting to read on their own.

Fox and the Crow

by Rosie Dickins

Published 1 December 2014

Crow has a lovely piece of cheese and wouldn't dream of giving it away to sly Fox. But Crow can't resist Fox's flattery - when Fox asks her to sing her beautiful song for him, Crow loses the cheese but learns a valuable lesson.

How the Rhino got his Skin

by Rosie Dickins

Published 1 December 2016

The Rhino has lovely skin that fits just right. But what happens when he spies the cake that Man just made? A special cake with currant and plums in it…This tale is wonderfully illustrated and the first of Kipling’s Just So Stories to feature in the Usborne Reading Programme – stories specially written for children who are learning to read.

Selected for the 2017 Summer Reading Challenge by The Reading Agency, the UK organisation to promote reading.