An amusing and informative history of the toilet, from cavemen’s holes in the ground to Thomas Crapper’s flushing toilet. Equally interesting tales of telephones, frozen food, soccer nets, safety razors and space inventions follow… A hardback gift edition with a colourful satin ribbon marker. Part of Young Reading Series 1 for children just starting to read alone.

Hansel and Gretel

by Katie Daynes

Published 29 April 2005
This classic fairytale from the Brothers Grimm shows Hansel and Gretel pit their wits against their evil stepmother and a wicked witch. Cheerily illustrated throughout by Jan McCafferty. Young readers will treasure this gift edition, which is published in hardback with a ribbon marker. Part of Young Reading Series 1 for readers growing in confidence.

A classic folktale retold with easy-reading text for children who have just started reading alone. Ali Baba has discovered a cave full of treasure. It's a dream come true! But soon he has a nosy brother and forty thieves to deal with... Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

The Story of Chocolate

by Katie Daynes

Published 1 December 2004
The fascinating history of chocolate told for children just beginning to read. Follows the story of the world’s most popular treat from its origins in the rainforests of Central America to shops and factories everywhere. Featuring the humorous illustrations of Adam Larkum. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.

Little Mermaid

by Katie Daynes

Published 26 August 2005
A beautiful retelling of the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen, with lyrical text and evocative watercolour illustrations to bring the story to life. The little mermaid lives at the bottom of the sea, where the water is as clear as glass and the sand as fine as powder. She longs to see the world above the waves, but at what cost? Perfect for children to pore over on their own, or to share together.

Elves and the Shoemaker

by Katie Daynes

Published 27 May 2004
The classic tale of the elves and the shoemaker specially re-written for children starting to read on their own
Beautifully illustrated by Desideria Guicciardini.
Part of Young Reading Series 1 for children just starting to read alone.

Things don't look good for Icarus and his dad. They're imprisoned in a tower inside a maze on a rocky island. Can a daring idea fly them both to freedom? This colourfully illustrated adaptation of the classic story from Ancient Greece has been specially written for young readers who have just started to read alone.

Jack and the Beanstalk

by Katie Daynes

Published 1 January 2006
The classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk humorously revisited. Clear, engaging text, accompanied by stunning original illustrations. Developed in conjunction with reading experts from the University of Surrey. Part of Young Reading Series 1 for children just starting to read alone.

A classic adventure story for children who have just started to read alone. Sinbad is the most fearless sailor on the seven seas, facing trolls, giants, whales and wild storms on his adventures. But is his luck about to run out? Vibrantly illustrated by Paddy Mounter. Developed in conjunction with reading experts from Roehampton University.