3.3 Young Reading Series Three (Purple) Series

William dreams of acting and writing plays. This ambition takes him from the quiet country town of Stratford to the great playhouses of London, where his talent takes the city by storm. The life of Britain’s most famous playwright told for children ready to tackle longer and more complex books. With internet links to recommended websites to find out more about Shakespeare and his plays.

The Impressionists

by Rosie Dickins

Published 27 March 2009

The story of one of the major art movements of the 19th Century told for children ready to tackle longer and more complex stories. Today, Impressionist paintings draw huge crowds and sell for millions. But when they were first painted they caused public outrage. This is the fascinating story of those called The Impressionists. With reproductions of Impressionist paintings and details of the lives of the painters, and internet links to websites to find out more. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

Dracula

by Rosie Dickins

Published 30 November 2007

A dramatic retelling of Bram Stoker's classic horror story retold for children ready to tackle longer and more complex stories. Jonathan Harker has no idea of the horrors that await him in Castle Dracula. An ancient evil is alive and hungry for new blood. Can Jonathan and his friends defeat it? Each scene is vividly brought to life with Victor Tavares’ illustrations. 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.

Frankenstein

by Rosie Dickins

Published 26 September 2008

The classic horror story by Mary Shelley retold for children ready to tackle longer and more complex stories. Victor Frankenstein dreams of creating life. As lightning flashes across the sky, his creature stirs. Will it be the perfect being he imagines, or a monster? Each scene is atmospherically brought to life with Victor Tavares’ illustrations. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

Othello

by Rosie Dickins

Published 1 August 2014

William Shakespeare's tragic play about The Moor of Venice, fully illustrated and retold for younger readers. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme, this book is written for fully confident readers who still need to gain the stamina needed for standard length books.

"Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme." - Julia Eccleshare