The Story of Castles (+ Audio CD) Lesley Sims Usborne

- 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 • - Featuring the humorous illustrations of Teri Gower • - Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton • - The CD includes lively music and sound effects, and a listen along version followed by a read along version with prompts for page turns

A compelling account of the story of slavery - from ancient times, through the plantations of the Caribbean and America, to the official abolition of the slave trade more than 200 years ago. Recounts the stories of people who were enslaved, including their daring tales of resistance and escape. Highlights the continued existence of slavery today and what you can do to help stop it

This is an updated addition to Usborne Young Reading Series 2, which is aimed at children whose reading ability is beginning to grow, and helps build confidence and ability. It is a lively and engaging look at the story of the Olympic Games, from its foundations in Ancient Greece to the global spectacles seen by modern audiences. It is humorously illustrated throughout by Paddy Mounter. It is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University

- Three exciting adventure stories for children just beginning to read • - The Knights of King Arthur were the bravest, strongest and most loyal knights of all, which these stories show as they battle dragons, slay giant ogres and rescue maidens in distress • - Evocatively illustrated by Alan Marks • - Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University

Harry is hungry, but Nell doesn't want to give him any food. Then Harry says, "I can make soup from a stone." How can he do that? • Includes a word list, 5 pages of activities and free online audio (British English and American English) • Retold by Mairi Mackinnon

The Story of the Stone (c. 1760), also known by the title of The Dream of the Red Chamber, is the great novel of manners in Chinese literature • Divided into five volumes, of which The Debt of Tears is the fourth, it charts the glory and decline of the illustrious Jia family (a story which closely accords with the fortunes of the author's own family). The two main characters, Bao-yu and Dai-yu, are set against a rich tapestry of humour, realistic detail and delicate poetry, which accurately reflects the ritualized hurly-burly of Chinese family life. But over and above the novel hangs the constant reminder that there is another plane of existence - a theme which affirms the Buddhist belief in a supernatural scheme of things