Special Collections

Brown Girl Dreaming

A mesmerising story about a young Black girl growing up in America, finding a home and discovering her voice—a multi-award winning New York Times bestseller and President Obama's 'O' Book Club pick.

Brown Girl Dreaming is the unforgettable story of Jacqueline Woodson's childhood, sharing what it was like to grow up as an African-American in the wake of the Civil Rights movement, and discovering the first sparks of an incredible, lifelong gift for writing. It's packed with wonderful reflections on family and on place, in a way that will appeal to listeners from 11 to adult.

Emotionally charged and touching, each line tells the tale of one girl's search to find her voice, her identity and her place in the world.

This book has been a bestseller in the US for almost a decade, winning every accolade and prize including the prestigious Newbery Honor Award, and is now made available to readers in the UK for the first time.(P)2014 Penguin Audio

Date Added: 05/12/2023

A New Adventure

Discover the Magic Faraway Tree and explore the amazing lands it can take you to, in an irresistible new story by bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, set in this much-loved world.

Milo, Mia and Birdy are on a countryside holiday, where they are astonished to find an Enchanted Wood. There they encounter some remarkable creatures, including a man with a head like the moon and a fairy with long, golden hair, who both live in the tallest tree in the wood. Little Birdy is only too happy to find that fairies are real. Even her older brother and sister are soon won over by the magic of the Faraway Tree and the extraordinary places they discover above it, including the Land of Unicorns and the Land of Dragons.

To some listeners (and their families), Moonface and Silky will be familiar friends already. The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton was Jacqueline Wilson's own favourite book as a very young child. Britain's favourite contemporary children's author, author of Hetty Feather and Tracy Beaker, now revisits this glorious magical world, weaving a brand-new story perfect for the next generation of young readers. Discover the magic!

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 05/12/2023

The Story of Greenriver

The animals of Greenriver are in danger. Can Sedge and Silken find their way along the river to each other in time to save their home? A compelling adventure story that listeners aged 8+ will treasure.

Last spring, the otters' home flooded. Now the water is high again. Young otter Sedge believes he can save his holt from another flood—but he has to be brave enough travel downstream for help.Downriver, the beaver lodge is also at risk. Silken—who is too small and weak to do the work needed to strengthen the beavers' dam—feels something calling her up the river.

As the two animals unknowingly swim towards each other, they are drawn to the spirit of Greenriver, who takes the form of a snow-white otter, Lady River. But will Lady River hear their plea for safety?

From million-copy selling Holly Webb comes a modern classic—a lyrical epic journey about two animals and their against-the-odds journey to find each other. Perfect for fans of Pax.

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 05/12/2023

The Wild Before

Can one hare alone change the world? A captivating animal adventure destined to be loved by readers of all ages. A stunning hardback edition printed with recycled materials and eco packaging.One frosty winter's night, a pure white calf is born on an ordinary muddy farm in the light of a silver moon. This is the legendary Mooncalf, whose arrival has been foretold since the dawn of time.Hare knows immediately that if the calf is not saved it will be the end of all things.According to a dream passed down from animal to animal, if the calf dies a great terribleness will come - rising seas, a plague, skies raining down fire... and Hare vows to protect Mooncalf with his life.Upon Mooncalf's arrival, the old bull summons all the animals of the farm and tells them of this dream, warning that they must help Hare in his mission before it is too late.But it's easier said than done, and soon Hare realises that he must act on his own...A stunning prequel to the award-winning bestselling The Last Wild trilogy, with themes of climate change, hope and friendship.'Piers Torday is the new master of books for children who like magic and modernity with their lust for adventure' The Times(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 04/25/2022

There May Be a Castle

A remarkable story about love and death from the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction PrizeEleven-year-old Mouse is travelling to see his grandparents on Christmas Eve with his mother and two sisters. But it's snowing, and visibility is bad, and the car goes off the road, and crashes. Mouse is thrown from the car. When he wakes, he's not in his world any more. He meets a sheep named Bar, who can only say Baaa, and a sarcastic horse named Nonky, who is a surprising mix of his beloved toy horse and his older sister.So begins a quest to find a castle in a world of wonder - a world of monsters, minstrels, dangerous knights and mysterious wizards; a world of terrifying danger but also more excitement than Mouse has ever known.But why are they looking for a castle? As the cold grows, we realise it might just have something to do with the family he's left behind; and that Mouse's quest is more important than ever. This is a novel about love and death. It's about the power of stories to change the way we view the world - and it's about the power of a child to change their own world. Emotionally arresting but ultimately uplifting, this is a remarkable novel for our times.(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 04/21/2022

The Lost Magician

'If you can imagine it, it exists ... somewhere.' A spellbinding adventure from the bestselling, award-winning author of The Last Wild trilogy. 1945. They have survived the Blitz, but when Simon, Patricia, Evelyn and Larry step through a mysterious library door, it is the beginning of their most dangerous adventure yet. They discover the magical world of Folio, where an enchanted kingdom of fairy knights, bears and tree gods is under threat from a sinister robot army. The many stories of the Library are locked in eternal war, and the children's only hope is to find their creator - a magician who has been lost for centuries. What they find will change not just their own lives, but the fate of the world, for ever ...An ode to the world of Narnia, The Lost Magician is a classic in the making from one of the UK's most talented children's authors. Praise for Piers Torday:'The new master of books for children' - The Times(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 04/25/2022

The Frozen Sea

A spellbinding adventure from the bestselling, award-winning author of The Last Wild trilogy.'A dazzling adventure by an award-winning storyteller' i Newspaper'Utterly brilliant ... a nail-biting adventure of twists and turns' Book TrustJewel Hastings doesn't know who she is. But she is about to discover that she is one of the most remarkable people to have ever walked the earth...On the run from school bullies, Jewel tumbles through the door of a mysterious old bookshop and falls headlong into Folio, the world of the imagination. There, she must begin a quest to rescue her missing aunt, helped only by her rude pet hamster Fizz and a malfunctioning copper robot. From the shimmering lights of the Idea Jungle, to the desolate expanse of the Frozen Sea, their mission will bring them face-to-face with a danger both more magnificent and more deadly than they ever imagined. And what Jewel discovers will change her life, for ever...'Masterly storytelling - both entertaining and profound' THE TIMES on THE LOST MAGICIAN(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Noel Streatfeild's Holiday Stories

*'Classic Noel Streatfeild at her warm-hearted best. I absolutely loved it' Hilary McKay, author of THE SKYLARKS' WAR*'Such rewarding reading' Daily TelegraphThere are stories for every reader in this delightful collection - exciting crime-solving adventures; nervous young actors in the spotlight for the first time; unforgettable holidays and unlikely friendships.Featuring beautiful illustrations by PETER BAILEYStories include: The Plain One; Devon Mettle; Chicken for Supper; Flag's Circus; The Secret; Coralie; Ordinary Me; Cows Eat Flowers; Andrew's Trout; The Old Fool; Let's Go Coaching; Howard; The Quiet Holiday; Roberta; Green SilkOriginally written for annuals and magazines from the 1930s-70s, these newly discovered stories make captivating reading for Noel Streatfeild fans of all ages.

Date Added: 05/17/2022

Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories

'The wonderful Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories collects, for the first time, nine festive stories originally written for annuals and magazines in the 1940s and 1950s . . . As ever, Streatfeild's children always feel utterly real and relatable. A beautifully produced treat' Anna Carey, Irish Times In this captivating collection of stories by the author of Ballet Shoes, there are auditions on stage and antics on ice, trips to the pantomime, holiday adventures, and laughter shared with family and friends. Charming, heartwarming and funny, this collection will bring joy to readers of all ages.Originally written in 1940s-60s for annuals, magazines and the radio, these stories have never been collected before.With enchanting line drawings by by Peter Bailey.Stories include:The AuditionThe Bells Keep Twelfth NightThe Moss RoseThimbleThe PrincessThe ChainChristmas at CollersThe Pantomime GooseSkating to the Stars

Date Added: 05/17/2022

The Dragon's Eye

THE DRAGON'S EYE tells the story of Dr Drake, the world famous dragonologist working in London and Sussex. When two young apprentice dragonologists, Beatrice and Daniel Cook, are taken into his care to attend his Dragonology summer school, all sorts of trouble ensues. The three must deal with wayward dragons, missing diaries and the evil antics of the terrible Ignatius Crook, who is intent on stealing the dragon's eye and claiming the title of Dragon Master for himself. This brilliant novel, spanning the British Isles, brings to life many of the elements that fascinated readers in Dragonology. Find out more about SASD - the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonologists - meet some dragons in the flesh, hear them tell their own secrets and learn all about dragons and how to keep an indispensable dragon.

Date Added: 05/23/2022

The Dragon Diary

The fire-breathing fiction series continues! Two young dragonologists set off on a daring, wing-borne mission — while rushing to crack an ancient Dragonish code. Fresh from recovering the Dragon's Eye, apprentice dragonologists Daniel and Beatrice Cook eagerly await the hatching of the dragon's egg in their care. But just as the shell begins to crack, their mentor, Dr. Ernest Drake, is called off to India to look for their missing parents and tend to the gravely ill naga dragons they've left behind. Meanwhile, the siblings receive a tip that the secret to curing dragons may lie in an age-old Dragon Diary, if only they could decipher it! Dragon lovers will soar breathlessly along with the plucky pair as (dragon baby in tow) they fly away on the furtive Dragon Express, traversing the globe on one dragon after another while struggling to solve the mystery of the Dragon Diary — before it's too late.

Date Added: 05/23/2022

Opal Moonbaby: Opal Moonbaby

Martha's decided friends are stupid. Especially if they're anything like Colette and Chloe. She never wants another friend. Ever.But it's the first day of the summer holidays, and there's not that much to do... until she spots a strange little furry creature who leads her to Opal Moonbaby. Opal's been sent down from her planet on a mission: to work out what on earth people are (and my goodness - people are strange) and to make a friend.Read by Chris Barrie. To his legions of fans across the world, Chris is best known as Rimmer - the Red Dwarf character who made love only once in his life. To others he is Hilary, Angelina Jolie's butler in Tomb Raider; or Gordon Brittas, the most irritating manager in the history of the British leisure centre industry. After moving to London from his native Northern Ireland, Chris started out in the comedy clubs as an impressionist then he was picked up by the producers of Spitting Image, and he went on to provide the voices for a stream of characters from HRH Prince Charles to Paul Daniels. Other acting roles include the part of Alexander Pope in the Channel 4 production of Handel: Honour, Profit and Pleasure, Zastrozzi, televised in April 1986 and a lead role in Plague of Goodness, the controversial Radio 4 Monday Play.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 04/21/2022

Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy

Four hilarious unabridged stories with really horrid music and sound effects:Horrid Henry tries to fool the Tooth Fairy into giving him some money despite the fact that his teeth appear to be "superglued to his gums".He creates havoc as a pageboy at a wedding.He gets rid of Moody Margaret, an unwanted guest.He "breaks in" the new teacher.Read by Miranda Richardson

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry's Revenge

Wickedly subversive, hilariously funny and bang up to date, Horrid Henry's fame is spreading. In this collection, enhanced by Miranda Richardson's inspired reading and really horrid music and sound effects, Henry accompanies his father to the office, hacks into his parents' computer, meets the Demon Dinner Lady and plans the ultimate revenge on Perfect Peter.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry's Nightmare

Four hilarious new HH stories - HH's Mother's Day, probably not the day his mum looks forward to most in the year, HH's Nightmare where Henry's chased by a ghost bunny with huge teeth, a wailing graveyard ghost and, for good measure, a slimy zombie, then a new story about one of his greatest enemies in The Return of the Demon Dinner lady and last but not least Fluffy Struts Her Stuff.Read by Miranda Richardson. Miranda Richardson has appeared in films such as THE HOURS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE CRYING GAME, EMPIRE OF THE SUN and HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. TV work includes A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME, JACKANORY, Queen Elizabeth in BLACKADDER and Queen Mary in THE LOST PRINCE. She has won two Spoken Word awards for her inspired readings of HORRID HENRY AND THE SECRET CLUB and HORRID HENRY'S STINKBOMB audiobooks for Orion.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry's Krazy Ketchup

The 23rd Horrid Henry storybook containing four brand new stories - including Horrid Henry's Ketchup, Horrid Henry's Chicken, The Revenge of the Bogey Babysitter and Horrid Henry Tells It Like It Is.Discover the one thing Horrid Henry is scared of, watch out for the return of Rabid Rebecca, find out what happens when Henry makes a film about his family and lots more in the most hilarious and horrid storybook yet. Horrid Henry is illustrated by Tony Ross, who also illustrates David Walliams' children's books, as well as his own picture books.Read by Miranda Richardson. Miranda Richardson has appeared in films such as THE HOURS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE CRYING GAME, EMPIRE OF THE SUN and HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. TV work includes A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME, JACKANORY, Queen Elizabeth in BLACKADDER and Queen Mary in THE LOST PRINCE. She has won two Spoken Word awards for her inspired readings of HORRID HENRY AND THE SECRET CLUB and HORRID HENRY'S STINKBOMB audiobooks for Orion.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry's Haunted House

These are the stories of Horrid Henry, the child that every teacher has nightmares about. This download inlcudes four unabridged stories with really horrid music and effects:-Horrid Henry and the Comfy Black ChairHorrid Henry's Haunted HouseHorrid Henry's New Teacher Horrid Henry Minds his MannersRead by Miranda Richardson(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick

These are the stories of Horrid Henry 'the child that every teacher has nightmares about. Four complete and unabridged stories with really horrid music and sound effects:Horrid Henry has a bad day and runs away - only to be lured back by pancakes. He cheats in every possible way at sports day. He thinks of a novel way to get rich quick and ensures by devious means he gets what he wants for Christmas.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampire

Four new stories in which Horrid Henry terrorizes his classmates at a school sleepover in the museum; plays with Perfect Peter and tricks him into handing over all his money; gets out of writing his own story for Miss Battle-Axe by adapting one of Peter's; and meets the Nudie Foodie, a celebrity chef, who comes to the school to improve school dinners. No more burgers! No more chips!Read by Miranda Richardson(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry and the Secret Club

Includes four hilarious unabridged stories with really horrid music and sound effects :-Horrid Henry's InjectionHorrid Henry and the Secret ClubPerfect Peter's Horrid DayHorrid Henry's Birthday PartyRead by Miranda Richardson(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry and the Mummy's Curse

Four hilarious unabridged stories with really horrid music and sound effects:Horrid Henry and the Mummy's Curse Horrid Henry's HobbyHorrid Henry's Homework Horrid Henry's Swimming LessonRead by Miranda Richardson(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman

Building a snowman brings out Henry's competitive streak; he sets up his Monstrous Makeovers business to rival Moody Margaret's Miraculous Makeovers; things go badly wrong when a famous author comes to school; and he thinks 'You'll all be sorry when I'm dead' and spends a rainy day writing his will.Read by Miranda Richardson(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Do You Speak English Moon

A little boy getting ready for bed looks up at the moon and wonders whether it can speak English as it shines all over the world. He tells the moon about his day - it's not lonely falling asleep when you share your day's adventures with the moon.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Don't Cook Cinderella

It's just an ordinary day at Mother Goose's Academy. There's Miss Good Fairy teaching the Three Little Pigs, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood to read and write, while Miss Bad Fairy is inciting the Ugly Sisters, the Big Bad Wolf, Troll, Wicked Stepmother, Wicked Witch and Jealous Queen to gobble them all up. The result? Chaos!Witty, fast-paced and anarchic, this is a complete story with ten short chapters ('C.A.T. Spells Dog', 'What Troll Learned', 'Snakes and Snails for Lunch') that take us through the school day. This is a wonderful romp that Horrid Henry fans will revel in.'[Simon Russell Beale's] Big Bad Wolf is growlier than Marlon Brando, and his Jealous Queen more languorous than a casting-couch seductress. Inviting mimicry , too, are the snorts of the three little pigs and the lip-smacking 'yumyumyum' of the nasty but dim Troll' Daily Telegraph(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Floodland

A gripping, prizewinning novel about a girl surviving in a devastated world.

Imagine that a few years from now England is covered by water, and Norwich is an island. Zoe, left behind in the confusion when her parents escaped, survives there as best she can. Alone and desperate among marauding gangs, she manages to dig a derelict boat out of the mud and gets away to Eels Island. But Eels Island, whose raggle-taggle inhabitants are dominated by the strange boy Dooby, is full of danger too.

The belief that she will one day find her parents spurs Zoe on to a dramatic escape in a story of courage and determination that is handled with warmth and humanity.

This book was the winner of the Branford Boase Award 2001 and marked the start of author Marcus Sedgwick's multi-award-winning career.

(P) 2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited and Listening Library

Date Added: 05/12/2023