Special Collections

Today I'm Strong

An uplifting and empowering audiobook about finding your inner strength when school life gets tough, from the winner of The Great British Bake Off and national treasure, Nadiya Hussain.I love to go to school. Well, most days I do.There are some days when what I really wantis to stay at home with you.A touching story about building the courage to overcome bullying, with a powerful reminder to always be kind. (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 04/25/2022

Pooh Invents a New Game and Other Stories

Enjoy this classic Winnie the Pooh collection, voiced by an amazing all-star cast.Performed by incredible talent including Finty Williams, Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Robert Daws, Jane Horrocks, Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench, this classic Winnie the Pooh audiobook is perfect for keeping little ones entertained.Contains the following stories:In which Rabbit has a busy dayIn which Pooh invents a new gameIn which it is shown that Tiggers don't climb treesIn which a search is organdizedIn which Piglet does a very grand thingFor more amazing audio books featuring Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and other favourite friends, try:Winnie the Pooh: Tigger Comes To The Forest & Other Stories Winnie the Pooh: Piglet Meets a HeffalumpWinnie the Pooh: House at Pooh Corner(P) Hodder Children's Books 1999

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Alexandra the Royal Baby Fairy

Get ready for an exciting fairy adventure with the no. 1 bestselling series for girls aged 5 and up.

The whole of Fairyland is very excited—there's going to be a new royal baby! But when Foster the stork fails to deliver the new bundle of joy on time, the Royal Baby Fairy asks friends of the fairies, Rachel Tate and Kirsty Walker, for their help. Just where can the extra-special baby be?

Date Added: 05/12/2023

The Tree That Sang To Me

Some feelings are so big, they're hard to express ... A dyslexia-friendly verse story of friendship, family and self-discovery, perfect for listeners aged 9+, beautifully read aloud. When Kai's big sister Jenleaves the family home, Kai knows it's all his fault. His secret burns, but he tells no one, just keeps pulling at tufts of his hair. But in the broadbranches of a wasteland sycamore tree, Kai feels safe and free from his worries. Up there he feels he can be whoever he wants to be. And when a girl called Sky starts climbing Kai's tree, a friendship blossoms ... a friendship with the power to heal. Up hereit's likeI'm part of something elsethe windthe leavesthe airfree to bewhoever I want to be.

Date Added: 05/06/2024

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

How to Train Your Dragon

THE STORY CONTINUES in the third volume of Hiccup's How to Train Your Dragon memoirs, narrated by David Tennant.Haddock III was an awesome sword-fighter, a dragon-whisperer and the greatest Viking Hero who ever lived. But it wasn't always like that. Hiccup's memoirs look back to when Hiccup was just an ordinary boy, and finding it very hard to be a Hero.Climbing on to a Roman Dragon Rustling ship by mistake in your first 'Boarding an Enemy Ship' lesson is bad enough. But to then discover that Alvin the Treacherous is also on board proves to Hiccup he couldn't have been more wrong, especially when he steals his copy of How to Speak Dragonese. Can Hiccup save the dragons and the day?How to Train Your Dragon is now a major DreamWorks franchise starring Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett and Jonah Hill and the TV series, Riders of Berk, can be seen on CBeebies and Cartoon Network. Read all of Hiccup's exploits in the series: How to Train Your Dragon, How to Be a Pirate, How to Speak Dragonese, How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse, How to Twist a Dragon's Tale, A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons, How to Ride a Dragon's Storm, How to Break a Dragon's Heart, How to Steal a Dragon's Sword, How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel, How to Betray a Dragon's Hero and How to Fight a Dragon's Fury. Check out the brilliant website at www.howtotrainyourdragonbooks.com It's the place to go for games, downloads, activities and sneak peeks!(P) Hodder Children's Books 2005

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Jayben and the Star Glass

An incredible immersive fantasy series about a boy with no memories and a world that only he can save. Perfect for fans of Francesca Gibbons and The Land of Roar.Jayben has realised his destiny as the Ninth Great Dreamer; he is the only one with the power to defeat Null, the villain who has been making everyone in the elf world forget.A year has gone by since Jayben took half of Null's powerful crystals using the Golden Torch, but now the torch has been stolen. Without it, Jayben must find another way to harness his power.When Jayben finds a golden gemstone, he struggles to recall its significance. But a wise captain on board a great ship tells him that when the full moon shines on the stone a magical light will appear. If Jayben controls the light , he will become more powerful than Null; he will defeat his wickedness once and for all.But Null is on his way to Fellooz ... to a sweltering desert where there is an ancient tomb covered in crystals. He need only touch one of the precious crystals and he'll be three times more powerful.Can Jayben reach the tomb ahead of Null... and will he find the full moon before it's too late?

Date Added: 05/06/2024

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

Playtime Rhymes

37 familiar rhymes, songs and games, ranging from the traditional Ring-a-ring o' Roses to Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear from the original book Playtime Rhymes.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different

"In our evermore hectic and overwhelming world, Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different is refreshing proof that dreams do come true and that it is ok to be different. An inspiring read for any young person, particularly those struggling to find their place in the world." Megan Hine_______Björk, Dr Seuss, Whoopi Goldberg, Andy Warhol, Ellen MacArthur, Greta Gerwig, Andrea Bocelli, Hua Mulan ... these are men and women who all dared to be different. Boys will be boys and girls will be girls - or so the meaningless saying goes. Because what if you're a girl and you like cage fighting? Or you're a boy and you love ballet? And what if you've always dreamed of being a scientist but you can't see anyone who looks or sounds like you, and who has left a legacy - in the form of microscopes and Bunsen burners - for you to follow? This is the book for children who want to know about the lives of those heroes who have led the way, changing the world for the better as they go. Following the runaway success of Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different, parents asked for a celebration of role models of both genders for boys and girls within the same book. Stories for Kids Who Dare to Be Different is the answer. These are the extraordinary stories of 100 famous and not-so-famous men and women, every single one of them an inspiring pioneer and creative genius in their own way, who broke the mould and made their dreams come true. Like Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different, this is a beautifully illustrated, evocative and inspirational book of amazing stories of amazing people, that will delight sons and daughters, nephews and nieces, and give them the courage to be themselves.*For tales of even more brilliant people who have dared to be different, STORIES FOR BOYS WHO DARE TO BE DIFFERENT 2 is out now!*

Date Added: 05/26/2022

The Impossible Boy

Believe in the impossible this Christmas - a magical story celebrating the power of imagination, from the bestselling author of STORIES FOR BOYS WHO DARE TO BE DIFFERENT.Oleg and Emma entered their den to find a cardboard spaceship standing exactly where they usually sat. Slowly, the front door opened and out stepped a boy.'My name's Sebastian Cole,' he said. 'But you already know that.'When Oleg and Emma invent a new classmate called Sebastian, they are amazed when he appears - very much real - in their secret den.Sebastian isn't like the rest of their classmates. He's never eaten pizza, he's not sure what goose bumps are, and he has a satchel that seems to hold an endless supply of hot ice cream. But as the three friends begin their adventures, more impossible things keep happening, from a runaway goat at school to a sighting of some snowwomen on the move. They are soon pursued by the mysterious Institute of Unreality, who want to capture and erase Sebastian, to restore order to the world.With the help of a cowboy gardener, an imprisoned scientist, and the rest of their class, can Emma and Oleg protect their new friend and keep the magic of the impossible alive, just in time for Christmas?After inspiring countless young readers with tales of extraordinary people in the world around them, Ben Brooks' first children's novel is a magical adventure that celebrates friendship, the power of imagination, and ice cream.

Date Added: 06/06/2022

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

The Lion Above the Door

From Onjali Q. Rauf, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes an incredible story about missing histories and the concept of a universal family, told with humour and heart.Leo and his best friend Sangeetha are the odd ones out in their school. In fact, they seem to be the odd ones out no matter where they go in their small town. But as Leo's dad is always telling him, it's only because he's extra-special, and Sangeetha is extra-extra-special. Only thing is, if they're so special, how come Leo never sees anyone who likes him in the history books he loves to read?But on a special class trip to a nearby cathedral one day, Leo's attention is drawn to a large marble slab high above the doors of the hall, featuring a short list of names. Because right there, bang in the middle of the list, Leo finds himself staring at his own name...Hungry to understand how a name like his could feature on a slab commemorating fallen war heroes, Leo and Sangeetha begin a search, and in doing so, uncover a missing story which changed the course of history, one which needs to be put right back into its missing pages.Touching on themes of historical racism, The Lion Above the Door shines a light on the stories our history books have yet to contain and the power of friendships that can last through generations. (P) 2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 04/21/2022

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

Flora Stormer and the Golden Lotus

Flora Stormer sets off to discover a magical flower hidden deep in the rainforest - and ends up finding . . . HERSELF! A brand-new series combining the magic and adventure of Jumanji with a message celebrating difference and self-acceptance. Flora Stormer, a talented young artist with Tourette's Syndrome, is helping her father prepare for an expedition to search for the legendary golden lotus - a plant with magical healing properties. But when her dad falls ill, Flora bravely sets sail in his place, hoping the mythical plant might save him. Equipped with her paints and a magical map, Flora treks through the rainforest, encountering dangerous animals and poisonous plants along the way. But the greatest threat she faces is from a greedy collector determined get his hands on the flower first. Can Flora and her new friends stop him from stealing the golden lotus and cursing the rainforest forever?

Date Added: 05/06/2024

Where the Wilderness Lives

An epic race for survival that follows four children and their dog through treacherous waterways, dense forests and the deep, dark wilderness of Wales. From author Jess Butterworth comes a beautifully written adventure story in a vibrantly described setting - perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell.One day, as Cara and her siblings are trying to clean up the canal where they live, they pull out a mysterious locked safe. Though none of them can open it, they're sure it's something special.That night, a thief comes after the safe. The children flee, traveling with their boat as far as they can, before continuing into the forest on foot. But soon they're lost in the mountains with a snowstorm about to land and food supplies running low. Will Cara and her siblings be able to survive the wilderness with nothing but their wits, their bravery and one very large dog to help?(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 04/21/2022

A Rabbit and Bear Audio Omnibus

A bumper audio edition including all four Rabbit and Bear books! This brilliantly funny collection brings Rabbit and his friend Bear to audio for the very first time: tales of friendship, gravity, and just a little bit of poo. 'A perfect animal double-act.' The Times, Book of the WeekIn Rabbit's Bad Habits, Bear wakes up early and decides to make a snowman. Rabbit wants to build an even better one. But with an avalanche and a hungry wolf heading his way, Rabbit realises having a friend might not be so bad after all.In The Pest in the Nest, Rabbit decides Something Simply Has To Be Done about Bear's snoring and Woodpecker's BANG!BANG!BANG! noise from up in the tree. But perhaps Bear can show Rabbit how to see the world differently.In Attack of the Snack, a Mysterious Thing lands in Rabbit and Bear's peaceful summer lake. And when Rabbit accidentally turns the Best Day Ever into the Worst Day Ever, only his friend Bear can help him turn the day around.In A Bite in the Night, even Bear is surprised: the trees seem to be flying south for the winter. There's a new creature in Rabbit and Bear's valley, and he's trying to Change Everything ... This audio omnibus is perfect for bedtime, or long journeys! Narrated by actor, writer and director Colleen Prendergast.(P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 05/23/2022

King Flashypants Three Book Collection

The first three audiobooks in the laugh-out-loud series. 'Brilliantly original and hilarious ... it's nearly as good as one of my books' - David WalliamsIn King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor, the evil Emperor Nurbison has arrived, accompanied by scary striding music. He has had his eye on King Edwin's kingdom for some time and intends to take over! When the emperor builds a fake dragon out of a cow, green crepe paper, furry monster novelty slippers and two birthday cake candles, to scare Edwin's peasants, Edwin must come up with the first sneaky plan he's ever had in his life...King Flashypants and the Creatures from Crong: When rumours of a huge and terrifying monster called the Voolith reach Edwinland, King Edwin Flashypants decides that, to be a proper king, he needs to go and fight it. Meanwhile, Emperor Nurbison has had a similar idea, but he has a much sneakier plan for what he can do with the Voolith. And it involves squishing Edwinland.In King Flashypants and the Toys of Terror, Something weird is happening in Edwinland - Emperor Nurbison isn't evil any more! He's doing stuff like smiling and making toys of himself for the peasants. Is he up to something? Probably. But what can it be?Hold tight for three thrilling Flashypants adventure, with jousting, vegetables, fire-breathing toads and plenty of FOO-HOO-HOOing.

Date Added: 06/06/2022

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

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

Ember Shadows and the Fates of Mount Never

In a land trapped by fate, only courage can re-write the future.In the magical village of Everspring, everyone receives a fate card before their twelfth birthday, sent down from the mysterious Mount Never. It tells them their purpose, their profession and how old they'll be when they die.

Nearly 12-year-old Ember Shadows has always believed she is destined for great things. But when her fate card arrives, it's blank. What does that mean? Then, worse still, her sister's card decrees she will die before her next birthday. No way is Ember's going to let that happen.

Determined to challenge what—or who—is responsible for these cards, Ember sets off up the mountain, a place no one is allowed to go. She encounters forbidden realms full of magic, trickery and curious creatures. In a thrilling race through a magical landscape, Ember Shadows must uncover the secret behind the fate cards in order to save her sister….

But will Ember like what she finds at the top of the mountain?

With hints of Alice in Wonderland, shades of The Phantom Tollbooth and echoes of Pixar's Inside Out, this a thrilling, warm-hearted race through magical realms—a classic magical adventure.

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 05/12/2023

Halo Moon

Bravery, friendship and the magic of an unknowable universe combine in this extraordinary adventure from the heart. Great for fans of Frank Cottrell Boyce and David Almond. In Ethiopia, Ageze has unearthed an ancient device that can make predictions. It tells him: there is a date, there is a place, there is a moment when it will happen. A disaster that will change everything. Halo Moon loves stars, and the night sky is full of them in her remote Yorkshire village. It's a place where nothing interesting ever happens, let alone a catastrophe. So when a stranger appears at the end of a near-impossible journey and tells her lives are at risk, she can barely believe it. But if she doesn't help Ageze, everything and everyone she knows might disappear for ever ... As Halo says: there's a hundred ways to start this story, a hundred ways to tell it. Each one is impossible. Each one, unbelievable. But it did all happen and I promise it's all true.HALO MOON is Sharon Cohen's second novel. Her first novel, THE STARMAN AND ME, was highly commended for the Branford Boase Award 2018 and shortlisted for the Essex Book Awards 2018. It has also been shortlisted for the East Sussex Children's Book Awards 2019 and nominated for the Northern Ireland Book Award 2019. (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 04/25/2022

House At Pooh Corner

An award-winning production, with an all-star cast, including Stephen Fry and Judi Dench, brings to life one of the best loved children's books of all time in a full dramatisation with specially composed music. This brilliant audiobook is packed full of fun and adventure with Winnie-the-Pooh and all his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. This is a wonderful dramatisation of the second book about Pooh and friends, with an incredible cast and original music. This adaptation conveys all the magic and humour of AA Milne's classic stories.The cast includes Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Jane Horrocks, Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench. Perfect entertainment at home, in the car or anywhere.Dramatisation by David Benedictus and music composed by John Gould.For more amazing audio books featuring Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and other favourite friends, try:Winnie the Pooh: Tigger Comes To The Forest & Other Stories Winnie the Pooh: Piglet Meets a HeffalumpWinnie the Pooh: Pooh Invents a New Game and Other Stories (P) Hodder Children's Books 1997

Date Added: 04/21/2022

Treasury of Bedtime Stories

Enter a world of imagination and enchantment at bedtime with this selection of timeless short stories by Enid Blyton. Get ready for a magical journey... Set your imagination alight with this selection of more than 25 bedtime stories by a much-loved children's author. From pixie dressmakers to thundering giants, meet a host of magic and memorable characters along with some familiar friends in Moonface and Saucepan Man from The Magic Faraway Tree. This stunning treasury brings together some of Enid Blyton's most delightful stories for younger children, creating the perfect bedtime treat. Each story stands alone and will take you on a brand-new adventure. The tales collected in this treasury were first published in magazines and anthologies between 1920 and 1960 and have been adored by generations of children ever since. (P) 2018 Hodder Children's Books

Date Added: 04/21/2022

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