Special Collections
Human-Narrated Audiobooks for Kids
Description: View our curated collection of audiobooks for kids on Bookshare, now with human narration. #childrens #kids #childrensbooks #kidsbooks
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How to Train Your Hogfly
by Cressida CowellRead by David Tennant, this brand new story follows Hiccup on one of his earlier adventures, before the start of the Great Dragon Rebellion.Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third is a smallish Viking with a longish name. Hiccup's father is chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe which means Hiccup is the Hope and the Heir to the Hairy Hooligan throne - but most of the time Hiccup feels like a very ordinary boy, finding it hard to be a Hero.When Hiccup's father decides to host the Inter-Tribe BURY THE HATCHET Games, he fails to invite some rather important guests and ends up in MORTAL DANGER. Can Hiccup save his father's life and prevent a new Blood Feud breaking out? All he has to do is train an untrainable dragon...How to Train Your Hogfly is published in print as part of the 20th anniversary edition of How to Train Your Dragon.
The Impossible Boy
by Ben BrooksBelieve 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.
Jayben and the Star Glass
by Thomas LeedsAn 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?
Julia and the Shark
by Kiran Millwood HargraveA captivating, powerful and luminous story from a bestselling, award-winning author about a mother, a daughter, and the great Greenland shark. Narrated beautifully with atmospheric sound effects, this is a perfect audiobook for 9+ fans of David Almond and Frances Hardinge.'A truly beautiful book, with text and illustrations in perfect harmony. A book to treasure!' Jacqueline Wilson'Julia and the Shark is deep, beautiful and true. The art shines and the writing soars - a classic from cover to cover' Eoin Colfer'A rich, immersive and wondrous journey, through deep darkness to hope and light' Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken LegsThe shark was beneath my bed, growing large as the room, large as the lighthouse, rising from unfathomable depths until it ripped the whole island from its roots. The bed was a boat, the shark a tide, and it pulled me so far out to sea I was only a speck, a spot, a mote, a dying star in an unending sky...Julia has followed her mum and dad to live on a remote island for the summer - her dad, for work; her mother, on a determined mission to find the elusive Greenland shark. But when her mother's obsession threatens to submerge them all, Julia finds herself on an adventure with dark depths and a lighthouse full of hope...A beautiful, lyrical, uplifting story about a mother, a daughter, and love - with timely themes of the importance of science and the environment.(P) 2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse
by Sangu MandannaKiki Kallira can bring her drawings to life… but when a mysterious curse threatens her newly-created kingdom and friends, how can she use her powers to save them?
A fantasy adventure inspired by Hindu legends about anxiety, creativity and finding your own strengths. For 8+ fans of Abi Elphistone and The Land of Roar.
Fresh from the exciting discovery that the beautiful kingdom and band of rebel kids she drew in her sketchbook exists in another world, Kiki Kallira has an unexpected visitor. One of the rebels has come into the real world to ask for her help—the river Kaveri that is Mysore's only source of water has suddenly vanished! With no water to drink or grow food, Kiki's kingdom is doomed. When drawing a new river doesn't work, Kiki returns to Mysore and stumbles upon the origin of the Kaveri: a princess from long ago who was transformed into water by a terrible curse!
It's up to Kiki and her friends to restore the river without sacrificing the princess again. With her mounting anxiety, enemies seeking to stop her and a city growing weaker by the minute, Kiki's confidence falters. Will she be able to unravel the curse and save her kingdom before it's too late?
(P) 2022 Listening Library
King Flashypants Three Book Collection
by Andy RileyThe 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.
The Letter with the Golden Stamp
by Onjali Q. RaúfFrom Onjali Q. Rauf, author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes another incredible story, told with humour and heart. Touching on the challenges navigated by children caring for loved ones at home, this story brings into focus their hardships and worries, alongside the unexpected, invisible sources of kindness which can change their lives.10-year-old Audrey has a secret. A secret no one - not her friends, her teachers, not even her neighbours - knows about. And to keep it hidden she has become one of the best actresses on the planet. As soon as she steps out of the front door, the show is on, and all the world becomes her stage! No-one would ever guess that she is a nurse and doctor for her mam, the family food shopper (and sometimes shoplifter), a medicines collector, and even bedtime-reader for her younger siblings.But when Audrey's mam gets sicker, things go from difficult to impossible. If Mam's condition doesn't improve, there's a chance the family will be separated. And so Audrey becomes determined to find a way of to get her mam the best treatment available, so that they won't ever need to be apart. The only problem is, the treatment will cost her thousands. Thousands that Audrey doesn't have.As Audrey sets about trying to make her dream for her family come true with a plan that involves her precious stamp collection, an unsuspecting postal system, and a journey all the way from Wales to London, someone else on the street embarks on a secret mission of their own. One that will alter Audrey's life - and that of her family - forever.
Lily Grim and the City of Undone
by Andy RuffellLily Grim's life is a mystery. She has lived with her guardian Gabriel, in their rundown second-hand shop in the City of Undone, for as long as she can remember.
For years, the city-dwellers have lived in uneasy discord with The Others—a community of wanderers forced to shelter within the city walls, after they were driven from their nomadic camps in the wilderness. But Undone is a dark and dangerous place to live, especially if you're an Other: feared for their special gifts, they are persecuted by the cruel Master of the City, and taken to the Ring—a prison from which few ever return.
When the Master captures Gabriel and throws him into the Ring, Lily is saved by a young Other boy called Dekka. He introduces her to a whole Otherworld that exists beneath the City of Undone. To her astonishment Lily discovers she is an Other, too—with powerful gifts—and is now in grave danger: because the Master wants her dead. But why?
Can Lily find answers about who she is, and where she's from. And can the new friends rescue Gabriel, before it's too late?
The Lion Above the Door
by Onjali Q. RaufFrom 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
The Lost Magician
by Piers Torday'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
A New Adventure
by Jacqueline WilsonDiscover 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
The Night Bus Hero
by Onjali Q. RaufFrom Onjali Q. Rauf, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes another incredible story, told with humour and heart. Told from the perspective of a bully, this book explores themes of homelessness, while celebrating kindness, friendship and the potential everyone has to change for the good. Inspired by Onjali's own childhood experiences of growing up in London and seeing the impact of homelessness on those around her, The Night Bus Hero follows an unlikely friendship between our narrator and Thomas - who lives in the park. Can they get to the bottom of some unusual thefts taking place across the city, and discover what it takes to be a real hero?
Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories
by Noel Streatfeild'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
Noel Streatfeild's Holiday Stories
by Noel Streatfeild*'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.
The Nursery Storybook
by Georgie AdamsThe book that every family needs, containing all the traditional stories that small children should first hear. Every one of them is universally known and loved: Little Red Riding Hood, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Real Princess, The Gingerbread Man, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs and Jack and the Beanstalk.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
Opal Moonbaby: Opal Moonbaby
by Maudie SmithMartha'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
Paradise on Fire
by Jewell Parker RhodesFrom award-winning and bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age survival tale set during a devastating wild fire.Haunted by a tragic fire that killed her parents and best friend, Addy has grown up in the Bronx with her grandmother, who enrolls her in a summer wilderness program. There, she joins five other city kids of colour to spend a summer out West.Deep in the forest, the kids learn new skills: camping, hiking, rock climbing, and more. They overcome their suspicion of their white guides and mentors. Most importantly, they learn to depend upon each other for companionship and survival. Then comes the great Camp Fire of 2018 and Addy comes face-to-face with her destiny. Remembering her origins and grandmother's teachings, will Addy be able to use her street smarts, wilderness skills, and spiritual intuition to survive?From NYT bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes, another poignant and gripping story about how the complexities of race and racism in today's world.(P) 2021 Hachette Audio
Piglet Meets A Heffalump and Other Stories
by A.A. MilneJoin this all-star cast including as they go on adventures and look for heffalumps with Pooh, Piglet and friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.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 Piglet meets a HeffalumpIn which Eeyore has a birthday and gets two presentsIn which Kanga and Baby Roo come to the Forest, and Piglet has a bathIn which Christopher Robin leads an expotition to the North PoleFor 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: House At Pooh Corner Winnie the Pooh: Pooh Invents a New Game and Other Stories (P) Hodder Children's Books 1998
Playtime Rhymes
by Sally Gardner37 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
Pooh Invents a New Game and Other Stories
by A.A. MilneEnjoy 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
A Rabbit and Bear Audio Omnibus
by Julian GoughA 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
Rainy Day Stories
by Enid BlytonPull on your welly boots for these short stories by the world's best-loved story teller. Ideal for children aged 5 and up!In this charming collection by Enid Blyton, children stumble upon secret rooms on rainy days and gnomes pretend they can forecast the weather. The rain may be pouring down in these stories, but there's plenty of mischief and adventure to be found. These classic tales are ideal for younger children being read to and for newly confident readers to read alone. Each story stands alone and is the perfect length for reading at bedtime or in the classroom. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her to the latest generation of readers. Read all of Enid Blyton's bumper short story collections. New in 2021: Rainy Day StoriesPet StoriesStories of Spells and EnchantmentsChristmas Tales *** Enid Blyton® and Enid Blyton's signature are registered trade marks of Hodder & Stoughton Limited. No trade mark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trade mark and copyright owner.(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Red Necklace
by Sally GardnerThe story of a remarkable boy called Yann Margoza; Tetu the dwarf, his friend and mentor; Sido, unloved daughter of a foolish Marquis; and Count Kalliovski, Grand Master of a secret society, who has half the aristocracy in thrall to him, and wants Yann dead.Yann is spirited away to London but three years later, when Paris is gripped by the bloody horrors of the Revolution, he returns, charged with two missions: to find out Kalliovski's darkest deeds and to save Sido from the guillotine. With a tangle of secrets, a thread of magic and a touch of humour, the follies of the aristocracy and the sufferings of ordinary people are unfolded as their lives move relentlessly towards the tragic and horrific days of the Terror. THE RED NECKLACE is not only a tremendous adventure story but a vibrant and passionate picture of Paris in turmoil and of a large cast of memorable characters.Read by Tom Hiddleston(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
Running on the Roof of the World
by Jess ButterworthJoin 12-year-old Tash and her best friend Sam in a story of adventure, survival and hope, set in the vivid Himalayan landscape of Tibet and India. Filled with friendship, love and courage, this young girl's thrilling journey to save her parents is an ideal read for children aged 9-12. There are two words that are banned in Tibet. Two words that can get you locked in prison without a second thought. I watch the soldiers tramping away and call the words after them. 'Dalai Lama.' Tash has to follow many rules to survive in Tibet, a country occupied by Chinese soldiers. But when a man sets himself on fire in protest and soldiers seize Tash's parents, she and her best friend Sam must break the rules. They are determined to escape Tibet - and seek the help of the Dalai Lama himself in India. And so, with a backpack of Tash's father's mysterious papers and two trusty yaks by their side, their extraordinary journey across the mountains begins.(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Shannon the Ocean Fairy
by Daisy MeadowsIt's the summer holidays and Rachel and Kirsty are visiting Kirsty's grandma, who lives by the sea. After discovering a magical shell on the beach and being whisked away to Fairyland, the girls discover that the fairies need their help. Naughty Jack Frost has stolen Fairyland's three enchanted pearls and this is causing chaos in the oceans and mixing up daytime and night-time! The girls must help Shannon the Ocean Fairy explore a magical underwater world (meeting many strange and wonderful sea-creatures along the way!), outwit Jack Frost and his goblin henchmen, and return each of the enchanted pearls to their rightful place...(P) Orchard Books 2013