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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There May Be a Castle
by Piers TordayA 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
Where the Wilderness Lives
by Jess ButterworthAn 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
Ghost Boys
by Jewell Parker RhodesA New York Times BestsellerThis was one of my most anticipated 2018 books and I was not disappointed. A must read." - Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give'tender, timely ... surprising and hopeful' - ObserverA heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a white police officer, drawing connections with real-life, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes.ALIVETwelve-year-old Jerome doesn't get into trouble. He goes to school. He does his homework. He takes care of his little sister. Then Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat.DEADAs a ghost, watching his family trying to cope with his death, Jerome begins to notice other ghost boys. Each boy has a story and they all have something in common...Bit by bit, Jerome begins to understand what really happened - not just to him, but to all of the ghost boys.A poignant and gripping story about how children and families face the complexities of race and racism in today's world.(P)2018 Hachette Audio
House At Pooh Corner
by A.A. MilneAn 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
Treasury of Bedtime Stories
by Enid BlytonEnter 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
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
Five On A Treasure Island
by Enid BlytonMeet Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timothy. Together they are THE FAMOUS FIVE.'There was something else out on the sea by the rocks - something dark that seemed to lurch out of the waves . . . What could it be?'Julian, Dick and Anne are spending the holidays with their tomboy cousin George and her dog, Timothy. One day, George takes them to explore nearby Kirrin Island, with its rocky little coast and old ruined castle on the top.Over on the island, they make a thrilling discovery, which leads them deep into the dungeons of Kirrin Castle on a dangerous adventure. Who - and what - will they find there?(P) Hodder Children's Books 2013
Grizzly Tales
by Jamie RixGrizzliness is out there. Every child has the makings of mischievousness, and can be lured into committing dastardly deeds. The six stories in each of the Grizzly Tales books show the rise and hard fall of vile and villainous children. In this book, unspeakable things happen to pets - but the real nasty little beasts are the children themselves, all of them get their comeuppance in the end, consigned to the Hothell Darkness...Read by Rupert Degas(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
by Liz KesslerEmily Windsnap lives on a boat, but her mother has always been oddly anxious to keep her out of the water. It is only when Emily has her first school swimming lesson that she discovers why: as soon as she gets into the water, she grows a tail! Soon Emily discovers a glorious underwater world of fishes, coral, shipwrecks and mermaids, and, best of all, she finds a best friend! With mermaid Shona Silkfin by her side, Emily uncovers a surprising family secret and embarks on a quest to reunite her mum and dad. This enchanting fantasy deals with universal themes of family, friendship, love and justice - all handled with the lightness of touch for which Liz Kessler is so well known.Read by Teresa Gallagher(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
The Silver Blade
by Sally GardnerWith Sido safely in England and the Terror at it's height, Yann returns to France to smuggle out aristocratic refugees who will otherwise face the guillotine. But when Sido is kidnapped, he must use all his strength and courage to outwit the evil Count Kalliovski, and rescue her for a second time. Set against a vivid historical background, prize winning author Sally Gardner brings to life the horrors of the French Revolution in this breath-taking adventure, complete with intrepid heroism and a touching love story. Perfect for 9+ readers and fans of The Red Necklace and I, Coriander.Read by Janet Suzman(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
Atticus the Storyteller
by Lucy CoatsAtticus the Storyteller is determined to take part in the great Storytelling Festival near Troy. He leaves his family in Crete and sets off on a year-long journey round Greece with his donkey, Melissa; and wherever he goes he tells his favourite myths to anyone who'll listen.The 100 myths include all the favourites, such as the wanderings of Odysseus, the labours of Heracles, the stories of King Midas, Daedalus and Icarus, and Theseus and the Minotaur.Volume 3, read by Simon Russell Beale.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist
by Liz KesslerThe magic ring that Emily Windsnap - half mermaid, half ordinary girl - finds buried in the sand belongs to Neptune, and he wants it back. But the ring, once on, won't come off, and Neptune sends Emily's boat spinning away across the sea. When it comes to rest, she and her best friend, Shona, can see a mysterious castle shimmering in the mist on the horizon. Another magical adventure full of fun and friendship!Read by Teresa Gallagher(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
Early Reader: The Three Little Witches Storybook
by Georgie AdamsZara, Ziggy and Zoe are three little witches who live together in Magic Wood, where anything can happen. Cups and saucers wash themselves up, letters sprout wings, a calendar sings a song, the signpost changes direction, and Wizard Wink's school moves from place to place. These seven stories show the little witches' daily doings and their preparations for a Hallowe'en party with Baby Dragon, the Troll family, two little wizard boys and a horrid little witch called Melissa.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
The Starman and Me
by Sharon CohenE.T. meets Stig of the Dump in a page-turning adventure for fans of Frank Cottrell Boyce and David Almond'A proper adventure story for all curious middle graders ... heartily recommended' The Bookbag*Highly commended for the Branford Boase Award 2018, shortlisted for the Essex Book Awards 2018, the East Sussex Children's Book Awards 2019 and nominated for the Northern Ireland Book Award 2019*He wasn't an alien, I was sure of that. It was more like he'd walked in through an ancient door from the past ... except he was here, in my bedroom and his misty forest was somewhere real on Planet Earth.Twelve-year-old Kofi first spots the prehistoric human on a supermarket roundabout. He is small and dark and curled into a tight ball. His name is Rorty Thrutch and he has zero memory of how he ended up in the unexceptional village of Bradborough, or why he's being hunted... Kofi soon finds out that Rorty can do amazing things. He can copy, paste and delete objects, using only the power of his mind. This is the discovery of the century and mad, greedy scientists will stop at nothing to track him down.Kofi and best friend Janie are on a mission. Not only must they protect Rorty, but they have to find his missing girlfriend Pogsy Blue, too. Our prehistoric ancestors have crashed headlong into the 21st century and time is running out to save them...THE STARMAN AND ME explores where we have come from and where we are moving to - it's about the magic of DNA, the power of identity, and the importance of caring for each other.
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
The Frozen Sea
by Piers TordayA 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
The Boy At the Back of the Class
by Onjali Q. RaufTold with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child's perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn't always make sense.There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it.He's nine years old (just like me), but he's very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn't like sweets - not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!But then I learned the truth: Ahmet really isn't very strange at all. He's a refugee who's run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and fires and bullies that hurt people. And the more I find out about him, the more I want to help.That's where my best friends Josie, Michael and Tom come in. Because you see, together we've come up with a plan. . .(P) 2018 Hachette Children's Group
Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now
by Lauren ChildA witty and insightful book about worries, starring Clarice Bean. Created by Children's Laureate Lauren Child and read by Claire Skinner, star of the BBC's 'Outnumbered'.It's the worry you hadn't even thought to worry about that should worry you the most. At least that's how it looks to Clarice Bean, who has been writing her worries in a notebook - things like Worry no. 1: infinity, or Worry no. 3: change. And now that her worst never-imagined worry has happened - her utterly best friend is moving away forever - Clarice doesn't even care about her tickets to the Ruby Redfort, girl detective, film premiere. That is, unless something happens to change things again... Lauren Child's trademark wit combines with spot-on insight in this hugely engaging story about childhood worries, unwanted changes and finding friendships in the most surprising places.'A comic and poignant journey' - The Sunday Times(P) Orchard Books 2013
Black Brother, Black Brother
by Jewell Parker RhodesA powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers - one who presents as white, the other as Black - and the ways they are forced to navigate a world that doesn't treat them equally.Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few black boys at his school, he feels as if he is constantly swimming in whiteness. Most of the students don't look like him. They don't like him either. Dubbed the 'Black Brother', Donte's teachers and classmates make it clear they wish he were more like his lighter skinned brother, Dre. When an incident with a white student leads to Donte's arrest and suspension, he's sure the only way to get even is to beat the student at the school's most valued game: fencing. With the help of a former Olympic fencer, Donte embarks on a journey to carve out a spot on the school's fencing team and to find a way to make people at school see past the colour of his skin to who he really is.From NYT bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes, another poignant and gripping story about how children and families face the complexities of race and racism in today's world.(P)2020 Little, Brown Young Readers
How to Train Your Dragon
by Cressida CowellThe story continues in the ninth volume of Hiccup's How to Train Your Dragon memoirs read by David Tennant.Bad times have come to the Archipelago. Ever since the woods of Berserk burned down, it is almost as if the world is cursed. Dragons are starting to revolt against their Masters. The waters have risen, flooding fields and washing whole villages away. But worse still, the wicked witch Excellinor has returned. Can Hiccup find the King's Things and win the sword-fighting contest to stop Alvin the Treacherous from becoming King of the Wilderwest?How to Train Your Dragon is a DreamWorks film starring Gerrard Butler, America Ferrera and Jonah Hill, out on DVD adapted from the best selling How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell. Listen to the rest of Hiccup's exploits in 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 and How to Break a Dragon's Heart. Check out the website for games, downloads, activities and sneak peeks! Hear all about Hiccup and all of your favourite characters, learn to speak Dragonese and train your own Dragon to do tricks!(P) Hodder Children's Books 2013
Clarice Bean Spells Trouble
by Lauren ChildClarice Bean is back and starring in her second novel! By Children's Laureate Lauren Child.There are so many things in life you can't explain. Like why isn't YOU spelt U? Why isn't WHY spelt Y? And why can just opening your mouth get you into some very BIG trouble?Clarice Bean is in non-stop trouble these days - almost as much as Karl Wrenbury, and he is the naughtiest boy in school. Clarice just wants to star in the school play and impress Mrs Wilberton in the spelling bee, but things aren't quite going to plan...Read by Claire Skinner, star of the hit BBC series 'Outnumbered'.(P) Orchard Books 2013
Don't Cook Cinderella
by Francesca SimonIt'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
Horrid Henry and the Secret Club
by Francesca SimonIncludes 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
How to Train Your Dragon
by Cressida CowellTHE 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
How to Train Your Dragon
by Cressida CowellEnjoy the books that inspired the How to Train Your Dragon films, narrated by David Tennant.THE STORY CONTINUES in the fourth volume of Hiccup's How to Train Your Dragon memoirs ... Hiccup Horrendous 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. Fishlegs has been struck with deadly Vorpentitis. The only cure is rare and almost impossible to find ... a potato. But where on Berk will Hiccup find such a thing? Hiccup will have to dodge Sharkworms, battle Doomfangs and outwit crazy Hooligans if he's going to be a Hero ... again.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 2007