'Once upon a time there was a boy, and they called him Mouse . . . ' That is how the story began when I told it to myself in the long darkness. Of course, it wasn't the whole story, but back then I knew nothing, almost nothing at all . . .Mouse is unaware of his privileged background: of Epton Towers, the luxurious home in which he was born, and its magnificent surrounding grounds. He barely recalls his loving parents, who are lost at sea. He certainly does not remember th...

In this Indian traditional tale, Crocodile's wife longs to eat the heart of his friend, Monkey. But Monkey plays a trick of her own to get away ...This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce thei...

This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)Vixen's den is in the garden of an old house. And she has a very special reason to hide away there this summer ...Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are ...

This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)In this retelling of a traditional tale, a woman makes the biggest pancake ever but the pancake runs away! Everyone chases it, but they cannot catch the pancake. Then the pancake comes to a river ...Reading Champion offers independent reading books for child...

When Town Nouse vists his cousin in the countryside, he far prefers his comfortable life in town ...This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic stories are accompa...

Tom has a brilliant racing pigeon called Blue. Grandad has arranged for Blue to fly in his first race! Everyone is very excited, especially Blue, but can he find his way home to Tom and Grandad?Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's ...

In this story, Little Spook is afraid of something - but none of the Spook family can work out what is frightening him. Then a little firefly comes to the rescue ...Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging ...

Froggo lives in the pond with the other frogs and they are always hearing the story of the frog who kissed a princess and turned into a prince.... and Froggo just cannot think of anything worse! So when he retrieves the children's football, he is in for a surprise!Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each...

This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)Boots in the Mud is about the muddiest muddle imaginable! When Mia and Harry go for a walk in the forest with their mum and cousins, the mud gets the best of them as they try to cross a stream. Everyone has to laugh when they figure out what's happened to t...

Flip is a baby flamingo who discovers it's hard to stand on your own two feet, at first! Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.Independent Reading Blue 4 stories are perfect for chil...

Splash the merboy is happily playing in the waves when the tide goes out and leaves him stranded in a rock pool. Can he make it back to sea safely?Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasu...

Little Red Hen found some grains of wheat. Who will help her to grow them?A beautifully illustrated retelling of this favourite traditional story. Join Little Red Hen in her efforts to get some help around the farm yard!Must Know Stories includes favourite tales, celebrating the diversity of our literary heritage. Level 1 stories are told in under 500 words, for children to read independently.