A tattered scarecrow stands in the middle of a muddy field, taking no notice of the violent thunderstorm around him. But when a bolt of lightning strikes him, fizzing its way through his turnip head and down his broomstick, the Scarecrow blinks with surprise–and comes to life.So begins the story of the Scarecrow, a courteous but pea-brained fellow with grand ideas. He meets a boy, Jack, who becomes his faithful servant. Leaving behind his bird-scaring duties, the Scarecrow ...

From award-winning and beloved children's author Elizabeth Laird comes a stunning edition of The Fastest Boy in the World, with a cover illustration by Zeamanuel Abera, an updated author letter and additional content from the author, including discussion notes. This must-read modern classic was shortlisted for the CLPE Carnegie Medal and includes black and white illustrations by Peter Bailey.Eleven-year-old Solomon loves to run; he dreams that one day he will be a ...

From award-winning and beloved children's author Elizabeth Laird comes a stunning edition of Song of the Dolphin Boy. This moving adventure about the impact of plastic pollution on our seas is must-read modern classic.Finn has always been different, and in the tiny Scottish fishing village of Stromhead he sticks out like a sore thumb. Until one day he dives into the ocean and finds that, swimming with the dolphins, he feels completely at home.But his new fr...

Dylan Thomas's classic account of his childhood Christmases, with full colour illustrations by Peter Bailey. The special gift edition for Thomas's centenary now in paperback, with a beautiful gold-foiled cover.All the Christmases roll down toward the two-tongued sea, like a cold and headlong moon bundling down the sky that was our street...Dylan Thomas's lyrical account of his childhood Christmases in a small Welsh...

FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE WOLVES OF WILLOUGHBY CHASE'She's one of the most important and interesting children's fiction writers of the last fifty years' NEIL GAIMAN'What a thrill to discover this gem from the witty and endlessly inventive Joan Aiken' CHRIS RIDDELL'She is one of the writers I admire most in the world' KATHERINE RUNDELL'She was a literary treasure, and her books wil...

*'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 BAILEY

After her parents die of cholera in India, Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in his gloomy house in Yorkshire, where she leads a lonely and neglected life, with nothing to do apart from exploring her surroundings. One day she discovers a walled garden which has been locked up, and becomes determined to enter it and find out its secret and the source of the mysterious crying sound that can be heard nearby.A powerful tale of regeneration and personal transformation, The Secret Garde...

An spellbinding insight into storytelling from one of today's greatest writers.This collection by the 2003–2005 Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, contains short stories, essays and commentaries to illuminate the craft of storytelling. Analyzing all aspects of writing – character, plot, sources and inspiration, retelling and biography – it is perfect for anyone, young or old, who loves great stories and wants to know more about the art of telling tales.

An English orphan unwittingly holds the key to a powerful source of magicThe graduation ceremony of the Grand and Ancient College of Siberian Witches takes place in the winter darkness of the Far North. But despite the celebration, the night is full of warnings and worry. The Wanderer is abroad in search of the coveted Jewel Seed that has been lost for centuries. Whoever finds it can unlock all knowledge and will have unlimited power. . . .Meanwhile, orphan ...

A trio of fantasy and adventure tales by the award-winning author of the beloved Wolves ChroniclesIn "Fog Hounds," Tad and his sister, Ermina, know better than to venture outside after dusk. Twilight is the time when huge misty creatures roam the land on silent feet, their eyes glittering like red pennies. No one who is chased by the hounds lives to tell the tale—that is, until the night Tad meets an unusual stranger. . . .In "Wind Cat," Lu...

A tender, lyrical tale from the author's childhood in an idyllic English village, with environmental and conservational themes.In this involving tale, master storyteller and former children's laureate Michael Morpurgo revisits the "landscape of his memories", telling of his boyhood fifty years before. The village of Bradwell is a stone's throw from the sea and is peopled by quirky characters such as the three Stebbing sisters, the white moustachioed Colonel Burton ...

FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE WOLVES OF WILLOUGHBY CHASE'She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for years to come' PHILIP PULLMAN'Witty and endlessly inventive' CHRIS RIDDELL'She's one of the most important and interesting children's fiction writers of the last fifty years' NEIL GAIMAN'The Under People. They live in a huge Cave. They are thought to be boring ...