Children's

The two titles included in this set are: Betsy Goes to School (Read more...) Betsy Visits Her Grandparents (Read more...)

These colourful books, printed on thick card, contain everything you need to play ten board games, with double-sided boards and counters to punch out, a die to assemble, clear explanations of the rules and a note of how long each game takes to play. Age 8+ and not suitable for children under 3. The two titles included in this set are: The 10 Best Games of All Time (Read more...) The 10 Best Games in the World (Read more...)

When Thomas gets ideas above his station and decides he doesn't need a driver any more, he soon learns that pride comes before a fall, or in his case, a crash. Age 3+

Night Monkey and Day Monkey may live in opposite worlds, but they soon learn to be the best of friends. This sturdy magnet board book includes ten reusable magnetic pieces to help little ones interact with the story. Age 3+

Forced to move out of his burrow because he has filled it to the brim with his favourite vegetable, Rabbit asks his friends for help. However, they soon find themselves playing second fiddle to his carrot collection. Age 4+

Aimed at young children, the independent magazine Okido was started to encourage an interest in science and creativity. This innovative Okido game set contains six board games that are simple and fun to play but also designed to help children with first maths, coordination and matching and sorting skills. The set contains a spinner and counters and the games include Space Race and The Rumble-fart Game. Age 4+

Everyone knows wolves are supposed to be growly, fierce and mean, but when the Three Little Pigs discover that Wolfie would rather bake a cake than huff and puff, things get interesting. Age 4+

Boris and Sam are giants who live in a perfect, peaceful land – until they quarrel and their world grows dark and miserable. How can they be friends again? The answer is in their socks. Age 4+

Charley is Henry's new puppy and although he has a pillow bed in the warm kitchen, with Henry's teddy bear and Henry's clock for company, Charley really wants to be in Henry's bed. This simple tale by Amy Hest, with Helen Oxenbury's illustrations, captures the magic of getting your first puppy. Age 4+

In this Funny Prize-winning board book, Gertie wakes up in a grump that affects everyone she sees. When she meets monkey swinging by his legs from a tree, everything turns upside down (including the book). Age 3+

Meet a possum in the city and a tiger in the mangroves… This visual safari travels through various habitats to introduce the animals that live there, with simple descriptions, bright illustrations, a fun quiz and activity, and a jacket that unfolds into a colourful poster. Age 5+

The 20 robot characters in this activity book are pressed out of the coloured pages, folded and glued to make 3D models. A series of game cards are included, to stage a battle based on the characters’ strength, speed and intelligence. Age 6+

Each page of this book is designed to be coloured, cut or folded to create something ‘much more than a simple piece of paper’, including puppets, paper chains and, of course, some classic paper aeroplanes. Age 8+

Trevor Boundford's third book of paper planes contains 35 models to print, fold and fly, including simple instructions and information about how real planes and gliders soar. It includes a CD of ready-to-print PDF templates, with several customizable patterns and colours. From the simple Mission to the complex Phoenix, there is a plane for every level of expertise. Age 10+

Bellerophon and Pegasus set off in search of the fearful three-headed Chimera, and Echo’s love for Narcissus is doomed. The acclaimed actor Benjamin Soames narrates a collection of 10 tales from Ancient Greece, with a soundtrack of classical music. Age 9+. Unabridged.

The noted actors Juliet Stephenson and Michael Sheen retell ten of Shakespeare's most famous works in modern English prose. The stories, including Hamlet, Twelfth Night and Henry V, incorporate lines of dialogue from the original plays and key plot points are explained. Age 9+

Tall and spindly and the owner of 16 cats, Miss Petitfour likes baking and crafts and travels by air, powered by her billowing tea party tablecloth. This compendium contains five short stories about her and her eccentrically named pets. Age 6+

Fairy folk, very bad rabbits, a big bumblebee, and children on summer holidays are among the characters to be met in these 22 short, simple stories and nature tales for young readers, or for reading aloud. Age 6+

The Brothers Grimm collected over 160 fairy stories; while some are very familiar, this collection introduces stories such as The Pack of Ragamuffins and The Drummer that will be new to many children. There are 14 tales, read here by Laura Paton. Age 6+

It's surprising enough when a Phoenix hatches in the nursery fireplace. It's even more remarkable when it opens its beak to reveal that the carpet it arrived wrapped in can whisk those who sit on it through time and space. Age 6+. Abridged.

Large and dynamic colour illustrations give a three-dimensional effect to the prehistoric creatures in this highly visual introduction to the world of the dinosaurs. Describing the environment and animals of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods as well as the evolution of animals after the mass extinction event, there is also a section on dinosaur science and the latest discoveries. Age 9+

Theodore Boone’s father is a lawyer, his mother is a lawyer and, although he is only 13-years-old, Theo is absolutely determined to be a lawyer. Already an expert on the criminal justice system, Theo is investigating crime and bringing criminals to justice in Strattenburg, Pennsylvania. In these six cases he comes up against corrupt officials, exam cheats, kidnappers and even murderers. Age 9+

The first Meg and Mog adventure was published in the early 1970s and the books have been a firm favourite with children ever since for their bold shapes and bright colours. This collection includes five stories about the witch and her cat, including Meg’s Castle and Mog in the Fog. Age 2+

In these three illustrated stories, Gordon teaches Thomas a lesson, the little engine visits London and meets the queen, and his new wheels enable him to race Bertie the Bus. The book includes a map of the island of Sodor. Age 2+

Each picture book in this set takes a different theme – jungle animals, sleepy animals, baby animals – and features a simple rhyming storyline. Sound effects and animal noises at various points in the texts allow very young readers to participate in the narration. With large, bright, colourful illustrations throughout, each book culminates in a farewell spread, picturing all the animals in the story and the sounds they make. Age 2+

After falling asleep in a hot-air balloon, French cat Suzy finds herself in England. She turns her paws to surfing, water skiing and swimming as she attempts to reunite with her family across the Channel. Age 4+

These twelve short books are from the Usborne First Reading Level One series, written especially for children learning to read. The books combine great stories such as Old Macdonald Had a Farm, Anansi and the Bag of Wisdom and The Lion and the Mouse, each with a simple text, exciting illustrations and puzzles to try after reading the story. Age 4+

When Diggory Digger takes his friend Morris the Mole exploring deep underground, they accidentally wake up a dozing Diggerosaurus. Can they tunnel fast enough to escape his wrath? Age 4+

Val Biro has chosen eight tales from the Brothers Grimm’s famous collection, including some of the best-known – ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’, ‘The Magic Porridge Pot’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’ – and the book ends with a note about the Grimms and the history of their Nursery and Household Tales.

Quentin Blake’s illustrations show the mice, frogs, dogs and other passengers that come aboard Barnaby’s raft as he journeys to Limber Lea, helping children to count from 1 to 10 as he goes. Age 3+

In this simple rhyming picture book, hedgehogs Herbert and Hilda take a day-trip to the seaside. After surfing, sailing, eating a picnic and meeting some sea creatures, they go home tired – but happy. Age 3+

'I have no doubt that discovering Barbara Jones was one of the more important things that happened to me', says Sir Peter Blake. This facsimile edition of a book first published in 1970, written and illustrated by the prominent 20th-century artist, tells the story of two young owls determined to seek adventure in a hot-air balloon of their own making. The slightly updated text is quite sophisticated, with unusual vocabulary, but also very funny, so it is perfect for reading aloud. Age 3+

Slightly off-mint.

The three booklets in this box set explore possibilities for building in Minecraft’s creative mode, from concepts and tips for design to example builds for impressive structures such as a medieval castle. The set also includes press-out character models and a poster. Age 6+

Compiled for Frederick Warne & Co, Beatrix Potter’s original publishers, to celebrate her 150th anniversary, this book brings together contributions from 32 of today’s favourite children’s author-illustrators and excerpts from nine of Potter’s best-loved tales. Along with their new illustrations inspired by the stories of characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jeremy Fisher and Squirrel Nutkin, the current generation of children’s writers share their thoughts on Beatrix Potter’s art and her influence on their work. Age 6+

The nostalgic stories in this collection will keep young readers occupied for many long hours. The Five Find-Outers, plus Buster the dog, embark on exciting adventures investigating the emptying of a cottage on Holly Lane, a missing ventriloquist's dummy, a cunning thief, the disappearance of an Eastern prince and a robbery in a local theatre. The wholesome fun is told with plenty of lively dialogue. Age 8+

Including models ranging from a simple fern to a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a hatching baby dinosaur, the 20 projects in this illustrated guide explain how to make a collection of famous prehistoric creatures. Eight sheets of patterned origami paper are provided, and the book contains dinosaur profiles; advice on paper sizes, folding symbols and required skill levels; and comprehensive step-by-step instructions. Age 9+

Twenty challenging 1,000-dot puzzles based on Marvel Comic artworks of Spiderman and his friends, allies and foes, plus an extra large, 1,500-dot puzzle of Spidey v. Doctor Octopus. Age 8+

This is the illustrated story of the extraordinary creatures who once ruled the earth and explores the world of prehistoric life, from Tyrannosaurus Rex and feathered Chinese dinosaurs to early amphibians and the sabre-toothed tiger.

This guide explores life in ancient Athens, including a brief history and descriptions of religious practices, culture, sport and everyday activities. It is fully illustrated, with cutaway diagrams, maps, timelines and photographs of surviving artefacts. Age 7+

This illustrated guide explains how to read music, describes the history and style of different genres, and introduces the most popular instruments. There are practical exercises for the recorder, piano and guitar, and activities and tips to help budding musicians discover more about how music is made, why it is important and how to develop their own musical talent. Age 7+

From a very simple ‘B Tune’ to the ‘Funky Finale’, this book presents 100 tunes for beginner to intermediate level players, along with a ‘Getting Started’ section explaining the instrument, fingering charts and the basics of music notation and theory.

During her 63-year reign, Victoria presided over a period of tremendous change, development and technological advancement. This CD features seven people who helped to shape the era, including Charles Dickens, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Charles Darwin. Age 12+

William Roberts tells the stories of iconic figures from the history of the American ‘Wild West’, exploring in detail the real exploits of ‘heroes’ including Daniel Boone, Kit Carson, Davy Crockett, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, Calamity Jane and Wyatt Earp. The text is read by Adam Sims, with music by Gottschalk and Macdowell. Age 12+

The five teenagers in Anthony Horowitz's series of adventure novels discover that they are ancient magical gatekeepers, reincarnated and equipped with special powers to renew their age-old battle with the mysterious Chaos and the evil Old Ones. Involving occult practices and time travel, and played out across dimensions and around the world, the five-volume saga is an epic struggle between good and evil. Age 12+

This lift-the-flap book begins by relating basic shapes to objects, such as the diamond to a kite, then introduces composites, for example triangle plus rectangle equals birdhouse, and groups, whereby four circles become a caterpillar. Age 1+

From Apple, Bird and Castle to Xylophone, Yarn and Zebra, these sturdy alphabet cards feature toys, animals and objects that will be familiar and appealing to young children. Created by Lorena Siminovich as part of her environmentally friendly, design-led Petit Collage brand, they are a stylish and colourful aid to teaching letter names. Age 2+

Created by an award-winning author and illustrator, this set of ten humorous rhyming picture books feature engaging animal characters on journeys of self-discovery. Cottonwool Colin learns about self-care, Cow realises that no one likes a misery moo, Slug discovers that there are other ways to show love than hugs (which are hard when you are armless) and Big Bad Bun teaches his parents about perspective. Age 4+

Described by the Guardian as 'irresistible small books for very young children... The words are just as much fun as the pictures', Shirley Hughes's Nursery Collection introduces the alphabet, numbers and first concepts – of shapes and sizes, opposites, noises and colours – in everyday toddler activities with Katie, her little brother Olly and their mum and dad. The six books are ABC, 123, All Shapes and Sizes, Opposites, Noisy and Colours. Age 3+

In this illustrated 1937 classic, the little engine Choo Choo tires of pulling heavy coaches and strikes out on her own for a life of adventure free from rules, cargo and timetables. Age 3+

Little Miss Trouble causes upset wherever she goes. But when she starts making mischief in Seatown, she must answer to a very annoyed Mermaid Queen, who imposes an unusual punishment. Age 3+

Mrs Pepperpot's habit of shrinking at a moment's notice gets her into all sorts of scrapes, but with some quick thinking she always manages to bounce back. When she shrinks while picking blueberries, Mrs Pepperpot has to outwit a hungry fox, then a hungry wolf and then a hungry bear. Will her husband ever get his blueberry jam? Age 3+

Age 3+

This inventive picture book uses geometric illustrations to introduce nine creatures of land and sea. For each, the opening spread shows only a large pair of eyes; next, their owner is pictured with a brief, humorous description; and the final challenge is to find the animal camouflaged in its natural habitat. Age 4+

Bad Harry is usually at the centre of the mischief in these short stories, whether he is breaking plates, hiding unwanted crusts or being suspiciously quiet in the library.

The friends in these ten stories include a milkman on a rescue mission; kind Mrs Cocoa, who produces a get-better box for a ‘cross, spotty child’; and the chimney sweep, whose visit has a very unexpected result.

By following the illustrated step-by-step instructions, children can learn to draw 15 bugs, including a dragonfly, tarantula and ant. The author includes information on anatomy, colour and texture plus advice on techniques and materials. Age 7+

This interactive lift-the-flap adventure takes the reader on a whistle-stop tour through transport history from the invention of the wheel, via the golden age of steamboats, to the first jet engine flight. Age 7+

This activity book links to the primary curriculum and offers plenty of history-themed things to make, including a Medusa head shield and Pandora’s Box, and do, such as learning about mythical creatures and the Greek alphabet. Age 7+

Selected by creator Stephen Hillenburg and aimed at first-generation fans, this collection of stories from the SpongeBob Comics features a hardcover slipcase, illustrations by noted artists including Tony Millionaire and Al Jaffee and a bonus facsimile reprint of the inaugural issue. Age 6+

JM Barrie's tale of the boy who never grows old, the mischievous Tinker Bell and the villainous Captain Hook has thrilled readers for a century. This edition presents May Byron’s 1925 abridgement of the text, with illustrations by Shirley Hughes. Age 6+

In this ‘Children's Books Inspired by Famous Artworks’ title, the characters from Wassily Kandinsky’s 1940 abstract painting ‘Sky Blue’ are reimagined as the dreams of a giant who has stumbled into a village populated by tiny townsfolk. Age 7+

tarting 4.5 billion years ago, this large-format account of the geological history of the Earth traces the movement of landmasses up to the present day and predicts how they will move further. In a series of maps, with concise accompanying texts and detailed line drawings, it explains the gradual continental shifts, and how life developed and diversified as a result. Page five shows eleven stages of the movement from effectively one mass to the continents we know today – not what you expect. Age 7+

Throughout history, visionaries such as Archimedes, Gutenberg and Edison have produced inventions that have helped to shape our modern world, and their biographies shed light on how they brought their ideas to fruition. Age 12+

The journeys of some of history’s most intrepid explorers, including Marco Polo, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, Captain Cook and the Apollo Mission astronauts are revealed here, partly told in the words of the men themselves. Age 12+

Nicolas Soames presents the biographies of a varied group of men and women who changed the course of history. Figures covered include Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc, da Vinci, Washington and Gandhi. Age 12+

With separate chapters for biology, chemistry and physics, here science is made approachable: each scientific method is explained through a series of interconnecting coloured boxes and demonstrated by following a specific question through hypothesis to conclusion.

Divided into the four core English subjects of grammar, punctuation, spelling and communication skills, this guide helps clarify perennial problems: simple illustrations explain the difference between ‘its’ and ‘it’s’, and use of formal and informal language is explained through ‘spotting the difference’.

France 1942. A young autistic boy, Lorenzo, lives among the salt flats of the Camargue. He loves flamingos and the town carousel, but when the Germans come his world implodes. Yet there are kind people, even among the enemy, and there is always hope. Age 8+

Designed to help new readers to develop their linguistic, spelling and vocabulary skills, this illustrated dictionary focuses on the words that children use in everyday life. Each entry defines the word clearly (plus the pronunciation for harder words), identifies the part of speech, gives an example sentence and includes synonyms and antonyms where appropriate. Age 6+

In this search and adventure book, six globe-trotting llamas and their cacti travelling companions play hide and seek in intricately designed locations including an airport, a beach and a pet show. Age 6+

This children's reference book presents colourful and attractive maps of the world alongside information about the culture and history of countries and regions. The pages include fact boxes, statistics and photographs of notable sites, buildings, natural wonders, local people and wildlife. There are also games and quizzes to play, a section on flags of the world, and links to further content online. Age 7+

Michael Rosen conducts a guided tour of Charles Dickens’s life and work, from his poor childhood to his successful one-man shows. He explains his influence, inspirations and appeal, introducing classic characters such as Scrooge and Miss Havisham. Age 7+

From Awful Egyptians and Groovy Greeks to the Woeful Second World War, by way of Measly Middle Ages, Terrifying Tudors and Vile Victorians, here is Terry Deary's 'history with the nasty bits left in'. Awash in blood and guts, shameless alliteration, and drawings by Martin Brown, the Beastly Book Set contains ten volumes; the other four books are Rotten Romans, Vicious Vikings, Gorgeous Georgians and the Frightful First World War. Age 7+

Focusing on the 25 genera of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that are classified as ‘critically endangered’ by the WWF, the information provided on each species in this illustrated guidebook includes the threats they face and the conservation efforts being made to ensure their survival. Off-mint. Age 7+

Ideal for anyone who has ever wondered what a brain feels like, what neurons are or why we forget things, this book reveals what the brain can do. Age 8+

What is an exo-skeleton? How does a fly see? How can you avoid being bitten? From skin-shedding to egg-laying and the deadliest bugs of all, find out how insects tick. Age 8+

Delve into this collection of fast-track facts to discover how inventions can change lives, from the abacus and the wheel to the flushing toilet and the internet. Age 8+

When Agent Cluckbucket is assigned to investigate Vladimir Raptotov – an owl with more than mice in his sights – he uncovers a plot to create horrifying dino-chicken hybrids on Stormy Island. Age 6+

Shylo is the smallest, weakest rabbit in his family, but when he overhears a band of rats (the Ratzis) plotting to take a photo of the Queen in her nightie, it’s up to Shylo to be a hero. He must travel to London, alert the secret society of Royal Rabbits who live under Buckingham Palace to protect the royal family, and save the day. Age 6+.

Produced in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, this collection of intricate lino-cut prints by the Japanese artist Narisa Togo captures the beauty and the drama of winged creatures from across the world. Each illustration is accompanied by information about the species, detailing its Latin name, habitat and behaviour. Featured birds include the Bald Eagle, the Australian Pelican and Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Age 6+

From violin and flute to saxophone and electronic sounds, this book introduces young musicians to instruments’ construction, playing techniques and the types of music in which they are used, showing how they work together to produce the huge variety of orchestral sounds. Photographs of the instruments and visual representations of their pitch are complemented by audio clips on the accompanying CD-ROM; percussionist Evelyn Glennie adds her expert comments. Age 9+

Narrated by Joey, a horse who witnesses the horror of battle in the First World War from both sides of the trenches with his owner Albert, this contemporary classic has been adapted for the stage with great success and filmed by Steven Spielberg, and is presented here with sensitive watercolour illustrations. Age 10+

Marked-out boards for versions of the game known in Britain as Nine Men's Morris have been discovered on classical ruins, ancient clay tiles and even in a Viking ship burial, the longevity and wide reach of the game attesting to its appeal. This compendium explains Nine Men’s Morris and eight other enduring games, such as Hangman and Battleships, with rules, strategy tips, printed playing boards and grids.

From Brennus the menace in around 390 BCE to King Bridei slaughtering Angles in the seventh century CE, Allan Burnett and the cartoonist Scoular Anderson present the blood-spattered history and awesome legends of the Celts. Age 9+

Delving into the grisly business of trials, torture and execution, here are the stories of doomed victims, including Joan of Arc, Julius Caesar, Guy Fawkes and the outlaw Jesse James. Age 10+

This collection of murder and mayhem includes histories of Boudica, Vlad the Impaler, the French Revolution, Roman emperors, Vikings and the demise of Rasputin. Age 10+

When young artist and would-be anarchist Célie is whisked away from the tumult of Revolutionary-era Paris to work at Versailles under the tutorship of Marie Tussaud, she must choose between freedom and privilege. Age 12+

In another of Carolina Rabei’s acclaimed illustrated versions of poems from Walter de la Mare’s Peacock Pie (1913), children explore the farmyard as the animals bed down for the night. Age 3+

One night, three owl babies wake up to find their mother has gone. Frightened, but together, they try to reassure each other until their mother comes home. First published in 1992, this story has been a bedtime favourite ever since. Age 3+

In this picture book by one of Britain’s best-loved children’s author/illustrators, each member of a diverse group of friends has a special strength. When one of their party is taken ill on an outing, the Fantastic Five work together to save him. Age 3+

This well-illustrated picture book blends fact and fiction to help young children understand the environmental challenges faced by the planet, encouraging them to imagine a world free from pollution, deforestation and poaching.

Comprising six pages of cardboard press-outs, this activity book provides colourful robots that can be built without the use of glue or scissors. Each of the three models has a colour version to customize with the stickers provided, and a plain, white alternative so that readers can create their own designs. Age 5+