British artist and illustrator Alan Marks, born in London in 1957, brings a rich artistic background to his work. Following his education in art and a brief period as an educator, he forged a distinguished career in magazine and book illustration. His distinctive style has graced the pages of books for numerous children's authors. Marks is recognized for his artistic contributions and his nuanced approach to visual storytelling.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly old skinflint. He hates everyone, especially children. But at Christmas three ghosts come to visit him, scare him into mending his ways, and he finds, as he celebrates with Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and their family, that geniality brings its own reward. This finest of all Christmas stories is beautifully illustrated with Arthur Rackham’s superb line drawings.
Developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University. There are over 250 Young Reading titles; view them at our website: www.usborne.com.
Retelling of the story about a boy captured by the snow queen and taken to her castle in the north and his friend's efforts to save him.
A children's classic, featuring Mowgli, the Indian boy brought up by wolves in the jungle, his companions, Baloo and Bagheera, and his enemy, Shere Khan.
The novel begins with the titular character Jane Eyre living with her maternal uncle's family, the Reeds, as a result of her uncle's dying wish. The novel starts when Jane is ten years old and several years after her parents died of typhus. Mr. Reed was the only one in the Reed family to be kind to Jane. Jane's aunt Sarah Reed does not like her, treats her as a burden and discourages her children from associating with Jane. Mrs. Reed and her three children are abusive to Jane, both physically and emotionally. The servant Bessie proves to be Jane's only ally in the household even though Bessie sometimes harshly scolds Jane. Excluded from the family activities, Jane is incredibly unhappy with only a doll and occasionally books in which to find solace. One day, Jane is locked in the red room where her uncle died, and she panics after seeing visions of him. She is finally rescued when she is allowed to attend Lowood School for Girls, after the physician, Dr. Lloyd, convinces Mrs. Reed to send Jane away. Before Jane leaves, she confronts Mrs. Reed and declares that she'll never call her "aunt" again, that Mrs. Reed and her daughters, Georgiana, and Eliza are deceitful and that she'd tell everyone at Lowood how cruelly Mrs. Reed treated her ...
A collection of tree tales from around the world. Suggested level: junior, primary
When Heidi's Aunt Dete gets a new job in Frankfurt she takes Heidi up the mountains and leaves her with her grandfather who is not at all thrilled about having Heidi live with him. Just as Heidi and her Grandfather have become happy living together, Aunt Dete returns, wanting to take Heidi back to Frankfurt to be company for a rich little girl who is sick.
This classic story by Anna Sewell is retold for young children in picture book form. Black Beauty is the moving story of a young horse's journey from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the dark, cobbled streets of London, and the cruelty and kindness he encounters along the way. This read-aloud text is accompanied by beautiful watercolour illustrations by Alan Marks.
Re-live Robin Hood's daring escapades with his Merry Men, and then find out about the men who might have inspired these stories.
An exciting story from the legend of Robin Hood, retold for English language learners. When Much Middleton's father is arrested by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, Much seeks the help of the mysterious outlaw, Robin Hood.
