Each of these short stories was written specifically for Christmas. They combine concern for social ills with the myths and memories of childhood and traditional Christmas spirit-lore. The stories include "A Christmas Carol", "The Chimes", "The Battle of Life" and "The Cricket on the Hearth".
Patrick Benson Books
Patrick Benson is a celebrated children's book illustrator whose work is cherished for its playful spirit and warmth. His distinctive style breathes life into characters, resonating with readers of all ages. His illustrations adorn a wide array of beloved stories, bringing a unique visual charm to each narrative.






A story in which three baby owls wake up one night in their hole in a tree to find that their mother has gone. Darkness gathers and the owls grow anxious, until at last she returns and they bounce up and down with joy. Illustrated by Patrick Benson in full colour.
From Patrick Benson, the illustrator of Owl Babies, comes the read-aloud story of Raju the baby elephant and his mummy who set out on a great jungle adventure. Raju follows his mother, holding tightly onto her tail, as they bravely journey across a wide river, battle the tall grass and delve into the deep, dark forest ... meeting snapping crocodiles, slithering snakes and ferocious tigers along the way. But where are Raju and his mummy going? What will they see in the end? Little tired Raju keeps asking, "When can we go home again?" and, each time, his mummy replies, “Soonâ€. This lyrical story transports readers to the lush, wild Indian jungle and exquisitely captures the fear and excitement of new experience.Please ask if you need a specific version. The data provided here may not be correct. With buying and not asking you are accepting the book as is.
The Minpins
- 48 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Little Billy doesn't really believe there are monsters in the wood, but the red-hot smoke-belching gruncher is real enough, and so are the tiny minpins, whose minature world is in danger.
Little Penguin
- 36 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Comparing herself to the larger Emperor penguins, Pip the Adélie penguin feels unhappy with her size until an encounter with a huge sperm whale puts things in a different perspective for her.
Toad of Toad Hall has his finest hour - in the final volume of William Horwood's bestselling Tales of the Willows sequence.
The Willows in Winter
- 300 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The beloved characters of Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and Toad are vividly reimagined in this enchanting novel, celebrating their timeless charm and humor. William Horwood skillfully brings back their adventures, capturing the essence of Grahame's original work while infusing it with new life. Enhanced by delightful illustrations, the story promises to evoke joy and nostalgia, showcasing Toad's irresistible and exasperating nature that fans have cherished for generations.
Folio cadet premières lectures - 52: Rex, le chien de ferme
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Je suis Rex. À la ferme il y a toujours à faire : rentrer les vaches, les moutons... Et il y a Lila, la fille du fermier. Nous étions les meilleurs amis, jusqu'à ce que le cheval arrive...


