Most Popular Books by Lesley SIMS

Watch a chick develop inside her egg, hatch and totter around exploring, as a curious ball of fluff, before growing into a pullet and then an adult hen, laying and hatching eggs of her own. But where does this little chick come in the pecking order? And will she rule the roost? This inventive information book, specially written for little children and with intriguing holes to peek through on every page, is perfect for a first introduction to the incredible world around us.

Shakespeare''s enchanting comedy of magic and mix-ups, fairies and fools, chaos and confusion beautifully retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Easy reading text and delightful illustrations bring the characters and story vividly to life. Includes a guide to the characters and links to recommended websites for children to find out more about Shakespeare and the play. "Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme." - Julia Eccleshare

Part of the ''Young Reading Series 2'', ''The Wind in the Willows'' is a re-telling of the beloved Kenneth Grahame story following the adventures of four riverside companions: Mole, Ratty, Badger and, of course, Mr Toad.

Down by the riverbank, Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad are about to begin their adventures. Join in the fun with this beautifully illustrated retelling of Kenneth Grahame''s classic tale. This is a highly illustrated ebook that can only be read on the Kindle Fire or other tablet.

Alice follows the White Rabbit down a hole and finds herself in Wonderland. Faced with a magic cake, a grinning cat and a noisy Queen, Alice doesn''t know what will happen next.

This is a new title in the ''Usborne Reading Programme'', which is aimed at children whose reading ability and confidence allows them to tackle longer and more complex stories. After returning from Wonderland, Alice''s adventures continue when she steps through a looking glass and into the topsy-turvy world beyond. This title is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University.

Synopsis coming soon.......

Gerald, Cathy and Jimmy are out exploring when they discover an enchanted castle. Even better, they meet a princess who says she has a ring of invisibility. But how much is she making up - and how much is pure magic?

The story of the beautiful princess Snow White, her wicked stepmother and her seven rescuers, delightfully retold for children just starting to read alone. "Irresistible for children learning to read." - Child Education Plus

Three cheeky fleas learn the value of ''please''. All is not well at Bumble''s Big Circus. The stars of the show, three fabulous fleas on their flying trapeze, have let fame go to their heads and now they never say please. It''s up to the earwig clowns to remind them that "EVERYTHING''S better with ''Please''!" Lively rhyming text and humorous illustrations, set in the wonderful world of bugs, make this an excellent addition to the ever popular First Reading Level 3 titles.

Follow the incredible journey of a butterfly as it grows from an egg to a ravenous caterpillar and finally emerges from its chrysalis, a beautiful fluttering butterfly. This interactive title, with its cleverly designed holes, will spark interest on every page. Specially written for little children, it is perfect for a first introduction to the truly spectacular wonders of nature.

A simplified version of Dicken''s supernatural Christmas tale.

This book traces the history of castles, from early wooden castles to stone castles.

Action-packed stories of mystery and adventure interwoven with puzzles to solve

Information about clothing, transportation, food, religion and many other aspects of life in ancient Egypt.

''Twas the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...'' The traditional and much-loved Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore, beautifully illustrated and published as a charming picture book for children to enjoy year after year. A magical rhyming story to share together on Christmas Eve, or for older children to read on their own as they wait for Father Christmas

Stan must outwit a dragon to feed his large family. Victor must persuade two dragons not to eat him. Tom catches a worm-dragon while fishing and must somehow get rid of it.

"I can make soup from a stone!" declared the old man. The old woman didn''t believe him. Do you? Simply written in lively, flowing text Usborne First Reading books are designed to capture the imagination and build the confidence of beginner readers. This book includes audio, simple comprehension puzzles and downloadable worksheets and teacher''s notes. "For every parent, child and teacher weary of the monotony of the average reading scheme, Usborne''s First Reading series will offer rays of sunlight. The books are carefully levelled and offer a huge variety of accessible and fun, fiction and non-fiction." - Tamara Linke (Proprietor, Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop)

A lively retelling of the fairy tale, with sound buttons on each page. Sleeping Beauty''s parents accidentally upset a wicked fairy - and on her 16th birthday, the entire kingdom is doomed to sleep for 100 years. This enchanting retelling, all in rhyme, is a sweet introduction to the classic tale. A button on each page allows readers to hear the story as they read.

Want to sail the high seas? Or battle dragons to the death? Dive into this collection of thrilling stores and choose your adventure. Pirates, monsters, robots, knights and ghosts are all waiting to excite you - or send shivers down your spine. As well as funny, scary and action-packed original tales, you''ll find two seafaring classics, Sinbad the Sailor and Treasure Island.

The Little Giraffe and his best friend Rhino are very, very hungry. What happens next changes their lives forever. Simply written in lively, flowing text Usborne First Reading books are designed to capture the imagination and build the confidence of beginner readers. This book includes audio, simple comprehension puzzles and downloadable worksheets and teacher''s notes. "For every parent, child and teacher weary of the monotony of the average reading scheme, Usborne''s First Reading series will offer rays of sunlight. The books are carefully levelled and offer a huge variety of accessible and fun, fiction and non-fiction." - Tamara Linke (Proprietor, Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop)

Shhh! The king has a secret. I''ll whisper it to you. "He has donkey''s ears." Simply written in lively, flowing text Usborne First Reading books are designed to capture the imagination and build the confidence of beginner readers. This book includes audio, simple comprehension puzzles and downloadable worksheets and teacher''s notes. "For every parent, child and teacher weary of the monotony of the average reading scheme, Usborne''s First Reading series will offer rays of sunlight. The books are carefully levelled and offer a huge variety of accessible and fun, fiction and non-fiction." - Tamara Linke (Proprietor, Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop)

The greedy dragon wants the gold hidden in the castle that Jack built. Soon a witch, troll, frog and prince join the story too! Based on the classic nursery rhyme, this beautifully illustrated retelling is accompanied by audio narration. "Irresistible for children learning to read. " - Child Education Plus

See fabulous fairy palaces magically burst into colour in this delightful activity book. Each page has a beautiful, black and white illustration which is wondrously transformed when children carefully paint water onto the picture. There''s a laminated flap to stop paint seeping through to the next page to ensure perfect results and 16 detailed scenes to paint.

What can Spider get up to in a glider? One thing''s for sure. She''ll end up saving the day. A fun rhyming story, specially written to develop phonemic awareness, with lively illustrations by David Semple. This book is ideal both for reading aloud and for children who are beginning to read for themselves. Helps young children learn to recognise the basic sounds that make up the English language - vital for learning to read. Part of a series of funny phonics readers that children will love. Guidance notes for parents are included at the back of the book.

Once upon a time, there was a dragon, a phoenix and a very, very special pebble... Simply written in lively, flowing text Usborne First Reading books are designed to capture the imagination and build the confidence of beginner readers. This book includes audio, simple comprehension puzzles and downloadable worksheets and teacher''s notes. "For every parent, child and teacher weary of the monotony of the average reading scheme, Usborne''s First Reading series will offer rays of sunlight. The books are carefully levelled and offer a huge variety of accessible and fun, fiction and non-fiction." - Tamara Linke (Proprietor, Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop)

Gerda and Kay are best friends, until Kay suddenly changes. Then he is kidnapped by the wicked Snow Queen and everyone thinks he is lost forever. But Gerda is determined to rescue him. Follow her, in this retelling of the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, as she sets out on her lonely and dangerous quest to the frozen north.