Best Selling Books by Sarah Courtauld

Here begins a tale of Eliza, who wants to become a swashbuckling hero, and Lavender, who dreams of being a fairy-tale princess. When Lavender casts a spell to make herself tiny, becoming a giant''s birthday present was never part of her plan. Unfortunately, this giant loves dolls'' houses and isn''t letting her new toys out of her sight. Can Eliza and Lavender come up with a cunning plan to escape? Where have all the gentle giants gone? Is Lavender really magical? How many socks can their goat, Gertrude, actually eat? And what''s for dinner? This book might answer these questions, but then again it might not . . . A brilliantly funny quirky story for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Mr Gum.

Swing into the amazing world of monkeys with this charmingly illustrated book. See monkeys leap from tree to ttree and eath up crunchy bugs. Then watch as grown-up monkeys fall asleep and their abies start to play.

A charmingly illustrated book packed with the best-loved paintings in the National Gallery, London. Includes amazing stories behind the paintings, about the lives of the artists and how they worked, and internet links to find out more. Fantastic for budding art critics. This lovely haardcover picture book is also available in paperback, with stickers to recreate the artworks (ISBN 9780746099995)

These cards tell you all about some of the world''s best loved Impressionists paintings. Discover the stories behind the pictures and find out about the artist''s lives.

A fascinating look into the wriggly world of bugs, and how they grow, feed and make their homes. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton, specially written for children just starting to read alone. This book includes audio and internet links to find out more. "Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme." - Julia Eccleshare

Presents the life and accomplishments of the English seaman and explorer, from his childhood in the house of his seafaring uncle, through his career as a privateer and explorer for Queen Elizabeth I, to his death at sea.

Find out the amazing stories behind the world''s most famous paintings and the artists who created them in this beautifully illustrated book. Includes fascinating information about the artists, their techniques, inspiration and their lives. Produced in association with The National Gallery, London.

The magic of the Wombles is brought to life in this fresh new series for younger readers. Great Uncle Bulgaria has some important news - Cousin Yellowstone is coming from America to visit the Wimbledon burrow. It is his birthday and they are going to have a party. Cousin Yellowstone always has exciting stories to share and the Wombles can''t wait for him to arrive. They quickly start tidying the Common, all except Orinoco who is thinking about something much more important - the very special birthday cake that Madame Cholet is baking! But when the party starts and the giant Blackberry Magnifique is revealed, Orinoco is nowhere to be found. Where could he be? This warm and funny story featuring Orinoco, one of the cheekiest and most-loved Wombles, is perfect for today''s younger readers.

An introduction to the flora and fauna found in the countryside, packed with amazing facts and clues to look for to identify the different species of trees, birds, and wild flowers to be found all year round.

A highly illustrated picture book featuring photographs and portraits of British kings and queens from the 10th century to the present day. Children can wander through a gallery of monarch-themed pages, which include the Tudors, Stuarts, Hanoverians, Queen Victoria and Britain''s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

Howie has an urge to do Dog Stuff, but with no other dogs around but his evil sister, he''s out of luck. And Poodle has a Cunning Plan. Will Howie discover who his real friends are, before it''s too late?

Almost Naked Animals is a high-energy CITV series featuring a cast of pants-wearing animals. Now get a look behind the scenes at the Banana Cabana and see what Howie and his friends are up to ... Running a busy hotel is a tough job, particularly when you''re as bad at it as Howie is, but it helps when you have friends. Joining Howie are a gang of bottom-covered misfits including Octo, Bunny, Narwhal, Duck and Piggy ... and in a rival hotel nearby lurks Howie''s evil sister Poodle, who''s obsessed with taking over the Banana Cabana and shutting it down for ever! Poodle has an evil plot to ruin Howie once and for all: she sends a Robot Howie to the Banana Cabana to drive all his friends away! How will Howie prove to the gang that he''s the real Howie? The author translating the Almost Naked Animals from TV to book form is a BAFTA-honoured comedy writer, and these books are in full colour throughout - with bonus stickers!

A classic collection of twelve stories, with stunning illustrations, which will whisk you away to the magical world of ballet. Soar with the Firebird, dance with the Nutcracker Prince, and thrill at the drama of Romeo and Juliet. A delightful gift to enchant and inspire any ballet lover. Stories included are: Cinderella, Coppelia, Giselle, La Sylphide (the Sylph), Swan Lake, Firebird, Don Quixote, La Fille Mal Gardée (The Wayward Daughter), Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, Ondine and Sleeping Beauty.

This book describes the history of slavery, from the slaves of ancient Egypt to today''s illegal slavery all over the world.

"From Romeo and Juliet''s star-crossed love, to the dark ambitions of Macbeth, the characters from Shakespeare''s plays are famous throughout the world. This collection of stories from all the plays, with beautiful illustrations and quotations, is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare." -- Back cover.

This title provides an in-depth exploration of bird watching, including habitats and conservation, to provide a deeper understanding of the natural world. Activities are also included, such as creating a bird feeder.

"Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on a pirate ship? Follow the adventures of a swashbuckling captain and his crew as they brave a storm and search for treasure"--P. [4] of cover.