Laura Perryman's family has always lived on Bryher. But the tough lifestyle is about to get tougher...Laura Perryman's family has always lived on the tiny island of Bryher. She lives with her twin brother, Billy, her mother and father, and her Granny May. They have four milking cows,enough to keep the entire population of the island supplied with milk, and the islanders feed themselves from the sea. It is a hard life, and Billy, fourteen years old and bored with the unending milking routine, is feeling the strain.So, when the General Lee bound for New York calls at St Mary's for repairs Billy secures his passage as a cabin boy. He has left the islands before his parents know anything about it, and Laura is devastated to have lost her twin brother. Things go from bad to worse, and when ill fortune besets the island, families start to drift away from Bryher...
A thought-provoking and rich collection of short stories, many of which reflect the author's love of myths and legends, his close observations of family life, and his skills as a unique storyteller.A beautiful collection of short stories written by one of the best loved children's authors of all time.Giant's NecklaceCherry has a necklace made out of pink shells and fishing line, but she still needs some more shells to complete it. So, with permission of her mother and father, she stays on the beach after the rest of the family have left to look for more shells. But the tide is coming in fast, and she made a promise with her mother to be back before it gets dark, so she starts to climb back up the cliff towards the cottage in Eagle's Nest where they are staying. But there is a giant storm wave coming towards her, which sweeps her off her feet and leaves her elsewhere...Ancient TimeIn Ancient Time breathes an intense life into the friendship between Jesus of Nazareth and a young follower who travels from Glastonbury to PalestineSilver Ghost'There are very few grand houses where I live, but I did hear of one. So I went to have a look.The Parkland was rolling and gracious, the driveway imposing, but at first glance I could see no house. Then I discovered there was no house, not any more. All I found was a plaque on a wall telling me the house had been destroyed by fire. No one knows how or why the fire started. Until now.'Muck and MagicA collection of stories that explore a wide range of rural themes and settings, from the sinister countryside to a ruined Lebanese garden.
Albert starts a new school and soon learns about the headmaster's new monstrous marble crusher machine...Sid Creedy decides to have fun with the new boy, Albert. The trusting Albert believes his outrageous stories until the tale of the Marble Crusher reaches the Head Teacher...
Robbie McLeod has the misfortune to be orphaned at a very young age and is brought up for a while by his heartless uncle. He is also born into a difficult age, being young and idealistic, in Scotland, at the time of the Jacobite Uprising in 1745.Robbie McLeod has the misfortune to be orphaned at a very young age and is brought up for a while by his heartless uncle. He is also born into a difficult age, being young and idealistic, in Scotland, at the time of the Jacobite Uprising in 1745. Bonnie Prince Charlie has returned to Scotland from his exile in France, to claim the throne which is rightfully his.The charismatic Prince sweeps through Scotland calling men to arms as he goes, and Robbie joins them. At Culloden the Scots are overwhelmed by the English, and Robbie runs for his life from the field of battle.Aged just sixteen, he becomes a hunted man.Robbie hides in a distant and remote glen, and it is there that he makes the best friend of his life, Charlie. Not everyone would be able to make a friend from a wild wolf, but Robbie did. And if you want to know how he did it, you will have to listen to his story...
Blodin the beast stalks the land, breathing fire and reducing villages to ruins. Who or what can end his tyranny? Only wise old Shanga, weaving his strange carpet, knows how to destroy the monster, but he is too old to cross the mountains that never end. Read by Harry Man.Blodin the beast stalks the land, breathing fire and reducing villages to ruins. Who or what can end his tyranny? Only wise old Shanga, weaving his strange carpet, knows how to destroy the monster, but he is too old to cross the mountains that never end.
The poignant story of a polar bear who longs to soak himself in all the colours of the rainbow.
The polar bear is bored of his white environment and his hard life. He dreams of soaking himself in all the luminous colours of the rainbow. But when his wish is granted, he realizes to his cost that his arctic camouflage no longer works and he needs the advice of others to escape his prism.
A wonderful tale of nature, set on the wintery shores of a Scottish loch.How will the silver swan feed her cygnets in the midst of winter, when there are hungry foxes prowling, with cubs with mouths to feed?
When Nick's grandmother decides to help him become Conker Cahmpion of Jubilee Park, she sends him off to find some special conkers from Cotter's Yard. But Nick frinds far more than conkers in the Yard.When Nick's grandmother decides to help him become Conker Cahmpion of Jubilee Park, she sends him off to find some special conkers from Cotter's Yard. But Nick frinds far more than conkers in the Yard. He discovers a half-starved dog who needs his help. Will Nick be able to rescue him?
Classic fables are told with a twist by the wonderful children's author Michael Morpurgo. Read by Harry Man.Classic fables which are told with a twist by the wonderful Childrens book author Michael Morpurgo. READ BY HARRY MAN
Step into the magical world of Wonderland in this gloriously illustrated picture book retelling of Lewis Carroll's enduring classic, from the highly-regarded, prize-winning illustrator of Blue Kangaroo and Melrose and Croc.When Alice follows a white rabbit down a hole she discovers the extraordinary world of Wonderland, where a magical adventure begins. It's not long before Alice finds herself attending a very unconventional tea party and taking part in a peculiar game of croquet, all in the company of such mysterious and unforgettable characters as the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and the Mock Turtle.Lewis Carroll's classic story is brought alive for a new generation of readers in this exquisite picture book.
A quirky Valentine's Day comedy from Simon Puttock and Russell Ayto, both children's book award winners
Dear 'Red',Your wings are so beautiful!I wish you were my friend.Or EVEN my valentine?From 'Blue'
Love is in the garden air on Valentine's Day, but Ladybird is feeling all left out ... until she opens a letter from a secret admirer. Could it really be from handsome blue Dragonfly? Ladybird is overjoyed! And who is shy Beetle writing to? All will be revealed at a magical moonlit wedding ... and you're invited!
A laugh-out-loud love story full of captivating miniature detail.
