Darrell, excited to introduce her sister Felicity to Malory Towers, becomes the head girl of the Upper Fourth. However, her joy is overshadowed by Felicity’s friendship with June, whom Darrell dislikes. As head girl, she faces challenges and struggles to control her temper, making her new role less thrilling than anticipated.

This is a new title in “Young Reading Series Two”, part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme, which is aimed at children whose reading ability and confidence allows them to tackle longer and more complex stories. This title is based on a Scandinavian fairytale. Asta’s father gives her to a talking white bear in exchange for wealth and she is taken away to the bear’s castle. But is there more to this bear than meets the eye? This title is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University.

Shakespeare’s classic story retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When a ghostly figure appears to Prince Hamlet, he discovers the dreadful truth about his father’s death. His quest for revenge leads him into a world of mayhem, madness and murder. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. With links to recommended websites for children to find out more about Shakespeare and the play

One of Shakespeare’s greatest tales retold for English language learners. Macbeth is the bravest general in Scotland, and a loyal servant to King Duncan. But then he hears that one day, he could be king himself. Mad with ambition, Macbeth sets out on a bloody path to power.

Follow the ups and downs of the Bennet family in this witty classic, full of unforgettable characters. Has the lively heroine Miss Elizabeth Bennet met her match in aloof Mr. Darcy?

During one of his several adventurous voyages in the 1600s, an Englishman becomes the sole survivor of a shipwreck and lives for nearly thirty years on a deserted island.

These two new gift editions in the “Usborne Young Reading Series” are titles to treasure, published in hardback with a ribbon marker. Each title is a classic: The tragedy of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is delicately re-examined; and Lewis Carroll’s imaginative fantasy “Alice in Wonderland” is given a larger-than-life retelling. “Usborne’s Young Reading Series” was developed in conjunction with experts from the University of Surrey and is designed to encourage independent reading. Each title has clear, engaging text and is accompanied by stunning original illustrations.

An amusing and original story for children growing in reading confidence. When the littlest ghost is deemed not scary enough by the Ghost Inspectors, he loses his job at the fairground. Can Jake help him be more scary and win his job back? Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

When Jane Eyre becomes a governess at the rambling mansion of Thornfield Hall, she falls in love with her mysterious employer, Mr. Rochester. But he hides a terrible secret that threatens to drive them apart… Part of the Usborne Young Reading series, this retelling of Charlotte Bronte’s timeless love story is ideal for newly independent readers.

Shakespeare’s classic comedy specially retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When Viola is left shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, she must disguise herself as a boy for protection. But when she becomes a page for Duke Orsino, things start to get a little complicated.

“Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme.” – Julia Eccleshare

This is the classic fairytale about the princesses who like to have fun. When their father finds out they’ve been sneaking out to go dancing, he’s furious. ‘Dancing is banned!’, he declares. But will that stop them? It is part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.