In the City of Lies, they cut out your tongue when you turn thirteen, to appease the terrifying Ajungo Empire and make sure it continues sending water. Tutu will be thirteen in three days, but his parched mother won’t last that long. So Tutu goes to his oba and makes a deal: she provides water for his mother, and in exchange, he will travel out into the desert and bring back water for the city. Thus begins Tutu’s quest for the salvation of his mother, his city, and himself.

The Jolley-Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon (Jolley-Rogers Series) [Paperback] Jonny Duddle

The story of two unlikely friends, Sula and Ja, who are from totally different social backgrounds. Sula and Ja are lab partners, but nothing more at the beginning of the book. Each deals with family issues in this Young Adult novel.

The sin of the father is a captivating of a man whose inordinate quest for wealth set him on edge with his people whom he has seemingly helped with his ill-gotten wealth.

Everything has a place. Things last longer when we take care of them. Respect, responsibility, and stewardship are concepts that even young children can relate to—because they have things they value. This book encourages children to pick up after themselves, put things back where they belong, and ask permission to use things that don’t belong to them. It also teaches simple environmental awareness: respecting and taking care of the earth. Includes ideas for adult-led activities and discussions.

A delightful addition to the popular ‘Princess Arabella’ series. Princess Arabella and her friends embark upon their first day at Princess School. They find themselves taking some very unusual lessons – and when they are allowed to bring their pets to school, fun and games ensue! An engaging and entertaining picture book for children aged 3+.

Aimed at children 5 years and older, this boredom-beating collection of incredible, beautifully illustrated mazes tests children’s problem-solving skills.

The possible-impossible books contain puzzles that get progressively harder as children work through the book. If children find them too hard, the solutions are included in the back of the book.

Pooh, a well-known bear of little brain, admires Rabbit’s sunflowers and decides to plant some of his own. But in spite of Piglet’s and Roo’s help, the seeds somehow end up in Poh’s honey pot instead of in the ground. Pooh’s friends save the day, and loveable pooh ends up with big yellow flowers that are smart enough to turn themselves toward the sun.

Collects three tales about mermaids–one who is poor and must steal to save her mother, one who solves a crime, and one who is willing to give up her tail for love.

Three original stories with easy-reading text for children who have just started reading on their own. Includes stories about scary monsters living under the bed, close encounters with rampaging ice beasts and escaping slimy swamp creatures. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. Also available with an audio CD with a dramatic listen-along recording with music and sound effects, followed by a read-along version with prompts for page turns.

In three tales, Pirate School graduate Charlie Crossbones buys a used parrot with a most upsetting habit, Molly Mullet uses her piloting skills to trick Captain Spike, and cabin boy Sam Sardine searches for the mysterious Masked Pirate.

The eccentric Mr. Puff lives next door to Sam in a house full of interesting things – including a basket of dinosaur eggs! When the dinosaurs begin to grow, something needs to be done – fast! An amusing, original story with easy reading text, speech bubbles and delightful illustrations on every page. Specially written as part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme for children who have just started reading alone.

The Russian folktale retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Prince Ivan sets off in search of the Firebird, which has been stealing his father’s golden apples. A story of bravery, determination and magic that has captivated generations, and inspired iconic paintings, music and ballet. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

This title is a new addition to “Young Reading Series One”, part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme, based on the Chinese myth. It is aimed at children just beginning to read to help build confidence and ability. When three brothers inherit their father’s fortune, greedy Ying and Yong keep it all for themselves, leaving poor Chin to live a simple life. But Chin’s act of kindness to a mysterious monk leads to a magical reward. This title is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University. It features beautifully produced hardback with ribbon marker to encourage pride in book ownership.