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.

After being framed by jealous rivals, young sailor Edmond Dantes is sent to a gloomy prison for 20 years. He orchestrates a daring escape and disguises himself as a rich count to gain revenge on the enemies that framed him.

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.

An original story for children who have just started reading on their own. One rainy Saturday, Ellie and her friends set up the Monster Gang. But one of the gang is hiding a big secret. Will he be found out? Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

The Phantom of the Opera lurks beneath the Paris opera house, a mysterious shadow who takes young opera singer Christine under his tutelage and transforms her into a star. But will his growing obsession with Christine, and her blossoming romance with Count Raoul, be the end of them all? Specially rewritten as part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme, aimed at children growing in reading confidence and ability.

A Swiss orphan girl named Heidi is heartbroken when she must leave her beloved grandfather and their happy home in the mountains to go to school and to care for an invalid girl in the city.

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.

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

Three vampire tales for children ready to tackle longer and more complex stories. Young heroes and heroines meet pale and mysterious strangers. But whom should they trust And will they survive the night Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

– These great beginning reading books combine a fun-to-read story with easy-to-read text
– Series Two is for readers who are growing in confidence
– Collect them all!.

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.