Lovereading 4 Kids Updates from the world of children’s books

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Mayfly Day Jeanne Willis Its message is one to treasure.  Mayfly lives for only one day. Is she sad? No, everything about that one day is to be celebrated. Mayfly sees buds burst open, she sees babies being born; she feels breezes blowing and … Download free opening extract
2		Peppa Pig: Peppa Meets the Queen Join Peppa Pig as she goes to the Palace and gets to meet the Queen! Miss Rabbit is invited to the Palace to get an honour and Peppa and her friends are going too! It’s a wonderfully celebratory day out … Download free opening extract
3		Pip and Posy: The Big Balloon Axel Scheffler April 2012 Book of the Month. Best known for creating the pictures for the Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler has created a perfect story for pre-school. How can Pip’s friends cheer him up when his beautiful red balloon goes POP! ? Luckily Posy … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Where the Wild Things are Maurice Sendak Jacqueline Wilson, February 2012 Guest Editor: “The text is very minimal but perfect – and the illustrations are glorious. This isn’t a scary book in the slightest, though the monsters are grotesque, equipped with very sharp teeth and pointy claws.  Little Max … Download free opening extract
2		Charlie and Lola: We Completely Must Go to London Best-selling Charlie and Lola and their best friends Marve and Lotta are very excited to be going on a trip to London! They gaze up at Buckingham Palace and wonder which is the Queen’s Bedroom, they look in wonder at … Download free opening extract
3		The Worst Princess Anna Kemp May 2012 Book of the Month. A funny new picture book from the team behind the successful Dogs Don’t Do Ballet and Rhinos Don’t Eat Pancakes! Girls everywhere will be cheering for Sue in this story of determination and derring-do. The galloping, tongue-in-cheek rhyming text … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		HM Queen Elizabeth II: Diamond Jubilee This is a very special Ladybird souvenir edition to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. … Download free opening extract
2		Me, the Queen and Christopher Giles Andreae, Tony Ross A touching and funny story about a 7 year-old girl’s adventure having tea with the Queen. Told with Giles Andreae’s trademark warmth and humour, but with an added poignancy when the Queen meets Christopher, Freya’s brother, this is a perfect … Download free opening extract
3		The Perfect Pet Shop (Early Reader) Vivian French A delightful animal story, perfect for early readers. There’s nearly a pet shop disaster when a noisy puppy won’t stay quiet at night time. How will the other animals ever get to sleep? Maybe telling stories will do the trick? … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Dotty Inventions And Some Real Ones Too Roger Mcgough May 2012 Book of the Month.  Best-selling poet Roger McGough hits some real Eureka! moments in this cheerfully wacky picture book full of fabulously ingenious inventions. Professor Dotty Dabble is a great inventor so is sure she’ll win the National … Download free opening extract
2		Eeek! The Runaway Alien Karen Inglis April 2012 Book of the Month. A boy, an alien and football – without any shadow of doubt it’s a match made in heaven for boys in particular and if you have a reluctant reader in the house aged from 6-9 … Download free opening extract
3		Homecoming Michael Morpurgo Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate and the award-winning author of War Horse, has written a beautifully evocative story which celebrates the beauty of a place and the pain it creates when that beauty is under threat. Michael always liked to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		White Dolphin Gill Lewis May 2012 Book of the Month. Bestselling Gill Lewis’s new story tells of the amazing, life-affirming powers of dolphins.  Kara’s life is in a mess; her mum has disappeared, she is in trouble at school and her father is about to … Download free opening extract
2		The Sleeping Army Francesca Simon May 2012 Book of the Month. Freya is an ordinary girl living in modern Britain, but with a twist: people still worship the Viking gods. One evening, stuck with her dad on his night shift at the British Museum, she … Download free opening extract
3		Twelve Minutes to Midnight Christopher Edge April 2012 Book of the Month. A thriller with a fast-paced cinematic style, Twelve Minutes to Midnight is an electrifying story from an exciting new author featuring a feisty 13 year old heroine. It is the first book in a must-read … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		A Dog Called Homeless Sarah Lean May 2012 Debut of the Month. This is an outstandingly assured debut novel from a sparkling new talent.  When Cally Fisher sees her dead mother, real as anything, no one believes her. So Cally stops talking – what’s the point … Download free opening extract
2		Hero on a Bicycle Shirley Hughes May 2012 Book of the Month. Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the … Download free opening extract
3		A Waste of Good Paper Sean Taylor A moving, first person story that captures the frustrations and pent-up fury of a boy with a lot of problems. Jason has been told to write something in his new journal everyday. The trouble is there is nothing he wants … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Changeling Philippa Gregory May 2012 MEGA Book of the Month. Best-selling Philippa Gregory’s first book for teenagers is a thrilling story of malice and betrayal, courage and passion. Tricked out of her inheritance by her greedy and duplicitous brother, Isolde must swap ruling … Download free opening extract
2		Slated Teri Terry May 2012 Debut of the Month. This is a debut novel not to miss. It’s an original and haunting psychological thriller that’s packed with intense mystery and secrets that will have you gripped from the very first page.  It’s the story of Kyla … Download free opening extract
3		When It Happens Susane Colasanti May 2012 Book of the Month. A terrific romantic comedy drama for all those searching for The One! Sara and Tobey couldn’t be more different. She is focused on getting into her first-choice college; he wants to win Battle of the … Download free opening extract

With SATS, GCSEs and A Levels this is a testing time for children and parents – but don’t forget to keep them reading great books – the perfect educational treat! Read on for new and exciting children’s books and features. Plus don’t miss some of this month’s highlights shown below….

We have sprung a blossoming bloom of new categories on the site this month to make the search for your kids’ next great read even more exciting!

Carnegie & Greenaway Book Awards

The Carnegie and Greenaway Medals are arguably the two most prestigious awards in children’s literature. The former is for fiction and the latter for picture books. We’ve pulled together all the shortlisted titles for each award in one diamond mine of a category. Start your journey with A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (14+) – an exquisitely written story of loss, growing up and being different – which is uniquely (this year at least) shortlisted for BOTH prizes! Winners are announced on 14 June. But why not find your winner first?

Is it a book or a wallchart? – Wallbooks are both!

The What on Earth? Wallbook of Sport (7+) by Christopher Lloyd has everything you want to know about all sports from the original Olympics to the present day, all crammed into the attractively busy pages of this vast wall chart which amazingly can also be read like a book. There are also titles on the History of Everything and Natural History Also visit our website to find details of where you can see 8 metre long versions of these amazing books as they tour the country.

Coming soon – Be the First to Read

We have a hugely strong selection of ‘coming soon’ (in June) titles with a free Opening Extract of each of them exclusively on Lovereading4kids this month! Just click on a title in our pre-publication bookshelf below. A real highlight in the Lovereadingoffice is Philippa Gregory’s debut YA novel, The Changeling – an epic medieval series full of dark myths, secrets, adventure, intrigue and a touch of romance. Adults will love it as much as teenagers.

Our fluffy Series of the Month, Little Grey Rabbit

If you haven’t yet, please do have a look at these delightful, classic and much-loved tales for kids aged 3+ that have been re-launched in beautiful editions. We have loved getting to know them again!

Don’t miss three great chances to win

Have you entered any of our three great competitions this month? Tied into our section featuring the fabulous children’s books of award-winning fledgling publisher Nosy Crow, 3 lucky winners can win an exciting selection of books and apps. Click here to enter.

PLUS! We also have 5 awesome brand new Horrid Henry T-Shirts to give away to coincide with the forthcoming publication of Henry’s latest exploits – Horrid Henry’s Monster Movie. Here’s the link … Go there, do that and get the T-shirt!

And we have a 100 book giveaway of Matt Dickinson’s 11+ thriller Mortal Chaos to get readers in the mood for the release of his second, Deep Oblivion (published in July), which you can read an extract of in our Pre-Publication ‘coming soon’ section today.

A great new look for an old teenage spy

Since Stormbreaker was published in 2000, Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider has become a literary sensation. Now with brand new soft-feel covers we think this is the perfect time to introduce Alex Rider to a new generation. His first wave of readers will be doing A-levels by now and leaving school – ready for a whole new bunch of 9+ year olds to get hooked on the heart-stopping, adrenalin-packed action that is Alex’s world.

Out and About

New in our section dedicated to the great outdoors include: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies – introducing children to Britain’s natural beauty. From beach combing and stargazing; watching squirrels, ducks and worms to making special treats for your garden birds. Exquisite.

The Early Bird Catches the (Book) Worm!

Early Readers is one of our favourite sections! It’s a bumper crop of great fun books to share with kids and get them inspired to read on their own. Click here for more.

Two treats for teenage readers

Brave New Section! Dystopian Fiction

Dystopian Fiction: there’s so much of it about and so much of it is so good that we have decided to put it all in one handy section! Now your teens (11+ & 14+) can get their fill of this dark, popular genre!

It’s life but not as we know it! Dystopian fiction only really hit the headlines in the last year with The Hunger Games trilogy. In fact an early adopter some four years ago was Michael Grant’s publication of Gone, the first in a brilliant sequence that is still going strong with the final episode coming in 2013. Most of these books are available as real and eBooks including a personal favourite The Hunt by Andy Fukuda.

Undercover Reads!

The very best in Young Adult Fiction – books so great they’ll be reading them by torchlight under the duvet after lights-out… Among the new great titles this month is: The Anti Prom by Abby McDonald. A truly funny story of three very different girls on one crazy prom night! Perfect timing as we near the end of the school year.

Happy reading and see you in June.

P.S. Last weekend Nicolette Jones in The Sunday Times described one of our Books of the Month, White Dolphin, as ‘lyrical, emotive, engrossing’- it’s a book not to be missed and if you’ve not yet grabbed a copy of Gill Lewis’ debut Sky Hawk then you’re missing a treat.

P.P.S. With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee just a week or two away don’t forget to visit our special section full of books to get kids into the spirit of the occasion.

Hey hey, welcome to May! This month we have virtual shelves full of great books to inspire your kids to lovereading. You could start by telling them that J. M. Barrie, creator of the ever-young Peter Pan, was a May baby. Born in 1860, a lonely child (the 9th of 10 siblings!), Barrie created a fantasy world that has captured the hearts of kids and adults ever since. Here’s what else is new this month…

Author of the Month, Cassandra Clare

If your teens love reading and haven’t discovered Cassandra Clare yet, now is a great time! The Tolkien and Austen lover is the author of two brilliant series. ‘Infernal Devices’ is a dark, dangerous and romantic urban fantasy in a Victorian London filled with vampires and werewolves. ‘Mortal Instruments’ explores an alternate, parallel world filled with shape-shifting demons. Fans of Twilight will think they’ve died and gone to Heaven! Get all of the books in these amazing series by visiting Lovereading4kids today.

Books of the Month

Our bookshelf this month is packed with great reads for all tastes and ages. Get started now and find your kids a fabulous new adventure this month.

Plus for the fast-growing army of e-readers, don’t miss our eBook of the Month, The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda (14+) - Hunger Games-type action-packed survival against the odds.

Get Competitive! Great chances to Win

We’ve three great competitions this month. Tied into our section featuring the fabulous children’s books of award-winning fledgling publisher Nosy Crow, 3 lucky winners can win an exciting selection of books and apps. Click here to enter.

PLUS! We also have 5 awesome brand new Horrid Henry T-Shirts to give away to coincide with the forthcoming publication of Henry’s latest exploits – Horrid Henry’s Monster Movie. Here’s the link … Go there, do that and get the T-shirt!

And we have an 100 book give-away of Matt Dickinson’s 11+ thriller Mortal Chaos to get readers in the mood for the release of his second, Deep Oblivion (published in June), which you can read an extract of in our Pre-Publication section today.

That’s a First! – Debuts of the Month

Whatever you do don’t let your teenagers miss our MEGA Debut of the Month
Black Heart Blue by Louisa Reid (14+). A novel which packs a heart stopping punch. Sixteen year old twins Hephzi and Rebecca are about as different from each other as they could be. In this harrowing survival tale of family ties, hopes and dreams.

Below are our other top debuts for May:

A Dog Called Homeless Sarah Lean (9+) Heartbreakingly beautiful, tender story of heartache and hope, doubt and courage, silence and song. Download Extract More info	Hitler’s Angel William Osborne (11+) Courage and danger in a page-turning thrill ride that readers will devour! Download Extract More info
Secret Breakers : The Power of Three H. L. Dennis (11+) Code-breaking, secrecy and adventure … DaVinci Code for kids! Download Extract More info	Slated Teri Terry (14+) Gripping, absorbing, dystopian psychological thriller. Download Extract More info

Rabbiting on! – Series of the Month, Little Grey Rabbit

Hooray! These delightful, classic and much-loved tales for kids aged 3+ have been re-launched in beautiful editions and we have loved getting to know them again! You’ll be glad you clicked.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Well, we couldn’t ignore the Diamond Jubilee (Gawd bless yer majesty)! So, we have compiled a small selection of titles to celebrate. Our absolute favourite is Horrid Henry meets the Queen by Francesca Simon, which should really be called: ‘The Queen meets Horrid Henry’! Sparks fly as you can imagine! …

Writing Competitions for Young and Old

We love anything that inspires new talent and this month there are TWO great competitions for budding writers:

The Wicked Young Writers competition rewards creative writing by young people from the ages of 5 to 25 and is judged by former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Visit the website to get started!

And for slightly older writers: the Times / Chicken House New Writers Award. An annual search for original ideas, a fresh voice and a story that children will love. Anyone who has written a novel for children aged 7-18 can submit a manuscript. Click here to find out more about entering.

See below for a bookshelf of previous winners and runners up who were also published by Chicken House.

And finally, definitely worth a look … Sean Taylor, best known as an illustrator, has released his debut YA fiction title, A Waste of Good Paper (11+). Drawing from his own experiences, this is a searingly honest and touching work. Think The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.

Well, that’s all folks! May in a basket! Scroll down to see more book recommendations in the age ranges you have said you are interested in. If you want to change them just log in to your account.

See you in June for some summer fun. Til’ then, Happy Reading!

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		The Baby That Roared Simon Puttock Love them or loathe then, most babies are sweet. At least, that’s what Mr and Mrs Deer think. They long for a baby of their own to love and cuddle and read aloud to, so, when one is left on … Download free opening extract
2		The Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom Steve Smallman What better than a cheeky monkey to enthuse a young child to love books in this bestselling picture book.  This edition comes complete with a CD read by CBBC’s Justin Fletcher.  The reading is a great aid to improving reading skills, perfect for bedtime, … Download free opening extract
3		Goat Goes to Playgroup Julia Donaldson Playgroup has begun. Time to have some fun. A comforting story for any child starting at, or already attending, a playgroup. Perfect for reading aloud, even the youngest toddler will enjoy Goat’s antics. … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		My Adventure Island Timothy Knapman April 2012 Book of the Month. My Adventure Island is a magical place where anything can happen particularly if you have a little bit of imagination.  It’s a brilliantly funny tale of mischief and mayhem by Timothy Knapman, author of the Mungo and … Download free opening extract
2		Pip and Posy: The Big Balloon Axel Scheffler April 2012 Book of the Month. Best known for creating the pictures for the Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler has created a perfect story for pre-school. How can Pip’s friends cheer him up when his beautiful red balloon goes POP! ? Luckily Posy … Download free opening extract
3		Rabbityness Jo Empson April 2012 Debut of the Month. Highly original, this is a stunning debut picture book which celebrates creativity and difference while also serving as a touching introduction to the idea that people leave good things behind them even when they are … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		A Walk in London Salvatore Rubbino This walk gives readers a wonderfully close-up and intimate look at some of the best sights of the great city.  While the landmarks are accurately positioned and defined, the artist’s impressions bring a distinct and personal flavour to them. A little … Download free opening extract
2		The Fearsome Beastie Giles Paley-Phillips April 2012 Book of the Month. Shortlisted for The People’s Book Prize 2012. This is a terrific little picture book that parents are likely to be more worried about for the fear factor than any toddler.  There’s a great storyline written in rhyme … Download free opening extract
3		Jogger’s Big Adventure (Early Reader) Francesca Simon This charming, funny animal story is perfect for early readers. Jogger the hamster is on an adventure, nibbling on books and climbing on chairs. But mean old Sour Puss is about – will Jogger make it back to his cage in … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Eeek! The Runaway Alien Karen Inglis April 2012 Book of the Month. A boy, an alien and football – without any shadow of doubt it’s a match made in heaven for boys in particular and if you have a reluctant reader in the house aged from 6-9 … Download free opening extract
2		Homecoming Michael Morpurgo Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate and the award-winning author of War Horse, has written a beautifully evocative story which celebrates the beauty of a place and the pain it creates when that beauty is under threat. Michael always liked to … Download free opening extract
3		The Secret Lake Karen Inglis Author Karen Inglis on what inspired The Secret Lake: “The Secret Lake was partly inspired by an apartment some friends moved to in Notting Hill many years ago when my children were younger. It backed on to the most fantastic communal … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Twelve Minutes to Midnight Christopher Edge April 2012 Book of the Month. A thriller with a fast-paced cinematic style, Twelve Minutes to Midnight is an electrifying story from an exciting new author featuring a feisty 13 year old heroine. It is the first book in a must-read … Download free opening extract
2		Titanic An Edwardian Girl’s Diary,1912 Ellen Emerson White Titanic, My Story is a vividly imagined account of life on the Titanic by a young girl and told in diary form.  A terrific way for children 100 years on to experience what happened in what remains one of the … Download free opening extract
3		Freaks Kieran Larwood April 2012 Debut of the Month and Winner of The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2011.  This well-written and action-packed debut is even being considered the new Harry Potter for its originality but we’d say X-Men meets Oliver Twist with a whiff of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Chomp Carl Hiaasen April 2012 Book of the Month. An hilarious, edge-of-your seat read. Animal lovers everywhere will love this great story about dangerous creatures which also gives a behind the scenes look at how the worst TV shows are made. Wahoo’s Dad … Download free opening extract
2		A Tiger Too Many Antony Wootten April 2012 Debut of the Month. A Tiger Too Many is enchanting from the word go and very readable.  The sentences are short and concise with no waffle and therefore the story goes forward quite briskly and the reader’s attention … Download free opening extract
3		Call Me Drog Sue Cowing April 2012 Debut of the Month. Parker’s got a lot of demons to face as he struggles to come to terms with his parent’s separation and his father’s expectations of him. He thinks he’s coping alright until he finds Drog … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Fear (The Enemy Series 3) Charlie Higson April 2012 Book of the Month. Best-selling author Charlie Higson has created a chilling world in his thrilling Zombie series. Not only have all the adults – older siblings and parents – lost their minds and become hopeless has-beens but there … Download free opening extract
2		Fear Michael Grant April 2012 Book of the Month. This is a blood-pumping, white-knuckle sci-fi futuristic thriller of epic proportions and the fifth of the six planned titles in the GONE series. Night is falling in the FAYZ. Even though it’s been nearly a … Download free opening extract
3		A Monster Calls Patrick Ness Shortlisted for the 2012 Carnegie Medal and 2012 Kate Greenaway Medal. The Judges said: An exquisite piece of writing of great depth which has huge impact upon the reader, guiding them through some difficult emotional lessons. Well plotted and lyrically written … Download free opening extract

Welcome to our mid-April children’s book update. Read on for some terrific titles from an already award-winning new children’s publisher, Nosy Crow, this month’s pre-publication exclusives and lots of ‘spring cleaned and refreshed’ book categories including a focus on dyslexia friendly titles…

Something to Crow About

Nosy Crow is new, independent, vibrant and within its first year has become an award-winning publisher of children’s books and apps. Find out more about some of the books in their exciting range in this special section we’ve created to celebrate their first year.

A Debut for 14+ readers Not to be Missed

Matched meets The Hunger Games in our April 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month, Starters by Lissa Price. This is an outstanding and action-packed futuristic dystopian thriller in which teenagers are at the mercy of wealthy geriatrics who will go to any lengths to use them for their own gain, whilst anyone aged 20 to 60 has been killed off.

Hot off the press next month but read an extract today!

Hitler’s Angel William Osborne 9 + Perfect for fans of Henderson’s Boys or the Young Bond series’. Download Extract   More info	White Dolphin Gill Lewis 11+ Engaging story of unlikely friendship and courage against adversity. From the author of Sky Hawk. Download Extract   More info
Unrest Michelle Harrison 14+ Chilling ghost story from an award – winning young writer. Download Extract   More info	Insurgent Veronica Roth 14+ Fast paced, high-octane fuelled dystopian thriller from the author of Divergent. Download Extract   More info

Carnegie and Greenaway shortlists just announced

The shortlists for these two prestigious children’s book awards have just been announced. Browse all the chosen books below. The winners will be announced on 14 June 2012.

Carnegie Medal shortlisted titles

Greenaway Medal Shortlisted titles

Dust off the Musts – Essential Reading for Kids …

We don’t want to blow our own trumpet but: TOOT-TOOT!! You have told us how much you love our Essentials ‘must read’ section – a comprehensive compilation of timeless classics brought back for a new generation. New this month:

Lady Lollipop Dick King-smith 5+ Lollipop is a pig with a difference. And it is lucky that she is as Lollipop becomes the pet pig of the very, very spoilt Princess Penelope. Download Extract   More info

Pippi Longstocking Astrid Lindgren 7+ Not to be missed, this classic story about a very special little girl with a great new cover by the wonderful Tony Ross. Download Extract   More info

Picture Books you’ll want to read again and again

Our Picture Book Picnic category is another of your favourites – and you’ll find a few more titles added to the collection. We LOVE this feast of a section dedicated to picture books for toddlers and early readers. And we’re glad you love it too!

A Walk in London Salvatore Rubbino 5+ All the best sights of London brought to life on a mother-daughter walk. Download Extract   More info

You’re a Hero, Daley B! Jon Blake 5+… or is he just a rabbit? This will be one of your favourites! Download Extract   More info

Great news for reluctant readers or children with dyslexia

If your child struggles to get into a book then take a browse through our totally revamped Dyslexia Friendly section. Shorter books from first class authors, with inspiring content, realistic characters and a gripping plot will help crack the reading code. The bulk of the books are from Barrington Stoke, the UK’s best known publisher of dyslexia friendly titles, and they are all sorted by interest age and reading age so you can quickly find the ones that are right for your child.

And if your child is not dyslexic but needs cajoling into getting into a good book then check out our Reluctant Reader category as this is chock-full of some really great reads that will hook them right from the start.

 

April Competitions with books galore up for grabs

If you haven’t visited our Free Prize Draw section this month then you are missing the chance to get some amazing prizes.

Courtesy of Pavilion Children’s Books, publisher of The Gentle Lion and the Little Owlet, you can win a family day out at a zoo! And the lovely people at Walker Books has given us a limited edition print of the brilliant picture book Oh No George. Not to be outdone, Templar Publishing has given us a load of Robert Ingpen books and signed book plates to celebrate the bicentennial publication of The Owl and the Pussycat.

Next up, we have 100 copies to give away of the horrifically good The Vampire Hunters from award-winning humorous author Pete Johnson. This new series continues with The Vampire Fighters, out in June, but you can start reading it now in our Pre-Publication section.

Finally, linked to the publication of Jasmine Skies, the second breathtaking novel from the winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, we have five signed copies of Sita Brahmachari’s debut novel Artichoke Hearts to be won.

Happy reading until your next Lovereading4kids instalment.

Lovereading4kids TOP 10

1		Eeek! The Runaway Alien Karen Inglis April 2012 Book of the Month. A boy, an alien and football – without any shadow of doubt it’s a match made in heaven for boys in particular and if you have a reluctant reader in the house aged from 6-9 … Download free opening extract
2		Twelve Minutes to Midnight Christopher Edge April 2012 Book of the Month. A thriller with a fast-paced cinematic style, Twelve Minutes to Midnight is an electrifying story from an exciting new author featuring a feisty 13 year old heroine. It is the first book in a must-read … Download free opening extract
3		Homecoming Michael Morpurgo Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate and the award-winning author of War Horse, has written a beautifully evocative story which celebrates the beauty of a place and the pain it creates when that beauty is under threat. Michael always liked to … Download free opening extract
4		My Adventure Island Timothy Knapman April 2012 Book of the Month. My Adventure Island is a magical place where anything can happen particularly if you have a little bit of imagination.  It’s a brilliantly funny tale of mischief and mayhem by Timothy Knapman, author of the Mungo and … Download free opening extract
5		The Fearsome Beastie Giles Paley-Phillips April 2012 Book of the Month. Shortlisted for The People’s Book Prize 2012. This is a terrific little picture book that parents are likely to be more worried about for the fear factor than any toddler.  There’s a great storyline written in rhyme … Download free opening extract
6		Rabbityness Jo Empson April 2012 Debut of the Month. Highly original, this is a stunning debut picture book which celebrates creativity and difference while also serving as a touching introduction to the idea that people leave good things behind them even when they are … Download free opening extract
7		A Walk in London Salvatore Rubbino This walk gives readers a wonderfully close-up and intimate look at some of the best sights of the great city.  While the landmarks are accurately positioned and defined, the artist’s impressions bring a distinct and personal flavour to them. A little … Download free opening extract
8		Pip and Posy: The Big Balloon Axel Scheffler April 2012 Book of the Month. Best known for creating the pictures for the Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler has created a perfect story for pre-school. How can Pip’s friends cheer him up when his beautiful red balloon goes POP! ? Luckily Posy … Download free opening extract
9		Freaks Kieran Larwood April 2012 Debut of the Month and Winner of The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2011. This well-written and action-packed debut is even being considered the new Harry Potter for its originality but we’d say X-Men meets Oliver Twist with a whiff of … Download free opening extract
10		Titanic An Edwardian Girl’s Diary,1912 Ellen Emerson White Titanic, My Story is a vividly imagined account of life on the Titanic by a young girl and told in diary form.  A terrific way for children 100 years on to experience what happened in what remains one of the … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk Top 10

1		Eeek! The Runaway Alien Karen Inglis April 2012 Book of the Month. A boy, an alien and football – without any shadow of doubt it’s a match made in heaven for boys in particular and if you have a reluctant reader in the house aged from 6-9 … Download free opening extract
2		Twelve Minutes to Midnight Christopher Edge April 2012 Book of the Month. A thriller with a fast-paced cinematic style, Twelve Minutes to Midnight is an electrifying story from an exciting new author featuring a feisty 13 year old heroine. It is the first book in a must-read … Download free opening extract
3		Rabbityness Jo Empson April 2012 Debut of the Month. Highly original, this is a stunning debut picture book which celebrates creativity and difference while also serving as a touching introduction to the idea that people leave good things behind them even when they are … Download free opening extract
4		Homecoming Michael Morpurgo Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate and the award-winning author of War Horse, has written a beautifully evocative story which celebrates the beauty of a place and the pain it creates when that beauty is under threat. Michael always liked to … Download free opening extract
5		The Stick Book : Loads of Things You Can Make or Do with a Stick Fiona Danks, Jo Schofield This is a wonderfully inspiring book for the great outdoors or indoors for that matter.  The authors offer masses of suggestions for things to do with a stick, in the way of adventures and bushcraft, creative and imaginative play, games, … Download free opening extract
6		My Adventure Island Timothy Knapman April 2012 Book of the Month. My Adventure Island is a magical place where anything can happen particularly if you have a little bit of imagination.  It’s a brilliantly funny tale of mischief and mayhem by Timothy Knapman, author of the Mungo and … Download free opening extract
7		The Fearsome Beastie Giles Paley-Phillips April 2012 Book of the Month. This is a terrific little picture book that parents are likely to be more worried about for the fear factor than any toddler.  There’s a great storyline written in rhyme with echoes of Grimm’s Fairy … Download free opening extract
8		The Hunger Games (Film Tie-In Edition) Suzanne Collins The astonishing bestseller is now a fantastic movie. Here is the original novel with new movie artwork on the cover. The Hunger Games is a searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present. In a dark vision of … Download free opening extract
9		Pip and Posy: The Big Balloon Axel Scheffler April 2012 Book of the Month. Best known for creating the pictures for the Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler has created a perfect story for pre-school. How can Pip’s friends cheer him up when his beautiful red balloon goes POP! ? Luckily Posy … Download free opening extract
10		Down in the Jungle (Early Reader) Vivian French Down in the Jungle it’s time for bed, but Monkey wants a story and he sets off to find one in this charming, funny story, perfect for early readers and for reading aloud and sharing with less confident children.  These … Download free opening extract

Welcome to blossom-clad April from Lovereading4kids! Hans Christian Andersen was born in April over 200 years ago, so here’s to a fairytale Easter – we hope that we’ve found you ‘eggs’actly the right, wonderful books for your Little Mermaids and Steadfast Tin Soldiers to read over the Holidays.

My Oh Mayan, What an Author of the Month! – M. G. Harris

Half-Mexican Manchester United fan and self-confessed geek

M. G. Harris is the author of the fabulous Mayan prophecy influenced, futuristic series, The Joshua Files – perfect for action-hero 9+ year olds.

The 5th and final book in the series is out now and is packed full of gripping, daring teen adventure in dark pyramids and alien tunnels. If you haven’t discovered these pacy adventures yet, now’s the perfect time – particularly as the end of the Mayan calendar (and perhaps even the end of the world) draws near on 21 December 2012!

No April Fools! – Debuts of the Month

Rabbityness Jo Empson 4+ Stunning debut with positive takes on individuality, creativity and dealing with loss. Download Extract More info	The Comic Cafe Roger Stevens 9+ Can kids run the show? Witty, Lemony Snicket-esque adventure! Download Extract More info
Call Me Drog Sue Cowing 9+ Compelling, courageous and unforgettable, Call Me Drog is a classic coming-of-age story. Download Extract More info	Freaks Kieran Larwood 11+ Crime sleuthing, freak-show style,with a band of extraordinarily talented misfits. X-men meets Oliver Twist! Download Extract More info
Immortal City Scott Speer 14+ Electric debut set in a world where Guardian Angels walk among us in the street. Download Extract More info	Starters Lissa Price 14+ Matched meets The Hunger Games. Action-packed thriller with a great heroine. Download Extract More info

Young Bond and Zombies, Guest Editor Charlie Higson

April’s Guest Editor is the multi-talented and multi-award winning author of the action-packed Young Bond series of books and the gruesome but brilliant Enemy series. The first Young Bond Book, Silverfin, was published in 2005 and the series has been translated into 24 different languages! The Enemy series, about Zombies and aimed at an older 11+ audience, is now into its third outing with The Fear. Find out more about Charlie’s books as well as some personal favourites that have influenced his writing to date.

Get Out! – Out and About Section

This is our section to help you get kids outside and enjoying the open air. Books on all kinds of activities can be unearthed here; gardening, exploring, bird-watching … you name it. Special mention this month goes to:

The Bumper Book of London Everything You Need to Know About London and More… Becky Jones, Clare Lewis (7+) Everything you need to know about London … and more! Great for the Olympics. Download Extract More info	The Stick Book : Loads of Things You Can Make or Do with a Stick Fiona Danks, Jo Schofield (7+) Amazingly imaginative guide to all the things you can do with a stick! Genius. Download Extract More info
RSPB Children’s Guide to Birdwatching David Chandler, Mike Unwin (7+) Fascinating fact boxes and top tips for young bird watching enthusiasts. Download Extract More info	Green Fingers and Muddy Boots Ivor Santer (5+) Practical activities to do in the garden every month of the year, come rain or shine Download Extract Buy

…Just One More Thing …

We can’t go without mentioning these two cracking books which have kept us turning pages in the office…

If you enjoyed Long Reach by Peter Cocks then don’t miss the sequel, Body Blow. It’s in our Undercover Reads section (because they’ll be sneaking in another chapter after lights-out!) and is a must for any thrill-seeking teen!

And whatever you do, don’t miss this month’s Free Prize Draws section brimming with exclusive prints, books, goody-bags and a free trip to the Zoo!…

Scroll down to see more books in the age ranges you have told us you would like to be kept informed about. To change these just LOG IN to your account.

Happy Reading, and Happy Easter!

Lovereading4kids.co.uk Top 10

1		The Hunger Games (Film Tie-In Edition) Suzanne Collins The astonishing bestseller is now a fantastic movie. Here is the original novel with new movie artwork on the cover. The Hunger Games is a searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present. In a dark vision of … Download free opening extract
2		Everything’s Amazing (Sort Of) : Tom Gates 3 Liz Pichon March 2012 Book of the Month.  From the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize comes the third amazing instalment of this brilliant series. This again takes the form of Tom’s battered homework diary – crammed with his scribbles and stories. Totally accessible for … Download free opening extract
3		My Uncle Foulpest: Dinosaur Disaster Timothy Knapman Foulpest returns – our unlikely hero in the form of an ogre! Welcome back to Wally’s world – a hilarious offering of ogre uncles, evil weevils and more! My Uncle Foulpest: Dinosaur Disaster is the hilarious second instalment in the series by Timothy Knapman. … Download free opening extract
4		The Look Sophia Bennett March 2012 Book of the Month. We suspect this may well be Sophia Bennett’s break-out novel.  Her previous ones have done immensely well but this novel for teenagers is blisteringly good.  It’s the story of two sisters whose world falls apart … Download free opening extract
5		Titanic : Disaster at Sea Martin Jenkins This fascinating book traces Titanic’s history from blueprint to ocean dream and uncovers the factors that led to her tragic end. With technical diagrams, maps, passenger profiles and a timeline of the unfolding events, this 100th anniversary edition is a … Download free opening extract
6		Geronimo Stilton: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye Geronimo Stilton March 2012 Book of the Month. This is an adventure you’ll never forget.  Meet Geronimo, a newspaper owner whose favourite pastime is writing tales of adventure set in his hometown of New Mouse City, the capital of Mouse Island.  You’ll … Download free opening extract
7		Not Bad for a Bad Lad Michael Morpurgo If you loved War Horse, you’ll love this… This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby. Into … Download free opening extract
8		Girl, Stolen April Henry A teenage girl is inadvertently kidnapped, a car is stolen by a gang but when the gang realises who they have in the car they have no intention of letting her go without recompense.  But Cheyenne, despite being blind and … Download free opening extract
9		Twilight Robbery Frances Hardinge March 2012 Book of the Month. Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize 2011. Award winning Frances Hardinge’s first novel Fly By Night starred Mosca Mye and Eponymous Clent. Now they are back for a thrilling new adventure in the city of … Download free opening extract
10		Titanic Death on the Water Tom Bradman Death on the Water  brings the great ship alive for young readers by combining both fact and fiction. The famous story of the sinking of the great ship Titantic has fascinated all who have heard it since the actual event … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Sound Book Eric Carle March 2012 Book of the Month. This is a much-loved classic, but as relevant today as it was when first published over 40 years ago. Now available in this sound-book format so you can actually listen to the Very Hungry Caterpillar as … Download free opening extract
2		Bunny Bunny Catkin Cathy Maclennan Discover all the delights of spring in this joyful new book from Kate Greenaway Award nominated author/illustrator Cathy MacLennan, a companion to the highly acclaimed Chicky Chicky Chook Chook.  A wonderful read-aloud tale, full of fun-to-imitate sounds, rhythm and movement, that gently introduces the idea … Download free opening extract
3		A Bit Lost Chris Haughton A Lovereading4kids ‘Great read you may have missed 2011′ selection. A Lovereading4Kids ‘Debut of the Year 2011′ selection. Winner of the top children’s book award in Ireland in 2011 – the Bisto Award. Babies and Toddlers +. When Little Owl falls out of … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Monstersaurus! Claire Freedman March 2012 Book of the Month. The best-selling author and illustrator of Aliens Love Underpants return with a fresh new title.  Monty loves inventing things and this time, with some bright green slime, a smelly sock, some mouldy cheese and strawberry … Download free opening extract
2		The Great Easter Egg Scramble Timothy Knapman A fabulously funny rhyming text with adorable illustrations. The perfect Easter treat! … Download free opening extract
3		The Goggle-Eyed Goats Stephen Davies March 2012 Book of the Month. Joyful and dotty, how Old Al Haji Amadu tries to get rid of his five naughty goggle-eyed goats  - and fails – is the ultimate triumph of pester power. Al Haji’s three wives object violently … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Geronimo Stilton: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye Geronimo Stilton March 2012 Book of the Month. This is an adventure you’ll never forget.  Meet Geronimo, a newspaper owner whose favourite pastime is writing tales of adventure set in his hometown of New Mouse City, the capital of Mouse Island.  You’ll … Download free opening extract
2		Winnie Under the Sea Valerie Thomas March 2012 Book of the Month. Join Winnie and Wilbur under the sea for another irresistible adventure.  Winnie the madcap witch and her faithful cat Wilbur are enjoying a well-deserved holiday by the seaside. But the sea is very WET … Download free opening extract
3		Yum Yum Francesca Simon Lola the cat sets off in search of a delicious dinner in this charming, funny animal story, perfect for early readers. Featuring all the gang from Buffin Street.  If you enjoyed this one then why not try some of the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		My Uncle Foulpest: Dinosaur Disaster Timothy Knapman Foulpest returns – our unlikely hero in the form of an ogre! Welcome back to Wally’s world – a hilarious offering of ogre uncles, evil weevils and more! My Uncle Foulpest: Dinosaur Disaster is the hilarious second instalment in the series by Timothy Knapman. … Download free opening extract
2		Titanic : Disaster at Sea Martin Jenkins This fascinating book traces Titanic’s history from blueprint to ocean dream and uncovers the factors that led to her tragic end. With technical diagrams, maps, passenger profiles and a timeline of the unfolding events, this 100th anniversary edition is a … Download free opening extract
3		Not Bad for a Bad Lad Michael Morpurgo If you loved War Horse, you’ll love this… This wonderful story was inspired by a conversation that Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman had about a prison at Hollesley Bay in Suffolk that Michael Foreman remembered from growing up nearby. Into … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Everything’s Amazing (Sort Of) : Tom Gates 3 Liz Pichon March 2012 Book of the Month.  From the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize comes the third amazing instalment of this brilliant series. This again takes the form of Tom’s battered homework diary – crammed with his scribbles and stories. Totally accessible for … Download free opening extract
2		Call Me Drog Sue Cowing Parker’s got a lot of demons to face as he struggles to come to terms with his parent’s separation and his father’s expectations of him. He thinks he’s coping alright until he finds Drog in the dump. An ugly hand … Download free opening extract
3		Twelve Minutes to Midnight Christopher Edge A thriller with a fast-paced cinematic style, Twelve Minutes to Midnight is an electrifying story from an exciting new author featuring a feisty 13 year old heroine. It is the first book in a must-read series for fans of Philip … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Twilight Robbery Frances Hardinge March 2012 Book of the Month. Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize 2011. Award winning Frances Hardinge’s first novel Fly By Night starred Mosca Mye and Eponymous Clent. Now they are back for a thrilling new adventure in the city of … Download free opening extract
2		The One Dollar Horse Lauren St.John Blue Peter prize-winner Lauren St John tells a thrilling rags-to-riches story in this gripping story of one girl and her dream. Horse-mad Casey has only one dream: to ride a winner in the Badminton Horse trials. But Casey lives in … Download free opening extract
3		Ways To Live Forever Sally Nicholls Shortlisted for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award. Winner of Glen Dimplex Prize for New Writers 2008. Winner of Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2008. Winner of Luchs Prize (Germany) for best children’s book published in Germany in the last year. Sympathetic, touching, … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		All Fall Down Sally Nicholls March 2012 Book of the Month.  This is an eagerly anticipated, powerful and inspiring historical novel about survival in the face of real-life horror from one of today’s most exciting young writers.  Sally Nicholls provides a heartbreaking account of one … Download free opening extract
2		The Look Sophia Bennett March 2012 Book of the Month. We suspect this may well be Sophia Bennett’s break-out novel.  Her previous ones have done immensely well but this novel for teenagers is blisteringly good.  It’s the story of two sisters whose world falls apart … Download free opening extract
3		The Hunger Games (Film Tie-In Edition) Suzanne Collins The astonishing bestseller is now a fantastic movie. Here is the original novel with new movie artwork on the cover. The Hunger Games is a searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present. In a dark vision of … Download free opening extract