Special Collections
Human-Narrated Audiobooks for Kids
Description: View our curated collection of audiobooks for kids on Bookshare, now with human narration. #childrens #kids #childrensbooks #kidsbooks
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You Got This
by Bryony Gordon'A book that every teenage girl needs to read ... and every grown woman will wish she had read' Fearne Cotton'Bold. Brilliant. Bryony! This is the ultimate guide to growing up happy' Dr Max PembertonI wanted to be a unicorn. I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be an astronaut. But the thing I really wanted to be, more than anything else, was a little less like me.It was only recently that I realised not wanting to be me was at the heart of every dumb decision I ever made. And so now I am writing this book containing all the life lessons I wish someone had taught me. A book for the teenage girl in me. And for every teenage girl out there. Because the most powerful thing you can be when you grow up is yourself.-------Frank and fearless, You Got This openly explores topics like self-respect, body image, masturbation and mental health, making it the perfect companion for young women.
The Year the Maps Changed
by Danielle Binks'A gorgeous book ... it's timeless and beautiful and it deserves to be read by people of all ages.' MELINA MARCHETTAOne extraordinary year will change them all...Sorrento, Victoria, 1999. Fred's family is a mess. Her mother died when she was six and she's been raised by her Pop and adoptive father, Luca, ever since. But now Pop's had to go away, and Luca's girlfriend Anika and her son have moved in. More and more it feels like a land-grab for family and Fred is the one being left off the map.Even as things feel like they're spinning out of control for Fred, a crisis from the other side of the world comes crashing in. When a group of Kosovar-Albanian refugees are brought to a government 'safe haven' not far from Sorrento, their fate becomes intertwined with the lives of Fred and her family in ways that no one could have expected.A middle-grade coming-of-age story inspired by true events about the bonds of family, the weight of grief and the power of compassion for fans of THE BONE SPARROW, WOLF HOLLOW and THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH.'A brilliant gem that will make you see the world - and your place in it - in a new way.' EMILY GALE'This timely and beautiful story reveals the invisible lines of kindness and empathy that connect us all.' SALLY RIPPIN
The Wishing Spell
by Chris ColferAlex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change....Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, twins Alex and Connor leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about. But after a series of encounters with witches, wolves, goblins, and trolls alike, getting back home is going to be harder than they thought.© Hachette Audio 2013
Winnie The Pooh & House at Pooh Corner
by A.A. MilneAn award-winning production, with an all-star cast including Stephen Fry and Judi Dench, brings to life one of the best-loved children's books of all time.Packed full of fun and adventure with Winnie-the-Pooh and all his friends in the Hundred Acre Forest. This is a wonderful dramatisation of Winnie-the-Pooh with original music. This captivating adaptation conveys all the magic and humour of AA Milne's classic stories.The cast includes the following stars:Pooh - Stephen FryPiglet - Jane HorrocksEeyore - Geoffrey PalmerKanga (and Narrator) - Judi DenchRoo - Finty WilliamsRabbit - Robert DawsOwl - Michael WilliamsChristopher Robin - Steven WebbDramatisation by David BenedictusMusic composed and played by John Gould(P) Hodder Children's Books 1997
Wilder
by Penny ChrimesA desperate town. A child who emerges from the marshes. A hawk that helps her save them all.
The child—if child it was—came out of the wild-ness. It came out of the sparse bleak marsh where few dared go and none came back. And though the town grew accustomed to the creature they did not forget from whence it came. And they whispered that there was no knowing whether she was sent as a blessing or a bane.
When the child emerges from the wilderness, no one in the town knows what to do with her. She is odd—half-wild, without speech and seems to have an unnatural bond with animals—especially the falcon, who is always circling above her. The wise-woman of the town takes her in, and names her Rhodd, but the rest of the town remain suspicious.
Over the years, as Rhodd grows, the town realises that the river, which is their connection to the wider world, is beginning to die, and eventually a dark sickness begins to spread. Soon, too soon, the townspeople turn their suspicion on Rhodd and her falcon.
And so, Rhodd sets out to discover what - or who—is causing the river to dry up…to protect her mother, her falcon and herself…
A beautiful and enthralling adventure about love, belonging, the delicate balance of nature—and the wildness within us all, for fans of The Last Wild.
(P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Wild Before
by Piers TordayCan one hare alone change the world? A captivating animal adventure destined to be loved by readers of all ages. A stunning hardback edition printed with recycled materials and eco packaging.One frosty winter's night, a pure white calf is born on an ordinary muddy farm in the light of a silver moon. This is the legendary Mooncalf, whose arrival has been foretold since the dawn of time.Hare knows immediately that if the calf is not saved it will be the end of all things.According to a dream passed down from animal to animal, if the calf dies a great terribleness will come - rising seas, a plague, skies raining down fire... and Hare vows to protect Mooncalf with his life.Upon Mooncalf's arrival, the old bull summons all the animals of the farm and tells them of this dream, warning that they must help Hare in his mission before it is too late.But it's easier said than done, and soon Hare realises that he must act on his own...A stunning prequel to the award-winning bestselling The Last Wild trilogy, with themes of climate change, hope and friendship.'Piers Torday is the new master of books for children who like magic and modernity with their lust for adventure' The Times(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Where the Wilderness Lives
by Jess ButterworthAn epic race for survival that follows four children and their dog through treacherous waterways, dense forests and the deep, dark wilderness of Wales. From author Jess Butterworth comes a beautifully written adventure story in a vibrantly described setting - perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell.One day, as Cara and her siblings are trying to clean up the canal where they live, they pull out a mysterious locked safe. Though none of them can open it, they're sure it's something special.That night, a thief comes after the safe. The children flee, traveling with their boat as far as they can, before continuing into the forest on foot. But soon they're lost in the mountains with a snowstorm about to land and food supplies running low. Will Cara and her siblings be able to survive the wilderness with nothing but their wits, their bravery and one very large dog to help?(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Where Magic Grows
by Onjali Q. RaúfFrom Onjali Q. Raúf, author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes a collection of seven unique fables, filled with humour, heart and messages of hope.Have you heard the story about the bird that turned to stone? Did your parents warn you about the extra-specially-super-deliciously-fantastically naughty boy who got a frog stuck in his throat? No? Well, never fear: Onjali Q Raúf is here to entertain you with her sparkling collection of fables for kids who want to make the world a better place!Written with Onjali's trademark heart and humour, this is the perfect gift that will entertain while also gently conveying messages of hope and the power of love and compassion.Stories include: The Bird That Turned to Stone, The Extra-Specially-Super-Deliciously-Fantastically Naughty Boy (& the Secret Frog in his Throat), Francesca's Feet and the Old Man's Shoes, The Axe that Married a Tree and others.(P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
When the Mountains Roared
by Jess ButterworthA vivid, warm and atmospheric adventure set in the mountains of India, about a girl who is determined to protect the wild leopards of the mountain from poachers, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell.I thought we'd live here forever ... but then, I thought Mum would be here forever too.When Ruby's dad uproots her from Australia to set up a hotel in the mountains of India, Ruby is devastated. Not only are they living in a run-down building in the middle of the wilderness surrounded by scorpions, bears and leopards, but Ruby is sure that India will never truly feel like home - not without her mum there.Ever since her mum died, Ruby has been afraid. Of cars. Of the dark. Of going to sleep and never waking up. But then the last remaining leopards of the mountain are threatened and everything changes. Ruby vows to do all she can to protect them - if she can only overcome her fears...(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
When I See Blue
by Lily BaileyNew town, new school, but the bully is in Ben's head…
There are 4 things you should know about Ben: 1. He's 12 years old. 2. He's the new kid at school. 3. His special number is 4. 4. He has a bully in his brain.
Sometimes Ben's brain makes him count to 4 to prevent bad things happening. Sometimes it makes him tap or blink in 4s. Mostly it makes the smallest things feel impossible. And with a new school, a moody big brother, an absent dad and a mum battling her own demons, Ben feels more out of control than ever. But then he meets April, and with his new friend, Ben might finally figure out how to stand up to the bully in his brain, once and for all.
An authentic and affecting #ownvoices story about living life with OCD, from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for readers of A Kind of Spark and The Goldfish Boy.
(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
When I Feel Red
by Lily Bailey'I feel like I'm always ... last. Like I'm running to try and keep up with everyone but it's no good.'April has always marched to the beat of her own drum, but would life be easier if she learned to fit in? Now that she's in Year 8, things have got even worse. She's much more likely to be trying to rescue an animal in need than worrying about who's dating who at school, which April just finds BORING. Plus, her lessons feel like they're in a foreign language, and it suddenly seems impossible to make it through the week without landing in detention.As family worries and classroom romances ramp up, it feels like everyone around her is pulling away - even her best friend Ben. But when the pressure's on, can she find a way to fit in and still be true to herself? An empowering follow up to When I See Blue about finding your place in the world from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for fans of Elle McNicoll.'An authentic and tender look at fitting in when you don't and being true to yourself' - A.M. Dassu'This is a vivid account of being out of step with your peers, not limited to discussions about dyslexia and dyspraxia' - The Guardian
Wandi
by Favel ParrettA young cub is snatched from his family and home by a giant eagle, then dropped, injured and alone, in a suburban garden. This is where he meets his first Human, and begins his long journey to becoming the most famous dingo in the world. He will never see his mountain home again, or his family. But it is his destiny to save alpine dingoes from extinction, and he dreams of a time when all cubs like him can live in the wild in safety, instead of facing poison and bullets and hatred. A children's literary classic in-the-making from one of Australia's most-loved authors is brought to life by Helpmann and AACTA award-winning actress Marta Dusseldorp.
The Unbelievable Biscuit Factory
by James HarrisThe biscuit factory in Haddie's hometown is absolutely 100% NOT a Super-Secret Science Lab. Or a portal to another dimension. With orange fluffy monsters. OH NO. DEFINITELY NOT. Or ... is it? A laugh-out-loud biscuit-bonkers adventure for fans of My Brother is a Superhero and Kid Normal. *Winner of the Northern Writers' Award*I live near a biscuit factory. Sounds like a dream come true, right? But it's not all fun and jammie dodgers. You see, the biscuit factory is really a Super-Secret Science Lab. Everyone pretends it makes biscuits. It just makes life easier. Until today. Because the biscuit factory tore a hole through dimensions, and now HUGE ORANGE MONSTERS are climbing through.Oh, and if we don't do something, the world is going to go KABLOOEY in the next thirty minutes. NOT ON MY WATCH. You coming? 'So funny you'll snort custard creams out of your nose' Mr J Dodger(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Tree That Sang To Me
by Serena MolloySome feelings are so big, they're hard to express ... A dyslexia-friendly verse story of friendship, family and self-discovery, perfect for listeners aged 9+, beautifully read aloud. When Kai's big sister Jenleaves the family home, Kai knows it's all his fault. His secret burns, but he tells no one, just keeps pulling at tufts of his hair. But in the broadbranches of a wasteland sycamore tree, Kai feels safe and free from his worries. Up there he feels he can be whoever he wants to be. And when a girl called Sky starts climbing Kai's tree, a friendship blossoms ... a friendship with the power to heal. Up hereit's likeI'm part of something elsethe windthe leavesthe airfree to bewhoever I want to be.
Treasury of Bedtime Stories
by Enid BlytonEnter a world of imagination and enchantment at bedtime with this selection of timeless short stories by Enid Blyton. Get ready for a magical journey... Set your imagination alight with this selection of more than 25 bedtime stories by a much-loved children's author. From pixie dressmakers to thundering giants, meet a host of magic and memorable characters along with some familiar friends in Moonface and Saucepan Man from The Magic Faraway Tree. This stunning treasury brings together some of Enid Blyton's most delightful stories for younger children, creating the perfect bedtime treat. Each story stands alone and will take you on a brand-new adventure. The tales collected in this treasury were first published in magazines and anthologies between 1920 and 1960 and have been adored by generations of children ever since. (P) 2018 Hodder Children's Books
Today I'm Strong
by Nadiya HussainAn uplifting and empowering audiobook about finding your inner strength when school life gets tough, from the winner of The Great British Bake Off and national treasure, Nadiya Hussain.I love to go to school. Well, most days I do.There are some days when what I really wantis to stay at home with you.A touching story about building the courage to overcome bullying, with a powerful reminder to always be kind. (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Tigger Comes To The Forest & Other Stories
by A.A. MilneJoin Pooh and Piglet as they make a new friend, Tigger, who bounces his way into the Hundred Acre wood, performed by an amazing all-star castPerformed by incredible talent including Finty Williams, Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Robert Daws, Jane Horrocks, Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench, this classic Winnie the Pooh audiobook is perfect for keeping little ones entertained.Contains the following stories:In which a house is built at Pooh Corner for EeyoreIn which Tigger comes to the forest and has breakfastIn which Tigger is unbouncedIn which Eeyore finds the Wolery and Owl moves into itIn which Christopher Robin and Pooh come to an enchanted placeFor more amazing audio books featuring Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and other favourite friends, try:Winnie the Pooh: House at Pooh CornerWinnie the Pooh: Piglet Meets a HeffalumpWinnie the Pooh: Pooh Invents a New Game and Other Stories (P) Hodder Children's Books 1999
This Book Will (Help) Make You Happy
by Suzy ReadingDiscover how you can cut the stress, catch up on sleep and breathe a little easier with 50 practical tips to really make you feel happier! The world is a pretty stressful place, and we all need some help reminding us to take care of ourselves. But the good news is that there are loads of easy tips and tricks to keep yourself feeling happy, from customising your own bedtime ritual to how to resolve arguments with your parents. Complete with simple breathing exercises, yoga poses and even advice on the best food to eat when you're feeling down, this is a one-stop guide to transform worried kids into happy, confident ones. Author Suzy Reading, a mum of two as well as being a chartered psychologist and yoga teacher, knows that the emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. Funny, engaging and practical - and brought to life with illustrations by Alex Paterson - this is the ideal book to help readers cope with their emotions and face each day raring to go.(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
There May Be a Castle
by Piers TordayA remarkable story about love and death from the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction PrizeEleven-year-old Mouse is travelling to see his grandparents on Christmas Eve with his mother and two sisters. But it's snowing, and visibility is bad, and the car goes off the road, and crashes. Mouse is thrown from the car. When he wakes, he's not in his world any more. He meets a sheep named Bar, who can only say Baaa, and a sarcastic horse named Nonky, who is a surprising mix of his beloved toy horse and his older sister.So begins a quest to find a castle in a world of wonder - a world of monsters, minstrels, dangerous knights and mysterious wizards; a world of terrifying danger but also more excitement than Mouse has ever known.But why are they looking for a castle? As the cold grows, we realise it might just have something to do with the family he's left behind; and that Mouse's quest is more important than ever. This is a novel about love and death. It's about the power of stories to change the way we view the world - and it's about the power of a child to change their own world. Emotionally arresting but ultimately uplifting, this is a remarkable novel for our times.(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Tariq and the Drowning City
by Sarwat ChaddaThe first story in an action-packed fantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of Dungeons and Dragons aged 9+Time is running out. When crops fail and a new plague spreads across the land of Osha, Tariq has a troubling vision - an ancient prophesy is coming true. He travels to the capital city of Ethrial to warn the leaders of an impending flood, but no one listens. It's up to the seer and his new friends, an elf scientist and a dwarf soldier, to take matters into their own hands. Venturing off on an epic quest, the unlikely trio must find a magical moonstone and use its powers to prevent a tidal wave from wiping out the city. But they aren't the only ones seeking to find the moonstone . . . and not everyone wants to use its ancient powers to save Ethrial . . .This pacy adventure blends themes of classic fantasy, Indian mythology, climate emergency and steampunk imagery to create a richly imagined world.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
by Liz KesslerEmily Windsnap lives on a boat, but her mother has always been oddly anxious to keep her out of the water. It is only when Emily has her first school swimming lesson that she discovers why: as soon as she gets into the water, she grows a tail! Soon Emily discovers a glorious underwater world of fishes, coral, shipwrecks and mermaids, and, best of all, she finds a best friend! With mermaid Shona Silkfin by her side, Emily uncovers a surprising family secret and embarks on a quest to reunite her mum and dad. This enchanting fantasy deals with universal themes of family, friendship, love and justice - all handled with the lightness of touch for which Liz Kessler is so well known.Read by Teresa Gallagher(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
Swimming Against the Storm
by Jess ButterworthAn adventure story set in the swamplands of Louisiana about sisters, rising sea-levels and saving the environment, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Lauren St John.Our land is sinking. It's disappearing into the water. And no one knows how to save it.Twelve-year-old Eliza and her sister Avery have lived their entire lives in a small fishing village on the coast of Louisiana, growing up alongside turtles, pelicans and porpoises. But now, with sea levels rising, their home is at risk of being swept away.Determined to save the land, Eliza and her younger sister Avery secretly go searching in the swamp for the dangerous, wolf-like loup-garou. If they can prove this legendary creature exists, they're sure that the government will have to protect its habitat - and their community.But there's one problem: the loup-garou has never been seen before. And with a tropical storm approaching and the sisters deep, deep in the swampland, soon it's not just their home at risk, but their lives as well...(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Summer The Holiday Fairy
by Daisy MeadowsSummer the Holiday Fairy is getting all hot and bothered, trying to keep Rainspell Island the best place to go on vacation. Jack Frost has stolen sand from the beaches, and three magical shells. The fairies need Rachel and Kirsty's help to get them back!(P) Orchard Books 2013
The Story of Greenriver
by Holly WebbThe animals of Greenriver are in danger. Can Sedge and Silken find their way along the river to each other in time to save their home? A compelling adventure story that listeners aged 8+ will treasure.
Last spring, the otters' home flooded. Now the water is high again. Young otter Sedge believes he can save his holt from another flood—but he has to be brave enough travel downstream for help.Downriver, the beaver lodge is also at risk. Silken—who is too small and weak to do the work needed to strengthen the beavers' dam—feels something calling her up the river.
As the two animals unknowingly swim towards each other, they are drawn to the spirit of Greenriver, who takes the form of a snow-white otter, Lady River. But will Lady River hear their plea for safety?
From million-copy selling Holly Webb comes a modern classic—a lyrical epic journey about two animals and their against-the-odds journey to find each other. Perfect for fans of Pax.
(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Storm Stallion
by Linda ChapmanHarness the power of the elements with the Moonlight Riders! A brand-new audiobook series from bestselling author Linda Chapman, author of MY SECRET UNICORN and UNICORN ACADEMY.
Could you be a true rider?
Amara is thrilled when her best friend Kalini joins the Moonlight Stables Riding School. But Kalini doesn't know the meadow ponies secret—they have magical powers! When a strange storm causes havoc in the town and Amara and the other True Riders suspect the Night Riders are behind it, Amara is forced to keep more secrets from Kalini and the friends fall out. But when the bad weather is discovered to be caused by a scared Storm Horse, Kalini might just be key to helping rescue it….
(P) 2022 The Watts Publishing Group Limited