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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Giraffes Can't Dance
by Giles AndreaeDance along with Gerald in this audio edition of the bestselling picture book classic, read by Hugh Laurie. Gerald the giraffe longs to go to the great Jungle Dance, but how can he join in when he doesn't know how to tango or two-step? Everyone knows that giraffes can't dance ... or can they?With lots of music to boogie along too, this fun-filled audio book is guaranteed to get little ones dancing!(P)2002 The Watts Publishing Group Limited
Blue Bottle Mystery
by Kathy HoopmannThe well-loved adventure story about a boy with Asperger's who finds a mysterious magic bottle...This is a warm, fun-filled fantasy story for children with a difference: the hero is Ben, a boy with Asperger Syndrome. When Ben and his friend Andy find an old bottle in the school yard, they little realize the surprises about to be unleashed in their lives. Bound up with this exciting mystery is the story of how Ben is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and how he and his family deal with the problems and joys that come along.Blue Bottle Mystery is a delight to read that is more than just another kid's book. For the first time, the issues and frustrations that a child may have with Asperger Syndrome are explored within a fictional format especially for children. Its portrayal of Ben as the central character offers other children with autistic spectrum disorders and their peers a positive role model. It is a valuable teaching tool that demystifies children with Asperger Syndrome, justifying their individuality as valid and interesting.In Blue Bottle Mystery Kathy Hoopmann has combined her love of children with her passion for fantasy literature to produce a delightful read for anyone who loves an adventure and wants a unique insight into the mind of an Asperger child.(P) 2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Impossible Boy
by Ben BrooksBelieve in the impossible this Christmas - a magical story celebrating the power of imagination, from the bestselling author of STORIES FOR BOYS WHO DARE TO BE DIFFERENT.Oleg and Emma entered their den to find a cardboard spaceship standing exactly where they usually sat. Slowly, the front door opened and out stepped a boy.'My name's Sebastian Cole,' he said. 'But you already know that.'When Oleg and Emma invent a new classmate called Sebastian, they are amazed when he appears - very much real - in their secret den.Sebastian isn't like the rest of their classmates. He's never eaten pizza, he's not sure what goose bumps are, and he has a satchel that seems to hold an endless supply of hot ice cream. But as the three friends begin their adventures, more impossible things keep happening, from a runaway goat at school to a sighting of some snowwomen on the move. They are soon pursued by the mysterious Institute of Unreality, who want to capture and erase Sebastian, to restore order to the world.With the help of a cowboy gardener, an imprisoned scientist, and the rest of their class, can Emma and Oleg protect their new friend and keep the magic of the impossible alive, just in time for Christmas?After inspiring countless young readers with tales of extraordinary people in the world around them, Ben Brooks' first children's novel is a magical adventure that celebrates friendship, the power of imagination, and ice cream.
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
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
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
Stonebird
by Mike RevellWhen ten-year-old Liam moves house to be closer to his dementia-suffering grandma, he's thrown into an unfamiliar place with a family that seems to be falling apart. Liam doesn't remember what his grandma was like before she became ill. He only knows the witch-like old woman who snaps and snarls and eats her birthday cards. He wants to fix it, but he can't. Walking his dog one day, Liam discovers an old stone gargoyle in a rundown church, and his life changes in impossible ways. The gargoyle is alive. It moves unseen in the night, acting out Liam's stories. And stories can be dangerous things... Seeking revenge against the bullies at his new school, Liam tells a story about the gargoyle attacking them. When one of them ends up in hospital, a regretful Liam vows never to go near the gargoyle again. But his grandma's illness is getting worse, his mum isn't coping, and his sister is skipping school... What if the gargoyle is the only thing that can save Liam's family?(P)2015 WF Howes 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
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
Julia and the Shark
by Kiran Millwood HargraveA captivating, powerful and luminous story from a bestselling, award-winning author about a mother, a daughter, and the great Greenland shark. Narrated beautifully with atmospheric sound effects, this is a perfect audiobook for 9+ fans of David Almond and Frances Hardinge.'A truly beautiful book, with text and illustrations in perfect harmony. A book to treasure!' Jacqueline Wilson'Julia and the Shark is deep, beautiful and true. The art shines and the writing soars - a classic from cover to cover' Eoin Colfer'A rich, immersive and wondrous journey, through deep darkness to hope and light' Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken LegsThe shark was beneath my bed, growing large as the room, large as the lighthouse, rising from unfathomable depths until it ripped the whole island from its roots. The bed was a boat, the shark a tide, and it pulled me so far out to sea I was only a speck, a spot, a mote, a dying star in an unending sky...Julia has followed her mum and dad to live on a remote island for the summer - her dad, for work; her mother, on a determined mission to find the elusive Greenland shark. But when her mother's obsession threatens to submerge them all, Julia finds herself on an adventure with dark depths and a lighthouse full of hope...A beautiful, lyrical, uplifting story about a mother, a daughter, and love - with timely themes of the importance of science and the environment.(P) 2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Lost Magician
by Piers Torday'If you can imagine it, it exists ... somewhere.' A spellbinding adventure from the bestselling, award-winning author of The Last Wild trilogy. 1945. They have survived the Blitz, but when Simon, Patricia, Evelyn and Larry step through a mysterious library door, it is the beginning of their most dangerous adventure yet. They discover the magical world of Folio, where an enchanted kingdom of fairy knights, bears and tree gods is under threat from a sinister robot army. The many stories of the Library are locked in eternal war, and the children's only hope is to find their creator - a magician who has been lost for centuries. What they find will change not just their own lives, but the fate of the world, for ever ...An ode to the world of Narnia, The Lost Magician is a classic in the making from one of the UK's most talented children's authors. Praise for Piers Torday:'The new master of books for children' - The Times(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Forest of Moon and Sword
by Amy Raphael'A wonderful book' PIERS TORDAY'Very exciting' ANTHONY MCGOWAN When Art's mother is accused of witchcraft and captured, she is determined to get her back - at any cost. A lyrical adventure with folklore at its heart, for fans of THE HOUSE WITH CHICKEN LEGS.Twelve-year-old Art lives in a small village in Scotland. Her mother has always made potions that cure the sick, but now the townspeople say she is a witch. One cloudless night, Art's mother is arrested and taken to England. Art mounts her horse, taking a sword, a tightrope, and a herbal recipe book, and begins a journey through wild forests, using nature's signs and symbols to guide her.But will she spot the signs from the omens? Will she reach her mother, before it's too late?'Gripping. I raced through it' - A.M. Howell, author of The Garden of Lost Secrets(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Running on the Roof of the World
by Jess ButterworthJoin 12-year-old Tash and her best friend Sam in a story of adventure, survival and hope, set in the vivid Himalayan landscape of Tibet and India. Filled with friendship, love and courage, this young girl's thrilling journey to save her parents is an ideal read for children aged 9-12. There are two words that are banned in Tibet. Two words that can get you locked in prison without a second thought. I watch the soldiers tramping away and call the words after them. 'Dalai Lama.' Tash has to follow many rules to survive in Tibet, a country occupied by Chinese soldiers. But when a man sets himself on fire in protest and soldiers seize Tash's parents, she and her best friend Sam must break the rules. They are determined to escape Tibet - and seek the help of the Dalai Lama himself in India. And so, with a backpack of Tash's father's mysterious papers and two trusty yaks by their side, their extraordinary journey across the mountains begins.(P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Ghostcloud
by Michael MannTwelve-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma shovels coal under Battersea Power station. He keeps his head down, hoping to one day earn his freedom and return to his family, while avoiding the wrath of the evil Tabatha Margate. When he tries to help new girl Jess, Luke is punished and sent to clean the sewers of the haunted East Wing, a place from which few return. Whilst serving his punishment, Luke realises he can see things others can't in the Power Station: ghostly things. He befriends a ghost-girl called Alma, who can ride clouds through the night sky and bend their shape to her will. But when Luke discovers the terrible truth of why Tabatha Margate is kidnapping children and forcing them to work in the Power Station, Alma agrees to help him and his friends escape. Will Alma convince the Ghost Council to help their cause? Will Luke's discovery about who he really is threaten their plans for freedom? And can Luke find his voice, while trying to find a way home?
Halo Moon
by Sharon CohenBravery, friendship and the magic of an unknowable universe combine in this extraordinary adventure from the heart. Great for fans of Frank Cottrell Boyce and David Almond. In Ethiopia, Ageze has unearthed an ancient device that can make predictions. It tells him: there is a date, there is a place, there is a moment when it will happen. A disaster that will change everything. Halo Moon loves stars, and the night sky is full of them in her remote Yorkshire village. It's a place where nothing interesting ever happens, let alone a catastrophe. So when a stranger appears at the end of a near-impossible journey and tells her lives are at risk, she can barely believe it. But if she doesn't help Ageze, everything and everyone she knows might disappear for ever ... As Halo says: there's a hundred ways to start this story, a hundred ways to tell it. Each one is impossible. Each one, unbelievable. But it did all happen and I promise it's all true.HALO MOON is Sharon Cohen's second novel. Her first novel, THE STARMAN AND ME, was highly commended for the Branford Boase Award 2018 and shortlisted for the Essex Book Awards 2018. It has also been shortlisted for the East Sussex Children's Book Awards 2019 and nominated for the Northern Ireland Book Award 2019. (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Horrid Henry's Revenge
by Francesca SimonWickedly subversive, hilariously funny and bang up to date, Horrid Henry's fame is spreading. In this collection, enhanced by Miranda Richardson's inspired reading and really horrid music and sound effects, Henry accompanies his father to the office, hacks into his parents' computer, meets the Demon Dinner Lady and plans the ultimate revenge on Perfect Peter.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
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 Nursery Storybook
by Georgie AdamsThe book that every family needs, containing all the traditional stories that small children should first hear. Every one of them is universally known and loved: Little Red Riding Hood, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Real Princess, The Gingerbread Man, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs and Jack and the Beanstalk.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
Horrid Henry's Nightmare
by Francesca SimonFour hilarious new HH stories - HH's Mother's Day, probably not the day his mum looks forward to most in the year, HH's Nightmare where Henry's chased by a ghost bunny with huge teeth, a wailing graveyard ghost and, for good measure, a slimy zombie, then a new story about one of his greatest enemies in The Return of the Demon Dinner lady and last but not least Fluffy Struts Her Stuff.Read by Miranda Richardson. Miranda Richardson has appeared in films such as THE HOURS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE CRYING GAME, EMPIRE OF THE SUN and HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. TV work includes A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME, JACKANORY, Queen Elizabeth in BLACKADDER and Queen Mary in THE LOST PRINCE. She has won two Spoken Word awards for her inspired readings of HORRID HENRY AND THE SECRET CLUB and HORRID HENRY'S STINKBOMB audiobooks for Orion.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
Clarice Bean Spells Trouble
by Lauren ChildClarice Bean is back and starring in her second novel! By Children's Laureate Lauren Child.There are so many things in life you can't explain. Like why isn't YOU spelt U? Why isn't WHY spelt Y? And why can just opening your mouth get you into some very BIG trouble?Clarice Bean is in non-stop trouble these days - almost as much as Karl Wrenbury, and he is the naughtiest boy in school. Clarice just wants to star in the school play and impress Mrs Wilberton in the spelling bee, but things aren't quite going to plan...Read by Claire Skinner, star of the hit BBC series 'Outnumbered'.(P) Orchard Books 2013
Black Brother, Black Brother
by Jewell Parker RhodesA powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers - one who presents as white, the other as Black - and the ways they are forced to navigate a world that doesn't treat them equally.Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few black boys at his school, he feels as if he is constantly swimming in whiteness. Most of the students don't look like him. They don't like him either. Dubbed the 'Black Brother', Donte's teachers and classmates make it clear they wish he were more like his lighter skinned brother, Dre. When an incident with a white student leads to Donte's arrest and suspension, he's sure the only way to get even is to beat the student at the school's most valued game: fencing. With the help of a former Olympic fencer, Donte embarks on a journey to carve out a spot on the school's fencing team and to find a way to make people at school see past the colour of his skin to who he really is.From NYT bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes, another poignant and gripping story about how children and families face the complexities of race and racism in today's world.(P)2020 Little, Brown Young Readers
Pooh Invents a New Game and Other Stories
by A.A. MilneEnjoy this classic Winnie the Pooh collection, voiced by an amazing all-star cast.Performed 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 Rabbit has a busy dayIn which Pooh invents a new gameIn which it is shown that Tiggers don't climb treesIn which a search is organdizedIn which Piglet does a very grand thingFor more amazing audio books featuring Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and other favourite friends, try:Winnie the Pooh: Tigger Comes To The Forest & Other Stories Winnie the Pooh: Piglet Meets a HeffalumpWinnie the Pooh: House at Pooh Corner(P) Hodder Children's Books 1999
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
Playtime Rhymes
by Sally Gardner37 familiar rhymes, songs and games, ranging from the traditional Ring-a-ring o' Roses to Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear from the original book Playtime Rhymes.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd
King Flashypants Three Book Collection
by Andy RileyThe first three audiobooks in the laugh-out-loud series. 'Brilliantly original and hilarious ... it's nearly as good as one of my books' - David WalliamsIn King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor, the evil Emperor Nurbison has arrived, accompanied by scary striding music. He has had his eye on King Edwin's kingdom for some time and intends to take over! When the emperor builds a fake dragon out of a cow, green crepe paper, furry monster novelty slippers and two birthday cake candles, to scare Edwin's peasants, Edwin must come up with the first sneaky plan he's ever had in his life...King Flashypants and the Creatures from Crong: When rumours of a huge and terrifying monster called the Voolith reach Edwinland, King Edwin Flashypants decides that, to be a proper king, he needs to go and fight it. Meanwhile, Emperor Nurbison has had a similar idea, but he has a much sneakier plan for what he can do with the Voolith. And it involves squishing Edwinland.In King Flashypants and the Toys of Terror, Something weird is happening in Edwinland - Emperor Nurbison isn't evil any more! He's doing stuff like smiling and making toys of himself for the peasants. Is he up to something? Probably. But what can it be?Hold tight for three thrilling Flashypants adventure, with jousting, vegetables, fire-breathing toads and plenty of FOO-HOO-HOOing.