New Releases by LESLEY SIMS

This is a new title in the ''Usborne Reading Programme'', which is aimed at children whose reading ability and confidence allows them to tackle longer and more complex stories. After returning from Wonderland, Alice''s adventures continue when she steps through a looking glass and into the topsy-turvy world beyond. This title is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University.

This guide includes vital information for tourists visiting Rome - famous attractions, where to shop and places to eat are combined with background facts about politics, history and the art and architecture of each period.

Fantasy fiction. This is a popular title in the "Young Reading" series re-issued with a hardback cover and an audio CD inserted into a wallet inside the back cover, making the book and CD easy to store together. An ordinary day becomes extraordinary when Alice follows the White Rabbit down a rabbit hole and finds herself in Wonderland. "The Young Reading" series is developed with experts at Roehampton University to help young readers grow in confidence and ability. The packaging also allows potential purchasers to view the inside of the book.

''Usborne Young Reading: Series Two'' is designed for children whose reading ability is beginning to grow, and helps build confidence and ability. This text concentrates on castles.

Part of the ''Young Reading Series 2'', ''The Wind in the Willows'' is a re-telling of the beloved Kenneth Grahame story following the adventures of four riverside companions: Mole, Ratty, Badger and, of course, Mr Toad.

Exciting stories of castle times accompanied by an entertaining reading on CD. The CD brings the book to life with lively music, song and dramatic sound effects. The book has easy to follow text clearly laid out with speech bubbles to aid the narrative flow. The Usborne Young Reading programme was developed in conjunction with reading experts at Roemhampton University.

Jon, Dirk, and Ally have the educational experience of a lifetime when they board a submarine and explore the depths of the ocean.

Gerda''s best friend Kay is kidnapped by the sicked Snow Queen and Gerda is determined to rescue him.

" ... three Christmas spirits take Scrooge on a ghostly journey through life. Coming face to face with his past and present is bad enough, but what of his terrifying future?"--Page 4 of cover.

For Su, Em, and Eli it''s just another, boring shopping expedition with Aunt Rose, until they find a magical globe at a junk shop. An amazing adventure takes them all over the world experiencing a safari, mountain tops, deserts, a jungle river, a busy market in India, the Netherlands, and other places from warm to cold climates. Illustrations and puzzles give the reader lots of things to spot and solve.

A boring school trip turns into a thrilling adventure for Nat and Joe, when a model spaceship takes off with them inside. They visit the moon, explore distant planets, and become the first humans to land on Mars. Illustrations and puzzles give the reader lots of things to spot and solve.

Stan must outwit a dragon to feed his large family. Victor must persuade two dragons not to eat him. Tom catches a worm-dragon while fishing and must somehow get rid of it.

This title helps children to virtually tour the Ancient World. With a guidebook format, including maps of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt and top tips for tourists on each page, this book should appeal to young travellers. It uncovers the realities behind everyday life from the practicalities of getting around, shopping and entertainment to the cultural aspects of religion and art. Hilarious cartoons, fact-filled text, timelines and a guide to the most famous people of the age make this an informative yet fun publication.

Castles have an enduring fascination for children of all ages, and this book is the ideal guide to their rich and exciting history. As well as the history of castles, there are sections on chivalry, castle warfare and feasting. This book also contains Usborne-recommended Web sites that the reader can visit to find out more. For direct links to these sites, and pictures from the book to download, go to Usborne Quicklinks at www.usborne-quicklinks.com.

Presents the subject of the sun and stars through a combination of artwork, photographs and simple text.

Traveling back to the reign of Ramesses II from c. 1289 to 1224 B.C., this guide includes a cruise down the Nile to the Valley of the Kings; a visit to the Great Pyramids at Gizah; historical background on mummification, Egyptian fashions, and hieroglyphics; and more.

Agent Arthur is hot on the trail of the devious Squid Squad.

Colour illustrated puzzle adventure featuring a pirate, explorers theme. 8-12 yrs.