New Releases by Lesley Sims

Follow the astonishing journey of a worker bee as she grows from an egg to a hungry larva and then, hidden from view, transforms into a hard working bee. From the moment she chews her way out of her cell she doesn't stop - first as a cleaner, builder, nanny and guard bee, then as a honey producer and pollen collector. This inventive title, with its cleverly designed holes, will spark interest on every page. Specially written for little children, it is perfect for a first introduction to the truly spectacular wonders of nature.

This delightful book follows the journey of a seed dropped from a bird, as it takes root, sprouts and starts to grow. Watch it stretch up... and up to the sky, becoming a brilliant yellow sunflower. Cleverly designed holes on every page encourage interaction as readers guess what is waiting overleaf. Specially written for little children, this is a perfect introduction to the wonders of nature - and may even encourage budding gardeners.

This book is filled with five fun rhyming stories that make reading a pleasure. There''s an owl who dreams of being a superhero, a window-cleaning adder who''s scared of heights and an axolotl who meets a genie. Add a flamingo who loves bingo plus a musical pangolin and you have a collection that''s sure to appeal to any young reader.

A funny, rhyming picture book about fleas behaving badly. Even little fleas have to mind their Ps and Qs as some endearing but rather rude fleas find to their cost, in this lively, cautionary tale about the importance of manners. With free online audio.

An inventive nature book for little children, showing the journey from egg to butterfly. Follow the incredible journey of a butterfly as it grows from an egg to a ravenous caterpillar and finally emerges from its chrysalis, a beautiful fluttering butterfly. This interactive title, with its cleverly designed holes, will spark interest on every page. Specially written for little children, it is perfect for a first introduction to the truly spectacular wonders of nature.

How does a little blob floating in jelly turn into a hopping, croaking frog? This inventive information book, specially written for little children and with interactive holes, is perfect for a first introduction to the wonders of nature.

Presents the adventures of Ted the bear and his friends.

Starring Alpaca, her maracas and a baby rattlesnake whose tail won't rattle. Alpaca makes and sells maracas, and, with the Carnival coming, business should be booming - but no one is buying. Then she discovers Baby Rattlesnake has a problem too - his tail just won't rattle. Can they help each other? A fun rhyming story, specially written to develop phonemic awareness, with delightful illustrations by David Semple. This book is ideal both for reading aloud and for children who are beginning to read for themselves.

Goldilocks loves porridge, but so do three hungry bears. A charming retelling of the much-loved tale for very young children, with a child-friendly ending and beautiful illustrations by Elisa Ferro throughout.

Lizard has decided to make a snow machine. The trouble is, once it starts to snow, he can't make it stop... This entertaining story for beginner readers has simple rhyming text and stylish illustrations throughout. A delight to share with very young children, and with parents' notes on phonics at the back of the book.

Seal has bought herself a new motor boat, Hippo is trying out his new water skis and Seal is causing chaos! A fun rhyming story, specially written to develop phonemic awareness, with wonderful illustrations by David Semple. This book is ideal both for reading aloud and for children who are beginning to read for themselves. Illustrations: Full colour throughout.

A funny picture book featuring a madcap story a builder-mole, which uses phonic repetition to help children learn to read. This lively rhyming story with irresistible illustrations and phonic repetition is a delight to share with very young children. It can also be enjoyed by children who are starting to read for themselves. Simple rhyming text helps to develop early language and reading skills, and there are notes for parents about phonics and reading aloud together.

Travel back in time with this humorous guide crammed with information and advice for the adventurous time-tourist. Arranged thematically, with topics including 'Things to see and do', 'Trips out of Athens' and 'Top tips for tourists'. Also features quotations from notable Greeks, a glossary of famous people in Ancient Greece and a timeline.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...' The traditional and much-loved Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore, beautifully illustrated and published as a charming picture book for children to enjoy year after year. A magical rhyming story to share together on Christmas Eve, or for older children to read on their own as they wait for Father Christmas

The story of the beautiful princess Snow White, her wicked stepmother and her seven rescuers, delightfully retold for children just starting to read alone. "Irresistible for children learning to read." - Child Education Plus

A beautiful gift book containing some of Aesop's most famous fables, including 'The Fox and The Crow', 'The Greedy Dog', 'The Sun and The Wind' and 'The Hare and Tortoise'. Perfect for reading aloud at bedtime.

When Raccoon goes to the moon, his friends don't believe him...until they see what he brings back!

Down by the riverbank, Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad are about to begin their adventures. Join in the fun with this beautifully illustrated retelling of Kenneth Grahame''s classic tale. This is a highly illustrated ebook that can only be read on the Kindle Fire or other tablet.

The Little Giraffe and his best friend Rhino are very, very hungry. What happens next changes their lives forever. Simply written in lively, flowing text Usborne First Reading books are designed to capture the imagination and build the confidence of beginner readers. This book includes audio, simple comprehension puzzles and downloadable worksheets and teacher''s notes. "For every parent, child and teacher weary of the monotony of the average reading scheme, Usborne''s First Reading series will offer rays of sunlight. The books are carefully levelled and offer a huge variety of accessible and fun, fiction and non-fiction." - Tamara Linke (Proprietor, Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop)

Gerda and Kay are best friends, until Kay suddenly changes. Then he is kidnapped by the wicked Snow Queen and everyone thinks he is lost forever. But Gerda is determined to rescue him. Follow her, in this retelling of the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, as she sets out on her lonely and dangerous quest to the frozen north.

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.

A collection of Lewis Carroll's famously quirky stories featuring Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

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.

Gerald, Cathy and Jimmy are out exploring when they discover an enchanted castle. Even better, they meet a princess who says she has a ring of invisibility. But how much is she making up - and how much is pure magic?