Most Popular Books by Sarah Courtauld

WINNER OF THE 2014 SAINSBURY''S CHILDREN''S BOOK AWARD Here begins a tale of two sisters - Eliza, who dreams of becoming a swashbuckling hero, and Lavender, whose greatest wish is to be a pampered princess. When Lavender gets kidnapped in the Forest of Toothy, Vicious and Flatulent Dragons, the sisters must face a host of deadly enemies. Hairy-faced villains. Ominous turnips. A witch called Boris. And a moat-dragon who is just a little bit peckish for a tasty child-sized snack. Will Eliza and Lavender ever escape? Why is their goat, Gertrude, so depressed? Whose side is Bonnet, the smallest giant in the world really on? And what day is it today? This book will answer some, but not all, of these questions . . . Buckle and Squash and the Monstrous Moat-Dragon by Sarah Courtauld is a brilliantly funny debut for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Mr Gum.

Intrepid explorer Professor Liedenbrock leads a dramatic expedition to an Icelandic volcano, where a secret tunnel leads to the very centre of the Earth.

A new title in Young Reading Series Three, which is aimed at children whose reading ability and confidence allows them to tackle longer and more complex stories.Ages 7+ The classic tale of White Fang, half-wolf, half-dog, by Jack London retold for children ready to tackle longer and more complex stories. The story of White Fang''s epic journey from cub to sled dog to fighting dog. Living in harsh surroundings with brutal owners, every day is a battle for survival. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.Chapters in this book include:- The cub- The camp- Beauty- The fighting wolf- To the death- A new life- The master- A broken window- The sleeping wolf

This funny fairy-tale adventure from debut author Sarah Courtald is the story of two very different sisters-Eliza, who longs to ride into battle against villains and dragons, and Lavender, who would give anything to be a pampered princess. Before the end of the story both of them have had a chance to fulfill their dreams, though not quite in the way they intended... Accompanied by their depressed goat, Gertrude, with their granny''s warnings about the Black Death ringing in their ears, they head out into the forest and come face to face with an evil count who definitely does not have their best interests at heart. Buckle and Squash: The Perilous Princess Plot was the winner of the Sainsbury''s Children''s Book Award for Fiction Ages 5-9

Did you know that there are only eight different kinds of bears in the world? Find out where they live, what they eat and how baby bears spend their first day in the outside world. 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)

When Lavender''s magical attempt to marry a prince gets her and sister Eliza kidnapped by giants, it is up to Eliza and her amazing goat Gertrude to save the day--again.

A jolly picture book following a crew of not-so-scary pirates across the high seas. Children will love following the story as the swashbuckling pirates sail through a swirling storm, sing sea shanties and tally up their twinkling treasure! This is a highly illustrated ebook that can only be read on the Kindle Fire or other tablet.

The sequel to Buckle and Squash and the Monstrous Moat-Dragon by Sarah Courtauld - winner of the 2014 Sainsbury''s Children''s Book Award. A funny quest adventure featuring two very different sisters, a magical snail and a giant who loves to play with dolls'' houses . . . Here begins a tale of Eliza, who wants to become a swashbuckling hero, and Lavender, who dreams of being a fairy-tale princess. When Lavender casts a spell to make herself tiny, becoming a giant''s birthday present was never part of her plan. Unfortunately, this giant loves dolls'' houses and isn''t letting her new toys out of her sight. Can Eliza and Lavender come up with a cunning plan to escape? Where have all the gentle giants gone? Is the Holy Snail really magical? How many socks can their goat, Gertrude, actually eat? And what''s for dinner? This book might answer these questions, but then again it might not . . . A brilliantly funny quirky story for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Mr Gum.

A look into the world of bugs, and how they grow, feed and make their homes; Combines information with flowing text to excite and inspire beginner readers; Includes short glossary, index and internet links to selected websites; Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

It''s the Middle Ages, and an ill-matched band of strangers is setting off on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. To amuse themselves along the way, they hold a storytelling competition. But the tales soon turn from ripping yarns to slanging matches... With a cast of unforgettable characters, from the blue-blooded Knight and the merry Wife of Bath to the shifty Pardoner, the story is as much about the riotous pilgirims as the weird and wonderful tales they tell. Clearly written in a modern, approachable style to introduce young readers to this much-loved classic story.

Swing into the amazing world of monkeys with this charmingly illustrated book. See monkeys leap from tree to ttree and eath up crunchy bugs. Then watch as grown-up monkeys fall asleep and their abies start to play.

A fascinating glimpse into the secret world of owls, following a baby owl as it grows up and learns to fly. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton, specially written for children just starting to read alone. This book includes audio and internet links to find out more. "Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme." - Julia Eccleshare

This title provides an in-depth exploration of bird watching, including habitats and conservation, to provide a deeper understanding of the natural world. Activities are also included, such as creating a bird feeder.

Aimed at children who are beginning to read. It combines factual information with simple text to inspire any beginner reader. 5 yrs+

A classic collection of twelve stories, with stunning illustrations, which will whisk you away to the magical world of ballet. Soar with the Firebird, dance with the Nutcracker Prince, and thrill at the drama of Romeo and Juliet. A delightful gift to enchant and inspire any ballet lover. Stories included are: Cinderella, Coppelia, Giselle, La Sylphide (the Sylph), Swan Lake, Firebird, Don Quixote, La Fille Mal Gardée (The Wayward Daughter), Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, Ondine and Sleeping Beauty.