Best Selling Books by Vivian French

A new series of short fiction for newly independent readers. Each story is between 300 and 500 words long, and together the books offer a range of genres, from humor to adventure, and from mystery to fantasy.

The three fairy tales in this collection are ideally suited to reading aloud. The first is about the magic of walking on water, the second on why the sea is salty and the third deals with what happens if someone makes a wish when they are angry.

Stanley has trouble deciding what to give his mother for Mother''s Day.

While helping Grandma in the garden, a child learns about the important role of the earthworm in helping plants grow.

A funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling. Sam J. Butterbiggins'' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he''s been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt, uncle and cousin Prune while his parents are away. But Sam''s discovered a magical scroll listing the six quests to be completed to become a knight, and with his True Companion Prune''s help, he''s already managed two! Now Sam must find a goodly sword, but he keeps getting distracted by noble deeds that need doing. Helping a grumpy dwarf, a dunderheaded bear and an island of tiny elves might mean he''ll never find his sword, but isn''t that what a Very Noble Knight would do ...?

Gracie Gillypott and Prince Marcus embark on a dwarf-watching outing, not knowing that the dwarves are working frantically making crowns for a royal wedding and that they have enlisted some unreliable trolls to help them, thus putting the humans'' expedition in peril.

Billy plays detective to find out who keeps knocking his best friend Dan''s lunchbox off the shelf at school and getting Dan into trouble, but it is Dan who finally solves the mystery.

How is Gran going to get rid of the mouse in her house? With a black and white cat? Or with a big, spotty dog? What Gran really needs is a dear little flea This series covers a range of genres to support literacy requirements.

Book Band: Lime - Ideal for ages 7+ A quirky school comedy from Vivian French. Perfect for fans of Wigglesbottom Primary and Kes Grey''s Daisy books. When Dan gets into trouble at school for being untidy, he teams up with his best friend Billy to find out who''s throwing his lunchbox on the floor. With chalk fingerprints and missing sardine sandwiches as clues, Detective Dan is on the case! This humorous mystery from award-winning author Vivian French has appealing black-and-white illustrations by Daniel Duncan and is perfect for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with brilliant books to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2, with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence covering a wide range of genres and topics. With charming illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for reading both in the classroom and at home. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com. ''Patrice Lawrence, Tony Bradman, Margaret Mahy, Joan Aiken, Andrew Fusek Peters, Michaela Morgan, Geraldine McCaughrean and Narinder Dhami: any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed.'' - Books for Keeps on the Bloomsbury Readers series

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Down in the Jungle it''s time for bed, but Monkey wants a story, and he sets off to find one in this charming, funny story, perfect for early readers.

A funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling. Sam J. Butterbiggins'' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he''s been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt and uncle while his parents are away. Not only does he have to put up with his annoying cousin Prune, there are also the weird creatures his aunt looks after in her Luxury Accommodation for Dragons, Griffins and other Regal Beasts to contend with! But when Godfrey the dragon gets stuck down a well, Sam and Prune have to work together to come to the rescue. Inside the well they make an incredible discovery - a scroll giving instructions on the six quests to be completed in order to become the perfect knight! Sam''s ambition seems close at hand - if only Prune would stop getting in the way...

Morris is ginger and very fat. He’s a cat who loves snoozing and eating... but that won’t catch him a mouse. Another lively story for beginner readers about this lovable puss.

A funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling. Sam J. Butterbiggins'' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he''s been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his uncle, aunt and cousin Prune. But Sam''s about to discover a magical scroll listing the six quests he must complete to become a knight ... and with Prune''s help, he''s already managed three of them! Now he has to earn his very own knightly shield. Prune knows where to go for armour: Puddlewink Castle! But before they can cross the drawbridge they''re stopped by a terrifying creature. Will Sam''s knightly dreams end here?

From scrapes to scratches, head bumps to bruises, learn all about the basics of first aid with Nikki and Enzo. Nikki and Enzo are playing a game about accidents . . . LOTS of accidents. When Nikki’s dinosaur crashes into the train station and bumps his head, Enzo’s mom, who’s a doctor, introduces the two children to some simple first aid, like wrapping ice in a cloth and holding it to the bump. As the game continues, more casualties are discovered (or averted) thanks to Mom’s practical advice on things like nosebleeds, allergies, sick stomachs, water safety, and how to get help quickly in an emergency. With a running narrative from prolific storyteller Vivian French, useful tips scattered throughout, and friendly illustrations by Anna Simeone, this charming story—kicking off the First Skills series—will keep young children engaged and serve as a valuable teaching tool for parents and teachers.

A kind and clever hen manages to outwit the sneaky fox that hopes to make her his next dinner.

"A romp filled with language play and just plain nonsense. . . . Everyone gets his, her, or its due; goodness is rewarded; and evil punished oh-so-wickedly."– The Horn Book High above the mountain village of Fracture, trouble is brewing. The sorceress Lady Lamorna wants a skull-studded gown of deep black velvet, but her treasure chest is empty of gold. That doesn’t stop her, however, from kidnapping, blackmailing, and using more than a little magic to get what she needs. Will her plans be foiled by the heroic Gracie Gillypot, two chatty bats, a gallant (if scruffy) prince, the wickedest stepsister ever, a troll with a grudge, and some very ancient crones?

Henny Penny and her barnyard friends are on their way to tell the king that the sky is falling when they meet a hungry fox, but Henney Penny''s quick thinking saves the day.

A funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling. Sam J. Butterbiggins'' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he''s been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt, uncle and annoying cousin Prune while his parents are away. But Sam''s discovered an ancient scroll listing the six quests to be completed in order to become a knight, and he''s already completed the first one! Now he''s found his True Companion (Prune), next on the list is to track down a Snow White Steed. But when Aunt Egg orders Sam and Prune to journey to Weasel''s Hill to deliver Horace the warthog back to his owner, it looks like the young knight-in-training looks will have to put his quest on hold. Or will he ...?

Do you like chips Oliver does, in fact, he won''t eat anything else - until he plays a game with his grandpa.Whatever vegetable Oliver finds in the garden, he must eat. On Monday, he pulls up carrots, on Tuesday, it is spinach . . .This is an excellent book for parents with slightly fussy children and it introduces the days of the week. Other titles in this series:Oliver''s Fruit SaladOliver''s Milkshake