Books in The Children's Classics series

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the classic American tale, starring Gayle Hunnicutt. When Pollyanna's father dies, she is sent to live with her only surviving relative, the rich but stern Aunt Polly. Pollyanna's joy soon turns to disappointment when her spinster aunt gives her a cold greeting and tells her she is to stay in the attic. It's not the welcome Pollyanna expected, but she soon regains her spirits, playing the ‘glad game’ her father taught her. Nancy, the maid, is charmed by Pollyanna and soon the girl's infectious optimism wins the hearts of everyone in town from the reclusive Mr Pendleton to the shy Dr Chilton. Everyone, that is, except Aunt Polly, who refuses to succumb to her young niece's charm. It is not until a tragic accident occurs, which leaves even Pollyanna struggling to find a way to feel glad, that her maiden aunt finally unwraps her heart from years of bitterness. This BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation retains the spirit of childlike innocence and optimism that has made Pollyanna a favourite amongst generations of children and adults.

Three rare classics by a beloved author and illustrator transport kids to the farm for adventures with a plucky little chicken named Henrietta. Syd Hoff, author of Danny and the Dinosaur, brings his distinctive warmth and whimsy to these endearing tales of barnyard life. Henrietta Lays Some Eggs: It's market day but Henrietta doesn't want to join Farmer Gray and the other chickens, so she flies off the truck for a lively day among pigs, ducks, and hungry hobos.Henrietta, the Early Bird: While the rooster's off duty, Henrietta takes charge of waking the other animals and Farmer Gray — none of whom want anything to do with her cock-a-doodle-dooing.Henrietta Goes to the Fair: Farmer Gray has high hopes of winning the blue ribbon at the fair with Winthrop, his largest pig. When Henrietta makes an important discovery about the competition, she hitches a ride to the fair and encounters a big surprise.

It is almost impossible to envision what childhood would be like without the enchanting world of fairyland. Three-headed trolls, horses that carry their masters up mountains of glass, giants and dwarfs, monsters and magicians, fairies and ogres — these are the companions who will thrill young boys and girls of all lands and all times, as Andrew Lang's phenomenally successful collections of stories have proved. From the day that they were first printed, the Lang fairy tale books of many colors have entertained thousands of boys and girls, as they have also brought pleasure to the many parents who have read these unforgettable classics to their children. In addition to such familiar favorites as Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, The Ratcatcher (The Pied Piper), and Snowdrop (Snow White), The Red Fairy Book contains a wonderful collection of lesser-known tales from French, German, Danish, Russian, and Romanian sources. A tale from Norse mythology recounts the old story of Sigurd and Brynhild; tales by the great Madame d'Aulnoy include Graciosa and Percinet and Princess Rosette; lesser-known tales from Grimm's collection include The Three Dwarfs, Mother Holle, and The Golden Goose.All in all, this collection contains 37 stories, all narrated in the clear, lively prose for which Lang was famous. Not only are Lang's generally conceded to be the best English versions of standard stories, his collections are the richest and widest in range. His position as one of England's foremost folklorists as well as his first-rate literary abilities makes his collections unmatchable in the English language. Includes 97 illustrations.

Autumn should have been a season of contentment for the inhabitants of the Green Forest. Food was plentiful and all the young creatures born earlier in the year had been taught how to look out for themselves. It should not have been a sad time, but it was — because of the hunters and their long guns!Lightfoot the Deer was especially concerned. "There's nothing quite so terrible as being continually hunted," he thought. The handsome creature certainly had cause to worry, as young readers soon learn in this exciting and sensitively written tale by naturalist Thornton W. Burgess. With the opening of hunting season, Lightfoot finds himself pursued by a determined two-legged predator with a deadly weapon; and even with the help of his friends Sammy Jay, Paddy the Beaver, and — unexpectedly — a concerned human, Lightfoot faces constant threats to his survival.Young readers will find this exciting tale of a courageous animal filled with valuable lessons about nature and wildlife. Newly reset in large, easy-to-read type, the story is enhanced by Harrison Cady's original illustrations.

Something strange is going on in the Green Forest! Sticky-toes the Tree Toad hears his own voice coming from another tree, yet he hasn't said anything. It seems that Sammy Jay is keeping everyone awake by calling "Thief, thief!" but he swears he was asleep. And Unc' Billy Possum is certain that he heard a friend from the South, although he can't find him. How will they get to the bottom of the mystery? A classic tale of mischief and forgiveness, this edition includes illustrations by Harrison Cady.

Twelve of Shakespeare's greatest tales come to life in this entertaining collection of short, lively stories specially adapted for young readers. Capturing the vital events and using some of the original wording, the stories serve as a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for preteens and as literate refreshers for older folks.Fulfilling a request from her own children, author Edith Nesbit turned twelve of the Bard's most famous plays into delightful tales of kings, queens, ghosts, and witches. Filled with tragedy, humor, and moral lessons, the stories — told with wit and grace — include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, King Lear, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cymbeline, The Taming of the Shrew, Pericles, and The Winter's Tale.Wonderfully transformed by the noted author of children's books, these classics are a great way to start a lifelong interest in the works of Shakespeare.

Old Mother West Wind has a lot of friends in the Green Forest, among them Reddy Fox, Happy Jack Squirrel, old Mr. Toad, Billy Mink, Little Joe Otter, and Jerry Muskrat. And of course, she and the Merry Little Breezes (all members of her family) are always ready to help if trouble comes their way. And one day it does!A mysterious stranger comes to live in their neighborhood, making the regular inhabitants extremely curious and more than a bit nervous. Who is this creature and how does he manage to protect himself from even the fiercest of the animals — including Bowser the Hound?Noted for his good-natured humor and gentle lessons about wildlife, master storyteller Thornton Burgess invites youngsters once again into the timeless world of the Smiling Pool and Green Meadows.

Like his renowned countryman Lewis Carroll, British author Kenneth Grahame (1859–1932) found writing tales for children a pleasant diversion from his regular duties in the everyday world. The Wind in the Willows, his most memorable collection of stories, is today a much-loved classic of children's literature.Begun as a series of bedtime stories that Grahame, a bank executive, told his young son, this engaging fantasy recounts the whimsical adventures of a delightful company of animals — among them Mole, Ray, Badger, and Toad — all of whom possess decidedly human characteristics.This charming new version, with over 30 original illustrations by Thea Kliros, has been specially prepared for young readers and retains all the character and flavor of the original stories. Once again youngsters follow the shy but curious Mole as he sets out one spring day from his little underground home and is befriended by the extremely personable Water Rat, who introduces him to Badger, the reclusive philosopher, and to pleasure-seeking Toad of Toad Hall.Children and adults alike will fall under the charming spell of this humorous potpourri of make-believe as it paints a gently satirical picture of loyalties, weakness, and extravagant behavior.

Old Mr. Buzzard has arrived from the sunny South, and he's going to stay in the Green Forest till Jack Frost returns. Once the local woodland creatures realize that he's not a hawk and they've nothing to fear, they learn many curious and interesting things from the old fellow. Peter Rabbit goes hunting for Mr. and Mrs. Buzzard's nest, which leads to a great mystery involving their eggs, and when Reddy Fox happens upon the Buzzard babies, he discovers a big surprise. Thornton Burgess (1874–1965) wrote thousands of stories reflecting his fascination with wildlife and concern for nature, teaching generations of children gentle lessons about ecology and respect for the environment. This edition features a new Introduction by John Richmond of the Thornton W. Burgess Society.

The warmth, whimsy, and charm of Beatrix Potter's animal stories have made them favorites with generations of children and adults. Now 12 of the most popular Potter stories, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit, have been gathered in this collection, ready to delight young readers and listeners with fanciful tales of the creatures of field and forest.This volume contains these 12 stories: The Tale of Peter Rabbit; The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin; The Tale of Benjamin Bunny; The Tale of Two Bad Mice; The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-winkle; The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher; The Tale of Tom Kitten; The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck; The Tale of Flopsy Bunnies; Ginger & Pickles; The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse; and The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes.Newly reset in large, easy-to-read type and brimming with Beatrix Potter's special storytime magic, these charming tales are sure to delight young and old alike. For this edition, Pat Stewart has contributed over 50 engaging illustrations based on Ms. Potter's original designs.

John Doolittle is a kind-hearted country physician who keeps goldfish in his pond, rabbits in the pantry, white mice in a piano, and a hedgehog in the cellar. He also has an unusual gift: he can talk to animals — a talent that comes in handy, since he prefers treating animals, rather than humans, as his patients.One day, a mysterious call summons him to Africa, where a serious epidemic has spread among the monkey population. Of course, the good doctor sets out immediately with some of his best friends — Jip, the dog, and Polynesia, the parrot, among others. Along the way, they’re joined by new acquaintances, including the pushmi-pullyu, a remarkable creature that has a head at both ends of its body."Any child who is not given the opportunity to make the acquaintance of this rotund, kindly, and enthusiastic doctor/naturalist and all of his animal friends will miss out on something important," said renowned primatologist Jane Goodall. An entertaining classic that has charmed readers of all ages for generations, Hugh Lofting's timeless tale is accompanied by 27 of his own delightful illustrations.