Showing titles in Classics

Little Women is recognized as one of the best-loved classic children's stories, transcending the boundaries of time and age, making it as popular with adults as it is with young listeners. The beloved story of the March girls is a classic American feminist novel, reflecting the tension between cultural obligation and artistic and personal freedom.

But which of the four March sisters to love best? For every listener must have their favorite. Independent, tomboyish Jo; delicate, loving Beth; pretty, kind Meg; or precocious and beautiful Amy, the baby of the family?

I Can Jump Puddles is Alan Marshall's story of his childhood - a happy world in which, despite his crippling poliomyelitis, he plays, climbs, fights, swims, rides and laughs. His world was the Australian countryside early last century: rough-riders, bushmen, farmers and tellers of tall stories - a world held precious by the young Alan Marshall.

Read by Olivia Colman, this stunning performance lifts P. L Travers’s words off the page, transporting us back to a time where classic storytelling is at the heart of any story. Be swept away by magic in the fourth enchanting book of Mary Poppins’ adventures. Whether it’s a lion loose in the park or story-book characters coming to life, when Mary Poppins is in residence in Cherry Tree Lane, you can be sure that wonderful adventures will follow.

A.A. Milne's first collection of stories about his son's endearing and not-very-bright toy bear and his friends, Winnie-the-Pooh, is the original source material for one of children's literature's most enduring and beloved characters. We follow Pooh Bear as he tries to extract honey from a beehive, overstays his welcome at Rabbit's house, attempts to find Eeyore's missing tail, and hunts for the elusive Heffalump. The stories are presented here, in their original and unabridged form.

The discovery of a secret stairway running to the top of the castle leads Princess Irene to a revelation even more weighty than the fiendish plans of the goblin community that miner boy Curdie has discovered. Will the Princess and Curdie understand the significance of what they have found, or will Harelip and the goblins successfully execute their evil plan?

For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.

Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family's struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. And it is also Cassie's story - Cassie Logan, an independent girl who discovers over the course of an important year why having land of their own is so crucial to the Logan family, even as she learns to draw strength from her own sense of dignity and self-respect.

Experience the heartwarming tale of "The Velveteen Rabbit," a beloved classic by Margery Williams, beautifully narrated by Brian Pederson. This enchanting story tells the tale of a simple, velveteen rabbit who longs to become real through the love of a child. In the cozy setting of a child’s nursery, the velveteen rabbit learns that becoming real isn’t about how you look on the outside, but about the love and affection you receive. As the rabbit's adventures unfold, this timeless story gently explores themes of love, transformation, and the true meaning of being "real."

Karen's having her first sleepover ever! She and her friends are going to tell spooky stories, try on makeup, and raid the refrigerator. But then Karen and Nancy get into a big fight. Karen doesn't want Nancy to come to her party. A new girl comes instead, and she is no fun! What will Karen do now?

Be swept away by magic in these two enchanting stories of Mary Poppins’ adventures. Mary Poppins is in residence in Cherry Tree Lane. You can be sure that wonderful adventures will follow, from fantastical picnics to a trip to see the man on the moon! More than 80 years since we first met Mary Poppins, these original, classic stories are still charming audiences and transporting new fans into the mysterious world of everyone’s favourite magical nanny.

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.

A classic tale of adventure and survival, The Swiss Family Robinson has been a best seller ever since it was published in 1812, just over 200 years ago. Written by Swiss pastor Johann David Wyss, it begins with a shipwreck. A boat carrying a family of settlers to a distant colony is driven onto a reef just off an uncharted tropical island. The sailors desert the ship in lifeboats, leaving the family onboard.

Three favourite stories of Paddington, the beloved classic bear from Darkest Peru, brought together in one volume. Paddington is now a major movie star! This special edition brings together three favourite classic adventures – Paddington in the Garden, Paddington at the Carnival and Paddington and the Grand Tour. Whether he is gardening, walking along the canal or seeing the sights of London – as always – there is never a dull moment when Paddington is around!

"Stop it!" cried Eustace. "It's some silly trick you are playing! Ow!" A great cold salt splash had broken right out of the frame and they were breathless from the smack of it, as well as being wet through. Lucy and Edmund, stuck with their awful cousin Eustace, suddenly find themselves in a picture of a sailing ship, the Dawn Treader, and realise they have been drawn back into the land of Narnia.

Whizz through five-minute tales in this brilliant collection by Enid Blyton. From animal and school adventures to outdoor wanders and magical mischief and mayhem, there's a story for everyone! These traditional tales are ideal for younger children being read to, and each story stands alone and is the perfect length for listening at bedtime or in the classroom. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her to the latest generation of listeners.

Elizabeth Ann is being carefully brought up by her Aunt Frances. Aunt Frances shares in all Elizabeth Ann's fears and slights, walks her to and from school each day, and conscientiously follows the most modern theories on child-rearing. She is the original helicopter parent. Not surprisingly, at nine years old Elizabeth Ann is timid and shy, friendless, and completely dependent on her doting aunt. Then an emergency occurs, and the fearful little girl is temporarily sent to other relatives who live on a farm in Vermont.

Timeless Tales for Kids is an enchanting compilation of children's classic stories read by an all-star cast. Olivia Colman reads E. Nesbit's classic novel The Railway Children, a masterpiece in children's fiction wonderfully evoking a bygone age, packed with fun, excitement and adventure. Bill Nighy reads a much-loved children's classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which continues to delight young and old with its enchanting tale of witches, flying monkeys and magical shoes.

Harriet’s best friend, Lalla, dreams of being the best skater in the world - but when Harriet discovers her own natural talent on the ice, the girls’ friendship comes under threat. Will Harriet choose Lalla or her own glittering future?

Harriet Walter and Beryl Reid star in this full-cast adaptation of the much-loved children's classic. When spoilt young orphan Mary Lennox is brought back from India to live in her uncle's house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds the blunt ways of the staff at Misselthwaite Manor an unpleasant shock. Bored and miserable, it seems as though life in England will be awful. But Misselthwaite has hidden delights, and when Mary begins to discover them, nothing is the same again.

The lovable Jo March, introduced to us in Little Women, is now married with two sons of her own and an adopted family of 12 boys. And she couldn't be happier. Since starting an informal school at Plumfield, Jo and Professor Bhaer provide a haven for poor orphaned boys who thrive on warmth, goodness, and the affectionate interest of the March and Bhaer families.