Resources for families

Reading Adventures

Are you sitting comfortably? Get ready to hear from some of our favourite authors as they read aloud an extract of their stories or poems.

Ian Brown

Ian has written a number of picture books, including the Albert the Tortoise series as well as Hugg ​“n” Bugg books

Albert and the Flood: Heavy rain has drenched the garden and the lawn is waterlogged. The garden’s annual sports day is in jeopardy! Can Albert come up with a plan to save the day? Albert and his friends make a splash and learn it’s not always winning that’s important. 

Hugg ​“n” Bugg: Finding Home: In the cold wilderness of the Himalayas, we meet Bugg, a mountain flea in search of a home. Bugg searches high and low for somewhere to live, but nothing seems quite right until he meets Hugg, the yeti. 

Ian describes how writing children’s books is a dream come true, especially when he visits schools, libraries and bookshops to connect with young readers. For Ian, reading is a relaxing escape from everyday life, often enjoyed quietly at bedtime. Watch the video below to find out more about how reading can transport you through time and space! 

Inspired by a pet tortoise and a school writing prompt, Ian explains how ideas develop slowly in his mind before turning into stories. Watch the video below to find out more about his creative process and advice for budding authors. 

Laura Mucha

An ex-lawyer turned award-winning poet, Laura’s poetry collections, ​“Dear Ugly Sisters” and ​“Being Me” are aimed at the 6+ age group. Her non-fiction books ​“Welcome to Our Table” and ​“Celebrate!” are aimed at 3 – 8 and 5 – 11 respectively.

Selection of poems: Travel by Book”, ​“The Land of Blue”, and ​“Dear Ugly Sisters”, written by Laura Mucha.

Molly Arbuthnott

Molly has written a number of picture books, largely focused on animals including Oscar, her family’s cat from when she was a child.

Oscar the Ferry Cat: Oscar is an ordinary cat until, one day, his life is turned upside down. When he finds himself alone on a ferry, he begins to search for a new friend. How will he cope being on his own and will he ever find somewhere he can call home?

Molly‘s advice to those who struggle with reading is simple: find what you enjoy, whether it’s picture books or something else, and don’t worry about judgment. Being open to new stories keeps life exciting! 

Writing animal stories has helped Molly create a world where anything is possible and keeps important people close through her characters. Watch the video below to see how she encourages writers to simply start without worrying about rules or structure, stories can be anything you imagine. 

Sharika Chauhan

Sharika has recently launched the Maya’s Worldly Wonder series, a set of short chapter books perfect for younger Key Stage 2 readers.

Maya’s Worldy Wonders: Maya’s Yeti-licious Himalyan Hike: Meet Maya, the bold and spirited explorer who will capture your heart and ignite your wanderlust!Strap on your adventure boots and join Maya for a thrilling journey filled with laughter and a wild ticket to the snow-capped peaks of imagination and bravery.

Sharika loves reading because it lets her fully immerse in stories and imagine them like movies. Sharika hopes her talk encourages you to enjoy reading, explore new stories and build confidence. 

Sharika’s inspiration comes from real trips, organised through mind maps filled with stories and illustrations. Her advice for new writers: grab a pen and paper, start writing without worrying about perfection and trust your instincts. 

Britannica’s 5‑Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime

In this compendium of five-minute really true stories, you will travel to ancient Egypt to explore the five beds of Tutankhamun, jet off into space to discover how astronauts get ready for bed, and plunge underwater to learn how hibernating turtles breathe through their bottoms. With up-to-the-minute, expert information that is beautifully read by British actress Joanna Lumley, this audiobook is the ultimate brainy bedtime companion for young children.

Visit Britannica’s website here.