The story begins with a mysterious egg washed up on a Scottish beach, the morning after a great storm. Kirstie and her brother Angus find the egg and take it home. The next day it has hatched into a tiny greeny-grey creature with a horse's head, warty skin, four flippers and a crocodile's tail. The baby sea monster soon becomes the family pet - but the trouble is, it just doesn't stop growing!

The 35th anniversary of The Hodgeheg - a timeless classic tale for young children from the master of animal stories, Dick King-Smith. Includes an author profile and interview, and fun facts. 'Sparkling humour and wonderful characters are Dick King-Smith's trademarks' - Books for Your Children Max is a hedgehog who lives with his family in a nice little home, but it's on the wrong side of the road from the Park where there's a beautiful lily pond and plenty of juicy slugs, worms and snails! The busy road is dangerous but Max is determined to make his way across. If humans can do it, why can't hedgehogs? His first attempt ends in a nasty bump on the head and, when Max tries to speak, he realises his words are all mixed up. He is no longer a hedgehog but a hodgeheg! Still determined to fulfil his mission, Max discovers the best way to cross the road - with the help of the lollipop lady and some careful detective work . . .

A heart-warming animal story from the master storyteller, Dick King-Smith. Flora was born on the first day of term in the new school year, which might be why she's a very special mouse indeed - a mouse who has taught herself to read! Flora lives in a classroom, and is determined to learn all sorts of things that no mouse has ever learned before. Her family is horrified at first, but then Flora's reading saves their lives ...

Harmony's uncle sends her on a treasure trail - which disappointingly ends in her finding a 50p piece. But the coin is a magic one, and when you rub the queen's nose, your wishes will come true! From the bestselling master of funny animal stories, Dick King-Smith, author of The Sheep-Pig, The Hodgeheg, The Invisible Dog and many more much-loved adventures.

Flightless, helpless and often, more than a little silly, chickens are no match for the cunning, merciless foxes stalking their coop. Or are they? Thanks to a careless farmer and generations of determined foxes, the chickens on Foxearth Farm have evolved into quick-witted, long-legged, high flying fox dodgers. Then, just a week after a vicious fox ambush in the water trough, three sisters are hatched. And Ransome, Sims and Jefferies are no ordinary chicks: they grow up determined to fight back. They are the legendary Fox Busters… From the number one author for animal magic comes this wonderful new edition of a much-loved classic.

A little girl who desperately wants a dog introduces an imaginary Great Dane called Henry into her home. Her wish comes true when she is allowed a real Henry. Was neighbour Mrs Garrow, with her cackling laugh and black cat, responsible for her wish coming true? From the number one author for animal magic comes a wonderful new edition of this much loved classic.

The Sheep-pig is one of Dick King-Smith's most famous tales. It shot to further fame when the film adaptation, Babe, was released in 1995. 'Why can't I learn to be a Sheep-Pig?' When Babe, the little orphaned piglet, is won at a fair by Farmer Hogget, he is adopted by Fly, the kind-hearted sheep-dog. Babe is determined to learn everything he can from Fly. He knows he can't be a sheep-dog. But maybe, just maybe, he might be a sheep-pig.

There are six puppies in the pet shop window; five posh pedigree puppies, and a scruffy little mongrel with a grand ambition - to be a guard dog. The other pups laugh at him. How can such a small, scruffy dog possibly expect to be bought to guard a home? Especially when his bark is the most horrible, earsplitting racket they have ever heard! Will the poor little guard dog be doomed to a lonely life in the Dogs' Home - or worse...?

Charlie Bass is a horse-mad ten-year-old who dreams of owning her own pony. So when she accidentally manages to buy a racehorse, Charlie is thrilled. The horse she buys, Noble Warrior, looks the part: strong, fit and healthy. There's just one problem - he won't gallop. In fact, he won't even leave his stable without his best friend, a naughty palomino pony called Percy. Charlie is convinced that Noble Warrior has what it takes to be a champion. But can she prove it? Derby Day is fast approaching and only a win can save the family farm from being repossessed. The stakes couldn't be higher for the Basses. Can Charlie turn her chaotic family into a top training team? Can Noble Warrior overcome his nerves? Will Percy the pony ever stop farting? Find out in this classic, funny animal story, perfect for fans of Dick King-Smith and Gerald Durrell.

Henry Pond is a toad who is also a poet. His gift is an uncommon one, his poems sweep the prize table at the Eistoadfod and he has many adoring fans. Sadly, that's not enough to win the heart of Victoria Garden-Pool, whose affections lie with Larry Lake. And so Henry Pond must be more than a poet - he must become a toad of action too. Will his derring-do and rhyming prowess be enough to persuade Victoria to be his love? A wonderful froggy adventure from award-winning Dick King-Smith combines with stunning artwork from Victor Ambrus to make for an utterly charming Little Gem. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

In this collection of stories you will meet a guinea-pig that can do clever tricks, the Queen's favourite Corgi pup, a secret mouse hiding in a tree-house, a chick that wants to be a duck AND you'll learn how to look after all kinds of pets! A delightful anthology from the master of animal adventures Dick King-Smith, featuring a never-before-published story.

A collection of laugh-out-loud funny short stories and extracts including: The hilarious antics of Arabel and pet bird Mortimer Laid-back Clever Polly and the stupid wolf The zany Bold family The crazy killer Aunties And many more! From best-loved classic authors Joan Aiken, Terry Pratchett, and Dick King-Smith, to new hilarious voices from Rebecca Elliott, Humza Arshad and Henry White, Julian Clary, Sam Copeland, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Funny Stories For 7-Year-Olds is a bright and varied selection of wonderfully entertaining stories by some of the very best writers for children. Perfect for reading alone or aloud - and for dipping into time and time again. With stories from Dick King-Smith, Michael Bond, Philippa Gregory, Jacqueline Wilson and many more, this book will provide hours of fantastic fun.

Funny Stories For 8-Year-Olds is a bright and varied selection of wonderfully entertaining stories by some of the very best writers for children. Perfect for reading alone or aloud - and for dipping into time and time again With stories from Judy Blume, Anne Fine, Dick King-Smith, Morris Gleitzman and many more, this book will provide hours of fantastic fun.

Animal Stories for 6 Year Olds is rich and varied selection of heart-warming animal stories by some of the very best writers for children. Perfect for reading alone or reading aloud - and for dipping into time and time again. With stories from David Henry Wilson, Meredith Hooper, Dick King-Smith, Margaret Mahy and many more, this book will provide hours of fantastic fun.

Funny Stories for 5-Year-Olds is a bright and varied selection of wonderfully entertaining stories by some of the very best writers for children. Perfect for reading alone or aloud - and for dipping into time and time again. With stories from Dick King-Smith, Tony Ross, Alf Proysen, Malorie Blackman and many more, this book will provide hours of fantastic fun. Chosen by Helen Paiba.