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Little Gems Series

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    The Little Gems series from publisher Barrington Stoke is the perfect collection of first chapter books to grow children from ages 5 to 8 into readers!

    Written and illustrated by some of the best talent in the UK, the Little Gems books are short chapter books specifically designed to not overwhelm beginner readers and to help them build vocabulary, reading speed and stamina to develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime. 

    The books are illustrated in full colour for more vivid and engaging reading, carefully spaced for readers who might struggle with words on the page and are a small size to fit in little hands and to take everywhere. And... surprise! Each inside cover has an ACTIVITY to play!

    Stories by Malorie Blackman, Julia Donaldson, Nick Sharrat and so many more much-loved authors will spark the joy we all know of reading books, moving children away from decoding phonics and up to enjoying longer texts independently. 

    If you're interested in helping a young reader make their next step from picture books, you might also want to read our blog article From Picture Books to Chapter Books or check out the Bloomsbury Young Readers and Our Favourite Chapter Books.

    Keep on reading!

    All the Little Gem books in order:

    Book 1: Mr Birdnest and the House Next Door (‘2012)
    Book 2: The Snake Who Came to Stay (2012)
    Book 3: Cheesemares (2013)
    Book 4: Go! Go! Chicoco! (2013)
    Book 5: Stars of Mine (2013)
    Book 6: Snug (2013)
    Book 7: My Friend’s a Gris-Kwok (2013)
    Book 8: The First Third Wish (2013)
    Book 9: The Castle in the Field (2013)
    Book 10: The Moonshine Dragon (2014)
    Book 11: Minikid (2014)
    Book 12: Blamehounds (2014)
    Book 13: Sea Urchins and Sand Pigs (2014)
    Book 14: Good Dog Lion (2014)
    Book 15: Skulduggery (2014)
    Book 16: The Bad Trousers (2014)
    Book 17: The Fish in the Bathtub (2014)
    Book 18: The Big Fib (2015)
    Book 19: The Rats of Meadowsweet Farm (2015)
    Book 20: The Monster from the Blue Planet (2015)
    Book 21: Monster Busters (2015)
    Book 22: Joe and the Dragonsaurus (2015)
    Book 23: Mary’s Hair (2015)
    Book 24: The Smile (2015)
    Book 25: Ted Rules the World (2015)
    Book 26: The Gingerbread Star (2015)
    Book 27: Grey Island Red Boat (2016)
    Book 28: Out for the Count (2016)
    Book 29: Anna Liza and the Happy Practice (2018)
    Book 30: Billy Button,Telegram Boy (2016)
    Book 31: Grandpa Was an Astronaut (2016)
    Book 32: A Twist of Tales (2016)
    Book 33: The Story of the Dancing Frog (2017)
    Book 34: Blue John (2017)
    Book 35: Henry Pond the Poet (2017)
    Book 36: All About Ella (2017)
    Book 37: Superdad’s Day Off (2017)
    Book 38: Norman the Norman from Normandy (2017)
    Book 39: Dread Cat (2017)
    Book 40: The Ghost in Annie’s Room (2017)
    Book 41: Nellie Choc-Ice, Penguin Explorer (2017)
    Book 42: Mint Choc Chip at the Market Cafe (2017)
    Book 43: I Killed Father Christmas (2017)
    Book 44: We Are Not Frogs! (2018)
    Book 45: Prambusters! (2018)
    Book 46: The Great Telephone Mix-Up (Buster2018)
    Book 47: Rose’s Dress of Dreams (2018)
    Book 48: Mariella, Queen of the Skies (2018)
    Book 49: Norman the Norman and the Very Small Duchess (2018)
    Book 50: Grandpa Bet and the Ghost Snatchers (2018)
    Book 51: Splash Day! (2018)
    Book 52: Big Trouble for Nellie Choc-Ice (2018)
    Book 53: The Unlucky Eleven (2019)
    Book 54: Special Delivery (2019)
    Book 55: Molly Rogers to the Rescue (2019)
    Book 56: The Bakery of Happiness (2019)
    Book 57:  Nellie Choc-Ice and the Plastic Island (2019)
    Book 58: Sophie Takes to the Sky (2019)
    Book 59: Clever Cakes (2020)
    Book 60: Captain Whiskers (2020)
    Book 61: Albert Johnson and the Buns of Steel (2021)
    Book 62: Nappy the Pirate Baby (2021)
    Book 63: Madam Speaker (2021)
    Book 64: The Beach Puppy (2021)
    Book 65: Tea Party Parade (20)21
    Book 66: Elizabeth and the Box of Colours (20)22
    Book 67: Supernan’s Day Out (2022)
    Book 68: Dimple and the Boo (2022)
    Book 69: Sidney Makes a Wish (2022)
    Book 70: Carnival of the Clocks (2022)
    Book 71: The Little Lost Kitten (2023)
    Book 72: Sheep School (2023)
    Book 73: Budgie (2023)
    Book 74: Peggy Little-Legs (2023)
    Book 75: The Ghost Cat Who Saved My Life (2023)
    Book 76: Carrie and the Roller Boots (2023)
     

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    Book 1
    Book 1

    Mr Birdsnest and the House Next Door

    Beautifully packaged book from Children's Laureate, Julia Donaldson and illustrated by the wonderful Hannah Shaw. A ti... More

    (4 reviews)
    Review
    Book 2
    Book 2

    The Snake Who Came to Stay

    Polly has set up a pets' holiday home for the summer and with a house full of greedy guinea pigs, pesky parrots and slit... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 3
    Book 3

    Cheesemares

    Hal is determined to get to the bottom of his terrifying cheesemares in this hilarious comedy for younger readers from ... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 4
    Book 4

    Go! Go! Chichico!

    Chichico is thrilled when a talent scout spots him during a kick-about with his friends Davi and Ana, and he is asked to... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 5
    Book 5

    Stars of Mine

    A King marries a poor girl after being told she can perform amazing feats with a spinning-wheel. But what will happen to... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 6
    Book 6

    Snug

    A great countryside story. Wherever Lisa goes, her cat Snug follows. But as Snug grows up he spends more time away from ... More

    (6 reviews)
    Review
    Book 7
    Book 7

    My Friend's a Gris-Kwok

    Mike had no idea that his best friend Alex was a Gris-Kwok - he can turn into any living creature he chooses. But so can... More

    (4 reviews)
    Review
    Book 8
    Book 8

    The First Third Wish

    When a newly - qualified fairy loses the third wish of three she must deliver to a woodcutter, young Dickon finds it. ... More

    (3 reviews)
    Review
    Book 9
    Book 9

    The Castle in the Field

    A great countryside tale. Chris, Lisa and Tom spend their days in their secret hide-out in the Castle, an old WWII pill-... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 10
    Book 10

    The Moonshine Dragon

    When a tiny silver dragon is chased out of Patrick's storybook by an equally tiny knight, all sorts of mayhem breaks loo... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 11
    Book 11

    Minikid

    A beautifully illustrated and delightful countryside story. At school they call him Bullet, but Chris and Lisa call him ... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 12
    Book 12

    Blamehounds

    A hilariously wacky read from author/illustrator Ross Collins. Whenever there's a pong, poo or puddle that can't be expl... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 13
    Book 13

    Sea Urchins and Sand Pigs

    A delightful story from a top author. With treasure trails, dune pigs and the occasional visiting mermaid, there's never... More

    (5 reviews)
    Review
    Book 14
    Book 14

    Good Dog Lion

    A beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. From internationally bes... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 15
    Book 15

    Skulduggery

    A fun, swashbuckling adventure. Ben arrives at pirate school ready and raring to learn all about how to be the best pira... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 16
    Book 16

    The Bad Trousers

    A charming birthday story about one boy and his Granny's awful knitting, with artwork by Katie Morag creator Mairi Hedde... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 17
    Book 17

    The Fish in the Bathtub

    Heartwarming story set in post-war Poland. Little Lucja's Grandpa Feliks has seen off the German army, and the Communist... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 18
    Book 18

    The Big Fib

    A charming story set on a Scottish island about one boy and a fib that gets out of control...Robbie's been spending lots... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 19
    Book 19

    The Rats of Meadowsweet Farm

    Animal Farm meets Shaun the Sheep in this darkly funny story from award-winning Dick King-Smith with full colour artwork... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 20
    Book 20

    The Monster from the Blue Planet

    Hugely fun space adventure from international bestseller Cornelia Funke, with full colour illustrations by award-winning... More

    (6 reviews)
    Review
    Book 21
    Book 21

    Monster Busters

    A mad-cap, thrilling monster adventure - with extra monsters! Fun and quirky tale from Inkheart author Cornelia Funke.... More

    (4 reviews)
    Review
    Book 22
    Book 22

    Joe and the Dragonosaurus

    When Joe's teacher announces the new class project will be all about their pets, Joe turns glum - there's no animals all... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 23
    Book 23

    Mary's Hair

    Mary loathes her big, curly, bushy hair and so she chops it all off...and she looks fantastic! Well, at least she thinks... More

    (5 reviews)
    Review
    Book 24
    Book 24

    The Smile

    Josh has a problem. There's a new little person in the house, his baby brother Charlie. It's supposed to be a happy thin... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 25
    Book 25

    Ted Rules the World

    Ted thinks there's something fishy going on. Ever since his birthday when he got a special loyalty card at the local sho... More

    (4 reviews)
    Review
    Book 26
    Book 26

    The Gingerbread Star

    Little Hetty dreams of being a glow-worm instead of a boring old grey worm. She wants a light of her own so she can glow... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 27
    Book 27

    Grey Island, Red Boat

    Everything on the Island of Ashes is grey, from the weather to the castle, the grass and the flowers. But then the red b... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 28
    Book 28

    Out for the Count

    Hugo wants a gerbil, but his dad says it's cruel to keep an animal in a cage. Hugo doesn't agree, and so Dad challenges ... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 29
    Book 29

    Anna Liza and the Happy Practice

    Anna Liza likes to help cheer up her mother's psychiatric patients with her 17 top knock-knock jokes and cheerful songs,... More

    (6 reviews)
    Review
    Book 30
    Book 30

    Billy Button, Telegram Boy

    When Charlie the telegram boy breaks his leg and can't ride his bicycle, Billy Button sees his chance. He has always wan... More

    (3 reviews)
    Review
    Book 31
    Book 31

    Grandpa Was an Astronaut

    Sherman loves the moon and he loves his grandpa even more - who has actually been to the moon! Grandpa was an astronaut ... More

    (9 reviews)
    Review
    Book 32
    Book 32

    A Twist of Tales

    A king hides a terrible secret under his crown ...A marvellous dream inspires an epic journey ...A clever girl outwits t... More

    (5 reviews)
    Review
    Book 33
    Book 33

    The Story of the Dancing Frog

    The heartbroken widow of a captain drowned at sea discovers a friendly amphibian at her lowest point. But he is no ord... More

    (6 reviews)
    Review
    Book 34
    Book 34

    Blue John

    The Queen of Darkness lives deep underground beneath a mountain with her child, Blue John, a boy she made from the blu... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 35
    Book 35

    Henry Pond the Poet

    Henry Pond is a toad who is also a poet. His gift is an uncommon one, his poems sweep the prize table at the Eistoadfo... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 36
    Book 36

    All About Ella

    Sam is sick, and Ella is sick of Sam. Life seems to revolve around his hospital appointments, his medication and his n... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 37
    Book 37

    Superdad's Day Off

    Stanley is a normal little boy, whose dad just happens to be the greatest superhero on the planet. Six days a week, Da... More

    (8 reviews)
    Review
    Book 38
    Book 38

    Norman the Norman from Normandy

    Little Norman the Norman from Normandy loves fighting. All Normans do. When he inherits the broad sword that belonged ... More

    (3 reviews)
    Review
    Book 39
    Book 39

    Dread Cat

    Once there was a very fierce cat. Not just fierce: totally, terrifyingly, stupendously fierce. Everyone was afrai... More

    (5 reviews)
    Review
    Book 40
    Book 40

    The Ghost in Annie's Room

    At Great Aunt Win's house, Emma is happy to sleep in her cousin Annie's old attic bedroom. But when bedtime comes she ... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 41
    Book 41

    Nellie Choc-Ice, Penguin Explorer

    Plucky young penguin Nellie Choc-Ice goes on an epic adventure when her iceberg floats off to the North Pole. Nellie nee... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 42
    Book 42

    Mint Choc Chip at the Market Cafe

    Priya loves helping out at the stall her family have run for donkey's years. But one day she meets Stan. His dad sells... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 43
    Book 43

    I Killed Father Christmas

    Jo-Jo is convinced that Christmas is cancelled - and it's all his fault. To make amends, he decides he must become Fathe... More

    (3 reviews)
    Review
    Book 44
    Book 44

    We Are Not Frogs!

    The frogs always beat the toads at long jump but the toads don't mind - anything for a quiet life. But then the childr... More

    (3 reviews)
    Review
    Book 45
    Book 45

    PramBusters!

    When the rain threatens to ruin the fun at summer camp, Malik and his friends are tasked with inventing a pram that an... More

    (3 reviews)
    Review
    Book 46
    Book 46

    The Great Telephone Mix-Up

    When the village wires get crossed after a storm, there's a lot of confusion and plenty of missed connections. Margare... More

    (4 reviews)
    Review
    Book 47
    Book 47

    Rose's Dress of Dreams

    Young Rose dreams of sewing beautiful dresses for the women of Paris. But when a chance encounter with royalty changes... More

    (6 reviews)
    Review
    Book 48
    Book 48

    Mariella, Queen of the Skies

    Mariella loves nothing more than inventing but bedtime keeps getting in the way of all her brilliant ideas! So when Mu... More

    (10 reviews)
    Review
    Book 49
    Book 49

    Norman the Norman and the Very Small Duchess

    Norman the Norman is at it again! And this time the Duchess of Normandy is determined that her William should have littl... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 50
    Book 50

    Grandpa Bert and the Ghost Snatchers

    Grandma Gertie is rather strange. With her big square glasses and a parrot on her hat, Anna and Kasper don't know what... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 51
    Book 51

    Splash Day!

    Splish, splosh, splash! It's Splash Day and everyone is ready for a water fight! They've got their trunks and wetsuits, ... More

    (13 reviews)
    Review
    Book 52
    Book 52

    Big Trouble for Nellie Choc-Ice

    When Captain Beardy-Beard rescues Nellie from the North Pole she's ready to be safe and sound back at home. But mistakes... More

    (3 reviews)
    Review
    Book 53
    Book 53

    The Unlucky Eleven

    Ridiculous injuries ... strange illnesses ... cancelled games ... Everything's going wrong for the Saints this season,... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 54
    Book 54

    Special Delivery

    All Frank wants is a new bike, but bikes cost money ... So he better start saving! When he settles on helping his sist... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 55
    Book 55

    Molly Rogers to the Rescue

    Thieves, greedy pirates and mischief-makers are no match for Molly Rogers! When Molly and her mother, Barbarous Bertha... More

    (4 reviews)
    Review
    Book 56
    Book 56

    The Bakery of Happiness

    Paul du Pain's bakery is a very special place. Each day, Paul bakes the bread while Marie serves customers in the shop... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 57
    Book 57

    Nellie Choc-Ice and the Plastic Island

    Nellie Choc-Ice is on her way home to the North Pole at last! But things don't go so smoothly when Captain Beardy-Beard'... More

    (4 reviews)
    Review
    Book 58
    Book 58

    Sophie Takes to the Sky

    Scaredy-Cat Sophie is afraid of everything! So when a balloonist comes to the town fair, Sophie is left behind while e... More

    (16 reviews)
    Review
    Book 59
    Book 59

    Clever Cakes

    It pays to be able to think on your feet, especially if you're about to be eaten alive or cheated out of a valuable pr... More

    (5 reviews)
    Review
    Book 60
    Book 60

    Captain Whiskers

    Cats in the bath. Cats in the cupboards. A hundred cats everywhere!Everyone in Jack's class has a pet, but all Jack ha... More

    (11 reviews)
    Review
    Book 61
    Book 61

    Albert Johnson and the Buns of Steel

    Albert's dad needs help in the family bakery, but all his son can think about is sport. So he builds a machine like... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 62
    Book 62

    Nappy the Pirate Baby

    Captain Sprat and his pirate crew love nothing more than lazing around on the deck of the Salty Herring. Until one day... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 63
    Book 63

    Madam Squeaker

    Crumbs on the counter, morsels on the floor – there should be plenty of food for Minetta the mouse to eat in Hollyhock H... More

    (11 reviews)
    Review
    Book 64
    Book 64

    The Beach Puppy

    Ruby's dad has arrived home with a wonderful surprise - Coco the sausage dog puppy! And when the family go on holiday ... More

    (12 reviews)
    Review
    Book 65
    Book 65

    Tea Party Parade

    Today’s the day – it’s the tea party parade! The kids are in their costumes and the teachers are marching too. Teacups a... More

    (2 reviews)
    Review
    Book 66
    Book 66

    Elisabeth and the Box of Colours

    Elisabeth loves to paint, just like her papa. She spends hours making her own pictures of everything she sees - and th... More

    (4 reviews)
    Review
    Book 67
    Book 67

    Supernan's Day Out

    An unexpected family secret has hilarious consequences in this action-packed story from Phil Earle and illustrator Steve... More

    (14 reviews)
    Review
    Book 68
    Book 68

    Dimple and the Boo

    Dimple the gnome is upset and he doesn't know how to talk about it - but then along comes the Boo ... A charming new G... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 69
    Book 69

    Sidney Makes a Wish

    Friendship appears where it's least expected in this heartwarming Little Gem from award-winning author Lisa Thompson. ... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 70
    Book 70

    Carnival of the Clocks

    Superstar illustrator Nick Sharratt takes inspiration from a celebration of the winter solstice in this charming and col... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 71
    Book 71

    The Little Lost Kitten

    Lucy and her dad are still feeling sad about the loss of their lovely cat Patch, who had been part of their family for s... More

    (14 reviews)
    Review
    Book 72
    Book 72

    Sheep School

    A thwarted thespian must use his talents to save his flock from a woolly situation in this hilarious gem from bestsellin... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 73
    Book 73

    Budgie

    A lost little budgie brings together a young boy and his seemingly grumpy older neighbour in this touching Little Gem fr... More

    (11 reviews)
    Review
    Book 74
    Book 74

    Peggy Little-Legs

    A little sausage dog discovers that she has strengths of her very own in this adorable gem from bestselling author Pip J... More

    (1 review)
    Review
    Book 75
    Book 75

    The Ghost Cat Who Saved My Life

    The flat upstairs from Sav is empty, so who or what is making the strange yowling noises she can hear at night? Could it... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
    Book 76
    Book 76

    Carrie and the Roller Boots

    Carrie’s best friend Sidney is planning to show off his tap-dancing skills during Friday Fun Time at school and Carrie w... More

    (0 reviews)
    Review
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