Michael Symmons Roberts’s fourth book of poetry, Corpus, was the winner of the 2004 Whitbread Poetry Award, and was shortlisted for the T. S. Eliot Prize, the Forward Prize, and the Griffin International Prize. His sixth collection, Drysalter, was the winner of both the Forward Prize and the Costa Poetry Prize in 2013. He collaborated with Paul Farley on Edgelands (Cape/Vintage) and will do so again in The Deaths of the Poets (Cape, 2017). He has also worked many times with the composer James MacMillan. He has published two novels, and is Professor of Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Michael Symmons Roberts

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Hot Wheels

It’s nighttime in the Ultimate Garage, and Brights is telling a scary story to the campers about a car called Bone Shaker that haunts Hot Wheels City. Suddenly, the racers hear a spooky sound . . . Could it be Bone Shaker? Join Brights, Coop and the gang as they try and stop this creepy car from haunting Hot Wheels City. 
 
“You can tell it’s coming by its rattling revving, its groaning honk and its smoky exhaust fumes. If you see those, drive away!” 
 
Don’t miss these other epic Hot Wheels books: 
Hot Wheels: Ultimate Racers 
Hot Wheels: Ultimate Garage Takeover 
Hot Wheels Dino Dash

Hot Wheels: Let’s Race: The Haunted Car

Ladybird

Brought to you by Ladybird. 
 
Winner of The FutureBook of the Year Award 2019 and Week Junior Audiobook of the Year 2023. 
 
Meet our fearless adventurers Cassandra, Otto and Missy AKA the smartest raven in the universe as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! 
 
It’s an emergency! Join brave heroes as they ride fire engines, patrol in police cars, rush to save lives in ambulances, and navigate the waters in a high-speed rescue motorboat. We’ll also be out on a trek with an amazing mountain rescue team, with their loyal Bernese Mountain Dogs. 
 
These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators Ben Bailey Smith (a.k.a. Doc Brown, rapper, comedian and writer) Sophie Alred (Dr Who) and Kristin Atherton as Missy. 
 
Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. These are special stories written exclusively for audio, so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. 
 
Have you listened to our other Audio Adventures? Predators, Ancient Greece, Explorers, Cool Constructions and Amazing Asia are available now.

Ladybird Audio Adventures: Emergency Services

When the Hot Wheels cars find themselves in a high-stakes race to reclaim their garage from a mischievous villain, Coop and friends must use their speed, skills, and teamwork to overcome obstacles. 
 
Can the racers stop Professor Rearview in time to save the Ultimate Garage? 
 
Packed with vibrant illustrations and action-packed scenes, this book is perfect for young readers and Hot Wheels fans alike. 
 
Don’t miss these other epic Hot Wheels books: 
Hot Wheels: Let's Race: Ultimate Racers 
Hot Wheels: The Big Race: Search and Find 
Hot Wheels: Let’s Race: Racers to the Rescue!: Graphic Novel

Hot Wheels: Let's Race: Ultimate Garage Takeover

Brought to you by Ladybird. 
 
Winner of The FutureBook of the Year Award 2019 and shortlisted for the Best Children's Audiobook at the New York Festival Radio Awards 2020. 
 
Meet our fearless adventurers Cassandra, Otto and Missy AKA the smartest raven in the universe as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! 
 
Get ready, set, go! On this adventure, we're going to learn about some incredible sporting heroes! Grab your trainers as we're going to meet some amazing athletes, from top tennis legends to speedy formula one racers. 
 
These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators Ben Bailey Smith (a.k.a. Doc Brown, rapper, comedian and writer) and Kristin Atherton as Missy. 
 
Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. These are special stories written exclusively for audio, so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. 
 
Have you listened to our new Audio Adventures? Australia, The Vikings, Musical Instruments, Cities Around the World and Big Cats are available now! 
 
 
©2022 Ladybird (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Sporting Heroes

Ladybird Audio Adventures

Brought to you by Ladybird. 
 
Audiobook of the Year, Week Junior Book Awards 2023. 
 
Follow our fearless adventurers Otto (and Missy, the smartest bird in the universe) as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! 
 
On this adventure we're going to travel all around the globe and learn more about the seven natural wonders of the world! 
 
Dive amongst the coral in the weird and wonderful Great Barrier Reef in sunny Australia, climb to the coldest heights of Mount Everest, and strap in for some splashingly good fun down the rapids at The Grand Canyon. There are many more natural wonders to visit and so much more to learn and discover about them all so don't miss out on this global adventure! 
 
These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators Ben Bailey Smith (a.k.a. Doc Brown, rapper, comedian, and writer) and Sophie Aldred (best known for her role as Ace in Doctor Who). 
 
Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven-year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. Special stories written exclusively for audio so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. 
 
Have you listened to all our Ladybird Audio Adventures? 
 
Dinosaur Times 
The Human Body 
Outer Space 
Deep Sea Dive 
The Animal Kingdom 
Ancient Egypt 
Ancient Rome 
Incredible Inventors 
Lake, Lochs, and Rivers 
Volcanoes 
 
This Ladybird story was written by Sidra Ansari. 
 
(P) Penguin Audio 2022

Natural Wonders of the World

Brought to you by Ladybird. 
 
Winner of The FutureBook of the Year Award 2019 and Week Junior Audiobook of the Year 2023. 
 
Meet our fearless adventurers Cassandra, Otto and Missy AKA the smartest raven in the universe as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! 
 
Slither into a wild adventure with Ladybird Audio Adventures! Join our fearless explorers as they journey down the Nile, encountering a menagerie of reptiles. From the hiss-terical antics of snakes, the leap-tastic lizards, and the jaw-dropping crocodiles, every moment is packed with excitement. And don't forget the dino-mite dinosaurs that add a prehistoric twist to this new adventure! 
 
These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators Ben Bailey Smith (a.k.a. Doc Brown, rapper, comedian and writer) Sophie Alred (Dr Who) and Kristin Atherton as Missy. 
 
Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. These are special stories written exclusively for audio, so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. 
 
Have you listened to our other Audio Adventures? Predators, Ancient Greece, Explorers, Cool Constructions and Amazing Asia are available now. 
 
©2026 Ladybird (P)2026 Penguin Audio

Ladybird Audio Adventures: Reptiles

Brought to you by Ladybird. 
 
Winner of The FutureBook of the Year Award 2019 and shortlisted for the Best Children's Audiobook at the New York Festival Radio Awards 2020. 
 
Meet our fearless adventurers Cassandra, Otto and Missy AKA the smartest raven in the universe as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! 
 
On this adventure, we're travelling to the arid desert where we'll learn about the different species that live in these hot climes, such as coyotes, lions and rattlesnakes! Remember to bring plenty of water on this journey as we'll be exploring the driest deserts on earth! 
 
These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators Ben Bailey Smith (a.k.a. Doc Brown, rapper, comedian and writer) and Kristin Atherton as Missy. 
 
Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. These are special stories written exclusively for audio, so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. 
 
Have you listened to our new Audio Adventures? Australia, The Vikings, Musical Instruments, Cities Around the World and Big Cats are available now! 
 
 
©2022 Ladybird (P)2022 Penguin Audio

The Deserts

Brought to you by Ladybird. 
 
Winner of The FutureBook of the Year Award 2019 and Week Junior Audiobook of the Year 2023. 
 
Meet our fearless adventurers Cassandra, Otto and Missy AKA the smartest raven in the universe as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! 
 
Embark on a vibrant journey with Ladybird Audio Adventures as we explore the wonders of South America! Soar above the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio, trek through the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, and experience the thrill of adventure from the skies. Dive into the rich cultures and traditions that this amazing continent has to offer, and embrace the spirit of adventure, backpacking through diverse landscapes and learning about incredible people. 
 
These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators Ben Bailey Smith (a.k.a. Doc Brown, rapper, comedian and writer) Sophie Alred (Dr Who) and Kristin Atherton as Missy. 
 
Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. These are special stories written exclusively for audio, so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. 
 
Have you listened to our other Audio Adventures? Predators, Ancient Greece, Explorers, Cool Constructions and Amazing Asia are available now.

Ladybird Audio Adventures: South America

Richard Dungworth

Genie Street is a magical place where anything can happen. This e-book edition is an ideal first chapter book series for children who are gaining in reading confidence and want to progress to reading a proper book. Each book is split into two stories, with large type and plenty of pictures, so that children can read it for themselves, with a sense of achievement. Ideal for Key Stage 1 children. 
 
When Daisy and Tom move to Genie Street, they are worried they might be bored. But before long they meet a talking cat called Jinx, and find out that nobody who lives on the street is quite what they seem! Mr Chan is not just a car mechanic - he makes space rockets too! Find out what happens when the children join him for an adventure. 
 
Book 2 in the Genie Street series.

Mr Chan, Rocket Man: Genie Street: Ladybird Read it yourself

Brought to you by Ladybird. 
 
Winner of The FutureBook of the Year Award 2019 and shortlisted for the Best Children's Audiobook at the New York Festival Radio Awards 2020. 
 
Meet our fearless adventurers Cassandra, Otto and Missy AKA the smartest raven in the universe as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! 
 
On this adventure, we're entering the world of performance, where we'll learn about different literary legends throughout history! We'll meet William Shakespeare at work at the Globe Theatre, and go behind the scenes of the amazing musical, Hamilton. Let's take to the stage! 
 
These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators, Sophie Aldred best known for her role as Ace in Doctor Who and Kristin Atherton as Missy. 
 
Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. These are special stories written exclusively for audio, so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. 
 
Have you listened to our new Audio Adventures? Australia, The Vikings, Musical Instruments, Cities Around the World and Big Cats are available now! 
 
©2022 Ladybird (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Playwrights and Authors

Ben Rothery

in his new book, Ben Rothery sets out to inform and inspire children to look after all the animals on this precious planet – not just the big, bold, beautiful ones, but the scary, ugly and utterly alien ones as well. From misunderstood animals like snakes and sharks, to detested creatures like maggots and hyenas, and from animals with unlucky associations like magpies, to those abandoned by us like orangutans, meet the animals that need and deserve our love.

Wild Wonders

Celebrating the planet’s most misunderstood, unloved and overlooked animals

Genie Street is a magical place where anything can happen. This eBook edition is an ideal first chapter book series for children who are gaining in reading confidence and want to progress to reading a proper book. Each book is split into two stories, with large type and plenty of pictures, so that children can read it for themselves, with a sense of achievement. Ideal for Key Stage 1 children. 
 
 When Daisy and Tom move to Genie Street, they are worried they might be bored. But before long they meet Mrs Greene who's not just a beautician - she's a mermaid too! What will happen when Daisy and Tom join her for an adventure? Book 3 in the Genie Street series.

Mrs Greene, Mermaid Queen: Genie Street: Ladybird Read it yourself

Marina Le Ray

Based on the classic fairy tale. When Hansel and Gretel get left in the woods, they are captured by a witch who lives in a house made from gingerbread and sweets. How will they ever escape? 
 
Read it yourself with Ladybird is one of Ladybird's best-selling series. For over thirty five years it has helped young children who are learning to read develop and improve their reading skills. Now, for the first time, each title is also available as an ebook with synched audio. 
 
Each Read it yourself book is very carefully written to include many key, high-frequency words that are vital for learning to read, as well as a limited number of story words that are introduced and practised throughout. Simple sentences and frequently repeated words help to build the confidence of beginner readers and the four different levels of books support children all the way from very first reading practice through to independent, fluent reading. 
 
Each book has been carefully checked by educational consultants and can be read independently at home or used in a guided reading session at school. 
 
Hansel and Gretel is a Level 3 Read it yourself title, suitable for children who are developing reading confidence and stamina, and are eager to start reading longer stories with a wider vocabulary.

Hansel and Gretel - Read it yourself with Ladybird

Level 3

Yvonne Battle-Felton

Chitra Soundar

Join six kings, queens and warriors from around the world as they battle for crowns, vanquish dark forces and claim their thrones in this colourful illustrated collection of Ladybird Tales.

Ladybird Tales of Crowns and Thrones

With an Introduction From Gemma Whelan

Vera Southgate

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. The Ladybird Tales series is based on the original Ladybird re-tellings, with beautiful pictures of the kind children like best &shy;- full of richness and detail. 
 
This beautiful hardback edition of The Princess and the Pea is a perfect first illustrated introduction to this classic fairy tale for young readers from 3+. The tale is sensitively retold, beginning with a prince's search for a proper princess, the arrival of a young girl at the castle one stormy night and an unusual test to see if she is a real princess.

Ladybird Tales: The Princess and the Pea

Genie Street is a magical place where anything can happen. This is an ideal ebook for children who are gaining in reading confidence and want to progress to reading a proper chapter book. Each book is split into two stories, with large type and plenty of pictures, so that children can read it for themselves, with a sense of achievement. Ideal for Key Stage 1 children. 
 
When Daisy and Tom move to Genie Street, they are worried they might be bored. But before long they meet a talking cat called Jinx, and find out that nobody who lives on the street is quite what they seem! Old Mrs Kramer looks like an ordinary old lady, but in fact she is a dragon tamer! What will happens when Daisy and Tom join her for an adventure? 
 
Book 1 in the Genie Street series.

Mrs Kramer, Dragon Tamer: Genie Street: Ladybird Read it yourself

Brought to you by Ladybird. 
 
Winner of The FutureBook of the Year Award 2019 and shortlisted for the Best Children's Audiobook at the New York Festival Radio Awards 2020. 
 
Meet our fearless adventurers Cassandra, Otto and Missy AKA the smartest raven in the universe as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! 
 
On this adventure, we're taking flight with some amazing birds of prey. We will meet noctural owls, swooping eagles and soaring buzzards as we learn about how they use their long talons and beaks to hunt their prey! 
 
These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators Ben Bailey Smith (a.k.a. Doc Brown, rapper, comedian and writer) and Kristin Atherton as Missy. 
 
Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. These are special stories written exclusively for audio, so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. 
 
Have you listened to our other Audio Adventures? Australia, The Vikings, Musical Instruments, Cities Around the World and Big Cats are available now! 
 
©2022 Ladybird (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Birds of Prey

Based on the classic fairy tale. When an old man plants some turnip seeds, one of the turnips grows ENORMOUS! How will he ever get it out of the ground? 
 
Read it yourself with Ladybird is one of Ladybird's best-selling series. For over thirty five years it has helped young children who are learning to read develop and improve their reading skills. Now, for the first time, each title is also available as an ebook with synched audio. 
 
Each Read it yourself book is very carefully written to include many key, high-frequency words that are vital for learning to read, as well as a limited number of story words that are introduced and practised throughout. Simple sentences and frequently repeated words help to build the confidence of beginner readers and the four different levels of books support children all the way from very first reading practice through to independent, fluent reading. 
 
Each book has been carefully checked by educational consultants and can be read independently at home or used in a guided reading session at school. 
 
The Enormous Turnip is a Level 1 Read it yourself title, suitable for very early readers who have had some initial reading instruction and are ready to take their first steps in reading real stories. Each story is told very simply, using a small number of frequently repeated words.

The Enormous Turnip: Read it yourself with Ladybird

Level 1

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. 
 
This classic version of Jack and the Beanstalk is based on the original Ladybird retelling by Vera Southgate, with beautiful new illustrations of the kind children like best - full of richness and detail. 
 
An essential part of any child's bookshelf, Ladybird Tales are perfect for sharing together and creating memories to treasure forever.

Ladybird Tales: Jack and the Beanstalk

Kou Lan

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. The Ladybird Tales series is based on the original Ladybird re-tellings, with beautiful pictures of the kind children like best ­- full of richness and detail. 
 
 This beautiful hardback edition of Aladdin is a perfect first illustrated introduction to this classic story for young readers from 3+. The tale is sensitively retold, following the story of a young boy's magical adventures with a wicked magician, a beautiful princess and two amazing genies.

Ladybird Tales: Aladdin

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. The Ladybird Tales series is based on the original Ladybird re-tellings, with beautiful pictures of the kind children like best ­- full of richness and detail. 
 
The story of Snow White and Rose Red is one of the lesser-known fairy tales, collected by the Brothers Grimm in Germany in the 19th century. 
 
This retelling of the story, originally published by Ladybird in 1969, is one of the best-known versions of Snow White and Rose Red in modern times.

Ladybird Tales: Snow White and Rose Red

Victoria Assanelli

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. The Ladybird Tales series is based on the original Ladybird re-tellings, with beautiful pictures of the kind children like best ­- full of richness and detail. 
 
 This beautiful hardback edition of Pinocchio is a perfect first illustrated introduction to this classic story for young readers from 3+. The tale is sensitively retold, following the story of a little wooden puppet who wants to be a real little boy.

Ladybird Tales: Pinocchio

Jean Adamson

Start School with Topsy and Tim: First Writing is a lovely, easy-to-use activity book for children who are starting to learn the alphabet. Help your child practise writing letters with this bright, colourful wipe-clean book. Each letter is shown with a picture (a for apple, etc) and with two rows of letters drawn in dotted lines that children can draw over with their special pen. Then they can wipe the page clean and practice again! Each letter is also shown with arrows so children know where to place the pen. Left-handed options are shown in blue. 
Topsy and Tim are lovely, friendly characters who do all the same things real children do. Learning with Topsy and Tim is fun and reassuring. 
A free pen is included with the book.

Start School with Topsy and Tim: Wipe Clean First Writing

Are you mad about deadly creatures? From snakes and spiders to piranhas and porcupines, the world of claws, fangs and poison is brought to life in this informative book. It is ideal for all young animal enthusiasts. 
 
Ladybird's Mad About series is all about giving its readers all the facts they could possibly need about their favourite subjects. Get ready to impress all your friends with all your new knowledge!

Mad About Deadly Creatures

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. 
 
This classic version of Hansel and Gretel is based on the original Ladybird retelling by Vera Southgate, with beautiful new illustrations of the kind children like best - full of richness and detail. 
 
An essential part of any child's bookshelf, Ladybird Tales are perfect for sharing together and creating memories to treasure forever.

Ladybird Tales: Hansel and Gretel

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. The Ladybird Tales series is based on the original Ladybird re-tellings, with beautiful pictures of the kind children like best &shy;- full of richness and detail. 
 
This beautiful hardback edition of The Little Red Hen is a perfect first illustrated introduction to this classic fairy tale for young readers from 3+. The tale is sensitively retold, following Little Red Hen as she finds some grains of wheat, plants the seeds and looks after the wheat before grinding it into flour and baking a loaf of bread.

Ladybird Tales: The Little Red Hen

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. The Ladybird Tales series is based on the original Ladybird re-tellings, with beautiful pictures of the kind children like best ­- full of richness and detail. 
 
 This beautiful hardback edition of The Little Mermaid is a perfect first illustrated introduction to this classic fairy tale for young readers from 3+. The tale is sensitively retold, following the story of a young mermaid who falls in love with a human prince.

Ladybird Tales: The Little Mermaid

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. 
 
This classic version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is based on the original Ladybird retelling by Vera Southgate, with beautiful new illustrations of the kind children like best - full of richness and detail. 
 
An essential part of any child's bookshelf, Ladybird Tales are perfect for sharing together and creating memories to treasure forever.

Ladybird Tales: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Ladybird has published fairy tales for over forty-five years, bringing the magic of traditional stories to each new generation of children. The Ladybird Tales series is based on the original Ladybird re-tellings, with beautiful pictures of the kind children like best &shy;- full of richness and detail. 
 
This beautiful hardback edition of Chicken Licken is a perfect first illustrated introduction to this classic fairy tale for young readers from 3+. The tale is sensitively retold, following Chicken Licken and his friends as they go to tell the king that the sky is falling down.

Ladybird Tales: Chicken Licken

Ladybird presents Addition and Subtraction, narrated by Countdown star Rachel Riley. 
This innovative audiobook provides an entertaining and practical way for 4-7 year olds to learn and practise their basic maths skills, while having some fun along the way! 
 
With fun games that you can play at home, original music and repeatable exercises this audiobook introduces young children to number bonds, pictorials and simple manipulatives for numbers up to 20. 
 
This is an audiobook that can be listened to over and over again, with or without a parent present and is perfect for car journeys, rainy days or down time. 
 
The narrator Rachel Riley is a maths graduate and learning advocate as well as part of the presenting team on the popular daytime television show Countdown.

Showing results for: ‘Michael Symmons Roberts’

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