A major, double celebration is planned in the Cotswold village of Thrush Green: the village school is in its centenary year; and exactly a hundred years ago, one of the village's most notable residents founded a mission school in Africa. But the preparations are beset with problems - Winnie Bailey's health is not what it was; the new headmaster doesn't appear to be entirely right for the job; and there are mixed reactions to the fund-raising appeal for the mission school. But when the big day arrives, there are more reasons for celebration than anyone anticipated...

Children's voices ring out from the school playground; in the distance there is the gentle hum of a lawnmower; and all around the village birdsong can be heard. But despite all evidence to the contrary, in the village of Thrush Green, feelings are running high... The rector has a plan for the neglected churchyard which doesn't meet with universal approval; there is a clash of personalities at the local school; and someone has returned to the village after an absence of fifty years. Before long, the tranquillity of the Cotswold village is shattered.

Charles Henstock, rector of Thrush Green, has difficulty living up to his predecessor when he moves to the parish of Lulling. He faces opposition from the fearsome Mrs Thurgood and her arty daughter, Janet. Everyone in the district seems to be having their share of problems, not least Albert Piggott, who dreads the return of his wife Nelly. Meanwhile Kit Armitage returns to set elderly hearts fluttering. Could there be wedding bells in Thrush Green?

Thrush Green is buzzing with gossip, which everyone is keen to share with two ex-schoolteachers, who have returned to visit their friends in the village. The old schoolhouse has just been sold and the villagers are eager to welcome the new owners, the Lesters. Alan Lester seems to be perfectly pleasant, but rumours soon circulate about his wife, Margaret. Equal cause for speculation is the odd behaviour of long-standing resident Bertha Lovelock. And what of farmer Percy Hodge? Can he really be contemplating marriage to the rather wayward Doreen Lilly?

It seems as if Christmas will be perfect this year. But not everything is as peaceful as it seems. Phyllida and Frank have their work cut out for them when they agree to take on the Nativity play - made all the more difficult by an outbreak of chicken pox. The indomitable Ella has lived in Thrush Green for as long as anyone can remember, but lately she has been behaving strangely. Then there are the dreadful Burwells, newcomers to Thrush Green, who cause something of a stir with their 'home improvements'. For Nelly, owner of The Fuchsia Bush tea shop, Christmas is an especially busy time, with people dropping in for much-needed refreshment, weary from all their Christmas shopping, but then she receives an unexpected letter.

Charles Henstock, vicar of Thrush Green is living in his new vicarage after the old one burned down. In its place, eight retirement homes, but there's heated debate in the village about the new residents. How to choose who will live there? How will they get on together? And how will they accommodate all the pets? Meanwhile the old residents have their worries. At the school Miss Watson learns that her brother has had an accident; an argument flares up between Edward Young and Dr Lovell; and Dottie Harmer becomes dottier by the day.

It's the May Day holiday and a fair has come to the village of Thrush Green. The residents of Thrush Green all have their own views about the fair. For young Paul, just recovered from an illness, it is a joy to be allowed out to play at the fair; for Ruth, who returned to the soothing tranquillity of Thrush Green nursing a broken heart, the fair is a welcome distraction from her own problems. And for Dr Lovell, the fair brings an unexpected new patient. Then there is Mrs Curdle, the long-standing matriarch of the fair. For her, this year's visit to Thrush Green awakens mixed feelings and a difficulty she doesn't want to face... Full of Miss Read's inimitable charm and humour, Thrush Green is a wonderful introduction to this bestselling series.

The arrival of a stranger in the village of Thrush Green stirs up ripples of speculation and interest. Not only does the village find itself paying tribute to this stranger's hero - a missionary born and bred in Thrush Green - but his presence has a dramatic affect on Miss Dimity Dean's romantic prospects… As the story plays out, Miss Read succeeds in portraying village life with all its often unexpected incidents and her unwavering eye for detail beautifully captures the character of a gradually disappearing aspect of rural English life.

There are new people on the Green . . . When old Admiral Trigg and his sister Lucy died, their house - Tullivers -stood empty for many months. Then one bright April day, some discreet onlookers saw a good-looking woman pushing her way through the nettles to the front door. Who was she? Was she on her own? Had she bought the house and if so, what kind of a neighbour would she be? These were just some of the questions asked by the curious residents of Thrush Green, a village bubbling with feuds, disasters and delights, all observed by Miss Read with her customary wry wit and charm.

As the early sunshine begins to warm Thrush Green, it looks as if it is going to be a golden summer. But in this apparently sleepy village, there is a flurry of activity. As Molly Curdle prepares for her new baby, rumour has it that a retirement is planned and the village school teacher is about to make an important decision. And as Thrush Green's vicar sits down to write his sermon, he has no idea of the potential disaster which is unfolding... All is not as idyllic as it seems for the unsuspecting villagers, for change is never far away.

It's Spring again in the village of Thrush Green and with the changing season comes change for many of the villagers. An unexpected arrival at the local railway station is sure to disrupt more than one life; Joan Young's father has come to Thrush Green in the hope that the country air will restore him to health; Miss Fogerty welcomes an old friend and Harold Shoosmith is hoping that, at last, his bachelor days are over. Meanwhile, Molly and Ben Curdle have a very difficult decision to make...

Summer at Fairacre charmingly recounts this bright, bustling season and the problems and possibilities that unfold against the backdrop of roses, skylarks and bees. Joseph Coggs finds a temporary home in the schoolhouse while his mother is in the hospital. Miss Read's friend Amy mysteriously disappears. Perhaps most difficult of all, Mrs. Pringle, the grumpy school cleaner, is unable to work because of her 'bad leg'. Still, the sounds of children playing and the fragrance of summertime flowers fill the air, as Miss Read shepherds her students and friends through the warm season.

Which different celebrations are there? Find out about the presents, food and special times with your friends and family. For over thirty-five years, the best-selling Read it yourself with Ladybird has helped children learn to read. All titles feature essential key words. Title-specific words are repeated to practise throughout. Designed to be read independently at home or used in a guided reading session at school. All titles include comprehension questions or puzzles, guidance notes and book band information for schools. This Level 2 title is ideal for children who have received some initial reading instruction and can read short, simple sentences with help. Additional facts support the key information and thematic links are made between across subjects. Includes contents, index and a picture glossary.

Lucy and Tom are off for a very special day out at the seaside! But what should they do first? Join Lucy and Tom as they discover the seaside. From paddling to picnics, to sandcastles and ice cream - they discover everything the seaside has to offer. With gentle illustrations and easy-to-read text, Lucy and Tom at the Seaside is perfect for summer celebrations. Delighting children for generations, discover this soothing bedtime story.

When Little Miss Tiny secretly wishes she could visit Father Christmas she doesn’t expect her wish to come true. But magical things really do happen at Christmas and crazy things too when you’re with the Mr. Men and the Little Miss! Mr Men and Little Miss Celebrations introduce children to all the exciting occasions that people celebrate including birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, sporting events … and even a trip to the moon. These colourful adventures will delight children of two years and upwards. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience.

The Mr Men are having a wonderful time at this year's Winter Wonderland fair. Everyone except for Mr Tickle, who can't seem to tickle anybody. Not the carol singers, or the toffee apple seller, or even Mr Dizzy on the Ferris wheel! No fun at all! Mr Men and Little Miss Celebrations introduce children to all the exciting occasions that people celebrate including birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, sporting events... and even a trip to the moon. These colourful adventures will delight children of two years and upwards. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience.