Secondhand Early Readers Bargain Book Box DSH1102

This massive collection is perfect for young readers transitioning from picture books to early chapter books, blending sweet animal stories with relatable real-life adventures. Featuring a huge array of 20 titles from the beloved "Hey Jack!" series, heart-warming stories about vulnerable puppies by Holly Webb, and classics from Richard Scarry and Roald Dahl, this box provides a comprehensive library for building reading confidence, developing empathy, and fostering emotional intelligence. This selection is ideal for children ready to move into short, accessible chapter books that tackle familiar social and emotional dilemmas in a supportive, engaging format. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Richard Scarry's Dr Doctor by Richard Scarry
   Join Richard Scarry's beloved characters in Busytown as they learn all about the important work of doctors, nurses, and medical care through simple, reassuring narratives. The charming illustrations show familiar animals encountering various common ailments and getting gentle check-ups at the hospital. This is an excellent introductory book to demystify visiting the doctor and promote early understanding of health and well-being.

2. Buttons the Runaway Puppy by Holly Webb
   Buttons is a playful little puppy who accidentally gets separated from his family during an exciting day out and must bravely navigate the big, scary world all by himself. This touching animal adventure captures the anxiety of being lost and the relief of being found, appealing to young readers who love stories about resilience and finding your way home. Holly Webb specializes in emotional tales that highlight the deep bond between children and their vulnerable animal friends.

3. Jess the Lonely Puppy by Holly Webb
   Jess is an adorable but timid puppy who finds himself struggling to connect with his new human family, feeling confused and isolated in his new surroundings. The story follows Jess's journey as he learns to trust and open up his heart, eventually overcoming his shyness to find true friendship and belonging. This gentle tale offers comfort and reassurance to children facing new environments or struggling with loneliness.

4. Harry the Homeless Puppy by Holly Webb
   Abandoned and alone, Harry is a frightened puppy who must learn to survive on the streets, relying on his instincts until a kind-hearted boy finds him. This heart-wrenching story explores themes of animal welfare, compassion, and the life-changing power of adoption and human kindness. Readers will root for Harry as he learns to trust people again and discovers the warmth of a loving forever home.

5. Timmy in Trouble by Holly Webb
   Timmy, a small, boisterous terrier puppy, constantly gets into mischief, often unintentionally causing chaos with his playful energy and making his new owners despair. The book follows Timmy's adventures as he learns to understand boundaries and behavior, realizing that sometimes being too excited leads to big trouble. This is a sweet, funny story about managing puppy energy and learning to be good.

6. Max the Missing Puppy by Holly Webb
   Max, a mischievous puppy, decides to follow his owner to school one day, only to become hopelessly lost in the bustling, confusing world outside his garden gate. His anxious family searches everywhere, highlighting the stress of a lost pet and the ingenuity required to locate him. This thrilling adventure emphasizes the importance of staying safe and the overwhelming joy of reunion.

7. Alfie All Alone by Holly Webb
   When Alfie's beloved owner suddenly leaves him at a boarding kennel, the little puppy feels utterly heartbroken and abandoned, convinced that he will never see his human again. This emotional story deals sensitively with separation anxiety and fear of change from a pet's perspective. It ultimately provides a reassuring message about love's endurance and the promise of a happy return.

8. The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl
   Dive into this classic tale of the truly enormous crocodile who secretly plots to eat up the small children of the jungle in the most ingenious ways. He attempts several wicked disguises to lure his unsuspecting prey, leading to outrageously funny and tense confrontations with the other clever jungle animals. Quentin Blake's vibrant illustrations bring Roald Dahl's signature dark humour and inventive storytelling to life in a thrilling adventure.

9. Hey Jack! The Worst Sleepover by Sally Rippin
   Jack is invited to his first big sleepover, but he feels nervous and out of place when the evening doesn't go exactly as planned. This relatable story tackles the common childhood anxiety of sleepovers and new social situations, showing Jack learning to handle his discomfort and finding the courage to speak up. It is a reassuring tale about navigating unfamiliar social settings and managing expectations.

10. Hey Jack! The Bumpy Ride by Sally Rippin
    Jack is feeling worried about a trip and the unexpected challenges that come with travel, leading to some understandable jitters and a few emotional bumps in the road. This short chapter book uses a familiar scenario to help young readers understand and cope with travel anxiety or any changes to their established routine. It gently encourages embracing the unknown elements of an adventure.

11. Hey Jack! The Bravest Kid by Sally Rippin
    When faced with a difficult challenge at school, Jack desperately wishes he were braver, feeling hesitant and unsure of his abilities compared to his peers. This story focuses on defining courage, showing Jack that bravery doesn't mean having no fear, but rather acting despite it. It is an empowering read for children struggling with self-doubt and seeking their inner strength.

12. Hey Jack! The Big Adventure by Sally Rippin
    Jack sets off on what he hopes will be a thrilling, action-packed adventure, but quickly realizes that 'adventure' might mean something different than he first imagined. The narrative gently guides Jack to understand that great experiences and discoveries can be found even in small, unexpected places close to home. It celebrates curiosity and finding joy in everyday exploration.

13. Hey Jack! The Top Team by Sally Rippin
    Jack is excited to join the sports team but finds that being part of a group requires cooperation, compromise, and dealing with personalities different from his own. This book addresses common conflicts in group dynamics and the importance of teamwork over individual glory. It teaches valuable lessons about sportsmanship and the rewards of collaborative effort.

14. Hey Jack! The Worry Monsters by Sally Rippin
    Jack is dealing with a collection of growing worries that feel overwhelming, which he imagines as little 'worry monsters' that seem determined to cause trouble. The story provides a simple, accessible metaphor for anxiety, offering Jack practical strategies for identifying his fears and tackling them head-on. It is a helpful resource for normalizing and managing common childhood worries.

15. Hey Jack! The Best Party Ever by Sally Rippin
    Jack is determined to have the most amazing birthday party possible, but when things don't go according to his perfect plan, he struggles with disappointment. This book humorously explores the pressure of perfection and the reality that things rarely go exactly right, teaching Jack that the simple joy of celebrating with friends is what truly matters. It offers a great perspective on accepting imperfections.

16. Hey Jack! The Lost Reindeer by Sally Rippin
    During the festive season, Jack discovers a toy reindeer that has been lost, and he makes it his mission to find the worried child who left it behind. This sweet holiday-themed story emphasizes kindness, empathy, and the responsibility of helping others who have lost something important. It captures the spirit of generosity and seasonal cheer.

17. Hey Jack! The Circus Lesson by Sally Rippin
    Jack finds himself at the circus, where he learns a surprising lesson about performance, practice, and the dedication required to master a new skill. He realizes that appearing talented takes hard work and concentration, challenging his assumptions about easy success. This book inspires readers to value effort and perseverance in learning new things.

18. Hey Jack! The Other Teacher by Sally Rippin
    When Jack's regular teacher is suddenly replaced by a substitute, he feels uneasy and reluctant to engage with the new face in the classroom. This scenario addresses the common fear of change and unfamiliarity in a structured school setting, showing Jack how to adapt and connect with temporary authority figures. It offers reassurance that change can be manageable.

19. Hey Jack! The Toy Sale by Sally Rippin
    Jack decides to organize a toy sale, learning important lessons about the value of money, letting go of old possessions, and the joy of raising funds for a good cause. This practical story subtly introduces concepts of commerce, charity, and the emotional process of decluttering and valuing one's possessions. It’s a great introduction to managing personal resources.

20. Hey Jack! The Party Invite by Sally Rippin
    Jack is thrilled to receive a special party invitation, but he worries about who else will be there and whether he knows enough people to feel comfortable attending alone. This book sensitively handles the stress of social events, particularly the pressure of forming new friendships and navigating established peer groups. It encourages taking social risks and being open to meeting new people.

21. Hey Jack! The New Friend by Sally Rippin
    A new student joins Jack’s class, and Jack struggles with the best way to approach them and start a friendship, feeling awkward and unsure of himself. This book focuses on the challenges of initiating connections and making new friends, offering gentle guidance on being welcoming and overcoming initial shyness. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the classroom.

22. Hey Jack! The Crazy Cousins by Sally Rippin
    Jack is forced to spend time with his rowdy cousins who have very different interests and energy levels than him, leading to inevitable conflict and frustration. This story explores the complex dynamics of extended family relationships, showing Jack learning how to compromise and manage personalities that clash with his own. It’s a relatable tale about patience and finding common ground with relatives.

23. Hey Jack! The Playground Problem by Sally Rippin
    When a problem arises on the playground, Jack struggles with how to handle the situation—whether to intervene, report the issue, or stay quiet and avoid trouble. This book addresses common ethical dilemmas children face regarding fairness, bullying, and speaking up for what is right. It encourages proactive problem-solving and moral responsibility.

24. Hey Jack! The Scary Solo by Sally Rippin
    Jack is chosen to perform a solo musical piece for a school event, but the thought of standing on stage alone fills him with terrifying stage fright. This story highlights the process of overcoming performance anxiety and managing fear when under the spotlight. It provides a positive example of preparation leading to confidence and success.

25. Hey Jack! The Star of the Week by Sally Rippin
    Jack is chosen as the 'Star of the Week' in his class, a role that brings attention, responsibility, and the unexpected pressure of being perfect. This book examines the mixture of pride and stress that comes with being singled out for praise and recognition. It teaches that being celebrated doesn't mean you can't still make mistakes.

26. Hey Jack! The Extra-Special Group by Sally Rippin
    Jack is placed into a small, special learning group at school, and he worries that it means he is not as smart as the other kids or that he is being judged. This book tackles the stigma surrounding extra educational support, assuring children that specialized groups are designed to help and are nothing to be ashamed of. It promotes self-acceptance and valuing all forms of learning.

27. Hey Jack! The Robot Blues by Sally Rippin
    Jack is deeply disappointed when the highly anticipated robot toy he receives turns out to be faulty, leading him to experience the frustrating 'robot blues.' This story handles the emotional reaction to broken expectations and material disappointment. It encourages finding creative solutions and recognizing that the best fun doesn't always rely on expensive technology.

28. Hey Jack! The Winning Goal by Sally Rippin
    Jack's team is playing a crucial game, and he feels immense pressure to score the winning goal, leading to performance anxiety on the field. This book addresses the stress of competition and the importance of participation and effort over the final result. It promotes healthy attitudes towards sports and encourages supporting teammates regardless of the score.