📖 Try Before You Buy – Free Book Extracts for Children
Some publishers make free extracts from children’s books available on their websites. This is a fantastic way to explore new authors and stories with your child and see if the book is the right fit — especially helpful for reluctant readers or those with additional needs. Here are some publishers that do just that:
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Look for the “Books” section – many titles have free sample chapters to read online or download as PDFs.
📚 Nosy Crow
Website:www.nosycrow.com
They often include “Look Inside” previews on book pages and also offer audio samples on selected titles.
🌟 Barrington Stoke
Website:www.barringtonstoke.co.uk
Specialises in dyslexia-friendly books. Most titles have free extracts or sample pages available to view or download — brilliant for children who find reading tough.
🐾 Walker Books
Website:www.walker.co.uk
Many book listings include sample pages or links to preview content. Great for picture books and YA titles alike.
✨ Usborne
Website:www.usborne.com
Offers “Look Inside” options on many books — helpful for judging layout, font size, and content suitability.
🐉 Bloomsbury (Children’s Books)
Website: www.bloomsbury.com/uk/childrens
Sample chapters and teacher resources often include downloadable extracts — ideal for parents browsing with children in mind.
🔍 Oxford Owl (from Oxford University Press)
Website:www.oxfordowl.co.uk
Offers a library of free eBooks, mostly for primary-aged readers. You’ll also find samples and tips on supporting reading at home
Tiny Owl Publishing
Website:www.tinyowl.co.uk
Specialises in diverse and inclusive picture books. Many titles include downloadable sample pages or previews to explore the artwork and writing style.
📘 Firefly Press
Website:www.fireflypress.co.uk
An award-winning independent publisher based in Wales. Their book pages often include sample chapters, and they have a focus on exciting, high-quality stories for children and teens.
🐻 Otter-Barry Books
Website:www.otterbarrybooks.com
Known for championing underrepresented voices in children’s literature. Some titles include previews or downloadable materials such as activity sheets and extracts.
🎨 Lantana Publishing
Website:www.lantanapublishing.com
Focused on diversity and global stories. Book pages often feature “Look Inside” options or PDF extracts.
🦊 Scallywag Press
Website:www.scallywagpress.com
A newer independent publisher producing beautifully illustrated children’s books. Many of their book pages include sample illustrations and short extracts.
🦜 Cicada Books
Website:www.cicadabooks.co.uk
Offers quirky and artistic books, often with a strong visual or educational slant. Some books have previews or downloadable sample pages.
Peach Tree Publishing has excerpts of the Claude books available