This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure. Perfect for 7-9-year-olds or those reading book band white.

When Alexander the Great was just a boy, he met a horse that he really wanted to own. But this horse could not be ridden ...

Mary Auld is a writer of children's information books, working over a broad range of subjects. She has been actively involved in music from an early age, both singing and playing the flute, on an amateur basis. She loves making music in a group, be that in an orchestra or a choir. Whether making music or writing children's books, her aim is to share her enthusiasm and inspire readers. Mary Auld is a pen name for Rachel Cooke, who is an honorary fellow of the English Association, in recognition of her editorial work in children's non-fiction. Esther Hernando is a self-taught Spanish illustrator. She has been drawing and painting since she first picked up a pencil. From that moment, she has been passionate about telling stories and transmitting emotions with her illustrations. When she is not drawing, she likes to read comics, watch movies and spend time with her family.