Celebrate the Pre-school Learning Alliance´s 50th birthday with this brand-new special collection of 50 rhymes, songs and stories. Brought to you by the Alliance, in collaboration with Ladybird, this book is a must, not just for every early years setting, but also for every young child´s home. Delivered in a friendly and fun way for young children to understand and relate to, it opens with the story of how the Alliance began, in Belle´s Big Idea! 50 years ago, Belle´s young children had nowhere to play, learn and have fun. This story tells of how Belle got together with other mums to set up a playgroup, embarking on a journey which led to the creation of playgroups across the country and helped to shape the early years sector as we know it today. This beautifully illustrated, padded treasury of stories, rhymes and songs is guaranteed to delight and entertain young children. It contains all time favourite rhymes, including There was an Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe, Polly Put the Kettle On and The Grand Old Duke of York; familiar and new stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, Busy Pirate Billy and The Magical Forest; as well as some festive songs like Deck the Halls and The Holly and the Ivy. 50 Favourite Stories and Rhymes will help develop early language skills, and be perfect for parents and carers to share with children and enjoy together.