Need to restock dd's book shelf...are there any websites where I can look inside books and read a short excerpt (I find it is the only way to tell if she will enjoy it)

[handlemecarefully]

Have had some recommendations of books from kind mumsnetters for dd(she is 5),and some of them were really great, but others didn't quite do it for her...

I find it 'reliable' to be able to dip inside a book and read a short extract to see if it will hit the spot - obviously the best way to do this is to visit a book shop in person, but time is at a premium....

Are there any websites where you can consistently dip into a book and read a short extract (on Amazon you can only do this with a minority of books)?

I don't carry a lot of stock but if I have the books in stock I'm happy to take pics for you. Let me know what you are interested in and I'll let you know if I've got it.

Lucy

Sorry this is not much help for her books, but www.whichbook.net do exactly what you're after for adult books (normal not top shelf variety). It even links in the the local libraryso you can order them!
I've just googled and www.lovereading4kids.co.uk says it has extracts that you can download but you have to register. I may have a look at them later too.

i spend HOURS on amazon looking at cultural/arty etc books for ds ( 5 on mnday) and then checking out 'people also bought' and 'you might also like' sections

it is time consuming but we have a fabulous selection now

High street bookshops do NOTHING at all for me now

That's kind of you Lucymack, I shall come up with a shortlist of possibles and will get back to you

will also try and register on lovereading4kids.....

OMG gybegirl - have registered on that website and it's fabulous!!!

Didn't know about that site so thanks for that gybegirl.
I can get any new books at a discount so if you're interested please email me at [email protected]

Who wouldn't be interested in a discount

I buy books quite frequently so I will be in touch

what a shame you can't take her into an actual high street bookshop ( preferably independent) to look and choose books together - this could be a fun thing to do and nothing compares with the pleasure of looking,touching,smelling lovely new books

I don't think it will blight her childhood, not doing this....

no, and obviously easier to get stuff online ! but it is nice just looking

I think the Dorling Kindersley website shows pages of inside the books.

Amazon do this for a lot of their books - I have found its not worth buying on-line unless I can read a page or two to gauge it first. Just browse through Amazon, childrens books and click on the ones with 'search inside' flag on them.