Vivian French - Author
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Vivian French is a highly acclaimed children's author who has written more than 250 books during the course of her career, including Caterpillar, Butterfly, The Tales from the Five Kingdoms series and Yucky Worms. Her recent work includes the critically acclaimed picture book The Most Wonderful Thing in the World. Vivian teaches on the illustration course at Edinburgh School of Art, and helped to found the mentoring scheme Picture Hooks for aspiring young illustrators. She lives in Edinburgh. Read further information about Vivian French here.
As ambassadors for their school Leroy Jones and Amy Strundle are getting to spend three days helping the infants with their production of Noah's Flood. It should be fun for Leroy if only his partner wasn't Amy: she's really got it in for him and when she finds out what his real name is (what was his mum thinking) she makes his life a misery. Can he find a way to get his own back? The fact that Amy's comeuppance is entirely at her own hands is perfectly in keeping with the tone of this book. Even if it's ostensibly about revenge, the emphasis is kept lightly on friendship and community. It makes entertaining reading, and Korky Paul has lots of fun with the illustrations (who knew there were so many mermaids in the Ark?)
A Dyslexia Friendly Picture Book for Parent and Child | Whisper it, but not everyone automatically loves reading. Some people think they’re too busy to read, or that reading is just for school, or even say that reading is rubbish. This book points out just how wrong they are, countering each anti-book statement page by page in lively, funny text and illustrations. It’s an irrefutable argument, especially when presented with so much wit and invention. The book also poses some interesting questions for authors and publishers about those people we don’t see in our books and challenges them to think again too. A book to read, and a book to share. ~ Andrea Reece Publisher Barrington Stoke was inspired to create the Picture Squirrel Books titles after meeting a man with dyslexia at a book event. “We were approached by a gentleman who told us that it broke his heart that he couldn’t read to his child because of his dyslexia,” M.D. Mairi Kidd told The Bookseller. “So we talked to Michael Morpurgo, who we were already working with on low text books [textbooks that use a limited number of words]." The layout of picture books can be difficult for adults with dyslexia as the language and typeface are often very varied, the text can be cut into small chunks or is sometimes spun around a picture, which can make a book tricky if you don’t have good reading skills. Barrington Stoke worked with the authors and illustrators to ensure that the books are suitable for dyslexic readers and thereby helping more families grow a love of reading. On the Picture Squirrels...Michael Morpurgo says: “I was immediately taken with the idea of the Picture Squirrel books, a picture book list that dyslexic parents and less confident readers can read with theirchildren too.”
In a nutshell: magic, spells and a healthy dose of princess power | Princess Peony lives a pretty privileged life as the youngest of the king’s seven daughters, though there’s lots she’s not allowed to do, like cook, or visit the library. But as an argument with her father leads to her spending a night in the dungeon, she realises that things might not be as good for her father’s subjects as they are for her, and determines to make him a more enlightened ruler. When she saves the castle and its inhabitants from a wicked fairy, the king is forced to acknowledge her bravery and cleverness and takes her advice, resulting in a fairer, happy ending for all. A typically lively and original story from one of our most inventive storytellers! ~ Andrea Reece
Venice provides the background for this delightful fairy-tale. Its king and queen realise that their daughter needs a husband to be king when she’s queen. But how to choose one? Find the young man who can show you the most wonderful thing in the world, advises the wisest man they know. As suitor after suitor arrives at the palace, the princess is out exploring the city with a charming young man. He it is who finally shows her parents the most wonderful thing in the world. It’s a satisfying story, cleverly told and Angela Barrett has great fun with the fabulous array of marvels presented by the suitors. The ending will leave everyone happy. ~ Andrea Reece
If you love fairytales – and who couldn’t? – you’ll love this brand new adventure written by one of our most inventive and entertaining children’s authors. Magnifico Onion might be the seventh son of a seventh son but he’s been spoiled rotten all his life and is no hero, despite what his mum thinks. His little brother Alife however has all the qualities that make the youngest son a fairytale favourite. Together they head off in search of adventure and fortune. To find out which one gets to marry the princess and which one settles down with an ogress, you’ll have to read the book – and a real treat it is. A sparkling story that will leave everyone happy! ~ Andrea Reece Readers who like this will also enjoy Kaye Umansky’s Pongwiffy series.
Venice provides the background for this delightful fairy-tale. Its king and queen realise that their daughter needs a husband to be king when she’s queen. But how to choose one? Find the young man who can show you the most wonderful thing in the world, advises the wisest man they know. As suitor after suitor arrives at the palace, the princess is out exploring the city with a charming young man. He it is who finally shows her parents the most wonderful thing in the world. It’s a satisfying story, cleverly told and Angela Barrett has great fun with the fabulous array of marvels presented by the suitors. The ending will leave everyone happy. ~ Andrea Reece
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 Fun adventure from this top author of the acclaimed Tiara Club Series. Princess Ellie sets out to make a wish and change her life forever. But when she meets a snobby Sea Monster, things take a turn she never could have expected. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+.
Where do fairy godmothers learn their magic? Everyone knows that Fairy Godmothers grant wishes but now you can find out how their modern counterparts learn how to do good in the world through their spells. Lily, Madison, Sophie, Ava, Emma and Olivia are working to collect their stars in this lively story sprinkled with fairy dust.
From the author of the hugely successful Tiara Club comes a new series set in girls magic school featuring popular themes of friendship and magic accompanied by fresh, lively and funny line drawings by Joanne Davies.
From the author of the hugely successful Tiara Club comes a new series set in a magic school for girls. Featuring popular themes of friendship and magic within in a school setting accompanied by fresh, lively and funny line drawings by Joanne Davies.
From the author of the hugely successful Tiara Club comes a new series set in girls magic school featuring popular themes of friendship and magic accompanied by fresh, lively and funny line drawings by Joanne Davies.
From the author of the hugely successful Tiara Club comes a new series set in girls' magic school, featuring popular themes of friendship and magic accompanied by fresh, lively and funny line drawings by Joanne Davies.
From the author of the hugely successful Tiara Club comes a new series set in girls' magic school, featuring popular themes of friendship and magic accompanied by fresh, lively and funny line drawings by Joanne Davies.
Beginning readers will enjoy these two easy-to-read stories which make exciting stories out of a shopping trip with a difference and Hunter the dog’s search for his lost bone. Selina Young’s illustrations match the text perfectly.
Three short stories will delight early readers as they capture incidents from Jason and Daisy’s childhood which will strike a familiar chord. Jason’s good behaviour earns him the bun he wants while his attempts to get Daisy to grow by watering her as if she were a flower are less successful! And Jason and Daisy both have their hands full when they set about cleaning the car with an unusual ingredient and some surprising results!
Bees, butterflies, slugs and snails – the little creatures in the garden are vividly brought to life in this charming story about stories. Two badly behaved bees fail to bring back enough honey to satisfy their Queen but they bring something else to sweeten her – a couple of stories about a nasty butterfly and a brave moth. The stories make the Queen laugh but will they be enough to get the young bees fed?
A delightful animal story, perfect for early readers. There’s nearly a pet shop disaster when a noisy puppy won’t stay quiet at night time. How will the other animals ever get to sleep? Maybe telling stories will do the trick? All the animals appear in the story – except for the guinea pig who tells it. Can the puppy tell a story about a guinea pig? You bet he can!
Down in the Jungle it's time for bed, but Monkey wants a story and he sets off to find one in this charming, funny story, perfect for early readers and for reading aloud and sharing with less confident children. These Early Reader chapter books have a terrific story and their bright, funny pictures and lively design makes them hugely appealing. They’re perfect for children from 5-7. ...
A heart-warming story perfect for early readers about a lost kitten searching for somewhere to call home. There are lots of Early Reader titles to choose from that are great for sharing with your youngsters and for kids just starting out on the reading journey to read alone. Check out the extracts on the site as some of the titles are slightly more advanced than others - for example the Francesca Simon animal story titles set at Potters Barn are great to get started on whereas the Sally Gardner, Georgie Adams and Vivian French titles have a bit more text to each page. Each and every one of them though has full colour illustrations on every page.
This is a fantastically funny, perfectly pink picture book about a little girl called Polly and her beloved pink pyjamas. You're in the right place if you want some gorgeous activity sheet packs for this title (click here to download) or to celebrate your own Picture Book Picnic with friends and family.
Meet four teeny-tiny dragons in some wonderfully endearing adventures as they leave their home in the attic and go out into the great outdoors. Girls and boys everywhere will delight in their antics, as well as their friends and foes. Other titles in this series include Draglins in Danger! Draglins and the Fire! Draglins to the Rescue! Draglins Escape! Draglins and the Bully!
Meet four teeny-tiny dragons in some wonderfully endearing adventures as they leave their home in the attic and go out into the great outdoors. Girls and boys everywhere will delight in their antics, as well as their friends and foes. Other titles in this series include Draglins in Danger! Draglins Lost! Draglins to the Rescue! Draglins Escape! Draglins and the Bully!
Meet four teeny-tiny dragons in some wonderfully endearing adventures as they leave their home in the attic and go out into the great outdoors. Girls and boys everywhere will delight in their antics, as well as their friends and foes. Other titles in this series include Draglins in Danger! Draglins Lost! Draglins and the Fire! Draglins to the Rescue! Draglins Escape!
Meet four teeny-tiny dragons in some wonderfully endearing adventures as they leave their home in the attic and go out into the great outdoors. Girls and boys everywhere will delight in their antics, as well as their friends and foes. Other titles in this series include Draglins in Danger! Draglins Lost! Draglins and the Fire! Draglins Escape! Draglins and the Bully!
Meet four teeny-tiny dragons in some wonderfully endearing adventures as they leave their home in the attic and go out into the great outdoors. Girls and boys everywhere will delight in their antics, as well as their friends and foes. Other titles in this series include Draglins in Danger! Draglins Lost! Draglins and the Fire! Draglins to the Rescue! Draglins and the Bully!
Meet four teeny-tiny dragons in some wonderfully endearing adventures as they leave their home in the attic and go out into the great outdoors. Girls and boys everywhere will delight in their antics, as well as their friends and foes. Other titles in this series include Draglins Lost! Draglins and the Fire! Draglins to the Rescue! Draglins Escape! Draglins and the Bully!
Little girls will absolutely love the world of Silver Towers where six girls are learning how to become perfect princesses. To celebrate the publication of the second Tiara Club series, The Tiara Club at Silver Towers, we’ve got 3 sets of six signed books to give away, courtesy of Orchard Books. The other five books in the series are:Princess Daisy and the Magical Merry-Go-Round Princess Alice and the Crystal Slipper Princess Sophia and the Prince's PartyPrincess Emily and the Wishing StarPrincess Charlotte and the Enchanted RoseFor even more princess fun, you could check out the Tiara Club website at www.tiaraclub.co.uk
Little girls will absolutely love the world of Silver Towers where six girls are learning how to become perfect princesses. To celebrate the publication of the second Tiara Club series, The Tiara Club at Silver Towers, we’ve got 3 sets of six signed books to give away, courtesy of Orchard Books. The other five books in the series are:Princess Katie and the Dancing BroomPrincess Daisy and the Magical Merry-Go-Round Princess Alice and the Crystal Slipper Princess Sophia and the Prince's PartyPrincess Emily and the Wishing StarFor even more princess fun, you could check out the Tiara Club website at www.tiaraclub.co.uk
Little girls will absolutely love the world of Silver Towers where six girls are learning how to become perfect princesses. To celebrate the publication of the second Tiara Club series, The Tiara Club at Silver Towers, we’ve got 3 sets of six signed books to give away, courtesy of Orchard Books. The other five books in the series are:Princess Katie and the Dancing BroomPrincess Daisy and the Magical Merry-Go-Round Princess Sophia and the Prince's PartyPrincess Emily and the Wishing StarPrincess Charlotte and the Enchanted RoseFor even more princess fun, you could check out the Tiara Club website at www.tiaraclub.co.uk
Little girls will absolutely love the world of Silver Towers where six girls are learning how to become perfect princesses. To celebrate the publication of the second Tiara Club series, The Tiara Club at Silver Towers, we’ve got 3 sets of six signed books to give away, courtesy of Orchard Books. The other five books in the series are:Princess Katie and the Dancing BroomPrincess Alice and the Crystal Slipper Princess Sophia and the Prince's PartyPrincess Emily and the Wishing StarPrincess Charlotte and the Enchanted RoseFor even more princess fun, you could check out the Tiara Club website at www.tiaraclub.co.uk
Little girls will absolutely love the world of Silver Towers where six girls are learning how to become perfect princesses. To celebrate the publication of the second Tiara Club series, The Tiara Club at Silver Towers, we’ve got 3 sets of six signed books to give away, courtesy of Orchard Books. The other five books in the series are:Princess Katie and the Dancing BroomPrincess Daisy and the Magical Merry-Go-Round Princess Alice and the Crystal Slipper Princess Emily and the Wishing StarPrincess Charlotte and the Enchanted RoseFor even more princess fun, you could check out the Tiara Club website at www.tiaraclub.co.uk
Little girls will absolutely love the world of Silver Towers where six girls are learning how to become perfect princesses. To celebrate the publication of the second Tiara Club series, The Tiara Club at Silver Towers, we’ve got 3 sets of six signed books to give away, courtesy of Orchard Books. The other five books in the series are:Princess Katie and the Dancing BroomPrincess Daisy and the Magical Merry-Go-Round Princess Alice and the Crystal Slipper Princess Sophia and the Prince's PartyPrincess Charlotte and the Enchanted RoseFor even more princess fun, you could check out the Tiara Club website at www.tiaraclub.co.uk
A beautifully produced Nature Storybook about horses, with words by Vivian French and pictures from Catherine Rayner. From much-loved author Vivian French and award-winning illustrator Catherine Rayner comes a charming new Nature Storybook about horses. Hello, Horse gently introduces young children to Shannon, a friendly bay mare, and offers encouragement to those unfamiliar with or a little nervous of these large, beautiful creatures. The subtext is packed with practical tips, such as the right way to offer a carrot, and also covers their behaviour - horses' need for company, for example. Tender words and art combine to create a warm and witty introduction to horses ... from the safety of the page!
A delightfully cheerful non-fiction picture book about how to care for your cat, from much-loved author Vivian French and award-winning illustrator Salvatore Rubbino. A non-fiction picture book about a rescue cat, with a charmingly funny story by Vivian French and lively illustrations by Salvatore Rubbino. The story follows a family who have just moved into a mouse-infested flat. Dad is terrified of mice and, after several sleepless nights, decides they should get a cat. They meet Kevin the cat in a rescue home - he's big and strong, and they're sure he'll catch all of the mice. But Kevin has other ideas... Join this lovable tomcat as he settles into his new home, gradually learning how to use a litter tray, when he'll be fed and that it's probably better to use a scratching post than to shred the back of Dad's chair. The caption text provides information on feeding, grooming and caring for your cat - and at the end of the book, there's a handy index and bibliography.
Vivian French introduces us to a world of stone age chaos as we follow the adventures of Pod, Pim and Little Nut. Join this quirky Stone Age family on a night fishing adventure. Tall Cousin and Pod have gone off to fish. Little Nut follows, so Pod joins in too. There's trouble when a hungry bear appears! Race Ahead with Reading is the perfect introduction to reading chapters with brand new page turning reads in five short bite size chapters, to encourage children to take the driving seat with their reading.
Vivian French introduces us to a world of stone age chaos as we follow the adventures of Pod, Pim and Little Nut. Pod is not impressed when he and his brother and sister are charged with collecting berries. Pod would much rather join the old ones hunting and seeking out danger! But when he loses sight of Little Nut, trouble lies ahead...how will he outwit a wild boar with its sights on his baby brother? This is the first book in the Stone Age Adventures series. Race Ahead with Reading is the perfect introduction to reading chapters with brand new page turning reads in five short bite size chapters, to encourage children to take the driving seat with their reading. Pitched perfectly for 6-8 year olds or those reading book band 10 / white.
Vivian French introduces us to a world of stone age chaos as we follow the adventures of Pod, Pim and Little Nut. In Brother Trouble, Pim is being pushed to the limit by her brothers, who are up to mischief! They leave a mess wherever they go and keep stopping Pim from getting to learn how to make pots. When she finally gets started, all her brothers can do is sling mud! Where will the chaos end? This is the second Stone Age Adventures book. Race Ahead with Reading is the perfect introduction to reading chapters with brand new page turning reads in five short bite size chapters, to encourage children to take the driving seat with their reading.
Venice provides the background for this delightful fairy-tale. Its king and queen realise that their daughter needs a husband to be king when she’s queen. But how to choose one? Find the young man who can show you the most wonderful thing in the world, advises the wisest man they know. As suitor after suitor arrives at the palace, the princess is out exploring the city with a charming young man. He it is who finally shows her parents the most wonderful thing in the world. It’s a satisfying story, cleverly told and Angela Barrett has great fun with the fabulous array of marvels presented by the suitors. The ending will leave everyone happy. ~ Andrea Reece
One of a series of six brilliant new first experiences books about the Buttons Family. Dad's got toothache and Mum says it's time all the Buttons went to the dentist for a check-up. The dentist shows Charlie, Cherry and baby Lou how to look after their teeth. Charming, funny picture books with gentle, non-didactic messages, the Buttons family will give children the reassurance they need to take their first steps in the world - whether it's going to the doctor, buying new shoes, visiting the dentist, starting school, staying the night at Gran's, or having a new babysitter for the first time.
Do you want to be a PERFECT PRINCESS? Do you want to discover how to be the BESTEST friend, what to wear and how to be kind? Would you like to know how to do the most PERFECT curtsey and how to make great gifts and delicious treats?The Tiara Club princesses will show you how - and guarantee that you have a FABULOUS time!
Danny is cool. The younger kids think they're cool too, but they are just kiddie babes to Danny. He can make easy money out of them. He isn't going to say no to easy money, is he? Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
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