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Kaye Umansky is a truly funny writer. Her classic Pongwiffy series has been a bestseller since first publication and she has been writing for over 30 years. Kaye was born in Plymouth, Devon, and now lives in North London with her husband Mo and her cats. She writes full time in an office with stars on the ceiling.
Awards Kaye has collected
Nottinghamshire Book Award 1993 for Pongwiffy and The Spell of The Year
TES Junior Music Book Award 1999 for Three Rapping Rats
Magic! There’s a new adventure for Elsie Pickles and her friend and sometime employer witch Magenta Sharp. Bored, Magenta has decided to open a magic shop in Elsie’s village, Smallbridge. Attention to detail has never been one of Magenta’s strengths, and she relies on new gadget the Spellatron 3000 to set it up, ignoring the first rules of witchcraft - read the instructions, follow the recipe, know how to stop it if things go wrong. Things do go wrong of course, but not before the shop has provoked protest from some village residents who want to keep Smallbridge ‘witch-free’, to quote one of their unfriendly placards. Thanks to Elsie – and some magic tickle dust - all is resolved happily in the end. Kaye Umansky is one of our best writers for children and here she subtly and seemingly effortlessly mixes social comment into a very funny comic adventure.
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A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month September 2018 | Kaye Umansky, the creator of the much-loved Pongwiffy stories follows up Witch for a Week with a new adventure about Magenta Sharp, a rather muddled local witch, and Elsie Pickles, the little girl she gets to help her. In this new adventure Elsie is invited back to the wandering tower that is Magenta’s home to help the witch to sort out the terrible chaos of her magic-selling business. Magenta has been ignoring the paperwork and she is now attracting so many complaints that she is threatened with the loss of her magical licence! Can Elsie save Magenta’s business? And can she also help her to keep an unruly genie under control while she is about it? as ever, Kaye Umansky’s magic is deliciously frothy and ridiculously good fun.
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 A masterly and hilarious retelling of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, from award-winning queen of funny Kaye Umansky. Lovereading Comment to follow. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
A brilliantly funny odd couples comedy from one of our very funniest authors for children. The Primms and the Weirds are totally different: fish-eating, hedge-trimming, neighbourhood-watching, the Primms are as strait-laced as they come, while the Weirds are just, well, weird! Mum is a stunt woman, dad’s an inventor, Gran is very, very small and just what is making all the thumping sounds in the attic? Despite their differences, when the Weirds move in next door, Pinch Primm becomes friends with Ott Weird, and their adventures make wonderfully comic reading. There are three different stories, each is short, very funny and with a momentum that keeps the pages turning right until the end. Packed with treats, including Chris Mould’s black and white illustrations. ~ Andrea Reece
In a nutshell: one of our funniest writers works her magic From the creator of the much-loved Pongwiffy books comes a new series that mixes magic, friendship and comedy together, with an extra helping of charm. Young Elsie Pickles helps out in her family shop, in the dull little town of Smallbridge on the river Dribble. When the local witch arrives to advertise for a house sitter Elsie jumps at the chance and begins a week minding a magical tower and looking after the witch’s talking raven Corbett. As Elsie settles in and gets to know the witch’s other friends and neighbours, she can’t help trying a little magic herself. Elsie, Corbett and their friends are wonderful characters and this is a lovely read; full of fun and adventure, comedy and excitement, it will keep children smiling from beginning to end. ~ Andrea Reece
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 The inimitable Kaye Umansky turns her attention to King Arthur and Camelot in a typically funny and mischievous story. Arthur is being driven to distraction by his knights, who keep pestering him to send them off on jousts, or test them on the Code of Chivalry. He’s particularly irritated by Sir Tralahad and his twenty-two verse songs. Fortunately Queen Gwinny comes up with a good plan and suggests he give them a room of their own where they can set up a Knight club. It all works out well at first, though the round table (it’s a drop-leaf) could be sturdier … The comedy comes from the clash of courtly personalities, while the story also pokes gentle fun at macho behaviour in general; another hit from one of our funniest writers. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age 8-11 Reading Age 8 Characters don’t come bigger or better than Vi, the star of this fabulously funny new story by the inimitable Kaye Umansky. Vi is wife of that giant at the top of the beanstalk, but her account of the events of the fairy tale is rather different to the one we’re used to. Vi is cheerful about it all, but reading between the lines we can tell just how fed up she is with her lazy husband and snobby sister-in-law (always laughing at Vi’s thimble collection). Vi loves little things you see, which is why she’s so nice to the thoroughly undeserving Jack. She’s revised her opinion by the end however, proudly proclaiming, ‘Big is better! Buy that outsize sweater!’ A perfect piece of comic storytelling with real emotion and observation slipped in among the humour. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Andy Stanton describes Kaye Umansky as ‘wickedly funny’ and that’s very true of her version of The Frog Prince. Prince Valentine’s parents are keen for him to find himself a girlfriend, so he summons a load of princesses to the palace for interviews, judging them on things like their shoes, and whether they share his interest in collecting royal mugs. The process is interrupted when he insults a witch in the palace garden and she turns him into a frog, thereby teaching him a few important life lessons. It’s very funny – Umansky is unbeatable for comic dialogue - but underneath the humour is quite a sharp commentary on how we should treat other people. ~ Andrea Reece One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2015 | Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
A wonderful adventure for a very ordinary boy! Algy lives in an ordinary house and he has an ordinary bedroom which always seems to need tidying up. Just like everyone else! But Algy has a shed in his garden and, inside that shed there is a secret doorway into an amazing world…When Algy steps through the doorway he finds his body is lighter and soon he and his friends are bouncing through space, landing on a new planet and meeting aliens!
Algy is back and Cherry’s little brother Brad is joining them on their adventure to the world behind the plank. This time they discover a tropical island and it just so happens that being by the sea is one of the things that Algy doesn’t much like. Disaster looms when Cherry and Brad are captured by pirates. Can Algy save the day? Read this swashbuckling adventure to find out? Another laugh-out-loud Early Reader about Algy, a boy who discovers that adventures aren't so bad after all, from bestselling author Kaye Umansky. Red Early Reader books are the next step on your child's reading journey, encouraging independent reading with exciting stories and engaging illustrations. Short accessible chapters make them ideal for newly confident readers - we also think they're great for sharing too!
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Poor Sleeping Beauty! Everyone knows she was cursed by the wicked fairy out of spite because she wasn’t invited to the christening and so fell asleep for 100 years. But it all turns out to have been a terrible mistake! Here, in a witty and very different account, the 13th Fairy tells how that was never meant to happen! Kaye Umansky’s makes excellent fun with a traditional tale. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Meet Algy. He’s just moved house. Moving house is on the long list of things he doesn’t like, along with girls, snakes, crocodiles, mad tigers and having adventures. Algy meets Cherry (who just happens to be a girl) from next door and before he knows it he’s off traipsing through the jungle - on an adventure! Maybe, just maybe he’ll discover he’s braver than he thinks. In fact he might just be a hero. This is an exciting story about facing your fears and helping a friend in need. Red Early Reader books are the next step on your child's reading journey, encouraging independent reading with exciting stories and engaging illustrations. Short accessible chapters make them ideal for newly confident readers - we also think they're great for sharing too!
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Snow White’s wickedest stepmother is one of the darkest characters in fiction and here she is shown in the very blackest light of all. In a savagely witty contemporary voice, the wicked stepmother tells her own story including why she so hates the mirror and why she is determined to see the back of Snow White! Kaye Umansky is very funny! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+ Mairi Kidd, Barrington Stoke MD says.....We’re delighted to publish Kaye’s hilarious spins on these two well-loved Grimm tales during the Grimms’ 250th anniversary year. Humour is a brilliant way to hook kids into books, and both of these reboots are laugh-out-loud funny.' Click here to visit the book page of Kaye Umansky's other very funny fairy-ish tale...The Wickedest Witch in the World.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ This wonderfully witchy story from best-selling author Kaye Umansky gives a new gloss to the story of Hansel and Gretel. This time, it is told by the witch herself.Having just won the Wickedest Witch Contest, Maggit reveals the scheme she came up with to win the first prize. Building a house of sweets was the no-brainer at the heart of her kidnapping plan but she hadn’t banked on the feisty natures of Hansel and Gretel! Maggit’s story is suitably unworldly – as one might expect from a witch! Mairi Kidd, Barrington Stoke MD says.....We’re delighted to publish Kaye’s hilarious spins on these two well-loved Grimm tales during the Grimms’ 250th anniversary year. Humour is a brilliant way to hook kids into books, and both of these reboots are laugh-out-loud funny.' Click here to visit the book page of Kaye Umansky's other very funny fairy-ish tale...The Queen's Tale. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+
Interest Age 9-12 Reading Age 8+ The Weirds are a most unusual family in every way; mum is a stunt woman, dad is a scientist with a habit of blowing big things up and gran is just a little bit magical. And then there are the children…Three hilarious stories about the very unusual things the Weird’s get up and how they affect everyone around them – especially the Primms who have the misfortune to live next door. Meet the Weirds is the first in a trilogy - the second is Wildly Weird and the third is Weird Happenings - and there are extracts available for all three!
Interest Age 9-12 Reading Age 8+ The Weirds are a most unusual family in every way; mum is a stunt woman, dad is a scientist with a habit of blowing big things up and gran is just a little bit magical. And then there are the children…Three hilarious stories about the very unusual things the Weird’s get up and how they affect everyone around them – especially the Primms who have the misfortune to live next door. Meet the Weirds is the first in a trilogy - the second is Wildly Weird and the third is Weird Happenings - and there are extracts available for all three!
Interest Age 9-12 Reading Age 8+ The Weirds are a most unusual family in every way; mum is a stunt woman, dad is a scientist with a habit of blowing big things up and gran is just a little bit magical. And then there are the children…Three hilarious stories about the very unusual things the Weird’s get up and how they affect everyone around them – especially the Primms who have the misfortune to live next door. Meet the Weirds is the first in a trilogy - the second is Wildly Weird and the third is Weird Happenings - and there are extracts available for all three!
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. A romping comedy of catastrophes, this version of the Cinderella story comes straight from the mouths of the step sisters. They make no apology for their terrible behaviour as they greedily pursue their own ends while doing down their step sister. But, as everyone knows, Cinderella has the last laugh. Without exception dyslexia-friendly books published by Barrington Stoke get off to an exciting start and maintain the impetus throughout, with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. The plot is clear, the characters appealing and there are plenty of visual clues, as dyslexics like to run a story like a video in their heads. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
A second set of entertaining adventures for Clover Twig, a clever and sensible girl who works for Mrs Eckles, a witch. When the Perilous Path arrives unexpectedly in the woods Clover has to help Mrs Eckles and the rest keep off it since, as its name suggests, it’s a road that leads to no good. Lots of laughs as Clover manages all kinds of unusual and unexpected things.
Due August 2009. Pongwiffy the witch hates rainy days because she hates sitting around doing nothing so she decides to organise a holiday for her and her friends at none other than Sludgehaven-on-sea. That will be fun... Pongwiffy the witch was created by the author over 20 years ago and the six titles have entertained millions of children and their parents for a long time. Now, 20 years on they have been brought to life for a new generation with fantastic new covers and best of all a brand new story too, Pongwiffy: Back on Track. To view all the Pongwiffy titles click here.
Due July 2009. Hugo her hamster and her broom decide it’s time to muck out Pongwiffy’s filthy hovel, much to her annoyance. So to cheer herself up she has a go at one of her granny’s really tricky spells that’s full of unusual ingredients and what a spot of bother she gets herself into and her hovel.Pongwiffy the witch was created by the author over 20 years ago and the six titles have entertained millions of children and their parents for a long time. Now, 20 years on they have been brought to life for a new generation with fantastic new covers and best of all a brand new story too, Pongwiffy: Back on Track. To view all the Pongwiffy titles click here.
Due June 2009. Pongwiffy and her friends are always giving the goblins a hard time, at least that’s what they say, so the goblins decide to broomnap the witches’ brooms. Oh dear, and if only Pongwiffy had listened to her broom none of it would have happened. Pongwiffy the witch was created by the author over 20 years ago and the six titles have entertained millions of children and their parents for a long time. Now, 20 years on they have been brought to life for a new generation with fantastic new covers and best of all a brand new story too, Pongwiffy: Back on Track. To view all the Pongwiffy titles click here.
Anyone who loves slime, sludge and anything else that is disgusting will love Pongwiffy because she loves them all very much. Pongwiffy is a witch with a difference. She is wedded to her bad habits and nobody, not even her best friend Sharkadder, will change the way she thinks. Pongwiffy’s search for a home away from her noisy next door neighbours, the goblins, is hugely entertaining.Pongwiffy the witch was created by the author over 20 years ago and the six titles have entertained millions of children and their parents for decades. Now, 20 years on they have been brought to life for a new generation with fantastic new covers and best of all a brand new story too, Pongwiffy: Back on Track. To view all the Pongwiffy titles click here.
A brand new adventure for Pongwiffy capturing the modern trend of healthy living. Pongwiffy is still indulging in her disgusting habits in Witchway Wood but suddenly fitness becomes the latest crazy. How will Pongwiffy fare in the witchy sports day. Can she magic herself a clever plan?Pongwiffy the witch was created by the author over 20 years ago and the six titles have entertained millions of children and their parents for a long time. Now, 20 years on they have been brought to life for a new generation with fantastic new covers and best of all, this brand new story Pongwiffy: Back on Track. To view all the Pongwiffy titles click here.
Enjoy a fantastic romp through some crazy magic. Clover Twig's new job as cleaner to the stranage Mrs Eckles comes with a very special house. It's a cottage that can fly! But a flying home has many problems - not least that several other people want it, too! ~ Julia Eccleshare Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Prince Pete isn't ready for marriage - he's only eleven! And this peculiar business with the pea is the daftest thing he's ever heard. Mother reckons she can find him the perfect royal bride and thinks the pea is the one true test. But when scruffy-looking Patsy comes along, claiming to be a princess, Mother's careful scheming quickly turns to soup. A laugh-out-loud retelling of The Princess and the Pea like you've never heard it before! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Everyone is already the spell of this bewitchingly funny series from Kaye Umansky... 'Umansky is one of our most delightful comic writers. Read aloud and chortle together...' The Sunday Times, Book of the Week 'A Bewitching tale, charmingly told and is certain to delight any witch in the making' M.G, Leonard, award-winning author of Beetle Boy 'A gorgeous story that bubbles with charm, wit and magic' Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song 'A sulky raven, a grubby dog and a common-sense heroine with a strong sense of customer service. This is a funny, magical treat!' Holly Webb, author of Lost in the Snow Magenta Sharp has vanished from her magical tower in Crookfinger forest and no one knows how to find her. But with a mysterious stranger setting his sights on the empty tower and an unexpected snowstorm causing chaos, Elsie and her friends need to track down Magenta, and fast! Can Elsie's new witchy skills help save the day? Or is Magenta gone for good? A fun and charming series, perfect for fans of Amelia Fang, Isadora Moon and The Worst Witch from the bestselling author Kaye Umansky.
Everyone is already the spell of this funny series from Kaye Umansky... 'Umansky is one of our most delightful comic writers. Read aloud and chortle together...' The Sunday Times 'A Bewitching tale, charmingly told and is certain to delight any witch in the making' M.G, Leonard, award-winning author of Beetle Boy 'A gorgeous story that bubbles with charm, wit and magic' Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song 'Bursting with memorable characters, a huge sense of fun and a big dollop of honey, flowers and strawberry-scented magic!' Joe Berger, author of Lyttle Lies and Hubble Bubble 'A sulky raven, a grubby dog and a common-sense heroine with a strong sense of customer service. This is a funny, magical treat!' Holly Webb, author of Lost in the Snow It's summertime in Smallbridge, but, as always, nothing exciting is happening. Smallbridge doesn't do excitement. They do gossip, though. And now Elsie Pickles is the subject of the gossip as rumours spring up about her new magic skills ... Things aren't helped when Magenta Sharp, bored of running her mail-order service, Spells on Tap, opens up a pop-up magic shop next to Pickles' Emporium. Soon the town is overrun with witches, much to the annoyance of the magic-hating people of Smallbridge! But maybe a little bit of magic is just the thing Smallbridge needs?
Have you ever noticed that nearly everyone has an exciting anecdote about something terrible that happened to them at school? Science accidents, play disasters, broken limbs well, not Andrew. He's got nothing, not even dog-chewed homework or a forgotten PE kit. He knows it's nice to have such an untroubled life, but he does wish he had some kind of tale to tell Reflect is a series of emotionally powerful books with realistic settings, carefully crafted to promote thoughtful discussions and develop higher-level reading comprehension. Written by top childrens authors and developed with Literacy expert and Series Editor Nikki Gamble, these are books you can trust to engage, entertain and support childrens personal development. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to stories with the right depth and complexity for them, and helping them to progress. Each book contains inside cover notes to help children deepen their understanding and support their reading comprehension. Teaching notes on Oxford Owl offer cross-curricular links to relationships education and support literacy skills.
Lardine and Angula have a new stepsister, Ella, and they are determined to make her life as miserable as possible. Throwing tantrums and sulks, they ensure that she is forced to sleep by the fire, do the chores and certainly not go to the ball. But will their schemes stop the prince from meeting the girl of his dreams? A brand new edition of this fun twist on the Cinderella story, particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
A curse involving a spindle goes terribly wrong for poor old Grimbleshanks. The Queen decides it's time for silly, soppy Snow White to go. Lardine and Angula aren't at all happy about having Ella for a stepsister. Old Maggit just wants to win the Wickedest Witch Contest with her house made of sweets. This is Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel, re-told like you've never seen them before!
A brand new bind-up edition of three classic Pongwiffy stories including Pongwiffy and the Pantomime and The Spellovision Song Contest and Back on Track! Pongwiffy and the rest of the witches need to earn some money, and fast! But every idea they come up with to raise funds seems so BORING ... until Pongwiffy suggests they put on a pantomime and sell tickets. Get ready for some theatrical chaos with the witches of Witchway Wood... In the second story, all the witches are transfixed by spellovision and no one wants to do anything fun anymore. Until Pongwiffy decides to launch a song contest to liven things up! Finally, Pongwiffy decides that being a witch of dirty habits is holding her back. It's time to get healthy, but can a witch who prefers sludge to sprouts really get back on track? THREE laugh-out-loud stories of humour and warmth, enticingly mixed with much sludge, slime and very bad habits. Now with brand new illustrations from Katy Riddell!
Everyone is already the spell of this charming new series from Kaye Umansky... 'Umansky is one of our most delightful comic writers. Read aloud and chortle together...' The Sunday Times, Book of the Week 'A Bewitching tale, charmingly told and is certain to delight any witch in the making' M.G, Leonard, award-winning author of Beetle Boy 'A gorgeous story that bubbles with charm, wit and magic' Abi Elphinstone, author of The Dreamsnatcher 'Bursting with memorable characters, a huge sense of fun and a big dollop of honey, flowers and strawberry-scented magic!' Joe Berger, author of Lyttle Lies and Hubble Bubble 'A sulky raven, a grubby dog and a common-sense heroine with a strong sense of customer service. This is a funny, magical treat!' Holly Webb, author of Lost in the Snow After her week living in Magenta Sharp's magical tower, Elsie Pickles is back home and finding normal life a little dull. But when a magical gift leads her back to the Tower, Elsie knows mischief and marvellous magic are about to turn her life upside down again! This time Magenta needs Elsie's help to save her magic licence and deal with a grumpy genie on the loose! Will it all prove too much for Elsie and her friends? Even a witch needs a wish every once in a while! A magical adventure from Kaye Umansky, the bestselling author of the spellbinding children's classic Pongwiffy, brought to life with charming illustrations from rising star Ashley King!
Everyone is already the spell of this charming new series from Kaye Umansky... 'A Bewitching tale, charmingly told and is certain to delight any witch in the making' M.G, Leonard, award-winning author of Beetle Boy 'A gorgeous story that bubbles with charm, wit and magic' Abi Elphinstone, author of The Dreamsnatcher 'Bursting with memorable characters, a huge sense of fun and a big dollop of honey, flowers and strawberry-scented magic!' Joe Berger, author of Lyttle Lies and Hubble Bubble 'A sulky raven, a grubby dog and a common-sense heroine with a strong sense of customer service. This is a funny, magical treat!' Holly Webb, author of Lost in the Snow The wonderful Elsie Pickles is back in her second adventure! This time, local witch Magenta Sharp needs help with her mail order magic service, Sharp Spells on Tap, and once again mischief and marvellous magic are about to transform Elsie's life. Because with a grumpy genie on the loose set on causing trouble, getting Magenta's business back on track isn't going to be easy... A magical adventure from Kaye Umansky, the bestselling author of the spellbinding children's classic Pongwiffy, brought to life with charming illustrations from rising star Ashley King!
What's the point of a daring quest without a little competition? The Knights of the Drop- Leaf Table don't think there is one, so it's time to draw up the rules, find a suitable prize, hit the road on their less-than-trusty steeds and prove who's best! Can they return laden with magic amulets, damsels in distress and dragon's heads? Or is the draw of one of Mrs Spunge's delectable sandwiches far too tempting... Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
A bind-up edition of two books from the much-loved classic children's series Pongwiffy featuring The Spell of the Year and The Holiday of Doom! When Pongwiffy is forced to spring clean her hovel she finds an old magic spell to help her! But it turns out that the old-fashioned ingredients are tricky to come by, especially when they belong to the familiars of other witches... In the second story, the rain won't stop and Pongwiffy is BORED. So she decides to plan a holiday! But when Pongwiffy blows all of the Coven's funds on a trip to Sludgehaven-on-Sea, maybe being bored isn't such a bad thing. Two laugh-out-loud stories of humour and warmth, enticingly mixed with much sludge, slime and very bad habits. Now with brand new illustrations from Katy Riddell!
A silly and riotous tale of the craziest family you know from the master of laughs and fun, Kaye Umansky! The Primms may be the neatest, tidiest family ever. But when the Weirds move in next door - with their explosive experiments, daring stunts, and black cat Ginger - Pinchton Primm's quiet life will never be the same. Buckle up for a whirlwind adventure with a family like no other!
'A Bewitching tale, charmingly told and is certain to delight any witch in the making' M.G, Leonard, award-winning author of Beetle Boy 'A gorgeous story that bubbles with charm, wit and magic' Abi Elphinstone, author of The Dreamsnatcher 'Bursting with memorable characters, a huge sense of fun and a big dollop of honey, flowers and strawberry-scented magic!' Joe Berger, author of Lyttle Lies and Hubble Bubble 'A sulky raven, a grubby dog and a common-sense heroine with a strong sense of customer service. This is a funny, magical treat!' Holly Webb, author of Lost in the Snow When Elsie Pickles offers to house-sit the mysterious home of local witch Magenta Sharp, she has no idea what she's getting herself into. Left with a talking raven and a scruffy dog for company, a magical tower that has a mind of its own and a book of instruction called Everything You Need to Know, what could possibly go wrong? With an assortment of weird and wonderful neighbours banging at the door and a box of volatile magical ingredients that must be used immediately, Elsie finds out that looking after Magenta's home might not be as easy as she first thought ... does she have what it takes to be a witch for a week or will it all end in a magical disaster? A new magical adventure from Kaye Umansky, the bestselling author of the spellbinding children's classic Pongwiffy, brought to life with charming illustrations from rising star Ashley King!
A brand new bind-up edition of the much-loved classic children's series Pongwiffy including A Witch of Dirty Habits and The Goblin's Revenge! Pongwiffy has just moved into a new cave, and it's dirty, smelly and damp - in other words it's perfect for a witch like Pongwiffy! At least it would be if her next door neighbours weren't a group of extremely noisy Goblins... Before long Pongwiffy can bear it no more and enlists the help of her best friend, Witch Sharkadder, to find her somewhere else to live. And that's when the problems really start! In the second story, the Goblins are back and up to their usual tricks! But this time Pongwiffy also has to deal with a badly behaved broom, a bonfire disaster and a strange genie.... Two laugh-out-loud stories of humour and warmth, enticingly mixed with much sludge, slime and very bad habits. Now with brand new illustrations from Katy Riddell!
The six knights clanking round the castle corridors are driving King Artie up the wall. He can't even visit the privy without them pestering him about jousting tournaments, the Code of Chivalry, the proper way to polish armour, and if Sir Tralahad sings another of his ridiculous songs Artie will chuck him off the ramparts. What the knights need, Queen Gwinnie says, is a room of their own for meetings. But that's easier said than done. And trouble really starts when someone brings a feast to a table that's more drop-leaf than round ...Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
A brand new red Early Reader about Belinda and the Bears' day at school, from bestselling author, Kaye Umansky, and illustrator, Chris Jevons. Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. There are two cottages in Honeybear Lane. One has a green door, and one has a blue door. Behind the green door lives Belinda. Behind the blue door live . . . The Three Bears! It's time for Baby Bear to go to school. Can Belinda help him learn all about making new friends, sharing and having fun?
I'M A NAUGHTY NAUGHTY MONSTER! ARE YOU READY? HERE I COME! I AM HUNGRY FOR MY DINNER AND I WANT YOU IN MY TUM! The Naughty Naughty Monster is looking for for a tasty meal to fill his monstrous belly. He rampages through woodland, farm and town, scaring all of the happy little animals that he thinks could make a good snack, but he runs into a fairy who is NOT happy with him at all! Will Naughty Naughty Monster learn his lesson and change his naughty ways? Kaye Umansky has written over 130 books for children and her work ranges from picture books to novels. She is best known for the Pongwiffy series. Greg Abbott is a talented new illustrator. Naughty, Naughty Monster is his first picture book.
I'M A NAUGHTY NAUGHTY MONSTER! ARE YOU READY? HERE I COME! I AM HUNGRY FOR MY DINNER AND I WANT YOU IN MY TUM! The Naughty Naughty Monster is looking for for a tasty meal to fill his monstrous belly. He rampages through woodland, farm and town, scaring all of the happy little animals that he thinks could make a good snack, but he runs into a fairy who is NOT happy with him at all! Will Naughty Naughty Monster learn his lesson and change his naughty ways? Kaye Umansky has written over 130 books for children and her work ranges from picture books to novels. She is best known for the Pongwiffy series. Greg Abbott is a talented new illustrator. Naughty, Naughty Monster is his first picture book.
Vi the Giantess loves little things - her thimble collection is almost out of control. So when a little chap called Jack pops up in her kitchen, her giant heart melts right away. But this Jack is a regular Jack-the-lad, intent on carrying off Vi's husband's treasures and keeping them for himself. Can Vi fight off her instincts and challenge the interloper? (With extra song lyrics). Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Collins Arabic Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 3 to 11. The series is structured with reference to the learning progression of Arabic at nursery and primary schools researched especially for Collins. This carefully graded approach allows children to build up their reading knowledge of Arabic step by step. Level 10 books include characters that express emotions and stories with more events. Non-fiction titles introduce terms that might be new to many children. Level 10 books continue to use single spacing and more high-frequency words appear without vowel markings to help the students get used to the traditional norms of printed Arabic. 'I want a pet! I want a pet! I hope I like the pet I get!' But when a boy goes to the Strange Pet Shop to find a companion, there's no knowing what he'll find there. This rollicking rhyming story is accompanied by wonderfully wacky illustrations of the most bizarre pets you could ever hope to meet! At the end of the story is a poster advertising the Strange Pet Shop, which is ideal of further discussion and recapping of the book in children's own words.
Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. There are two cottages in Honeybear Lane. One has a green door, and one has a blue door. Behind the green door lives Belinda. Behind the blue door live . . . The Three Bears! Goldilocks has broken Baby's chair, and Daddy Bear doesn't know how to fix it. Can Belinda help make it Just Right again? Kaye Umansky's new series for Early Readers is just as warm and delightful as her Algy's Amazing Adventures books. Every page is illustrated in full colour by Chris Jevons.
Prince Valentine of Romantica is absolutely outraged - some raggedy old witch has had the audacity to turn him into a frog! A FROG! This just cannot be allowed to stand. He's far too busy interviewing princesses for the honoured post of his girlfriend to be hopping around and squatting in murky water. He had a points system and everything. But apparently he needs to learnmanners. Honestly, some people...A side-splitting comedy caper, complete with Kaye Umansky's sparkling wit and spot-on humour, this is sure to be a hit with boys and girls of all ages. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Grimbleshanks just wanted to be invited to the Royal Christening. All the other fairies had been invited. But not her - just because she didn't like pink or frills or dancing on her tip-toes. Well, she would show them ...with a curse! Sleeping Beauty as you've never read it before. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Kaye Umansky's witty tale of Lincoln Green tights, girl power and boy-band hero, Robin, is sure to delight and entertain audiences and performers alike. Perfect for upper primary school performances, there are plenty of parts, large and small and a full quiver of show-stealing songs by award-winning composer, Stephen Chadwick. The outlaws of Sherwood Forest have raided again and the evil Prince John plots a trap for Robin Hood: he will hold an archery contest and award a golden arrow - and a dungeon - to the winner. Robin's eye-watering speed with his bow and arrow are legend, but as Marion and Mensa, the wise woman, suspect, it's all sleight of hand. Robin's a truly terrible shot! So how can he win the prize, avoid the dungeon and - most importantly - keep his fame intact? The complete performance pack with its photocopiable script, full audio CD support and piano vocal score includes everything you need for rehearsing and presenting the final show. No music reading required. To present a public performance of this musical you will need a performance licence. Simply email education@harpercollins.co.uk or phone 01484 668 148 and request a Performance Licence Application Form.
Take a great story and lots of silly sounds, mix with a happy helping of children, and you have a recipe for a Kaye Umansky Noisy Picture Book. Riotously funny retellings of favourite tales as you have never heard them before. Take a great story and lots of silly sounds, mix with a happy helping of children, and you have a recipe for a Kaye Umansky Noisy Picture Book. Riotously funny retellings of favourite tales as you have never heard them before. Mummy Pig waves goodbye to her three little trotters as they sing themselves off down the road to build new homes. What a din they make with their straw, sticks and bricks and what a gale the Wolf blows up when they won't let him into their proud little houses. But the Three Little Pigs have the noisiest last laugh for all to join in.
Take a great story and lots of silly sounds, mix with a happy helping of children, and you have a recipe for a Kaye Umansky Noisy Picture Book. Riotously funny retellings of favourite tales as you have never heard them before. Take a great story and lots of silly sounds, mix with a happy helping of children, and you have a recipe for a Kaye Umansky Noisy Picture Book. Riotously funny retellings of favourite tales as you have never heard them before. Little Red Hen finds a grain of wheat but who will help her plant and hoe it? To a lazy chorus of 'WOOF MEOW QUACK QUACK - YAWN!' from her friends, she stamps her feet with a 'CLUCK CLUCK CLUCK' and sets to work. Noisily colourful illustrations and an irresistible audio performance invite us to join the rapping, tapping, toiling and triumphant Little Red Hen.
Take a great story and lots of silly sounds, mix with a happy helping of children, and you have a recipe for a Kaye Umansky Noisy Picture Book. Riotously funny retellings of favourite tales as you have never heard them before.traditional story as you have never heard it before. Take a great story and lots of silly sounds, mix with a happy helping of children, and you have a recipe for a Kaye Umansky Noisy Picture Book. Riotously funny retellings of favourite tales as you have never heard them before. The Billy Goats Gruff find their trip-trapping path to the whispering grass across the oozing river ferociously interrupted by a ROAR!!!! Someone's eying up THEM for his breakfast. Noisily colourful illustrations and a hilarious audio performance invite you to join in with a joyful hullabaloo.
The Queen is fed up with Snow White. She's so sickeningly soppy and trilling and she turns her father the King into a gibbering fool. So when a run-of-the-mill magic mirror tells the Queen that Snow White is more beautiful than she is, Snow White has got to go! Laugh-out-loud comedy from a hugely popular author. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+
At last Old Maggit has won the Wickedest Witch Contest! She decorated her house with sweets and gingerbread to entire a brother and sister in, then locked one in the wood-shed, and made the other her slave. Well, that's what she put on the application form. The truth is a little - different! Brilliant revision of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+
Pinchton is left home alone and decides to invite the Weird family around - with chaotic results! Now re-jacketed in a stylish new package! When Pinchton Primm invites the Weird family over while his parents are away, he is nervous about them messing up his mother's pristine house. But not even Pinchton could have imagined the mess that would ensue! Is there any way to repair the damage before the Primms get home? More funny goings-on in this second book about the Weird family.
The Weird family move in next door and Pinchton Primm is fascinated by their very unconventional way of life! Re-jacketed in a stylish new package! Meet the Weird family. Mrs Weird is a stunt woman. Mr Weird is a mad scientist who has an unfortunate habit of blowing up houses. Then there's the children who run wild with their black cat, Ginger. Basically, they're all - well, weird. When they move next door to the Primms, who like nothing more than to be neat and tidy, things look like they might get a little messy! First in a series of riotous comedies.
Pinchton meets the newest member of the Weird family - the house plant. When they enter it into a local flower show, chaos and comedy ensue! Now re-jacketed in a stylish new package. A plant show? Yawn. Pinchton Primm thinks it'll be as boring as Sprout Surprise. But then the Weird family bring their house plant along - This plant is in a pot, but it's out of control - and it doesn't like losing competitions! The third brilliant book about the Weird family!
Ronald the Magnificent is the youngest wizard in the Wizards' Club. The trouble is, he is not a very good wizard and all the others tease him terribly. They don't even let him have his own chair. What Ronald needs is a pet so at least somebody is on his side. But pets are not allowed, so Ronald has to magic his pet up in secret. And when he does get his pet, it is not as easily controlled as Ronald would have liked. A very funny new book featuring wizards, fire-breathing, some misplaced magic and a lot of sausages!
Pongwiffy is very, very bored. It is raining and she has nothing to do. Pongwiffy is a Witch of Action, who hates being cooped up. Her idea of a good day is to be out and about, swapping gossip and recipes, and inviting herself to tea. But the incessant rain has put a stop to all that. Pongwiffy decides the Witches need some sort of excitement. And what better than a holiday? It is the matter of a moment for Pongwiffy to take the Coven's much treasured funds and blow them all on a trip to the ever popular holiday destination Sludgehaven-on-Sea. Which is precisely when the trouble starts A laugh-out-loud story that is witty and clever, enticingly mixed in with much sludge, slime and very bad habits.
It is spring-cleaning time and Pongwiffy is out of sorts. Hugo her Hamster Familiar and her Broom are insisting on clearing out her lovely, dirty hovel and making it spick and span - and she hates it. But there is one silver lining: as a result of all the tidying up, Pongwiffy unearths Granny Malodour's amazing recipe for Wishing Water - a traditional spell that actually works! But the ingredients are quite unusual and very hard to come by, and Pongwiffy is soon in a spot of bother A laugh-out-loud story that is witty and clever, enticingly mixed in with much sludge, slime and very bad habits.
Pongwiffy's Broom has come over all funny. At any mention of 'goblin' or 'axe' or 'chop' it seems to freeze over with fear (more than normal that is). If Pongwiffy could be bothered to speak Wood and have a conversation with the Broom, she would find out what is happening. But she doesn't - so she doesn't find out that the Goblins are planning to broomnap all the Witches' Brooms and subject them to a fate worse than a very clean and tidy house And perhaps if Pongwiffy had had her wits about her she would also have been a lot more careful when talking to Ali Pali, the unscrupulous Genie Pongwiffy needs to pay attention, Ali Pali has his greedy eyes on the closely-guarded contents of Pongwiffy's very own Dump! A laugh-out-loud story that is witty and clever, enticingly mixed in with much sludge, slime and very bad habits.
Pongwiffy is a witch of very dirty habits. She also has a problem - the cave she has just moved into is filthy (although that's not the problem, Pongwiffy likes it like that) but also has extremely noisy neighbours. The neighbours (not unsurprisingly, as the cave is in Goblin Territory), are Goblins, and as well as being very, very stupid, are very, very noisy. They are so noisy that Pongwiffy can bear it no more and enlists the help of her best friend, Witch Sharkadder, to find her somewhere else to live. Which is nearly the end of one very beautiful friendship A laugh-out-loud story that is witty and clever, enticingly mixed in with much sludge, slime and very bad habits.
Pongwiffy, a witch of very dirty habits, is slumming it as usual in her filthy hovel, Number One, Dump Edge, Witchway Wood. But all is not well with Pongwiffy. It is slowly dawning on her that a witch cannot live on greasy skunk stew, limitless supplies from Sugary Candy's, the local sweet shop, and the minimum of exercise alone. Pongwiffy's teeth, stomach and general body parts are crying out for some healthy care and attention. It is time to take action. It is time to get healthy. And Pongwiffy is determined to take not only her fellow witches, but all the residents of Witchway Wood with her. There is only one thing for it: the greatest sporting event to happen in Witchway Wood - the O'Lumpicks! A laugh-out-loud story that is witty and clever, enticingly mixed in with much sludge, slime and very bad habits.
I want to be a pirate.It's a pirate's life for me!I'll wear a skull-and-crossbones hatAnd sail the salty sea!Sail away with five little pirates in search of treasure and adventure . . . Dance a jig on a brig, decide how to wear your hat, discover that pirate food's disgusting, find that treasure chest and lots more - before coming safely home for tea! A rollicking and colourful collection to delight little pirates everywhere!
A humorous picture book taking a sideways look at the chaos caused by new arrivals! Colin the dog is not happy. A newcomer has arrived: Gloria the cat. Gloria eats from Colin's bowl, takes up residence in Colin's basket, and becomes the all-round centre of attention. But hey. What's this? A box has arrived. Jeffrey the rabbit has come to live with them. Colin and Gloria finally come to agree on something: We REALLY don't like Jeffrey!
Clover Twig is clever, neat and responsible. She also needs to find a job to help out her lovable and chaotic family. So when she sees a sign saying 'Wonted. Strong Gril to Cleen. Aply Mrs Eckles, Hous in the Woods', she knows this is the job for her, even though Mrs Eckles is (perhaps) a witch, even though the gate is rude to Clover, and it seems that the house in the woods, can, well ...fly ...
Lardine and Angula will make sure their stepsister doesn't go to the ball, marry the prince, or get her foot in that stupid shoe! Riotous retelling of the classic story. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
Following his star turn in I am a Tree Tim is back for more comic fun. This time he's spending half term cleaning cars, and screaming toddlers have taken over his home. He's not happy. Luckily his friend Flora is on hand to help out and have a joke with. Things start to look up. Until, that is, they encounter a very angry customer and a very wet Rottweiler. But in this comedy, who will have the last laugh?
A playscript set in Tudor times. A disparate group of people from all levels of Tudor society are on their way to London Town for different reasons. We have a professional actor, a doctor, a thief, a cook, and a serving wench. On the way a host of disasters happen to them ...will they ever reach their destination?
Three Rocking Crocs is a glorious and instantly accessible collection of traditional stories, retold with musical developments. They make excellent classroom projects and can lead to engaging assembly performances. The glorious and instantly accessible Threes series - Three Tapping Teddies, Three Singing Pigs, Three Rapping Rats - rocks into action again with this fine new collection of traditional stories, retold with musical developments for classroom or assembly. Aimed at children at the top end of primary, the stories are well suited to the age level, and the musical developments are challenging, while never forgetting that they are for generalist teachers to deliver. The eight stories, which range from the hilarious to the downright scary, include Beauty and the Beast, The Frog Prince, Theseus and the Minotaur, Dick Whittington and Baba Yaga. They make excellent classroom projects and can lead to engaging performances. Excellent alternative material for users of Music Express Years 5 and 6. Whiteboard/Photocopiable pdfs are available to download free at www.acblack.com/music
A music and literacy resource for Early Years. This work contains 15 lively chants and stories retold by Kaye Umansky. It includes favourites such as Goldilocks , Little Red Riding Hood , Pinocchio , Chicken Licken and Cinderella - with musical development activities by Helen MacGregor. A much-loved music and literacy resource for Early Years - now with a bright new cover! A musical treat - 15 lively, enchanting chants and stories retold by Kaye Umansky. Includes favourites such as Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio, Chicken Licken and Cinderella - all with imaginative musical develpment activities by Helen MacGregor.
This is the way we stomp our feet, Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! This is the way we like to eat, Chomp! Chomp! Chomp! Stomp! Chomp! Big Roars, Here come the dinosaurs! A brilliant third action rhymes book from the perfect duo of Kaye Umansky and Nick Sharratt. Following on from Tickle my Nose and Wiggle My Toes, this book focusses on the perennial favourites, dinosaurs, and boasts a whole host of brand new interactive fun rhymes about all sorts of things. Illustrated with Nick Sharratt's superbly vibrant and fantastic dinosaur characters, this will soon become a most popular book.
The goblinz have built a go-kart - the GobbleKart - and are taking up to Gaspup Hill to try it out. Unfortunately Old Ma Musty, the witch, lives on the top of the hill, and her goat Bill has escaped. The goblins think it would be a good idea to hitch the goat to the cart, just as Old Ma Musty sends out a searching spell - oh dear! The witch is furious and the kart and the goblinz end up in the pond.
'I want a pet! I want a pet! I hope I like the pet I get!' When a boy goes to the Strange Pet Shop to find a pet, there's no knowing what he'll find there. He is very particular, and nothing at the Strange Pet Shop suits him until, at last the perfect pet comes bounding through the door! * Green/ Band 5 books offer early readers patterned language and varied characters. * Text type - A poem with predictable structure and patterned language. * At the end of the story is a poster advertising the Strange Pet Shop, which is ideal for further discussion and supporting further work outside the reading session. * Curriculum links - Citizenship: Animals and us. * This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.
Hooray! Hooray! It's the horses' holiday! They come by coach, they come by car, they come from far away. This humorous rhyming story takes the reader on a riotous journey to Dobbin World, where the horses' holiday activities seem strikingly similar to our own. This is a Band 6/Orange book which offers varied text and characters, with action sustained over several pages. This is a humorous rhyming story and the postcard on pages 14 and 15 provides a new approach to revisiting and exploring the story. This book supports learning about geography near the seaside. This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery and quizzed for Accelerated Reader. For more guided reading books in this Collins Big Cat band, try Chewy Hughie (9780007186921) written by Jane Clarke and illustrated by Sarah McConnell.
A comic story set in mock-Victorian times. Solomon Snow discovers, to his amazement, that he is a foundling. A silver spoon was left with him as a baby, but Pa has pawned it. Solomon leaves home in high dudgeon to seek his spoon and his real parents. He joins up with Prudence Pridy, a very bossy girl, and a very irritating child called the Infant Prodigy, who can wind any adult round her little finger. Together they reach Town and promptly meet a glorious cast of assorted larger-than-life characters including a villainous pawnbroker, kidnappers, a child farmer, an awful orphanage and a cheery chimney-sweep's boy. Solly does find his spoon eventually - but the ending takes everyone by surprise.
My Very First Joke Book is full of the very funniest and best jokes! An excellent introduction to jokes and joke-telling. Over 60 jokes and rhymes, each with their own hilarious illustration - perfect for playground comedians. There are 'Knock, knock!' jokes, 'Doctor, doctor' jokes, monster jokes, and plain daft jokes. There are silly rhymes, crazy crossbreeds and a whole library of joke titles. Each one is in a large easy-to-read typeface and has its own humorous illustration to make it even funnier! Kaye Umansky is best known as the creator of Pongwiffy (Puffin) - hugely popular with children because of the irreverent humour. Kaye's trademark humour is evident in all her books and she is well qualified to write a joke book for very young children.
Spellovision has come to Witchway Wood and everyone's got one. Pongwiffy thinks it's boring and prefers old-fashioned amusement - like learning to play the guitar. Gradually all the witches join her, and the group becomes so popular that Pongwiffy suggests they go on Spellovision as they're better than the rubbish already on. So the great Spellovision Song Contest is born. Anyone can enter - except the Goblins who only care about driving cars. They make off with Sheridan Haggard's car and, in the ensuing chase, crash into Witchway Hall just as the deciding votes are coming in. The witches soon decide they've had enough of Spellovision and music - they can't wait to get back to magic.
The first Barn Owl in full colour is an enchanting story about the Giant Waldo who falls hopelessly in love with the picture of the beautiful Princess Clarissa. Guided by his friend Heavy Hetty the Wrestler, Waldo makes every romantic gesture he can think of. When he finally meets the princess he realises how unsuitable she would be and what a lot of fun his friend Hetty is. And Hetty seems to have a soft spot for Waldo too. A charming, humorous story in which the witty pictures sometimes tell a subtly different story from the text.
Black Cats is a brand new, on-going series of top stories. Children will come to trust the Black Cat logo as a sign of good writing in all genres: spooky, comic and magic, among others. These first six paperbacks are comic. Some are wild, some are mad, all of them are very funny. Written by the some of the most well-known comic writers - Terry Deary, Kaye Umansky and Jeremy Strong. Illustrated throughout, Black Cats are for confident young readers who like to lose themselves in great books.
There are roles for everybody in this humorous stage version of Sleeping Beauty. Complete with Dame, Principle Boy and slapstick comedy, but not without its darker moments, Sleeping Beauty is intended as the perfect pantomime.
A wonderfully quirky rhyming text from an excellently amusing author/ illustration team.
A rhyming picture book in which a group of children prepare for a party. The bright, action-packed illustrations feature all kinds of delicious food.
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