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Brian Patten was born in Liverpool in 1946. His poetry for adults has been published in many languages and his collections include ‘Love Poems’, ‘Storm Damage’, and ‘Grinning Jack’. His work for children includes the poetry collections ‘Gargling with Jelly’ and ‘Thawing Frozen Frogs’ as well as plays and the award-winning novel ‘Mr Moon’s Last Case’.
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | Interest Age 7-10 Brian Patten tells the story of the hero Beowulf in vivid, accessible prose; in Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series, aimed at readers of 6 – 8, he chooses not to skip any of the gore of Beowulf’s fights with the monster Grendel and his even more terrifying mother, but it’s lightened with touches of humour and poignancy. Illustrations are by Chris Riddell and full of atmosphere and drama: Grendel’s mother crouched in her bed of bones is a masterpiece of revulsion and pity. Storytelling of this quality is rare, and while the book is ostensibly for younger readers, this is a wonderful introduction to Beowulf for anyone, whatever their age. ~ Andrea Reece About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
Award-winning Nicola Bayley’s stunning illustrations of animals from the tiny mouse, who leads an expedition of curious friends on a great adventure, to the enormous whale ‘the biggest creature in the world’ who is their find, captivate readers as they follow this delightful and satisfying ‘building’ story. Brian Patten’s lyrical text tells the story of how a brave little mouse needs nothing more than curiosity and courage to set out on a big adventure. The frog, the otter, the kingfisher, the dog and the tiger, among others, all join him and are equally rewarded by their find.
Age 7+. A wonderful collection of witty and thought provoking poems on every subject you can think of. Ever thought Why Toads Look Much More Serious Than Frogs? Probably not. But, after reading Brian Patten’s poem you may look at a pond in a whole new way!
Age: Baby +. On a cold winter's night one animal after another invites himself into a house and by the time it's bedtime there's all manner of animals and scarecrow tucked up by the fire. Some delightful close-up and colourful illustrations show the detail on each and every animal that appears. A lovely bedtime read and a great way for toddlers to learn the names of lots of different animals.
Brian Patten is one of Britain's best-loved poets. This is his retelling of the touching story of Jumping Mouse, a remarkable Native American fol tale and teaching story that has captivated people of all ages for many years. Brian first heard this story from a friend when they were riding through Dublin on the top of a bus. Stories, like buses travel and this one tells how a mouse has the courage to leave the security of its nest in the roots of a giant tree, and set out on a dangerous journey of self-discovery. It's a beautifully written story and one to treasure, and like The Little Prince is a memorable story for all ages. 'A magic book, moving and wise, Jumping Mouse is the lind of story a child will remember forever' Roger McGough
Age 6+ This is a wonderful celebration of poems by ten of the most outstanding poets of the last 30 years or so. There’s something here for all the family to share and enjoy, time after time. There’s even an interview with each poet to introduce you to their poetry. Each of them has a highly individual voice making this poetry book on of the most varied in selection.
One dark night, the music and singing wake a monster from a swamp ... Warrior after warrior comes to slay the monster, but no one can outwit Grendel. Only the great hero Beowulf stands a chance - but even he is not prepared for the horror that lies in wait.A stunning prose retelling of a Beowulf tale from an author-illustrator dream-team. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
The Book Of Upside Down Thinking, by the famed Liverpool poet Brian Patten, is a magical collection of verse written in Morocco and inspired by traditional folk-tales and stories from the Near and Middle East, many dating back as far as the eleventh century. This beautifully designed collection features colourful hand-drawn tile illustrations alongside Brian's original poems, which show the world from a different, and unexpected, perspective. The Book Of Upside Down Thinking is published fifty years after the anniversary of the publication in 1967 of `The Mersey Sound', the ground-breaking poetry collection co-written with fellow-Liverpudlians, Roger McGough and the late Adrian Henri. Witty, contemporary and written in accessible language, the collection transformed the landscape of British poetry. With many award-winning poetry and children's books published since, Brian is set to turn our thinking on its head once more in The Book of Upside Down Thinking.
Ben and Mary have got an embarrassing problem, their parents - they're impossible! Ben and Mary's parents are a total embarrassment, whether they're at school for parents' day or at home wanting to become green. And now Mr Norm has entered a poetry competition and claims he's won - surely that's impossible!
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | Interest Age 7-10 Brian Patten tells the story of the hero Beowulf in vivid, accessible prose; in Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series, aimed at readers of 6 – 8, he chooses not to skip any of the gore of Beowulf’s fights with the monster Grendel and his even more terrifying mother, but it’s lightened with touches of humour and poignancy. Illustrations are by Chris Riddell and full of atmosphere and drama: Grendel’s mother crouched in her bed of bones is a masterpiece of revulsion and pity. Storytelling of this quality is rare, and while the book is ostensibly for younger readers, this is a wonderful introduction to Beowulf for anyone, whatever their age. ~ Andrea Reece About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
Gargling with Jelly by Brian Patten, one of our best-loved poets. Hilarious, lyrical, outrageous and serious poems all rub shoulders in this collection. Naughty children with nasty habits, cartoon heroes that come to life, lonely caretakers, unhappy ghosts, fantastical creatures with crazy names, giants, goblins, vampires, mermaids ... there's never a dull moment in this marvellously quirky and refreshing jelly pot!
A very small mouse decided it wanted to have a very big adventure. I'll go and find the biggest creature in the world, it thought. Along the way it meets many different animals and when at last they find the biggest creature, the little mouse feels a great sense of achievement. 'Sheer delight' Amanda Craig, The Times 'A truly lovely book!' The Independent on Sunday
Award-winning Nicola Bayley’s stunning illustrations of animals from the tiny mouse, who leads an expedition of curious friends on a great adventure, to the enormous whale ‘the biggest creature in the world’ who is their find, captivate readers as they follow this delightful and satisfying ‘building’ story. Brian Patten’s lyrical text tells the story of how a brave little mouse needs nothing more than curiosity and courage to set out on a big adventure. The frog, the otter, the kingfisher, the dog and the tiger, among others, all join him and are equally rewarded by their find.
It all started with a scarecrow coming into the house out of the snow, bringing with him the mouse that lived up his sleeve. But it wasn't only these two who were looking for a warm place to snuggle up!
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