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Tony Bradman was born in 1954 (not during the Jurassic era, as his children have been known to claim). He went to school in London, and then Cambridge University. After university he worked in the music press, then became Deputy Editor of Parents magazine, and began reviewing children’s books. He had his first book for children published in 1985 and became a full-time author in 1987.
He is a hugely prolific author with a particular passion for bringing history to life for young people. He is a regular at all the major literary festivals, reviews for The Guardian and is the Chair of the Siobhan Dowd Trust. He is perhaps best known in the UK for his Dilly the Dinosaur stories. His books have sold more than two million copies worldwide and he has been published in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Japan amongst others.
Tony loves films and popular culture. He lives in Beckenham, Kent with his wife Sally and their three children Emma, Helen and Thomas and Rufus the cat.
TONY BRADMAN Q&A:
If you were a Viking warrior, what would your name be? And what about your battle cry?
I love Viking warrior names – my favourites are Erik Bloodaxe, Ivar The Boneless and of course, Harald Hardnut. I’d like my name to be exciting too! But the Vikings had a great sense of humour, and I’m not very tall, so I’d expect they would call me stumpy or something like that. My battle cry would be easy – “Yaaaaaaagggghhh”
Which of the places in the book would you most like to visit: Russia, Norway or Constantinople? Why?
I’d like to visit them all. Constantinople is now called Istanbul, and it’s an ancient city full of interesting things. I studied Russian at school and so I’d love to visit places like Novogorod and Kiev. And in fact, I’ve just booked up to go to Oslo, capital of Norway – and the first place I’ll visit is the Viking Ship Museum….
If you were a Viking warrior, and could have any person from history/film/books in your gang – who would you choose? And Why? What would the gang be called?
I’d pick all the great Viking warriors – Harald Hardnut, Erik Bloodaxe, the Godwin brothers Tostig and Harold, maybe Thor the Norse God, Beowulf, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Boromir and Faramir from Lord of the Rings and loads of others. What would we be called? Why The Cool Vikings, of course!
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Tony Bradman’s gripping novella about a (bad) day in the life of a boy caring for his mum is truly touching, and especially great for reluctant readers – the concise, considered storytelling holds attention, and the short chapters are perfect for encouraging readers to keep going, or take a break, as they require. Jayden’s Mum hasn’t been herself since losing her job at the supermarket. “Maybe Mum would do the washing today,” he wonders before school one morning. “They really needed some shopping as well – the fridge was almost empty.” With Mum still in bed, Jayden gets little sister Madison ready for school, all the while worrying about what they’ll do when there’s no money at all, what they’ll eat for dinner now the cupboards are bare. Things get even worse at school when his best friend tells him to “go away...We’re not friends anymore.” Meanwhile, Jayden’s new supply teacher isn’t having a good day either: “She’d wanted to teach kids, but she had also wanted to make a difference to their lives. Yet things had changed, and over the last few years she had seemed to spend all her time filling out forms... And that made her feel cross and sad.” And now she’s here in Jayden’s school feeling lost, wondering whether she should be a teacher at all. Seeing Jayden look so sad pains her heart and then, when his sadness turns to anger and erupts like an angry volcano, Miss Wilson helps him see light at the end of his dark tunnel. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Book band: Purple Ideal for ages: 6+ | This new series from Bloomsbury Education is geared at turning children into independent readers. Not only will the books give youngsters a boost into solo reading, they’ll also make it easier and more enjoyable for the adults helping children as they come with useful tips and notes. The books are short and divided into chapters thereby breaking the story into manageable chunks. The adventures are lively and fast-moving though told via short sentences and carefully chosen vocabulary: some words are highlighted in the Tips for Grown Ups section on the inside cover, so that children can learn them and their meanings. Full colour illustrations amplify the action and make the books really attractive to look at too. Written by favourite authors, these are well worth collecting and are just the thing for children ready for reading.
Tony Bradman packs a great deal of adventure and humour into this little book, all presented in a way to make it ideal for new readers. Elvis is an impetuous young squirrel, and persuades his friend Chuck to leap onto the bird table without looking. Uh-oh, before you can say “Breakfast is served”, a huge crow called Ronnie has snatched Chuck away. Can Elvis persuade the other garden birds to help him in a rescue attempt? It’s a learning experience for Elvis, while readers will appreciate the short chapters and bright full colour illustrations, and as well as the exciting story of course, which all keep the pages turning smoothly
In a nutshell: vivid, thrilling Bronze Age adventure This gripping historical adventure opens in dramatic fashion at Stone Henge: young Maglos and his father the High Priest are preparing for the important mid-summer sacrifice when Maglos’s uncle strikes down his brother on the sacred altar. Narrowly escaping the same fate, Maglos must leave his home and travel the land with two strangers. Treated with kindness, he finds a new family in them and learns the secret of smelting copper then bronze before finally returning to avenge his father’s murder. It’s as much a story of friends and companionship and a celebration of the skill, resilience and humanity of our ancient ancestors as it is a story or revenge. Tony Bradman brings the Bronze Age and its people vividly to life, and Maglos is an intriguing and appealing central character. Andrea Reece Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 Set in 2,300 BC, this stunning tale from historical specialist Tony Bradman weaves together fact and fiction in a gripping adventure covering the coming of the Bronze Age. 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.
Outbreak in London, 1665 - 1666 | London is in the grip of a terrible plague and Daniel has been locked in his own home, doomed to die alongside his infected family. Can he find a way to escape before he catches the disease, too? And with the streets full of criminals and corrupt plague doctors, who can he turn to if he does? A thrilling story about a young boy's fight to stay alive during one of history's deadliest epidemics.
An action-packed Anglo-Saxon tale of one boy's journey to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The story of one Anglo-Saxon boy's journey to the Battle of Hastings in 1066: Key Stage 2 History brought to life as battle-packed adventure. 1065: Magnus is the son of Harold Godwinson, lord of the Southern Saxons and ruthlessly ambitious claimant to the throne of England. Overnight, Magnus finds himself cast centre-stage in the blood-soaked family feud that led to one of history's most famous battles. This is the family tragedy behind 1066: live it with Magnus, as the wolves of history close in on his Anglo-Saxon boyhood.
Young readers wondering what’s so special about Shakespeare as celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of his death get underway would do well to read Tony Bradman’s cheerful story of life at the Globe circa 1611. The cast of characters includes Toby Cuffe an orphan boy, and William Shakespeare himself. Sent to the Globe to do some pickpocketing, Toby is too intrigued by the action on stage to make a successful getaway. He’s caught but the Globe’s owners give him a break and a job – he loves it, and even gives Shakespeare the idea for The Tempest. Tony Bradman’s enthusiasm for Shakespeare and his plays is infectious and makes clear why a visit to the Globe was such a treat. Praise is due too to illustrator Tom Morgan-Jones, whose ‘inky daubs’ are as lively and vivid as the text.
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+ Children are hyper-sensitive to unfairness, and the lives described in this Barrington Stoke World War One novel are full of episodes of arbitrary cruelty making for compulsive reading. When brothers Bert and Frank are orphaned they go to live at St Patrick’s orphanage. It’s a terrible place, with the priests the worst thing about it. The boys are soon sent from the orphanage to live in Australia, round the other side of the world. Despite Bert’s promise to his little brother that he’ll always look after him, the two are forced apart, only to meet years later on the battlefield of Gallipoli, where Bert gets the chance to be true to his word at last. Written specifically with dyslexic or struggling readers in mind, this short novel tells a powerful, dramatic story and has a wide appeal. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 9+. Read more on why Tony Bradman wrote Anzac Boys here. 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 11+ Reading Age 8+ | For some thrilling real life action and adventure, you won’t get much better than Tony Bradman’s Harald Hardnut. The most reluctant reader will devour it quickly. Plenty of fighting and killing and far more interesting and compelling than the way Vikings are taught in the classroom but just as informative. This book is part of Barrington Stoke’s ‘Reality Check’ series of stories that are stranger than fiction and rest assured it’s also a great way to be more informed about science. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Interest Age 11+ Reading Age 8+ | Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ For some thrilling real life action and adventure, you won’t get much better than Tony Bradman’s Harald Hardnut. The most reluctant reader will devour it quickly. Plenty of fighting and killing and far more interesting and compelling than the way Vikings are taught in the classroom but just as informative. 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+ Light-hearted, fun football story. Danny, Jamil and Lewis are delighted when a football legend agrees to coach their team, but he's not exactly what they expected... Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+ This book is also available to read via the Barrington Stoke 'Tints' App. Find out more here.
Interest Age - 8-12 / Reading Age 8+. A fun football story. When the England football team start training at Luke's local ground, he'll do anything to meet his heroes! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+
The whole Kingdom is very excited - there's going to be a new royal baby! This is a charming story that captures the joy and excitement of a new baby (whether they're royal or not!). Set in a timeless kingdom, this is an irreverently funny and heart-warming story. A Piece of Passion from the Commissioning Editor My name is Peter Marley and I am a commissioning editor for children’s picture books at Oxford University Press. It is my job to find new talent and to work with authors and illustrators to create books that children and parents will love. The Royal Baby is a picture book that captures the excitement leading up to the arrival of a new baby. It is a very happy time, and, naturally, there is often a lot of fun speculation about what the baby will be like: will it be a boy or girl, tall or short, dark or fair, sporty or musical. What I love about this story is that it captures that excitement in a really funny way and then offers children a lovely, reassuring message – which is that they will be loved and cherished no matter what they are like.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 A case of mistaken identity means everything changes in this sweet story from Tony Bradman, with gorgeous illustrations by award-winning Ross Collins.
Interest Age 9-12 Reading Age 7+. The boy wizard, learning his destiny in this exciting story, is none other than Merlin, the most powerful wizard in the history of England...and the man behind the success of the legendary King Arthur. Tony Bradman weaves a spell binding story of power and magic mingled in a mythical past filled with dragons, danger and destiny. 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 9-12 Reading Age 8+. Young Merlin knows he has been chosen to play an important part in his country’s future. Having come to understand his destiny, and the reasons why he is special, he begins to find his magical powers are growing. But Merlin’s life is always in danger; in this dramatic tale he needs to keep his wits around him if he is to keep himself safe from threats on all sides, including from the King.
Perfectly pitched for younger readers, this is a timely collection of stories about an urgent matter that will affect everyone’s future. The stories have a global perspective with different authors tackling the different consequences of the world warming up. Crucially, although there are terrible things that happen as a result of climate change – as in Candy Gourlay’s story How to Build the Perfect Sandcastle which shows how an island in the Philippines is threatened by the temperature rise – this collection also shows that there is hope as children take action to make changes. From the effects of rising sea levels to changes in animal behaviour and human lifestyles, these powerful stories portray the issues surrounding climate change in personal terms and so bring them vividly to life. Timely and hugely relevant these stories are as full of warmth and humour as they are providing warnings and inspiration and whether read from cover to cover or dipped into for one or two stories, will enlighten and inspire everyone to consider how climate change will affect us all unless we do something about it, and now.
Dilly, the world famous dinosaur with a 150 mile-per-hour scream, decides to give his father something special for his birthday. Can he really be good for a whole day? Dilly does his very best with delightful results in this easy-to-read story for developing readers.
Perfectly pitched for younger readers, this is a timely collection of stories about an urgent matter that will affect everyone’s future. The stories have a global perspective with different authors tackling the different consequences of the world warming up. Crucially, although there are terrible things that happen as a result of climate change – as in Candy Gourlay’s story How to Build the Perfect Sandcastle which shows how an island in the Philippines is threatened by the temperature rise – this collection also shows that there is hope as children take action to make changes. From the effects of rising sea levels to changes in animal behaviour and human lifestyles, these powerful stories portray the issues surrounding climate change in personal terms and so bring them vividly to life. Timely and hugely relevant these stories are as full of warmth and humour as they are providing warnings and inspiration and whether read from cover to cover or dipped into for one or two stories, will enlighten and inspire everyone to consider how climate change will affect us all unless we do something about it, and now.
Interest Age 11+ Reading Age 7+. Well loved and prolific author Tony Bradman has written a follow-up to the extremely popular Alien. When Jake discovers he has been betrayed by someone in his squad he needs to find out who it was. Utterly gripping, it is sure to make any reader devour it in a sitting. It’s just 50 pages long and is perfect for reluctant or struggling readers aged 12+ but who might have a younger reading age, or for teens who just want a good, quick read. Click here to see the first title Alien
All the horrors of tests are laid to rest in this gentle story about a young fairy who worries about her magic powers. When the teacher announces a spell test, Flora gets into a panic. Boastful Harry is sure he’ll pass with flying colours but Flora is not sure her own skills are up to it. Luckily, when she gets a bit wobbly, Mum, Dad, Nana and Grandpop are all more than willing to help her learn the magic words. Flora can do magic; she’s just nervous of the test…
A wonderful celebration of a boy who is thought to be bad but is just... different! At school, Michael’s teachers despair of him. He is late, scruffy, cheeky and doesn’t listen. He loves reading and sums and science. But NOT the kind that happens in school. While the teachers wag their fingers, Michael gets set for the adventure of his life. Oh, how those teachers have misjudged him! The simple text is effortlessly and perfectly extended in the illustrations. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
A tender story of how a Dad gives night-time comfort to a tiny baby. When Dad comes home from work all seems quiet, everyone is asleep. But are they? Dad finds the baby awake and sets about comforting it with a night time lullaby. For information regarding other titles by Tony Bradman please click here.
For some thrilling real life action and adventure, you won’t get much better than Tony Bradman’s Harald Hardnut. The most reluctant reader will devour it quickly. Plenty of fighting and killing and far more interesting and compelling than the way Vikings are taught in the classroom but just as informative. This book is part of Barrington Stoke’s ‘Reality Check’ series of stories that are stranger than fiction and rest assured it’s also a great way to be more informed about science. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ For some thrilling real life action and adventure, you won’t get much better than Tony Bradman’s Harald Hardnut. The most reluctant reader will devour it quickly. Plenty of fighting and killing and far more interesting and compelling than the way Vikings are taught in the classroom but just as informative. 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.
Dilly the Dinosaur, famous for his exceptionally loud, 150 mile-an-hour scream when he doesn’t get what he wants, is here celebrated in a dozen stories. Unfortunately, Dilly always attracts disaster so, it is not surprising that in each of this familiar, domestic episodes reflecting everyday life (but with dinosaur characteristics) such as starting school and a sleepover, things go rather noisily wrong…
A wonderfully quirky story by Tony Bradman about a little girl who is not happy with the arrival of a little brother into the world is complemented brilliantly by some illustrations that are sure to get the smallest little child giggling away!
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+ | This is a terrific page-turner that will have particular appeal to children of 9+ who have a reading age that is below that level. Tony Bradman has created a really believable and powerful adventure set in Roman times that will have the reader asking for more. Barrington Stoke's mission is to help children enjoy reading by publishing accessible, enjoyable and unpatronising short books for children who are dyslexic, struggling to read, or simply reluctant to sit down with a book.
This is a fantastic new series, perfect for boys aged 6+ who are just starting out on the fun of reading alone, or perhaps for those boys who aren’t yet hooked on reading but will become so having met Tommy Niner, from award-winning and bestselling author Tony Bradman. He has created, in Tommy Niner a nine-year old boy whose home is a spaceship along with his dad, grand dad and the Stardust’s onboard computer Ada. Wild and wacky adventures ensue and they do get themselves in a bit of danger from time to time but each time one of them manages to save the day. There will be more Tommy Niner adventures to come.
Great book and a terrific series for boys about mischievous meddler Tom Bailey and his riotous medieval family. Tony Bradman is brilliant at bringing alive his stories through some wonderful characters and a great deal of wit and humour too.
Hilarious fun from medieval times. When Tom rashly claims that his father is the best jouster in the world he soon finds himself in trouble. How can he save his overweight and unfit father from the skilful and superfit Black Knight who challenges him?
Dads and the welter of emotions that surround them, especially for their sons! Tony Bradman has gathered together a collection of twelve excellent brand-new stories exploring the many different roles dads can play in their sons’ lives and the complicated reactions to them. Farrukh Dhondy captures the terrible moment a son sees his father’s vulnerability in Beri Beri and others too look at the painful moment when a son realizes his father’s weaknesses. But there are shared joys and triumphs too in a collection that includes stories from some of the best contemporary writers.
A sparky non-fiction guide to the Viking world, told by the hero of Tony Bradman's bestselling novel Viking Boy. Take a real-life tour of the everyday world of Gunnar, a teenage Viking boy: find out how the Vikings lived, what they believed, how they travelled and fought, and gained their legendary reputation as warriors. Gunnar tells us the real story of growing up as a Viking in an exciting first-hand account, introducing us to family and friends, famous warriors, sea-raiders and even a Norse god! Packed with historical facts, figures and anecdotes, with illustrated information panels on topics from Viking poetry to battle and bloodlust, this is a brilliant new read for Viking fanatics, both at home and in the classroom.
Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. In Ant and the Baby Ant is too small to see the baby at first, but soon manages to find a way using his watch. Each book contains inside cover notes that highlight challenge words, prompt questions and a range of follow-up activities to support children in their reading.
Young readers wondering what’s so special about Shakespeare as celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of his death get underway would do well to read Tony Bradman’s cheerful story of life at the Globe circa 1611. The cast of characters includes Toby Cuffe an orphan boy, and William Shakespeare himself. Sent to the Globe to do some pickpocketing, Toby is too intrigued by the action on stage to make a successful getaway. He’s caught but the Globe’s owners give him a break and a job – he loves it, and even gives Shakespeare the idea for The Tempest. Tony Bradman’s enthusiasm for Shakespeare and his plays is infectious and makes clear why a visit to the Globe was such a treat. Praise is due too to illustrator Tom Morgan-Jones, whose ‘inky daubs’ are as lively and vivid as the text.
Build your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right level A hilarious tale about a mischievous king who is desperate to show off his clever tricks to three unsuspecting princes. Find out what he gets up to, and whether anyone can beat him at his own game. Ruby/Band 14 books give increasing opportunities for children to develop their skills of inference and deduction. Text type: A traditional tale from another culture Curriculum links: English: fairy stories, myths and legends; books from other cultures and traditions This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.
The micro-friends arrive on Planet Exis, but a space villain called Badlaw is waiting for them! Now Nok needs the friends' help to defeat Badlaw and save the planet. Find out what happens in Planet Exis. In Attack of the Buzzles, our heroes are chased by a swarm of scary-looking insects will they be able to get away? Nok leads the micro-friends to his home to find his parents, the King and Queen of Exis, but the palace is deserted. Find out what's happened to them in The Empty Palace. In Battle with the Beast, the mysterious Arkon explains to Max, Cat, Ant, Tiger and Nok about the mission that they must go on but first they must face a giant energy beast! Nok loses the precious mission map in Nurp Stampede. Find out if the micro-friends can get it back before they are spotted by Badlaw's Krools. In The Trap, Nok is caught in a trap set by the Krools. Find out if Max, Cat, Ant, Tiger and Seven can save him in time. Each book comes with notes on the inside front and back covers for teachers, TAs and parents/carers, which give question prompts and points for discussion, challenge words, and additional activities that children can do.
After offering to find out who has been stealing golden apples, Alexei meets the legendary firebird, a princess, and the villain Koschei. Using the world's largest known database of writing for and by children, our experts have defined 300 ambitious words to help children succeed at school. We've combined these with finelly levelled books that help you develop support comprehension and fluency, while inspiring and engaging your young readers.
November 1920. The body of an unknown soldier is to be buried at Westminster Abbey. The war has claimed the lives of thousands of men whose bodies will never make it home, and the Unknown Warrior will represent them all. As hundreds of people crowd to Westminster Abbey, Daisy knows she has to make it to the ceremony. Because although they call the warrior 'unknown', she is sure that he is her father ...
Danny and his mates Jamil and Lewis are over the moon when football legend Jock Ramsey agrees to coach their team. For the first time ever the Rovers might have a chance of winning something! But Ramsey's a tough coach. They train every night, and Saturdays too. It's a lot of pressure for lads who just like a kickabout in the park. Can Danny, Lewis and Jamil survive the pressure and stay football crazy - in a good way? A brand-new 4u2read edition of a fun and light-hearted football story from reluctant-reader favourite Tony Bradman. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 7+
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