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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!
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.
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. ~ Andrea Reece Also linked to the book are some fantastic free downloadable resources that we would love to share with you including a Make your own Globe Theatre and a playscript of The Tempest. Also, in the back of the book you will find various activities and quizzes, including make-your- own puppets. Part of the Conkers series from Barrington Stoke, aimed at readers aged 6 to 9, for a wide range of readers and abilities. Each Conker title combines a story with lots of extras such as riddles, quizzes and fun facts.
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 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.
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 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. Legends and Lies is another one from the same stable. For further information do go to their website.
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.
Kid Force 3 are Jayden, Layla and Caleb. They aren't regular kids, they're super kids - each with an amazing superhero power. In this story, Gerneal Mayhem kidnaps Caleb in a ploy to trap his friends ... and she has a dangerous proposal for them once they find her! This title is published by Franklin Watts EDGE, which produces a range of books to get children reading with confidence. This series is suitable for guided reading with children aged 5+, but also for older readers with low reading confidence or struggling to enjoy books (reluctant readers). Reading age 6 years old, Book Band Orange 6, Interest Level 6-11 years old. Get the whole series! EDGE: Kid Force 3: Alien Kidnap EDGE: Kid Force 3: Robot Runaway EDGE: Kid Force 3: Day of Doom EDGE: Kid Force 3: General Mayhem EDGE: Kid Force 3: Dr Vlogger EDGE: Kid Force 3: The Toxic Cookie Monster
Kid Force 3 are Jayden, Layla and Caleb. They aren't regular kids, they're super kids - each with an amazing superhero power. In this story, Earth looks doomed when a huge asteroid is heading straight for the planet ... can Kid Force 3 use their powers to stop the deadly collision? This title is published by Franklin Watts EDGE, which produces a range of books to get children reading with confidence. This series is suitable for guided reading with children aged 5+, but also for older readers with low reading confidence or struggling to enjoy books (reluctant readers). Reading age 6 years old, Book Band Turquoise 7, Interest Level 6-11 years old. Get the whole series! EDGE: Kid Force 3: Alien Kidnap EDGE: Kid Force 3: Robot Runaway EDGE: Kid Force 3: Day of Doom EDGE: Kid Force 3: General Mayhem EDGE: Kid Force 3: Dr Vlogger EDGE: Kid Force 3: The Toxic Cookie Monster
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+
Kid Force 3 are Jayden, Layla and Caleb. They aren't regular kids, they're super kids - each with an amazing superhero power. In this story, Emperor of the Vordar has invaded planet Earth! Can Kid Force 3 save the human race from the alien takeover? This title is published by Franklin Watts EDGE, which produces a range of books to get children reading with confidence. This series is suitable for guided reading with children aged 5+, but also for older readers with low reading confidence or struggling to enjoy books (reluctant readers). Reading age 6 years old, Book Band Turquoise 7, Interest Level 6-11 years old. Get the whole series! EDGE: Kid Force 3: Alien Kidnap EDGE: Kid Force 3: Robot Runaway EDGE: Kid Force 3: Day of Doom EDGE: Kid Force 3: General Mayhem EDGE: Kid Force 3: Dr Vlogger EDGE: Kid Force 3: The Toxic Cookie Monster
Kid Force 3 are Jayden, Layla and Caleb. They aren't regular kids, they're super kids - each with an amazing superhero power. In this story, a professor's new robot malfunctions and escapes, out of control. Can Kid Force 3 track it down and stop it from destroying everything in its path? This title is published by Franklin Watts EDGE, which produces a range of books to get children reading with confidence. This series is suitable for guided reading with children aged 5+, but also for older readers with low reading confidence or struggling to enjoy books (reluctant readers). Reading age 6 years old, Book Band Turquoise 7, Interest Level 6-11 years old. Get the whole series! EDGE: Kid Force 3: Alien Kidnap EDGE: Kid Force 3: Robot Runaway EDGE: Kid Force 3: Day of Doom EDGE: Kid Force 3: General Mayhem EDGE: Kid Force 3: Dr Vlogger EDGE: Kid Force 3: The Toxic Cookie Monster
HOME AGAIN tells twelve moving tales of homecoming, centred around VE Day. With a foreword by Forces Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn. Produced in partnership with The Royal British Legion for the 75th anniversary of VE Day. A child evacuee, a Bletchley Park codebreaker, a rebel fighter, an Indian Army soldier... Each inspiring and authentic story helps to bring the end of World War Two into focus. Every story is followed by a fact file, packed with detail on different parts of the war. Stories written by Bali Rai, Leila Rasheed, Tony Bradman, Jim Eldridge, E.L. Norry and Emily Hibbs. 50p per paperback from the sale of HOME AGAIN in the UK will be paid to Royal British Legion Trading Limited which gives its taxable profits to The Royal British Legion (Charity no. 219279).
Mum won't get out of bed. His best friend has dumped him. And school work is just too difficult. Jayden wants to do the right thing - but how can he when it feels like the world is conspiring against him? Everything is going wrong, and when a supply teacher turns up to take his class, Jayden's sure things will keep on getting worse. But Mrs Wilson is not quite the teacher Jayden expected ... can she help turn his bad day around? A touching and sensitively told story of life as a young carer from beloved author Tony Bradman. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
An atmospheric retelling of the story of Macbeth, perfect for fans of Viking Boy and Janina Ramirez. One dark and stormy night, two men come across three witches who foretell the future. One man is promised a royal future as king, the other that his son will rule one day. But King Duncan still lives and the path to the throne is unclear. What follows next is murder most foul... This atmospheric retelling of William Shakespeare's Macbeth from much-loved author Tony Bradman has haunting black-and-white illustrations by Mark Oldroyd and is a perfect introduction to Shakespeare's classic story. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with brilliant books to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2, with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence covering a wide range of genres and topics. With charming illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for reading both in the classroom and at home. For more information visit www.bloomsburyguidedreading.com. Book Band: Dark Blue Ideal for ages 9+
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