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Find out moreMark Beech has been a freelance illustrator for the last ten years, and nowadays works a great deal in the world of children’s publishing. From picture books for early readers, to education and fiction books for older readers, he has even made a picture book for the ipad, which allows him to animate illustrations. He also designs greeting cards, and has even been known to work in the world of advertising from time to time.
Interest Age 7-12 Reading Age 8 | I knew I was going to like this book from the inscription… To all kids who are so well behaved who are SO good at always doing the right thing…that no one notices them. This is a wonderfully dramatic book based on the perfect pupil Beth, who is convinced she will again be the winner for the best-behaved pupil at the oncoming prize giving. However, the temptation is too great when she finds the headmaster’s diary with the prize winners written inside and is horrified to find she has not won at all. From then on, she is no longer Miss Perfect and her life is completely changed. This is where the author weaves in the plot and characters of Macbeth in a humorous and clever way. Beth, like Macbeth, realized almost too late in her case, that villainy comes at a price. For those familiar with the play there are clever links throughout, from the titles of the chapters to the various references such as the red ink spot on Beth’s hand, her inability to sleep, and the final twist - winning is all. What is so clever is that the story flows beautifully without any knowledge of the bard and is just as entertaining and readable. Indeed, the messages of loyalty and trust to one’s friends and the importance of being honest with yourself are important messages at any level. It is a super story and will sit happily on my shelf next to my copy of Tripwrecked which was equally enjoyable. Going back to the initial inscription, it is so true and you see it all the time in school, those that get noticed are the naughty, the bright, and those struggling. The middlemen, who coast along without causing any problems, behavioural or academic, are often quietly overlooked. It was nice to see this highlighted and recognised. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | What a super introduction to Shakespeare and his play The Tempest. The story tells of a group of school children who are on a ferry to perform the play in a festival in Italy. If you know the Tempest, you can probably guess that their ferry capsizes, and the group are shipwrecked. The drama then unfolds! Half of the actors wash up on the beach, the other half and their teacher, Mr Fortune (or not so fortunate) are missing. The characters identities are set out in the first chapter, where the reader is introduced to the confident bossy leader, the shy, but intelligent boy, the thinker, and the clown. What is clever, is that if you know the play, the characters resemble those in Shakespeare’s play, but if you don’t, it in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the story. The story is lively and fast paced, but still manages to include some lovely description and colour, such as ‘the unspooling music like golden ribbon’ heard by the children. It is also quite humorous with some lively banter between the group. For those readers who like things explained, and everything rounded up, the final chapter brings all the plots and characters together in true Shakespearean fashion. All is revealed, the poor unfortunate Caliban, why there is a desert island just off the coast of Dover, and why the group were split up! The book is of a good length for all levels of reader and printed on dyslexic friendly paper. I look forward to Hurly-Burly (Macbeth in disguise!).
Clever, funny and on occasion just plain daft, this is the perfect stocking filler for kids and Terry Pratchett fans alike. Open the pages and find eleven short stories which have been fabulously illustrated by Mark Beech. The text marches up hill and down dale, in between, over and under the illustrations, shouting, bursting, capering across the page so the story and illustrations become a glorious Christmas pudding mix of a read, give it a stir and get ready to duck as the tales take flight. The stories made me chuckle, in fact as soon as I had read the first offering, ‘Father Christmas’s Fake Beard’, I promptly insisted my husband read it too (it’s always the sign of a good book when I do that!). Yes this is a kids book, and yes I fully expect that adults will get just as much enjoyment from the stories as the children. A Terry Pratchett book was always on my Christmas list, I treat each and every one of them with love… set a new fan in motion, or delight a well established one - this is a proper little gem.
A truly wonderful kick of escapism, ‘Truckers: The First Book of the Nomes’ may be aimed at children, however you don't have to be a kid to read this (adults can get just as much enjoyment, possibly even a little more). These books are also known as the ‘The Bromeliad Trilogy’, the reason for which will become abundantly clear as you read further into the trilogy. Masklin, Grimma and their rapidly diminishing band of four inch high Nomes (they aren't shrinking in height, but numbers) leave their home in order to survive. They find themselves in a department store, among Nomes who no longer recognise that there are outsiders, or even an outside. When they discover that the department store is closing down and being knocked down, can they persuade the rest of the Nomes that they need to leave? Terry Pratchett has the ability to make words sing together, in such a way, that they make you stop and think. He may excel in fantasy, yet it’s fantasy firmly based in fact, and it’s fantasy that makes you look at life from a new perspective. ‘Truckers’ is eye opening, laugh inducing and sometimes jaw dropping stuff and I absolutely loved it.
My Dad, the Earth Warrior uses a fantastical story in order to explore, introduce and examine a range of topics including global warming and the effects of climate change. This chapter book is lighthearted and entertaining while also delivering an important message about the impact our actions are having on the Earth. A bump to the head leads Hero’s Dad to believe he is an Earth Warrior, with the sole mission of protecting Mother Earth. With advice from the doctors to wait the episode out; Hero, his grandma and his friends are thrust into the spotlight and head to head with a ruthless energy tycoon. The illustrations on the front cover remind me of Quentin Blake or Tony Ross in style. There are smaller images at the start of each chapter and lots of different fonts used to bring the story to life and add an extra level of interest for younger readers. The book covers a range of events, such as heatwaves, flash flooding, fracking, and protests in a way that informs while also encouraging the reader to ask questions. For example, I liked the additional detail of the heatwave being named Bertha, which echoed the naming of storms. This then sparked my curiosity and imagination as to why we name storms, and if we would reach a point in time where other weather patterns become so severe they would require naming in the same way. Terra Firma and Grandma are both quirky, eccentric characters, with Dad Eddie’s alter ego playing off a Tarzan stereotype of appearance (although in Union Jack flip flops). With equally eccentric supporting characters such as Mr Bugwell, readers will easily engage and differentiate between the characters. I also liked the inclusion of facts and resources at the back to help readers understand more about the topics covered in the book. I think that this is a lighthearted book with an important message for readers.
Fantastic, funny and weirdly wonderful, with beautifully apt illustrations by Mark Beech. Johnny can see and talk to the dead, not scary zombie ghostly dead people, just rather ordinary dead people who don’t want anyone to build on their cemetery. ‘Johnny and the Dead’ was first published in 1993, yet is still bang up to date in terms of humour, wit, and observations. Terry Pratchett was wonderfully clever at pointing out just how absurd humans can be sometimes. He takes the dead, from the First World War Blackbury Pals, to former magician Mr Vicenti and brings them to life, well, perhaps to life isn’t quite the best way to describe it, but he certainly makes them accessible and approachable. Terry Pratchett makes me laugh, most importantly he makes me think, and I absolutely adore his books. ‘Johnny and the Dead’ walks into ghostly graveyards and makes them interesting, fascinating places, full of information that we really shouldn’t forget, or demolish and build over!
With contents and index pages for easy reference, and links to specially selected websites to take virtual tours of art galleries.
This is an absolutely cracking whiz-bang of a story. Set in an unreality, that is actually scarily real, it plays with your mind and really, really makes you think! Johnny Maxwell loves video games, while shooting invading spaceships, he finds himself contacted by an alien race, suddenly the game is real, can Johnny save the day? This is as valid today, as when it was first written in the early 1990’s, though Terry Pratchett made some updates, along with an authors note in 2013. He explains that Only You Can Save Mankind was written during the first Gulf War when TV computer games about war were in their infancy, the news was showing constant, sometimes even live updates about the war, and so the lines between pretend and real were become very blurred indeed. Terry Pratchett excels in setting questions about mankind for you to ponder without you realising it, all the while enjoying a wild fantastical ride. No one else quite has his magical touch, his books are so witty, thoughtful and wise. Only You Can Save Mankind is the first in a quite spectacular trilogy and another must read from the the truly wonderful Terry Pratchett. Browse inside!
Enid Blyton’s short stories are made for summer reading: whether they are about magic, fairies and pixies, or set in the real world of fields, woods and meadows, they exude a sense of happiness, order and content, of children able to influence things for the good especially if they themselves are kind and helpful. It’s irresistible stuff, and don’t forget too that Blyton is the expert at creating page-turning reads; often addressing her readers direct, she concentrates entirely on plot and action, catering for her audience’s voracious appetite for a good story. The 22 stories in this collection are just the right length for children to read themselves, or for parents to read at bedtime, and are as full of adventure and sunshine as anyone could wish. ~ Andrea Reece
This joke book is full of side-splittingly hilarious jokes and fascinating facts about civilisations found in the British Museum. Full of bite-size facts about amazing ancient worlds and jokes that will have you howling, Maurice the Museum Mouse's comical collection is just as entertaining as the British Museum's own collection.
In a nutshell: inventive | readable | hilarious | This collection of 14 rip-roaringly funny stories is a great way to introduce children to Terry Pratchett – indeed, each story is just the right length for bedtime reading – but will have appeal to his existing fans too or, as he wrote in the introduction, to anyone with an imagination. The stories were written when he was a young man working as a junior reporter on a local paper, but the hallmarks of the style that make him one of the most-enjoyed authors of our times are already clear, notably sublimely fantastic and funny set ups, that familiar author voice commenting via footnotes, and some canny, underplayed moral commentary. Highlights include an unusual afternoon in Blackbury, and repeat visits to the town of Llandanffwnfafegettupagogo! Illustrations by Mark Beech capture the silliness and fun. ~ Andrea Reece
Special Slipcased Edition | In a nutshell: inventive | readable | hilarious | This collection of 14 rip-roaringly funny stories is a great way to introduce children to Terry Pratchett – indeed, each story is just the right length for bedtime reading – but will have appeal to his existing fans too or, as he wrote in the introduction, to anyone with an imagination. The stories were written when he was a young man working as a junior reporter on a local paper, but the hallmarks of the style that make him one of the most-enjoyed authors of our times are already clear, notably sublimely fantastic and funny set ups, that familiar author voice commenting via footnotes, and some canny, underplayed moral commentary. Highlights include an unusual afternoon in Blackbury, and repeat visits to the town of Llandanffwnfafegettupagogo! Illustrations by Mark Beech capture the silliness and fun. ~ Andrea Reece
This book tells the story, both lives and works, of 35 of the world's most famous artists, including van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Dali, Pollock and Warhol. It includes reproductions of the artists' creations, as well as photographs of the artists at work, their personal belongings, homes and places that were important to them. Over the centuries, all kinds of artists have been admired and celebrated for many different reasons. For many they were unappreciated during their own lifetimes, becoming famous only after their deaths. Others have gained notoriety for the way they lived, as much as for their art, whilst others have shunned the publicity and let their art do the talking. With timelines for each artist showing clearly the key highlights of their life it is a wonderful compendium to enthuse budding artists into discovering more about some of the most famous artists who have gone before.
February 2013 Book of the Month There’s lots to disgust in this entertainingly grisly sequel to The Curse of the Bogle’s Beard. Barnaby Figg and his father are busy working in Granny Hogsflesh’s pickling factory. Barnaby hates bogles and hopes that his previous encounter will be the end of them. But, after Granny Hogsflesh accidentally pickles her cousin, the bogles are back with vengeance. Can Barnaby stop them? Bogles and the disgusting territory they occupy will delight all fans of those other disgusting heroes such as Mr Gum and Mr Stink. Extract will be available shortly - sorry for any disappointment!
The proud ruler of a vast pickling empire, Granny Hogsflesh hides some strange-smelling secrets. Everything in her mansion stinks of vinegar and is a hideous shade of purple – including Granny herself. When Barnaby is forced to go and live with Granny after his father’s mysterious disappearance, he quickly realises there’s more to her pickling kingdom than meets the eye. Is she behind what happened to his dad, who, burping and slurping, vanished into the night? Or are some wicked bog-monsters to blame? Soon Barney must infiltrate the disgusting worlds of pickles and monsters to save his family from a sticky ending…
Fans of Mr Gum, Grubtown Tales, Charlie Small and Dirty bertie or indeed the Flintstones will love this new series featuring a wonderfully adventurous cave boy called Iggy. Full of humour it will entertain on every page as you discover more and more about Iggy who turns out to be nothing like your usual Stone Age boy, for he isn’t interested in all the usual things like hunting and making flint tools. Instead he’s inventing things and trying them out himself or on others with a mixture of success!
Discover the Magic Faraway Tree and explore the amazing lands it can lead to, in an irresistible new story by bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, set in this much-loved world. Milo, Mia and Birdy are on a countryside holiday when they wander into an Enchanted Wood. Among the whispering leaves, there is a beautiful tree that stands high above the rest. The Magic Faraway Tree is home to many remarkable creatures including a fairy called Silky, her best friend Moonface and more. Little Birdy is only too happy to find that fairies are real. Even her older brother and sister are soon won over by the magic of the Faraway Tree and the extraordinary places they discover above it, including the Land of Unicorns. But not every land is so much fun. Danger looms in the Land of Dragons. Will Moonface's magic work in time to save the children? The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton was Jacqueline Wilson's own favourite book as a very young child. Now Britain's favourite contemporary children's author, creator of Hetty Feather and Tracy Beaker, revisits this glorious magical world, weaving a brand-new story perfect for the next generation of young readers. Discover the magic!
Discover the Magic Faraway Tree and explore the amazing lands it can lead to! An irresistible new story by bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, set in a much-loved world. Three kids, Milo, Mia and Birdy, are on a countryside holiday when they wander into an Enchanted Wood. Among the whispering leaves, there is a beautiful tree that stands high above the rest. The Magic Faraway Tree is home to remarkable creatures including a fairy called Silky, her best friend Moonface and more. Birdy is delighted to find that fairies are real. Even her older brother and sister are soon won over by the magic of the Faraway Tree and the extraordinary places they discover above it, including the Land of Unicorns. But not every land is so much fun. Danger looms in the Land of Dragons. Will Moonface's magic work in time to save the children? The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton was Jacqueline Wilson's own favourite book as a young child. Now Britain's favourite contemporary children's author, creator of Hetty Feather and Tracy Beaker, revisits this glorious magical world, weaving a brand-new story perfect for the next generation of young readers. Discover the magic!
The perfect introduction to the enchanted world of the Magic Faraway Tree for the youngest children. Discover the magic! A brand-new picture book story where you can meet Silky, Moonface and Saucepan Man and explore the Magic Faraway Tree. On Moonface's birthday he wants to hold a party for all his special friends. He tries to bake a cake but it ends up burnt. Will he find help in one of the wonderful lands at the top of the Faraway Tree? A full-colour picture book, ideal for for sharing with children of 3 and over.The story is new and is written by Emily Lamm.
This series of rhyming parables follows on from Bob Hartman's Rhyming Bible, solidifying the brand
This series of rhyming parables follows on from Bob Hartman's Rhyming Bible, solidifying the brand
When a merchant finds the very best pearl in the world, how far will he go to get it? Will he really sell everything he owns? Discover just how valuable the Kingdom of Heaven is in The Precious Pearl - a fun rhyming retelling of a classic Bible parable for kids from award-winning author Bob Hartman. Jesus' tale of the Pearl of Great Price is retold in brilliant, entertaining style in this charming picture book for 3-5 year olds. With Bob Hartman's signature warmth and humour, The Precious Pearl is the perfect way to introduce young children to this beloved Bible story in a way that's easily accessible. Colourful, quirky illustrations from Mark Beech bring this Bible story book to life, and kids will love to follow along join in with the rhymes. The clear, simple text is ideal for young children just starting to read and for adults to read aloud. The Precious Pearl is a picture book that will delight children and parents alike and is the perfect follow on from Bob Hartman's Rhyming Bible. It is also a brilliant story time resource for KS1 teachers, Sunday School teachers and those involved in children's ministry. Kids will learn about the parables in a memorable, engaging way, and gain a new understanding of the value of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Inspector Hound' is the secret identity of Monsieur Alphonse, the greatest chef in all France, who runs a famous restaurant set in a beautiful hilltop chateau. He is a dog (though no one seems to notice) and all the other characters are human. When one of his guests discovers in the middle of dinner that her pearls are missing, Monsieur Alphonse slips away and reappears as Inspector Hound, who solves the crime. The story is followed by an unusual recipe for children and parents to make at home together. The book stands alone, but is planned as the first in a series. Each story sees Inspector Hound solving a food-related mystery, and is accompanied by a related recipe. (Sequels include Inspector Hound and the Great Noodle Tangle, Inspector Hound and the Nutty Mystery, and Inspector Hound and the Spice Trail.). Do enjoy magical times reading this with a child children and watch them progress to being able to enjoy the book's rich immersive world of sleuthing and cooking for themselves.
The perfect introduction to the wonderful world of the Faraway Tree. Discover the magic! Explore the Enchanted Wood with Joe, Beth and Frannie and meet their very special friends, Silky the fairy, Moonface and Saucepan Man. When a runaway elephant visits the tree, there's a lot of mess for the friends to sort out . . . Perfect for reading with 3-6 year-olds, this picture book is a delightful way to discover the extraordinary world of the Magic Faraway Tree. This is a brand-new story, specially written by bestselling picture book author Jeanne Willis, and illustrated by Mark Beech.
The perfect introduction to the enchanted world of the Magic Faraway Tree for the youngest children. Discover the magic! A brand-new picture book story where you can meet Silky, Moonface and Saucepan Man and explore the Magic Faraway Tree. On Moonface's birthday he wants to hold a party for all his special friends. He tries to bake a cake but it ends up burnt. Will he find help in one of the wonderful lands at the top of the Faraway Tree? A full-colour picture book, ideal for for sharing with children of 3 and over. The story is new and is written by Emily Lamm.
Delicious and easy recipes, inspired by the beloved stories by Enid Blyton. Bake your own pop-cakes and google buns, and wash them down with homemade ginger beer! Have you ever dreamed of having picnics with the Famous Five, midnight feasts with the Malory Towers girls or party teas with the Folk of the Faraway Tree? With this cookbook, inspired by Enid Blyton's stories, you can! Packed full of yummy recipes, lively artwork and extracts from Enid Blyton's stories, this cookbook will inspire children - and the whole family - to get busy in the kitchen. It's the perfect way to share the pleasure of making and eating food with your child. There are 42 exciting new recipes designed by top chef and Junior Bake Off TV judge, Allegra McEvedy, with fabulous illustrations by Mark Beech and glorious food photography too.
The third book in the magical Faraway Tree series by one of the world's most popular children's authors, Enid Blyton. The mischievous Connie comes to enjoy a few days with Joe, Beth and Frannie while her mother is sick. Connie refuses to believe in the Faraway Tree or the magical folk who live in it, even when the Angry Pixie throws ink at her! Join the children and their friends Moonface, Saucepan Man and Silky the fairy as they discover which new land is at the top of the Faraway Tree. Will it be the Land of Secrets, the Land of Enchantments, or the Land of Know-Alls? This is the perfect story for bedtime and shared reading for young children. Discover the magic!
The second book in the Magic Faraway Tree series by one of the world's most popular children's authors, Enid Blyton. Joe, Beth and Frannie's cousin Rick comes to stay, reluctant at first to share in their adventures at the top of the Faraway Tree. But once Rick meets Moonface, Saucepan Man and Silky the fairy and experiences the wonders of the Faraway Tree he is as enchanted as his cousins. Together they travel to the Land of Dreams, where all is not as cosy as they expect, and into the Land of Topsy-Turvy where it's not just their expectations that are turned upside down! A perfect book to share at bedtime or any time - discover the magic!
The first story in the Magic Faraway Tree series by one of the world's most popular children's authors, Enid Blyton. Joe, Beth and Frannie find the Enchanted Wood on the doorstep of their new home, and when they discover the Faraway Tree it is the start of a wonderful series of magical adventures. Join them and their friends Moonface, Saucepan Man and Silky the fairy as they discover which new land is at the top of the Faraway Tree. Will it be the Land of Spells, the Land of Treats, or the Land of Do-As-You-Please? This is the perfect story for bedtime and shared reading for young children. Discover the magic!
A laugh-out-loud comical caper of friendship, true love and a completely disastrous school Shakespeare production from bestselling author Ross Montgomery. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
The perfect introduction to the wonderful world of the Faraway Tree. Discover the magic! Explore the Enchanted Wood with Joe, Beth and Frannie and meet their very special friends, Silky the fairy, Moonface and Saucepan Man. When a runaway elephant visits the tree, there's a lot of mess for the friends to sort out . . . Ideal for reading with 3-6 year-olds, this picture book is a delightful way to discover the extraordinary world of the Magic Faraway Tree. This is a brand-new story, specially written by bestselling picture book author Jeanne Willis, and illustrated by Mark Beech (cover illustrator of all the Magic Faraway Tree books).
Adventure of the Goblin Dog is a stand-alone Magic Faraway Tree adventure by the world's best-loved children's author, Enid Blyton. Discover the magic! Travel to the top of the Magic Faraway Tree with Peter and Mary on their quest to rescue a princess. Back in print for the first time in a generation, this is a wonderful introduction to the world of the Magic Faraway Tree. Explore Fairyland in this magical story, where you'll encounter the Goblin Dog, rescue a princess and visit the Land of Storytellers. This story first appeared in 1936 and was edited by Enid Blyton herself to become part of the Magic Faraway Tree world in 1952, featuring different children discovering the Faraway Tree. The Magic Faraway Tree series is one of Enid Blyton's best-loved and most enduring creations. *** The Magic Faraway Tree (R), Enid Blyton (R) and Enid Blyton's signature are Registered Trademarks of Hodder and Stoughton Limited. No trademark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trademark and copyright owner.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY meets BUGSY MALONE for 9+ readers. In a city where candy is a crime and biscuits have been banned, Nelle Faulkner is a 12-year-old private detective looking for her next client. So when a notorious candy gangster asks for her help, Nelle is on the case. Swept into a secret world of sweet smugglers and chocolate crooks, can Nelle and her friends find a way to take the cake. Or will they come to a sticky end...
Random House presents the audio CD edition of Father Christmas's Fake Beard by Terry Pratchett, read by Julian Rhind-Tutt. Have you ever wanted Christmas to be different? Turkey and carols, presents and crackers - they all start to feel a bit . . . samey. How about a huge exploding mince pie, a pet abominable snowman, or a very helpful partridge in a pear tree? What if Father Christmas went to work at a zoo, or caused chaos in a toy store, or was even arrested for burglary!? Dive into the fantastically funny world of Terry Pratchett, for a festive treat like no other. These ten stories will have you laughing, gasping and crying (with laughter) - you'll never see Christmas in the same way again.
Can Fish Fly? intrigues children with True or False questions about animals. Do hippos make their own sunscreen? Do octopuses have nine brains? Turn the pages to discover new facts and pore over photographs of some incredible animals. Oxford Reading Tree inFact is a compelling non-fiction series that aims to engage children in reading for pleasure as powerfully as fiction does. The series includes 36 titles which are all phonically decodable, with some high-interest topic words to develop vocabulary and impart knowledge. The imaginative approach and variety of intriguing topics mean there are books to interest every child. The books are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every reader to the right book.
When medieval wizardry meets cool street magic, what could possibly go wrong . . .? Wilfred is a young magical apprentice determined to become the best and most wise wizard that ever was. Unfortunately for him, he's not very good. He's got the raw talent, but he doesn't concentrate! In fact, he's become (rather unkindly) known as 'Wilfred the UNwise'. And when one of Wilf's spells goes badly wrong, he's suddenly in more trouble than ever before. A mix-up which sees him catapulted into the future - and more specifically, into Bel's hometown. Bel is an aspiring magician too - she wants to be an amazing street magician like her heroes on TV. She's even got a stage-name sorted, and unlike Wilf, she practises all the time - maybe just a little too much . . . Wilf is delighted by her skills, and begs to learn from Bel. She's not so sure, but agrees that they'll have to work together to try to work out how to get Wilf back to his own time. If only Wilf would stop messing around! Can these two young magicians work together, or will Wilf be stuck here forever?
Enid Blyton's timeless collection of Christmas stories - an ideal gift for anyone who loved the stories during their own childhood to pass on to the next generation of readers. Here is a wonderful selection to read and share. From Santa Claus and his helpers to a family putting up their tree, the characters in these stories embrace the Christmas spirit. There is mystery and magic, laughter and mischief, the joy of shared times and plenty of delicious food - many of the ingredients which have been delighting Enid Blyton's readers for more than seventy years. The stories previously appeared in magazines and anthologies from the 40s and 60s. This collection contains the original texts and is unillustrated. The collection contains: The Lost Presents Santa Claus Gets a Shock A Week Before Christmas; The Christmas Tree Aeroplane Good Gracious, Santa Claus! The Tiny Christmas Tree What Happened on Christmas Eve The Little Reindeer Bell The Very Full Stocking In Santa Claus's Castle What They Did at Miss Brown's School Santa Claus Gets Busy The Christmas Tree Fairy The Little Christmas Tree A Family Christmas -Christmas Holidays A Family Christmas - Bringing Home the Holly; A Family Christmas -The Curious Mistletoe A Family Christmas - Balder the Bright and Beautiful A Family Christmas - The Christmas Tree A Family Christmas - A Christmassy Afternoon A Family Christmas -Bringing in the Yule Log A Family Christmas -Christmas Carols A Family Christmas -A Visitor in the Night A Family Christmas -The Story of Santa Claus A Family Christmas -Christmas Day
A truly wonderful kick of escapism, ‘Truckers: The First Book of the Nomes’ may be aimed at children, however you don't have to be a kid to read this (adults can get just as much enjoyment, possibly even a little more). These books are also known as the ‘The Bromeliad Trilogy’, the reason for which will become abundantly clear as you read further into the trilogy. Masklin, Grimma and their rapidly diminishing band of four inch high Nomes (they aren't shrinking in height, but numbers) leave their home in order to survive. They find themselves in a department store, among Nomes who no longer recognise that there are outsiders, or even an outside. When they discover that the department store is closing down and being knocked down, can they persuade the rest of the Nomes that they need to leave? Terry Pratchett has the ability to make words sing together, in such a way, that they make you stop and think. He may excel in fantasy, yet it’s fantasy firmly based in fact, and it’s fantasy that makes you look at life from a new perspective. ‘Truckers’ is eye opening, laugh inducing and sometimes jaw dropping stuff and I absolutely loved it. ~ Liz Robinson
Delight in the magic of Christmas with this heart-warming collection of 25 classic tales from the world's best-loved storyteller - the perfect Christmas gift for children aged 5 and up! This hugely popular short story collection, first published in 2014, is back with a shiny new gold cover... In this classic collection there's mystery and mischief, the joy of shared times and plenty of scrumptious food, so curl up by the fire and get ready for a Christmas treat! These fun, entertaining stories are ideal for newly confident readers and are the perfect length for reading aloud at bedtime or in the classroom. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her work to the latest generation of readers. The collection contains: The Lost Presents Santa Claus Gets a Shock A Week Before Christmas; The Christmas Tree Aeroplane Good Gracious, Santa Claus! The Tiny Christmas Tree What Happened on Christmas Eve The Little Reindeer Bell The Very Full Stocking In Santa Claus's Castle What They Did at Miss Brown's School Santa Claus Gets Busy The Christmas Tree Fairy The Little Christmas Tree A Family Christmas -Christmas Holidays A Family Christmas - Bringing Home the Holly; A Family Christmas -The Curious Mistletoe A Family Christmas - Balder the Bright and Beautiful A Family Christmas - The Christmas Tree A Family Christmas - A Christmassy Afternoon A Family Christmas -Bringing in the Yule Log A Family Christmas -Christmas Carols A Family Christmas -A Visitor in the Night A Family Christmas -The Story of Santa Claus A Family Christmas -Christmas Day And don't miss these other Enid Blyton short story collections: Animal Stories Summer Adventure Stories Tales of Tricks and Treats *** Enid Blyton (R) and Enid Blyton's signature are Registered Trademarks of Hodder and Stoughton Limited. No trademark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trademark and copyright owner.
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 The Knockits of Knockity Hoo Jed and Ava explore the caves at Knockity Hoo and discover the never-seen-before Knockits. 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.
The Lost World tells the story of a daring expedition to the rainforests of South America. The scientist Professor Challenger is determined to prove that he has discovered dinosaurs living in the 'Lost World'. He sets the challenge for a team to go and visit it for themselves, but what will the explorers find? Exciting and powerful classic stories to enrich and extend your children's reading experiences. TreeTops Classics are carefully adapted versions of must-read stories which introduce your readers to significant authors, powerful plots and characters that have stood the test of time. These abridged versions of classics have been sensitively adapted by top children's authors to ensure that language and content is appropriate, but remain faithful to the original. These enchanting stories will appeal to all your junior readers and introduce them to a rich literary heritage. Each book includes author biographies and notes to help with historical and social context and any challenging vocabulary, ensuring the books are easily accessible. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.
The Legend of Robin Hood describes how Robin Hood became an outlaw, formed his band of Merry Men and met Maid Marion. Captivating versions of some of the best myths and legends from around the world. TreeTops Myths and Legends are fascinating and action-packed stories that will motivate and inspire junior readers. These are some of the oldest and most enduring stories in the world, retold by leading contemporary children's authors to bring out all of the action, drama, humour and depth of the original stories in a way that makes them as exciting and meaningful today as ever. The stories are beautifully illustrated in a range of styles to bring each tale to life. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.
In Absolutely Awful Adults, read three hilarious stories and let Mr Peacock, Mr McMeanie and Mr Splatter persuade you that some adults are absolutely awful and should not be allowed within a trillion miles of delightful children like you! Chucklers is a series of funny novels, short stories, anthologies and comics that make reading a pleasure for 7-11 year olds. There is something for everyone in this varied collection which is packed with fantastic illustrations. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk. The series is written by top children's authors and edited by award-winning author Jeremy Strong. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.
Using the influence of Rudyard Kipling's Poem If , award-winning author Mij Kelly explores the challenges of living in a world filled with monstrous people, and how important it is to keep smiling regardless of the chaos around you. Purple/Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary. Text type: A poem Pages 22 and 23 explore how the boy's world looks when it is filled with monsters, and how it really looks, allowing children to discuss and compare the scenes. Curriculum links: Literacy: Silly stuff. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.
Imagine that all around you, hidden from sight, there are thousands of tiny people. They are four inches tall, brave, stubborn and resourceful. They are the nomes. The nomes in this story live under the floorboards of a large Department Store and have never been Outside. In fact, they don't even believe in Outside. But new nomes arrive, from - where else? - and they bring with them terrifying news: the Store is closing down and Everything Must Go . . . The fantastically funny first book of the nomes, from the author of the bestselling Discworld series.
Three Rocks is based on the traditional tale Stone Soup. A poor man arrives in town with three magic rocks, promising that he can use them to make dinner for everyone - how will he manage it? This humorous story written by Monica Hughes and charmingly illustrated by Mark Beech will capture your child's imagination! It has been sensitively rewritten to enable your child to read it with confidence whilst capturing the magic of the original tale. There are useful tips for parents and an engaging story map inside the book to help you and your child retell the story together. The Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree levels and matched to the phonics progression in Letters and Sounds, enabling your children to read the stories independently. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.
Iggy discovers a young member of the Henna tribe lost in the jungle (Henna, so-named for their fiery red hair and penchant for covering their faces in mud). The girl is wearing some rare and precious firestones, which mesmerise the Urks, especially Borg, who devises a new and devious plot to become Chief Urk. Iggy must embark on a dangerous journey to return the Henna girl safely to her tribe in the Cloud Mountains. But when he gets there, the welcome is not exactly what he had in mind. Time for a very cunning plan.
3+. Mums can do magic, everyone knows that but what if the magic is a witch’s magic? When Jimmy sees a witch fly past at night with his own cat on the end of her broomstick he’s terrified of what he may have discovered. Wouldn’t you be? How can he find out the truth? Told in a jaunty text and with exuberant pictures to match, Jimmy’s detective work is brilliant and funny but doesn’t come up with any answers… Lovereading comment: A wonderfully colourful picture book for kids who think that witches don’t exist anymore or even for those who do. It will enchant and bewitch all who read it but best of all it will tell you how to spot a witch! May be even... your mum!!!! At the end of the book you’ll get a wonderful surprise with a whole sheet of spook-tacular stickers to fix where you fancy.
The villagers of Scoffi are crazy about cooking and chefs have travelled from all over the world to take part in the annual Scoffi cookery competition. There's only one problem - the Yetis! Will Yann's yodelling keep them away, or will the lure of lovely lasagnes and incredible ice-creams be too strong? The I AM READING series provides just the right balance of challenge and support for newly independent readers. Large, easy-to-read type, satisfying stories by top writers and cheerful full-colour pictures help children make the transition from picture books to chapter books. Each book includes a bookmark flap, tips for beginner readers and either short, numbered chapters or two short stories.
A very funny new series from the creator of Trolls, it’s a brilliant mix of Horrible Histories and Blackadder. Fast-moving, side-splittingly funny, irreverent adventure stories are played out against the backdrop of great and gruesome history through one family tree, the disastrously unlucky Warts, through the centuries as they attempt to survive whatever is thrown at them. As Ditherus Wart is selected to join Gladiator school he must hatch a cunning plan or death will almost certainly arrive. Be sure to check out the other books in the History of Warts series
A very funny new series from the creator of Trolls, it’s a brilliant mix of Horrible Histories and Blackadder. Fast-moving, side-splittingly funny, irreverent adventure stories are played out against the backdrop of great and gruesome history through one family tree, the disastrously unlucky Warts, through the centuries as they attempt to survive whatever is thrown at them. As Ditherus Wart is selected to join Gladiator school he must hatch a cunning plan or death will almost certainly arrive. Be sure to check out the other books in the History of Warts series.
A very funny new series from the creator of Trolls, it’s a brilliant mix of Horrible Histories and Blackadder. Fast-moving, side-splittingly funny, irreverent adventure stories are played out against the backdrop of great and gruesome history through one family tree, the disastrously unlucky Warts, through the centuries as they attempt to survive whatever is thrown at them. As Ditherus Wart is selected to join Gladiator school he must hatch a cunning plan or death will almost certainly arrive. Be sure to check out the other book in the History of Warts series Custardly Wart: Pirate (third class).
It's summer and all of Ulrik's school friends seem to be going on something called 'holiday'. Mr and Mrs Troll investigate. Their neighbours, the Priddles have just bought a caravan, and after a muddled conversation, it seems the troll family have been invited to join them. But when they arrive at the campsite in Wales and the Priddles open the caravan to discover it full of trolls they don't seem very pleased. But this is the least of their worries, as stories of a wild Beast living on the moor nearby start to surface, and Ulrik finds himself helping to solve a hairy, scary local mystery. A very funny and brilliantly observed holiday mystery with the lovable Troll family and suffering Priddles.
'Outside! What's it like?' Masklin looked blank. 'Well,' he said. 'It's sort of big-' To the thousands of the tiny nomes who live under the floorboards of a large department store, there is no Outside. Things like Day and Night, Sun and Rain are just daft old legends. Then a devastating piece of news shatters their existence: the Store - their whole world - is to be demolished. And it's up to Maskin, one of the last nomes to come into the Store, to mastermind an unbelievable escape plan that will take all the nomes into the dangers of the great Outside ... The first title in the magnificent trilogy, The Bromeliad.
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