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Tom Percival grew up in a caravan without electricity. He now lives in a house, and spends his time writing and drawing. He illustrates other people’s books as well as writing his own, including Perfectly Norman and Jack’s Amazing Shadow. Tom lives in Rodburgh, Gloucestershire.
Selected for The Book Box by LoveReading4Kids | This is a vital picture book for society today – with an emphasis on family and belonging. Isabel is a small girl who lives with her family, and though they have little they have each other, so life is happy. Then disaster strikes and they have to leave their home to move to the other side of town - where everything is grey and cold and sad and lonely. As she walks about Isabel realises she is ignored by people, and feels she is literally fading away. It is not until she has faded and become truly invisible that she notices all the other invisible people sitting or working away at different things – like planting flowers in old paint pots or mending a bike – but they are all alone too. So, Isabel decides to help, she helps to fix things up and gradually others join in too. As more people join in they become less invisible, until they have created a vibrant area where they can all be seen. By doing as she did Isabel has learned that one of the hardest things is to make a difference. This full colour picture book uses muted shades for much of the story – showing us just how cold and dark it is and how awful it is to be ‘invisible’. The beginning of the story has colour – but it is all edged with cold, and icy windows. It is not until the end of the book – when winter has passed, when the sun and spring add to the wonderful colour the new community has created by all working together. This is a very gentle story with a potent and persuasive message, that small acts can add up to a huge change. Whilst being selfless it also shows that Isabel and her family have all benefitted by the actions she has instigated. This is a very personal message from the author, who had a very happy childhood even when his family had very little – underlining the message we can all contribute somehow, and that we all belong! A book that should be in all classrooms and school libraries for its message and its powerful pictures.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month July 2020 | Meesha loves making things. And she is good at it too. But the one thing she doesn’t know how to make is friends. It seems to be easy but for Meesha it isn’t! When Meesha tries to share her ideas with other children they are just confused or uninterested. So instead of playing with other children, Meesha makes some wonderful friends of her own. Snipping and sticking she soon has a lovely crowd of chums she can enjoy being with. But a real friend would be nice and when Meesha meets Josh she finds exactly the friend she has been looking for. Soon Meesha and Josh are busy making more friends together. In both words and pictures Tom Percival tells a gentle and touching story about the importance of friendship and how to develop it.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month August 2019 | Temper tantrums are brilliantly visualised in this witty story about how Ravi deals with his. Poor Ravi! The youngest and smallest in the family he is always the slowest and the shortest and the last one to get what he wants. It makes him feel terrible! And when Ravi feels terrible he ROARS. His face goes red, he grows two furry ears, sharp teeth and a stripey tail. Now he can get what he wants but there is a price to pay: will anyone want to play with him? Tom Percival’s illustrations keep the message light hearted without trivialising it.
When Sofia loses her beloved teddy after a day at the beach, she is heartbroken. But the sea saw it all, and maybe, just maybe, it can bring Sofia and her teddy back together. However long it may take... Exquisite collage artwork is paired with an assured, moving text in this very special picture book.
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Kids who like sci-fi, a bit of super-hero action, and to laugh will really enjoy this new book. There's clearly something odd about Ant, aka Bug Boy, and most of the kids at school thinks he's a weirdo. Zac likes him though, even when he notices that behind the sunglasses Ant's eyes are like a spider's, covered in lenses. When Ant is kidnapped by the school's creepy science teacher, Zac goes to help - though it's just as well Tulisa lends a hand too - she's much tougher. The story proceeds at pace and, as long as you're not an arachnophobe, you'll really enjoy the adventure. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Everyone could learn from Ruby. She’s a perfectly happy little girl, until she discovers a worry. The worry – depicted as a scribbly yellow shape – is hardly noticeable at first, but starts to grow and soon it’s with her all the time, stopping her from doing the things she loved. As Ruby worries about her worry – the worst thing you can do – it gets bigger still until it takes up the whole row at the cinema. The problem is solved when Ruby finds someone else with a worry; as they talk about them, something amazing happens – their worries disappear. Readers will recognise Ruby’s problems and see their own lives reflected in hers. Sensitive and very reassuring this clever book raises lots of opportunities for children to talk about their worries.
Strikingly illustrated this is a tale which inspires children to dare to be different and have the courage to stand out.
It’s four years since the National Trust challenged young children to get off their sofas and do something more exciting outside, and this handy guide/scrapbook is just the thing to encourage exactly that this summer. Most of the fifty things can be accomplished close to home in gardens or parks, though they’re no less rewarding for that, and as each one is accomplished, children can record it in the book with a date and signature. There are tips and extra suggestions on every page and the inclusion of three characters created by illustrator Tom Percival make it all seem more friendly and fun. Sturdy enough to withstand being taken on expeditions, this is a very good buy as the summer holidays approach. ~ Andrea Reece The Editor at Nosy Crow says: “This handy little book has everything you could want to see you through the holidays, a sunny weekend, or even a rainy day in the house. And with plenty of pages to personalise and memories to make, it’s a book you’re sure to treasure for years to come.”
A wonderful exploration of friendship, Jack and his amazing magical shadow are the VERY best of friends. But sometimes even best-friends fall out...A lively story that's perfect for anyone who's ever wondered what their shadow gets up to when they're not looking. The new title from this talented picture book writer and illustrator of A Home for Mr Tipps and Tobias and the Super Spooky Ghost Book
Interest Age 5-7+ A brilliant footballing story from award winning Geraldine McCaughrean. Chichico is scouted for a try out at Santos Brazil. The only problem is that he doesn’t have any boots! His friends Davi and Anna find a pair to ‘borrow’ but then Chichico has a new problem – he can’t play in boots! How all is resolved to a joyful resolution makes this is a delight. About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
Welcome to Spook School...where the pupils have bags of spirit! It's exam time at Spook School, and Charlie and Lewis's last exam is their toughest: they have to solve a baffling and very spooky mystery on Earth - in just twenty-four hours. A hotel is being plagued by terrible smells and peculiar scuttling noises, and all the terrified visitors are leaving. Soon Charlie and Lewis come face to face with the strangest monster yet, well not one but hundreds! This is the fourth in the Spook School series. Click here to view them all.
In this, the third spook school, Charlie and Lewis have been so successful in their Spook Squad assignments that it’s earned them a holiday on Earth but when they get there they find themselves on the trail of a very mysterious ghost. This is a fantastically humorous series from a widely admired children’s author who really knows how to get readers hooked on reading. With black and white illustrations throughout the series can’t fail to inspire.
In this the second in the series Charlie loves being a spook but his latest mission is his most baffling too because he must work out what a giant rat that’s haunting boys down on Earth is really up to. Charlie and his friend Lewis are in for a massive shock. This is a fantastically humorous series from a widely admired children’s author who really knows how to get readers hooked on reading. With black and white illustrations throughout the series can’t fail to inspire.
A fantastically humorous series from a widely admired children’s author who really knows how to get readers hooked on reading. With black and white illustrations throughout the series can’t fail to inspire. Dare you join Charlie and his friend Lewis in the Spook Squad on their very first mission, a mission to investigate Mothman, a terrifying creature with deadly claws, an even deadlier smell and a very bad temper.
Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people. Most of the time Ravi can control his temper but, one day, he lets out the tiger within ... Being a tiger is great fun at first - tigers can do ANYTHING they want! But who wants to play with a growling, roaring, noisy, wild tiger who won't share or play nicely? Ravi is about to discover something very important about expressing his feelings and making amends. A clever and engaging book about temper tantrums, dealing with emotions and learning to express and understand your feelings. From Tom Percival's bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, this is the perfect book for helping with bad days and noisy outbursts. Longlisted for the BookTrust StoryTime Prize 2020
Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people. Meesha loves making things . . . but there's one thing she finds difficult to make - friends. She doesn't know quite what to do, what to say or when to say it. But one day she discovers that she has a special talent that might just help her navigate social situations - and maybe even make new friends. A warm and affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world. Empowering and emotionally resonant, Tom Percival's Big Bright Feelings series is the perfect springboard for conversations about mental and emotional health, building self-confidence and managing feelings. Every child's bookshelf should contain his books.
Twelve-year-old Gabby and her lovable pet monster Dwight embark on many adventures in the quest to improve Dwight's self-esteem. These delightful stories show readers how to overcome life's little challenges. The comic-book-style artwork adds to the appeal of this series.
Gabby's pet monster is supposed to compete at the district-wide spelling bee. But how can Dwight be a champion speller when no one understands him? After speech therapy fails, it seems the only answer is an interpreter. But if Vice Principal Burns has anything to say about it, there won't be an interpreter or a monster speller.
When school funding is cut, a new student creates a plan to save the school's lunch programme. A candy sale! Gabby and her pet monster, Dwight, like the idea until the new kid starts racking up sales with help from his own beastly best friend. Dwight will have to pick up the pace, or raise the price of lollipops, if he's going to become a Monster Moneymaker.
Like every kid in town, twelve-year-old Gabby has a pet monster. However, Gabby refuses to keep her monster, Dwight, in the cupboard. When she takes her pet to school, the drama teacher takes a liking to the beastly pet. He wants the monster to play Scrooge in the annual Christmas production. But if Dwight doesn't meet his expectations, both Gabby and her pet will be given the boot.
Chichico has everything he needs to be a top footballer - apart from a pair of boots! A little football story with a big heart from a top author. Chichico is thrilled when a talent scout spots him during a kick-about with his friends Davi and Ana, and he is asked to try out for Santos Brazil. But without a pair of football boots, how will Chichico ever been taken seriously? Loyal Davi steps in and sets out on a mission to solve Chichico's problem. But Davi's actions soon risk ruining Chichico's dreams forever...High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all
At last, Omar's family are safe and have somewhere to live. But life in a new country isn't easy and life on the estate is proving even harder thanks to Sam. Sam's always there - in Omar's tower block, in his class, and in his face. He wants to push Omar around, but Omar's not giving up on his new life and he's ready to push back. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Ivan's old house had always been so warm and friendly. This new one was NOT. Ivan finds his new house strange and can't sleep. He lies awake and then sees a shimmering light come down. The light turns into a creature called a Moji, and it takes him on a fabulous night-time adventure, up high into space, bounding through starlit forests and down deep into the oceans. Ivan has never had so much fun! And the magical Moji shows him that soon the new house will feel like home. A gently emotional story to reassure fears about moving house, with stunning artwork and a wonderful magical element. The author/illustrator of Herman's Letter has shown his breadth of talent with this new direction.
Ivan's old house had always been so warm and friendly. This new one was NOT. Ivan finds his new house strange and can't sleep. He lies awake and then sees a shimmering light come down. The light turns into a creature called a Moji, and it takes him on a fabulous night-time adventure, up high into space, bounding through starlit forests and down deep into the oceans. Ivan has never had so much fun! And the magical Moji shows him that soon the new house will feel like home. A gently emotional story to reassure fears about moving house, with stunning artwork and a wonderful magical element. The author/illustrator of Herman's Letter has shown his breadth of talent with this new direction.
Build your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right level When the Three Bears leave their house for a walk, a young girl named Goldilocks appears and is drawn in to the house by the smell of hot porridge. But what happens when the bears return and find their porridge is gone? This fun rhyming play by the 'national children's dramatist' David Wood is wonderfully illustrated by Tom Percival. This is a Band 11/Lime book in the Collins Big Cat reading programme which has longer sentence structures and a greater use of literary language. This story is a playscript of a traditional tale, and pages 30 and 31 present a radio interview with the Three Bears which explores their thoughts towards the events of the play. This book supports literacy as well as learning about dialogue and plays. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader. For more guided reading books in this Collins Big Cat band, try Oliver (9780007462094) written by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Rupert Van Wyk.
Interest Age 11+ Reading Age 8+. A comical mystery from one of the UK’s best known novelists, Terry Deary. Be prepared however, for fear will also run through your veins in a plot so sinister and frightening that you will be glued to the page. Fast-moving and with terrific climax, this novel is part of the absolutely excellent ‘reloaded’ series from Barrington Stoke that provides wide-ranging stories whilst introducing the reader to myths and legends from many lands and cultures. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Jack doesn't go looking for trouble - it comes to him! Cue a prince's quest, an army of mice, a cursed tooth and a bad-tempered dragon. Funny and thrilling Ukrainian folk-tale. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
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