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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The perfect book for helping with bad days and noisy outbursts.
Chichico can't believe his luck when a talent scout spots him playing football on the beach and asks him to try out for Santos Brazil. All he has to do is turn up, bring his boots and show off his skills. But there's one problem ... Chichico doesn't have any boots. When his friend Davi steps in to lend a helping hand, can he save the day - or will his actions spoil Chichico's chances of becoming a football star forever? Particularly suitable for struggling reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
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.
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. Fast-paced and fun, it will have you quaking in your boots quicker than you can say knife. Chaos ensues when Jake discovers that a zombie likes to party and my goodness, this one seriously likes to party. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
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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