About the Illustrator
Ross Collins graduated from the Glasgow School of Art with a First in Illustration. In the same year he won the Macmillan Children's Book Prize. He now has over eighty titles to his name including Busy Night which won the White Raven Award and Billy Monster's Daymare which won the Royal Mail Book Award. He lives in Glasgow.
Featured books by Ross Collins
Colour My Days
3+ readers 5+ readersTwo children, Emmy and Jeff, escort readers into a world of colours in Ross Collins’ new picture book. Each spread is given over to one colour, from yellow, which brightens the day, through blue, which cools things down, to green which grows and grows, until they are all there and it’s just ‘Too much!’ say Jeff and Emmy. The text is admirably short but the pictures are full of life and action, thanks to the interaction between the children and the colours, which all have their own personality. Specially designed for readers – child or adult – with dyslexia, this is easy to read but bursting with ideas.~ Andrea Reece
Mabel Jones and the Doomsday Book
7+ readers 9+ readersIn a nutshell: the fate of the ‘hooman’ race in the hands of incorrigible nose-picker and pirate Mabel Jones | For daring adventures, desperate deeds, and decidedly nasty ends, look no further than the unlikely adventures of Mabel Jones. Two books back this young ‘hooman’ was snatched into the future, a world ruled by talking animals and press-ganged into piracy; can she now find out what brought about the end of her race, and possibly avert it? One thing we know, Mabel Jones isn’t scared of anything! Will Mabbit’s stories are triumphs of invention and originality, featuring not just a parade of the most extraordinary characters you’re likely to meet in fiction, but a narrator who can be relied upon to dash hopes of happy outcomes, but not much else. An absolute treat to read aloud, these will bring a touch of surprising, nutty fun to bedtimes. There’s a touch of Mr Gum to the Mabel Jones adventures, while they’re also recommended for fans of Lemony Snicket. ~ Andrea Reece
Knitbone Pepper and the Last Circus Tiger
7+ readers 9+ readersClaire Barker’s Knitbone Pepper books are charming: gentle stories about a ghostly band of dearly departed pets living in a crumbling stately home, they are funny, lively and genuinely touching. There’s great excitement when a circus pitches its tents at Starcross Hall. Knitbone detects an odd scent in the big top, a mix of salt, mist and dandelion clocks, and he recognises the smell of a broken heart. Sure enough, the circus has a ghost tiger, desperate to communicate with his ‘Beloved’, former owner, the circus ringmaster. The Starcross animals come to his help, and foil a jewel thief in the process too. The setting, the motley crew of ghosts, Winnie’s eccentric parents and the perfect understanding of that special bond between pet and owner make this very special, heaven in a book for young animal fans. Further animal reading recommendations include Dick King-Smith and particularly Martin’s Mice and the Sophie stories; Chris Riddell’s Goth Girl series is set in a stately home, abounds with eccentric adults and features ghost animals; while Lucy M Boston’s classic The Children of Green Knowe is a more challenging read but rich and rewarding. ~ Andrea Reece
Mabel Jones and the Forbidden City
7+ readers 9+ readersThe Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones was one of my favourite books of 2016, and it’s great to see Mabel back. She’s forced to leave the ‘hooman’ world and venture again into the Noo World, a place run by animals, variously disreputable or downright nefarious. Mabel’s baby sister has been abducted and before you can say Omynus Hussh (pirate slow loris and Mabel’s arch enemy) she’s on her trail aboard a steam boat, cutlass in hand ready for more narrow escapes from certain death. It’s wildly inventive, Mabbit delights as much in fantastical word-play as he does in the kind of gross humour kids love, and a rip-roaring adventure too. Ross Collins was born to illustrate this and his drawings are an integral part of the enjoyment. This matches Lemony Snicket for dark humour, while fans will also enjoy Dominic Barker’s equally clever and engaging Blart The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Save the World. ~ Andrea Reece
Ghost Dog
7+ readers 9+ readersAugust 2015 Book of the Month Knitbone loves his owner Winnie Pepper more than all the bicycle wheels, Frisbees and cowpats in the world! So it’s maybe no surprise that when he dies his spirit stays with Winnie in Starcross Hall, her parents’ crumbling stately home. He’s not the only ghost animal, there’s a whole gang of them and when the Hall is threatened by bailiffs, the Spirits of Starcross and Winnie make a formidable team! With its sweet ghost animals and ginger-nut-fuelled adventure, this charming story ticks all the right boxes for young readers. Ross Collins’ illustrations are spookily fun but capture the affection between Knitbone and Winnie perfectly too. ~ Andrea Reece
The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones
7+ readers 9+ readersShortlisted for The Branford Boase Award 2016. One of our Books of the Year 2015 - June 2015 Debut of the Month Mabel Jones is sleeping soundly when a sudden noise wakes her up. It’s Omynus Hussh, silent loris and pirate, there to press gang her into service to the captain of the Feroshus Maggot, mad wolf (he really is a wolf) Idryss Ebenezer Split. Mabel will have lots of adventures before she can return to the ‘hooman’ world! Part Pirates of the Caribbean, and with a touch of Monty Python thrown in, this is a wildly inventive, hugely enjoyable adventure that must qualify as the year’s best book to read aloud. Piracy, says the narrator, ‘It’s not all golden doubloons and swinging from chandeliers. It’s not all drunken shanties and dancing on a dead man’s chest. Not by a long plank.’ Irresistible! ~ Andrea Reece
There's a Bear on My Chair
3+ readersShortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2016. Text, illustration and design all combine to make this an outstanding picture book. Mouse is cross, there’s a bear – a polar bear – on his chair, he won’t move and ‘There isn’t any room to spare. We do not make a happy pair’. The bear is apparently oblivious to Mouse and his growing rage, though readers will notice him take an occasional sly peek at his companion, deftly illustrated in just one line of eyebrow. Collins’s illustrations also brilliantly capture Mouse’s changing moods, from anger through to resignation. The text is a joy to read, a series of funny statements constructed – Dr Seuss-like – around words that rhyme with chair. A sequel – There’s a Mouse in My House – must follow. This superb picture book is set to become a classic. ~ Andrea Reece Louise from Nosy Crow says: “This hilarious and highly original story featuring mouse and bear with just one chair is perfect for fans of Jon Klassen. Children will laugh out loud and parents will love the clever nature of the story.”
Robot Rumpus
3+ readers 5+ readersWinner of the Scottish Book Awards 2015, 3-7 age category A brilliant bedtime romp! When Mum and Dad hand over the babysitting to a bunch of robots they have no idea just how much chaos will follow. All starts well with Cook-Bot and Clean-Bot doing their jobs brilliantly but then everything begins to go very, very wrong! A glorious story and illustrations from this award winning duo.
The Story of Matthew Buzzington
9+ readersInterest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. Creator of the best-selling Mr Gum series, Andy Stanton delights again is this story of the importance of self-belief. 10 year old Matthew Buzzington badly needs some special powers when his family suddenly relocates to the Big City. Easily picked on by the biggest and meanest boy in his new school, Matthew needs to show how special he is. If only he could turn himself into a fly… When Matthew, his little sister and the big school bully are locked into school together Matthew finds that when everyone believes in him, he can do something rather special. And that is life changing…
Littlenose Collection: The Explorer
5+ readers 7+ readersFollow Littlenose the caveboy, where things are never calm for long in this naughty caveboy's world. Littlenose is a charming character with an irrepressible sense of adventure and Two-Eyes, his pet mammoth (and partner in crime) in this collection comprising fifteen stories, perfectly pitched at children who just starting to read independently. Lots of prehistoric fun will ensure they're hooked!
Blamehounds
5+ readers 7+ readersInterest Age 5-8 Who’s to blame when things go wrong? Dogs Norman and Ringo realise that they are the Blamehounds when they get told off for everything from farts to an unexpected splat of peach juice. But then they come up with a plan! Soon the Blamehounds along with other dogs are making a small fortune through a few backhanders just by taking the blame humans want to avoid. Ross Collins captures the joke perfectly in words and pictures. 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.
Sterling and the Canary
9+ readersOne of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2014 - Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. Prize-winning Andy Stanton injects his trademark humour into this hilarious story about a teenage love affair. From the first moment he sees new girl Lizzie Harris, Sterling Thaxton knows he must go out with her. All the other girls in the school are crazy about him but can Sterling win over Lizzie? Things don’t go according to plan in love, maths or friendship but, when Sterling finds a talking canary it looks like all his problems will be solved. This book is also available to read via the Barrington Stoke 'Tints' App. Find out more here.
All I Said Was...
3+ readers 5+ readersOne of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2014 - A Dyslexia Friendly Picture Book for Parent and Child The former Children’s Laureate simply tells a deliciously funny story about a boy who swaps his life with a pigeon with almost disastrous results! Looking up from the book he is reading the boy sees a pigeon on his windowsill. He’s always wanted to fly. Luckily, the pigeon has always wanted to read so soon the two swap places. Flying is fun but not everything else about being a bird is! But what will happen when the boy wants to swap back? Ross Collins brilliantly captures the humour of this easy to read story. ---------------------- Publisher Barrington Stoke was inspired to create the Picture Squirrel Books titles after meeting a man with dyslexia at a book event. “We were approached by a gentleman who told us that it broke his heart that he couldn’t read to his child because of his dyslexia,” M.D. Mairi Kidd told The Bookseller. “So we talked to Michael Morpurgo, who we were already working with on low text books [textbooks that use a limited number of words]." The layout of picture books can be difficult for adults with dyslexia as the language and typeface are often very varied, the text can be cut into small chunks or is sometimes spun around a picture, which can make a book tricky if you don’t have good reading skills. Barrington Stoke worked with the authors and illustrators to ensure that the books are suitable for dyslexic readers and thereby helping more families grow a love of reading. On the Picture Squirrels...Michael Morpurgo says: “I was immediately taken with the idea of the Picture Squirrel books, a picture book list that dyslexic parents and less confident readers can read with theirchildren too.” In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for All I Said Was... a small number of members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'Mummy liked that the letters in the books were well spaced and that the pages were a soft colour as this made the books easier for children with dyslexia to read.' Elliot Bateman. Scroll down to read more ...
The Two Jacks
9+ readers 11+ readersInterest 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.
Cheesemares
5+ readers 7+ readersInterest Age 5-8+ Hal’s cheesy nightmares have become impossible and he is determined to find out why. With his fat dog Rufus, Hal goes on the hunt to find out and finds himself having to deal with some very disagreeable cows indeed. Told by Ross Collins in words and pictures this is a hugely entertaining and original story. 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.
The Monster Snowman
7+ readers 9+ readersInterest Age 8-12 Reading Age 7+ Jack and his friends build the greatest, scariest snowman in the whole world - until it comes alive! An entertaining and clever story by an award- winning author and illustator, Ross Collins. Also suitable for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
Anaconda Adventure (S.W.I.T.C.H. 11)
7+ readers 9+ readersA new thrilling adventure for a group of children who can magically switch into being another animal. And, most importantly, switch back! Now Josh and Danny are visiting the Zoo with their friend Petty Potts who is about to turn them each into an anaconda. It’s a very scary thought and they spend some time looking at the dangerous snakes to get used to it. At first all goes well but when Petty leaves the boys things look very dangerous indeed. Will they be trapped with the real anacondas? Great excitement lies at the heart of these pacy adventures. Click here for the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website with games, activities and competitions.
When I Woke Up I Was a Hippopotamus
3+ readersApril 2012 Book of the Month. A great story with rhyming text and delightfully complementary bright and bold illustrations, it features a small boy with an incredibly over-active imagination - he has fantasies about being lots of different creatures, all of whom get him into all sorts of mischief!
Alligator Action
7+ readers 9+ readersPetty's been kidnapped! Josh and Danny have already broken into her secret lab looking for her, and now they're going to brave all her anti-intruder traps and break into her house. There's no sign of Petty, but there is a very interesting little box ...containing the best SWITCH spray ever. Unable to resist the temptation, the twins head to the park to try out alligator SWITCH spray. But before they make it to the river, they're roped into being in the audience of a touring chat show, with some VERY interesting guests ...
Lizard Loopy (S.W.I.T.C.H. 7)
7+ readers 9+ readersSizzling adventures happen when twins Josh and Danny swap places with a host of fascinating animals. Armed with the secret spray given to them by Petty Potts, the brilliant and eccentric scientist, Josh and Danny can get out of all kinds of fixes by turning into something else. As lizards, chameleons, turtles, geckos and anacondas the boys discover first hand dangers and the excitement of living in someone else’s skin. Josh and Danny can't wait to try out Petty Potts's crazy new formula - a spray that will turn them into lizards! Soon, they're making the most of their amazing speed and agility by whizzing up a tree. But in no time they're in deep doo-doo. Surrounded by bird poo and in serious danger of being swallowed whole by two moody owls ... Author Ali Sparkes is the winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award and illustrator Ross Collins is winner of the Royal Mail Book Award. Click here for the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website with games, activities and competitions.
Chameleon Chaos (S.W.I.T.C.H. 8)
7+ readers 9+ readersSizzling adventures happen when twins Josh and Danny swap places with a host of fascinating animals. Armed with the secret spray given to them by Petty Potts, the brilliant and eccentric scientist, Josh and Danny can get out of all kinds of fixes by turning into something else. As lizards, chameleons, turtles, geckos and anacondas the boys discover first hand dangers and the excitement of living in someone else’s skin. Petty Potts, scientist extraordinaire, is losing her touch. The spray that's supposed to SWITCH Josh and Danny into chameleons refuses to work. But the next day, at school, things get VERY weird. Looks like Petty's spray has worked after all. And it shows no sign of wearing off any time soon ... Author Ali Sparkes is the winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award and illustrator Ross Collins is winner of the Royal Mail Book Award. Click here for the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website with games, activities and competitions.
Turtle Terror (S.W.I.T.C.H. 9)
7+ readers 9+ readersSizzling adventures happen when twins Josh and Danny swap places with a host of fascinating animals. Armed with the secret spray given to them by Petty Potts, the brilliant and eccentric scientist, Josh and Danny can get out of all kinds of fixes by turning into something else. As lizards, chameleons, turtles, geckos and anacondas the boys discover first hand dangers and the excitement of living in someone else’s skin. Josh and Danny can't believe their luck when crazy scientist Petty Potts turns up on the same beach as them. It's the perfect chance to 'borrow' her new spray that SWITCHes humans into turtles. Soon the boys are having a great time, diving through the waves and slurping on jelly fish ... Until they swim into serious danger. Author Ali Sparkes is the winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award and illustrator Ross Collins is winner of the Royal Mail Book Award. Click here for the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website with games, activities and competitions.
Gecko Gladiator (S.W.I.T.C.H. 10)
7+ readers 9+ readersSizzling adventures happen when twins Josh and Danny swap places with a host of fascinating animals. Armed with the secret spray given to them by Petty Potts, the brilliant and eccentric scientist, Josh and Danny can get out of all kinds of fixes by turning into something else. As lizards, chameleons, turtles, geckos and anacondas the boys discover first hand dangers and the excitement of living in someone else’s skin. Josh and Danny are stuck in Princess Land-a toy shop full of pink stuff and worse, actual girls! Before too long, the twins find themselves with the head of a lizard and the body of a boy. Then to make things worse they are dragged into a dangerous game of combat, brother against brother ... Author Ali Sparkes is the winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award and illustrator Ross Collins is winner of the Royal Mail Book Award. Click here for the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website with games, activities and competitions.
The Story of Matthew Buzzington
9+ readersInterest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. Creator of the best-selling Mr Gum series, Andy Stanton delights again is this story of the importance of self-belief. 10 year old Matthew Buzzington badly needs some special powers when his family suddenly relocates to the Big City. Easily picked on by the biggest and meanest boy in his new school, Matthew needs to show how special he is. If only he could turn himself into a fly… When Matthew, his little sister and the big school bully are locked into school together Matthew finds that when everyone believes in him, he can do something rather special. And that is life changing… To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
S.W.I.T.C.H.:Frog Freak Out!
5+ readers 7+ readersA double helping of excitement in this bumper book of two stories in one volume. When Petty Potts, scientist with some mad and dangerous ideas, turns up at their summer camp, twins Josh and Danny are determined that they will not go anywhere near her deadly SWITCH formula which can change them into amphibians. But when their friend Pippa gets into difficulties, they know they must act fast! Loads of fun facts pepper the story and there is a useful information guide at the back.
Sterling and the Canary
9+ readersInterest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. Prize-winning Andy Stanton injects his trademark humour into this hilarious story about a teenage love affair. From the first moment he sees new girl Lizzie Harris, Sterling Thaxton knows he must go out with her. All the other girls in the school are crazy about him but can Sterling win over Lizzie? Things don’t go according to plan in love, maths or friendship but, when Sterling finds a talking canary it looks like all his problems will be solved. A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Crane Fly Crash (S.W.I.T.C.H. 5)
5+ readers 7+ readersHow far would you go to save your annoying big bug sister? When Jenny accidentally uses Petty Potts's S.W.I.T.C.H spray on herself, Josh and Danny know that there is only one thing for it. They'll have to change themselves into crane flies to save their sister. However risky ... About the series: Boy or insect? Twins Josh and Danny survive a series of thrilling adventures after they have been transformed into bug life by the crazy scientist Petty Potts who injects them with a most unusual serum. How insect-loving Josh and insect-hating Danny survive the dangers of the bugs’ world in a series of adventures as spiders, grasshoppers, flies and ants makes thrilling reading as well as a great introduction into how insects may feel. To check out the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website, click here.
Beetle Blast (S.W.I.T.C.H. 6)
5+ readers 7+ readersTwins Josh and Danny have been turned into diving beetles! Pond life is scary enough because of what’s in the pond but something much more scary – and dangerous – is outside! How the twins save themselves is a gripping read. Josh and Danny become involved in another of Petty Potts's mad schemes to try out her S.W.I.T.C.H formula. Soon the boys are beetling about in a pond, breathing underwater, and creating the most almighty stench to scare off predators. But pond life is the least of their problems. A mysterious stranger is hanging around and he's out to get them. About the series: Boy or insect? Twins Josh and Danny survive a series of thrilling adventures after they have been transformed into bug life by the crazy scientist Petty Potts who injects them with a most unusual serum. How insect-loving Josh and insect-hating Danny survive the dangers of the bugs’ world in a series of adventures as spiders, grasshoppers, flies and ants makes thrilling reading as well as a great introduction into how insects may feel. To check out the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website, click here.
Other books by Ross Collins
I am a Tiger
A hilarious and original story about a little mouse with big ideas - she believes she is a tiger! She manages to convince a raccoon, a fox, a snake and a bird that she is a tiger, and that they are not what they think they are! But when a real tiger turns up, can the persuasive little rodent manage to persuade the tiger that he is a mouse! With vibrant artwork by award-winning illustrator Ross Collins, and delightful characters created by rising star Karl Newson, this I am a Tiger is a story that will amuse and entertain everyone, from young children to adults, from the smallest mouse to the biggest tiger.
I am a Tiger
A witty and clever story about a little mouse with very big ideas - she believes she is a tiger! She manages to convince a raccoon, a fox, a snake and a bird that she is a tiger, and that they are not what they think they are! But when a real tiger turns up, can the persuasive little rodent manage to persuade the tiger that he is a mouse! With vibrant artwork by award-winning illustrator Ross Collins, and delightful characters created by rising star Karl Newson, I am a Tiger is a story that will amuse and entertain everyone, from young children to adults, from the smallest mouse to the biggest tiger.
Knitbone Pepper and the Silver Phantom
Knitbone Pepper is a friendly ghost dog, haunting the crumbling Starcross Hall with a gaggle of other ghostly pets. When a vintage plane flies into Starcross Hall it brings with it Martin the hamster's beloved owner, Winnie's long-lost ghostly granddad. But he's a human ghost, and everyone knows they always spell trouble...
Sunny and the Ghosts
Sometimes, when you open a door or lift a lid, you find exactly what you expected to find: coats in the coat cupboard, bread in the bread bin, toys in the toy box. And sometimes you don't. When Sunny's parents buy an antique shop, they get more than they bargained for: in some of the old furniture, Sunny finds ghosts. Each of the ghosts has an unfulfilled desire, something they never did in their lifetime: Walter wants to learn to read, Violet wants to write a novel, Mary and Elsie want to go to the seaside. While Sunny is trying to help them all, it seems someone else is out to cause trouble...
Read with Oxford: Stage 3: Julia Donaldson's Songbirds: Spike Says and Other Stories
With a focus on building phonics skills, this collection includes seven fun stories with colourful illustrations. It is ideal for children who are growing in reading confidence. Find out what Spike has to say, why Nasim is an unusual kind of knight and what happens to the snake and the drake. Tips for reading together explain the letter patterns that each story focuses on and identify any words children may find tricky, helping you to get the most out of the collection.Former Children's Laureate and author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson, has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging stories. Songbirds is a phonics programme carefully created by Julia to support children who are learning to read and is used in schools to inspire a love of reading. There are eight Songbirds story collections for you to enjoy.Featuring much-loved characters, great authors, engaging storylines and fun activities, Read with Oxford offers an exciting range of carefully levelled reading books to build your child's reading confidence.Find practical advice, free eBooks and fun activities to help your child progress on oxfordowl.co.uk. Let's get them flying!
Knitbone Pepper (2) The Last Circus Tiger
Knitbone Pepper is a friendly ghost dog, haunting the crumbling Starcross Hall with a gaggle of other ghostly pets. When Knitbone and his beloved owner Winnie invite the circus to Starcross, the ghosts are so excited! But amidst the magicians, the acrobats and the clowns, Knitbone senses something beastly in the big top... Illustrations:Full colour throughout
Knitbone Pepper (1) Ghost Dog
Knitbone Pepper is a friendly ghost dog, haunting the crumbling Starcross Hall with a gaggle of other ghostly pets. But when he discovers that the Hall is up for sale and his beloved owner, Winnie Pepper, and her madcap parents must leave their home, he smells a rat. Can Knitbone and his ghostly gang of animals help Winnie save Starcross? Illustrations: Full colour throughout
Tiddlers: The Sleepy Dinosaur
The Sleepy Dinosaur is a fun story for young dinosaur fans who are beginning to read on their own. Perfect for children aged 4+ who are reading at book band pink 1B. This sleepy dinosaur just cannot find the perfect place to sleep - until he's snuggled up in bed! The Tiddlers series features fun stories with a word count of fewer than 50 words for children who are just starting to read. A word list at the beginning of the story allows for a quick check of the reader's ability to read and understand words before reading, and a spot the picture puzzle at the end of the story encourages rereading for pleasure. Compiled in consultation with Catherine Glavina, PGCE Primary and Early Years Course Leader, The Centre for Professional Education, University of Warwick.
The Snarling of Wolves The Sixth Tale from the Five Kingdoms
The sixth book in the comic fantasy series Tales from the Five Kingdoms - in which the borders are broken and the Five Kingdoms changed for ever. The Web of Power which keeps the Five Kingdoms safe from evil is under threat. Foyce is determined to destroy it so she can take a terrible revenge on her step-sister, Gracie Gillypot. Meanwhile the five Royal Families are in turmoil. Queen Bluebell is fed up with her tedious grandson, Vincent; Prince Tertius is suffering from the endless nagging of his new wife, Princess Fedora - and on top of everything else there's a big tournament coming up. Things come to a head when Gubble the troll crashes into King Frank's study, and he and Gracie are thrown into a dungeon. A band of fearsome werewolves are gathering in the forests, and Foyce is among them. Will Gracie, Marcus and a handful of bats be able to save the kingdoms from total disaster?
Must Know Stories: Level 2: Theseus and the Minotaur
Every year, King Aegeus must send seven girls and seven boys to feed the terrible Minotaur - a ferocious beast! Now Aegeus' son, Theseus, wants to destroy the beast once and for all... A beautifully illustrated retelling of this favourite Greek myth. Must Know Stories includes favourite tales, celebrating the diversity of our literary heritage. Level 2 stories are told in chapters in under 1000 words.
Oxford Reading Tree inFact: Level 11: Scratch's Bad Reputations
Do you scream over spiders or bolt from bats? In Scratch's Bad Reputations, Scratch the rat looks at animals that have a reputation for being scary but are they really bad, or just misunderstood? Oxford Reading Tree inFact is a non-fiction series that aims to engage children in reading for pleasure as powerfully as fiction does. The variety of topics means there are books to interest every child in this compelling series. The series is written by top children's authors and subject experts. The books are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.
Robot Rumpus
3+ readers 5+ readersWinner of the Scottish Book Awards 2015, 3-7 age category A brilliant bedtime romp! When Mum and Dad hand over the babysitting to a bunch of robots they have no idea just how much chaos will follow. All starts well with Cook-Bot and Clean-Bot doing their jobs brilliantly but then everything begins to go very, very wrong! A glorious story and illustrations from this award winning duo.
Spider Stampede (S.W.I.T.C.H. 1)
5+ readers 7+ readersBoy or insect? Twins Josh and Danny survive a series of thrilling adventures after they have been transformed into bug life by the crazy scientist Petty Potts who injects them with a most unusual serum. How insect-loving Josh and insect-hating Danny survive the dangers of the bugs’ world in a series of adventures as spiders, grasshoppers, flies and ants makes thrilling reading as well as a great introduction into how insects may feel. To check out the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website, click here.
Ant Attack (S.W.I.T.C.H. 4)
5+ readers 7+ readersBoy or insect? Twins Josh and Danny survive a series of thrilling adventures after they have been transformed into bug life by the crazy scientist Petty Potts who injects them with a most unusual serum. How insect-loving Josh and insect-hating Danny survive the dangers of the bugs’ world in a series of adventures as spiders, grasshoppers, flies and ants makes thrilling reading as well as a great introduction into how insects may feel. To check out the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website, click here.
Grasshopper Glitch (S.W.I.T.C.H. 3)
5+ readers 7+ readersBoy or insect? Twins Josh and Danny survive a series of thrilling adventures after they have been transformed into bug life by the crazy scientist Petty Potts who injects them with a most unusual serum. How insect-loving Josh and insect-hating Danny survive the dangers of the bugs’ world in a series of adventures as spiders, grasshoppers, flies and ants makes thrilling reading as well as a great introduction into how insects may feel. To check out the S.W.I.T.C.H. series website, click here.
Hugh's Blue Day
Hugh's Blue Day is a delightful rhyming story that will appeal to any child who has had 'the blues'. Geared primarily to 2-5-year-olds, it features a grumpy little boy and his fun-loving mum. When Hugh refuses to play, mum tries to cheer him up by making the whole day 'blue'. At first Hugh is doubtful, but he soon takes up the challenge, trying to outwit mum as she strives to make everything blue: his clothes, his food, even his toothpaste. Hodgson's quirky rhymes and the infectious enthusiasm of Collins' colour illustrations make this a classic picture book. Collins is one of the most acclaimed children's book illustrators and authors working today. He has illustrated more than 70 books, including The Elephantom (shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal), The Sea Hole (winner of the MacMillan Children's Book Prize) and Billy Monster's Daymare (winner of the Royal Mail Book Award). He lives in Glasgow, Scotland. Hodgson, a former journalist, lives in south-east England. She is also author of The Robot Who Couldn't Cry and The Teeny-Weeny Walking Stick, both published by Hogs Back Books.
The Bag of Bones The Second Tale from the Five Kingdoms
The good witches of Wadingburn are worried - there's a new witch in town with a bag of magic bones, and she's so evil she makes their toes ache... Another fun-filled fantasty in the Tales from the Five Kingdoms stories that started with The Robe of Skulls. Truda Hangnail is a very wicked witch, banned from the Five Kingdoms because of her use of deep magic. Then she comes up with a fiendish plan to restore evil to the Five Kingdoms, transforming the good witches of Waddingburn into shrivelled, wicked old witches who will help her take over King Frank's kingdom on his fiftieth birthday. Luckily, a sweet-natured half-human, half-elf named Loobly is witness to Truda's evil spell and sets off to fetch help. As the birthday party looms and Truda's evil gathers strength, Loobly enlists the help of Prince Marcus of Gorebreath and Gracie Gillypot, as well as old friends Gubble the troll and Marlon and Alf the bats, to stop Truda and send her packing to the house of the Ancient Crones to face her just deserts.
The Robe of Skulls The First Tale from the Five Kingdoms
An exuberant, hilarious and wildly entertaining fairy tale with a cast of characters who are good, bad and very, very ugly. All is not well in the crumbling castle high above the mountain village of Fracture. The sorceress Lady Lamorna has her heart set on a new robe. A very expensive new robe. To get the cash she will stop at nothing, including kidnapping, blackmail and more than a little black magic. But she reckons without the heroic Gracie Gillypot, not to mention a gallant if rather scruffy prince, two chatty bats, the wickedest stepsister ever, a troll with a grudge - and some very Ancient crones.
The World's Bellybutton The Greek Gods Need a New Hero!
William Popidopolis is in a race against time in this comic adventure where mythology and reality collide! William travels to a Greek isle to meet his long-lost father. There he meets a talking swan, who is really Zeus, king of the gods - and he desperately needs William's help. The knot that ties the world together is slipping, and the planet is about to explode! Can they trick the Gorgons and retie the knot before it is too late?
Elephantom
The wryly comic tale of a small girl plagued by a mischievous 'elephantom' who rides up and down the stairs at night on a scooter, eats all her peanut butter and has his friends over for rowdy parties.
The Three Grumpies
You know the feeling - a black cloud descends on the day and things just don't seem to go right. You spill your milk, trip up on a step, forget to take your homework with you to school. It could be that you have the Grumpies, just like the little girl in this charming and light-hearted book about a bad mood day. But she is not going to get stuck with the Grumpies. Oh no! She is going to see them off and rescue her good humour. So, if you do know that feeling and you do have one of those days, then this is just the book to help you snap right out of it.
Jack and the Dreamsack
Every night when Jack goes to sleep he has wonderful dreams. The only problem is he can't really remember them the next day. So one night he determines to go to the land of dreams and put them in a sack and save them for the next day. But dreams are elusive things and not as easy to capture as you would think. Or are they? A truly original and fresh picture book that reminds us to believe in our dreams - those we have asleep or awake.
Nuff Said
Fairy Nuff has been rewarded with a knighthood for saving the kidnapped Queen. He has also become extremely rich through a wind fall inheritance - what is left for him to do now but celebrate his good fortune by hosting a massive party! So he invites the rich and famous, builds a theme park, gets the Chinese State Circus to make an appearance and prepares for the time of his life. But things do not turn out as Fairy Nuff had planned because he has two very uninvited guests with a very big grudge and a hoard of huge ants to contend with.
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