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Dad is a Master Baker and Albert is expected to one day follow in his footsteps. There's just one problem ... Albert doesn't care about baking, he only cares about football, tennis, cricket and any other sport you can think of. When his dad invents The 'Doughmaster 5000' to help out around the bakery, it seems all their problems have been solved. But disaster is never far away and soon Dad's miracle solution is a rampaging nightmare! With just a pair of football boots, a tennis racket and a cricket bat to hand, can Albert really come to the resuce and fix this mess?
Interest Age 5-8 | March 2020 Book of the Month | Clever children who use their wits to get the better of much more powerful adversaries star in this duo of stories by the one and only Michael Rosen. Masha escapes a big and thoroughly bad bear in a particularly delicious way, while little Peggy outsmarts her admittedly rather stupid king to win big. Rosen’s lively, direct style make these stories wonderfully accessible for those growing in reading confidence, and Ashley King’s full colour illustrations add to the appeal of this little gem of a book.
Cats in the bath. Cats in the cupboards. A hundred cats everywhere!Everyone in Jack's class has a pet, but all Jack has is his little brother Freddie. And little brothers don'tmake very good pets. But when Jack meets The Man With The Top Hat and his lovely cat Mrs Wilson,he's about to get the pet he's always wanted - and many, many more ... A furry, funny and very cute Little Gem that's full of heart from King of Comedy Jeremy Strong!
Interest Age 5-8 | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month September 2019 | A wonderful adventure for a little girl who overcomes all her fears and gets an unexpected flight in a hot air balloon. Nick-named Scaredy Cat -Sophie by her sister, Sophie seems to be frightened of almost everything and so gets left out of a family trip to the fair to see a famous balloonist show off the tricks of his trade. Alone after the family have gone, Sophie’s great longing to see the amazing balloonist go up, up in the sky inspires her to overcome her fear and bravely set off for the fair alone. Soon Sophie finds that she too has an unexpected and very exciting trip ahead of her! Based on a story of Sophie Blanchard one of the first female astronauts this is a charming story that will encourage all readers to be brave. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Paul du Pain's bakery is a very special place. Each day, Paul bakes the bread while Marie serves customers in the shop. Everyone who walks in the door walks back out feeling happier than before. But when Marie goes away, Paul's days become sad and grey. Without her, the bakery's magic is gone. Will Paul ever be able to win her back?A charming, heartfelt and timeless tale from an award-winning author-illustrator.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month August 2019 | Interest Age 5-8 | Pirates ahoy! This is a lively, swashbuckling story with great characters and a pacey story – all vibrantly illustrated in an attractive and easy-to-read, small size book. Barbarous Bertha is a fearsome pirate as well as the guardian of a wide stretch of emerald green sea and the Purple Shell Islands which are home to both people and special animals and birds. It is no surprise therefore that her daughter Molly Rogers is never going to stand for anyone who threatens to invade the islands or destroy their inhabitants. When reports come of Captain Firebird doing damage to Monkey Skull Island, Molly Rogers enlists all of her best animal and bird friends – including Kracken the octopus – to chase down Captain Firebird and to make sure he never does anything so dastardly again.
Interest Age 5-8 | There’s poignancy as well as humour in this new story from Jonathan Meres. Young Frank is desperate for a new bike, but he knows that money doesn’t grow on trees, so when his big sister offers to pay him to help with her paper round, he agrees. Despite the 6.00am starts, it’s actually good fun and both Frank and Lottie are excited when they make friends with an old lady as they deliver papers to her care home. Their friendship proves very important as the story reaches its end. There’s lots to enjoy here, the story is short but very rewarding and Meres’ understanding of his readers is spot on.
Interest Age 5-8 | Everyone knows that footballers are super-superstitious and when things suddenly start going wrong for the Saints, they decide their team is under a curse. The question is, what can they do to lift it? Stanley is the only one of them who really understands that lucky strips and garlic down their socks won’t get them winning again – only confidence and determination will do that. It’s up to him to change the team’s outlook. The action flows, both on the pitch and in the dressing room, and the story feels as real and authentic as a pair of muddy football boots. Steve May’s illustrations are bang on and in Barrington Stoke style, this is accessible even to reluctant or dyslexic readers. A winner!
When Captain Beardy-Beard rescues Nellie from the North Pole she's ready to be safe and sound back at home. But mistakes and trouble are never far from Nellie, and when their submarine runs out of fuel in the docks of New York, Captain Beardy-Beard and his crew are a prime target for a hijacking! Looks like Nellie Choc-Ice is in trouble again and this time it's BIG trouble! Hilarious penguin adventure full of laughs and facts.
Interest Age 5-8 | Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | What a lovely first reading book! Something exciting is happening at school – there’s a paddling pool in the playground, the children are in their swimming costumes – and so are the teachers… It’s Splash Day, a giant water fight the summer reward for everyone’s hard work. What a treat – and it’s a treat to read too. Nick Sharratt’s bright, bold illustrations provide clues so that working out what the words say becomes a kind of game, fun rhymes making it easier still to decode the letters. Splish, splash, splosh – get yourself a copy.
Interest Age 5-8 | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2019 | A wonderfully entertaining romp of a story with the redoubtable Grandma and ghost of Grandpa Bert at the heart of it. When Grandma arrives to visit Anna and Kasper she brings in her handbag a very unusual travelling companion: the ghost of Grandpa Bert. And with Grandpa Bert comes danger. The Ghost Snatchers are out to get him and Grandma and Anna and Kasper have to their wits about them to stay one step ahead of the two dastardly crooks. Fun to read and attractively illustrated. ............................................. More spy caper than ghost story this is a fun adventure for young readers, and one that puts grandparents nicely in the driving seat of the action too. Anna and Kasper’s Grandma Gertie has an unusual secret in her handbag – the ghost of Grandpa Bert. In itself that’s pretty exciting, but then Grandpa Bert is kidnapped by a gang of ruthless ghost rustlers. Grandma Gertie won’t stand for that, and is straightaway off to the rescue with Anna and Kasper. Short chapters and lots of colour illustrations help make this super-readable, and everyone will want to know what happens at the end. ~ Andrea Reece
Interest Age 5-8 | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month June 2018 | | Clever Mariella, a super-inventive nine year old scientist, is never short of ideas. But she is often short of time! How can she crack the problem of bedtime interrupting some of her very best inventions? According to her science teacher the only way is to travel west always keeping ahead of the darkness. Undaunted by this huge challenge, Mariella sets off…. Her adventures are a super science story full of invention from the bestselling creator of Artemis Fowl.
Interest Age 5-8 | Norman the Norman from Normandy is rapidly becoming my favourite Philip Ardagh character (and there’s a great line up to choose from). Small and accident prone but with a remarkable knack for being in the right place at exactly the right time, Norman is always at the centre of the action and his adventures are very funny indeed. In this story he’s invited to accompany William of Normandy on his ‘conquest thingy’, as the Duke’s wife calls it. Tempted to the Duke’s castle by the thought of its tea-room, Norman’s not actually that keen on the invasion idea and ends up going home to his mum instead. The words and the full-colour pictures will both have readers laughing, and there are some great long-running jokes about the Bayeux Tapestry. Perfect reading for anyone who appreciates the silliness of existence.
May 2018 Book of the Month | | Interest Age 5-8 | | The villagers in this charming story rely on their telephone for different reasons and when the local line is damaged in a storm they are all affected. Margaret can't organise her May Fair, Jean can't keep in touch with her family and Will's mum might miss the latest naughty escapades her son has got up to! After the telephone company arrives to fix the wires things get more complicated as the houses are mistakenly connected to the wrong number and confusion reigns. But as the neighbours have to relay messages to each other the community starts to grow closer. Based upon true events this is a heartwarming tale of friendship and solidarity borne out of adversity, with the uplifting message that co-operation and kindness brings the highest rewards.
Interest Age 5-8 | | Rose's Dress of Dreams reads like a wonderful fairy tale; the little girl who dreams of beautiful dresses and spends her time drawing designs for fanciful frocks (much to the amusement of her family) grows up to create couture for Paris royalty. In fact Katherine Woodfine's dreamy tale is based up on the life of Rose Bertin, a pioneer of fashion in the court of Marie Antoinette. Rose's dresses are breathtaking works of art, using the finest materials and jewels and lashing of imagination...but first she must serve out her time as an apprentice. Despite the hard work and exhaustion Rose never lets go of her dream. The book is dressed with colourful and ornate artwork from Kate Pankhurst.
Build reading confidence for newly independent readers with the fun, colour illustrated stories in this pack. The Little Gems Brown BookBand pack offers varied, high-quality stories that are ideal to help your young readers make the all-important jump between reading scheme books and 'real' reading. All books included in the pack feature all of our dyslexia-friendly features for a more accessible read.
Interest Age 5-8 | This is Anne Fine on great form warm, witty and full of imagination. This book has a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock so that even more readers can enjoy it.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2018 | Interest Age 5-8 | | We Are Not Frogs is a joyful exploration of frog, toad and human nature! Toads are not at all like frogs. The frogs have set up a long-jump competition which the toads go along with, even though they know the frogs will win – anything for a quiet life. The game is interrupted by the arrival first of a dog, then a couple of children, who have a lot to learn about toads. Readers will stay one jump ahead of the protagonists throughout, and it’s a fun and very satisfying story. Sam Usher’s lively illustrations reveal just as much about the characters – amphibian and human – as the text, and feature a counting game too.
November 2017 Book of the Month | Interest Age 5-8 In a nutshell: Ho, ho … oh? It’s Christmas Eve and Jo-Jo’s parents are arguing again. After a particularly upsetting outburst from his mum, the idea lodges in Jo-Jo’s mind that he is responsible for ‘killing Christmas’ and that it’s therefore his duty to step into Father Christmas’s shoes and distribute presents, at the very least to people in his street. So far so interesting, touching and festive – Jo-Jo really has discovered the true meaning of Christmas. But this is Anthony McGowan, an author who is always ready to surprise readers and to subvert expectations, and there’s a delicious if dark shock in the final scene. Chris Riddell’s unmistakable illustrations are the perfect match to this witty, original story. Andrea Reece High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all. 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.
Interest Age 5-8 | Priya and her grandma swap jokes, stories and memories over ice-cream at the market café. Priya’s parents have a stall at the market and she loves it there, roaming round on her own or with her friends, checking out the displays on the other stalls and sharing the news with her Nana-ji. Her parents are despondent when a new pet stall opens, it’s competition for their own, and they’re even more worried when they hear of a new retail park, but Nana-ji has seen it all before and is totally relaxed: everything will be fine. This funny, gentle, reassuring story is a lovely tribute to age and experience, and to the special relationship between child and grandparent. Lovely to read it’s lovely to look at too, filled with Hannah Coulson’s warm, lively illustrations. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Build reading confidence for newly independent readers with the fun, colour illustrated stories in this pack. The Little Gems White BookBand pack offers varied, high-quality stories that are ideal to help your young readers make the all-important jump between reading scheme books and 'real' reading. All books included in the pack feature all of our dyslexia-friendly features for a more accessible read.
Build reading confidence for newly independent readers with the fun, colour illustrated stories in this pack. The Little Gems Lime BookBand pack offers varied, high-quality stories that are ideal to help your young readers make the all-important jump between reading scheme books and 'real' reading. All books included in the pack feature all of our dyslexia-friendly features for a more accessible read.
Build reading confidence for newly independent readers with the fun, colour illustrated stories in this pack. The Little Gems Gold BookBand pack offers varied, high-quality stories that are ideal to help your young readers make the all-important jump between reading scheme books and 'real' reading. All books included in the pack feature all of our dyslexia-friendly features for a more accessible read.
Interest Age 5-8 | In a nutshell: crowd-pleasing penguin story, perfect for newly independent readers Jeremy Strong is a comedy genius, and this his new book for Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series will have readers in stitches. Nellie Choc-Ice is a Macaroni penguin (look them up!), and her story is full of drama. Frightened by a submarine she jumps onto an iceberg for safety, but then drifts for such a long way that she ends up 12, 430 miles from home at the North Pole. Fortunately, the same submarine that so scared her is there to escort her home. Nellie’s adventure, and particularly the wonderful narrative voice, make this highly entertaining reading while there’s an important environmental message beneath the humour too. ~ Andrea Reece High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all. 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.
Build reading confidence for newly independent readers with our fun, illustrated stories in this bumper 40 book pack. The Little Gems offer varied, high-quality stories that are ideal to help your young readers make the all-important jump between reading scheme books and 'real' reading, and feature all of our dyslexia-friendly features for a more accessible read. Number of books: 40 Reading Age: At level For: Children aged 6+
At Great Aunt Win's house, Emma is happy to sleep in her cousin Annie's old attic bedroom. But when bedtime comes she suddenly feels nervous. Her brother Joe insists that the room is haunted. Could he be right? Emma must face her fears and uncover the mystery of the ghost in Annie's room. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Once there was a very fierce cat. Not just fierce: totally, terrifyingly, stupendously fierce. Everyone was afraid of this cat. Her name was Dread and everyone dreaded Dread Cat. But then Dread Cat started to run out of luck catching mice. She hadn't caught any for ages. So she announced that she was giving up chasing mice and promised to never again hunt another mouse. The war was over. But was it really? High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
May 2017 Book of the Month | Interest Age 5-8 | In a nutshell: the best laid plans of mice and supermen …| Stanley is as normal a kid as you can meet, but his dad, well, he’s a superhero, Dynamo Dan to his friends. Life as a superhero is pretty full-on so Stanley’s mum insists dad take a day off to spend with his son. Stanley has been looking forward to it for ages, but it seems superheroes can’t ever relax – the emergencies keep coming. Stanley knows his dad needs a break so decides to help out himself. A celebration both of superhero stories and the special relationship between fathers and sons this is great fun from beginning to end. ~ Andrea Reece High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all. 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.
Interest Age 5-8 Ella wants to know on which day of the week she was born, but her family can’t say; Ella’s big brother is very sick and she often feels that it’s all about Sam, while she is overlooked. In chapters that echo the poem Monday’s Child we follow Ella through an eventful week, as she learns more about the kind of person she really is. It’s a sensitive and moving story, beautifully told, its short extent and the simplicity of language belying the depth of emotion and sophistication of the message. ~ Andrea Reece High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all. 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.
Interest Age 5-8 | Dick King-Smith had a wonderful gift for creating seemingly simple children’s stories filled with humour and drama. Henry Pond is renowned by the other toads for his poetry, but it’s not enough to win the heart of the gorgeous Victoria Garden-Pool. She prefers toads of action, like the muscly Larry Lake. How will Henry cope when he’s forced into toad to toad combat? The story, and Henry’s poetry, will have children giggling, while the descriptions of toad life are full of real natural history. Illustrations by Victor Ambrus put the finishing touches to a little gem. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2017 In a warm-hearted story with a touch of the ridiculous about it, former Children’s Laureate Quentin Blake tells of a happy friendship based on the success of a dancing frog. Left alone after her sailor husband is lost at sea Gertrude befriends George, a frog with a very special talent. George can dance and soon he and Gertrude are off on tour with George showcasing his amazing performing skills while Gertrude devotes her life to supporting him in his career. A gentle and tender story about friendship and happiness. ~ Julia Eccleshare A Piece of Passion from Mairi Kidd, MD of Barrington Stoke: We are delighted to bring this gorgeous little story onto our list, and even more thrilled to have Quentin join our author ranks. As one of the one of the most recognisable and well-loved author-illustrators in the world, this is a crowning moment for the Little Gems. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all. 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. Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for March 2017 Jellicle Cats by T.S. Eliot and Arthur Robins William Bee's Wonderful World of Trucks by William Bee The Story of the Dancing Frog by Quentin Blake George's Marvellous Experiments inspired by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake My Name is Victoria by Lucy Worsley Many Moons by Remi Courgeon Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer by Alexanda McCall Smith Black Cats and Butlers by Janine Beacham Triangle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Interest Age 5-8 Inspired by the Blue John stone found in the hills around her Derbyshire home, Berlie Doherty has created a myth that already feels as if it has been always been in our memories, just waiting to be remembered again. Her Blue John is a magical boy, created from glaciers and the sun, ice-blue and golden, who lives deep underground with his mother, the Queen of Darkness. He’s drawn to the light where he meets a girl, one of a group of children exploring the caverns. They have one golden day together before Blue John must return to his mother. Berlie Doherty takes care over each sentence and this short story, beautifully and simply told, will intrigue and move young readers. ~ Andrea Reece With the evocative charm of a fable, Blue John is inspired by the semi-precious mineral found in the caves of Mam Tor by Berlie’s home. Berlie says: The internationally celebrated violinist Peter Cropper invited me to write a ‘story to music’ for a Christmas children’s concert. I chose the haunting piece by the Czech composer, Smetana, ‘From My Life’. The music made me think of ice and darkness and sunlight, loneliness and joy. I walked over the Mam Tor mountain with the music in my head, and looked down at the caverns, and I knew immediately what I was going to write about. So I invented a character called Blue John, a little boy who is made out of stone … 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.
Jeremy Strong knows exactly what will make young readers laugh: eccentric characters; zany plots; plenty of slapstick. Alfie Poppleton is a very sensible young man, in marked contrast to his parents, school teachers, town police force and Mayor, who are some of the silliest people ever to grace the pages of a book. No wonder he’s hailed a genius, and by the end of the story he’s risen to be both Prime Minister and President of France (his actions averted a potential cheese war). Not bad, considering he’s only 8 ¼ and started life named Squeaky Squawker Redface Splurp Bottom by his parents! With short sentences, lots of repetition, and jolly colour illustrations by Jamie Smith, this is just right for newly independent readers. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
Interest Age 5-8 No-one knows better than Julia Donaldson how to tell a story for young readers. There are three fairy tales in this appealing collection, each told simply but with a bounce and narrative brio that will keep the pages turning and readers eager to know what happens next. Colour illustrations by Peter Bailey catch all the atmosphere as well as the action and add to the charm. This bright lively collection is a perfect book for children just reading on their own and ready to build up reading stamina. One of Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems list, it has a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock too. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
Interest Age 5-8 | When a tiny dragon escapes from the pages of the story he has been reading, Patrick can hardly believe his eyes. But when a White Knight on a charger follows, Patrick soon finds himself playing a very big part in the story! Award-winning Cornelia Funke brilliantly lifts a story off the page and turns it into a ‘real’ adventure.
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | September 2016 Book of the Month | In a Nutshell: Grandparents | Fun | Poignant | Interest Age 5-8 Best known for his hilarious World of Norm books, Jonathan Meres has here written a very different sort of book. Grandpa was an Astronaut is full of fun, indeed, it has a real sense of joy, but it’s also poignant. Grandparents take centre stage in this charming tale as a young boy and his grandfather let their imaginations take flight for an afternoon of space exploration. What Sherman likes to do best is gaze at the moon and play with his grandpa. After an afternoon doing just that, he goes home very happy, particularly when Grandpa gives him his special piece of moon rock. Grown-up readers will appreciate Grandpa’s comment that he’s waning as Sherman is waxing, and his gift suddenly takes on new meaning; young readers will mainly remember the fun - and Grandpa’s jokes. The story is told simply but very effectively and lively colour illustrations by Hannah Coulson make it lovely to look at too. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
Interest Age 5-8 | Former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson’s story is a touching adventure told in easy to read chapters. Elmo and his sister want to move to the run down house with the overgrown garden. Instead, their parents choose to buy the house next door. Luckily, Elmo and his sister can still play in the jungle as the house remains empty. But, when new owner arrives, it looks as if their fun will be over... It's beautifully packaged and illustrated by the wonderful Hannah Shaw.
Interest Age 5-8 | One of our Books of the Year 2016 | July 2016 Book of the Month | Meet the Buttons. Mrs Button runs a shop – the nicest thing about it, she says, is the people – Mr Button runs the post office. The story is set in the days before text messages, emails, the internet and if you want to send a message urgently, a telegram is the way to do it. Young Billy Button longs to be a telegram boy, delivering those important messages on a shiny red bicycle. He gets to do it too, breaking a few Royal Mail rules but ensuring two people get to live happily ever after in the process. It’s a really happy story, a celebration of communication and of thinking the best of our neighbours, and lovely to look at too. Easy to read, this brings to mind Allan Ahlberg’s Happy Families series in its charm, warmth and optimism.
Interest Age 5-8 When Polly sets up an animal home for pets, she doesn’t anticipate quite how many problems she may face! But then, she doesn’t know she is going to be asked to look after a snake! When Doris the snake disappears and then sheds her skin, Polly has all kinds of problems on her hands. An entertaining story told in easy to read chapters but the best-selling author of The Gruffalo.
Interest Age 5-8 Anne Fine is a very clever writer and this brilliant little story is an exploration of the resources of the human imagination and the iniquities of keeping animals in cages. Hugo is trying to persuade his dad to let him have a gerbil. When Hugo argues that the gerbil would be happy in its cage, his dad challenges him to spend seven hours alone in his newly painted bedroom with just a plate of food and three toys to occupy him. Hugo accepts, entering his room at 12.00pm. By 12.31pm he’s bored of the toys. By 12.44pm he’s eaten the biscuits. By 1.03pm he’s dreaming of escape and by 1.29pm feeling the full weight of captivity he’s arguing with himself. At 2.47pm he makes a break for the garden and freedom. Sharp and very funny, this will get readers thinking. ~ Andrea Reece 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. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Interest Age 5-8 Dotted with knock knock jokes and including an hilarious bit of involuntary roller skating, this little book will have young readers smiling. Anna Liza wants to be a psychiatrist like her mum, after all, she says, a job where you can make sad people happy again must be the best job in the world. Unknown to her mum, she’s set up a practice in the waiting room which is where she meets Edward. Edward’s sad because his daddy is sad, and Anna Liza is determined to help. Her unorthodox approach – it’s where the roller skating comes in – certainly does the trick. Lots of children will know an adult who is unhappy like Edward’s dad, and this amusing story touches lightly on the subject of depression while reminding us all of the things that make life worth living. For more gently, funny treatments of depression for children, see Brilliant by Roddy Doyle and Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot by Horatio Clare. ~ Andrea Reece 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. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Interest Age 5-8 Ian Beck has created a new fairy story with all the magical sensibility of a classic. Princess Opal lives on the island of Ashes, where cold grey sea washes up against the granite rocks, and it’s always raining. Everything in the kingdom is grey, weather, landscape, people. Then one day a boat arrives, a bright red boat. The young man on board has a special gift, everything he touches is flooded with colour. The princess recognises this as a blessing and the two young people fall in love, living colourfully ever after. The book blooms as the story unfolds, the illustrations bringing bigger, bolder splashes of colour as the pages turn. This joyful tale will make readers look at the world around them with different eyes. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | Interest Age 7-10 Brian Patten tells the story of the hero Beowulf in vivid, accessible prose; in Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series, aimed at readers of 6 – 8, he chooses not to skip any of the gore of Beowulf’s fights with the monster Grendel and his even more terrifying mother, but it’s lightened with touches of humour and poignancy. Illustrations are by Chris Riddell and full of atmosphere and drama: Grendel’s mother crouched in her bed of bones is a masterpiece of revulsion and pity. Storytelling of this quality is rare, and while the book is ostensibly for younger readers, this is a wonderful introduction to Beowulf for anyone, whatever their age. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
Interest Age 5-8 Joe is upset: his teacher has asked the class to do a project on their pets but Joe’s mum has asthma and anything with fur makes her breath thick and squashy. Joe invents a pet for himself, an eleven-legged dragonosaurus with a voice like metal chains jangling, but it can’t compete with Lizzie’s rabbits. Then Joe goes to the help of a neighbour’s new born calf, and everything changes. Berlie Doherty, twice winner of the Carnegie Medal, always writes beautifully and this little story gives a very vivid impression of Joe’s life, and a real sense of just how he’s feels about things too. With lively colour illustrations by Becka Moor this is perfect for readers just gaining confidence in reading alone and for reading aloud too. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
Interest Age 5-8 Poor Josh, he’s being tortured by his baby brother. Charlie may only be 17 days old but he’s really making Josh angry: he keeps everyone awake all night; he takes all their parents’ attention; they’ve had to move house, and no-one has time to unpack, let alone decorate Josh’s room. But over the course of one night, Josh comes to love his brother so fiercely he knows he’d dive into icy waters to save him. It’s a beautifully observed slice of family life told with genuine warmth, and without a trace of sentimentality. Sam Usher’s illustrations of the two brothers are gorgeous too. A special book for sharing or for children to read on their own. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
Interest Age 5-8 Frank Cottrell Boyce is one of our funniest, most inventive writers for children and his readers should always be ready to expect the unexpected; that’s certainly the case here. Ted’s birthday starts quietly – he finds his parents fast asleep on the sofa after staying up all night to watch the election. He buys himself a consoling packet of Hula Hoops from the new supermarket at the end of his road, and that’s where things start to go properly weird. There seems to be a link between what he says in the supermarket, and the new prime minister’s policies – could she have some special connection to Ted? The explanation when it comes is very funny! This is a wonderful story that makes you see our world in a different, somehow nicer way. Cate James’s illustrations add to the fun too. ~ Andrea Reece One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2015 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.
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2013 - Interest Age 5-8 Reading Age 6+ Best-selling Eoin Colfer’s Mary knows better than most about a bad hair day. Her hair is bad every day! Determined to improve on her horrible curly mop Mary takes matters into her own hands. Literally! The results are disastrous and Mum says she is never to cut her hair again. But Mum didn’t say she couldn’t dye it or perm it! Mary’s battle with her hair and the crafty solutions to her problems are hilarious. 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 and with a reading age of 6+, these quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers. They are also suited to children of 7-10, reading below this leve and to dyslexic or reluctant readers.
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2015 - Interest Age 5-8 Reading Age 5+ | Hetty, a little grey earthworm, is spellbound when she sees a glow-worm. She longs to have a glowing little light in her body too so that she can light the way home, or find lost things in dark corners, or read all night under the bedclothes. Her parents explain it’s impossible and console her with cuddles and gingerbread stars, but Hetty is determined and, thanks to a somewhat distracted wizard, gets her glow. Anne Fine has created a lovely little fairy tale with a resolute hero, rewarded for her hard work and honesty. Perfect bedtime reading, made even more special thanks to its glow-in-the-dark cover!
Interest Age 5-8 Rosa and her friend Ivan have three monster escapades in this short but satisfying little collection. There’s an encounter with a real life monster in a ghost train for Rosa – Ivan comes to the rescue; high jinks at school when new teacher Mr Troll turns out to be just that; and a narrow escape for their school party when the school–bus accidentally drives down the throat of a Grubbybats! Cornelia Funke’s deadpan telling gives each story a true fairy tale feel while Gladys Ambrus’s lovely illustrations match the text perfectly. Each story is a model of invention, short but really satisfying. One of Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series the book is accessible to all children, including those with dyslexia. 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.
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Interest Age 5-8 Zaleb lives on the planet Balbaz. She’s fascinated with stories of the little blue planet called Earth and the monsters that live there and goes there to find herself a pet. Izzy, the little girl she captures, is not happy to find herself on a spaceship, but Balbaz sounds so exciting that she agrees to stay for three weeks. She has wonderful adventures there, including a ride on the back of a wishing moon dragon, and a less pleasant encounter with a fridge monster. By the time she goes home, Izzy and Zaleb are friends. There’s a lovely matter-of-factness to these stories that gives them a proper fairy-tale feel. Elys Dolan’s two-tone illustrations add to the fun. Written in Barrington Stoke style to be short and accessible, on cream paper and in a special easy-to-read font, these satisfying stories will have children dreaming of adventures in space. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
Interest Age 7-10 The rats of Meadowsweet Farm are a pretty ugly lot, but their leader, the King Rat, is gruesome. He’s as big as a small dog and twice as vicious. The farmer is revolting in a different way – he only has a bath when there’s an h in the month. When the farmer ambushes a posse of rats on top of the rubbish heap, which sits in the middle of the farmyard ‘like a huge plum cake’, King Rat declares war. Dick King-Smith skilfully packs a big adventure into a short book and the illustrations by the renowned Victor Ambrus, black and white and colour, make the rats both menacing and comic. Specially adapted by Barrington Stoke to be accessible to all children, including those with dyslexia, this is a true little gem. ~ Andrea Reece 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.
Interest Age 5-8 When is a fib not a fib, asks Ros Asquith in this wise and funny little story for Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series. Robbie is six, and still learning how the world of grown-ups works. He loves his Uncle Poached Egg and believes all his stories of mermaids and pirates. Told that his uncle is a fibber, he decides to follow in his footsteps: he tells his mum he’s going to a friends for tea after school but instead goes to play by the burn. When his mum realises he’s missing, panic breaks out. All ends well though Robbie has a soaking in the burn. Robbie’s eye-view of the world is beautifully expressed though Ros Asquith’s words and Mairi Hedderwick’s lovely colour illustrations. One of Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series the book is accessible to all children, including those with dyslexia. 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.
Interest Age 5-8 A charming birthday story about one boy and his Granny's awful knitting, with artwork by Katie Morag creator Mairi Hedderwick. Robbie is excited about his upcoming birthday and what he might get as presents...a tractor perhaps or one of Granny's kittens? But when he is given some absolutely frightful knitted trousers instead, he cannot believe it. Join Robbie to find out how he gets over this acutely embarrassing situation. 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.
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Interest Age 5-8 They always say a man's best friend is his dog and in this beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. When Timo brings home an injured dog he cares for it as if his life depends on it and eventually he persuades his mother that he can keep it. Animal stories are always realy favourites' for kids but this one will stick long in the memory of those who read it. It's written by the international bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith who is probably best known for his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels. 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.
Shortlisted for the UKLA 2016 Book Award in the 7 - 11 year old category. One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2014 - Interest Age 5-8 It's post-war Poland and grandpa is on a mission to enjoy a traditional carp dinner on Christmas Eve but his granddaughter just might persuade him otherwise but why? A beautiful, heartwarming story that will melt the hearts of all who read it and is a great story for grandparents and their grandchildren to share. 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.
Interest Age 5-8 A swashbuckling adventure from TV star Tony Robinson. Ben is a pirate at heart who is not at all happy when he discovers on his first day at school that there are no walk-the-plank and cutlass classes. That is until Ben's class mate, short John Silver arrives. These two boys get up to all sorts of skulduggery and before long the school finds they have a mutiny on their hands. With plenty of full-colour illustrations throughout, limited text on every page with clear short sentences throughout. 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.
When a tiny silver dragon is chased out of Patrick's storybook by an equally tiny knight, all sorts of mayhem breaks loose! Soon moonshine magic has shrunk Patrick too, and he is forced to hole up inside his toy castle as the knight attacks the 'fire worm'. Can Patrick defeat the knight and make it to morning? High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Interest 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.
Interest Age 5-8 Award-winning Michael Morpurgo presents the very real dilemmas of life and death on a farm and how they impact on children. Chris and Lisa live on a farm but when Minikid, a child from the city, comes to stay he has a lot to learn about animals and how to treat them! Like a young bull himself, Minikid loves playing with the orphaned baby bull the children look after but he is not tamed by farm life and Chris and Lisa can't help being pleased when he goes home! 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.
Interest Age 5-8 Best-selling author Cornelia Funke has created five great seaside mini-adventures which capture all the delights of a holiday in Sandy Cove. Mia, Joe, Anna, Tom and Ben all have quite different kinds of adventures – some real and some imaginary – as they enjoy their days on the beach. 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.
Interest Age 5-8 A generous helping of fairy dust fuels this delightful adventure with wonderful illustrations by the author. Cobweb is a very new fairy and she makes a complete mess up of her very first job! Tasked with delivering three wishes to the woodcutter she does fine with the first two but manages to lose the third! Now there is some powerful magic running riot. Will Cobweb ever be able to get the magic back on track? 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. Particularly suitable for 5-8s with reading age of 6+ ------------------------------------------------- In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for The First Third Wish a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'The book was a great and exciting adventure... I recommend the book because of its amazing adventurous plot.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2013 - Interest Age 5-8 A wonderful adventure which captures the importance of children finding a place of their own – and having secrets! When three children shelter in the rain in a pill-box abandoned after World War Two they decide to take it over as a secret camp. It belongs to the local farmer and they have to be very careful to keep right out of his way! Setting it up, enjoying their own space and not getting caught provide all the excitement they need but things get almost too dangerous when other boys discover their secret and try to spoil it. Particularly suitable for 5-8s with a reading age of 6. Michael Morpurgo adapted The Castle in the Field especially for the Little Gems series from his first collections of stories to be published called It Never Rained. Have a look at his other Little Gem title, Snug. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for The Castle in the Field a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'I would recommend this story to other children around my age who find reading tricky.' - Toby Goodall. Scroll down to read the full review...
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2013 - Interest Age 5-8+ Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman tells a laugh-out-load story in this babysitting tale with a difference. When Mike pops round to see his friends Alex he discovers that Alex is a Gris-kwok – he can turn into any animals he chooses. The trouble is, his sister Polly is one too. And Alex and Mike are babysitting Polly! One disaster follows another and Mike wonders whether everything will ever get back to normal! Particularly suitable for 5-8s with reading age of 6+ ------------------------------------------------- In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for My Friend's a Gris-Kwok a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'The book is about two boys that are friends called Mike and Alex...Alex's family are Gris-Kwoks (they can change onto animals). Mike doesn't know their secret!!!!I give it 1000 stars.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
Interest Age 5-8 Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo has a gift for telling stories about animals and how they touch the lives of children. Snug is Lisa’s cat and always has been as he arrived at the house just before Lisa is born. But Snug is also his own creature and he cannot be prevented from living his own life by the family. The story of Snug is a roller coaster of emotion with a delightfully happy ending.Particularly suitable for 5-8s with a reading age of 6. Michael Morpurgo adapted Snug especially for the Little Gems series from his first collections of stories to be published called It Never Rained. Have a look at his other Little Gem title The Castle in the Field. ------------------------------------------------- In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Snug a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'Snug is Lisa's gorgeous ginger cat. He always stay close to her and keeps her company but one day something sad happens. Lisa is heartbroken' Scroll down to read more reviews...
Interest Age 5-8 Award winning Kevin Crossley-Holland tells a traditional story with an entertaining crispness and a witty twist. A girl gets to marry the king and live handsomely for eleven months on condition that she can spin five sacks of wool in a day during the twelfth. Of course, she’s sure he will forget. But, when he doesn’t, how is she to fulfil her side of the bargain? Luckily, there’s help at hand but will she be able to pay the price? 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.
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.
Mary loathes her big, curly, bushy hair and so she chops it all off...and she looks fantastic! Well, at least she thinks so. But her mammy is not convinced and forbids her from ever cutting her own hair again. But she didn't say anything about anyone else...A brilliant laugh-out-loud Little Gem about a not-so-brilliant hairdresser and one very unfortunate dog! High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Interest 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.
Beautifully packaged book from Children's Laureate, Julia Donaldson and illustrated by the wonderful Hannah Shaw. A tiger in the back garden! A bird-eating spider in the cupboard! Elmo and his sister love playing in the jungle house next door, that is, until mean old Mr Birdsnest moves in. But when it appears that Mr Birdsnest has kidnapped the children's grandma they must sneak back in to rescue her! A delightful and cleverly written story by the Children's Laureate, Julia Donaldson. Suitable for 5-8s with reading age of 6+.
Comical and charming story by Children's Laureate, Julia Donaldson. Beautifully packaged and illustrated by the Hannah Shaw. In a reader friendly chunky format. Polly has set up a pets' holiday home for the summer and with a house full of greedy guinea pigs, pesky parrots and slithering snakes, mum is getting more fed up by the day! Especially when Doris the snake goes missing - Can Polly find Doris before the snake finds the guinea pigs? Particularly suitable for 6-10s with reading age of 6+.
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