Walker
£4.99 pbk
9781406320800

Atinuke Warwick, Johnson Cadwell The No 1 Car Spotter and the Car thieves

Olawalose Babatunde Benson, the No. 1 car spotter in his Nigerian village sees a car being stolen from outside Mama Coca Cola’s chop house. As more and more cars disappear, No. 1 becomes determined to solve the case.

With expressive black and white drawings throughout and four short chapters, this gripping story is ideal for emergent readers or to read aloud

 
Orion
£4.99 pbk
9781444001167

Francesca Simon, Tony Ross Horrid Henry’s Sports Day

Horrid Henry hates Sports Day – particularly because he never seems to win. Then he has devises a cunning plan.

Seven very short chapters are illustrated with Tony Ross’ full-colour animated drawings on every page. Originally published in a compendium edition, this title is ideal for emergent readers and for anyone who has ever run in an egg and spoon race.

Franklin Watts
£8.99 (hbk)
9781445107776

Laura North, Kevin Cross The big bad wolf and the robot pig

A new slant on the Three Little Pigs. The wolf is starving hungry but he has a clever plan. He builds a ‘robot pig’ and sends him out to invite the 3 little pigs to tea but fortunately for them it all goes wrong.

This is an appealing book with good, bold illustrations and clear text. From the Race Ahead With Reading series.

 
David Fickling
£4.99
9781184921206

Alfie Small Alfie Small: Ug and the dinosaurs

Alfie Small is a young explorer who goes on magical adventures behind the shed at the bottom of his garden, in this adventure he comes across hot air balloons, dinosaurs, stone age children and an ogre. His explorer’s rucksack carries the necessities for any adventure but he still manages to get home for tea.

A colourful adventure for newly independent readers with fun illustrations throughout.

 
Franklin Watts
£8.99
9781445107745

Laura North, Joelle Dreidemy Cinderella the terrible truth

You thought you knew the story of Cinderella? Now we find the story was created as a cover up for the actual story which is more amazing than the original, what really happened on the stoke of midnight at the Royal Ball?

This new Race Ahead with Reading series is a great introduction to independent reading with its five short bite size chapters and bright amusing illustrations.

 
 Franklin Watts
£8.99
9781445107738

Adam & Charlotte Guillain, Rupert Van Wyk (illus.) The Pirate Pie Ship

The Plankton Pirates decide they are struggling to make a living as traditional pirates so they decide to set up in business making pies for hungry sailors in port, they make a fortune until a rival pirate ship has the same idea.

This new Race Ahead with Reading series is a great introduction to independent reading with its five short bite size chapters and bright amusing illustrations.

David Fickling
£10.99(hbk)
9780857560117

Andrew Norriss Archie’s Unbelievably Freaky Week

Archie is the ultimate accident prone schoolboy. This book covers a week in his life when the school has a series of supply teachers and each chapter covers the exploits of Archie on each day.

Engaging characters and funny, outrageous situations will make this an appealing title for younger independent readers.

 
Orion
£4.99 (pbk)
978144403758

Liz Kessler Mike Phillips (illus) Poppy the Pirate Dog

Poppy the Dalmatian is thrilled to be at the seaside with her family and determined to enjoy the boat trips like a proper pirate dog. Unfortunately being at sea is not quite as exciting as she had imagined...

Simple tale for emergent readers, capturing the fun of a family seaside holiday with nice illustrations.

Orchard Books
£4.99 pbk
9781408320051

Giles Andreae Me, the Queen and Christopher

Freya is invited to tea with the Queen and discovers that Her Majesty is just like her Gran – She likes baked beans on toast, wrestling on the TV and wears a pair of old slippers with hole in! When she discovers that Freya has a brother with a disability the queen decides to make him a present and manages to include him in her Jubilee celebrations.

An easy, humorous read with great illustrations from Tony Ross and nicely rounded characters.

Franklin Watts
£4.99 pbk
9781445102993

Sheila May Bird The Queen's Day Off

This topical title reveals what the Queen does when she has a day off, changing into jeans and a T-shirt she cycles off to the park, plays on the swings and enjoys an ice cream or two! All told in a simple, witty rhyme this is a sweet story for newly independent readers.

A new series for emergent readers, Rhymes to Read has large print, lots of repetition and strong rhythms – Nice to read aloud or to share.

Walker
£4.99 pbk
9781406320787

Atinuke, Warwick  Johnson Caldwell (illus) The No 1 Car Spotter and the Firebird

Oluwalase Babatunde Benson is the No 1 car spotter in his tiny African village. He is always full of good ideas but is there any way that he can make the fabulous Firebird to stop for a visit?

Four self-contained chapters by the talented Anglo-Nigerian storyteller Atinuke will make the reader laugh out loud whilst providing an insightful look into a completely different community and culture. With lively black and white illustrations, this book has lots of boy appeal and is ideal to read aloud.

Anderson Press
£4.99
9781849394192

Josh Lacey, Garry Parsons (illus) The Dragonsitter

Edward is left in charge of Uncle Morton’s unusual pet while he’s away on holiday.

The books is in the format of increasingly urgent emails to Uncle Morton reporting one disaster after another. Just as Edward and mum reach the end of their tether Uncle Morton emails back with a surprising solution for training his dragon.

A humorous short story with expressive illustrations.

Orion
£4.99 pbk
9781444003208

Mithaa AlKhayyat, Retold by Vivian French, Maya Fidawi (illus) My Own Special Way (Early Reader)

Handa longs to be as grown-up as her four big sisters and insists that she wants to wear the veil just like them. But keeping it from slipping is not easy until she discovers her own “special way”.

This amusing and appealing story is told in five short chapters with brightly patterned illustrations on each page.

A&C Black
£4.99
9781408152676

Jean Ure, Mark Beech (illus) Bug eyed Monsters

Nobody at school knows where the rumour came from and most think that it is a joke. But could it be true that housemaster Mr. Snitcher really is an alien?

This entertaining story explores the truism that appearances can be deceiving. With attractive line drawings and just over 120 pages, it is ideal for developing reading stamina.

Orion
£4.99
9781444001143

Francesca Simon, Tony Ross (illus) Horrid Henry’s Author Visit

TJ Fizz, Horrid Henry’s favourite author in the whole world is coming to talk to his school. When Miss Battle-Axe sends him out of the class in disgrace, Henry must find a way to get back in quickly.

With six short chapters and lively full-colour illustrations, this entertaining story shows that good books are to be enjoyed by everyone. Originally published in a compendium edition, this format is particularly useful for emergent readers.

Nosy Crow
£4.99
9780857630568

Odin Redbeard (Barry Hutchison), Vulgar the Viking and the Rock Cake Raiders

First title in a new series about young Vulgar the Viking, who wants to be a "real" Viking who loots pillages and has adventures.  A talk at Viking School leaves him determined to set off on his own adventure, but he is joined by Freya who turns out to be more of an adventurous Viking than he is.

Lots of slapstick and Viking humour as well as fast paced action.  At 92 pages this is a useful title for building stamina in this reader category.

Hodder
£4.99 pbk
780340999035

Alex T Smith, Claude at the Circus

Beret wearing dog Claude’s well meaning attempts to help out result in chaos!

He and companion, Sir Bobbysock, have to entertain a circus audience to quell demands for a refund. Their adventures remain a secret when they arrive home (via cannon!) just before their owners’ return.

Red, black and white illustrations accompany this engaging story for emergent readers.

Orchard Books
£4.99 (Pbk)
9781408305638

Sally Grindley, Alex Patterson (illus.) Giant Giraffes

Fun concept of Mr and Mrs. Noah going off to Africa to find 2 giraffes for their ark. Of course the giraffe’s are too tall for the ark and Mr Noah has to ake some alterations. Nice colourful illustrations which should appeal to target audience. There are a number of Ark Adventures in the series.

Simple text and colourful pictures make it good book for emergent readers

David Fickling
£10.99 (hbk)
9780857560100

Andrew Norris, Hannah Shaw (illus.) I Don’t Believe It Archie

Something always seems to happen when Archie’s about! On Monday it’s a runaway piano, Tuesday his shoe gets caught in a dog’s collar and on Wednesday by getting stuck to the public library door he manages to save its closure! Whatever next!

These seven humorous slap-stick stories, accompanied by line drawings, are ideal for younger readers.

Tony Bradman, Susan Hellard (illus)
Dilly and the Birthday Treat 

Dilly and Dorla are arguing and misbehaving as usual.  When Dad says that he would like Dilly to behave for a whole day as his birthday treat, no one in the family thinks Dilly will be able to do it.

Colourful illustrations and well spaced text depict scenes from everyday family life, but with dinosaur characters. This is a title in the Blue Bananas Series for developing readers.

Hodder
£4.99 (pbk)
9780340999011

Alex T. Smith Claude on Holiday

Claude (a beret wearing dog), and his best friend/toy, Sir Bobblysock decide to go on a seaside holiday where they rescue a distressed swimmer, win a sandcastle competition and have an adventure with some pirates.

The second title in the series, this is a book full of over the top, larger than life characters.  Some of the humour is quite sophisticated and can be found in the illustrations as well as the text. 

Templar
£4.99 (pbk)
9781848770317

Simon Bartram, The Heartless Robots (Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventure Series)

Bob has entered an invention competition and created The Galaxobot 3000 whose motto is “Happy to Help”.  His rival Stan the Man on Gas Mark 5 is bitter when his Edible Boots invention comes second to Bob’s robot.  Stan takes his revenge by sabotaging the robot design and hundreds of evil, dysfunctional robots are produced.  Bob must find a way of saving his reputation and the planet.

A well paced space adventure story with short chapters to appeal to the younger reader.

Walker
£8.99 (hbk)
9781406319231

Anne Fine Under a Silver Moon

Haroun, the son of the Sultan and Akil, the gardener’s son play together as children, but when they are grown up Haroun is forced to take on the role of a royal prince, eating all day and waited on by servants.  When Haroun becomes unwell and overweight it is only the advice of a hooded stranger who manages to cure him.

This story is beautifully told in the style of a traditional tale and is accompanied by simple but effective line drawings.

OUP
£4.99 (pbk)
9780192729897

Laura Owen Winnie takes the plunge

Four stories about this popular character and her cat Wilbur, this time in a “young reader” format rather than a picture book.  Winnie uses her magic to star in a musical performance, help out a miserable giant, defeat an abominable monster and survive an accidental journey down the sewer.

Lots of fun, fast pacy action and magic.  Nice use of language including made up words and phrases e.g. “leaping loo rolls” and “this tail is brillarmaroodles for swimming”

The text is broken up by Korky Paul’s entertaining black and white line drawings.  A useful title for the developing independent reader.

 
Raintree
4.99 (pbk)
9781406225525

Cari Meister, Remy Simard (illus.) Clues in the Attic (My first graphic novel).

First title in a new series aimed at the early reader. The series uses a graphic novel format requiring the reader to read the main text and speech bubbles as well as gather meaning from the illustrations. The story is about Ben and his secret trips to the attic, closely watched by his inquisitive sister.

The book includes hints on how to read graphic novels and questions about the story. The colourful production and different format will appeal to this age group.

Usborne
4.99 (pbk)
9781409521983

Linda Newbery Very Brave Dog (Barney the Boat Dog)

This is a new series about Barney the dog, who lives on a narrowboat with his owner Jim.  Barney has been a much loved close companion since the death of Jim’s wife.  We see life through Barney’s eyes as he has an unexpected adventure, becoming separated from Jim and the boat when it goes through a long, dark scary tunnel.

The relationship between Jim and Barney is well portrayed and the reader quickly sympathises with Barney’s plight.  A gentle tale which will particularly appeal to animals lovers.  Nicely illustrated on every page.

 
A & C Black
£4.99 (pbk)
9781408123799

Tony Bradman & Tom Bradman Blast Off! (Space School)

A new science fiction series about a colony of humans who live on a space station following the pollution of earth.  Luke and his friends attend “Space School” run by Clarke their hologram teacher.  In this title they set off on a school trip to a nearby planet, but instead of studying rocks they encounter an aggressive hologram who has plans to destroy their space station.

A short read with some challenging vocabulary to stretch the younger reader.

Walker
£3.99 (pbk)
9781406323054

Davies, Nicola All Aboard Silver Street Farm (Silver Street Farm Series)

A new series about an urban farm which is run by adults but supported by a group of young people.  Meera, Karl and Gemma spend all their spare time at the farm and in this title set about trying to solve the problems caused by the drought and rising water bills which threaten the farm’s future.

Readers will enjoy the adventure / problem solving elements of the book and the animal theme will be popular.

 
Puffin
4.99 (Pbk)
9780141332796

Ian Whybrow Harry and the dinosaurs: The Snow Smashers!

Second title in this series aimed at independent readers. Harry, his magical dinosaurs and his friends rescue the local villagers who are trapped in the snow.

Well spaced print and black and white illustrations work well to break up the text, making this a useful book for building reading stamina.

Julia Green Don’t forget Lara!      

A title in the White Wolves series, the story tells of a week in Lara’s life at school.  Lara finds it very difficult to remember everything for school each day and is often caught daydreaming rather than concentrating.  Eventually Lara discovers that a list on the fridge solves everything.

Bright, vibrant illustrations break up the text into manageable chunks in this first level chapter book for young readers.

Stella Gurney, Petr Horacek Kasia’s Surprise

Kasia is grouchy and homesick believing she will never adapt to English life. But a surprise visit from her Polish grand parents highlights how many enjoyable things there are in her new home!

A warm family story with full page black and white illustrations throughout.

Tony Bradman Mr Giant and the Beastly Baron

Another title in the “Happy Ever After” series, this time following on from Jack and the Beanstalk.  The Giant hopes for a quiet life in a new village after his altercation with Jack, however, when the villagers are being bullied by the wicked Baron, the Giant is forced to intervene.

The reader sees a different side to the traditional fierce Giant portrayed in the original story, could be used as a discussion starter.

Tony Bradman Mr Bear Gets Alarmed

Follow-up tale of the Three Bears and the impact of their unexpected visit from Goldilocks.  Mr Bear is now a very nervous sleeper, expecting further intruders in his home.  He completely over reacts and installs several alarm systems, causing chaos in the process.

Part of the Happy Ever After series, this is an entertaining story of “What happens next?”

Walker
£3.99 (pbk)
9781406327069

Lindsay Macleod Mia’s Magic Uncle

Three stories about Mia and her Uncle Robbie who is excellent at magic tricks. Robbie teaches Mia how to perform some simple tricks so that she can shine at the school talent contest and he makes her birthday party an outstanding success with his special skills.

Uncle Robbie happens to be a wheelchair user, and by reading between the lines we see a glimpse of what life is like for him, including a period when he feels “sad”.

Pleasant family stories with an added dimension.

Anne Fine Friday Surprise (Red Bananas Series)

Bryce is thoroughly fed up with tests in swimming, at home and at school, so he decides to make a test for the adults who have been testing him. A view of childhood today from the other side of the fence.

The usual “Banana Series” format with chapters for newly fluent readers accompanied by bright colourful illustrations.

David Orme Josie’s Garden (Skylarks)

Josie is a thwarted gardener, but lives in a high rise flat. When she discovers an overgrown abandoned garden nearby, she begins to dream of how wonderful it could be. When the garden is threatened, Josie creeps out one night to protect her dream, but her recklessness ends in a trip to hospital.

Attractive illustrations and large print text make this an appealing younger read.

Walker
£3.99 (pbk)
9781406324617

Bob Graham Miracle on Separation Street

Jack tells the story of  how his family life changes after his mum works hard to buy a secondhand car.  Everyone is devastated when the car is stolen, but this isn’t the end of the tale.

A story about not judging by appearances and having faith in others.  Delightfully illustrated by the author.

Daniels Postgate AbracaDebra

Debra is the daughter of circus performers but has not found her own particular talent.  However, when she starts school she can’t help but pull bunches of flowers from her sleeve and rabbits from her desk – she is a magician!

An early reader with rhyming text and bright, lively illustrations.

 
Egmont
£4.99(pbk)
9781405247795

Patricia Forde Frogs Do Not Like Dragons

Lola locks herself in the bathroom and with her very active imagination explains why the witch, dragon, frogs and cat are preventing her from turning the key and letting herself out. But big sister succeeds where the police, fireman and plumber all fail; she appeals to Lola's love of Nan's apple pie!

 
Evans
£4.99(pbk)
9780237538880

Mary Chapman Wait a Minute, Ruby! (Spirals)

Everyone in Ruby's family is very busy with their own activities and don't have any time for Ruby. Feeling fed up and ignored Ruby runs away to the garden shed.

A familiar family story which could be a starting point for a discussion about feelings.

Laura Owen Winnie goes batty
Illustrated by Korky Paul

Review    Four entertaining stories about Winnie the witch and her cat, Wilbur.  As usual none of Winnie’s ideas go according to plan.

Lots of slapstick humour, wonderfully illustrated by Korky Paul.

 
9781842557235
£4.99(pbk)
Orion

Francesca Simon Horrid Henry's Holiday (Early Reader)
Illustrated by Tony Ross

Henry usually hates holidays, but when his parents suggest camping in France, he jumps at the idea. He rapidly becomes horribly disillusioned!

Originally published as a single story in 'Horrid Henry', it has been divided into easily digestible chapters with newly coloured illustrations.

 
9780141327693
£9.99
Puffin

Anne Fine The Killer Cat's Christmas

This is the latest in the Killer Cat series. This time Tuffy causes chaos during the Christmas festivities and ends up locked in the garage.

Lots of slapstick humour to keep young readers entertained. Short sentences, large print text and appealing illustrations make this a good title for lower primary.

9781846163128
£3.99(pbk)
Orchard Books

Anholt Laurence, Robins, Arthur (illus) The Elves and the Storymaker

One of the titles in the Seriously Silly Colour series which gives a traditional tale a humorous twist. This story up-dates the Elves and the Shoemaker with computers and aliens.

Includes all the ingredients of a good traditional tale - repetition, prediction and a satisfying ending.
Bright, appealing illustrations by Arthur Robins. A welcome shorter story to read aloud.

9781408110539
£8.99
A & C Black

Karen Wallace The Princess and the He (White Wolves)

The Princess and the Pea is brought up to date as Princess Jules looks for her ideal man on the internet. In this alternative version it is the Prince who sleeps on the uncomfortable mattress.

This White Wolves series is attractively presented with short chapters and colourful illustrations - ideal for the early independent reader.

9781408112175
£8.99
A & C Black

Tony Bradman Sleeping Nasty (White Wolves)

An alternative fairy tale version of Sleeping Beauty told from the reluctant Prince's viewpoint - he wants to travel rather than marry a grumpy princess.

A useful "first chapter" book with well spaced text and attractive illustrations.

9780750256049
£8.99
Wayland

Karen Wallace Stinky Giant
(Princess PJ)

One of a series of books about Princess PJ, a tomboy princess who puts her shy, weedy brother to shame.

Bright illustrations make this an appealing title for younger readers.

9780746086865
£3.99 (pbk)
Usborne

Sue Mongredian Oliver Moon and the Troll Trouble
(Oliver Moon Junior Wizard)

Oliver wants to be hero in the school drama, but is disappointingly cast as the big bad smelling troll. But on opening night, a real troll gatecrashes, terrifying everyone. Can Oliver save the day and the play?

Another fun title in the lively Oliver Moon series.

 
978 07502 55523
£8.99
Wayland

978 07502 55509
£8.99
Wayland

Mick Gowar Where’s Buckshot?

Mick Gowar  Rodeo Rider

(Start Reading Series)
(Sheriff Stan Books)

Two new titles in this series for young readers. Sheriff Stan pits his wits against the wicked Ma Dalton and son Dudley. Slapstick humour in a wild west setting. Attractive publication with colour illustrations this is good title for emergent readers.

9781408104941
4.99
A & C Black

This is a new series about Jonny and the interesting characters who live in Weird Street. This title features Mr Tipp, an imaginative inventor, who finds himself at odds with the local council. Jonny and friends come to the rescue so that Mr Tipp can continue with his work.

An easy read with short chapters and a useful title for building reading stamina.

 
9780753416372
£4.99
Kingfisher

This title is one of a new series of books about Max who earns pocket money by pet sitting. Obviously nothing is straightforward and a harmless looking dormouse owned by the inventor Ivor Gadget turns out to be a talking dormouse who causes Max to get into the inventor’s travelling machine.

An attractive cover and well spaced text with black and white illustrations make this an appealing title for younger readers. A useful book to bridge the gap between emergent readers and junior fiction.

9780746096727
£4.99
Usborne

Russell Punter, Gustavao Mazali (illus.) The Scaredy Cat
(Usborne First Reading: Level Three)

Stanley the cat is scared of everything.  Forced to face his fears in a house full of strange noises he becomes an unexpected hero.

Lively full-colour illustrations with speech bubbles and a bold type-face make this title ideal for beginner readers.

9780192727510
OUP
£3.00

Laura Owen, Korky Paul (illus) Winnie Says Cheese

Winnie the Witch and Wilbur the cat return in four short stories. Humour and fun abound as Winnie and her intrepid companion face losing a tooth, playing in a band, discovering fleas and attempting a make-over.

Korky Paul’s fabulous black and white line illustrations complement and expand the text for the third in a series of Winnie fiction titles for young readers.

 
9780749679422
£8.99
Franklin Watts

Sir Otto is such a strong, brave knight until he gets caught in the rain. Only his wife and a 20th century invention can solve his dilemma.

The illustrations and very simple text say it all!

 
9781842556726
£4.99 (pbk)
Orion

This story was originally published as a picture book and tells of the beginning of the difficult relationship between Horrid Henry and his younger brother Perfect Peter.

This book works well as a first chapter book for the newly independent reader.

 
9781407105468
£4.99 (pbk)
Scholastic

This popular series has now been produced in a smaller format, making it suitable for newly independent readers.

In this new title, Mr Grinling, is adopted by a stray dog. Just as they become firm friends the lighthouse keeper discovers the real owner of the dog, but not before the animal rescues him following an accident.

The large print and colour illustrations make this an attractive publication.

Set in America during a hurricane, the story tells of Grace and her family as they cope with the chaos caused by the severe weather.

An exciting and contemporary story with colour illustrations.

Twin giants do everything together, including looking for a wife. Will it be possible for them both to find true love?

This is an outstanding collaboration between a literary legend and one of the Britain’s most talented young illustrators. The amusing story, short chapters and vibrant pictures will make children want to read this book over and over again.

Jim's Dad accidentally takes the plug out of the sink and causes Glub, the pet fish, to disappear down the drain. Full of apologies Dad is determined to save Glub.

A nice family tale with a happy ending.

9781846164033
£8.99
Orchard Books

A modern re-telling of Kipling’s classic is recounted in Rayner’s entertaining style.

The mix of facts and folkore in Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories series will appeal to emergent readers.

Anna Hibiscus lives in modern West Africa with her African father, Canadian mother, lively twin baby brothers and a large extended family. Nigerian storyteller Atinuke has linked four short stories to form an affectionate portrait of Anna's everyday life.

Appealing black and white illustrations on almost every page place the stories clearly in their cultural context and often inject a humorous aside to the text. This new title in the Racing Reads series is certain to be enjoyed by newly fluent readers.

9781843624080
£8.99
Orchard Books

Poppy decides that she and Max have to cut down on the muffins get more exercise.

This is the eighth title in a popular series with pacey storylines and endearing characters.

Bertie is very excited when Mum buys him a big balloon. But trouble looms when the wind blows...

Lively illustrations paired with a very simple text will appeal to brand new readers.

Princess Mina is desperate for a pet. When she resorts to asking for help from her fairy godmother things begin to go horribly wrong.

A bright and attractive book with short colourful chapters, ideal for the newly independent reader.