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Reading for Pleasure

Books to Read Before you leave Primary School

These are some of our favourite books that we think you would love to share and read.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author: Eric Carle
Genre: fiction

A beautifully illustrated story of a caterpillar eating his way through the book.

Mr Wolf's Pancakes

Title: Mr Wolf’s Pancakes
Author: Jan Fearnley
Genre: fiction

Mr Wolf wants to make pancakes but is unable to read the recipe book, write the names of the ingredients or count the money to buy them. His neighbours are unwilling to help him, but are soon lured by the delicious smell of pancakes when he successfully completes his task.

Room on the Broom

Title: Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Genre: fiction

A very funny story of quick wits and friendship, Room on the Broom is another smash hit from the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Title: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Author: Michael Rosen
Genre: fiction

Follow and join in the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear. What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Title: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Author: Eric Carle
Genre: fiction

Exuberantly coloured artwork and favourite animals make this rhythmic story the perfect introduction to looking and learning about colours.

The Otter Who Wanted to Know

Title: The Otter Who Wanted to Know
Author: Jill Tomlinson
Genre: fiction

Pat is an adorable little sea otter. She likes turning up her toes and floating in the sea, chasing fish and asking a hundred and one questions. One day Pat's quiet life is turned upside down when she gets caught up in a pretty scary adventure.

Hansel and Gretel

Title: Hansel and Gretel
Author: Anthony Browne
Genre: fiction

Hansel and Gretel is perhaps the darkest and greatest of the fairytales from the Brothers Grimm. This extraordinary book brings the classic childhood tale to a new generation courtesy of one of the world's greatest picture book artists, Hans Christian Andersen Award-winner Anthony Browne.

Little People, Big Dreams: Muhammad Ali

Title: Little People, Big Dreams: Muhammad Ali
Author: Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Genre: non-fiction

Learn about African-American boxer Muhammad Ali in this accessible picture book biography for young children. Born in Kentucky, USA, in 1942, Ali started boxing aged 12 and went on to become an Olympic gold medalist and renowned heavyweight boxing champion.
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What’s the Difference?

Title: What’s the Difference?
Author: Emma Strack
Genre: non-fiction

Ever wondered what makes a mandarin different from a clementine? A nectarine from a peach? A
tornado from a cyclone? Then this is the book for you!

The Wonder

Title: The Wonder
Author: Faye Hanson
Genre: fiction

This is a story about a boy whose head is always full of wonder. We follow him on an average-seeming school day, where his daydreams transform the world around him. Unfortunately, lots of other people - the park keeper, the bus driver, the lollipop lady - all tell him to get his head out of the clouds. It is only in art class that he realises he can bring the wonder out of his head for the whole world to enjoy.

Pupils Favourite Books

Some of our pupils have listed their favourite books, have a look through and see how many you’ve read!

Jack - Jack & The Beanstalk

Title: Jack and the Beanstalk
Genre: fiction

Alfie - Room on the Broom

Title: Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Genre: fiction

Archie - Spydog

Title: Spydog
Author: Andrew Cope
Genre: fiction

Marley - Stranger Things

Title: Stranger Things
Author: Jody Houser
Genre: fiction

Staff Favourite Books

Our staff have listed their favourite books, have a look through and see how many you’ve read!

Special Book - Nana's Stories

Staff: Special Book
Title: Nana's Stories
Author: Joan Collier
Genre: fiction

"Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me with this story book. Thank you to James for sorting out the tech stuff, to Barry for helping with the computer, to Perryfields who are part of this story, to Artspace where I painted the illustrations, to Origin Arts where I have learned such a lot about watercolour, to Clare and Jef, Danny, Marth, Henry, Peter, Xanderand, Ro and of course to the knitted toys, without whom this story could not be told" - Joan Collier

Ms Vaughan - The Smartest Giant In Town

Staff: Ms Vaughan
Title: The Smartest Giant In Town
Author: Julia Donaldson
Genre: fiction

George wished he wasn't the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides its time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes...until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help - and his clothes!

Mrs Davis - Cinderella

Staff: Mrs Davis
Title: Cinderella
Author: Charles Perrault
Genre: fiction

Mrs Davis's favourite story is the Fairy Tale Cinderella. The story involves handsome Princes, wicked step-mothers, A fairy Godmother, helpful mice, some lovely sparkling shoes and a huge sprinkling of magic! When Cinderella's cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, she gets some unexpected help from a variety of sources. At the ball, she dances with the Royal prince and it looks as if all her dreams are coming true. However, when the clock strikes midnight, it all falls apart and disaster strikes. Will Cinderella get the happy ending she deserves?

Mrs Cole - The Incredible Journey

Staff: Mrs Cole
Title: The Incredible Journey
Author: Sheila Burnford
Genre: fiction

The Hunter children must go abroad for the summer, so they reluctantly leave their three pets in the care of a friend. But the faithful animals only know they must get home again, somehow. So the labrador, the old bull terrier and the dainty Siamese cat set off on a perilous journey through the wilderness. But how will domestic animals fare against river rapids, hunger, icy temperatures and ferocious wild beasts? And if they make it home, will their owners be waiting for them?

Mr Hines - Fantastic Mr Fox

Staff: Mr Hines
Title: Fantastic Mr Fox
Author: Roald Dahl
Genre: fiction

Mr Hines' favourite book is Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. He loves the way that Mr Fox and his family manages to get one over on Farmer Boggis, Farmer Bunce and Farmer Bean!

Mrs Allen - The Magic Faraway Tree

Staff: Mrs Allen
Title: The Magic Faraway Tree
Author: Enid Blyton
Genre: fiction

The Magic Faraway Tree was Mrs Allen's all time favourite book as a child. The stories take place in an enchanted wood in which a gigantic magical tree grows. I wanted to join Joe, Beth and Frannie and their cousin Rick on a journey full of magic and adventure up the Magic Faraway Tree!

Mr Tilley - Stig of the Dump

Staff: Mr Tilley
Title: Stig of the Dump
Author: Clive King
Genre: fiction

Barney is a solitary eight-year-old, given to wandering off by himself. One day he tumbles over, lands in a sort of cave, and meets' somebody with shaggy hair wearing a rabbit-skin and speaking in grunts. He names him Stig. They together raid the rubbish dump at the bottom of the pit, improve Stig's cave dwelling, and enjoy a series of adventures.

Mr Gough - The Sword In The Stone

Staff: Mr Gough
Title: The Sword In The Stone
Author: TH White
Genre: legend

The extraordinary story of a boy called Wart - ignored by everyone except his tutor, Merlyn - who goes on to become King Arthur. When Merlyn the magician comes to tutor Sir Ector's sons Kay and the Wart, schoolwork suddenly becomes much more fun. After all, who wouldn't enjoy being turned into a fish, or a badger, or a snake? But Merlyn has very particular plans for the Wart.

"

Mrs Halliday - Mrs Wobble The Waitress

Staff: Mrs Halliday
Title: Mrs Wobble The Waitress
Author: Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Genre: fiction

Mrs Halliday loves to read funny books, and this book always makes her giggle! If you like this story, there are lots more in the Happy Families series to look forward to, and they are all funny.

Mr Neale - The Jungle Book

Staff: Mr Neale
Title: The Jungle Book
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Genre: fiction

Although I love travelling to Africa - especially Kenya - to photograph all the beautiful animals, I would love to one day visit India and have the opportunity to photograph; panthers, bears, tigers, indian elephants, pythons and all the other amazing native wildlife... as featured in this wonderful story book about a young man cub called Mowgli.
As a baby, Mowgli is abandoned in the jungle and raised by a pack of wolves. A man-eating tiger called Shere Khan threatens the pack and Mowgli must leave their safety and be escorted to the man village by a panther named Bagherra and a bear named Baloo. Along the way he has many adventures which involve snakes, orangutans and avoiding the deadly Shere Khan. It really is a great story which I'm sure children of all ages would enjoy.

Mr Grindrod - Little Rabbit Foo Foo

Staff: Mr Grindrod
Title: Little Rabbit Foo Foo
Author: Michael Rosen
Genre: fiction

Little Rabbit Foo Foo goes through the forest bullying all the creature he encounters: mice, worms, tigers, even goblins - none are safe from Little Rabbit and his motorbike. However, the Good Fairy warns him that unless he changes she will turn him into a goonie. And, ultimately, that's just what she does!

Mrs Ellerton - Charlotte's Web

Staff: Mrs Ellerton
Title: Charlotte's Web
Author: E B White
Genre: fiction

I love this book because I imagined myself as Fern raising a piglet. I also loved that E.B. White gave the animals voices, it brought the whole book to life. Fern's Dad is a farmer and has a new litter of pigs but he is going to get rid of the smallest one, Fern begs him to let her keep it. She named him Wilbur and he becomes firm friends with the most unlikely animal, a huge spider named Charlotte, and the adventures begin!

Miss Griffiths - My Best Friend Bob

Staff: Miss Griffiths
Title: My Best Friend Bob
Author: Georgie Ripper
Genre: fiction

Brian and Bob are best friends. They do everything together, such as eating peanuts and playing I Spy - the usual things guinea pigs like to do. But one day, Bob is taken away. Will the two best friends ever see each other again? All's well that ends well and Brian and Bob are reunited.

Ms Holt - Watership Down

Staff: Ms Holt
Title: Watership Down
Author: Richard Adams
Genre: fiction

Ms Holt's favourite book is Watership Down, by Richard Adams who told the story initially to his own children on a car trip. It tells the adventures encountered when a rabbit named Fiver has a vision that the future of their warren is unsafe and they have to flee from the destruction of their home when it is invaded by man. They have to leave immediately and other rabbits are persuaded to join them on the long journey ahead when Fiver leads them to a safe place. There are so many different and unique characters in this book and it not only teaches the cycle of life but also lessons of kindness, bravery, confidence, perseverance and teamwork.

Mr Harrison - Peter Pan

Staff: Mr Harrison
Title: Peter Pan
Author: J M Barrie
Genre: fiction

My favourite ever book is Peter Pan by JM Barrie. Originally, it was written as a playscript and tells the story of a young boy who can fly across the sky and who never grows up!
Peter has endless adventures on a magical Island called Neverland, where his best friend is a fairy named Tinkerbell. Together, they have countless battles with Native Americans and Pirates - especially the evil Captain Hook. Peter Pan and his gang of Lost Boys, together with Wendy, John and Michael (who flew all the way to Neverland from the heart of London) embark on an epic exciting adventure.

Mrs Sedgley - Little Women

Staff: Mrs Sedgley
Title: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Genre: fiction

HGenerations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel. Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

Mrs Sutcliffe - Katie Morag

Staff: Mrs Sutcliffe
Title: Katie Morag and the Two Grandmothers
Author: Mairi Hedderwick
Genre: fiction

Mrs Sutcliffe loves the Katie Morag stories, by Maira Hedderwick, because they remind her of being at home in Scotland.

Mrs Brown - The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

Staff: Mrs Brown
Title: The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck
Author: Beatrix Potter
Genre: fiction

Poor Jemima. All she wants to do is lay her eggs in peace, and be allowed to hatch them herself. At last she flies off and finds the perfect place. Little does the silly duck realise that the charming gentleman who has lent her his woodshed is busily planning a delicious meal of . . . roast duck!

Mr Cotton - The Enormous Crocodile

Staff: Mr Cotton
Title: The Enormous Crocodile
Author: Roald Dahl
Genre: fiction

My favourite book is Roald Dahl's classic and hilarious picture book, The Enormous Crocodile.
The Enormous Crocodile is a horrid greedy grumptious brute who loves to guzzle up little boys and girls. But the other animals have had enough of his cunning tricks, so they scheme to get the better of this foul fiend, once and for all!

Mrs Briggs - Heidi

Staff: Mrs Briggs
Title: Heidi
Author: Johanna Spyri
Genre: fiction

Little orphan Heidi goes to live high in the Alps with her gruff grandfather and brings happiness to all who know her on the mountain. When Heidi goes to Frankfurt to work in a wealthy household, she dreams of returning to the mountains and meadows, her friend Peter, and her beloved grandfather.

Miss J Ferman - Five on Kirrin island Again

Staff: Miss J Ferman
Title: Five on Kirrin island Again
Author: Enid Blyton
Genre: fiction

What can Uncle Quentin be up to - all alone - on Kirrin Island. He won't let anyone visit - not even George and the rest of the Famous Five. But Quentin isn't really all alone on the island - somebody is watching his every move!

Mr Redfern - The Monster Machine

Staff: Mr A Redfern
Title: The Monster Machine
Author: Nicola L Robinson
Genre: fiction

A monstrous tale of invention! This is a story about monsters making a discovery. They need to work together to solve a problem! This is a fun read about inventions, monsters and all the mischief you can imagine. I wonder which monster will be your favourite?

Mrs Poole - Elmer

Staff: Mrs Poole
Title: Elmer
Author: David McKee
Genre: fiction

This is a story which tells us the importance of being different. An elephant with an amazing sense of humour who is proud to be special.