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Age Group: KS2

Chapter book

Prima Ballerina Darcey Bussell takes you on a captivating journey to a faraway land of ballet and magic, the wonderful world of Enchantia! The first of a sparkly new series for all young girls who dream of being a ballerina, or simply love to dance…

Delphie’s greatest dream is to become a ballerina, and she can’t quite believe it when she is invited to join the new ballet school. But there’s more to Madame Zarakova’s than it at first seems and with the help of some very special ballet shoes, Delphie finds herself spinning into a whole new world…

Non-fiction

Does the poise, grace, and beauty of a prima ballerina take your breath away? Ever dreamt of landing that perfect pirouette?

Covering everything from basic positions to the finesse of a pas de deux, this inspiring book will help your child pursue the elegant dance form of ballet. Perfect your port de bras and learn how to dance adagio and allegro. You will even find out the best way to look after your ballet shoes and ensure your make up is just right for your first night on stage.

Using gorgeous photos of ballet dancers and easy-to-follow instructions, one of the world’s finest ballet dancers Dame Darcey Busell will teach you various poses, jumps, and exercises, as well as advanced moves and pointework.

You will also discover folk and character dancing and read about the great choreographers and composers throughout ballet’s history.

The Ballet Book beautifully illustrates the world of ballet with captivating notes on classical techniques, the evolution of the dance form, the world’s greatest dancers, and a fascinating look on what goes on behind the scene.

Budding ballet dancers, this one’s for you!

Picturebook

Little ballerinas will love this delightful story about budding ballerina, Tutu Tilly.

Tilly loves going to ballet every Tuesday. From the moment Miss Anne claps her hands to start the class, Tilly does her best to become a beautiful ballerina. But will Tilly be ready in time for the big show?

The first book in the charming Tutu Tilly series from award-winning author, Adele Geras.

Chapter book

The perfect children’s book to curl up with and begin the new year.A beautiful and heart-wrenching middle grade debut for kids aged 9 to 11, full of love, healing, friendship and hope. Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson’s Tracey Beaker, Cathy Cassidy, Pax and Gill Lewis.

When eleven-year-old Addie goes to stay with a foster family on a remote Exmoor farm in the midst of a very cold winter, she is full of hurt, anger and a deep mistrust of everyone around her. Until one day, when she rescues a tiny wild foal from the moorland snow and Addie discovers that perhaps she’s not so alone after all.

And as adventure and unexpected friendship blossom, Addie is determined that both of them will know what is to be home again soon …

A beautifully written, warm read for anyone looking for a gorgeous family book to read together and to capture the imagination of young horse fans too.

Susanna Bailey divides her time between writing, freelance social-work, and lecturing in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, where she also studied. Susanna wrote Snow Foal during her time at the same university where she drew much inspiration from her tutor, award-winning David Almond. Snow Foal has already been shortlisted for the Joan Aitken Future Classics Prize.

Chapter book

A contemporary countryside tale about the power of friendship and creativity, from the nation’s favourite children’s author.

A beautiful countryside story for Michael Morpurgo fans, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill (J. K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). Bonny has always wanted to be a top cyclist, maybe even a future Olympic champion. But her world changes after meeting a sculptor named Lizzie, who gives her a job on her farm. Bonny is introduced to a life-sized sculpture of Lizzie’s horse and is allowed to pose as its rider, a completely magical experience. She learns from Lizzie that a true gift is never to be wasted, and that if you “breathe the world in deep”, you can do anything.

Chapter book

When a mystery horse gallops on to a London housing estate in the middle of a storm, it will change four kids’ lives for ever … A heart-warming tale that celebrates neurodiversity and the power of alternative thinking from an author known for her honest, heartfelt and inclusive stories. Perfect for fans of Hannah Gold’s The Last Bear and Carlie Sorosiak’s I, Cosmo.

For Daniel Margate, life is muddled because everything moves: letters, numbers, even classrooms sometimes. Daniel is dyslexic and most of the time, school just doesn’t make sense. He’s in the bottom reading group at school with other kids who are trying to make sense of it all. There’s Akin who can’t sit still for more than two minutes and is almost always getting into trouble, sports star Ste is recovering from a car accident that left him learning how to walk again and Molly-May’s school uniform never fits and is a regular at the local foodbank.

But when a mystery horse gallops into their lives one stormy evening, it changes everything. Desperate to keep him safe they form the Secret Horse Society and vow to protect this amazing creature. Inspired by stories of the great racehorse Seabiscuit, they name him Jammie Dodger and find they when they work together, nothing seems impossible. Even the Big Read Off at school. They just need to keep their new horse friend a secret.

How hard can it be to hide a horse, anyway?

Non-fiction

This book will delight anyone who loves horses, from complete beginners to experienced riders. With stunning photography and detailed illustrations it describes everything from tacking up and mounting to what to do when a horse bolts, preparing for a country ride or a three-day event. Includes links to websites with more riding tips and advice.

Chapter book

A charming village story about a little girl, a dare gone wrong and one crazy horse! From bestselling author Gillian Cross. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+

A charming village story about a little girl, a dare gone wrong and one crazy animal! When Alice Brett moves from the city to a little village school, she’s never seen a real live horse before. And famous village resident Mozart’s Banana is not just any old horse – he’s crazy! The children are banned from riding him, but when Sammy Foster dares Alice to get on Mozart’s Banana’s back, she takes it very seriously…just what does she have up her sleeve?

Chapter book

Jasmine’s dad is a farmer, and her mum is a large-animal vet, so Jasmine spends a lot of time caring for animals and keeping them out of trouble. Unfortunately, this often means she gets into hot water herself…
A perfect animal story for younger readers by Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-shortlisted author Helen Peters, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon.

When Jasmine finds a lost foal in her father’s field, she can’t believe her eyes. Who would abandon such a beautiful creature, especially as it’s hurt its leg? With the race on to reunite Storm with his mother, Jasmine is determined to solve the mystery and bring the culprits to justice!

Brilliant storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, this is Dick King-Smith for a new generation.

Chapter book

For the first time ever Daisy isn’t looking forward to the school holidays. She’s worried about her best friend Mara, who’s ill in hospital. But then, walking her dog in the wood, Daisy spots a group of wild ponies quietly grazing. She is especially drawn to a young silvery-white pony and, as she spends time watching the pony, she starts to feel less alone.

Visiting the pony one day, Daisy runs into James from school. She’s worried he’ll tease her but instead he has some terrible news. The pony actually belongs to his dad and it’s James’ job to help look after her. Is Daisy about to lose her new friend?

A heart-warming story about unlikely friendships from best-selling author Holly Webb.

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