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Age Group: KS2

Non-fictionPicturebook

A fascinating tale of one of the first well-known environmental activists, Chico Mendes, who fought tirelessly to save the Amazon rainforest as well as fighting for people’s rights.

This is the story of Chico Mendes, a Brazilian rubber tapper and environmentalist. He fought to preserve the Amazon rainforest, and advocated for the human rights of other rubber tappers who lived in the forest. Tragically, he was assassinated for trying to protect these rights.

Grippingly written by award-winning author, Anita Ganeri, and vibrantly illustrated by Margaux Carpentier, throughout the story, we see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest and learn why it is so important that global rainforests are protected.

Tell this tale and inspire a new generation of environmental heroes who will speak up and take action to protect our natural world.

Great support material for children’s study of habitats, rainforests and their importance for biodiversity and helping to combat climate change.

Non-fiction

Go on a journey through the world’s rainforests, from the Amazon rainforest to Costa Rica, answering questions such as why on Earth does it rain so much? Where are there forests in the clouds? And how can a tree cure disease? Along with many others. It looks at medicines, monkeys, poisonous snakes, venomous spiders, stinky flowers, enormous trees, and much, much more. Crammed full of amazing animals and astonishing plants, geography has never been so exciting!

Packed to the gills with far-out facts and fascinating information, the Where on Earth? series makes standard KS2 geography topics lively, fun, pacey and interesting.

Non-fictionPicturebook

Discover why we must protect the Amazon from climate change.

Bursting with all kinds of life, the Amazon is one of the most incredible places on Earth. This richly illustrated picture book brings to life this extraordinary region for young children, exploring its tropical rainforest and scenic landscapes. It showcases the lush wildlife, diverse communities and life-saving medicines that can all be found there and therefore why it is so important that we act to protect this special part of the planet from the impact of climate change.

Chapter book
A beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. From internationally bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith. Timo and his mother do not have much money – in fact, they have almost none. But that does not matter too much, because Timo has his mother and she has him. They have their little house. They have friends and neighbours. They have the world about them. All of that can be enough for happiness. There is one more thing, though, that Timo would like to have …A dog! High quality cream paper and a special easy-to-read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Chapter book

Jimi dreams of playing in the all-white kit of the Lions of Senegal but he can’t see how his dream will ever come true. Even though he is the best footballer in the region, the bigger boys never let him play with them. But can he change their minds? With huge support from his family, Jimi finds that there is nothing that he can’t achieve!Interwoven with lots of facts about the history of African football and African-born footballing superstars such as Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto, Patrick Viera and Yaya Toure, this book is ideal to engage reluctant reading football fans. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+.

Chapter book

Three delightful stories about Too Small Tola, a young girl who, though small, is very determined. Tola lives in a flat in Lagos with her sister, Moji, who is very clever; her brother, Dapo, who is very fast; and Grandmummy, who is very bossy. Tola proves to be stronger than she seems when she goes to market with Grandmummy and manages to carry home a basket full of yams and vegetables, chilli peppers and fish. When the taps in the flat don’t work, it’s Tola who brings water from the well, and it’s Tola who saves the day when Mr Abdul, the tailor, needs his goods to be delivered quickly. Too Small Tola is a wonderful new character in the world of children’s books by multi-award-winning children’s writer and storyteller Atinuke.

Picturebook

Oluwalase Babatunde Benson is No. 1. He’s the No. 1 car spotter in his village. The No. 1 car spotter in the world!

The start of an exciting new series about the irresistible No. 1, whose hobby is car spotting but who is good at solving all sorts of problems for his village.

When the family’s cart breaks down and there’s no way of bringing goods to market, it’s No. 1 who devises the Toyota Cow-rolla and saves the day. He runs errands for his family and helps Mama Coca-Cola feed the busloads of people who stop for her delicious fried akara. No. 1 even helps Grandmother get to the medical centre when she can’t afford treatment.

No. 1 is bright and plucky and resourceful – a fantastic new character in what will undoubtedly prove to be a brilliant series!

Chapter book

A young girl heals from grief and loss in the snowy Highlands of Scotland, with the help of her loyal, trusting rescue dog. Clova’s life changes forever when her mother, who was a search and rescue volunteer, dies tragically in an avalanche. Her grieving father withdraws and life at home feels lonely, until the day she meets Border Collie Tatty, a shy and frightened dog who Clova helps make bright-eyed and boisterous again.

She begins to train Tatty as a search-and-rescue dog and when two local boys go missing on the moor, Tatty and Clova spring into action to track them down and save the day. But Dad is furious when he finds out Clova has been on the mountain, and sends Tatty away. Clova is heartbroken.

On the first day of spring, the sudden rise in temperature after a cold snap and heavy snow causes an avalanche on the mountain – and Clova’s dad is up there! The Search and Rescue team – plus Clova and Tatty – scramble onto a helicopter for a dangerous rescue mission in the growing dark – can they find Dad and save the day

A story to delight all young animal fans.

Non-fiction

Which animal lives on top of the Everest? Where can you spot the majestic condor? How does the ibex climb up rocks?

Mountains are home to 25% of terrestrial biodiversity and a multitude of fragile ecosystems. What if you could fly and discover those places and the incredible wild animals hidden at high altitude?

This large format book transports you to inaccessible places and helps you discover the incredible fauna that live in these mountains, volcanoes, hills or valleys.

Throughout the book is a search and find counting game enabling you to spot bats ready to take flight, sloths hanging from branches, wallabies and their babies, and butterflies aplenty.

Poetry

This is a book of poetry for everyone.

Inside is a treasure trove of writing celebrating courage and empowerment. Read the poems aloud or curl up with them in a quiet corner. Begin your journey into a lifelong love of poetry.

Inspire young minds with this beautiful poetry anthology that encourages children to take joy in their identities. From body positivity and facing fear to celebrating heritage and individuality, a variety of contemporary poets will take readers on a journey through the different ways we can feel empowered. Vibrant and mesmerising artwork emphasises the beauty found in courage and being ourselves. This is the perfect book to instil a love of poetry, this title features work from a wide range of voices and illustrators who bring their unique perspectives to the topic of empowerment.

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