Author & Illustrators
Chris Mould’s War of the Worlds, inspired by the classic science-fiction story by H.G. Wells, is a stunning illustrated novel designed to introduce the younger generation to this timeless story of aliens and adventure.
War of the Worlds is set in the late 1800s, where our young hero, Leon, witnesses the arrival of strange extra-terrestrial pods from space. The excitement of the people swiftly turns to horror as giant metallic creatures emerge, wreaking havoc, destruction and death on anyone and anything that gets in their way. Leon records this invasion through jottings and sketches, whilst trying to find a way to stop the monsters and keep his loved ones safe.
The story is ‘inspired by’ Wells’ original tale and has been significantly reduced and simplified for a younger audience, but the essence of the story has been captured. Whilst this is described as a graphic novel, there is quite a lot of text among the graphic panels, and we might argue whether this is actually more of a heavily illustrated novel. Essentially, Mould’s distinctive illustrative style suits the story beautifully and easily captures the imagination of even the most reluctant reader.
Similar to his Iron Man book, Mould has taken a beloved classic and stylistically brought it back to life. I would strongly recommend this to those introducing their pupils to some older classic novels, or reluctant readers who can have a break from reading text to study the incredible and detailed pictures.
The town is in chaos – Wolfman is on the loose! Support severely struggling readers with this funny hi-lo tale.
Wolfman is on the loose and he is raging and rampaging through town like a terror! Lamp-posts have been ripped up, paving slabs chewed – even the Army has gone into hiding!
Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 6.
Jackson lives and breathes football – he knows all the players, the fixtures, the scores. Then, one grey stormy day, Jackson kicks his ball, and it goes up … and up … and UP! All the way to the moon! Overnight, Jackson becomes an international footballing sensation, and before you know it, he’s kicked ALL of the Earth’s footballs into space. The moon-folk – the aliens! – don’t know the rules of the game, but they become football mad all the same. It’s up to Jackson to bring football home…
Fasten your seatbelts and brace yourself for a rip-roaring adventure into the cosmos. Brimming with humour, imagination and all things wacky, The Cosmic Atlas of Alfie Fleet is reminiscent of the stories of Douglas Adams written with a younger audience in mind. With a plot that feels like anything could happen next, this is the kind of story that will appeal to readers who love to laugh at the wacky and the unexpected. Read our full review on the blog.
Alfie Fleet and the Professor are on a planet-hopping quest-keep up if you can! With the Universal Travel Agency about to open its doors, Alfie’s adding the last few entries to his Guide to the Universe when disaster strikes in the form of an old adversary. Alfie needs help fast… and he only has to travel through a few galaxies to find it!
Anyone who has ever wanted the world to recognise their talent or dreamed of going viral will resonate with Brandon’s story. Brandon believes that he is the best at everything and he loves to boast about it. But there is one thing that he really is good at – counting. When he boasts that he can count to ten million, he’s challenged to follow up on his claim and before he knows it, the world really is paying attention to what he can do.
Carnegie-medal winner Melvin Burgess is well-known for his novels for Young Adults, but here he perfectly hits the spot for younger children with Count. I was really charmed by this laugh-out-loud story of an oft-heard playground boast that – in this case – quickly snowballs to global proportions, perfectly capturing the essence of childhood ambition and stubbornness in one sweep. The story also explores the cost of fame and the power of self-belief.
At just over 170 pages, this is a short and entertaining read that is packed with humour and accompanied by Chris Mould’s fun illustrations. Count is likely to go down a treat in lower KS2 classrooms or with Upper KS2 readers who appreciate a quick and humorous read.
This original book is a quick and quirky read with a heartwarming message about the value of true friendship, told in rhyming couplets.
The Truth Pixie lives in a faraway magical land and has been put under a spell that means she can only speak if she tells the truth. Finding that truthful words cause others to turn away from her, the Truth Pixie sadly discovers that friendships of any kind have become too difficult for her to form.
After a scarily truthful encounter with a larger-than-life troll, the Truth Pixie finds herself flung through the air all the way to Helsinki (which, as it turns out, rhymes perfectly with ‘that troll who is stinky’). Once there, the Truth Pixie befriends a downhearted girl called Aada, who is filled with worry and sadness as she faces an impending house move away from her friends.
Of course, the Truth Pixie has no choice but to agree – truthfully- that the girl’s situation looks bleak. But wise in her truthfulness, she also knows that while hard times may be inevitable in life, they are also temporary and that brighter times will lie ahead.
Before long, the Truth Pixie’s words turn into an enormous encouragement and a friendship begins to blossom.
This is a sweet story – and one that is just as suitable all year round as it is for Christmas – that is full of warmth and humour in its plot, its lilting rhyme and perfectly pitched illustrations.
This hilarious novel is a festive favourite with KS2. A Boy Called Christmas tells the story of Nikolas, whose father is a woodcutter who has disappeared on a dangerous expedition to find Santa’s elves. Nikolas sets out to the Far North to rescue his father, encountering danger, new friends and a good deal of Christmas magic along the way. Eventually Nikolas he finds that he has his very own part to play in bringing festive joy to many others.
You may also like the other stories in the series: The Girl Who Saved Christmas and Father Christmas and Me.
A smashing classic read for Lower Key Stage 2. As you’d expect from a former Poet Laureate, this story about a mysterious metal giant who befriends a farm boy is gorgeously written and hauntingly strange.
The origins of the Iron Man are never fully explained – he just arrives one night, starts feasting on farm equipment, and after some initial misgivings is accepted into the local community.
The book was seen a few different editions and we recommend this version, superbly colour-illustrated in metallic hues by Chris Mould. It has also been turned into a really lovely animated film.
The Vanishing Trick makes for an evocative and suspenseful Victorian story with thrills, twists and turns that plays on prevalent superstitions and social issues of the time. There’s plenty of history to explore in the background to the story (in particular child poverty and the invention of the camera), and themes of friendship, belonging and hope provide nuance to the darker elements, making this an original and enjoyable middle grade read recommended for fans of Michelle Harrison and Lemony Snickett.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
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