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Author & Illustrators

Nicola Edwards Books

We’re stressed! We all need to rest

We keep getting tangled in tape.

Oh it just isn’t fair! All toys should be square!

But here comes another weird shape!

Join the Christmas chaos in this flap-filled festive adventure!

It’s Christmas Eve but all is not well in Santa’s workshop . . . The toy-building elves are exhausted, the gift-wrappers are tangled in tape and the reindeer-wranglers are ready to strike! Will Christmas be cancelled, or can one elf’s quick thinking and festive spirit save the day? Lift the flaps to discover every corner of the workshop, from the reindeer stables to the wrapping room. Children will love this engaging, inventive story, and parents may well empathise with the stressed, overworked elves!

This funny, festive book full of flaps pairs humorous text by Nicola Edwards with charming illustrations by Pauline Gregory to capture the essence of a chaotic Christmas. But between the stress and all the mess, have the elves forgotten what Christmas is really about?

When the Stars Come Out is an illuminating read, meticulously crafted by Nicola Edwards and brought to life through the vibrant illustrations of Lucy Cartwright. As educators, we strive to expand the horizons of our pupils, and Edwards’ book serves as a perfect aid. The book invites readers to explore the enchantment of the nocturnal world, from the rare phenomenon of moonbows to the captivating dance of the Northern Lights. This book’s seamless blend of science and storytelling makes it particularly enjoyable and valuable.

The narrative unfolds in an engaging and informative manner, navigating through various habitats, including the bustling life in cities and the serene expanse of the oceans at night, highlighting how these ecosystems pulse with life after dark. The attention to detail in describing animals and their unique night-time behaviours can support various cross-curricular links, from science to geography. The book touches upon creatures that craft intricate resting places and others that have adapted to sleep while on the move, sparking curiosity and potential research projects among students.

Cartwright’s illustrations are not mere accompaniments but play a crucial role in engaging children. The artwork is as informative as it is captivating, ensuring that the visual learners are equally catered for, making the book an inclusive resource for various learning styles.

When the Stars Come Out is not just a journey through the night-time world but also a resource that offers endless educational possibilities. It encourages inquiry, sparks imagination and provides a cross-curricular resource that is as entertaining as it is educational. This enchanting book should be considered a staple in KS2, especially when addressing topics related to the natural world, habitats, and the diversity of life and culture on our planet.

Discover what daily life is like for children across the world as we explore everything from food to family, and learn how to greet new friends in lots of different languages. See where it’s polite to slurp your food and bad manners to give the thumbs up, and find out where you might travel to school by cable car or sleep on an oven bed at night! A fascinating look at the lives of children across the globe.

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