This is an atmospheric story set in an alternative near-future London. The city is a dangerous place for many, dominated by strict social rules, a system of racial superiority and un-abolished slavery that developed from colonialism. In this London, Adam and Zadie are both children who have been made to feel like outsiders. The story centres on their discovery of a mythical creature – a Tyger who is hiding after being hunted and wounded. Adam helps the injured Tyger and a friendship blossoms. Soon, the Tyger teaches Adam a renewed philosophical outlook on life and helps him tap into his hidden gifts. The children set about to protect and save the Tyger, and as fear and oppression rage in the city of London, the children’s courage to save the Tyger makes wider ripples than they could ever imagine.
There’s something timelessly alluring about tigers in children’s books, especially those that have time to sit down and talk with you. This Tyger has a mystical quality that will no doubt entice and intrigue young readers anew. Readers familiar with the work of William Blake won’t fail to notice the allusions to Blakean mythology that filter through text, illustrations and that striking cover. The Tyger in SF Said’s book offers Adam and Zadie something of the mystical and spiritual encounter that Blake hoped to offer his readers; a temporary liberation from the ‘mind-forged manacles’ of the material world and a hope-filled reminder of the power of the human spirit. Nothing is lost however for those unfamiliar with Blake as the book’s inspiration, and the fantasy story stands on its own feet (or paws) perfectly well.
Philosophical young readers will be thrilled to read this adventure – laced with danger, edged with fantasy and packed to the core with thinking and discussion points that link to very real issues in society. Despite the serious themes explored, Said writes with optimism and hope, showing how joy and light can always be found in the darkest of times. This story will no doubt find a home in the hearts of Year 7 readers who love mythology, quest stories and an encounter with something deeper.
In the deepest depths of space, there is only one crew brave enough to take on the universe’s most dangerous villains . . . Unfortunately, they weren’t available for this book, so you’ll have to make do with the crew of the . . . STAR CAT!
Join Captain Spaceington and his team as they blunder across the universe getting into all sorts of hilarious hi-jinks and escapades as Captain Spaceington tries to prove that he is worthy of the Bravest Captain Medal. Space has never been this silly!
A real treat for booklovers and not-yet-book-lovers alike, all about the irresistible magic of the world of books!
This book is a wonderful addition to the classroom library. There is a lot of repetition of language to support readers in being gently led through the story and the symmetry of the beginning and the ending is lovely. The charming illustrations bring the story to life and the book itself needs to be rotated while being read, which keeps it engaging and furthers the sense of adventuring inside the book.
This picture book about the charms of reading will turn normal days into book days all year round.
A classic in the making, this is a warm, funny and poignant story about a teddy which has been loved into a state of dilapidation. Reminiscent of The Velveteen Rabbit, this is very much its own book and is pitch perfect in tone and message. A perfect marriage of words and pictures, this is a completely charming and enchanting book.
Stripy Ted is a very special bear, accompanying his young owner on all sorts of adventures. But these have taken their toll, and poor Ted is rather worn out and missing quite a few parts. This doesn’t matter at all, he is still just as loved as is clear in this utterly charming, tender and heart-warming picture book tale.
Mega Robo Bros is a long-running comic strip in The Phoenix, written and illustrated by Neill Cameron. The stories are not available in a series of graphic novels and are huge hits with KS2.
Alex and Freddy are robots and also brothers, doing typical brother things like arguing, going to theme parks and annoying each other at school. The boys band together when a series of robot attacks take place in London and the pair need to work as a team to defeat Evil Robot 23.
An action-packed graphic novel weaving feel-good themes of family and school life with a good scattering of deadly lasers, jet packs, danger and some excellent sidekicks.
The first awesome thematic Corpse Talk book – all about the most amazing scientists from history ever! Adam Murphy interviews the dead famous scientists who changed the world – getting their stories straight from the corpses’ mouths!
Reading Corpse Talk: Ground-Breaking Scientists is like having history injected into your brain! It guarantees laughs, surprises, and a whole host of the most astonishing achievements you’ll ever discover.
Don’t miss out on the biggest thing to hit history since Horrible Histories!
The Bunny Vs Monkey series by Jamie Smart has become a popular favourite with children. The stories started as part of the Phoenix Comic and have now been made into a book series of their own. Teachers are seeing what a big hit these funny graphic novels have been in the classroom and the books have also seen success in bestseller lists and book award shortlists.
The stories follow the wacky tales of Bunny and his friends Weenie the Squirrel, Pig (the pig), Action Beaver and Skunky the Inventor, who all lived a peaceful life in the forest until Monkey’s rocket crash-landed and he decided to take over. What follows is a riot of chaotic adventures and mayhem that unfolds through a funny comic strip format.
If you enjoy this series, check out our list of more books for fans of Bunny vs Monkey.
Looshkin is the maddest cat in the world!
You may think that your cat is mad, but they’ve got nothing on Looshkin. Leave him for just a moment and you’ll find that your house has flooded, a steam train has smashed into your living room and a portal to another dimension has opened in your loft. And everything is covered in bees. And there are sirens.
Looshkin, what have you done?!
Gorebrah is the mightiest chief in the Universe. He’s cooked Dragon and Birthday Cake Soup and Fudgey-Toothpaste-Sundaes . . . he’s eaten sausage bats and ancient biscuits encased in prehistoric ice . . . it’s a culinary adventure like nothing else you’ve seen before!
Barbarian Appetit!
This is such a fun, silly book! I loved Evil Emperor Penguin (“EEP”) and his bumbling sidekicks Mister 8 and Eugene and his minions. Their never-ending antics are hilarious. Poor EEP desperately wants to take over the world but is thwarted at every turn by his employees. They never seem to get things right, much to his dismay.
However, Evil Emperor Penguin never gives up. His resilience is heroic: he won’t give up no matter what. He reminds me a lot of Dick Dastardly chasing the pigeon. I really liked how the book is a collection of small stories that are related. It keeps you engaged. The format of a graphic novel is brilliant and adds to the enjoyment. The illustrations are bright, colourful and perfect for the stories. I think kids (and adults) will go crazy for this book and that it will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers.
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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Any other comments