Every school library, classroom and home should contain books from Barrington Stoke. Their wonderfully captivating content paired with accessible vocabulary, super-readable font and helpful page tint make them some of the best books available for ALL children. From fun, sweet Little Gems for young readers age 5+ to their mature, thought-provoking 11+/13+ Teen and Young Adult books (with a reading age of 8 years), every child really can be a reader. The non-fiction books are packed full of information and presented in an engaging fashion.
The lower reading ages and inclusive features do not mean these are books only for children who find reading difficult. These high-quality stories are to be enjoyed by all readers. My own children have relatively high reading ages for their chronological ages and they love Barrington Stoke books. They appreciate the shorter length and the sense of satisfaction that comes with finishing a book. They love that so many of their favourite authors write for Barrington Stoke creating such excellent stories. They have recommended so many of them to their friends and have chosen them as gifts for their teachers.
One of the things I love about Barrington Stoke books is their respect for their readers. Children are not spoken down to or pandered to with empty stories full of rude jokes. These books are empathy-filled and speak to children at their level. They challenge, inspire and encourage with messages that can be understood on many levels.
Sheep School by Ross Montgomery & illustrated by Marisa Morea (interest age 5+ / reading age 5)
Sheep School is a brilliantly funny story featuring William (a sheep who just can't sit still) and the suspicious new headteacher, Mr Howler. According to Mr Howler, the best way to avoid a wolf attack is to stand completely still but William doesn't buy it. Is it Mr Howler's toothy grin or his pointy ears that cause William to think he's up to no good? As soon as children spot the plot in Marisa Morea's gorgeous illustrations, they'll be shouting at Miss Bleater and the other sheep with cries of "Look out!" and "He's a wolf!" Young readers will love this twist on the Big Bad Wolf and how William goes from not fitting in to the hero of the school.
Budgie by Joseph Coelho & illustrated by David Barrow (interest age 5+ / reading age 5)
Mr Buxton always seems to be cross with Miles and his friends when they play outside their tower block. One day, Miles finds a beautiful budgie and realises it must be lost. He takes it home and does all he can to care for it. Depsite Miles' efforts, the budgie dies. Miles is heartbroken until Mr Buxton comes to visit. It turns out the budgie was his. As Mr Buxton shares stories of his past, Miles begins to understand more about the man. He isn't cross and grumpy. He's worried about the boys, he misses his husband who passed away and he's lonely. A true friendship is born through a wonderful budgie connection. This is a story of empathy, cross-generational friendship and not judging a book by its cover. There is always more to a person than first meets the eye.
Joseph Coelho's description is absolutely beautiful - such a wonderful model for children as teachers help them to develop their vocabulary and voice. "I run my fingers over the crayon box of its feathers, the bright sunburst of its head, the apple candy of its tummy, down each wing with their black and yellow flecks. Its feathers feel a-kiss-on-an-eyelid soft."
Meg and Merlin: Running Away by Tanya Landman & illustrated by Sonia Albert (interest age 7+ / reading age 7)
Meg and Merlin: Running Away is the third book in this delightful series of friendship and trying new things. Young readers will love the connection between Meg and her pony, Merlin. Their care for each other shows children what it means to be a good friend.
Meg was thrilled when Mrs Hill said Meg could ride Merlin whenever she wanted. Her family had never been able to afford a pony so this was a dream come true. When Meg's friend Sam invites them to join her on a long picnic ride, Meg is nervous but excited. Her mum, on the other hand, is really worried something will go wrong. Meg manages to find her way to Sam's house and reassure Merlin along they way. The girls have a wonderful day out together - jumping over rivers, galloping across fields and planning even more adventures. But when it's time for Meg to head home, she realises that maybe her mum was right. Something does go wrong and Meg wonders if she'll make it home at all.
The Boy Who Stole the Pharaoh's Lunch by Karen McCombie & illustrated by Anneli Bray (interest age 7+ / reading age 8)
Author Karen McCombie writes wonderfully engaging historical adventures. The Boy Who Stole the Pharoah's Lunch is no different. Seth doesn't enjoy school. He soon gets fed up and does all he can to avoid doing any reading or writing. During their Egypt topic, he finds it much more fun to draw cool pictures and make everyone laugh. His teacher isn't impressed. While waiting to be told off, Seth picks up a golden amulet and finds himself whisked back in time to Ancient Egypt.
Emerging from the reeds on the banks of the Nile, Seth is quickly wrapped up in one adventure after another. He learns loads about Ancient Egypt in the process but, most importantly, he learns how important it is to be true to himself. Can he be brave enough to tell his teacher that he finds school difficult and get the help he needs?
The Boy Who Stole the Pharoah's Lunch would make a fantastic read aloud in Key Stage Two during an Egypt topic. Children are sure to enjoy all of Seth's antics as well as gain some insight into why some children might act up in class and how they can be a good friend.
Suitcase S(witch) by Aisha Bushby & illustrated by Coralie Muce (interest age 7+ / reading age 8)
Zahra is on a train on her way to a poetry competition when she accidentally swaps suitcases with a young girl. Who is she? Why is she dressed as a witch? How is Zahra going to get her own suitcase back? When she decides to wear the witch's pyjamas to bed, all sorts of strange things start to happen. Enchanted boots, a talking cat and magic spells take Zahra one adventure after another. Along the way, Zahra gains confidence and learns that winning isn't everything.
Fans of The Diary of an Accidental Witch will love this charming book. Fun magic, mishaps, cool clothes and a cute cat familiar will keep them turning page after page.
What it was like to be a ... Viking by David Long & illustrated by Stefano Tambellini (interest age 9+ / reading age 8)
What it was like to be a ...Viking is another fantastic non-fiction book from David Long. Packed full of information about every part of Viking life, it takes readers on a journey from 8th century Scandinavia through to the Battle of Hastings and the end of the Viking Age. Maps, diagrams and engaging illustrations by Stefano Tambellini help readers understand key concepts. Each chapter, written in full paragraphs, unpicks the details of history in an accessible manner but with enough information for older readers to use for research or reading for interest. This is not a light-touch book of facts. Subjects such as "The Village Workshop", "Trading with Europe and Asia", "Raiders not Traiders", "War and Conquest" and "Exploring the World" are thoroughly examined. This book would be a fantastic resource for teachers as well as a great contribution to the class or school library.
Jodie by Hilary McKay & illustrated by Keith Robinson (interest age 9+ / reading age 8)
School residential and a ghost story are the perfect combination. Children love being deliciously scared with a chilling story that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Jodie is an introvert, a listener, a loner. She doesn't like spending time with others and definitely doesn't want to spend two nights away with girls who don't understand her. Life at home is hard. She doesn't want to be in school. She just wants to be left alone. This trip is the last place she wants to be.
When she hears a little dog barking out on the the salt marshes, she decides to go looking for him - even though they've all been warned not to go out on their own. As the water starts to rise and Jodie gets trapped in the mud, she wonders if anyone will even care.
This is an empathy-building story of times when life is a mess. Even when it starts to get better, healing takes time. So many children struggle with mental health for all sorts of reasons. It can make going to school and making friends hard. I know a lot of readers will see themselves in Jodie or be inspired by her friends who reach out to help.
Little Women by Laura Wood (interest age 13+ / reading age 9)
Laura Wood has completely captured the charm and style of Louisa May Alcott in the accessible and entertaining retelling of Little Women. Every key event from the first year has been captured: from Meg, Jo, Beth & Amy's Christmas with the Hummels to father returning from war after Beth's illness. Readers will get to know the girls' generosity, love and sisterly squabbling. Key relationships with Laurie, Mr Laurence and John Brooke are shown with all the drama and fun that makes the original story so timeless.
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