Resources
Adventure on Trains: The Highland Falcon Thief by MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman - Wordsearch
Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from bestselling authors M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman. First stop, The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things are suddenly a lot more interesting. As suspicions and accusations...
Morag Hood - Reading Notes and Activities
Bold, bright and brilliant join the colourful world of Morag Hood. All Morag Hood’s books are great for storytelling sessions but also provide a great stepping-off point for further discussion, retelling and art activities. You could create a ‘Steves’ beak and retell the story using it, or cut out different fruit and vegetable shapes and create your own characters like Colin Carrot and Lee Pea, and create your very own hanging bat.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo - Reading Group questions
The Beekeeper of Aleppo was chosen for the Radio 2 Book Club. Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. But what Afra has seen is so terrible she has gone blind, and so they must embark on a perilous journey through Turkey and Greece towards an uncertain future in Britain. On the way, Nuri is...
The Beekeeper of Aleppo - First Chapter
The Beekeeper of Aleppo was chosen for the Radio 2 Book Club. Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. But what Afra has seen is so terrible she has gone blind, and so they must embark on a perilous journey through Turkey and Greece towards an uncertain future in Britain. On the way, Nuri is...
Tyll - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title Tyll by Daniel Kehlmann, translated by Ross Benjamin by clicking below.
The Other Name: Septology I-II - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title The Other Name: Septology I-II by Jon Fosse, translated by Damion Searls by clicking below.
The Memory Police - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa, translated by Stephen Snyder by clicking below.
The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree by Shokoofeh Azar, anonymous translor, by clicking below.
The Discomfort of Evening - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, translated by Michele Hutchison by clicking below.
The Adventures of China Iron - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title The Adventures of China Iron by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara, translated by Iona Macintyre and Fiona Mackintosh by clicking below.
Serotonin - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title Serotonin by Michel Houellebecq, translated by Shaun Whiteside by clicking below.
Red Dog - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title Red Dog by Willem Anker, translated by Michel Heyns by clicking below.
Mac and His Problem - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title Mac and His Problem by Enrique Vila-Matas, translated by Margaret Jull Costa and Sophie Hughes by clicking below.
Little Eyes - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin, translated by Megan McDowell by clicking below.
Hurricane Season - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor, translated by Sophie Hughes by clicking below.
Faces on the Tip of My Tongue - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title Faces on the Tip of My Tongue by Emmanuelle Pagano, translated by Sophie Lewis and Jennifer Higgins by clicking below.
The Eighth Life - Readers' Guide
On 27 February the International Booker Prize revealed the longlist for the 2020 prize. You can download a Readers’ Guide for longlisted title The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischvili, translated by Charlotte Collins and Ruth Martin by clicking below.
Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession - Discussion Questions
Leonard and Hungry Paul are two friends who see the world differently. They use humour, board games and silence to steer their way through the maelstrom that is the 21st century. ‘The figure in Munch’s painting isn’t actually screaming!’ Hungry Paul said. ‘Really, are you sure?’ Replied Leonard. ‘Absolutely. That’s the whole thing. The figure is actually closing his ears to block out a scream. Isn’t that amazing? A painting can be so misunderstood and still become so famous.’ Leonard and...
Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession - First Chapter
Leonard and Hungry Paul are two friends who see the world differently. They use humour, board games and silence to steer their way through the maelstrom that is the 21st century. ‘The figure in Munch’s painting isn’t actually screaming!’ Hungry Paul said. ‘Really, are you sure?’ Replied Leonard. ‘Absolutely. That’s the whole thing. The figure is actually closing his ears to block out a scream. Isn’t that amazing? A painting can be so misunderstood and still become so famous.’ Leonard and...
Golden Child by Claire Adam - First Chapter
It’s dark now; the bats are out. Insects knock against the light on the patio and the dog sits at the gate. A boy has not returned home and a family anxiously awaits. A father steps out into the night to search for his son. As the hours turn into days, this man will learn many things. He will learn about being a father to twin boys who are in no way alike. He will learn how dangerous hopes and dreams can be. He will learn truths about Trinidad, about his family, and himself. He will question...
Dear Earth - letter writing activity
Little Tiger Press are highlighting the fragility and wonder of our world with their brilliant Dear Earth campaign, which offers a fantastic way to link together picture book aged readers and this year’s Earth Day on 22 April. They would love for for you to get involved this spring and are encouraging young readers to compose their own ‘Dear Earth’ letter or picture for library displays or to take home. Download the blank ‘Dear Earth’ letter template. We would love to see the letter on social...
Covid-19 Toolkit to Stay Connected
We know many of our partners have had to close their buildings and are working remotely. We want to share our resources and ideas that will help us all stay connected.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt - celebrating 30 years
We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. Will you come too? We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the classic chant-aloud by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, started a publishing phenomenon 30 years ago with readers swishy-swashying and splash-sploshing through this award-winning picture book favourite. Now with special 30th anniversary paperback and board book editions, this modern picture book classic can be enjoyed by a whole new generation of readers. Walker Books have...
All the World's a Stage Chatterbooks pack
The 27 March is World Theatre Day and to celebrate we have created a Chatterbooks pack with six of our favourite children’s books which have provided inspiration for theatre productions. You can find out more about some of our picks on the Summer Reading Challenge news page.
There’s a Rang-tan in My Bedroom - supporting resources and activity sheets
Teach children about the plight of the orangutan and the dangers of deforestation in, There’s a Rang-tan in My Bedroom, the timely and beautiful picture book by James Sellick and Frann Preston-Gannon. Hachette Children’s Group have got lots of excellent resources that will help you plan KS1 and KS2 lessons and assemblies, which you can download from hachetteschools.co.uk/rangtan. About the book: When a little girl discovers a mischievous orangutan on the loose in her bedroom, she can’t...
Freddie's Amazing Bakery - recipes and activities
Freddie Bonbon is sweet by name and sweet by nature. He’s also THE BEST baker in Belville and always around to lend a hand too. Stories that are full of fun with gorgeous illustrations throughout, Freddie is a likeable and positive character who promotes the idea that you don’t need superpowers or magic to succeed – you just need to try hard and do your best.
Lenny Makes a Wish - Reading Notes
When Lenny the rabbit spots a lonely fish in a pond, they soon become friends. But will their friendship survive, when Lenny lives on land and his friend lives in water? A heart-warming story about the enduring power of friendship.
Attack of the Smart Speakers - Reading Notes
There’s a new craze in town for smart speakers and everyone has got one. At first they seem super helpful, but Tyler and her friends soon start to get suspicious. It’s like these virtual assistants are really the ones in control-but no-one else seems to notice. It’s not long before the assistants become mobile, attaching limbs so that they can crawl around like weird spider robots. Spiders are bad enough, but robot spiders trying to enslave humanity? That’s a problem that need to be squished,...
Would You Like a Banana? - Activity Sheet
Award-winning illustrator Yasmeen Ismail’s delightfully funny picture book featuring a very stubborn gorilla will have the whole family laughing! Gorilla is hungry but there is absolutely no way he’s going to eat a banana. Not even a teeny taste. Not with some bread or standing on his head. Even if you eat one too, which is something you might do. This brilliant and hilarious picture book from award-winning illustrator Yasmeen Ismail will have everyone laughing at this all-too familiar family...
The Threads of Magic - Teachers' Notes
An atmospheric and riveting fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Cornelia Funke. Pip lives on his wits in the city of Clarel. When he pickpockets the wrong man, he finds himself in possession of a strange object – a heart in a silver casket. What’s more, the heart seems to be trying to communicate with Pip, and the royal officials who lost it will stop at nothing to get it back. Pip has unwittingly broken an ancient spell, and his theft will have far-reaching...
