Resources
Storyland Teaching Resources
You will have heard of Thor, Medusa and Hercules. But what about the myths of the British landscape? The Trojan heroes who wrestled giants. The Syrian sisters who found refuge on our lands. The dragons who slept in hollow hills. And the kings who communed with the dead. In this vivid and beautifully illustrated mythology of Britain, children will discover enchanting tales of magic and adventure, giants and demons, princesses and prophecies. Travelling across the wildest of landscapes – as far...
The Earthshot Prize: A Handbook for Dreamers and Thinkers: Solutions to Repair our Planet Activity Sheets
In the Earthshot Handbook for Future Dreamers and Thinkers, young readers will travel round the world, celebrating the diverse and rich habitats, amazing animals and wonderful landscapes that make up our planet. They’ll learn about the problems and challenges facing those habitats. They will meet Earthshot innovators, entrepreneurs and game changers from the past and present from Wangari Maathai to David Attenborough. And importantly, they’ll discover how they can become the changemakers of...
All Bodies Are Beautiful - digital resources
A helpful handbook for talking about you! We know that bodies can be tricky to understand, and sometimes you might feel like your body is different. But being different is completely natural – it’s all just science! This comprehensive guide helps children learn and understand big feelings about bodies. From the atoms that make us to the things our bodies can do, ALL bodies are wonderful! Find out how amazing you truly are in this wonderful celebration of bodies. What librarians have...
The Reading Agency’s October booklist – Poetry
National Poetry Day (5 October) is a day to share, read and even write poetry. To celebrate, we’ve put together some of our favourite poetry picks. You can buy the books from Bookshop.org. Looking to share the magic of reading with young readers? Join us on 29 November at 10am where award-winning poet Joshua Seigal will be sharing the magic of poetry in a free digital workshop. Perfect for KS2 students. Book your place here We would love to hear what books you’d recommend for the theme on...
We Are All Astronauts - digital resources
Unlock your inner astronaut and learn all about space in We Are All Astronauts – the first book in a brand-new series from bestselling creator of the Fantastically Great Women series, Kate Pankhurst. Join Luna, Granny and Blast as they journey through the cosmos and discover what it takes to be a space explorer! Share online using #WeAreAllAstronauts and tag @kateisdrawing, @KidsBloomsbury (or @bloomsburychildrens on Instagram) and @readingagency.
Libraries Week 2023 - digital pack
Simon and Schuster are providing digital resources to support activity in your library for Libraries Week 2023. This includes videos from Love Your Libraries illustrators, activity sheets and Love Your Library/Libraries Week digital assets. COMPETITION To be in with a chance of winning a money-can’t-buy piece of original artwork from one of their illustrators, created for our 2019 “Love Your Library” campaign, post your photo on social media using the below handles/tags or email...
Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle - digital pack and author videos
Until the Road Ends is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children’s Book of the Year, winner of a Books Are My Bag Readers Award, the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. When Peggy saves a stray dog from near-death, a beautiful friendship begins. Nothing can come between them – until war is declared. Peggy is evacuated to safety, but Beau is left behind in London, where he becomes the most...
The Spirit Snatcher by Cat Gray Activity sheets
Welcome to Elbow Alley, home of the most monstrous mystery… Pip was not expecting his new neighbours to be vampires, banshees and ghosts. Worst of all is the mysterious spirit snatcher, which appears out of nowhere and sucks away people’s personalities. Download these free activity sheets for The Spirit Snatcher by Cat Gray.
I Kick and I Fly by Ruchira Gupta - Discussion Notes
AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY BASED ON REAL EVENTS ABOUT FINDING THE COURAGE TO CREATE YOUR OWN DESTINY. More about the book In the outskirts of Bihar’s Red Light District, fourteen-year-old Heera is living on borrowed time. Her father plans to sell her into the sex trade to pay off the family’s debts. But after watching her cousin suffer this fate, Heera is determined to find a way out. A chance encounter introduces her to the power of kung fu. Through martial arts, Heera learns to harness her own...
Sunshine Simpson Cooks Up a Storm - teacher notes and activity sheets
Meet Sunshine Simpson – a brand-new best friend for 9+readers! Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson. More about the book Sunshine Simpson’s life has never been so busy! She feels like she’s on a ROLLERCOSTER. At school everyone is talking about preparing for the big move to SCARY secondary. Plus, there’s a Charity Bake Sale to plan for. But with Sunshine’s Dad travelling for work, Mum forgetting how to smile, a surprise family guest in the mix, and her BFFs and bake-sale classmate Riley...
Celebrate International Dot Day - downloadable resources
International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009. Now around the 15 September, more than 10 million teachers, librarians and children in 200 countries participate in International Dot Day getting busy with writing, drawing, painting, or other creative outlets and sharing their Dot Day inspiration with others. We’re inviting you to celebrate...
When You Lose it by Roxy and Gay Longworth Extract and Discussion Guide
A reading guide plus extract for When You Lose it by Gay Longworth. About the book Roxy was 13 years old when she was coerced then blackmailed into sending explicit photos, which were spread around her school. The shame led to self-loathing. The blame led to a psychotic breakdown. Roxy started hearing voices. Then she started seeing things… What happens when your teenager starts to lose it, and then you lose each other? What happens when you can’t tell your mother you desperately need help?...
The Reading Agency’s September booklist – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
National Coding Week is an annual event that aims to help adults, young people and children with learning digital skills. National Coding Week will be happening from the 18-24 September so we are celebrating our favourite books that have strong themes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). You can buy the books from Bookshop.org. We would love to hear what books you’d recommend for the theme on social media using #booklist and tagging @readingagency. You can see our past...
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam - digital resources
Celebrating 10 years of cakes, crooks and canine capers! Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are two hapless robber dogs who can never seem to fill their swag bags. But when they decide on a career change and open up a café, they realize that, although crime doesn’t pay, cupcakes certainly do! Together, they now solve mysteries, sniff out crime and make the best treats in town! In their new adventure, Train Trouble, our doggy duo board the Pawrient Express to solve a baffling series of...
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam - digital resources
Celebrating 10 years of cakes, crooks and canine capers! Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are two hapless robber dogs who can never seem to fill their swag bags. But when they decide on a career change and open up a café, they realize that, although crime doesn’t pay, cupcakes certainly do! Together, they now solve mysteries, sniff out crime and make the best treats in town! In their new adventure, Train Trouble, our doggy duo board the Pawrient Express to solve a baffling series of...
I Know It's You by Susan Lewis - digital resources
Don’t miss the next emotionally gripping thriller from Sunday Times bestseller Susan Lewis! THE STORY… The first chapter of a manuscript arrives on Publisher Marina’s desk. She assumes it’s just another novel by another aspiring writer… THE SECRET… As the chapters arrive one by one, Marina is convinced they are about her past. There’s only one person who can know everything about the scandal, the trial, and the trauma that nearly broke her. THE SILENCE… This is one story that should never be...
Worrybot by Simon Packham Digital Resources
In Simon Packham’s Worrybot, Josh has built a Worrybot of his own, a home-made cardboard robot to eat up his worst fears. He writes his worries on a piece of paper, posts them into Worrybot’s mouth and finds it helps his problems feel a little bit smaller. UCLan Publishing are encouraging schools and libraries across the UK to do the same to help children feel a bit less anxious. Build your own Worrybot and make it part of a Worrybot library display and you could be in with a chance of...
The Story of Now Activity Pack
Think the British Empire is ancient history? Think again. It’s time to tell you an unbelievable story. One that spans more than 400 years and influences the world as you know it. Instead of endless lists of Kings and Queens, battles and dates, this book introduces you to some of the hottest topics, ideas and experiences of real people. You will discover the forces behind the biggest empire of all time and you’ll answer some BIG questions. Like what does it MEAN to be British? What do people...
Geomancer: In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen Activity Pack
Ysolda has lived her life in the shadow of the wolf queen’s tyrannical rule but, safe in her forest haven, she has never truly felt its threat. Until one day when a mysterious earthquake shakes the land and her older sister Hari vanishes in its wake. Accompanied by her loyal sea hawk, Nara, Ysolda embarks on a desperate rescue mission. But when she is forced to strike a bargain with the wolf queen herself, she soon finds herself embroiled in a quest for a magic more powerful – and more...
Blade Breaker by Victoria Aveyard - digital assets
A DIVIDED REALM MUST RALLY, AN UNSTOPPABLE ENEMY MUST BE DEFEATED, AND THE FATE OF THE WORLD RESTS ON A BLADE’S EDGE. Andry, a former squire, fights for hope amid blood and chaos. Dom, a grieving immortal, strives to fulfill a broken oath. Sorasa, an outcast assassin, faces her past when it returns with sharpened teeth. Valtik, an old sorceress, summons a mighty power. And Corayne, a pirate’s daughter with an ancient magic in her blood, steps closer to becoming the hero she’s destined to...
You Can Do Anything Tyrone - digital assets and author video
You Can Do Anything, Tyrone! is an out-of-this-world adventure from award-winning actor Sir Lenny Henry and debut illustrator Salomey Doku. Tyrone is going to build a brilliant rocket ship out of building blocks and go on an adventure to the moon! There’s just one problem… the blocks won’t work, and Tyrone quickly loses his temper. Luckily, Grandad Cleveland is on hand to show him that with determination and imagination, Tyrone can do ANYTHING. In fact, why stop at the moon when there’s the...
Ten-word Tiny Tales - digital pack and book trailers
“Invite me in,” she says, outside my tenth storey window… Is it possible to spin a tale using just ten words? In this unique and magnificent compendium designed to spark the imagination, Joseph Coelho brings us stories of underwater worlds, bears in outer space, and portals to places unknown… all in just ten words! Each tale has been paired with one of the finest present-day illustrators – and, together, the words and pictures will create a space for creativity as young readers imagine how...
Kòkú Àkànbí and the Heart of Midnight – School Resources
In five days’ time, darkness will disappear forever, along with the magical creatures who inhabit it. One 13-year-old boy is the last hope for survival… When Kòkú accidentally causes chaos by releasing a demon from a museum, he is sent away to Olórí – a place he’s supposed to call home, but barely remembers. Koku finds himself in a land of endless sun and powerful tribes – and on the wrong side of a war. The ruling Ògún tribe is determined to destroy night and the magical creatures who need...
Everyday Action, Everyday Change Activity Sheets
In this inspiring guide, changemakers, sisters and founders of Everyday Racism, Natalie and Naomi Evans, give readers empowering advice for dealing with the issues we see, hear about and face every day, from racism and sexism to homophobia and ableism, providing you with achievable everyday actions to create change! Tips for practising positive everyday mindsets and self-care before things get stressful make this a go-to book for feeling informed, positive and motivated too. Join us on our...
Crookhaven School Activity Sheet
13-year-old Gabriel is a brilliant pickpocket, a skill which he uses to keep his often empty belly not quite so empty. And then one day, he’s caught. But instead of being arrested, he is invited by the mysterious Caspian Crook to attend Crookhaven – a school for thieves. At Crookhaven, students are trained in lock-picking, forgery and ‘crim-nastics’, all with the intention of doing good out in the world, by conning the bad and giving back to the innocent. But … can you ever really trust a...
Winnie and Wilbur: Sports Day Activity Sheet
Winnie and Wilbur are taking part in the local witches’ sports day. After training hard in their garden, finally the big day arrives. There is a high jump contest, an egg-and-spoon race, and even a cats’ tree climb race – but the main event is the exciting broomstick obstacle race. Winnie and Wilbur are desperate to finally win it this year having lost out to Maryam and her cat Malak the last two years. But when the referee is about to read out the results, a gust of wind blows them away!...
Matisse’s Magical Trail Activity Sheet
A beautiful, colourful and bold picture book that encourages children to notice the small things, think big, and express themselves! Matisse is a young snail who loves to create beautiful drawings with his trail. The trouble is most of the time people are far too busy to even notice them. It’s only when a child notices Matisse’s beautiful trails that his art is finally celebrated – and they inspire a whole class of children to get creative too!
The Wonder Brothers Activity Sheet
Cousins Middy and Nathan love magic. The on-stage, cape-swirling, bunny-out-of-a-hat kind. For Middy, it’s all about patience and practice. She uses magic skills to help her out of tricky situations. Nathan is a show-off and a total danger magnet, he is drawn to the sensation, spectacle and audience. So when the famous Blackpool Tower dramatically vanishes the night of the Grand Lights Switch-On, showman Nathan announces live on TV that they will magic it back home. With a stick of rock, a...
Keep Smiling Activity Sheet
Vina’s Mum has always told her that a smile is the best gift you can give someone. And as Vina loves smiling more than anything else, she gives the gift of her smile to anyone who needs it. But on her first visit to her new school, Vina’s own smile gets a bit . . . lost. She can’t find it under the slide, or on the climbing frame. Then, a smile appears, in the most unexpected place!
The Magician's Daughter Activity Sheet
After one hilarious, disastrous magic show too many, Abby’s dad decides it’s time to give up showbiz. Until the day Abby finds a mysterious, dusty old book of spells among her mum’s things. Mum had always been the dazzling magician, after all. As Abby practises, each new spell brings wonder and joy, not only to Abby and her dad, but also to the whole community. Nothing lasts forever, though, and after each public performance another spell vanishes from the book. So before the magic disappears...
