Tales of dysfunctional family units are hardly a rarity amongst books aimed at the 9+ age group – however, Simon Mason’s wonderful lightness of touch makes this novel exceptional. His ability never to lose sight of life’s wonder and charm, even when describing the most painful of realities, keeps him thoroughly connected with his 11-year-old protagonist, determined to take care of her brother following her mother’s death, as her father becomes increasingly ‘strange’. There’s no hint of mawkishness, nor is a word wasted – Martha’s dad’s journey to the heart of alcoholism and back again is described subtly and with total authenticity, as endearing eccentricity tips over into a confusing and frightening lack of security. Profoundly, achingly sad – yet also warm, funny and uplifting – this should become a classic.
Pig's back in this incredible fourth diary told in an original, hilarious and unforgettable voice and packed with Pig's own drawings. This is fresh and silly laugh-out-loud humour…
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Author: Harriet Goodwin
Phoenix has no desire to spend his summer at a stange house, with a cousin he barely knows. But when he finds a secret letter written by his mother, Elvira, shortly before she…
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Author: Simon Mason
It’s never too early for pupils to start understanding the inherent difficulties in the study of history – the importance of knowing whence one’s information is coming, and…
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Author: Annemarie Allan
Kelpies, selkies and trows – oh, my! Scottish folklore (and specifically, Robert Kirk’s The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies) is the basis of the latest novel by…
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Author: Philip Ardagh
The Wrong End of the Dog JacketPhilip ‘Beardy’ Ardagh has a way with words; or, quite possibly, they have a way with him. In either case, the results are a delight. Along the…
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Power Maths – A Child-Centred, ‘Can-Do’ Mastery Teaching Programme for KS1 and KS2
Category: Maths
Fit To Dance Schools From Disney On Ice
Category: Other
‘S!ng Sensational’ And ‘A King Is Born’ – Two Fun New Musical Masterpieces That Children Will Love
Category: Music
Product review: Schofield & Sims Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
Category: Maths
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History Boys (and Girls)
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Charity Chop – Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
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