The photographs and text in this information book explain what a cloud forest is and reveal the many unusual and rare creatures adn plant that live ther. The report also considers the threats to cloud forest environments and the reasons why we should protect them.

At the dawn of time, the Maker is having problems with the animals he makes. His beaver and his ants are too big, his moose is the same size as a mouse and his elephant can hide behind a blade of grass! Maker is forced to think again about the original plans for the animals, adjusting their size to the way they are today.

School Book Character day is coming up and Tig is worried as his Mum has found him a frilly Little Boy Blue outfit. Can he get away with turning up as yet another footballer? A strange turn of events leads to a most unexpected outcome.

Where on Earth describes the journeys of significant explorers, revealing the lands they discovered and what they found there. Grid maps and grid references offer children an opportunity to find out for themselves where each explorer sailed.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you drop your letter in the postbox? How does a letter get from your home town to the other side of the world in just a few days? In this book you will see what happens at every stage of a letter's journey from Jack in England to his penpal, Tama, in New Zealand.

Arthur the donkey is having a party — but he wants it to be fantastic. So fantastic, that only fantastic guests can come! But when none of his friends qualify to go on the guest list, he changes his mind — and everyone has lots of fun.

What makes a ball bounce? How is a football made? Children will find the answers to these, and more, questions about different types of balls in this fun instruction book. With a colourful combination of photos and artwork, it gives information on all kinds of balls and activities, such as how to juggle.

Filled with photos showing different methods of firefighting, this instruction book tells children how firefighting started and how it continues today. Stunning action photos show fires being tackled on land, at sea and from the air using a variety of equipment. There's even a glimpse of what firefighting might be like in the future.

Collins Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 4-11 edited by Cliff Moon. Top children's authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that your children will love to read, banded to help you choose the right book for every child. Practical ideas for guided reading are included at the back of each book.

Kind Emma lives all alone in her little cottage by the wood, with no one to talk to. But one snowy night Emma hears a knock at her door, and a tiny voice asking for help. When she takes pity on the little thing at the door and gives it shelter and food, she finds that her whole life is changed — and she at last has a friend to talk to.

Morris wants to eat his kitty biscuits, but his mother sends him off to play hide and seek instead. When it's Morris's turn to hide, he finds the perfect place: the food cupboard, where the kitty biscuits are kept!

Do you look forward to the annual cheese-rolling? Or have you taken part in a dragonboat race? Perhaps you have danced in the street as part of a big street carnival. All around the world people take part in traditions that might seem unusual, but are great fun for everyone who joins in! Find out about all these and more in this information book. •Purple/ Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary. • Text type — Non-chronological report. • An index is shown on page 21, and a labelled map of the world on pages 22 and 23 showing where the traditions featured in the book originate, an ideal cue for further discussion. • Curriculum links — Citizenship: Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people; Geography: Where in the world is Barnaby bear?, Passport to the world. • This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.

An information book about the celebrated historical and fictional characters Cleopatra, Boudica, King Arthur, Robin Hood, the Pied Piper, Pocahontas, Blackbeard, Dracula and Tarzan. The book investigates which of them really existed, and which are based on legend. • Purple/Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary. • Text type — An information book. • An index and a glossary are included on pages 22 and 23 to aid comprehension. • Curriculum links — History: Why do we remember great people? How do we know about great events? • This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.

This unique persuasive text takes the form of a fictional holiday to Mars, presenting factual information about the red planet. The text draws comparisons between Earth and Mars, and considers aspects of space travel such as weightlessness and the lack of oxygen. * Purple/ Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary * Text type — A persuasive text. * A pictorial glossary is provided on pages 22 and 23 encouraging discussion and reinforcement of technical terms. * Curriculum links — Numeracy: Space, shape and measure; Science: Forces and movement; Geography: Contrast with the local area. * This book is paired with a story on the same theme: Star Boy's Surprise by Jana Hunter. * This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.

This colourful and informative book is presented as a ‘scrapbook’ of mementoes from Amy’s visit to the Pacific island of Vanuatu. Packed with photos, it gives information on how the islands of the Pacific wre formed, how villagers live, and about the kinds of animals and plants that grow there. This colourful and informative book is presented as a ‘scrapbook’ of mementoes from Amy’s visit to the Pacific island of Vanuatu. Packed with photos, it gives information on how the islands of the Pacific wre formed, how villagers live, and about the kinds of animals and plants that grow there. With its account of towns, villages, food and activities, this book will inform and fascinate developing readers. A final double page spread provides a glossary of unusual terms and a map to show where Vanuatu is located. Purple level (Band 8) books offer developing readers structured language with some challenging vocabulary. Ideas for Guided Reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.

The Pet Detective faces a special challenge when Kara's pet tortoise, Rocket, goes missing. Has the tortoise been squashed on a motorway? Eaten by a hungry goat? Chewed up by a dog? The Pet Detective follows the clues to find out what's happened. * Purple/ Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary. * Text type — A story by the same author. * A final double page spread shows all the things a Pet Detective needs on a case to support recapping the story. * Curriculum links — Science: Plants and animals in the local environment. * Tortoise Trouble is one of two stories by Jana Hunter about the Pet Detective. * This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.

Hector the Hippo wants to play the cello more than anything else in the world. But who in the jungle will teach him? Most of the other animals laugh at the idea. Finally Hector meets a musician who can help him, a lyrebird. He practices everyday until he has a chance to play at a grand concert in front of all the other animals. * Purple/ Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary. * Text type — A story by a significant author. * A storyboard on pages 22 and 23 summarises the story in eight illustrations providing an opportunity to recap the key events. * Curriculum links — Music: Exploring sounds, Classroom instruments, Combining sounds to make music; Science: Animals; ICT: Using text and tables to develop ideas. * This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.

Walking through the forest one moonlit night, Buzz and his dog Bingo find a sign pointing to a Monster Party. It sounds like fun — but first they have to find their way through the Monster Maze, meeting Count Dracula, a werewolf, a troll and a mummy along the way. *Purple/ Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary. * Text type — A humorous story. * The maze on pages 22 and 23 reminds readers of the mosters Buzz and Bingo have met on their way to the party. * Curriculum links — Citizenship: Choices. * Buzz and Bingo in the Monster Maze is one of two stories by Alan Durant about Buzz and Bingo in the Collins Big Cat reading programme. * This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.