Ten of the Best Books for Beginner Readers
Books for children aged 6-8 are so important: this is where readers for life are made. Children need exciting, entertaining, funny, unusual and (crucially) beautifully illustrated books which will make them fall in love with reading forever. Booksellers Tony West and Margaret Wallace-Jones think it’s so vital that last year they launched The Alligator’s Mouth Award for illustrated early fiction to celebrate the wonderfully imaginative books available for this age group. Below are ten of their favourites.
10 The Cat and the King
Nick Sharratt, Alison Green Books, 978-1407135090, £6.99 pbk
After an unfortunate dragon-related incident, the King and his cat are exiled from their castle. They flee to a suburban bungalow and meet their new neighbours, the Cromwells. What could possibly go wrong? Charming adventures ensue as the delightful duo visit the supermarket, queue for the bus, go to car boot sales and try to be normal. The king is not of a practical turn of mind, but fortunately his cat is - this feline polymath can
do everything (apart from talk - that would be silly). Picture book legend Nick Sharratt’s first venture into longer fiction is warm and witty, brilliantly illuminated by the detail in his engaging illustrations. Don’t miss the sequel, Nice Work for the Cat and the King which won the 2019 Alligator’s Mouth Award. MW-J
King Coo
Adam Stower, David Fickling Books, 978-1910989418, £6.99 pbk
While on the run from Monty Grabbe, the world’s worst bully, Ben Pole falls into an extraordinary hidden kingdom, ruled by the irrepressible King Coo. Coo is not intimidated by bullies (or by anything) and soon a wildly inventive plan is hatched to thwart Monty and his ghastly sidekicks. Adam Stower demonstrates an impressive talent for elaborate Heath-Robinsonesque dens, traps
and contraptions, and his joyous illustrations work perfectly with the hugely entertaining story. The revelation of King Coo’s true identity made me gasp and giggle aloud on public transport. Fun from first page to last. MW-J
6 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019
The Adventures of Harry Stevenson
Ali Pye, Simon and Schuster, 978-1471170232, £5.99 pbk
There just aren’t enough novels about Guinea pigs. This lovely book addresses this with two thrilling tales about Harry, who prefers a quiet life but is destined for greatness. Harry fears the Outside, but when accidentally left behind by his family he embarks on an epic journey via bicycle, reluctant dog and pizza van until at last they are reunited. It’s
The Incredible Journey for guinea pigs. This furry, football-loving fan of leafy greens is a timeless hero – we can all relate to Harry’s tendency to catastrophise and make poor decisions when peckish. Pye has invested Harry with irresistible charm, and her illustrations are a delight. As Harry himself would say: ‘Wheeeek!’ MW-J
The Naughtiest Unicorn
Pip Bird and David O’Connell, Egmont, 978-1405294782, £5.99
Mira can’t wait to arrive at Unicorn School where she will be given her very own unicorn and embark on a life of glitter and excitement. Unfortunately she is allocated the flatulent, truculent and disobedient Dave,
who is mostly interested in eating doughnuts and earning dreaded Havoc Points. Despite these challenges, Mira makes friends with risk-averse
Raheem and fearless
Darcy, and finds Dave has surprising talents. There’s fun and adventure on every page, the characters are
pleasingly diverse and the pictures lead the reader happily through the story. Plenty more to come in this excellent recent series. MW-J
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