Year 2 Reading Wall by

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-07 16:13:58 UTC

The alphabet is gloriously brought to life by international best-selling picture book creator, Oliver Jeffers. This beautiful paperback edition is based on Once Upon an Alphabet which won the CBI Book of the Year Award.

From an astronaut afraid of heights, to dynamic detectives the Owl and the Octopus, by way of some rusting robots, you will find within this book a short story inspired by every letter of the alphabet.

By turns funny, sad, mischievous and surprising, these entertaining mini-tales are accompanied by Jeffers’ witty and inviting illustrations.

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-07 16:16:08 UTC

In a world built for Perfect Pets, Barnabus is a Failed Project, half mouse, half elephant, kept out of sight until his dreams of freedom lead him and his misfit friends on a perilous adventure. A stunning picture book from international bestsellers The Fan Brothers, joined by their brother Devin Fan.

Deep underground beneath Perfect Pets, where children can buy genetically engineered "perfect" creatures, there is a secret lab. Barnabus and his friends live in this lab, but none of them are perfect.

They are all Failed Projects. Barnabus has never been outside his tiny bell jar, yet he dreams of one day seeing the world above ground that his pal Pip the cockroach has told him about: a world with green hills and trees, and buildings that reach all the way to the sky, lit with their own stars.

But Barnabus may have to reach the outside world sooner than he thought, because the Green Rubber Suits are about to recycle all Failed Projects . . . and Barnabus doesn't want to be made into a fluffier pet with bigger eyes. He just wants to be himself. So he decides it's time for he and the others to escape. With his little trunk and a lot of cooperation and courage, Barnabus sets out to find freedom – and a place where he and his friends can finally be accepted for who they are.

This suspenseful, poignant and magical story about following your dreams and finding where you truly belong will draw readers into a surreal, lushly detailed world in which perfection really means being true to yourself and your friends.

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-07 16:21:36 UTC

The three little wolves erect first a solid brick house. The big bad pig comes along and when huffing and puffing fails to work, he uses a sledgehammer to bring the house down. Next they build a home of concrete: The pig demolishes it with his pneumatic drill. The three little wolves choose an even stronger design next time round: They erect a house, made of steel, barbed wire, armor plates and video entry system, but the pig finds a way to demolish it too. It is only when the wolves construct a rather fragile house made of cherry blossoms, daffodils, pink roses, and marigolds that the pig has a change of heart …

Contemporary - Female Protagonist

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-07 16:37:04 UTC

‘A ground-breaking picture book about religion, sisterhood and identity' Waterstones Best Picture Books of 2020
Asiya's hijab is like the ocean and the sky, no line between them, saying hello with a loud wave.
It’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab – made of a beautiful blue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. In the face of hurtful, confusing words, will Faizah find new ways to be strong?
This is an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond shared by siblings and of being proud of who you are, from Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad.

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-07 16:40:32 UTC

Norman is a bear. A bear who LOVES honey.

According to Norman, there can never be enough honey! And who has the most honey? The bees, of course!

So, dressed up in his very best bee onesie, he thinks he looks quite convincing as he infiltrates Bee School with his eye on their huge honey supply.

But how long will his disguise last?

And when the hive is endangered, can he finally discover his true destiny and become. . . The Bumblebear?

Graphic Novel (Book 1 of 3)

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-20 07:05:38 UTC

Best friends Bumble and Snug are Bugbops - little monsters filled with BIG feelings! In this full-colour graphic novel, join them on a funny, imaginative adventure with some VERY angry pirates, learning about the world outside and inside along the way.

Bumble and Snug are going on a big adventure to ... have a picnic! But when they accidentally get lost, they're both cross - is their adventure ruined?

Working together to find their way home, Bumble and Snug come across a pirate treasure horde. But taking treasure that isn't yours is a good way to get into trouble, and sure enough some VERY angry pirates aren't far behind.

Bumble and Snug are certain they can replace the treasure, and fix things to make everybody happy. But there's another monstrous obstacle in store - and this one has TENTACLES.

Bumble and Snug and the Angry Pirates is a story about being cross and how to listen, friendship and sandcastles, and one GIANT octopus!

Graphic Novel (Book 1 of 7)

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-20 07:12:38 UTC

Crack the case with the InvestiGators! The first adventure in the laugh-out-loud full colour comic book series by John Patrick Green, perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey.

Join Mango and Brash, alligator secret agents, as they fight crime, save the day and go undercover . . . in a bakery?

Armed with a moustache and a rolling pin the Investigators need to work together to find out who has kidnapped top chef Gustavo, and stop his recipes getting into the wrong hands!

Can Mango and Brash uncover the clues, crack the case, and capture the crooks? Or will the criminals wriggle out of their grasp?

The InvestiGators series is a hit with all ages and covers themes like:

- Teamwork

- Resilience

- Problem-solving

Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 5+

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-21 14:56:08 UTC

The frogs always beat the toads at long jump but the toads don't mind - anything for a quiet life. But then the children and Mutt the dog come in search of some good jumpers, and the toads see an opportunity to get their own back. Soon the poor frogs have been gathered up and put in an ice-cream tub, and they're hopping mad!

Diversity

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-21 15:08:44 UTC

Billy's family is not what you'd call ordinary. His mums won't listen to NORMAL music. They love to sing sea shanties and dance jigs in the lounge. Their clothes are highly unusual, they have a rude parrot for a pet, and their taste in house design is, well . . . FISHY. Billy wishes his family could be more like everyone else's. Until a swashbuckling adventure changes everything!

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-21 15:12:53 UTC

Meet Pedro. He's tiny, but while looking for a BIG adventure he is rescued by the ADVENTUREMICE - a brave, determined team who keep all the Mouse Islands safe from harm.

Pedro's dream is to show he's heroic enough to join their ranks. And he soon gets the chance to prove himself, when a big scary otter starts causing trouble in the waters nearby . . .

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-21 15:22:49 UTC

The penguin pack play all day long. And when the sun goes down, and the night grows cold and dark…“PENGUIN HUDDLE!” The penguins squeeze and squish together to stay warm and cosy. But one night, there is a freezing gale. And the next morning … the penguins are stuck! They are frozen together like a giant penguin ice pop. What a penguin MUDDLE! Nobody in the Antarctic can figure out how to unstick them. But Pipsqueak, the smallest penguin of them all, has a brilliant idea... They must adventure out of their snowy home to a vibrant city across the great, gleaming ocean to solve their penguin puzzle.

This light-hearted tale of jolly penguins big and small is a celebration of friendship, community spirit and helping those in trouble.

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-21 15:27:33 UTC

This exquisitely produced book is a celebration of three of the most infamous fairytale villains. Filled with dark humour and detail on every page, the book has flaps and fold-outs for readers to open up and reveal the innermost secrets of an ogre, a big bad wolf and a wicked witch. Peek under the flaps to reveal what lies beneath their disguises and to uncover the identity of their last meal, now nestled comfortably in their bellies as well as their hobbies, personal belongings and secret plans.

Inside the Villains is a multi-layered book with the potential to entertain readers for hours. This is a great choice for children who love interactive elements and are ready to dive deeper beneath the surface of their favourite fairytales.

Fantasy

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-21 15:57:14 UTC

Mira CAN’T WAIT to start Unicorn School. (Her big sister goes and won’t stop going on about it). But when Mira arrives on her first day all the unicorns are gone … except Dave!

Dave isn’t quite the sparkly magical unicorn Mira was expecting to find at the end of the rainbow – he’s more grumpy than glittery, more interested in lunch than magical quests and he always runs off when Mira tries to ride him – but Mira’s not going to let that get her down. Along with her new friends and their (much more glittery) unicorns, she is determined to be the best at Quests and protect the special unicorn world!

For all fans of The Worst Witch, The Magic Unicorn Society, My Little Pony, Pamela Butchart – and for anyone looking for the perfect unicorn gift for girls and boys!

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-22 16:27:28 UTC

Nellie Choc-Ice is on her way home to the North Pole at last! But things don't go so smoothly when Captain Beardy-Beard's trusty submarine grinds to a halt in an island of plastic - and they aren't the only ones who are trapped. It's up to Nellie to untangle everyone from the mess ... But what are they going to do about all this plastic in the ocean?

Book 1

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-22 16:31:10 UTC

Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-22 16:42:48 UTC

A thwarted thespian must use his talents to save his flock from a woolly situation in this hilarious gem from bestselling children’s author Ross Montgomery.

William the lamb just can’t stand still. His feet are always tapping, ready to dance, and he loves nothing more than bursting into song. But his talents aren’t always appreciated at Sheep School. Cast out of the flock, he wanders miserably away only to witness the rest of the sheep being captured by the Big Bad Wolf. Can William find a way to put his artistic skills to use to save the day?

Contemporary - Female Protagonist

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-23 09:38:31 UTC

In this empowering picture book by award-winning author Caryl Hart, one small girl inspires her whole village to plant a beautiful forest on the mountain.

When a little girl's grandad shows her a picture of what the great, grey mountain used to look like, she can't wait to plant a new forest and for the animals to return. Although the girl soon realises growing trees isn't easy, she doesn't give up. After many weeks, a little patch of green appears on the mountain and gives the whole village hope. Then, one day, a terrible storm comes tearing up the valley, destroying every single one of the girl's saplings. Has all her hard work been for nothing? Or has it inspired those around her to share her dream?

In this lyrical and hopeful picture book, one girl's imagination, determination and positivity motivates a whole community to work together to create something amazing that will last forever. With subtle addresses to the reader, children and grown-ups will feel empowered to tackle global issues such as deforestation and realise that, in the words of Greta Thunberg, 'No one is too small to make a difference'.

Chapter Book

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-23 09:46:09 UTC

When young Anna inherits a dilapidated once-grand hotel from her Great Aunt Mathilde, she's determined to restore it to its former glory. But this is no ordinary hotel - all of her staff and guests are animals!

Anna soon rises to the challenge. Whether it's a flamingo, a penguin or a hippo knocking at the door, Anna is ready to welcome them all - with the help of her trusty sidekicks T Bear the doorman, Squeak the friendly elevator mouse, and Lemmy the lemur receptionist ... As she soon finds out, though, running an animal hotel is no easy task. Can Anna make Hotel Flamingo a success once more?

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-23 09:53:37 UTC

The Cat and the King tells the story of a gentle, unworldly King and his very clever cat, and is illustrated throughout in two colours with Nick’s irresistible wit and humour.

The cat and the King must find a new home after their castle burns down in an Unfortunate Incident with a dragon.

They choose Number 37 Castle Close, and the cat introduces the King to all sorts of new experiences, from washing-up to shopping.

Then danger looms when the pesky, fire-breathing dragon makes its return.

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-23 09:58:43 UTC

Bear didn’t really like the painting. I mean, look at it. But he liked Bird a lot, and it would remind him of her…

Bear and Bird are best friends! And while they don’t always understand each other, they both agree: all they want is to make the other happy. So, when Bear forgets to pack for a picnic (but pretends that he didn’t), Bird doesn’t let on that she knew all along. And when Bird discovers that Bear has more of a certain talent than she does, well, Bear finds a touching way to make her feel better...

Full of funny mix-ups and comic misunderstandings, as well as genuine warmth and affection, these four stories are the start of an irresistibly charming new chapter book series from award-winning creator Jarvis.

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-23 10:05:48 UTC

Stanley is a normal little boy, whose dad just happens to be the greatest superhero on the planet. Six days a week, Dad saves the world from disasters, aliens, and bad guys. Friday is his day off and he always spends it with Stan. But one Friday, Dad and Stan meet a series of people desperately in need of Dad's help. Soon Stan finds himself saving a lion stuck up a tree, rescuing a monster truck from a ditch and taking on shark-infested floodwaters. That's right: Stan is a chip off the old (superhero) block! High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

carolebaker1 — 2023-10-26 05:27:10 UTC

Well, hello.

And welcome to this Planet.

We call it Earth.

Our world can be a bewildering place, especially if you’ve only just got here. Your head will be filled with questions, so let’s explore what makes our planet and how we live on it. From land and sky, to people and time, these notes can be your guide and start you on your journey. And you’ll figure lots of things out for yourself. Just remember to leave notes for everyone else… Some things about our planet are pretty complicated, but things can be simple, too: you’ve just got to be kind.

carolebaker1 — 2023-11-08 17:10:57 UTC

Butter and Crackers are rescue pets living their best (and quiet) lives. Butter, a laid-back cat, has access to all the butter he can lick and Crackers, a slightly nervous dog, is free to bark at squirrels to his heart's content. With an owner who goes to work every day, they spend their days doing whatever they want.

But when Peanut, a brand-new puppy with big floppy ears, arrives, everything changes. He has no appreciation of the quiet life, no idea how stairs work and he's even afraid of the dark!

Butter and Crackers have had enough - this puppy needs to go! But when Peanut escapes and gets lost, it turns out that home isn't home without the noisy little puppy after all...

carolebaker1 — 2023-11-08 17:14:16 UTC

Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together in the hilarious seventh book of this blockbuster graphic novel series!

The perfect first book for young 5 year-old, 6 year-old, 7 year old and 8 year-old readers looking for funny, high interest books that are an accessible read, where they'll discover the joys of friendship, working together and the power of imagination. Featuring three short stories and a super fun ocean fact page – and joke page too!

carolebaker1 — 2023-11-19 10:39:42 UTC

The Most Serious Fart is a seriously fun children's illustrated picture book about not taking ourselves so seriously.

Meet Siegfried, a most serious fart who is sick and tired of farts being a laughing matter. When he sets out on a most serious mission to change the fart as we know it, he ends up learning to embrace his fartness and the fun and friendship that come with it. The book also includes over 300 hidden butts from legendary Highlights Hidden Pictures illustrator, Chuck Dillon.

carolebaker1 — 2024-04-16 06:55:35 UTC

'Croaky Hopper isn't like other little frogs. His head is filled with thoughts of wild adventures. He dreams of hopping across crocodile-infested waters, or being chased by a giant boulder, just like the famous TV explorer Tennessee Toad. But where can an energetic amphibian like Croaky find real-life adventure? When his Aunt Lilly signs him up for the Woggle Scouts, he expects to spend his time crafting with pinecones and selling cookies, but he soon discovers there's much more in store, as scout leader, Winston the Puffin, takes the scouts on a dangerous expedition to search for a sasquatch'.

carolebaker1 — 2024-04-16 07:01:46 UTC

'Max has just moved to Animal Island and it's full of new friends: Orlando, Crumbs, Moose, Pedalo and a very special creature called a CHAFFY . . .

Chaffy is lost! So it's down to Max to find where Chaffy belongs . . . and YOU can help!

A heart-warming, interactive adventure story, full of friendship and joy, from bestselling author/illustrator Jamie Smart!'

Book 1 of 12 (for gamers!)

carolebaker1 — 2024-04-16 07:09:41 UTC

'Sunny's favourite game is Super Rabbit Boy and he loves to pit his skills against King Viking who hates fun and happiness and wants to steal Singing Dog and bring sadness to Animal Town FOR EVER!

Can Sunny help Super Rabbit Boy get to Level 6 and rescue Singing Dog and restore joy to Animal Town? Only if he defeats the Robot Army, dodges the Robo-Crabs and Lakes of Lava before battling King Viking himself!

Has Sunny got the skills? Has Super Rabbit Boy eaten enough super magical carrots (SPOILER: origin story)? You'll have to read and find out...'

Book 1 of 10 (Introducing Mirabelle - Isadora Moon’s cousin!)

carolebaker1 — 2024-04-28 11:27:49 UTC

Beautifully illustrated in two colour, this new series of chapter books introduces Isadora Moon's cousin! Meet Mirabelle, half witch, half fairy and totally naughtyâ¦ There will be spells, there will be flying but mostly there will be mischief!

Book 2 of 10

carolebaker1 — 2024-04-28 11:33:17 UTC

‘Mirabelle's mum is a witch, her dad is a fairy, and she is a bit of both.

When Mirabelle goes off to witch school she promises not to cause any mischief . . .

But then potions class goes a bit wrong and flying practise is a disaster. Soon enough, Mirabelle finds herself getting up to some seriously mischievous behaviour. Hopefully, with the help of her best friend, Carlotta, she can put everything right before home time.’

Book 1 of many!

carolebaker1 — 2024-04-28 11:35:39 UTC

Half vampire, half fairy, totally unique! Isadora Moon is special because she is different. Her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire and Isadora is a bit of both. She loves the night, bats, and the colour black, but she also loves the outdoors, using her magic wand, and the colour pink. When it's time for Isadora to start school she's not sure where she belongs - vampire school or fairy school?

Book 2 of many!

carolebaker1 — 2024-04-28 11:42:00 UTC

Half vampire, half fairy, totally unique! Isadora Moon is special because she is different. Her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire and Isadora is a bit of both. Isadora loves going to human birthday parties, and now is going to have one of her own! But with her mum and dad organizing things, it's not going to be like the parties she's been to before . . .

carolebaker1 — 2024-04-28 13:49:35 UTC

‘Join time-travelling penguins Pablo and Splash on an unexpected adventure to the time of the dinosaurs in this brilliantly funny full-colour graphic novel. Perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey or Bumble and Snug.

Antarctic penguins Pablo and Splash are polar opposites and besties for life. Pablo is a home-bird and a careful planner. Splash is easily bored and hungry for adventure. Sick to her flippers of the harsh, freezing weather, Splash persuades Pablo to go on a holiday with her. But far from the luxury beach destination that Splash has in mind, the pair end up in a time-travel machine that takes them back to the age of the dinosaurs! Suddenly their icy homeland doesn't seem so dull’.

carolebaker1 — 2024-05-04 10:55:52 UTC

‘The brand-new, hilariously funny full colour graphic novel series from award winning author and illustrator of the Pizazz series, Sophy Henn. Jam-packed with hilarious stories, this is perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey, Dogman and Tom Gates.

Meet the friendly and not-so-friendly residents of Happy Hills, a place where anything can happen and always does! When unicorn Ace stumbles across happy hills, he is surrounded by the residents who are keen to share their spooky stories, plays a town-wide game of IT, all while avoiding GIANT DANGER KITTENS.’

Book 1 of 2

carolebaker1 — 2024-05-20 07:56:32 UTC

‘ADVENTURE LIES BEYOND THE CAT FLAP!

Meet your favourite new duo: MURRAY AND BUN!

Murray is a cat. Murray loves snoozing, fluffy blankets, and peace and quiet.

Bun is a bun. Bun loves… EVERYTHING!

And together they are unstoppable!

SOMETIMES Murray’s enchanted cat flap leads to the garden… but mostly it leads to ADVENTURE!

And when Murray and Bun travel through the cat flap and find themselves in a land of VIKINGS, they are given a VERY IMPORTANT MISSION: to travel to TROLL ISLAND and rescue Eggrik the Viking… if he hasn’t already been gobbled up by the trolls, that is.’

Book 1 of 3

carolebaker1 — 2024-07-18 06:56:54 UTC

’Welcome to the island of Egg where a group of young puffins are in training to join a search and rescue team.
Meet Muffin who is following in her dad's footsteps and anxious not to let him down. Everything is new. There is so much to learn and new friends to be made. And how amazing to rescue birds and eggs in danger! Muffin and the other puffins can't wait to get started.’

carolebaker1 — 2024-07-18 07:04:05 UTC

’All Hoof the Unicorn wants to do is be part of a football team but his club never appreciated his talents and kicked him out. Then he spots an advert for BAD UNITED and he feels a tingling in his hooves. A chance to be part of a team again! A chance to play the game he loves! And a chance to show off his skills…
Hoof is thrilled to find his new teammates are more than up for the challenge. Led by enthusiastic mermaid coach Serena Winmer, the team consists of: Bones, their skeleton captain who sometimes struggles to keep her head; Rex, the ROARsome dinosaur defender; cheetah striker Bolt brings the thunder; Tinkerball dazzles with her magic fairy moves and Annette guards the goal with her life (and eight spider legs). All deemed “not good enough” to play for their teams (who decides what’s “good” anyway?!), BAD UNITED combine strength, skill, speed and stench to show everyone what they’ve got…’

Book 1 of 5

carolebaker1 — 2024-07-18 07:11:56 UTC

'Mr. Wolf has just started teaching at Hazelwood Elementary. He wants the first day of school to go well, but he's got his hands full with his new class. Some of his students include: Margot, who is new in town and is trying to make friends. Sampson, who brought something special to school for show-and-tell. Aziza, who just wants everyone to be quiet and do their work. And Penny, who is VERY sleepy because she has a new baby brother at home, goes missing!'

Book 1 of 6

carolebaker1 — 2024-08-11 10:55:35 UTC

‘Like all peas, Pea loves to roll. So when a no-good strawberry dares him to roll all the way off the farm, he swears he can do it—eazy me-zee!

But along the way, a powerful thunderstorm strikes and bounces Pea off course...and right into two unlikely new buds: a bee named Bee who thinks she knows it all, and a bird named Jay who can’t figure out how to fly.

On their own they may not look like much, but if this trio can stick together, they just might help Pea find his way back home!’

carolebaker1 — 2025-06-17 15:17:25 UTC

'Meet Nova! She's a scientist. Some people say she's a genius. Some people even call her Supa Nova - get it? Like a supernova. Basically she's a huge star, exploding right at you with her adventures!

When Nova invents a plastic-eating monster, she thinks she's solved the world's pollution problem. But she doesn't expect her monster to start rampaging through the city! Can Nova find a way to save the day?'

carolebaker1 — 2025-06-17 15:23:19 UTC

'Ollie and Zing live in a town called Nowhere, deep under the sea - a place that's home to the wackiest and weirdest creatures of the ocean, like the stinky Blob, crafty Hypno-snail, and the mysterious Snakey Unicorn Thing... Ollie and Zing's antics with their colourful neighbours always keep things lively - especially when they get the better of dastardly old Thornelius, the thorn-shooting sea slug!

This book contains four hilarious mini episodes, featuring a missing pet sea anemone (who makes a dashing wig), a very mysterious noise, and a magical portal toilet...'

carolebaker1 — 2025-06-17 15:26:26 UTC

'Perfect for newly-independent readers, these are hilarious primary school stories told by the award-winning Pamela Butchart, brilliantly colour-illustrated by Becka Moor.

When Lauren brings her puppy to school, Class 2R have a mission: hide the puppy from Miss Riley. But it's Movie Afternoon and the delicious smell of popcorn is too tempting for any puppy to resist...'

carolebaker1 — 2026-03-08 11:23:25 UTC

‘Three short stories in each book keep just confident readers engaged whilst lively two-colour illustrations bring these hilarious early readers to life and perfectly bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books.

Written by the bestselling, Blue Peter award-winning author Pamela Butchart and illustrated by Becka Moor.

The strangest things happen at Wigglesbottom Primary! When Year Two is chosen to look after some eggs that are about to hatch, they KNOW somthing is strange about one of them. What if it's not a chick egg, but a DINOSAUR EGG???’