The Big Class Read

Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

No cat can sing like Tabby McTat, Fred the guitar-playing busker’s cat. He loves to sing as people throw coins in Fred’s hat! But one terrible day, Fred chases a thief – and the two are separated. Will they ever sing songs together again? From the greatest picture book team in the world comes this delightful rhyming story of music, friendship, loyalty – and cats!

Watch the brand-new animated adventure on BBC1 iPlayer!

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Barry Loser #2: I Am Still Not a Loser by Jim Smith

The second book in this madcap must-read series for 6+ boys

Barry has a new problem: Gordon Smugly – who’s got the most perfect name for himself ever in the history of having a name, because he looks like a Gordon and is smug and ugly – has stolen Barry’s best friend. Join Barry as he attempts to get Bunky back, organises a girly-screamvoice test and tries to avoid seeing his teacher kissing his gran.

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Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman

Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider. To be one of the lucky few selected to hatch a unicorn. To bond with it for life; to train together and race for glory; to be a hero.

But just as Skandar’s dream is about to come true, things start to take a more dangerous turn than he could ever have imagined. A dark and twisted enemy has stolen the Island’s most powerful unicorn – and as the threat grows ever closer, Skandar discovers a secret that could blow apart his world forever…

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Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola

Join the brilliantly passionate and instantly loveable Rocket as she organises a peaceful protest to save her local library!

Bookworm Rocket loves to collect new books on her weekly visit to the library, and to read all about inspirational figures like Rosa Parks. She is heartbroken when she discovers the library will be closing down! Can she use what she’s learnt from Rosa and speak up to save the day?

This empowering, heartwarming picture book is a love letter to libraries and the power of reading. And it shows the incredible power we ALL have when we find our voice and speak up about the things that matter.

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The Legend of Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood

A thick white blanket covers the wide slopes of the band of hills known as the Razorback Downs . . .

Podkin is the son of a warrior chieftain. He knows that one day it will be up to him to lead his warren and guard it in times of danger.

When Podkin’s home is brutally attacked, and the young rabbits are forced to flee, no one and nowhere is safe. With danger all around them, Podkin must protect his family, uncover his destiny, and attempt to defeat the most horrifying enemy rabbitkind has ever known.

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Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott

With diary entries written by eleven-year-old Libby Scott, based on her own experiences of autism.

Tally is eleven years old and she’s just like her friends. Well, sometimes she is. If she tries really hard to be. Because there’s something that makes Tally not the same as her friends: Tally is autistic. Tally’s autism means there are things that bother her even though she wishes they didn’t. It means that some people misunderstand, her and feel frustrated by her. People think that because Tally’s autistic, she doesn’t realise what they’re thinking, but Tally sees and hears – and notices – all of it.

And, honestly? That’s not the easiest thing to live with.

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The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas

A picture book follow-up to The Colour Monster, Anna Llenas’s jaw-dropping pop-up book.

One day, Colour Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows thim what each feeling means through colour.

What is the Colour Monster feeling? And can you help him feel a little less mixed up?

A gentle exploration of feelings for young and old alike.

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The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo

It’s 1943. Battles are raging across Europe, but the idyllic seaside village where Lily lives is scarcely touched by the war. But one day, Lily’s family and 3000 other villagers are told to leave their homes.

But no-one tells Adolphus Tips, Lily’s beloved cat, where he can and can’t go. And when Adolphus disappears into the danger zone, with Lily in pursuit, what they find behind the barbed wire will change their lives forever…

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Illegal by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, and Giovanni Rigano

This is a powerful and timely story about one boy’s epic journey across Africa to Europe, a graphic novel for all children with glorious colour artwork throughout. From Eoin Colfer, previously Irish Children’s Laureate, and the team behind his bestselling Artemis Fowl graphic novels.

Ebo: alone.

His sister left months ago. Now his brother has disappeared too, and Ebo knows it can only be to make the hazardous journey to Europe.

Ebo’s epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step he holds on to his hope for a new life, and a reunion with his sister.

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The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson

Poor Plop! Baby owls are meant to love darkness – but he’s terrified of it. How can he overcome his nerves and become a true night owl? A wonderful look at the unseen side of things, and at all the positive things that night and dark can be, this is a funny and beautifully told story of facing fears and learning to fit in.

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Betsey Biggalow the Detective by Malorie Blackman

Betsey’s teddy bear has disappeared without a trace! Join Betsey the Detective as she enlists the help of Prince, the detective dog, to solve the mystery! These warm and funny stories are ideal for building confidence in readers aged 7 and over, whether reading aloud or reading alone.

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Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari

Shifa and her brother, Themba, live in Kairos City with their father, Nabil. The few live in luxury, whilst the millions like them crowd together in compounds, surviving on meagre rations and governed by Freedom Fields – the organisation that looks after you, as long as you opt in.

The bees have long disappeared; instead children must labour on farms, pollinating crops by hand so that the nation can eat. The farm Shifa and Themba are sent to is hard and cruel. Themba won’t survive there and Shifa comes up with a plan to break them out. But they have no idea where they are – their only guide is a map drawn from the ramblings of a stranger.

The journey ahead is fraught with danger, but Shifa is strong and knows to listen to her instincts – to let love guide them home. The freedom of a nation depends on it . . .

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