Books by Vivian French

Book SynopsisA whimsical story about learning to use maps, perfect for very young children.One day, Anna's friend Zane sends her an invitation: Come to tea tomorrow! This is the way to my home. Love, Zane. Inside the envelope, there's a MAP. Anna soon decides to make a map of her own, too ... and before long, Dad and even Whiskers the cat are in on the fun. From routes to symbols, point of view and scale, join Anna and her dad as they explore the wonderful world of maps – with words by Vivian French, storyteller extraordinaire, and delightful pictures by rising star Ya-Ling Huang.Trade ReviewThis is a fabulous resource which introduces readers to different types of maps through the narrative of Anna and Zane’s friendship… The text is simple and easy to understand, and the narrative is peppered with clear and useful map facts which help readers understand a variety of maps and how to use them. * The Early Years Educator *Featured in the Bookseller's children's previews for May 2023 * the Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisWorms ... they''re yucky, aren''t they? Not according to this enjoyable new book which reveals just how amazing the wriggly creatures really are!Worms fun, fascinating and wriggly worms! The humble earthworm plays a significant role in the environment, as all farmers and gardeners know: it aerates the soil, composts dead matter into rich humus in which seeds can germinate and plants can grow. Children love them too especially for their wriggliness!

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Book SynopsisA charming Nature Storybook all about looking after chickens, from master storyteller, Vivian French. Chickens are not just any regular bird. They are smart, friendly, cuddly and incredibly soft! And if they like you, they might just follow you around. One sunny day while visiting Grandpa, Julie and Bob go out to the yard to see the chickens that live in the little wooden house. Brown feathered Lola, silvery Lulu, and Marvin the noisy rooster are all puttering around. But where is Lottie? She's nestled cozily in the nest box caring for her eggs. Will Julie and Bob see the adorable chicks hatch before their trip to Grandpa's is over? Join these siblings as they learn fascinating facts about one of the world's most beloved farm animals.

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Book SynopsisHector and Hattie and Harry and Hester set off to find a nice juicy hamburger. But Fox doesn't want a hamburger, and neither does Badger. What they want are four nice fat juicy hedgehogs for their tea! Two funny stories about four friendly hedgehogs, perfect for beginner readers.

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Book SynopsisDelightful with its edge-of-your-seat pace, it deserves applause. Sunday Times, Children's Book of the WeekStorytelling at its best a classic in the making. The ScotsmanTo avoid financial ruin, the Pringle family's theatre-troupe has left London behind, travelling to the north of England by train. With new audiences to play to, and less competition, they hope to make enough money to pay off their debts back home. But will their plans be foiled by the odious Olio Sleevery? It's time for young actors Rosie and Charlie to save the day and, with the help of their new friend Edie Boiler, ensure the thunderous success of the company's first performance. A wonderful gallery of eccentric characters and an exuberant plot with a twist at the end ... this is storytelling at its theatrical best!French is a writer of tremendous charm Children of nine and upwards will want to jump aboard. The Literary ReviewTrade Review“A classic-feeling, satisfying story, full of transporting Victorian detail.” * The Guardian *“…a delightful kind of old-fashioned storytelling… The story inspires sympathy for the hard-working and the kind, and disdain for spoilt children and greedy rogues. It builds satisfyingly to an ending in which the good find friends and salvation and the bad get their just deserts. It would be a treat to read aloud at bedtime, especially for anyone able to do actorly declamations, and, with its edge-of-your-seat pace, it deserves applause.” * Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week *“[…] storytelling at its best… a classic in the making.” * The Scotsman *“A standing ovation for Vivian French.” * Books For Keeps, 5 star review *French is a writer of tremendous charm, her world at once comedic and believable. * Philip Womack, Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisThe girls in Team Starlight learn spells and earn their stars in this magical new young fiction series!Welcome to Stargirl Academy, the magical school in the clouds! Previously a rather old-fashioned establishment, it has been reopened by its head teacher to train children to be modern day fairy godmothers. Fairy Mary McBee selects a group of girls: Lily, Ava, Madison, Sophie, Emma, Olivia and Melody and Jackson who think they''re better than everyone else. The girls learn lots of spells shimmering, starry, shining, sparkling, glittering and twinkling ones which they use to fix problems and help people in trouble. For every successful mission they gain a star, and once they have six stars they will be fully qualified stargirls! Emma leads the fifth mission: she wants to help a family who have moved in two doors down the baby cries all night and the older children can''t play in the garden because it''s overgrown. Mr Appleby would be the perfect person to help as

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Book SynopsisProject X Hero Academy is a fully decodable and finely levelled reading series set in a school for superheroes, designed to captivate and motivate all young readers and turn them into reading superheroes.Professor Bounce is in Orange Book Band, Oxford Level 6, and supports Letters and Sounds Phase 5. In this story, Professor Bounce''s new copying gadget causes havoc when the button on the controller gets stuck! Soon, the room is filled with multiple Slinks, the school cat. How will the heroes make things go back to normal?Each book can be used for independent reading, but also contains inside cover notes that include help on developing vocabulary and prompt questions that can be used for guided reading and one-to-one sessions. Full guided reading notes are provided in the corresponding handbook. There are also a range of follow-up activities to support reading for pleasure.

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Book SynopsisA rollicking fairy-tale adventure full of magical mayhem, from the makers of The Adventures of Alfie Onion, The Cherry Pie Princess and Tom & Tallulah and the Witches'' Feast.Pippin Potts is a helpful boy, which is exactly what forgetful wizard Abacus Peridot is looking for in an assistant who can help him get to the Wizards' Centenary Banquet, so that he can be the hundredth wizard to arrive and win the golden cup. On their journey the pair soon bump into evil wizard Boldways Grime and mischievous elf Kitty Scarper who are secretly plotting against them. But Pippin is determined. With help from the magical Ms Latterly Pot and trusty crow Mavis, can Pippin guide Master Abacus through the Nine Hen Hills, cross the Rumbling Rocks and pass the Neverending Forest in time to win the golden cup? Vivian French''s funny and uplifting story is brought to life by Marta Kissi''s warm illustrations the result is a charming book that''s not to be missed!Trade ReviewReaders will delight in the abundance of magic and mayhem in this latest of Vivian French’s fantasies; there’s a degree of mischief and wickedness too. From her opening paragraph, we know we’ll be swept away, unable to stop reading until the final page. [...] Put together Vivian French’s wonderful way with words, and wizardry at world building and character creating and Marta Kissi’s enchanting black and white illustrations: the result is sheer enchantment. -- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub *“This is a very funny, warm hearted story full of magic and adventure.” -- Debbie Williams * Primary Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom seconds to minutes to hours, learn all about how to tell the time with Anna and her grandpa.A charming new book, all about telling the time! Anna's friend Zane is coming to tea soon but when is soon, exactly? While Anna waits, Granddad teaches her how to tell the time for herself... From reading a clock to learning about different lengths of time (seconds, minutes, hours and more), join Anna, Grandpa and Whiskers the cat as they explore the wonderful workings of TIME with words by master storyteller Vivian French, and warmly illustrated by rising star Ya-Ling Huang.

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Book SynopsisJodie loves to juggle plates, oranges, anything! But his mum isn''t so keen as Jodie has lots of ''accidents'' when practising his skills. She''d rather Jodie played something less destructive, like football. Will she persuade Jodie to swap his juggling for football? And will Jodie the footballer be less accident-prone than Jodie the juggler?Green/ Band 5 books offer early readers patterned language and varied characters.Text type A story with a familiar setting.The table on page 22 and 23 prompts children to recap and discuss the story.Curriculum links PE: Games and activities.This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.Trade ReviewJodie likes to juggle, but he keeps breaking things. Will Mum help him to find another hobby.

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Book SynopsisMona the goat''s brother is good at jumping. Mona''s sister is good at leaping. Mona is good at growing sunflowers. But when she meets a big, fierce lion, Mona finds out she''s good at something else too! A humorous fantasy story by renowned childrens'' author Vivian French.Mona the goat''s brother is good at jumping. Mona''s sister is good at leaping. Mona is good at growing sunflowers. But when she meets a big, fierce lion, Mona finds out she''s good at something else too! A humorous fantasy story by renowned childrens'' author Vivian French.Gold/Band 9 fiction offers developing readers literary language and stories with distinctive characters.Ideas for Guided Reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

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Book SynopsisIn Selim-Hassan the Seventh, a teenager is determined not to follow in his father's footsteps (but his great-great-great-great grandfather has other ideas). In The Wall, a young nomadic girl is determined to return her grandmother to the land of her birth, across the Great Wall of China.

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Book SynopsisWhen a hungry boy wishes for an egg he gets a surprise - a magic egg that makes everything he wishes for come true with hilarious consequences. But in the end does he ever really get what he wants? This traditional tale is beautifully illustrated by Karen Donnelly to set the scene and encourage discussion.

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Book SynopsisInspired by the tale of the Princess and the Pea, well-known children's author Vivian French tells the story of Princess Sue who seeks a prince using a royal parsnip test!Inspired by the tale of the Princess and the Pea, well-known children's author Vivian French tells the story of Princess Sue who seeks a prince using a royal parsnip test!Blue/Band 4 books offer longer, repeated patterns with sequential events and integrated literary and natural language.Children can recap the stages that Sue had to go through to find her prince using the story map on pages 1415.Text type: A retelling of a traditional taleCurriculum links: Literacy

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Book SynopsisBuild your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right levelVivian French tells this well-known, much loved traditional tale of Aladdin, the magical genies and Aladdin's wishes. Will he find happiness with his riches and beautiful wife, or will evil magician Kadar Ghazi steal everything from him?Ruby/Band 14 books give increasing opportunities for children to develop their skills of inference and deduction.Text type: A traditional taleCurriculum links: English: fairy stories, myths and legendsThis book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

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Book SynopsisA brand new young fiction series by much-loved children's author, Vivian French and illustrated by Nathan Reed.Meet werewolf extraordinaire Lottie Luna.Beautiful black and white illustrations throughout.Lottie Luna is a werewolf. She's super-fast, super-strong and has X-ray vision. Lottie doesn't really like to use her skills, though she just wants to be like everyone else. But when someone keeps destroying the school bloom garden it's only Lottie who can come to the rescue

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Book SynopsisA brand new young fiction series by much-loved children's author, Vivian French and illustrated by Nathan Reed.Meet werewolf extraordinaire Lottie Luna.Lottie Luna is a werewolf. She's super-fast, super-strong and has X-ray vision. Lottie doesn't really like to use her skills, though she just wants to be like everyone else. But when it's her friend Marjory's birthday,Lottie sees a way she can use her special powers to get her the biggest surprise ever

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Book SynopsisA brand new young fiction series by much-loved children's author, Vivian French and illustrated by Nathan Reed.Meet werewolf extraordinaire Lottie Luna.Beautiful black and white illustrations throughout.Lottie Luna is a werewolf. She's super-fast, super-strong and has X-ray vision. Lottie doesn't really like to use her skills, though she just wants to be like everyone else.But when Lottie's school holds its yearly talent competition, she finds that she might just have to use them if she's going to help her friends save the day and win first prize

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Book SynopsisAnts may be tiny, but there are many interesting facts to learn about them! This playful book will teach children all about ants and spark their interest in these fascinating insects.Oxford Reading Tree inFact is a series of engaging and imaginative non-fiction books which encourage reading for pleasure and are also phonically decodable.

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Book SynopsisProject X Hero Academy is a fully decodable and finely levelled reading series set in a school for superheroes, designed to captivate and motivate all young readers and turn them into reading superheroes.The Nosy Cook is in Orange Book Band, Oxford Level 6, and supports Letters and Sounds Phase 5. In this story, Mrs Butterworth, the cook, is off sick, so there''s another cook in the kitchen. But Cam thinks there''s something strange about her. Who is she, and what does she want?Each book can be used for independent reading, but also contains inside cover notes that include help on developing vocabulary and prompt questions that can be used for guided reading and one-to-one sessions. Full guided reading notes are provided in the corresponding handbook. There are also a range of follow-up activities to support reading for pleasure.

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Book SynopsisWhen the power-crazy Most Royal of Fire Dragons decides he wants to rule not only his own hot southern kingdom but also the icy wastes of the Snow Dragons'' northern territory, catastrophe occurs. The Fire Dragon ignores the warning from the powerful Book that Twolegs will eventually destroy his kind, and sets out crisping and frazzling the world. Little Tuft, a Twoleg, can''t ignore the warning and enlists the help of the last remaining Snow Dragon in a thrilling and magical quest to save the world from burning up...An entrancing story, lyrically told and gorgeously illustrated, which will be appreciated on a variety of levels by children from pre-school to 8-year-olds and older.Trade ReviewIdeal for reading aloud, this is an epic tale of triumph over evil, presented amidst rolling artwork in which the inspired use of perspective emphasises the enormous task facing the central character, the endearing Twoleg, Little Tuft. Recommended * Scotsman *Vivian French's delightful picture book is a masterful modern fairy tale . . . Young children will be captivated by both the story and the pictures and will delight in having this book read to them again and again * Schoolsnet.com *

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Book SynopsisPart picture book for pleasure reading. . . . and part practical how-to, this dramatic account is the next best thing to setting up a hatchery of your own. — Family FunWhen a mother brings her daughter to a pond to collect some frog spawn, the little girl isn’t sure what to expect. Day after day she checks on the jellylike bubbles until the black dots in their centers turn into slippery tadpoles, sprouting bumps that turn to stumps that become legs with webby feet. The engaging narrative and colorful illustrations accurately evoke each stage of a frog’s growth, in a story that will inspire children to roll up their sleeves and experience firsthand the wonders of the natural world.Back matter includes an index.

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Book SynopsisVivian French and Alison Bartlett present a warm and humorous seaside story for three-to six-year-olds that gently offers the idea that dumping unwanted items is bad - and recycling can be fun!

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Book SynopsisAward-winning children's author Vivian French teams up with new and exciting picture book illustrator Hannah Foley in this beautifully vibrant colourful tale about Billy the hippo who is not at all keen on learning to swim. This is a gentle and humorous tale for two- to five-year-olds.

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Book SynopsisLearn about the transformation from frogspawn to frog with this fun, informative picture book, part of the Nature Storybooks series.What happens when you take an empty fish tank, add some pond water, scoop in some frogspawn ... and wait? Curious young minds will love learning about how frogs grow in this picture book which combines story with information.Trade ReviewThis picture book combines facts with a lovely story. * Nursery World *

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Book SynopsisA delightfully cheerful non-fiction picture book about how to care for your cat, from much-loved author Vivian French and award-winning illustrator Salvatore Rubbino.A non-fiction picture book about a rescue cat, with a charmingly funny story by Vivian French and lively illustrations by Salvatore Rubbino. The story follows a family who have just moved into a mouse-infested flat. Dad is terrified of mice and, after several sleepless nights, decides they should get a cat. They meet Kevin the cat in a rescue home he''s big and strong, and they''re sure he''ll catch all of the mice. But Kevin has other ideas Join this lovable tomcat as he settles into his new home, gradually learning how to use a litter tray, when he''ll be fed and that it''s probably better to use a scratching post than to shred the back of Dad''s chair. The caption text provides information on feeding, grooming and caring for your cat and at the end of the book, there''s a handy index and bibliTrade Review“A lovely mix of story and instructions for children ages three and above.” * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisA high octane, high drama romp, following the adventures of Victorian laundry maid Minnie O''Sullivan and her unforgettable band of friends.After a series of misfortunes, Minnie O'Sullivan is whisked away to Haddington Hall: a nightmarish home for wayward girls. Bad becomes worse when the hall's ruthless founder, Mrs Haddington, takes an instant dislike to brave, determined Minnie, and she's in danger of losing everything But Minnie has never backed down from a fight in her life, and she's not about to start now! Irresistible characters and a compulsive plot with twists aplenty; Vivian French conjures up the very spirit of Dickensian England in a wonderful new novel for middle-grade readers.Vivian French is a writer of tremendous charm. Literary Review Delightful with its edge-of-your-seat pace, it deserves applause. Sunday Times (Children''s Book of the Week) on The Steam Whistle Theatre CompanySt

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Book SynopsisA rollicking fairy-tale adventure from the makers of The Adventures of Alfie Onion, Tom & Tallulah and the Witches'' Feast and The Dragon''s Breakfast.French is a skilled storyteller ... she reminds us how fresh a fairy tale can feel in the right hands. The New York TimesPrince Max is on a mission. The royal family are down to their very last penny, so the king and queen have sent him away to the valley of the giants with only a grumpy old donkey for company. According to legend, the giants are rich beyond all imagining: they live in gold palaces, drink from gold goblets and brush their teeth with gold toothpaste. But are the legends true and, even if they are, will the giants be willing to share their treasure? With the help of his donkey companion and Caromel, the talking cat, Max is about to find out. And he must keep his wits about him ... there are worse dangers than giants, lurking in the shadows!

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Book SynopsisA book of beautiful, lively retellings of classic ballet storiesFrom Swan Lake to The Firebird, and The Nutcracker to Coppélia, Vivian French breathes new life into seven ballet favourites in her timeless, gloriously-immersive retellings. Her words are perfectly complemented by Lauren O''Hara''s characterful illustrations, which strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary, and the result is a treasury which shimmers with the magic of the ballet ... certain to leave readers of all ages spellbound!Trade ReviewPerfect for small ballet fans […] told with assured, absorbing interest and illustrated with delicate porcelain charm. -- Imogen Russell-Williams * Guardian *The sinister undertones of Swan Lake, the weaving of the spell that binds Sleeping Beauty for 100 years, the love story at the heart of Giselle and the power of the Firebird will enchant all those who read or listen to these powerful stories. -- Julia Eccleshare * LoveReading4Kids *[…]delightful compendium that balances the traditional with some contemporary touches. Delicately illustrated. -- Sally Morris * Sally Morris' children's books of the year, Daily Mail *A retelling of seven famous ballets, with sumptuous illustrations. A must for ballet fans. * Irish Independent *good prep for a ballet and the illustrations by Lauren O’Hara are charming. -- Melanie McDonagh * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisEarly Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey.Poor lost Kitten. He doesn''t have a name or a home to call his own. All he wants is to find a warm and cosy place where someone will love him. Will anyone help this little kitten?Trade ReviewBeautifully illustrated with sweet pictures that captivate the young reader's imagination' * BOOKBAG *

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Book SynopsisA funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling.Sam J. Butterbiggins'' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he''s been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt, uncle and annoying cousin Prune while his parents are away. But Sam''s discovered an ancient scroll listing the six quests to be completed in order to become a knight, and he''s already completed the first one! Now he''s found his True Companion (Prune), next on the list is to track down a Snow White Steed. But when Aunt Egg orders Sam and Prune to journey to Weasel''s Hill to deliver Horace the warthog back to his owner, it looks like the young knight-in-training looks will have to put his quest on hold. Or will he ...?Trade ReviewWith plenty of humorous dialogue and lively pictures, this is great fun for young readers * Parents in Touch *skilled storytelling * The Independent on Sunday *This is an excellent series addition to the KS1 classroom. t joins that august body of texts that support the hard-pressed teacher in launching fledgling readers ... Delightful illustrations from David Melling complement the Vivian French text * English 4 - 11 *

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Book SynopsisA funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling.Sam J. Butterbiggins'' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he''s been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt, uncle and cousin Prune while his parents are away. But Sam''s discovered a magical scroll listing the six quests to be completed to become a knight, and with his True Companion Prune''s help, he''s already managed two! Now Sam must find a goodly sword, but he keeps getting distracted by noble deeds that need doing. Helping a grumpy dwarf, a dunderheaded bear and an island of tiny elves might mean he''ll never find his sword, but isn''t that what a Very Noble Knight would do ...?Trade ReviewVivian French is a sublime storyteller. - Sunday Telegraph

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Book SynopsisA funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling.Sam J. Butterbiggins has one wish: to become a Very Noble Knight. But he''s been packed off to his aunt and uncle''s castle where knightly activities are not allowed.With the help of his cousin Prune, Sam has discovered a magical scroll that tells him the six quests he must complete to become a knight, and he''s already finished four! For his fifth quest, Sam must defeat a fearsome foe. But it''s a snowy day, and he and Prune are stuck inside. There are no enemies to be found - until Uncle Archibald sends them to the cellar ...Trade Review... a series of hilarious stories with added humour in their illustrations. - The ScotsmanVivian French is a sublime storyteller. - Sunday Telegraph

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Book SynopsisA funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling.Trade Review... a series of hilarious stories with added humour in their illustrations. - The ScotsmanVivian French is a sublime storyteller. - Sunday Telegraph

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Book SynopsisImaginative, humorous plays presented by celebrated children’s author Julia Donaldson and part of Bug Club – the reading scheme loved by kids across the UK.

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Book SynopsisPerfect for enjoying in school or at home, Bug Club is proud to present a series of plays to get kids reading, sharing and interacting at KS1.   Presented by celebrated children's author Julia Donaldson, each play features engaging stories, beautiful artwork and memorable characters that help kids really catch the reading bug by truly involving them in the story! Part of the Bug Club reading series used in over 3500 schools Helps your child develop reading fluency and confidence Suitable for children age 5-6 (Year 1) Book band: Blue Phonics phase: 5 Ideal for home learning Oh no! Dot has a lot of spots! Will Doctor Woof be able to help?

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Book SynopsisImaginative, humorous plays presented by celebrated children’s author Julia Donaldson and part of Bug Club – the reading scheme loved by kids across the UK.

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Book SynopsisImaginative, humorous plays presented by celebrated children’s author Julia Donaldson and part of Bug Club – the reading scheme loved by kids across the UK.

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Book SynopsisBook Band: Lime - Ideal for ages 7+A quirky school comedy from Vivian French. Perfect for fans of Wigglesbottom Primary and Kes Grey''s Daisy books.When Dan gets into trouble at school for being untidy, he teams up with his best friend Billy to find out who''s throwing his lunchbox on the floor. With chalk fingerprints and missing sardine sandwiches as clues, Detective Dan is on the case!This humorous mystery from award-winning author Vivian French has appealing black-and-white illustrations by Daniel Duncan and is perfect for children who are developing as readers.The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with brilliant books to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2, with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence covering a wide range of genres and topics. With charming illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Cent

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Book SynopsisFrom seconds to minutes to hours, learn all about how to tell the time with Anna and her grandpa.A charming new book, all about telling the time! Anna's friend Zane is coming to tea soon but when is soon, exactly? While Anna waits, Grandpa teaches her how to tell the time for herself... From reading a clock, to learning about different lengths of time (seconds, minutes, hours and more) join Anna, Grandpa and even Whiskers the cat as they explore the wonderful workings of telling the time with words by master storyteller Vivian French, and warmly illustrated by rising star Ya-Ling Huang.

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