Frances Durkin – författare

Big Cat Read On supports fluent readers to improve their reading skills and nurture a love of reading. Consisting of a wide range of engaging chapter books, the Big Cat Read On series improves reading stamina and comprehension, develops vocabulary, and introduces children to more sophisticated narrative structures and themes.A stately home, a tropical fruit, a Victorian mystery! My name’s Molly, and I’m a housemaid at Beacon Towers. Lady Bracken has asked me to guard one of the pineapples when it’s on display during a dinner party. It’s worth a lot of money, so absolutely nothing must go wrong…About the Author and Book Talk questions invite the reader to think more deeply about the themes in the book and reflect on their reading experience. Online lesson plans provide guidance in using this book in a range of settings, including independent, social and whole-class reading – all designed to support the reader to connect with the book and encourage a positive attitude to reading.

When the Histronauts travel back in time to the Viking era they’ll need your help to uncover the secrets of the past. Forage for food, decipher runes, build beautiful burial boats and hear all about a Viking raid. An exciting mix of story, facts and activity!

When the Histronauts travel back in time to the ancient Greek era they’ll need your help to uncover the secrets of the past. Visit the Acropolis, watch the activities that inspired the Olympic Games and paint masks for a thrilling Greek tragedy at the amphitheatre. An exciting mix of story, facts and activity!

Fact-filled non-fiction that uncovers the who, where, why and how of historical scientific discoveries. From the explosion at the start of the universe to atomic energy and the impact of immunisation, discover the people and places behind 13 major science breakthroughs that changed the world. You’ll read about what motivated them, why they did what they did, when they did it … and with whom! There is a glossary at the back of the book plus a ‘take it further’ activity on each page. Discover the human side of STEM!

Fact-filled non-fiction that uncovers the who, where, why and how of historical technological inventions. From the magic of making music to lightbulb moments and tiny technology, discover the people and places behind 13 major technological breakthroughs that changed the world. You’ll read about what motivated them, why they did what they did, when they did it … and with whom! There is a glossary at the back of the book plus a ‘take it further’ activity on each page. Discover the human side of STEM!

Discover 20 inspirational stories about world-changing women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). From ancient Mesopotamia to present-day Kenya, you'll see how female scientists and inventors throughout history have turned their ideas into important inventions and discoveries that still help and inspire people today. After reading their stories, you can practise your own STEM skills with 12 simple step-by-step experiments. Activities include: making a fossil, setting off a chain reaction, playing the 'smell test' game, and even measuring something that you can't see! A truly inspiring non-fiction book about women in STEM!

Meet the heroes, gods and monsters who shaped our history! Flashes of lightning, blood-sucking creatures, mind-blowing tricks and tales of epic adventures ... myths and legends have always fascinated people, from ancient times to today. Here are 20 incredible stories from all over the world that tell us about creating countries, controlling the weather and even stealing children! What do these myths and legends mean? What can they teach us about the past? Read the history then try the step-by-step activities to bring their stories to life. Are you ready to meet them?

When the Histronauts travel back in time to ancient Egypt they’ll need your help to uncover the secrets of the past. Explore dazzling tombs, decipher hieroglyphics, unwrap the art of mummification and learn how the gods ruled over the dead in the afterlife. An exciting mix of history, facts and activity!