John Dougherty – författare

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right levelOne Midsummer Night, Demetrius, Lysander, Helena and Hermia ran into the moonlit wood where Oberon, the king of the fairies, was busy weaving magic and enchantment. Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books.Text type:Curriculum links:

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right levelMeet Prospero and his daughter Miranda as they are shipwrecked on an island. As Prospero plans revenge on those that put them there, an unlikely alliance leads to an alternative outcome with acceptance, forgiveness, friendship and marriage at the heart. Discover one of Shakespeare’s most exciting plays in this gripping retelling by John Dougherty. Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view.

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right levelReacquaint yourself with Shakespeare’s classic tale of power, control and leadership. When ruler Julius Caesar is offered more and more honours, and gains more and more power, there’s only one way to put a stop to him.Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view.Text type: Fiction from our literary heritageCurriculum links: English: fiction from the English literary heritage

Winner of the Oscar's Book Prize 2018 What if a PIG got stuck up your NOSE? How ever would you get it out?When Natalie has to go to school with a pig stuck up her nose, her whole class gets together to find a way to get the pig out. But how will they do it?The zany humour of Sue Hendra (of Supertato and Barry the Fish with Fingers fame) meets Babe the Pig in this funny picture book. This delightfully silly tale, brought to life by warm, comical artwork from rising star Laura Hughes, will have children giggling and oinking out loud to try to work out how to get a farmyard animal out of someone's nose.The perfect picture book for boys and girls aged 3 years and up – or for anyone who has ever got something stuck up their nose!"This very funny, sweet story won the hearts of the judging panel. Oink!" @oscarsbookprize"The surprise comes right at the start, and what a wonderfully dotty premise to begin a story with, about problem solving in the classroom. Brilliantly structured too" – Julia Eccleshare"Everything about There's a Pig Up My Nose! is entrancing, from the title onwards; it also features the best PE excuse note ever" – The GuardianJohn Dougherty was born in Larne, Northern Ireland and worked as a children's primary school teacher for several years before leaving to concentrate on his writing. He has published several books for children and has been shortlisted for a number of prestigious awards. His book, Zeus Sorts It Out, was one of The Times children's books of the year 2011.Laura Hughes studied illustration at Kingston University and is the illustrator and artist behind Daddy’s Sandwich, nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2016. She has worked with several publishers including Bloomsbury, Harper Collins US and Faber & Faber. She lives in east London with her cat.Disclaimer: neither of them have ever had a pig stuck up their nose …

Winner of the Great Kerfuffle Best Book of Last TuesdayHey you! No, not you - the person behind you. No, not him either. Left a bit, left a bit more . . . You! Oh for goodness sake . . . never mind . . .Dear Everyone (including you!)!Welcome to the world of Great Kerfuffle!It's really great. And there's usually a kerfuffle (the clue's in the name really). Come and join our intrepid heroes Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face as they set off on a highly dangerous and nail-biting adventure (or it may just be very silly and mildly perilous!). Oh, and there might be a few dodgy badgers hanging about too . . .Meet the funniest collection of characters ever known to mankind in this stupendously hilarious book that will make you laugh your socks off, and quite possibly your ears too.

Winner of the Great Kerfuffle Best Book of Last Tuesday Hey you! No, not you - the person behind you. No, not him either. Left a bit, left a bit more . . . You! Oh for goodness sake . . . never mind . . . Dear Everyone (including you!)! Welcome to the world of Great Kerfuffle! It''s really great. And there''s usually a kerfuffle (the clue''s in the name really). Come and join our intrepid heroes Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face as they set off on a highly dangerous and nail-biting adventure (or it may just be very silly and mildly perilous!). Oh, and there might be a few dodgy badgers hanging about too . . . Meet the funniest collection of characters ever known to mankind in this stupendously hilarious book that will make you laugh your socks off, and quite possibly your ears too.

Psst! Psst! Psssssst!!! OI, YOU!! Do you want to know a secret? Well? Do you? It's a good one . . . honest. You'll never believe it. It's so unbelievably unbelievable and soooooo secret. You have to promise not to tell ANYONE. Well? Do you? Cross your heart and hope to die (or at least pass out for a few minutes). OK . . . here goes. You know those badgers? You'll never guess what they've been up to this time . . .With more twists and turns than a pizza delivery guy on an oil slick, this amazing adventure will leave you hungry for more (pizza) . . .

Psst! Psst! Psssssst!!! OI, YOU!! Do you want to know a secret? Well? Do you? It''s a good one . . . honest. You''ll never believe it. It''s so unbelievably unbelievable and soooooo secret. You have to promise not to tell ANYONE. Well? Do you? Cross your heart and hope to die (or at least pass out for a few minutes). OK . . . here goes. You know those badgers? You''ll never guess what they''ve been up to this time . . . With more twists and turns than a pizza delivery guy on an oil slick, this amazing adventure will leave you hungry for more (pizza) . . .

Six captivating and engaging stories with clear progression, ideal for children who are gaining more reading confidence. Meet the boy with a sabre-tooth kitten, read about a monkey who dreams of climbing to the top of the Taj Mahal and find out what happens when Snoot stands up to his big, bad dream⦠With a variety of stunning artwork styles and six funny, heart-warming and exciting stories, this collection has something for everyone. The stories have been specially written to support and develop your child's reading skills as they gain more confidence and move towards independent reading. The stories are carefully levelled, building on the phonics skills children learn at school. Activities after every story make reading fun and reinforce comprehension. Each collection also features tips for parents to help you support your child's developing reading skills. Featuring much-loved characters, great authors, engaging storylines and fun activities, Read with Oxford offers an exciting range of carefully levelled reading books to build your child's reading confidence. Read with Oxford Stage 4 equates to Oxford Levels 6 and 7 used in schools. For more information about the Read with Oxford Stages, as well as practical advice, free eBooks and fun activities to help your child progress, go to readwithoxford.com. Let's get them flying!

The Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree levels and matched to the phonic progression in Letters and Sounds, enabling your children to read the stories independently. There are four Traditional Tales titles available at Level 8:• Finn MacCool and the Giant's Causeway• How Anansi Got His Stories• The Tale of Little Red Riding Hood• Twelve Dancing PrincessesThe Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree levels and matched to the phonic progression in Letters and Sounds enabling your children to read the stories independently.Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.Each Mixed Pack includes one of each of the Level 8 titles listed above. The Class Packs include six of each of the Level 8 titles listed above.

The Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree levels and matched to the phonic progression in Letters and Sounds, enabling your children to read the stories independently. There are four Traditional Tales titles available at Level 8:Finn MacCool and the Giant's CausewayHow Anansi Got His StoriesThe Tale of Little Red Riding HoodTwelve Dancing PrincessesThe Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree levels and matched to the phonic progression in Letters and Sounds enabling your children to read the stories independently.^Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.Each Mixed Pack includes one of each of the Level 8 titles listed above. The Class Packs include six of each of the Level 8 titles listed above.

Finn MacCool and the Giant's Causeway is based on an Irish tale about the creation of the Giant's Causeway. Finn, an Irish giant, and Angus, a Scottish giant, think they are the strongest in the land and are willing to prove it! But Finn has some tricks up his sleeve ...This humorous story written by John Dougherty and brilliantly illustrated by Lee Cosgrove will capture your child's imagination! It has been sensitively rewritten to enable your child to read it with confidence whilst capturing the magic of the original tale. There are useful tips for parents and an engaging story map inside the book to help you and your child retell the story together.The Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree levels and matched to the phonic progression in Letters and Sounds enabling your children to read the stories independently.Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.

Oxford Reading Tree Story Sparks is an emotionally-engaging fiction series that will fire children's imaginations. These original stories will get children thinking, and develop and deepen their comprehension skills. The variety of authors and illustration styles broadens children's reading experience, with something to appeal to every child.This pack contains one of each of the following original stories: Plughole, The Top of the Taj Mahal, Not Ethan Again!, Aunty Cake, Astron, Looga and Barooga: The Day the Sky Went Boom!.They also contain inside cover notes, to enable parents and teachers to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.

Oxford Reading Tree Story Sparks is an emotionally-engaging fiction series that will fire children's imaginations. These original stories will get children thinking, and develop and deepen their comprehension skills. The variety of authors and illustration styles broadens children's reading experience, with something to appeal to every child. This pack contains six of each of the following original stories: Plughole, The Top of the Taj Mahal, Not Ethan Again!, Aunty Cake, Astron, Looga and Barooga: The Day the Sky Went Boom!.All the books in the series are carefully levelled, so it's easy to match every child to the right book for them. They also contain inside cover notes, to enable parents and teachers to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.

Olivia is travelling through space when she sees something amazing from the spaceship's window. It is Astron, an alien who has been separated from his family by a meteor storm. Can Astron rescue Olivia from the fierce dark-biters and can she help him find his family? Astron is a bright, beautiful story of friendship set among the stars.Oxford Reading Tree Story Sparks is an emotionally-engaging fiction series that will fire children's imaginations. These 36 original stories will get children thinking, and develop and deepen their comprehension skills. The variety of authors and illustration styles broadens children's reading experience, with something to appeal to every child. All the books in the series are carefully levelled, so it's easy to match every child to the right book for them. They also contain inside cover notes, to enable parents and teachers to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.

Chucklers is a series of funny novels, short stories, anthologies and comics that make reading a pleasure for 7-11 year olds. There is something for everyone in this varied collection which is packed with fantastic illustrations.Each book contains inside cover notes to support children in their reading. FREE online teaching notes are available at www.oxfordowl.co.ukThe series is written by top children's authors and edited by award-winning author Jeremy Strong. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.This pack contains thirty-six books, six of each of: Absolutely Awful Adults, The Boggart, Never Take a Bath in the Dark,Twice Upon a Time, Jake's Shadow, Comic Capers.

In Twice Upon a Time, three mysterious old women bestow magic on Will and Courtney, but things don't go according to plan. You've never read fairy tales quite like these. Will they end happily ever after?Chucklers is a series of funny novels, short stories, anthologies and comics that make reading a pleasure for 7-11 year olds. There is something for everyone in this varied collection which is packed with fantastic illustrations.Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.The series is written by top children's authors and edited by award-winning author Jeremy Strong. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.

Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. This pack contains 1 set of guided reading notes and 5 reading books, 1 of each of: Under Siege, Dungeon Danger, The Story of Sir Dave, Find Me a Castle! and The Knight's Handbook.

Project 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.Mr Squid's Revenge is in Lime Book Band, Oxford Level 11. In this story, a new boy joins Hero Academy. But Pip thinks there's something strange about him. Why is he being so unfriendly? Pip decides to investigate...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.

Scott feels jealous of his shadow - no-one notices shadows or gets cross with them, they can just fade into the background. If only Scott could swap places with his shadow...Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. Each book contains inside cover notes that highlight challenge words, prompt questions and a range of follow-up activities to support children in their reading.

My dad says we're going on a holiday that will be unforgettable. It may well be - but not for the reasons he thinks. I'm going to be crammed into an ugly old van with three infuriating brothers, and driven around Europe by a dad who doesn't think things through and a mum who doesn't stop him. This had better be a once-in-a-lifetime holiday - there's no way I'm doing it twice!Join budding writer Izzy as the Travises set out looking for adventure, and instead find what it means to be a family.Reflect is a series of emotionally powerful books with realistic settings, carefully crafted to promote thoughtful discussions and develop higher-level reading comprehension. Written by top childrens authors and developed with Literacy expert and Series Editor Nikki Gamble, these are books you can trust to engage, entertain and support childrens personal development. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to stories with the right depth and complexity for them, and helping them to progress. Each book contains inside cover notes to help children deepen their understanding and support their reading comprehension. Teaching notes on Oxford Owl offer cross-curricular links to relationships education and support literacy skills.

I am the great and mighty Zeus, mortal- give me one good reason why I shouldn't smite you here and now!'Alex's class are learning about the Ancient Greeks. That's why Alex makes a temple (out of loo rolls and a cornflakes box) for the Greek god Zeus. He doesn't expect the god himself to turn up, borrow his mum's nightie and demand a sacrifice at half-past five in the morning. Even worse, Zeus reckons it's time for another Trojan War - in the school playground! Zeus is on the loose-

Jack Slater is an official Monster Investigator - licensed to hunt out monsters who turn up under beds and terrorize small children (and his parents!). Armed with a high-power torch (monsters hate the light), a pocketful of spare batteries and a much-loved teddy (there is nothing monsters hate more than a favourite childhood toy), he sets off down to Monster Underworld when news reaches his ears that the monsters are on the march. They're getting organized and no-one, not even the Prime Minister in Downing Street, is safe any more...

Zeus is back! This time Alex and his friend Charlie have summoned Zeus down from Mount Olympus on purpose because there's a problem that they're hoping he will be able to help with. There' s a new girl in the class called Diana and ever since she turned up, things have just got weirder and weirder. All the girls follow her around like sheep and do whatever she says and their teacher Miss Wise is letting Diana and the girls get away with outrageous behaviour.Zeus doesn't seem very willing to help but then Alex and Charlie discover that Diana is actually Zeus's daughter, the goddess Artemis! It's bad enough having two gods running around on Earth but things start getting really bad when Artemis bets Zeus that he can't get Miss Wise to give him a kiss of her own free will because she's one of Artemis's followers now. If Zeus fails then Artemis is going to turn his High Priest, Alex, into a pig . . .!

WINNER of the Junior Juries Award and Judges Special Award – KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards 2024WINNER of the UKLA Book Awards 2024 SHORTLISTED for The Oscar's Book Prize 2024'A beautiful, gentle, rhyming exploration of grief and mourning.' – Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children's Laureate 22-24The Hare-Shaped Hole is a beautiful, touching and poignant picture book that gently explores themes of grief and loss.Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare.They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever, and whenever you looked, you would find them together... until quite unexpectedly... the end came. When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back. It seems like hope is lost... until Gerda the kindly bear finds him.She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly... Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.Powerful and moving text from children's author and poet John Dougherty is paired perfectly with warm illustrations from the wonderfully talented Thomas Docherty in a thoughtful and sensitive approach to this difficult topic.This moving picture book will be loved and treasured by children and adults alike. With kids, it can be used to start a gentle conversation about death and grief. And as a gift for a grieving friend, it’s the ideal gesture. Anyone who has lost a pet or loved one will be comforted by Bertle’s journey to acceptance and reassured by the fact that, eventually, things do get better.

WINNER of the Junior Juries Award and Judges Special Award – KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards 2024WINNER of the UKLA Book Awards 2024 SHORTLISTED for The Oscar's Book Prize 2024'A beautiful, gentle, rhyming exploration of grief and mourning.' – Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children's Laureate 22-24The Hare-Shaped Hole is a beautiful, touching and poignant picture book that gently explores themes of grief and loss.Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare.They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever, and whenever you looked, you would find them together... until quite unexpectedly... the end came. When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back. It seems like hope is lost... until Gerda the kindly bear finds him.She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly... Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.Powerful and moving text from children's author and poet John Dougherty is paired perfectly with warm illustrations from the wonderfully talented Thomas Docherty in a thoughtful and sensitive approach to this difficult topic.This moving picture book will be loved and treasured by children and adults alike. With kids, it can be used to start a gentle conversation about death and grief. And as a gift for a grieving friend, it’s the ideal gesture. Anyone who has lost a pet or loved one will be comforted by Bertle’s journey to acceptance and reassured by the fact that, eventually, things do get better.

A beautiful companion title to the critically acclaimed The Hare-Shaped Hole, The Bear-Shaped Hole is a profound, heart-warming story that helps children understand and prepare for loss.  Gerda and Orlo are best bear friends. When Gerda was there, Orlo always had time for a game or a story, a joke or a rhyme. He was never too busy to listen, to talk, to help, to share, or to go for a walk.But slowly, something starts to change. Orlo reveals he is ill, and as he softly explains to Gerda, he is not going to get better. Gerda is overwhelmed by emotions she cannot quite explain, but Orlo gently helps her prepare, so they can spend their time together making memories that will last a lifetime. When the time comes, Gerda can fill the Bear-Shaped hole in her life with the special moments she shared with Orlo. This brand new picture book is the latest powerful and moving tale from John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty, the award-winning creators of The Hare-Shaped Hole. This sensitively written and beautifully illustrated story explores the process of preparing for loss as well as the experience of loss itself. The Bear-Shaped Hole is a gentle, heartfelt tale that helps children navigate and understand the complex emotions associated with loss. Perfect for parents looking for a way to address sensitive topics, it covers a range of themes to support meaningful conversations.

A beautiful companion title to the critically acclaimed The Hare-Shaped Hole, The Bear-Shaped Hole is a profound, heart-warming story that helps children understand and prepare for loss.  Gerda and Orlo are best bear friends. When Gerda was there, Orlo always had time for a game or a story, a joke or a rhyme. He was never too busy to listen, to talk, to help, to share, or to go for a walk.But slowly, something starts to change. Orlo reveals he is ill, and as he softly explains to Gerda, he is not going to get better. Gerda is overwhelmed by emotions she cannot quite explain, but Orlo gently helps her prepare, so they can spend their time together making memories that will last a lifetime. When the time comes, Gerda can fill the Bear-Shaped hole in her life with the special moments she shared with Orlo. This brand new picture book is the latest powerful and moving tale from John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty, the award-winning creators of The Hare-Shaped Hole. This sensitively written and beautifully illustrated story explores the process of preparing for loss as well as the experience of loss itself. The Bear-Shaped Hole is a gentle, heartfelt tale that helps children navigate and understand the complex emotions associated with loss. Perfect for parents looking for a way to address sensitive topics, it covers a range of themes to support meaningful conversations.