N.S. Blackman – författare

Fully illustrated,fast-moving and fun dinosaur-themed fiction. Perfect for emergent readers **** The Dinoteks series has proven appeal to emergent readers, with a track record in encouraging even reluctant readers to read for pleasure. The vibrant illustrations that accompany the text engage, children and encourage reading, as do the short chapters and cliff-hanger endings. **** The series is a perfect read for children who love dinosaurs, particularly emergent readers. SYNOPSIS: On a visit to a museum, curious school boy, Marlin Maxton, is fascinated by an old-fashioned model dinosaur. Imagine his delight when his interest sparks the creature into life – and not just one, but the other dinosaur models too, including a T-Rex! But these are more than dinosaurs – these are Dinoteks – a wonderful combination of antique metal models and prehistoric animal, they are as awesome as dinosaurs – and able to talk and feel. Best of all they befriend Marlin, who helps them to escape from the hunting humans who fear them – and want to destroy them. A fast paced, fun read, packed with fantastic illustrations to engage and encourage emergent and newly confident readers. The back of the book has an exciting “Dinotek-Spotting Guide” to immerse young readers in the world of the Dinoteks. This story will delight all young dinosaur fans and appeal to readers of series such as Dogman, Beast Quest, Horrid Henry and Dinosaur Cove. Reviews **** “5 star dinosaur fiction … The books are a great fit for the target audience – straightforward, energetic and imaginative.” Bookbag Book Reviews“Fast moving; rip roaring adventures … I especially liked the ‘Dinotek spotting tips’ section at the end where readers are invited to look around them for clues of the Dinoteks’ existence; it really brings the world to life for the reader.” School Librarian Journal

Parents and teachers love The Secret Dinosaur because it is proven to encourage reading and is perfect for exciting boy readers - reluctant or otherwise. It's excellent for fans of Beast Quest; Horrid Henry; Dinosaur Cove - and readers who have outgrown those series.

Bron is an enslaved Saxon boy. He works hard for his master – the lazy village blacksmith – but he never gets enough food, and cruel jibes from other, non-enslaved children are hard to bear. Hunger and loneliness seem to be all that Bron can expect.One day, while out collecting firewood, Bron encounters a young warrior – the niece of a local king. She is travelling with a famous warlord, Lord Beogard. Their mission: to bring peace to the Saxons and Jutes – the two tribes are on the brink of war.Bron takes a chance to escape and secretly follows the royal warrior, Sigwyn, and her leader Lord Beogard on their dangerous quest. Can Bron prove his worth amongst trained warriors and those of noble birth?A tale of friendship, divided loyalties and the desire to belong, this adventure immerses readers in the Anglo-Saxon era.Reviews"A tour de force of accurate history and epic adventure scenes, this is a really great book for Year 5 and 6 children." --The School Run website“This is an excellently written narrative that really evokes the period, bringing the reader an excellent cast of characters to relish. The historical background is authentic, and the excitement of the period is conveyed really well, to draw in the reader.”– Parents-in-Touch"This engaging historical novel is the story of Bron, enslaved to a cruel and drunken blacksmith, who gains his freedom and wins the respect of the warriors he joins through his bravery and loyalty…The landscape of villages, farms and dangers for travellers is realistically drawn, and the mythology of the time is deftly conjured …a rewarding read.”– The School Librarian Journal