Ian Morris – Illustratör

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.I’m at Denbigh Castle with Mum and her boyfriend Andrew. It’s cold and wet, but I’m here because I need “closure”, apparently. Grandad died two weeks ago, and Andrew gave Anwen, the falcon Grandad cared for, to his friend Rhys who owns Fantastic Falcons. Rhys and his falcons are here at the castle, so this is where I get to see Anwen one last time. I’ve had to say goodbye to Grandad, but why should I have to say goodbye to Anwen as well?Ask 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.

Our protagonist Zach develops a love of reading thanks to the stubborn efforts of his friend Ro, who reveals the imaginative power of books. Zach isn’t convinced that books are for him – they’re too long, they’re boring and he would rather watch TV. But thanks to his friend Ro’s stubborn efforts, Zach falls for books hook, line and sinker, and loses himself in a world of dinosaurs, princesses, pirates, football and rocketships – anything and everything the library has to offer. The benefits of reading for pleasure are well researched. As well as being linked to academic attainment, reading for pleasure can increase empathy, our understanding of our own identity, and improve mental health. These outcomes are most likely when reading takes place out of free choice. Through lively rhymes and dynamic illustrations, The Library Book helps early readers understand the plethora of books available to them through their local library and encourages parents, guardians and teachers to help children find books that appeal to their personal interests. Written in a catchy rhyming style by bestselling author Gabby Dawnay, The Library Book will trigger a love of words in readers of all abilities, while Ian Morris’ inventive watercolour illustrations – which are reminiscent of two British illustration greats, Quentin Blake and Chris Riddell – make Zach’s emotional journey come alive. The combination is a picture book that will inspire a love of libraries, reading, books and words in even the most reluctant reader.

Tom Read Wilson is here to take us on a rip-roaring tour through some of the most astonishing and amusing words in the English language with Every Word Tells a Story.See how the English language evolved in this extraordinary exploration of the origins of everyday words. Full of funny stories and fascinating facts, Tom Read Wilson knows even the most ordinary-sounding word can have the most surprising story behind it! Did you know, for instance, that: The word ‘bloomers’ comes from Amelia Bloomer, who was a women's rights activist and owner and editor of the first U.S. newspaper edited by and for women, who wanted to move more freely in her knickers? Or that the word ‘daisy’ comes from the Old English dæges eage, meaning ‘day’s eye’, because the petals of a daisy open at dawn and close at dusk? The word 'easel' comes from the Dutch word 'ezel', meaning donkey, because both are depenable and suitable for carrying a load? Or that English nicknames for police officers, 'bobbies' and 'peelers', both come from the names of Sir Robert Peel, British prime minister in the 1800s and creator of the first modern police force? Each fascinating word is explored through a quirky, amusing story alongside the etymology, word origin and definition. Paired with beautiful, characterful illustrations by Ian Morris, Every Word Tells a Story is a perfect book for young wordsmiths, encouraging kids and adults alike to have fun whilst learning about language.

From everyone's favourite wordsmith and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! star, Tom Read Wilson, comes another breath-taking adventure through the English language. Discover the fascinating origin stories behind the everyday words we use in this delightful follow-up to Every Word Tells a Story.Did you know that:The word 'astronaut' means 'star sailor' in Ancient Greek?Or that the word 'fart' comes from the world's oldest language, Sanskrit, in the form of 'pard'?Or, that the word 'volcano' comes from the Roman god of fire Vulcan?Unlock a whole new side to language in this abundant literary adventure. The etymological route, definition and word origin are explored for four words from every letter of the alphabet, unlocking over 100 wonderful word tales. One word per letter is brought to life with an extended poem that can be read or enjoyed aloud, making this a wonderful book to read alone or share with friends and family.Every word is paired with timeless, characterful watercolour illustrations by Ian Morris. Wonderful Words to Tell a Tale is a journey into the English language through beautiful stories and artwork, a venture to be dipped into and enjoyed over and over again.

A third collection of funny and thoughtful poems from the Children's Laureate Wales, Alex Wharton, aimed at developing a love of language and self-expression. Readers will be excited by fun new characters like Mr Slime and the return of Hector the Horrible Hedgehog from first collection Daydreams and Jellybeans, as well as being introduced to powerful and moving poems such as 'Young Oak', 'The Long Way Home', and 'For a Quiet Day'. Superbly illustrated throughout by Ian Morris.

Red Sky in the Morning, Poet's Warning is the fourth collection of mysterious, humorous, philosophical and charming poetry for young people by former Children's Laureate Wales, Alex Wharton. From poems that describe 'Wild Boys' who live alone in the woods to poems about time, fire, or a crazy bunch of animals (including fleas, flies, moles, ducks, wolves and a car-stealing horse…!) These poems reflect on nature's happenings, through observation and experience, but not forgetting to transport the reader to many magical, musical and imaginative worlds. A companion piece to Red Sky at Night, Poet’s Delight published exactly a year earlier, this ambitious volume reveals Alex as an evolving and maturing children’s poet whose vibrant work will resonate deeply with his readership.