Clare Weze

The author of THE LIGHTNING CATCHER is back with an imaginative and heartfelt middle grade novel perfect for fans of Boy Everywhere and The Crossing. From the authorThis story is about displacement, and the uncertainty following family separation. It spotlights the protagonist’s fascination with the adult world via an owl’s eye view. It deals with learning to be responsible, juggling other people’s secrets and safety, trust, and above all, friendship. Together, these experiences reduce the impact of problems you can’t alter. They change your perspective and can work like a miracle. Jake discovers a secret about London and witnesses an astounding scientific breakthrough. The strength of this feeds into the way he feels about his own future.

Herb wants to take a dip in the river, but when he jumps in, he finds that all the water has gone! The water has been blocked by a fallen tree. Herb and his friends soon realise they have to work with the animals from the other side of the river to move it. Stories for Maths helps develop maths mastery through the power of story. This series aligns with the White Rose Maths schemes of learning. Each book has questions at the bottom of the pages and an activity page at the end of the story, which help to draw out that learning by asking questions and encouraging talk about maths. Key maths words and phrases are also highlighted in each book, further helping to deepen understanding and grow children''s mathematical skills. The books in Reception/Primary 1 are designed for an adult to read to a child, although there is some decodable text that children may be able to read themselves. This book aligns with White Rose Maths for Reception, Explore 3-D shapes, Step 4. 3-D shapes in the environment.

Alfie has noticed a few things since his family moved to Folding Ford. He really misses life in the city. He and his sister don't exactly fit in here. But the most interesting one is that the weather is BONKERS. One frost-covered branch on one tree in the middle of June? A tiny whirlwind in a bucket in the garden? Only in Folding Ford. Armed with his bike, a notepad and his new best mate Sam, Alfie is going to investigate. His best clue is Nathaniel Clemm ... the only thing in town weirder than the weather. When Alfie 'investigates' Mr Clemm's garden, only SLIGHTLY illegally, he finds a strange box that freezes his trainers and makes his teeth tingle. And when he opens it, only SLIGHTLY deliberately, SOMETHING gets out. Something fast, fizzing and sparking with electricity and very, very much alive. But the creature from the box brings trouble of its own, and as barometers and tempers go haywire in Folding Ford, Alfie finds himself at the centre of a perfect storm. Skellig meets Stranger Things in this funny, heartfelt adventure story perfect for fans of Ross Welford, Christopher Edge and Frank Cottrell Boyce.