Teach Primary Issue 19.6

Finding the right books to help children move from banded readers to longer, more complex texts can be tricky. You need something that challenges them without overwhelming them, while still keeping the excitement alive. That’s exactly what the Big Cat Read On series achieves. This series of 20 ‘free readers’ is designed to bridge the gap, offering a selection of books that feel ‘grown up’ while still being accessible and engaging for developing readers. It’s the perfect next step for children who are ready to take on more challenging texts. One of the things I noticed immediately is how thoughtfully these books are presented. On the back of each title, you’ll find the word count and a clear genre label, making it simple for teachers, parents, and caregivers to match children with books that suit their interests. The genres are wide-ranging: sci-fi, spooky mysteries, contemporary stories, historical fiction, mythology, and adventure are all available, ensuring there is something for every reader. The books sit comfortably in the 10,000 – 15,000-word range, making it easy to help children progress incrementally. The covers themselves are fantastic, modern, bold, and eye-catching, while the blurbs do a brilliant job of teasing what’s inside without giving too much away. These little touches immediately spark curiosity and get children excited to dive in. I found myself genuinely drawn in, especially by the science fiction titles, being a fan myself. Leon and Asha Vs the Aliens was a standout for me; I devoured it in one sitting. With its fast-paced plot about two friends stopping an alien invasion at their school, I could immediately picture which children would be desperate to get their hands on it. But what really sets Big Cat Read On apart is the quality of the writing. The vocabulary is rich, the sentence structures varied, and the plots are layered in ways that feel sophisticated without being inaccessible. These books don’t talk down to young readers, and that’s key. They encourage children to stretch their comprehension and critical thinking, all while enjoying stories. The inclusivity and diversity of the series is another huge strength. Children will see themselves in these stories. In the Castle Club , by Helen Dineen, tackles friendship struggles in a sensitive and thoughtful way, while The Secret Diary of Joynina K. Jones offers a raw yet funny portrayal of living with a health condition. These books don’t shy away from complex issues but approach them with warmth and honesty. Historical titles like Gold Rush , set in the Wild West, and Big News, Small World , set during the VietnamWar, weave educational elements seamlessly into engaging narratives. Another great touch is the excellent online resources. These can enhance the reading experience and help children think more deeply about the stories. They’re ideal for guided reading, whole-class sessions, or independent follow-up activities, offering another way for teachers to get the most out of these high-quality texts. Finally, the illustrations deserve a mention. While these feel like ‘real’ chapter books, the artwork scattered throughout enhances the stories and offers visual support for readers still transitioning from picture-heavy texts. Big Cat Read On is flexible enough to work across different year groups, meeting children where they are on their reading journey rather than focusing on age. With its combination of thoughtful design, exciting stories, and educational value, it’s an exceptional series for classrooms. A brilliantly inclusive and engaging series designed to bridge the gap between banded readers and longer chapter books AT A GLANCE L I TERACY 20 ‘free readers’ for the transition to longer, more complex books Dynamic covers and clear genre labelling to help teachers and caregivers recommend reads Sophisticated vocabulary, plots, and structures to inspire reading and writing Inclusive stories with diverse characters and themes Variety of genres, from science fiction to historical fiction collins.co.uk/collections/big-cat-read-on Perfect for bridging the jump to chapter books Rich vocabulary and sophisticated themes Wide genre range to appeal to all readers Inclusive, engaging, and beautifully illustrated A must-have for school libraries and classrooms …you want to inspire confident, independent readers with high-quality books that will spark a lifelong love of reading. VERD I CT UPGRADE I F . . . REVIEWED BY: EMMA THOMPSON Big Cat Read On 108 | www.teachwire.net RE V I EWS