Collected Resources

Angry Cat
Children will explore feelings with this charming tale of a very angry cat! The simple repeated structure and beautifully drawn illustrations will encourage emerging independent readers to engage with the story and draw parallels with their own feelings as they follow cat’s tale.

St George and the Dragon
Children will love the swashbuckling tale of St George & the Dragon, as retold by Ruth Merttens! They will be enthralled by the charming illustrations and enjoy the adventurous story that is suitable for those beginning to read independently.

The dog who wouldn't stop barking
The dog who wouldn’t stop barking, by Ruth Merttens, is a story told in the form of a recount, and the illustrations have a humorous cartoon-like feel. Set in a domestic context but with a nice fantasy element, children will follow the narrative and want to find out whether the plan works!

The Three Guinea Fowl
This is a clever story with lively illustrations, written partly through the medium of letters. Ideal for teaching this genre of writing, the tale engages children who want to know how the problem is resolved.

Boris and Sid find a Tiger
Boris and Sid find a Tiger, by Ruth Merttens, gives a nice twist to familiar animals which turn up in children’s lives. Useful to read alongside information texts on animals as well as fiction, this story is for those who are beginning to decode slightly harder words.

The Cat's Journey
The Cat's Journey by Ruth Merttens. The cat recounts her long journey in simple language, making it accessible to children who still struggle to read. What makes this a ‘must’ are the original and idiosyncratic illustrations, which carry the story forward simply and effectively.