Pearson's Book Panel - Ages 1-7 - Review thread

[AnnMumsnet]

You may know Mumsnet have been working with Pearson to provide some special learning-related content for you. Linked to the site is a Pearson shop where you can buy educational books for children. We invited MNers with a child aged between 1 and 7 to review the books available and this thread is for the reviews. Panellists will be sent up to 5 packs of books and reviews will continue to be added each month until the end of the year. Pearson will link to this thread from the shop.

As a thank you for taking part there will be a monthly prize draw for reviewers for all those who have submitted a review in that month. The prize each month will be £50 of John Lewis vouchers - the first draw will take place on 31 August and will be for one prize of £100 of John Lewis vouchers.

Below are the questions Pearson would like you to answer - when posting your review please add in the age of your child and please include the question as well as your response.

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?
Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent

Many thanks
MNHQ

Sorry, I think I am really late posting a review for the second pack. As has been noted, we also got a second lot of the first pack!

TBH my main impression was that it would have been better wrt developmental correlation to get the packs the other way round- daughter (now 22 months) has been appreciating the first pack books more as time went on, confirming my impression that she was a bit young for them when we first got them but now asks for them regularly. She's now got more delicate in her handling of books so can be trusted with non-board ones, too!

Anyway, she still likes this second pack, which contained the 'words' and 'numbers' ones. Positive things are: nice bright pictures, they are 'simple' enough for her to enjoy looking at independently too, she especially likes the numbers one as has started pretend-counting and also likes to identify the objects, they are also good for her specifically as she's 'bilingual' sort of (dad is French speaking as first language, though doesn't live with us has a lot of contact, so she speaks French about as much as English), so it's handy in that it's possible to 'name' the objects in either language whereas stories are harder to translate. Downsides are she now seems to want more narrative structure in books esp for bedtimes so they aren't great for that. I'd say she generally now prefers the first pack over this one, though actually that may be more down to familiarity.

Sorry I've not structured this properly as responses to the prompts/questions, am trying to write up thesis so doing very quickly!

DH and Boy have now finished "woof" and are part way through "the 100 mile an hour dog" so time for an update.

Boy is 5, in year 1. he reads at yellow book band level, so these books were read to him.
Woof
I never thought boy would last through a 21 chapter book as a bedtime story on a chapter a night. but he did, and has been playing "being a boy who turned into a dog" from about half way through the book. This story read well, teh characters were well written and believable young boys in a believable setting. I think Boy is some years of reading this independently, I'd expect my 9 year old nephew to be capable of that.

100 mile an hour dog
This story has dated a bit, strangely. The references to mobile phones are totally unbelievable, even a 5 year old doesn't accept you can use a phone in that way. Jolly romping story tho. The language is simpler than woof and I can see that boy might able to read it independently somewhere in year 2 or 3 so its target age of 5-7 seems about right.

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
Learning to read,blue pack

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?
Ds brings home mostly ort but sometimes has other too,rigby star I think.These seem to be more entertaining than the schools books,ds concentrated on reading them more.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
Ds seemed to enjoy reading The cake sale goo and stop that noise,he has wanted to re read them several times with a giggle and smile.He wasnt much interested in reading The lego book,just kept asking if he could have the lego sets.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
Overall it was good to see ds enjoy reading and eager to read more,hes been reluctant a little since starting year one.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
"i like them,they are funny"

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Definately not the lego book,i wouldnt put them through the agro of "please mummy,can I have..."
.although it maybe good to catch childs eye,if really reluctant reader.
Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Ds has already tried showing his friend,friend had quick flick through lego book and ran off to play something else.

Q8 books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent
4

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
We got Bug Club Red - Rat and Cat in The Hat Trick, Be A Pirate and Angelina's Birthday Bike

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?
My twins have just started bringing home reading books that only have a few basic words in them. These books unfortunately were far too advanced for them at this stage.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
They enjoyed looking at the pictures and having the stories read to them but were frustrated that they couldn't sound out many of the words themselves.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
The books are beautifully illustrated and a real mix of themes/subjects but should be aimed at children a little older than four I think.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
They liked them but would have been happier with easier words they could read for themselves.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Yes, but only to a parent with older children.

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
I think they would recommend them - Be A Pirate was a big hit!!

Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent
I would rank the books as 3 star - lovely looking books but not pitched at the right age group.

Very sorry for delay have been moving house and misplaced the book pack.

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
Think the pack was learning to read. Flips and Spins, Adventure Kids Chase in New York, Casper?s Scare School and Fun Festivals.

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?
It's a bit more exciting than the school books, they use Storyworlds books at school.
Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
DS enjoyed the books, liked Casper the best.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
DS Enjoyed reading them, he enjoyed looking at them on his own which he doesn't often do as he regards books as "work" not fun.
Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
He liked them much better than his school books.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?

Yes - I have loaned a couple of the books to one of DS friends.

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Unfortunately not as he is not the most enthusiastic about books.

Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent.
4.5 out of 5

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?

Reading together - Dr Miriam Stoppard Baby Senses and Baby Talking
Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?
n/a
Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not
He loved them - especially the sticky bananas in the baby senses book - he would giggle away. He loved the stars and would try and sing twinkle twinkle little star
Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack? I think its great for ideas of how to help your child to speak and listen and learn about textures - the CDS are really helpful as well, the advice just really helps for ideas to encourage children to learn and speak, he has definetley picked up new words since using these. And often picks these books over others
Q5 And what is your child's review of the book ? He is only 22 months s
Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Yes, I lent them to my sister who has a 15 month old and her little girl loved them too
Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not? n/a
Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent

4

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?

We got Phonics Bug Pack 2 (Tut Tut Pup etc), which was a repeat of last time, Puffin Pack 3-5 (Charlie and Lola etc) and Read at Home Pink Pack (Look Up, Look Down etc)

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?

No reading scheme at school, so N/A

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?

Some were good, some less so. The Puffin pack went down well, particularly Bridget Fidget and Babysitter Bear. But the Read at Home pack was disappointing.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?

The Puffin pack was great, but the others not so good.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?

As above.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?

The Puffin books, yes. The others, no.

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?

As above.

Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent

Three?

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?

• We received the BBC Phonics pack for learning to read.

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?

• DS's school uses Jolly Phonics. He's been bringing home picture books and received his first 'word' book before half term, but none of these were from the Jolly Phonics series (they were Collins I think). The BBC pack has been excellent because it reinforces the letter sounds they have been learning in reception. He has been bringing home letter sheets each week, which explain how to make the sound of the letter, which the DVDs back up.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not? He liked watching the DVDs. He used to love watching 'Show Me Show Me' on CBeebies, so having Pui as a presenter was great. He asked me to 'go back' a few times as the DVDs are quite fast paced - I think they ideally need to spend a little more time on each letter (perhaps more examples of words containing the letter sound) to let it sink in. Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack? I thought the pack was excellent. I particular liked the writing sheet. I struggle to get DS to practice any writing. He liked that the sheet was really big and he could spread it out across the table, especially compared to the cards and books that I've bought in the past. Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack? He thought it was 'really good' (his words). I suspect this was because he got to watch DVDs! Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not? I would recommend them. I've watched the Jolly Phonics DVD - the BBC set is better. Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not? I think he would, if he were old enough to recommend without prompting from me. Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent 5 star.

PS - thanks to Pearson for sorting out several deliveries of the books (got the first set delivered a few times!). They were really quick to send out replacement packs.

Sorry for very late response; we recieved our books only last week or so, and have now read them with DD twice.

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?

DD got the pre-school pack, which is is the "reading together" I assume. The pack had three lovely, good sized picture books with charlie and lola, babysitter bear, and Bridget Fidget.

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?

n/a

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?

DD loved Bridget Fidget. I think she loved the story, as the illustrations are not brightly coloured, they have lots of detail and my DD enjoyed looking at them and expressing delight over the mess Bridget made. By coincidence, I read charlie and lola (the poorly one) to her when she wasnt well, which was perfect for the situation and I got afew smiles. She's picked it up herself after that to have a read, even though she doesnt enjoy watching charlie and lola on tv. I did not like babysitter bear - sorry pearson! And although I tried my best not to let my disinterest show in my reading, DD was not a fan either. The ryhme was forced, and its just another generic bear story, and theres tonnes of them around to be frank. I didnt understand the whole point of the book either, as the storyline is very weak. I will wait to see if this book grows on DD, but I doubt it. She has other bear books that have been given to her as gifts, and she doesnt give them the time of day. sorry.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?

Loved two (charlie and lola and especially bridget fidget), but not babysitter bear.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?

as above

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Would reccomend the two we enjoyed

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?

n/a
Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent

3.5

Sorry for delay we took our books on holiday with us

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?

We had the bug club gold set of books to read this time (plus a duplicate set of purple)

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?

mainly ORT, plus others, and i would say they are of the same level.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?

not really, boys books apparently

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?

I think they are good books

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?

boys books

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Yes,

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not? she wants to give them to her friend (boy) as he would like them

Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent

4

Sorry for the late reply. My ds is 4

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?

we read Phonics bug pack 2. learning to read

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?

DS currently only has the Chip/Kipper books with no words, these are nothing like them though.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?

DS enjoyed the books but isn't advanced enough to read them himself yet.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?

The books are lovely and bright, colourful with gorgeous illustrations.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?

He enjoyed them

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?

I would recommend them but to a more advanced reader than my ds is. I think they will be perfect for him in a few months time

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?

He's too little

Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent

I would say 5 out of 5 I'll put them on the bookshelf for ds for when he's a bit more advance in his reading

Mumsnet HQ, it seems like quite a long time since the thread for the second batch of books started. Realise that there have been delays around receipt of duplicate packs etc...but just wondering when you are likely do the next draw and when the DCs can expect the next books - if that doesn't sound overly-eager and pushy?

I've moved house
Do I need to give my new address to someone so I get the final pack??

DS has now completed the 2nd book in his pack (Last of the Polar Bears) and made a start on the 3rd (The Werepuppy).

I'm sorry for the delay between posting review 1 (Coldest Day at the Zoo) and this, but he is reading the books completely unsupported, in addition to daily reading homework from school, so I didn't feel it was fair to nag too much, especially when he had some other books he wanted to read at the same time....

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
As above - 3 books in the set - 'Coldest Day', 'Last of the Polar Bears' and 'Werepuppy'; he's reading them alone - as far as I can tell, they are neither 'learning to read' nor 'reading together' but proper books.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?

Very much; he has loved Last of the Polar Bears - in particular, he enjoyed the story structure (in letter form), the unconventional narrative style, the ink splodges and pen drawings and the humour. DS didn't initially understand the sad/bittersweet ending, but enjoyed discussing it with me.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?

Fantastic; none of these are books I would have bought for ds (I tend to go for 'classics' that I know) and they are a higher level than the school give him. I'm really impressed.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?

He has loved them so far.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?

Definitely

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?

He has already :)

Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent

Five.

Thanks again. Werepuppy review to follow shortly...

gazzalw - sorry - am just chasing a couple of MNers for their review but will do draw asap. Will find out about next lot of timing
FannyFifer - pls send to me.

sorry for the late reply ds2 is 4

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?

we read Phonics bug pack 2. learning to read

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school ,my child does not bring books home from school yet

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?

he likes the book but cant really read well

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?

he loves the bright pics in the books

Q5 And what is your child's review of the books
he likes looking at the books as he eyes light up and he smiles wen i read to him m
Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?

yes i would wen ds is more confident

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
yes lovely bright pictures
Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent

i would give these a 5*

So sorry for the late review...

1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
We got learning to read: Shaun the Sheep, The Dinosaur and Zip and Zap and The Thing.

2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?
DS (5) uses ORT at school which he tolerates to put it mildly! Although he loved all the books they were a little too hard for him to read completely on his own yet.

3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
He absolutely loves them all, he actually wants to read them to me which makes a massive change from the books he brings home from school.

4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
I really liked the pack, it offers a great alternative to ORT and reading them with a child who was interested and enthusiastic was lovely. The books are really appealing and just don't look like "reading books."

5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
He is a big fan, if we don't receive more as part of the review panel I will definitely buy him some more.

6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Yes definitely. We found the books interesting and funny and DS wants to read them repeatedly.

7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Yes if he could remember what they were!

8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent.
I would give them a 4 but only because they weren't quite at the right level for ds. In a couple of months they would be ideal. We are both really enjoying reviewing the books - thank you!

Also, sorry for late review

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
Puffin Pack : The Were Puppy, The Coldest Day at the Zoo and The Last Polar bears

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?
DS is in Y2 (age 7) is an avid, fluent reader and brings all sorts of books home from school now

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
He read The Were Puppy within the first few days of receiving the pack and really enjoyed it, however he was a bit disappointed with the other two titles and hasn't read them. They havn't appealed to him for some reason, and he reads anything and everything usually.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
Lovely books that I would have loved to read when I was younger (and I think DS2 wil enjoy them in a year or so) - but only one of them has appealed to DS1.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
'The Were Puppy was great'

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
I'm not sure to be honest.

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
He would definitely recommend The Were Puppy to his friends.

Q8 books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent
I would give them a 4, but I think DS would give them a 3.

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
BBC Phonics Pack,

Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading
practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?

She is just learning letters at Kingergarten and this has reinforced it, am so suprised she wants to watch the dvd's with the books more than Ben and Holly

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?

I think to be fair she has enjoyed not just the reading however she has really enjoyed the whole interaction of the BBC Phonic's pack

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?

Brilliant - I would highly recommend it!

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?

Loves it, think my answer to question 2 says it all!

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?

Yes and have done, have tried to find them for my sil, they just are brilliant with the whole package of book and dvd.

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?

Probably not old enough but she would defintely sit down and watch the dvd with her friends!

Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent
4*

My dd absolutely loves reading and being read too, however I don't know if it is just me but she has had very little of us being able to sit down together and read but more of learning which is great but seems to be very different from what other people seem to be getting .

thanks for all the reviews folks...the winner of the £50 John Lewis voucher is grownupnow. Well done!

Thanks AnnMumsnet. Do you have any idea when (or indeed if) Pearson are sending more books?

DS has nearly reached the end of the final book in his set and has expressed concern that there's nothing left to read.... I did point out we have a house full of books, but he's got quite into the whole reviewing thing :)

Final review: DS finishes 'The Werepuppy' last night. He thought it was very good, and funny, but grumbled about there being too many empty pages at the end :)

Overall he thought Last of the Polar Bears was best, then The Werepuppy, with The Coldest Day at the Zoo third. But he loved all 3 books, and has now taken them into school to share with the rest of his Year 2 class.

Hi Ann, any update on if/when we will get the next books - DD has now really gathered momentum with her reading and would love to capitalise on this new found enthusiasm!

Ahh how lovely...will be one more round of this for this panel....not sure when but hopefully this side of Christmas.