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

[funnypeculiar]

Age of child: 5yrs 4 mths. DS (7yrs 6mths) has also read them. As others have said, thanks for the books - a lovely start to the holidays


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, Y1 (Shaun: Too many jobs; Z&Z & the Thing;This dinosaur.

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?
They were harder than her usual reading books - esp given the lack of repetition & the fact that you couldn't just guess the words from the pictures! School use a mix of ORT & other reading schemes mixed in at school. I think dd is yellow level, but reading books kept in school over hols, so not sure.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
Dd really enjoyed Zip & Zap - both her & her older brother (7) were in fits of giggles at that one. It was the first one both of them picked out & they both read it spontaneously more than once. The other books, ds (complete bookworm) read immeadiately - but dd had to be encouraged. And she still hasn't read the dinosaur one which she says has too many words & she doesn't want to ...She did like the sound effect words though, & read those. DS also had fun making up sound effects!

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
I like the less repetitive approach of Z&Z & Shaun. Think Z&Z are fab - and really love the pictures too, very engaging. Shaun I could take or leave - nothing clever or esp appealing about it other than the TV link-in. Dinosaurs I agree with dd - it's a bit dull (doesn't really tell you anything about dinosaurs that's hugely of interest - think there are some much more engaging facts).

I really like the parental hints & games & thought they were useful and practical, unlike some reading books I've seen; info on what phonemes are being practiced also useful (although I question if a phoneme is really being practiced if it only appears in one word in the book...) The only other thing I'd say is that they don't feel like a 'pack' - I don't know if they're being sold as such, but I wouldn't buy them like that - not consistent enough.

Oh, one other thing - I'm not incapable, but I find the systems on these reading systems very difficult to follow -there seem to be 4 variables (Yellow, C, 8, Phase 4) - I didn't have a clue what that meant (beyond dd being on yellow), and that wouldn't have helped me choose the right book online/in a shop.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
Loved Z&Z "It was clever and funny and silly and a bit cheeky. I like their space costumes and they think the sheep is a hat! There is a lot of detail in the pictures" Shaun - OK, but not loved. Dinosaurs - hasn't engaged her at all. DS (7) says it's his favourite but think that's because DD didn't like it as much as anything!

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not? Z&Z yes, & will look out for others in that series. Others probably not, although I would praise the general approach/parental help in the inside/back covers.

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Z&Z yes, others no

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
Difficult as our responses to the books has been so different. Overall 3, but Z&Z alone would be a 5.

[UniS]

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
Year One bug club selection - learning to read. books from Red, yellow , green and blue bands.

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?
These are more interesting generally than the ones that come home from school, more variety in illustration style and a better for us ratio of non fiction than school send . School use a mix of ORT ( biff & chip etc), Nelson PM readers, Dandelion phonics launchers and readers, Songbirds and story steps. I like the schools use of multiple "scheme" books as it does keep some variety and some of them DS likes more than others.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
DS did like looking at these, the Lego one was his favourite despite being a book band or two up from where he is. He has read the Red band books but we are not pushing him beyond those yet as he finds Red band challenging. DS likes information books and photo story books.


Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
Bight colourful books that look good with plenty of photo story books that DS likes. The lego book looks like an extended advert BUT DS adores it.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
Hes liked getting a pack of shiny new books. He likes teh lego book. he likes Munching lunch best.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
I would , as I think the information book selection is better than we get from school.

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Not recommend exactly- but he was happy top lend the 4 red band books to a friend yesterday.

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 star - we haven't got DS reading them all yet as its whole year wroth of reading bands in one pack. Don't know how well he will do with TV tie ins as he doesn't know the characters in one case and Dislikes Shawn the Sheep.

[Eddas]

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

A: We have the bug club red pack and 3 other books


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?

A: as my son hasn't yet started reception, but will in September the books weren't really good for him to learn to read, my dd uses the biff and chip books at her school and IMO they are better than these ones. although ds did laugh at the Rat & Cat book!

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

A: He enjoyed My sister is an Alien the best. He found that funny. The Angelina Ballerina book he didn't like 'it's for girls' according to him! The Bear Hunt book was a bit We didn't like that much and the Beware of Boys book lost his attention after a few pages.

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

A: I think at the moment the reading ones were too old for him, but probably once he has started school he may enjoy them more.

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

A: please see Q3 above which covers this.

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

A: the only one I would recommend is the My sister is an alien book, which we both enjoyed. The others I didn;t think had anything special about them really. The Bear Hunt book did have lovely illustrations in it. And I can see a lot of children liking the Beware of Boys books, it just didn't appeal to my ds.

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

A: He is only 4 so a bit little. Although I can imagine him telling friends he read a funny book about a baby being an alien!

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

A: overall I would give a 3, I think the books were nice, just not ones we would pick ourselves.

[Eddas]

Sorry I didn't read the bit about adding the age of the child

Ds is 4 years 4 months

[LetUsPrey]

DS2 is 4 years 8 months and starts Reception class in September.

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 phonics bug set ? ?Sid?s Nits?, ?Tim?s Din?, ?Kit?s Kip? and ?Dig Sid Dig?. We also received "My Sister is an Alien", "Beware of Boys" and "Bear Hunt".

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?
DS2 starts school in September so has not had any books from school yet. If the reading scheme is the same as when DS1 was there, it will be Oxford Reading Tree - Biff, Chip and Kipper. Oh goody.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
He was a bit reluctant at first to look at the phonics books but loved the other story books. He may just have been a bit tired. We've just gone through the phonics books again with a lot more success. He thought the phonics books were quite funny.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
The story books are a huge hit and it was lovely to receive something "just for fun". The phonics books received in this pack are particularly relevant for DS2 as he has a language/speech delay in that he cannot pronounce certain sounds (k is g and t is d) and misses the last sounds in words and in the middle of words. Therefore, to have books with the final sounds of t, p, m, n, d, and s will prove, I hope, to be a fantastic help with his speech. They're short too.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
He loved the story books immediately and these have become a firm favourite at bedtime - particularly "Bear Hunt". He liked the phonics books, I think because there's an element of silliness about them. His favourite was "Dig, Sid, Dig".

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Definitely. As I said before, the phonics books are short which is a big bonus for children learning to read, and the illustrations are clear and fun. The explanatory notes at the beginning of the books are straightforward.

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

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'd give this pack of books 5 out of 5 based on the phonics involved and DS2's personal circumstances.

[FannyFifer]

DS is 6 and starting primary 2 tomorrow.

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 the learn to read packs, yellow pack has "Shaun the sheep" " This Dinosaur" and "Zip and Zap and the Thing"
Orange pack has "Fun Festivals" Caspers Scare School" "Flips and Spins" and " Chase in New York"

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?
The yellow pack books would be pretty similar, amount of words etc.
Orange pack is a bit more advanced than the reading books DS gets home but he can manage them.
They use Jollyphonics and the reading books are letterland ( I think, not sure as it's holidays and can't check)


Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
He really enjoyed as loves reading and it has been a bit of homework over the holidays we try and have 1-1 reading time each evening.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
I really liked them found them more interesting than the school ones, nice picture and more eye-catching and exciting lay out.

Q5 And what is your Childs review of the book pack.
He really liked the yellow pack but didn't like the two non fiction ones from orange pack, said they were boring and wouldn't give them much of a go at all.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
I think I would, have mentioned them to a few friends with similar aged children.

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

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.

Think I would give a 4 overall, just missed the 5 as DS wasn't Interested in a couple of books, they didn't catch his attention.

[whimsy]

Sorry, I forgot to add DS2 age he is 6 years 1 month and starts Year two in September

[anchovies]

Here?s the review/responses from us, sorry it?s late! Ds is 5 and going into Year 1 in September.

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
I presume they were for reading together. They were 'Woof' by Allen Ahlberg, 'The legend of the Worst Boy in the World' by Eoin Colfer and 'The Hundred Mile An Hour Dog' by Jeremy Strong.

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?
Yes although they were a big jump from the books we normally read together, I have recently read The Hundred Mile An Hour Dog with ds1 who is 7. They took a long time to get through as his attention span is not fantastic when there are no pictures to look at. Overall he enjoyed them though, especially The legend of the Worst Boy in the World which definitely appealed to his naughty streak!

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
I really liked the selection as is reflected by the fact I have already read Woof from the library with ds1 and we already own The Hundred Mile An Hour Dog. It helps I think that we are a very dog friendly family (although I don?t think this would be essential to enjoy the stories!)

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
Overall he enjoyed the books but to be honest I think he is not quite ready for books without lots of illustrations to hold his attention. He is also particularly interested in reference books or books about football so he kept trying to go back to his favourites. Ds1 who is 7 listened as well though and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
I would recommend them but I think as a pack they are better suited to slightly older children.

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
I would give the pack 5 stars as they are great books (that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!) however I think ds would have scored them lower.

[MiraNova]

DS is 4 and 11 months and starting school in September.

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 Phonis phase 3 "The Fox and the Ducks, Sid is Sick, Sid and Zak, Jack gets a pet. Also Carol Vorderman's Maths made easy.

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? Not at school yet, but DS can read and has read a variety of books - ORT, Hopscotch etc. I think they are nicer for his age than the ORT books he read a little while ago and would have been more age appropriate as he was reading before starting school.

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
Yes he loved them, I was a bit concerned as thought they would be too easy, but in fact he really enjoyed reading them.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack? DS is a very good reader for his age, so these are a little easy for him, but enjoyable nonetheless. The 'Maths Made Easy' books are the right level, and he is keen to get the stars. He doesn't like drawing or colouring particularly but is enthusiastic about writing the numbers, and very keen to get the stars for each page.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack? He liked being able to read them fairly easily, and liked the pictures. He particularly likes reading the speech bubbles.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not? Yes, they are clear and well illustrated.

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

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

[Ellie]

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
The Foundation/P1

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 don't start school until September so not relevant just yet

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
They loved 'Charlie and Lola' and 'Bridget Fidget', and have asked for them again and again. However, they didn't enjoy 'Babysitter Bear' and lost interest well before the end. It's just too long to hold the attention of 4-year-olds.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
Nice looking books and beautifully illustrated. The stickers in the Charlie and Lola book was a nice addition.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
They absolutely loved Charlie and Lola and Bridget Fidget. The fact they keep asking for them as their bedtime story speaks volumes.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Definitely. In general, nice quality and very well illustrated books. One book wasn't popular with us but that could well be different for another child.
.
Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Oh yes, Charlie and Lola has already done the rounds !

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 - let down by the fact that Babysitter Bear was a poor choice for the age group.

[griffalo2]

Ds is 5.8

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

Year 1 yellow pack.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?


There seemed to be alot more different words and they are more interesting with funny stories,school books are boring and dull
Ds brings home ort and rigby star books.

Q3,would you say your child enjoyed reading or looking at the books?why/why not?

He loved the dinosaur book as thats his biggest interest at the moment,he wasnt much fussed about shaun the sheep,i dont think he understood it until we talked about it together at end,,he enjoyed reading zip and zap,he found it funny and was able to read it easily without help which gave him confidence.

Q4, Wats your overall review of the book pack?

Dinosaur book and zip and zap were very good at engaging him although he kept losing concentration with shaun the sheep,pictures were good in all books.I thought ds would struggle to read them when I first saw them but he surprised me.much better than boring old school books.

Q5, And what is your childs review of the book pack?

He wants to read dinosaur book almost everynight,he said zip and zap is easy peasy.shrugged shoulders at shaun the sheep "its ok".

Q6, would you recommend these books to another parent?why/why not?

Yes if they were looking for books to help reading at home,i think they might be good for reluctant readers.

Q7, Do you think your child will recommend these books to their friends? Why/why not?

Dinosaur book yes,he thinks they would find it cool.The other 2 books I think he would easily forget about unless I get them off shelf.

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,shaun the sheep lost the 5th point due to ds struggling to understand it.

Thank you, can not wait for next books.

[Moodykat]

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
We reviewed the pre-school DK set, "Colours" and "opposites". DS is 2.8 and to be honest, the books were way too young for him! He already can recite the gruffalo by heart!

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 thought they were nice and colourful but after one go looking through them on my lap, he wasn't that bothered as he likes to have proper stories now, however I think DS2 (3 weeks!) will love them when he gets older.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
Both books are good quality, sturdy board books and are visually appealing.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
He said they were lovely but asked to be read a different book at story time.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Possibly for a younger child.

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

[OhDunnoWhatToDo]

Before I start the review, can I just say thanks for the books. We?ve enjoyed having some extra books at home over the holidays.

My son is 4 years and 1 month. He starts Reception in September.

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

• We reviewed the Foundation/P1 pack of books. This is 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?

• He starts school in September so doesn?t bring books back home yet. The school uses the Jolly Phonics scheme.
  

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

• He enjoyed looking at the books, but is not ready to read them by himself yet. He wasn?t keen on the storylines. I think this is because we?re reading quite long stories to him (e.g. The Twits) and these books are very simple in comparison. I know this is how they should be, but he didn?t quite get the connection between easier books = easier to learn how to read.
  

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

• I thought the book pack was excellent, except for some of the branding. My son liked the Lego book, but then kept asking if we could buy some Lego next time we went to the shops. On this basis, I would avoid buying the books that are too obviously branded. I liked the other books though, as I think they will be a good addition to school reading books when he starts in September.
  

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

• He enjoyed spotting things in the pictures and answering the questions at the back of some of the books. He picked up some words and was very pleased with himself - as was I! He thought the stories were a bit short.
  

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

• I would recommend them for children who are starting to read. I probably wouldn?t recommend the branded ones though, unless the child is really into something and the parents are buying because of the brand, IYSWIM.
  

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

• He is not old enough to recommend books yet.
  

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 give 4 stars. This is partly in expectation that the books will become more interesting to my son when he starts to get read independently.

[UniS]

An up-date

We have tried DS ( 5.5) with a few yellow band books , so harder than I expect him to be reading. He was OK with them, slow and needed a little help but he was engaged and wanting to read the whole book, not fidgeting and wriggling to get down. Have also read a few blue band books to DS , he liked the stories and the dinosaurs.

[mrswarthog]

Apols - two lots of chicken pox & half the house being demolished & rebuilt (unrelated to the pox) meant we couldn't actually post a review

DS1 is 6, starting Y2 in September

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
Books were Werepuppy, Last Polar Bear & Coldest day in the Zoo. They are read together books.

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?
Oxford

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

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
I really liked the latter two books, not the first as much. Good selection though

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
Disliked Werepuppy, loved the others.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Yes, particularly the Polar Bear one. The familial themes & open ended finish was good for discussing

Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Yes, because he likes to talk about books & games so would like them to know what he's talking about.

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

[happygilmore]

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 pre-school books, first colours and first opposites. DD has just turned 15 months.

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?
Yes she enjoyed looking at some of the pictures, particularly the animals in the books, she is obsessed with animals just now. However, she is too young to get most of the concepts of the opposite book and prefers touchy feely/lift the flap type books.

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
I think they're nice books, with good pictures but are for older children than my DD, she likes tactile books and lifting flaps to find animals etc. The concept of opposites is a bit advanced for babies I think, certainly for my one it is! I think these would be better aimed at around 2 years.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
I think she would say (if she could talk!) that she liked looking at some of the bears and birds but didn't understand the context.

Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not? I would recommend it to someone with slightly older children, for reasons given above.


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
I would say a 3, they are nice board books, with interesting pictures - but a bit old for my DD.

[scrappydappydoo]

Oops I'm sooo sorry - keep meaning to do this just not got round to it but here we go - better late than never!

Q1 - we got a learning to read pack - blue one
Q2 - School uses a combination of Ginn and ORT. TBH they were a bit advanced for dd to read by herself so I read them to her. But they compared well with the type of books she gets.
Q3 - DD initially said that they were 'for boys' but did enjoy them! She'd never heard of basil brush though so just saw that as a story.
Q4 - It was a good mix of books and if dds reading was up another level she would have been able to read them independently. I did kind of agree with dd that they were slightly aimed at boys. I didn't like the character/brand tie-ins - I would be annoyed if these came home from the school as I try to restrict 'commercialism' at home (sounds pompous I know but it just about reducing pester power). I liked the idea of the bug club as well seemed an appropriate thing for that age group and exposes them to different sorts of books they wouldn't normally pick for themselves.
Q5 - 'I liked the stickers' 'I thought the cake book was funny' 'The books aren't for girls'
Q6 Yes, in fact we've lent the lego book to a friend who's son is lego mad
Q7 3.5 stars - difficult to assess as a 'learn to read pack' as it was too difficult for dd to read and like I said didn't personally like the brand/character tie-ins but overall impressed with quality and variation.

[hpsaucy]

Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"? Learn to read 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? we use Ginn and ORT. I would say they are on the same level

Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not? She wasn't impressed with the Ben10 one!!! but loved the chocolate one as she has been told that chocolate is a topic they do in year 2

Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack? A nice selection. i like the bug club idea.

Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack? She enjoyed them. She was more interested in the non fiction 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? I think she would

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 star

[mumatron]

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


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 Dd reads Biff and Chip books at school. I think the reading level is similar but I wouldn't compare the two tbh, these books cover lots of different styles and subjects whereas Biff and Chip is just much the same story in each book.


Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not? Yes she has enjoyed reading most of the books, She's enjoyed reading something completely different every night.


Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack? It's great, especially for a child like my Dd who gets very bored with anything that is remotely educational!


Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack? she says she loves reading now because the stories are not boring like Biff.


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? definitely! she has been telling all her friends how much she has enjoyed 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 i would say 4 out of 5.

Sorry for delay in getting the review done. Dd has some reading 'issues' and it has taken longer than anticipated to get through them all.

[AnnMumsnet]

Thanks for all the reviews so far...and sorry for chasing some of you today...just want you all in the prize draw

[ChildofIsis]

Q1: We received a 'reading together pack', Zip and Zap, Shaun the Sheep and A Dinosaur reference book.

Q2:DD's school uses a range of reading schemes, ORT etc. DD gets a reading book every day to read at home.

Q3:DD loved them it was a great mix, a character she knew, some new ones and a book about dinosaurs. She's thrilled about it and is fluent in dino names now.

Q4:I thought it was a well thought out pack, something for everyone. The books are robust and colourfull. Really eyecatching.

Q5:DD loves them and is word perfect in them they've been read so much.
She's thrilled to be part of the Bug Club.

Q6:Yes I would, they're fun, coluorfull and engaging.

Q7:DD said she wished everyone could have these books.

Q8: 4 stars.

[ChildofIsis]

Forgot to say sorry for the delay in sending. I completely forgot to do it.
Thank you for the reminder Ann.

[AnnMumsnet]

No worries...childofisis and thanks!

[SilveryMoon]

Ann When will we get the next pack, do you know?

[AnnMumsnet]

We're doing an email out about next steps soon silverymoon....will be Sept time for books