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[AnnMumsnet]

As you may or may not know, we have been working with Pearson Education over the last year or so.

Pearson is an educational publisher - they have provided many worksheets here for example, and free e-books [link], as well as working with MN to provide information on curriculum review as well as lots more see here.

Some Mumsnetters have been reviewing the books - for KS1 and KS2 (and Scottish equivalents too). These books (and more) are for sale in the Pearson shop on Mumsnet (and elsewhere).

They say "you have fed back that you like support we are giving you monthly, we've had 100s of positive MN reviews of the packs of books in the shop, and there's been some fantastic feedback from Mnetters that our books have really helped their children learn to read"

HOWEVER...we're not seeing loads of visitors to the shop!

Please take a couple of minutes to let us know why. For example....

~ Where do you normally buy books from for your child and why do you buy from there? Do you use the library a lot or borrow from elsewhere?
~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
~ Is it that you've not found the shop, or if you've gone there is it too difficult to find your way around? Or any other issues with it?
~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?

Any feedback is welcome.

Everyone who adds a comment will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £50 John Lewis voucher as a thank you.

Thanks, MNHQ

PS: here's the link to the Pearson shop on MN if you want to check it out

[Takver]

Q: Where do you normally buy books from for your child and why do you buy from there? Do you use the library a lot or borrow from elsewhere?
A: Generally I buy books second hand from Abebooks or borrow from the library

Q Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
A: Not really looking for resources - generally just buy fiction

Q: Is it that you've not found the shop, or if you've gone there is it too difficult to find your way around? Or any other issues with it?
A: Didn't know anything about it

Q: Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
A: Might be interested, but only spend time in Talk & hadn't seen it

Q: Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?
A: N/A

[DarkMatter]

I've looked at quite a few of the Pearson threads, but I didn't know there was a shop before now.

My children aren't at school yet, but I'd view Pearson Bug Club titles as 'school reading books' and encourage them to read more widely at home - even if they didn't already use Bug Club at school. They don't compete well with trade titles on price, but them they are designed for the school market. I don't think most parents would want to invest in an entire reading scheme over the years.

On the other hand, I would certainly invest in cheaper iPad/tablet versions of Bug Club titles (perhaps via subscription).

[AnnMumsnet]

Thanks for all the feedback so far...I will add a link to the bookshop to my OP so you can have a look .... and here it is. All feedback welcome

[BornToFolk]

My 3 main sources of books are:

1. the Book People - I often buy DS birthday or Christmas presents from here
   
2. Waterstones - if we are in town DS likes to visit Waterstones children's dept and I sometimes buy him a cheap book as a reward for good behaviour while shopping
   
3. charity shops.
   
   We also use the library a fair amount.
   
   I haven't looked at the Pearson shop, despite being one of the testers. I'll go and have a look now...

[Grockle]

I usually buy books from Waterstones (only local bookshop & DS loves the cafe ) if we're browsing or Amazon for planned purchases (eg I know I want to read him a Moomin story so I'll order it). We also use the library.

I have recently ordered handwriting books for DS - I didn't know I could get them through MN - I didn't know there were shops here (and I've been here for a good 6 yrs). It would never occur to me to look on here & even now I know, I doubt I'd buy. Not sure why though.

[Grockle]

Having had a quick look at the link, I wouldn't buy anything because it's not what I've been looking for.

[choccyp1g]

Didn't realise there was a shop on the site.
Educational workbooks are a waste of money for him, he just won't do "schoolwork" unless it is maths, and he can do maths in his head anyway.
When he was smaller he would come in and choose his own, but nowadays I choose books from charity shops for DS, (and usually read them myself even if he doesn't).
If there is a particular series or author he enjoys, then we will get more of the same, either from the library, or cheap sets from the Book People, or look on amazon, e-bay for second hand.

[Firawla]

I never knew the shop was on here either, have had a little look now but will have a proper look later

I buy books mostly online eg amazon, or if i am out and browsing in town then might get something from there but tend to go for the cheapest, which is online. we do tend to get a lot of books from here and there eg presents, so we dont actually buy that many although we do have loaddddss i dont know where they all appear from as i dont really buy that many tbh but they just seem to accumulate.

i do buy workbooks and things which i feel are educational, that is something i make more of an effort to specifically find and buy, for my 3 yr old. i saw there is some of that on the mn pearson thing and did see a couple of things i had my eye on from before but i will check if its the cheapest available, if it is ill probably go back and buy it at some point.

[naturalbaby]

I overlooked the Pearson details as my oldest child is 3 so assumed it was for school age kids. We also hardly buy any books because we have been given so many and have 2 great libraries nearby. When I buy books it's usually via Amazon.
I'm waiting till he starts school to get stuck into buying resources but to be honest, I'm expecting school to meet most of his needs (lazy mummy alert).

[spendthrift]

I use the Book People for presents and spur of the moment books for Ds, charity shops likewise though like all children he prefers new, our local independent book shops for specific purchases and Amazon, eBay and Abe for arcane stuff he wants. W H Smith and Galore park for academic support. Waterstones with him for a treat.

I didn't know Pearson had a shop..

[MakeTeaNotWar]

I didn't know there was a Pearson's shop on MN but I don't come to MN to shop so wasn't looking for it. DD is 20 months old and I've bought her books second hand from charity shops and NCT sales, a few from the Book People as their prices are pretty unbeatable.

[mckenzie]

I wasn't aware the shop was there but now that I have been to it, I'm not overly impressed with the layout. Plus I'm quite a tactile person - I like to actually handle the book I'm going to buy, unless it has been specifically recommended. Reader recommendations like they do in Waterstones would probably attract me.

[happybubblebrain]

I buy books from carboot sales, charity shops and ebay mostly.
I've also bought some kids books from Amazon and from book shops, mostly Waterstones.

We used to go to the library all the time, but now my dd (age 5) has a collection of about 500 books so we don't need to go. When she's grown out of them we will sell her books or give them to charity shops so everything gets recycled again.

We also have enough reading books sent home from school for educational purposes.

I'd never heard of Pearsons until now.

[AliceInordnung]

I've just spent about 3 minutes looking for the Pearson shop on Mn and failing It's not in the list of partners - is it?? (Now found it in the op link after reading it twice)

I buy dd books from Amazon, ebay, WHSmiths (educational), library and charity shops. Always looking for a discount or bargain. She's always been resistant to extra learning at home so I don't push it.

I would buy via MN if it was enough of a bargain.

[PermanentlyOnEdge]

I had absolutely no idea Pearson had a shop on MN, so have never looked. Had a quick glance, and it looks well structured and prices are not too bad.

I have lots of books at home, and use the main central library in our city regularly as my DS is very driven to read and gets through a lot of books. I usually buy from Waterstones both because I worked for them for six years and because I like to browse before I buy. I use Amazon to buy books for my nephew and niece as they live abroad, but really prefer to choose books for me and the kids in person as I like them perfect! (I'm a 'can't stand the spine to be broken' book person)

I haven't wanted to buy extra educational books for DS yet as he's still in reception, and DD is only 2. DS learnt to read with Peter and Jane, 1a through to 8b, and I feel he works hard enough already at reading, and at other subjects at school. I'm sure one day I may well use extra support as I am a secondary school teacher too and want DS and DD to do well.

I would want to be able to choose 3 books individually and get a discount, rather than having them selected for me in a pack.

I hate discount bookshops and don't particularly like buying books from supermarkets. I hate feeling they are somehow 'cheapened' by being sold that way! You can tell I love a quality book buying experience. I love a good bookshop, and hate the feeling their days are numbered. I generally resent the Internet for its effects on bookselling, and resist buying from websites, tho I have used Amazon, Waterstones.com and Foyles website to source difficult to find books. I also like the Oxfam bookshops.

A bit of a mixed bag I realise, but hey, that's me.

[2gorgeousboys]

Where do you normally buy books from for your child and why do you buy from there? Do you use the library a lot or borrow from elsewhere?

Supermarket, Amazon and our lovely, local independent bookshop until it closed down 6 months ago.

~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?

At the moment not looking, I bought primary resources when DS1 was little and DS2 is now using those. Might need Secondary resources for DS2 soon though.

~ Is it that you've not found the shop, or if you've gone there is it too difficult to find your way around? Or any other issues with it?

I did not have a clue that there was a MN Pearson shop.

~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?

See above.

~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?

See above

[cazzybabs]

~ Where do you normally buy books from for your child and why do you buy from there? Do you use the library a lot or borrow from elsewhere?

I normally use amazon

~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
If I buy books they are normally good quaity picture books as opposed to levelled books. I woud buy a book because it has been recommended.

~ Is it that you've not found the shop, or if you've gone there is it too difficult to find your way around? Or any other issues with it?
I have had a look - but if I want reading scheme books I go to school

~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
Just happy wth Amazon

~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it? No

[veryconfusedatthemoment]

Firstly, I use Mumsnet for advice and support, so wouldnt think to buy from the site. Also particularly not from a "commercial sponsor" - think Innocent last year.

~ Where do you normally buy books from for your child and why do you buy from there? Do you use the library a lot or borrow from elsewhere?
A: I buy a lot from charity shops. My local library was revamped a few years ago and it is GHASTLY so i rarely take DS in there. It is now run by 18 years olds who really couldnt care less (Yes thank you Kent for Sevenoaks library)
~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?

A: I do use resources bu t follow threads on here and buy accordingly.
~ Is it that you've not found the shop, or if you've gone there is it too difficult to find your way around? Or any other issues with it?
A: Not looked.
~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
A: DOnt want to buy when I am on mumsnet
~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?
A No

I am very interested in literacy as I run my own book business selling Usborne, so do try to keep up to speed with competitors/alternatives.

[An0therName]

Where do you normally buy books from for your child and why do you buy from there? Do you use the library a lot or borrow from elsewhere?
If I buy books - its normally from Amazon - or 2nd hand -or the libray
I like both discounts and also reading the reviews
~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
I don't need that much resources at the moment - I had a quick look at the free resource before but wasn't that excited
~ Is it that you've not found the shop, or if you've gone there is it too difficult to find your way around? Or any other issues with it?
I knew the shop was there - but handn't really looked at it before today
The prices seemed quite high- I don't like bundles unless very cheap - eg book people, and there were no review
~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
I am not that interested in shopping on mumnet - I do buy things - including books that people recommend but would rather compare a wide range of things at the same time
~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?

[SkinnyVanillaLatte]

I didn't know the shop was there.
I use the library massively and buy from Charity shops.
I don't buy new books,but would ask for a book as a present.

[GreatGooglyMoogly]

When we want to buy books we look for the cheapest place, usually amazon or the book people, sometimes book depository. Otherwise the DC get given them as gifts and borrow them from their school libraries. I sometimes use MN for book recommendations but wouldn't look to buy from here.

[moonbells]

I didn't realise there was a shop! Thought the Pearson's threads were all for testers and that was that...

Had a brief look. I actually don't know where to start.

Having spent years reading books to DS, he absolutely loves long, complex stories and to be honest, the stuff that's out there for beginner readers is boring to him in comparison. Almost a step back. The books I've borrowed from the library with phonics (mostly Usborne) have been all basic and sometimes silly rhymes in present tense only telling next to no story. Yes I see why, repetition of the sounds is key, but can't someone write one that can tell a decent story too in both present and past tense?

So can someone tell me if the Pearson books do this? Please? Sample pages?

I can't really tell from the site. I have to admit I also don't like buying books 'blind' as it were. I like to see them first. DS is 4 so hasn't formally started to be taught to read and I am desperately trying not to put him off by forcing the issue - I was reading at 3!

[stealthsquiggle]

~ Where do you normally buy books from for your child and why do you buy from there? Do you use the library a lot or borrow from elsewhere?

largely from Amazon (for cheapest price) or impulse purchases from bookshops

~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?

not really, because I think they have been and continue to be supported well at school and I don't really need to buy books other than for fun.

~ Is it that you've not found the shop, or if you've gone there is it too difficult to find your way around? Or any other issues with it?

I hadn't found it, but don't in all honesty find it particularly relevant now I have, apart from the Puffin packs which I will definitely consider for future reference.

~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?

I have bought plenty of stuff as a result of recommendations on MN - especially books - but was unaware of the Pearson shop.

~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?

No, I haven't.

[PrisonerOfWaugh]

~ Where do you normally buy books from for your child and why do you buy from there? Do you use the library a lot or borrow from elsewhere?

I buy from our local discount bookshop, from places like 'The Works' that have good offers and from 'The Book People' for their great collections. We visit the library weekly and get at least 5 books each time.

~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
I have used the free service, but to be honest we have lots to read at home and material from school. We have too many books

~ Is it that you've not found the shop, or if you've gone there is it too difficult to find your way around? Or any other issues with it?
I never knew there was a shop! Now that you have mentioned it I just tried to find it and it took me about 3 minutes starting from the links in the top bar. I'd say it is not at all well advertised . It needs recommendations, a list of top sellers and even then I'd compare on Amazon and The book People.

~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
I buy loads of stuff when I'm on Mumsnet, a la The MN scarf, steam cleaners, Kenwood mixers, £1.99 dresses etc. so it isn't that I'm not willing to buy, but a good recommendation is a must (as is being a sheep it seems)

~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?
No