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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

[worldgonecrazy]

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 we're buying, it's usually from the supermarket or a book shop. DD uses Grandma's library card too, even though she's only two and a bit.

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, we're a family of avid readers so it's not something we feel we need support withl

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?

Not bothered looking.

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

Not really, I wouldn't buy books online when Mumsnetting. I'd go specifically to Amazon with a book in mind if I was going to buy online.

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

Not bought anything.

[saintlyjimjams]

The site looks a bit clunky.

I often buy books from Amazon as I've paid for Prime so get free and super fast delivery. Or I buy them from charity shops.

Having looked at the site the Puffin packs look pretty good value so I might go back and look at those again. I never really buy 'reading books' to read at home. Interesting reference or fiction yes, but the school sends plenty of reading books & that's such a short stage - fiction books have more mileage in them.

I would be interested in buying literacy resources for (older) children with non-verbal autism/SLD's as general literacy resources are next to useless. Most is phonics based (hopeless if you can't produce sounds anyway) and even early readers have far too much language in them.

[notcitrus]

~ 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?

We use the library, though ds (age 3.8) is rationed to 2 books at a time because any more is too difficult for me to keep track of where he's put them. We go there every couple weeks as a free play space. He gets given ridiculous amounts of books by grandparents and friends, probably one a week on average, so I rarely buy any - I've bought a couple this year, from TKMaxx and charity shops. Atm he's loving reading the hardbacks I had as a child, like the Mr Men annual and Richard Scarry's Busy Busy World.

~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
No. He gets phonics-based books to take home from nursery each week and the odd worksheet, and is devoted to Alphablocks. He's able to read a few words ending in -at, -et, -og etc so given he's got over a year before school starts, I'm perfectly happy. Now if you have any resources to help teach a child to get dressed, I'd be interested!

~ 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?

Didn't know there was a shop, but I only use MN for Talk and looking up reviews, and don't see any ads. If you wanted me to see your info, a link with Amazon would be the best bet.

[lyra41]

Where do you normally buy books from for your child

Amazon or a local book shop

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

Not at the moment

~ 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?

Didn't know there was a shop.

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

Not that interested in shoppin on MN, I come on MN to talk or sometimes for product reviews.

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

No

[DharmaBumpkin]

We use the library an enormous amount, and anything we want to have ALL the time tends to come from Amazon.

We also buy books through the school book club, which funnels money back into the school.

I don't think of Mumsnet as a shopping destination I'm afraid... I use the review section a lot but then source via best price from elsewhere.

[whomovedmychocolate]

Also more: I did go and have another look but you appear to only have two bundles. Now I don't know about you but when I buy a bundle of books I always find I already own three in ten and several are unsuitable which makes me grrrr.

I'd love to find a 'this can help with the following consonant cluster issues: ng, igh etc.' because this is where we come unstuck, rather than generic content.

[Pozzled]

I didn't realise that there was a shop on here. Just had a look and was actually quite impressed by it, I'm quite likely to order some things soon- my DD1 is almost 4 and starts school in September.

We have hundreds of children's books, I teach primary so have been collecting them even before having kids. I tend to buy a lot from charity shops and also when they sell off the old stock at the library- they sell children's books for 10p each and they're often in great condition.

I'll buy books new for gifts or if I want a particular title, usually from The Book People or somewhere like Waterstones. I recently bought somr phonics titles to support my DD with early reading skills, and it looks like the Pearson collections are quite similar, so definitely tempted to order some.

[UseTheForce]

We go to a WHS bookstore, they have a large collection of books for kids. Preferably with deals, e.g. 3 for 2. Waterstones also. We use our local library quite alot too. We found the shop quite easily, and yes, there's a decent selection, but would be more likely to buy if there wasn't any P@P costs.

[ProfCoxWouldGetIt]

~ 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?
We're exceptionally lucky in that we have been give 100's of book for DD by friends that have slightly older children, and I kept all the books I loved as a kid, so we've never had to purchase any books for DD

~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
DD is only 2,5 so reading is not too much of an issue at the moment, she currently memorises stories and will "read" them to you, but as for encouraging her to read, I have been using an iPad app that reads out loud as you run your finger over the text

~ 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 had no idea that there was a shop

~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
I'd never considered Mumsnet a protal for purcasing things, but would probably be more likely to buy stuff that was endorsed by mumsnet

~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?
Currently N/A but will probably do so in the future

[Roseformeplease]

Pricing really does matter. We are not library users but we are all very, very avid readers. We have 2 kindles in the family and 1 more about to arrive as a birthday present. This means we can read a lot for free. We often go into Waterstones but my son usually checks prices out on Amazon as we are in there so he gets the best price. I impulse buy, probably 5-6 books at a time and am happy in a bookshop or online and probably split my spend between the two when buying for the children. I didn't know that there was a shop on here buy will take a look.

[Pinot]

I always always buy my kids books online from Red House. They do cheap bundles and I get get a set for less than a tenner.

Sorry but price matters in my house.

[Blatherskite]

~ 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 tend to buy book from Amazon to be honest as it's cheaper. If I remember I will also check with the Book People sometimes. My Sister works in a large highstreet bookshop so sometimes we get the from there and occasionally, I will go to another MNer I know who has a book shop - but 9 times out of 10 it's Amazon.

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

I tend to look for resources most at the beginning of terms when we get the newsletter from school and after parents evenings when we've had an update as to how DS is doing and what he needs help with. I have bought resources in the past and will do again.

~ 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 the shop. The first I heard about it was on this thread.

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

Mumsnet wouldn't be the first place I'd look to buy stuff to be honest. I'd probably only think to come here if I was looking for advice

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

I haven't bought from MN via Pearson.

[RainQueen]

Another person who had no idea about the shop. We use the library a lot but I do buy books, usually from Amazon as they are generally cheap and they deliver!

[Monstermuncher]

I want aware of the shop on MN. I dont really see MN site as a place to shop, although you can sometimes get some good tip offs re voucher codes and discounts.

Our local lending library is fab and we use it a lot as DD is an avid reader but if buying new books we usually use Amazon as you can do the wish list thing which makes it easy for grandparents etc to buy books as presents. Bookpeople are also good and visit my office sometimes (I think its them). Like many others have said its a price thing and I dont feel we need any other resource as the school is very supportive and can advise if we need it. Sorry, I dont see myself using Pearson.

[missorinoco]

~ 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?

We go to the library weekly; I mainly buy books from Amazon if I am buying; reliable, free delivery and inexpensive. I have bought from Red House before also.

~ 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?

I ahven't foudn the shop. Highlight it!. I zap onto MN when I have time, I don't tend to browse the sight for what's around, so if something cops up during an MN drought on my part I won't know it's there. Also, I have no familiarity with what the books are, and how helpful or relevant they would be for my child in general. This is my first school aged child, so I am feeling my way, I don't want to put too much pressure on him to learn to read, and make it seem pressured, when he enjoys books at present. i.e. I haven't got a clue what I am doing asnd how to go about helping him!

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

I'm not generally intreested in buying on MN, but I've been on the link and like the look of the pack. I suggest you also highlight the great discounts, that would get people's attention.

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

Not yet, but I will do.

[cityangel]

~ 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?
Amazon or the The Book People - whichever is cheapest. Sometimes pick up charity shop books or school fete. I get second hand educational books on ebay if they're obscure. I don't pay for delivery.

~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
Yes, very much so. I use the internet heavily and back it up with 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 wasn't aware there was a shop, but unless its competitively priced or offers books/deals unavailable elsewhere then I'll stick to my current shopping options as they're reliable.

~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
I would consider buying stuff if it was competitive, a unique offering, came well recommended, had no delivery

~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?
No, but will have a look now

[IsAnyoneListening]

I tend to buy all of my kids books from the book people. I have found their service to be fast and the quality and choice is great.

I could be tempted away by lower prices if the service was as good.

We also go to the library every week and tend to pick up books there we would never have thought to buy.

[tinypumpkin]

I never knew there was a Pearson's shop either. Like many, I use the library mostly although I do buy books. When I do, I will always search out the cheapest option which is often Amazon. I have sometimes bought from The Book People too.

[zipzap]

~ 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?
Tend to buy books from The Book People (or Bananas, their end of line online store), amazon or local cheap book outlets. Rarely buy books from full price book shops any more - locally they charge significantly more but don't offer any real insight or service for your money, nor do they carry a particularly good range of kids books. Where my mum lives is a fantastic independent book store with a couple of knowledgeable owners, whilst they don't have a big collection, I always come out of there with something a bit different and fantastic, so am happy to buy full price books from them even thought I could probably get the from amazon more cheaply if I looked.


~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
I do look for extra resources for my child - I've bought sets of reading books for him and also maths practice books. however he does use some free stuff - not least because he loves doing maths and would happily do a maths book a day if I let him (I don't as it's too expensive!) whereas I really struggle to make him read and enjoy reading...


~ 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 didn't know the pearson's shop existed on MN. When I went to have a look at it I wasn't that impressed sorry - either with the prices (stuff I looked at was about twice the price as the same stuff on Amazon - which seems a bit off it is direct from the publishers!) or with looking for books - I tried to click on the age group I was interested in and nothing happened - then discovered I had to click into each section, I couldn't just see a list of everything the shop had for an age group. I gave up before I got to the end of the drop down navigation - so you didn't even give me a chance to look at lots of your books, let alone sell them to me. I'm a big girl - I know how to scroll - I don't need everything separated out into different areas. That's nice to have as well, don't get me wrong - but certainly don't ignore the fact that some people like to scroll down a long list of books.


~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
Wouldn't think of buying stuff off MN usually - but not averse to it. I do get the shopping emails and scan them so maybe you could flag up your own shops on here more? And have more obvious ads - not just for the MN Pearson shop but for the MN shopping centre in general to raise more awareness. Have just looked at top nav and have no idea looking at it where any shops are on MN.
I think prices need to be competitive too - maybe not identical to the ones in amazon or book people, but at least in the same ball park.


~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?
No, sorry, didn't know it existed...

[lumbago]

We kept losing library books and having to buy them do now I just buy. From amazon or waterstones

[CreamolaFoamFan]

~ 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?
We buy from a mix of bookshop & second-hand shop. Unless I've seen the book elsewhere, I like to be able to look through a book before I buy. I
We get a lot as presents, as well.

~ 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 just didn't know it was there. I think the age banding isn't great, as my two-year-old really likes picture books and having stories read to him, but there don't seem to be any in the 0-3 band, just the baby board book type. Not a huge selection, either, and nothing different that I couldn't find elsewhere.

~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
I just tend to come to have a read and a break, although I find recommendations from other Mumsnetters useful.

[Ivytheterrible]

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?

Another one here who rarely buys books for their DC. We get so many as gifts and as DD birthday and Christmas are so close I tend to hide some to bring out later in the year. Also use the library and also swop with friends as DD gets bored of the same books so quickly. If I do buy I use Amazon or the Book people.

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

DD is only 2 so not wanting resources yet. More interested in letting her look at any book she is interested in so lots of variation, different interest etc. instead of just "educational" titles.

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?

Just had a look. Not much choice in there for my DD age group compared to other online stores so I doubt I would buy from such a narrow selection.

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

Unlikely to buy books through a MN shop but would buy if someone suggested something great on a more general thread. Like I do for style and beauty.

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

Not bought anything.

[rockinmum]

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?
We use the local library regularly as it encourages my children to choose books themselves, however we also buy ALOT of books for them as my eldest child (3) loves stories and is learning to read.
~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
We are always on the lookout to buy resources which will help our children but I was not aware there was a shop on Mumsnet. My DD (3) enjoys completeing the KS1 workbooks with me and I feel this is part of the reason why she is good with numbers.
~ 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 didn't know it existed.
~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
Now I know about the shop I am muh more likely to buy from yourselves.
~ Have you bought from MN via Pearson - if so how was it?
No, see previous answer.

[dayofthetriffids]

I didn't know there was a Pearson shop (or any shop) on MN. I've only heard of Pearson via the product feedback thread (altho' I wasn't chosen as a tester) but haven't read any of the reports back from people. I browsed through the shop for a peek and found that actually I have got some Pearson books already at home - which are Ok.

The shop is not very appealing to navigate. Lots of clicking on age ranges and abilities before you see any products. Pics of products are all quite small. I'd like to be able to see the product clearer and have just a small amount of text showing the type of stage/sentences the book contains. I was looking at the phonics thing and I always get confused by the colours and bands - does this relate to the same bands and stage that my/all schools use (ORT or whatever?) or is this just Pearsons one?

Basically because of my confusion over that if I'm buying an educational book then I tend to either buy a range that I know that my child has at school (so look specifically for that on, usually on Amazon. Or for more impulse buys I look at books that are dropped off at nursery/school by The Book Club where I can see what I'm buying. Or the supermarket.

For reading books I tend to use the library a lot.

I would consider looking at the MN Pearson shop (or probably just searching direct for Pearson (sorry, MN!) just cos I'd probably forget about the MN link. I mainly specifically look for quality educational books when I'm worried about a specific issue. Otherwise supermarket/Amazon/The Book People have it covered for me.

[VikingVagine]

~ 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?
Amazon or the The Book Depository because shipping is free. I don't use the library because I like owning the books we read (I never know which book to read with the children so having a wide variety to hand is useful).

~ Are you looking for resources to buy to help your child? Or does the free service give you all the support you need?
Yes, I feel my children spend enough time in front of a screen as it is, I don't want to have to rely on Internet for everything.

~ 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 wasn't aware there was a shop, as I have already said I use Amazon or The Book Depository.

~ Are you not actually interested in buying stuff when you're on Mumsnet - or are we just showing you the 'wrong' resources?
When things are advertised on MN if I find them interesting I might buy them (but will shop around for the best price).

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