A little boy sets out to find the thief of his grandmother's strawberry tarts and meets a number of unusual characters on his search.

Dark Woods is the fifth novel in the There Is a River saga. Abe Badoane, the dastardly evil villain of the earlier novels, turns out--unexpectedly--to be none other than Jude's tormented father. In contrast to their world of harmony and peace, evidenced in the larger community and their joyful reconciliation, other characters fare less well than the conciliated father-son. Todd Cravener, intelligent and conniving, pits himself against Cory's super athletic brother Joey, creating a deadly rivalry. In this novel, the subplots of the low-lifers and the life-embracing conquerors crisscross and eventually collide in a series of surprising and breathtaking episodes. In the words of one reader, "The protagonists inhabit an island of light in the antagonists' raging sea of turbulent darkness." Will courage, goodwill, and love enable the triumph-seekers to withstand the relentless machinations of the plotting malcontents? "No wonder Dark Woods kept me on the edge of my seat!"

Sandra Beckett's book explores the contemporary retelling of the Red Riding Hood tale in Western children's literature.

This book is based on the belief that deep subject knowledge of language and literature provides a foundation for effective teaching and learning. It provides a comprehensive guide to the range of genres and characteristic features of English language fiction written for children. It will help readers to: o develop their understanding of literature within social, cultural and political reading practices o extend their knowledge of language features and conventions of different genres o develop skills in analytical and critical reading. The scope of the first edition has been expanded from solely fiction to cover a range of contemporary literature, including poetry, plays and picture books. The case study material, investigative activities and practical exercises promote an active approach to learning. The second edition focuses on a range of fiction relevant to the National Curriculum for England and the National Literacy Strategy. It provides examples from a range of world literature written in English. Examples from work in translation are also included. It also addresses the requirements of the primary curriculum for ITT English. This book is essential reading for student teachers on PGCE, and undergraduate teacher education courses, and for teachers undertaking CPD in English, literacy or children's literature. It provides useful support material for language coordinators, SCITT coordinators and literacy consultants.

Forgotten somewhere between Bar Harbor, Maine, and New Brunswick, Canada, lies the most remote and mysterious section of the Eastern Seaboard. It is a region rich in stark beauty—and supernatural lore. The harsh landscape, with its rocky seaside cliffs and thundering surf and miles of dark, mysterious forest farther inland, lends itself to the ghost story. Overlaying the ghost tales gathered in this book is a sense of unspeakable horror and malice.

This book supports trainee teachers working towards primary QTS in teaching primary English across all areas of the curriculum. Focused on teaching a more integrated and inclusive curriculum, this text draws out meaningful cross curriculur links and explores how the teaching of English can take place across the whole curriculum. It examines how a teacher's effective use of English is essential in supporting learning in all subjects and considers the role of the teacher in promoting English. Chapters cover topics such as language, literature, EAL and thinking skills. Incorporating the latest thinking in primary English and including exemplars of current good practice, this practical guide encourages trainee teachers to explore learning and teachig in new ways. About the Transforming QTS Series This series reflects the new creative way schools are begining to teach, taking a fresh approach to supporting trainees as they work towards primary QTS. Titles provide full up to date resources focused on teaching a more integrated and inclusive curriculum, and texts draw out meaningful and explicit cross curricular links.

Children's literature continues to be one of the most rapidly expanding and exciting of interdisciplinary academic studies, of interest to anyone concerned with literature, education, internationalism, childhood or culture in general. This edition has been expanded and includes over 50 new articles. New topics include Postcolonialism, Comparative Studies, Ancient Texts, Contemporary Children's Rhymes and Folklore, Contemporary Comics, War, Horror, Series Fiction, Film, Creative Writing, and 'Crossover' literature. The international section has been expanded to reflect world events.