Do you look forward to the annual cheese-rolling? Or have you taken part in a dragonboat race? Perhaps you have danced in the street as part of a big street carnival. All around the world people take part in traditions that might seem unusual, but are great fun for everyone who joins in! Find out about all these and more in this information book.

One hundred years ago, Captain Scott, naval officer and explorer wanted to be the first person to reach the South Pole. Was he the first to reach it? Discover what happened to him and his men when they went to the coldest place on Earth. * Purple/Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary. * Text type: An information book * Curriculum links: Literacy: Information texts.

Julia Donaldson tells the tale of the misfortunate characters Bonny and Sandy, who are forever arguing. One day a little man comes to stay, and it looks as though their luck has changed. Julia Donaldson tells the tale of the misfortunate characters Bonny and Sandy, who are forever arguing. One day a little man comes to stay, and it looks as though their luck has changed. Pages 14-15 contain a flow chart, giving the opportunity to summarise and discuss the events of the story. Purple/Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language with some challenging vocabulary. Ideas for Guided Reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.

This unique persuasive text takes the form of a fictional holiday to Mars, presenting factual information about the red planet. The text draws comparisons between Earth and Mars, and considers aspects of space travel such as weightlessness and the lack of oxygen.

Chicken Licken is worried the sky is going to fall on his head, so he sets off with an increasing band of followers to tell the King. But will he get that far...?

Hector the Hippo wants to play the cello more than anything else in the world. But who in the jungle will teach him? Most of the other animals laugh at the idea. Finally Hector meets a musician who can help him, a lyrebird. He practices everyday until he has a chance to play at a grand concert in front of all the other animals.