National Share a Story month is back! And this year, the theme is Myths, Magic and Mayhem. We’ve chosen some of our favourite magical stories to share in the classroom and at home, from picture books that require plenty of audience participation, to more challenging tales to read aloud to older children. And as it’s also Book Trust’s Pyjamarama on Friday 14th May, we’ve thrown in a few that will be great for families to share at bedtime. So pull on your PJs, get cosy and let’s share a story!
This book just ate my dog!
By Richard Byrne
Suitable for age 2+
Bella is taking her dog for a stroll across the page but halfway across, he disappears! And so does everyone else who heads to the dangerous middle of this badly-behaved book. It’s up to you to turn it around, give it a shake, and see if you can help. We guarantee that no-one will be able to resist getting involved with this inventive story.
Buy This book just ate my dog! on Amazon.
Super Happy Magic Forest
By Matty Long
Suitable for age 2+
There’s so much to see and talk about on every page of this hilarious story about five unlikely heroes (a unicorn, a gnome, a fairy, a faun, and a mushroom) who set out on an epic quest to save their home, the Super Happy Magic Forest. Bursting with jokes, hilarious hidden details and lots of opportunities for funny voices, grown-ups will love sharing this story as much as children.
Buy Super Happy Magic Forest on Amazon.
Winnie and Wilbur: Around the World
By Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul
Suitable for age 2+
Another story with pictures to pore over together, this latest book featuring Winnie and Wilbur sees them visit the wild animals from their library book in real life. Join them on a whistle-stop tour around the world that’s full of hilarious slapstick fun.
Buy Winnie and Wilbur Around the World on Amazon.
The Bell Monster
Oxford Reading Tree Word Sparks
Oxford Level 5 (Year 1/P2)
This folk tale from the Word Sparks series is a partner text, which means that it’s made to help children and adults share the reading experience together. It combines pages for the adult to read, so that the child gets to hear richer language than they can currently read on their own, and pages for the child to read, so they get to practise their word reading in the context of an enjoyable story. What’s more, it’s the child pages that move the story forward, which is hugely motivating for young readers.
Take a look at the whole Word Sparks Level 5 pack or buy The Bell Monster on Amazon.
Rumpelstiltskin
Read Write Inc. Book Bag Books
Read Write Inc. Grey Level (Year 2/P3)
Like all Read Write Inc. Book Bag Books, this retelling of the classic tale of magical mischief is specially designed to be shared outside the classroom. It includes supportive notes for parents and carers, as well as pre-reading activities and a vocabulary check. Don’t miss its corresponding non-fiction text, Clothes, to extend children’s reading experience and help them make even faster progress.
Take a look at the whole Read Write Inc. Phonics Book Bag Books Grey Set 7 Storybooks pack.
Twice Upon a Time
TreeTops Chucklers
Oxford Level 15 (Year 3–5/P4–6)
What better way to encourage reluctant readers to read for pleasure than by sharing a story that will put a smile on their faces? That’s exactly what will happen in these two witty stories about magic and mayhem from the laugh-out-loud Chucklers series that feature fairy tale favourites mixed with modern life.
Take a look at the whole TreeTops Chucklers Levels 14–15 pack or buy Twice Upon a Time on Amazon.
This book is also available as part of the Oxford Owl eBook Library subscription.
The Tempest
TreeTops Classics
Oxford Level 17 (Year 5/P6)
Help children start to discover our rich literary heritage with a magical first introduction to Shakespeare in a story format. The Tempest tells the tale of the Duke of Milan and his daughter being banished to an island of magic and mystery. This version has been adapted and abridged especially for junior readers, but would also make for a captivating story time.
Take a look at the whole TreeTops Classics Level 17 More Pack A or buy The Tempest on Amazon.
Grimm
TreeTops Greatest Stories
Oxford Level 18 (Year 5–6/P6–7)
Capture imaginations with these enchanting retellings of four Grimms’ fairytales chosen by series editor and master storyteller, Michael Morpurgo. Full of transformations, spells and enchantments, these timeless tales have been shared for generations. Even if your readers aren’t ready to read them independently, they’re perfect to read aloud.
Take a look at the whole TreeTops Greatest Stories Level 18–20 pack or buy Grimm on Amazon.
This book is also available as part of the Oxford Owl eBook Library subscription.
That collection has more myths, magic and mayhem than you can shake a wand at! So gather everyone on the carpet, or dive under the bed covers, and make sure you share plenty of stories this Share a Story Month.
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