Vivian French
Vivian French is a British writer of picture book texts, novels, plays, and non-fiction for children and young adults. She has written more than 250 books – including the picture book Oliver's Vegetables (1995) and The Tiara Club series of chapter books illustrated by Sarah Gibb (from 2005) – which have sold more than three million copies.
Books
Knight in Training: spots, stripes and zigzags
Author: Vivian French Illustrator: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+
Sam longs to become a Truly Noble Knight, but must first complete a series of tasks, which are revealed to him on a magical scroll. This is the fourth amusing tale in the exciting Knight in Training series, which is ideal for young confident readers.
Polly’s Pink Pyjamas
Author: Vivian French
Illustrator: Sue Heap
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+
All Polly ever wears is her fabulous pink pyjamas – she can’t get enough of them! But when Fred invites her to his party she has to assemble a party outfit.
The Adventures of Alfie Onion
Author: Vivian French Illustrator: Marta Kissi
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 7-8
Reading age: 8+
When Alfie Onion helps his brother Magnifico on a quest to secure a princess wife, things don't quite go as his fairytale-obsessed mother had planned. A hero does rise - just not the one everyone expected.
The Cherry Pie Princess
Author: Vivian French Illustrator: Marta Kissi
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 7+
When a bad fairy plots to kidnap the baby prince, Princess Peony must act fast to save her brother. Engaging characters, plenty of humour and a smattering of magic combine in this contemporary fairy tale for confident independent readers.
The Covers Of My Book Are Too Far Apart! (And Other Grumbles)
Author: Vivian French
Publisher: Barrington Stoke (Picture Squirrels)
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 5-8
This accessible and diversely illustrated picture book gives helpful suggestions for more or less any reading issue. It's likely to especially interest schools.
The Spectacular Revenge of Suzi Sims
Author: Vivian French Illustrator: Julia Patton
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
This short chapter book, written in diary style, is the ideal companion for children going through tough days at school. Exploring friendship, bullying and the ups and downs of school life, it captures primary school life perfectly.