The B on Your Thumb: 60 Poems to Boost Reading and Spelling
by Colette Hiller, illustrated by Tor Freeman
Interest age: 6 to 11
Reading age: 7+
Published by Frances Lincoln, 2020
About this book
There should be a space reserved on every home and school bookshelf for this dynamic collection of 60 poems that can help boost reading and spelling. This isn’t some stuffy learning tool that is brought out when a child is having difficulty with a particular set of sounds or some tricky spellings, it stands alone as a funny, funky poetry book children will love.
Every poem is fully illustrated with great humour, vibrant colours and dynamic characterisation which brings all the letters and sounds to life so they practically leap off the page. Each poem is also cleverly constructed to be memorable and easily recalled and, whether it’s demonstrating the difference between ‘here’ and ‘hear’ or unlocking the mysteries of ‘silent’ letters it never feels like a lesson but just like a lot of fun.
With a range of material that spans the entirety of the primary school age range, this is a book to inspire an interest in, and love for, the English language but could also simply be a shared, joyful, bedtime reading experience.
Additional material is included to adapt the rhymes into games for individuals at home or for a whole class activity in school.
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Lists of recommended reads
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Poetry books for the Poetry Friendly Classroom
Take a look at some of our favourite children's poetry books - perfect for use in the poetry-friendly classroom. From Roald Dahl's classic Revolting Rhymes to fantastic novels in verse, these books are guaranteed to promote a love of poetry.
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Our favourite poetry books (younger children)
From re-invented fairy tales to classics from Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, here are some poetry books your child is sure to love and want to read out loud.