Skylarks series by various authors

Evans, 2010
(Age: Middle Primary to Upper Primary) This series has an appealing set up: smooth pages to feel, larger font and short chapters will appeal to readers who can read and for whom many extending texts are so important.
Josie's garden by David Orme. ISBN 978 0237538934.
Well recommended. Modern coloured illustrations regularly support the story line. The plot may well appeal to middle and upper primary students who, like Josie live in a high rise apartment with a beautiful view but no garden or place to run and play in. The resolution is well played out. Set in England and with a hedgehog to see, the text still enables the reader to identify with Josie and her dream of a garden to play in. A well rounded story.
The Emperor's new clothes retold by Louise John. ISBN 978 0237538958.
Well recommended. An honest retelling of an old story. The illustrations, although modern, give the sense of another older time and so the atmosphere of the story is not wholly lost. They are colourful and the facial expressions are cleverly drawn. The age old story is told with sensitivity and accuracy and to hear the little boy say 'Daddy, look, the Emperor has nothing on!' must encourage the young reader to discuss the whole bizarre scenario.
Carving the sea path by Kathryn White. ISBN 9780237538903.
Well recommended. Joining a new community can be difficult and Samuel certainly struggles to adjust to his new environment. He has been provided with all the mod cons that should make his new life in the Arctic pleasant in his home, but he struggles with the outside environment. Irniq, a local lad, befriends Samuel and tries to talk to him about the beautiful wildlife which swim in these waters. As with all stories, the change occurs when a trapped humpback is caught under the ice. It's a good story for friendships under unusual circumstances and to the people who brave the outer reaches of our planet to help our amazing water creatures. The coloured illustrations are very ordinary but the text and font and the feel of the paper are well presented.
Sue Nosworthy