The 5-8 age group includes those children who are still being read to by adults, and new readers grappling with the fundamentals of literacy. The lines are not clear-cut, and younger children continue to enjoy "Read Alouds" long after they have mastered "Read Alones".
One of the finest writers spanning this age group is the internationally known Dick King-Smith, originator of Babe, the sheep-pig. Former farmer and village school teacher, present-day grandfather of 11, his love for children and animals shines through his work. While everything he has written is highly recommended, his Sophie books deserve special mention. (All books Walker, £3.99 UK.)
In Sophie's Snail we first meet the "small but determined" four-year-old who plans to be a lady farmer one day. Not yet at school, she tends her herds of woodlice, "sentipeeds" and "snales" collected in a yellow bucket. Wearing old clothes and wellies, Sophie does not approve of crying, lying or telling tales and addresses all creatures as "my dear". Anyone who annoys her is "mowldy, stupid and assive".
In Sophie's Tom our heroine, now five, adopts a stray cat and starts school. Already irked by her uniform skirt, she is further enraged when partnered with the prissy Dawn. In Sophie Hits Six, Sophie acquires a new friend, Andrew the farmer's son, and two new pets, a white rabbit and a puppy. Sophie in the Saddle finds her learning to swim, "blowing like a grampus", and riding a pony on a farm B & B. There are more books in the series, all superbly illustrated by David Parkins. Through story and picture, Sophie quickly becomes a real little person the reader wants to know more and more about.
While Sophie's books are "Read Alouds" in the younger age range, the O'Brien Press publish a special set of "Read Alones" specifically geared to first or new readers. A primary school principal recently described the Panda series as "miracle books". For children struggling in the early stages of literacy, the ability to complete a book gives them self-confidence - a vital element in the learning process. With bright covers, big print, small sentences, simple words, snappy plots, cartoon illustrations and lots of laughs, the Panda books guarantee a successful read to the finish. A little added incentive is the hunt for the miniature panda hidden somewhere in the pages.
All the Pandas by various Irish authors are highly recommended for home, school and library. Within the series are Dublin teacher Brianog Brady Dawson's tales of bold Danny. Though his antics are reminiscent of Dennis the Menace, unlike the latter, Danny never manages to evade the consequences of his actions. In each tale he behaves badly but always suffers a comeuppance. (All books O'Brien Press, £3.99.)
In Granny's Teeth we first meet Danny pinching his granny's false teeth and bringing them to school to play practical jokes. When her broken teeth are finally returned, Granny cancels all treats. In Danny's Smelly Toothbrush, Danny tries to destroy his new toothbrush by flushing it down the loo, brushing his dog's hair with it, and burying it in the ground. When it's found by baby sister Suzie, mum promises to clean it. In Danny's Sick Trick our irrepressible hero eats a load of rubbish to avoid pig's feet and cabbage at Aunt Bessie's. Alas, that means he misses out on the chocolate cake too. In Danny and Baby Do It All, Danny seeks revenge on Suzie's new doll, but winds up embarrassing himself at school.
Each book concludes with Danny swearing that he will never misbehave again and the author's coda: "But I think he will, don't you? Danny's just that kind of kid." Great ending, says my child reader - it makes you want more. The illustrations by Michael Connor, in lively comic book style, are ideal for these tales of mischief and mayhem.
G.V. Whelan is an Irish-Canadian novelist, scriptwriter and critic. Her books for young adults are published under the name Orla Melling