Sandy the Dog

by Lynne Benton

Published 9 January 2020

This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)

Sandy the dog is busy training the family to become the perfect dog owners!

Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.


This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)

When a little chick hatches with the ducklings, she grows up to think she's a duck!

Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.


The Mermaid of Zennor

by Lynne Benton

Published 11 July 2019

In this retelling of a Cornish folktale, we visit the mermaid's chair of Zennor Church and learn the tale of the mermaid and local man, Matthew Trewella.

This colour chapter book is a perfectly levelled, accessible text for Key stage 2 readers aged 10-11. Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and activities to provoke deeper response and encourage writing. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.

The Key Stage 2 Reading Champion Books are suggested for use as follows:
Independent Reading 11: start of Year 3 or age 7+
Independent Reading 12: end of Year 3 or age 7+
Independent Reading 13: start of Year 4 or age 8+
Independent Reading 14: end of Year 4 or age 8+
Independent Reading 15: start of Year 5 or age 9+
Independent Reading 16: end of Year 5 or age 9+
Independent Reading 17: start of Year 6 or age 10+
Independent Reading 18: end of Year 6 or age 10+


Reading Champion: Poor Bear

by Lynne Benton

Published 26 October 2017

In this story, it is Amy's turn to take home Bear, the class mascot. She really wants him to have a good time and they have lots of adventures. But it might be a little too exciting for Bear... and Dad!

Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.

Independent Reading Green stories are perfect for children aged 4+ who are reading at book band 5 (Green) in classroom reading lessons.


In this retelling of a Cornish folktale, we visit the mermaid's chair of Zennor Church and learn the tale of the mermaid and local man, Matthew Trewella.

This colour chapter book is a perfectly levelled, accessible text for Key stage 2 readers aged 10-11. Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and activities to provoke deeper response and encourage writing. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.

The Key Stage 2 Reading Champion Books are suggested for use as follows:
Independent Reading 11: start of Year 3 or age 7+
Independent Reading 12: end of Year 3 or age 7+
Independent Reading 13: start of Year 4 or age 8+
Independent Reading 14: end of Year 4 or age 8+
Independent Reading 15: start of Year 5 or age 9+
Independent Reading 16: end of Year 5 or age 9+
Independent Reading 17: start of Year 6 or age 10+
Independent Reading 18: end of Year 6 or age 10+


The New Baby

by Lynne Benton

Published 26 March 2020

Holly wants a little sister, so when her mum has a baby boy, Holly is disappointed. In this sweet tale of worry, assumptions and big changes, Holly learns that little brothers can be great fun too!

Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.


The Giant and the Shoemaker

by Lynne Benton

Published 24 September 2020

This classic tale from Malta is full of twists and turns (and pasta)! Will the shoemaker be able to free the mayor from the hungry giant? For Independent Reading at White Band 10, readers aged 5-7 years.

This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)

Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.


Hansel and Gretel

by Lynne Benton

Published 22 April 2021

When Hansel and Gretel get lost in the forest, they find an amazing little cottage. But who lives there?

This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)

Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.