Press Play

by Anne Fine

Published 13 October 1994

An entertaining story from former children’s laureate Anne Fine for Egmont’s red banana series.

Nicky, Tasha and Joe's mum leaves for work early one day and she leaves instructions for them on a cassette-player – all they have to do is press play! Nicky and Tasha must get themselves ready for school and get baby Joe ready for playgroup without waking Dad! They have to get dressed, make porridge for breakfast and find Joe's toy rabbit. Then they have to creep into Dad's bedroom and set the alarm clock for him. But it is very hard to get ready quietly, especially when your baby brother is crying for his toy rabbit!

Red bananas are chapter books for newly fluent readers, suitable for NC Level 3 readers. They are carefully designed illustrated books for both entertainment and education, supporting children’s understanding of how to read longer books. Red bananas introduce similes and wordplay to encourage an understanding of more literary concepts.


Magic Ball

by Anne Fine

Published 7 September 2017

A warm and funny story about a boy who hates having to choose! From one of the nation's favourite children's authors, former Children's Laureate Anne Fine. Perfect for children learning to read.

Green shirt or blue shirt? Feeding the ducks or going on the swings? Olly finds it so hard to make decisions! But then he’s given a strange object that might just be the answer to his problem …

Level 2 Reading Ladder titles are perfect for early readers who are growing in confidence and are beginning to enjoy longer stories.

Clear type

Up to 8 lines per page

Bright, appealing pictures for added interest

A variety of sentence structures

A wider range of vocabulary

Strong themes and characters to discuss

Ideal for beginner readers aged 5-6

All Reading Ladder titles are developed with leading literacy consultant Nikki Gamble, making them perfect early years reading books for use in schools and for parents keen to support their children’s reading throughout Key Stage 1.

Book band: Turquoise

For more information about the series and advice on supporting children's reading, see our reading ladder page www.egmont.co.uk/reading-ladder


Friday Surprise

by Anne Fine

Published 2 August 2010

A surprising and entertaining story from former children’s laureate and multi-award winner Anne Fine for Egmont’s red banana series.

Bryce is fed up with tests. So far this week he's had a spelling test, a swimming test, and even a test on his bike. So, on Friday, Bryce decides to surprise the adults with his own test. What happens when Bryce turns the tables on all the adults?

Red bananas are chapter books for newly fluent readers, suitable for NC Level 3 readers. They are carefully designed illustrated books for both entertainment and education, supporting children’s understanding of how to read longer books. Red bananas introduce similes and wordplay to encourage an understanding of more literary concepts.