Marzooqa and the Trumpet

by Charlotte Middleton

Published 3 September 2015

Collins Arabic Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 3 to 11. The series is structured with reference to the learning progression of Arabic at nursery and primary schools researched especially for Collins. This carefully graded approach allows children to build up their reading knowledge of Arabic step by step.

Level 8 books are becoming more complex, although still strongly patterned but to a lesser extent than level 7. Although the focus remains on vowelling to aid the flow of reading with verbal sentences of up to 8-10 words, level 8 books have more events and episodes, fewer repeated patterns, and more complex vocabulary. Non-fiction titles use non-fiction tools – including signs, labels, captions and diagrams – where necessary. Double spacing is used between words to ensure children see where each new word in a sentence begins and ends.

Marzooqa is a shy tortoise who hides away, especially when it’s time to tidy up! But what will happen when Marzooqa is forced out of the comfort of her own shell? This sweet story is written and illustrated by acclaimed author Charlotte Middleton.

Children can follow the important stages of the story in the flow chart on pages 14–15.


Trak!

by Charlotte Middleton

Published 1 August 2016

Collins Arabic Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 3 to 11. The series is structured with reference to the learning progression of Arabic at nursery and primary schools researched especially for Collins. This carefully graded approach allows children to build up their reading knowledge of Arabic step by step.

Level 6 books provide an advance on level 5. Sentences are still highly repetitive but slightly longer, with simple story development supported by illustrations. Double spacing is used between words to ensure children see where each new word in a sentence begins and ends. Although the focus at level 6 remains on reading the core words, the concept of reading hamzat al-wasl and sun letters correctly is introduced in non-verbal sentences of up to 4-5 words.

A colourful retelling of Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child, this fable explains how the elephant got its long trunk. As the elephant journeys through the jungle it admires the features of the other animals, until he gets a bit too close to one of them … This sweet and funny story has been written and illustrated by Charlotte Middleton.

A story map on pages 14–15 allows children to recap the story and discuss each stage.