The Green Book of Must Know Stories

Alexander Brown

Rating:

Why do authors who write in simple sentences, using large type think their books are suitable for 5-7s? These two books require good reading skills from a seven year old. “God’s Ten Rules” is well written, but spoiled by the word “tablet” in the illustration. You get tablets at the chemist, don’t you? 

The Red and Green Books are part of a series Must Know Stories for KS1, 2 and 3.  They are good value at £3.99 each. The Bible stories have apparently been chosen by teachers and parents. There are dozens of children’s books with the same familiar stories out there, why do we need more of the same? 

I enjoyed laughing at the colourful illustrations. But they are too sophisticated, small and indistinct for 5–7s. I’m ambivalent about using pop eyed cartoon figures for Bible stories with KS1 as it muddies the water between fact and fiction.

The zany pictures and text are ideal for 8-9 years old. I trialled these 2 books on a selection of children from different age groups. The Year 3 and 4 boys loved them. Most 5-6 year olds flicked through them and put them down, not interested. Did SU trial these on the relevant age groups? I’m puzzled why this series has been published at all. SU books are not sold in mainline shops, so it appears that the target audience is Christian, who already know the stories!

Reviewer: Moira Kleissner, School Librarian and Supply Teacher, Hillside Community Primary School, Ipswich, Suffolk

Review posted on: 12 June 2008

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