When children first show an indication that they are ready to progress on to slightly longer independent reads they can still find pages of dense text a little daunting. Thankfully there has been a growth in highly illustrated quality fiction that is just right for this audience. They are attractively presented and appealing but still give young children that sense of achievement of having read a ‘proper book’. These two recently published titles, although very different to each other, are excellent examples.

Swop: The Daring Dinosaur Detective by Lucy Noguera illustrated by James Cottell

The second book in the Swop series is set in the Natural History Museum giving this adventure story added appeal for young palaeontologists. Ernie’s class are on a school trip and he is reluctant to leave his ‘satsuma-sized’ pet dog at home alone so the little chap is smuggled on to the coach in Ernie’s backpack. With the support of his best friend Rafa, Ernie is hopeful that things will go smoothly but he has not taken into account the class bully Josh or the risks involved in taking his tiny pet out and about. This story of friendship, adventure and learning to adapt to situations is packed with familiar references for children and incorporates some lessons about friendship and self-confidence along the way.

The first book, Swop the Satsuma-Sized Secret, introduced readers to Ernie’s older sister Ivy who is deaf and allowed Lucy Noguera to incorporate the use of sign language in a natural manner. This use continues in The Daring Dinosaur Detective with Ernie communicating via sign language with both Swop and his friends Rafa and Clemmie. This recognition and inclusion is a positive element of these charming stories. As Ernie has to deal with stress and anxiety as things go awry in the story the way in which he draws on advice from his late Dad and his new friend, Clemmie is both reassuring and touching. There is a positive and thoughtful tone to the story throughout with teachers depicted as kind and caring, if a little pressured at times. Much like real life!

The plot is pitched well for young readers and as with the previous book is promoted as being accessible for dyslexic readers and at under 180 pages is not too daunting for newly independent readers. Each of the short chapters features black and white illustrations by James Cottell which add to the enjoyment and break up the text so that it is not overwhelming for youngsters. Brilliant Monster Books state on their website that they are “specialising in accessible books which promote empathy and inclusion” in Swop: The Daring Dinosaur Detective I think that they are succeeding. Published on 20th January. Thank you to Lucy Noguera for my review copy.

Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb by Nicky Smith-Dale illustrated by Sarah Horne

I always find it fascinating to compare the lists for awards where the books are selected by children with the lists for other awards selected by adults. Among younger children in particular, books that they suggest are often ones with plentiful humour or illustrations and sometimes a combination of the two. Enter Betty Steady! Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb, the second in this series of utterly bonkers adventures, is full of wordplay, humour and mayhem and I suspect will be a hit with many children.

After a helpful introduction by Salvadore Catflap (the self styled greatest storyteller in Wobbly Rock) giving a brief outline of the story so far and how young Betty was transformed to her diminutive stature thanks to a wicked spell cast by the Toad Witch in book 1 we are ready to join the fray. Betty Steady, The Guardian of Wobbly Rock, and her pals are off to the world famous Turnip Festival in the neighbouring kingdom of Upper Crust. During the festivities Betty meets a fashionable sprite named Misty Jamjar who offers Betty the opportunity to access magic which will offer the now tiny Betty the chance to return to her normal size. Despite this involving ‘borrowing’ the magic Orb belonging to Queen McNiff Betty struggles to resist this temptation. What will her friends, the Crossword Gang, make of this and how will Betty cope with the ensuing drama?

This is a fast paced and somewhat frantic tale but with a joyful air that is hard to resist. The cast of characters is many and varied and lovers of funny names will relish some of them. I am hard pressed to choose a favourite but Betty’s trusty horse Simon Anderson, resplendent in cowboy boots, is a winner and I grew fond of health and safety obsessed imp, Figg. The text is littered with asides from the author, poems from Clammy Pete and moments of common sense in letters from reader Dave Schoolboy adding to the fun. Sarah Horne’s illustrations are ideal for the tone of the story with lots of humorous detail and the eye catching cover featuring Betty and Simon Anderson in his own rather unique style will tempt many children. On this occasion I think you probably can judge a book by its cover!

Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb is the sort of book that many children need to tempt them into reading and will no doubt be flying off primary school library shelves in the coming months. Published by Farshore Books on 16th January and I should like to thank the publisher for my review copy.