Oxford Literacy Web

In the "Variety Stage 8" books, Anne Adeney describes the adventures of Una the unicorn who helps the good Timberlins to avoid the mischief of the nasty Grumps, and Frances Usher tells the story of Moneypenny, the Yorkshire terrier, who is a small dog with very big ideas. "Variety" books provide a support and an extension of reading skills acquired from reading "Duck Green School Stories".

They are divided into consolidation stories ("Una's Spelling Test", "Grizzlegrump's Revenge", "First Leaf Festival") and extension stories ("Moneypenny Goes Camping", "Moneypenny and the Pond", "Moneypenny's Big Walk").

In "Stage 9", Elisabeth Beresford describes adventures on Riduna Island in "Pirate Gold", "Tommy in Trouble", and "Tessa on TV".

Riduna is normally a quiet little island, but on three occasions, there is a big story to tell.

Joan Aiken retells folk tales of a wise girl who wins herself a king, a young man who finds himself a useful servant, and a very kind girl who finds herself in trouble, but has her kindness repaid.

They can be used for shared or guided reading in the Literacy Hour.

Selected titles are available in a "Big Book" format, but only in packs of mixed titles.