Alfie Smith, The Speedcuber : Band 18/Pearl

Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency.

Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read.

Levelled for guided and independent reading, each book includes ideas to support reading.

Teaching and assessment support and eBooks are also available. As the end of Year Six approached and starting a new school was on the horizon, Alfie Smith had a lot to worry about.

But just when he needed it most, he discovered a new interest – one which changed his life forever. Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. Pages 78 and 79 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall. Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.