BOOK REVIEWS
BUILDING BRIDGES
I am loving the teacher notes, so useful.
My class has read the book, Grandpa and Boy from the Building Bridges series, by Joy Cowley. They loved it so much I got them to write to Joy Cowley to ask her to write a sequel about Nan and Boy. I even got my reluctant writers to put pen to paper :)
JOY COWLEY BIG BOOKS
The new books have refreshed and added value to our selection of big books to share with our younger readers. The students enjoy reading about some of their favourite characters' new adventures.
STORYWORLD
Multicultural Series
“As a school that has students from diverse backgrounds, it is essential that we celebrate and learn about each other’s cultures. The StoryWorld series has made this easy and enjoyable. The books contain interesting information, as well as clear informative diagrams, whilst the fictional stories are captivating and beautifully illustrated. Thanks Clean Slate Press!”
STORYWORLD
Multicultural Series
"I love the Story World series from Clean Slate Press. I have used many of the books with my Year Two and Year Three/Four classes. The children love the colourful, engaging illustrations and find it fascinating how the story links with the information at the back of the book too! We've retold the stories orally and in writing, we've identified the differences between fiction and non-fiction texts and have learnt a lot about different countries, too! I wish I could have a copy of all the books in the Story World series!"
DO-WHACKY-DO
AUTHOR: Joy Cowley
“I started reading this book to my own children after I heard the librarian at Ponsonby Library reading it, and from that moment we were hooked. It has one of the most catchy literacy-rich uses of visual language and a wonderful use of punchy alliteration. I’m now sharing it with performance drama students and, hopefully, my future grandchildren.”
JOY COWLEY BIG BOOKS
"At Matua Ngaru School we believe reading aloud to children daily encourages a love of reading, it increases vocabulary, builds comprehension and is essential for developing oral language and discussion skills. The Joy Cowley Collection of big books are an important and integral part of our shared reading programme. The humorous, colourful illustrations appeal to learners and teachers alike, the clever use of rhythm, rhyme and interesting vocabulary keeps everyone engaged and learning. Big book time is a favourite part of the day!"
BUILDING BRIDGES
"We love the Joy Cowley, Building Bridges series for our older, lower-ability readers. They are high interest for them and set out in the same way as the material that their peers are reading but easy for them to access and enjoy. All of Joy Cowley's material meets our requirement to have vocab-rich material with imaginative and captivating storylines that enhance children's literacy experience while holding their interest."
JOY COWLEY FIRST READERS
"I chose the First Readers series as they have nice, bright illustrations and funny, engaging stories that I knew would match my students' interest. And they did! The rhythm of the texts is fun to read multiple times and the slight twist in the stories is good for developing simple prediction and questioning skills. They are texts that don't coddle new readers, but still give them support to read with success and for enjoyment."
BUILDING BRIDGES
"Building Bridges books are the perfect series for my readers who are still developing their confidence to read more independently and fluently. They love the humorous stories and characters that they can relate to. The layout is simple and clear for them to view and read. They always feel a sense of pride when they get through all three stories in each book."
STORYWORLD FOR LIBRARIES
"Over the last few years we have collected a number of Clean Slate Press resources. One of the series we have particularly enjoyed is the Story World series. The books are beautifully presented and appeal to the children. They are particularly useful as each book has a fiction and non-fiction story. The range of subjects on offer means that there is something for everyone, the resources are able to effectively support the lessons in the classroom. The books are useful for building up reading ability and cover a range of reading ages. We would highly recommend Clean Slate Press to any school, it will build their students’ competency in reading as well as extend their knowledge of the world."
JOY COWLEY READERS
"Absolutely love, love, love the Clean Slate readers. Joy Cowley is a favourite author in our school. Both teachers and children get much enjoyment from reading these books again and again. They are also excellent for encouraging reluctant readers to “get hooked” into reading. I highly recommend this company and their reading material. Always a pleasure to get a visit from Dee and purchase new reading books. She is extremely helpful and fantastic to deal with."
JOY COWLEY READERS
"Joy Cowley readers are lots of fun, with wonderful characters and humorous plots. I have found that my students really engage with these books as the interesting storylines and the colourful illustrations make for very enjoyable reading. The teaching notes that are provided for each book are also very useful."
JOY COWLEY BIG BOOKS
'Our learners at West Rolleston Primary School love engaging with the Joy Cowley big books. We have purchased quite a few of her titles that cater to a range of learners. I love how some of her texts connect with each other like the Mrs Wishy-Washy series. Our learners also love the humour throughout the stories.'
THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN
AUTHOR: Kaitrin McMullan and Liz Weir
“You think the old woman swallowed a fly? Kao! This is our kuia, and what a puku nui she has! This wonderful book will make you korikori with laughter.”
