Books

by Karen Moncrieffe

Hi I'm Karen Moncrieffe.  In additon to creating content for this website, I am the author of a variety of fiction and non-fiction books and literacy based teacher resources.

See below to find information about some of my published materials. You can find my books on Amazon or purchase them directly from the publishers by clicking the book images.

Pompeii

This non-fiction book details the fascinating true story of the city of Pompeii which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption during Roman times and later discovered practically intact. This book is part of the Wow Facts series by Badger Publishing. This series targets struggling and reluctant readers using high interest engaging materials. To find out more press the image.

Enjoy Guided Reading

The Enjoy Guided Reading range by Badger Learning features 'real' books rather than scheme books. The series includes some of the most popular books by some of the most popular authors. Chosen texts are high interest, stimulating and appealing to pupils. The range includes a mix of classic literature and more modern titles. I have enjoyed writing several teacher resource books to accompany the texts in this series. The teacher resource books include a synopsis of texts used, comprehension questions, activities and monitoring and assessment materials linked to National Curriculum for English objectives. For examples of two of the teacher books I have written as part of this range see below:

Enjoy Guided Reading Book Band – Blue to Green Complete Pack

Enjoy Guided Reading KS2 Book Bands: Year 6 Dark Blue, Dark Red & Black Complete Pack

Click the links below to access free resources from the Enjoy Guided Reading range for the following books:

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Michael Morpurgo

I want my hat by Jon Klassen

Trickster by Tom Moorhouse

Two Sides Books for Teenage Reluctant Readers

I am proud to have written three books for the Two Sides series published by Badger Learning. These short books  are suitable for teenagers who are reluctant readers. The books explore challenging experiences such as racism, homelessness and mental health from two different perspectives. Click the image to find out more about the Two Sides series.

Understanding Myths and Legends (KS2)

Although there have been many changes to the primary curriculum for English throughout the years, the recommendation that pupils become acquainted with a range of myths and legends from remains constant. Understanding Myths and Legends contains a range of stories from around the world. The stories in Understanding Myths and Legends will help children to have a true glimpse into life in ancient times and grasp a natural understanding of people, cultures and places. In addition to myths and legends from around the globe, the book contains comprehension activities for each story and suggestions for follow-up activities. Each story is also has an associated speaking and listening activity. Click below for samples from the book:

The Birth of Lord Ganesh: Free teaching resource

Daedalus and Icarus:  Free teaching resource

Understanding Traditional Stories (KS1)

Although there have been many changes to the primary curriculum for English throughout the years, the recommendation that pupils become acquainted with a range of traditional stories remains constant. Understanding Traditional Stories contains a range of fairy tales, fables and folk stories from around the world. In addition to traditional stories from around the globe, the book contains differentiated comprehension activities for each story and suggestions for follow-up activities. Each story is also accompanied by an associated speaking and listening activity. This book is a flexible resource suitable for work in literacy lessons and shared and guided reading. Teachers may also find some of the stories useful for assemblies. Click below for samples from the book.

The Ant and the Grasshopper story and Activity suggestions: Free teaching resource

The Ant and the Grasshopper comprehension tasks: Free teaching resource

Model Texts for the Primary Classroom 2 (YR 5/6)

Model Texts for the Primary Classroom 2 contains a comprehensive selection of fiction and non-fiction texts, designed to provide models for childrens own writing. Included are lists of success criteria. These enable children to identify features common to different text types so that they can try to include these features in their own writing. In addition, there are self/peer assessment sheets so the children can assess their own attainment and identify specific ways in which they can improve their work.

Click here to download a sample from the book.

Model Texts for the Primary Classroom Book 1 (YR 3/4)

Model Texts for the Primary Classroom 1 contains a comprehensive selection of fiction and non-fiction texts, designed to provide models for children’s own writing. Included are lists of success criteria. These enable children to identify features common to different text types so that they can try to include these features in their own writing. In addition, there are self/peer assessment sheets so the children can assess their own attainment and identify specific ways in which they can improve their work.

Click here to download a sample from the book