Most Popular Books by Ruth Thomson

This book follows the life cycle of a frog, from laying frogspawn in a pond, to developing from tadpoles, into froglets and finally frogs. The book looks at the frog''s habitat, threats, what it eats and how it grows. Questions and facts encourage the reader to look more closely at the detailed photographs.

A First Dictionary is a fantastic and much-requested new addition to the immensly popular Adventures in Literacy range. As well as introducing dictionary skills, this dictionary is an ideal support title for all kinds of writing activities, providing a comprehensive definition of about 1500 words. Each word entry is illustrated and includes its relevant different form (plural, verb variations etc), a definition and an example of a sentence where the word may be used. Beautifully designed to make the words and meanings easily accessible for every kind of reader, this invaluable title can be used across a very broad range of abilities.

Examines plasics, how they are useful, how they are made, and how they may be reused.

A look at the different buildings, transport, nature, work, homes and features that you can find in a village, encouraging readers to compare their local environment with another.

Get Set Go is an innovative activity series which explores a variety of popular themes, combining information with ideas for fun activities.

Excellent series introduces early grammar skills eg. capital letters, sentence construction etc. Colourful illus, writing tips, activities, 32p. 6 yrs+

How does the heart work, and what makes muscles stronger? Why do we blink, sweat and shiver? And why can''t we eat just sweets?

A simple, attractive book introducing young children to the work of staff at a primary school. Explaining the day-to-day tasks of various people including teachers, cooks and site manager, and how they work together as a team. Illustrated with specially-commissioned, on-location photography.

Discover the world''s most beautiful coastlines. Find out about waves and tides, rockpools and rocky cliffs, beaches and dunes, sea birds and animals, harbours and ports and how people are protecting coasts.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, food, and reproductive cycle of the crab.

Provides the young reader with ideas to help develop creative writing skills; teaches language, structure, and conventions of writing fairytales, while telling four well-known fairytales, each with an activity that help further develop language, comprehension, and non-fiction writing skills.

Describes the cities, famous sights, family life, and celebrations of Italy.

Sixteen Fleecy Sheep is part of the Start Reading series, which uses phonic methods to introduce young readers to the alphabet, vowel sounds, consonant blends and rhymes, and reinforces learning with activity pages and games.

Presents the life of the twentieth-century American painter who drew much of her artistic inspiration from nature.

A simple, attractive book introducing young children to the work of staff at a doctors'' surgery. Explaining the different roles of the people who work there, from office staff to health visitors, practice and district nurses and doctors. Illustrated with specially-commissioned, on-location photography.

An introduction to such creepy crawlies as ants, caterpillars, flies, snails, spiders, and worms.

A series of books about individual countries that really brings a flavour of everyday life in the different parts of the world they explore. The text is straightforward and accessible, largely taking the form of extended captions to plentiful illustrations. The photographs are all specially commissioned for the series and taken by top-quality photographers. The books are in unusual landscape format which really lends itself to the lavish illustrations and ensures a clear reading order. India and Kenya look at different aspects of life in these two countries, from the home to school, and from town to country. Information about capital cities, famous sights and popular festivals are also included. The endmatter gives extension activities and web references as well as a glossary and index.

Explains how and why menstrual periods happen, what they are like, and what to do about them.

Inspiring Artists tells us what it is that makes some famous artists so important and memorable, not only in terms of their artistic legacy, but also as to their impact on the wider world. It explores their life and times through significant pieces of their art, looking at the work in terms of its context, from conflict (Goya), to festivities (Bruegel) to personal struggle (Van Gogh). Each work is also considered in terms of its style, technique and artistic innovation. Derided and overlooked during his brief lifetime, the brilliant but tortured Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) is today celebrated as one of the most important figures in modern art. His vibrant, expressive paintings of everyday settings and ordinary people have had a huge impact on artists as varied as Gustav Klimt, Francis Bacon and Anselm Kiefer.

The United States has over 3.5 million miles of rivers meandering through its mountains and forests and into its seas. In this book, readers will find out all about rivers, from their source to where they meet the sea. The informative text covers the wildlife found in rivers, flooding, and a great deal more. A writing activity at the end helps young people assimilate what they have learned.

First writing; Adventures in literacy.

Looks at cars and driving, and shows how they have changed during this century by examining the experiences of four generations of one family. Suggested level: primary.

Argues that the hands are the busiest part of the human body, and looks at gestures, sign language, and other things we can do with our hands.

Intended for the literacy hour, this book aims to introduce and develop informational writing styles such as report writing, instructions and argumentative writing.

Find out about the world''s active volcanoes, read all about the world''s most spectacular mountains and see how people live in the mountains. Discover mountain animals, farmers and transport and learn how to make a model volcano.

Jim and all the farm animals make sounds trying to wake up the cow sleeping in the middle of the road.

Looks at farming and shows how it has changed during this century by examining the experiences of four family members from different generations. Suggested level: junior, primary.

Suggests winter activities, including looking at winter buds, weaving twigs, cutting out snowflakes, feeding the birds, and making finger puppets

Provides art and craft projects and activities based on the theme of autumn.

Part of a series which takes a close look at ourselves and things around us. In this book on eyes, colour photographs are used and the simple text encourages discussions and provides ideas for further activities. Do You Know and Things to Do sections are also included.