Making deductions, reading between the lines, about the main characters. As you read the novel try to add more details to the two columns on Scarlet and the two columns about Ivy.

Thinking about the sense of place, work with a partner to complete this task. a) Does the writer want us to like or dislike the place? Give a reason for your response. b) Why does the writer want the reader to recognise: the size of the place? What words or phrases do you think emphasise this?

Think about mystery stories and poems that you have already read or listened to and films with elements of mystery that you have watched. What ingredients (features) do you expect to find in the mystery story that you are about to read? Put your ideas in the text boxes below. Add more boxes if you need to. When finished compare your ideas with a partner.

The activities in You, the Reviewer can be used to meet the NC requirements in KS2 English to develop an understanding and appreciation of literary texts, including modern fiction by significant authors. And in particular to: * evaluate ideas and themes that broaden perspectives and extend thinking * respond imaginatively, drawing on the whole text and other reading. It also supports NC requirements in composition by asking children to: * choose form and content to suit a particular purpose - in this case by writing a review * use language and style appropriate to the reader * use and adapt features of a form of writing, drawing on their reading.

The activities in Publishing Skulduggery can be used to meet the NC requirements in KS2 English to develop an understanding and appreciation of literary texts, including modern fiction by significant authors. And in particular to: * evaluate ideas and themes that broaden perspectives and extend thinking * respond imaginatively, drawing on the whole text and other reading. This activity can also be used as for a piece of practical work in KS2 Art and Design. In particular to use a variety of methods and approaches to communicate observations, ideas and feelings to make images and artifacts.

The activities in On Location can be used to meet the NC requirements in KS2 English to develop an understanding and appreciation of literary texts, including modern fiction by significant authors. And in particular it can help children to understand how setting is created. It can also be used to meet the NC requirements in KS2 Geography to investigate a variety of people, places and environments in the UK and abroad, through using geographical questions, skills and resources. In particular, to: * identify and describe what places are like * understand the location of places and describe where they are * explain why places are like they are * identify how and why places change.

The activities in Investigating Names can be used to meet the NC requirements in KS2 English to develop an understanding and appreciation of literary texts, including modern fiction by significant children’s authors. And in particular it can help children to: * recognise the choice, use and effect of figurative language, vocabulary and the effects of language * identify how character is created, and how plot, narrative structure and themes are developed * evaluate ideas and themes that broaden perspectives and extend thinking * respond imaginatively, drawing on the whole text.

The activities in Exploring Character can be used to meet the NC requirements in KS2 English to develop an understanding and appreciation of literary texts, including modern fiction by significant children’s authors. And in particular it can help children to: * recognise the choice, use and effect of figurative language, vocabulary and the effects of language * identify how character is created * respond imaginatively, drawing on the whole text.

Here you’ll find five flexible resources with activities aimed at pupils in Years 5 and 6. Each resource explores a different aspect of Skulduggery Pleasant, Book I. All support the KS2 English curriculum requirement to develop understanding and appreciation of literary texts, including modern fiction by significant children’s authors.

Pax was only a kit when his family was killed and he was rescued by “his boy,” Peter. Then Peter has to move in with his grandfather. and must leave Pax behind. This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their independent struggles to return to each other in the face of war. This discussion guide leads the reader through the key themes and ideas, craft, and structure of Sara Pennypacker's novel Pax. The guide includes extension activities to research the issues raised in the book in more detail, and an interview with author Sara Pennypacker.

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning… Can you find all the words? They go up, down, sideways, diagonally and even backwards!

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning… Colouring pencils at the ready - it's time to decorate the London sky!

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning… The Midnight Gang love a great pair of pyjamas. Decorate the set below to show us what yours would look like.

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning… Are you ready for another adventure with The Midnight Gang? Draw the missing balloons and help George fly like a superhero.

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning… Who will you share the midnight magic with? Draw your friends!

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning… Show us what delicious treats would be on your table by cooking up a menu for your own midnight feast.

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning… Let everyone know you're a member by colouring in your extremely official decoration.

Meet the great Skulduggery Pleasant: wise-cracking detective, powerful magician, master of dirty tricks and burglary (in the name of the greater good, of course). Oh yeah. And dead. Test your knowledge of Skulduggery, Valkyrie and the whole gang with this monstrous and magical quiz!

Come join one busy dog on her journey to find her place in the world in Odd Dog Out, the third sublimely illustrated book from the bestselling, award-winning Rob Biddulph. Design your own Odd Dog Out, because being different is really great!

Come join one busy dog on her journey to find her place in the world in Odd Dog Out, the third sublimely illustrated book from the bestselling, award-winning Rob Biddulph. Can you find the sausage among the dogs?