Secret Science

Secret Science, The Amazing World Beyond Your Eyes, Dara O Briain

How your brain is just waiting for a tiger to eat you...

Why your breath is so smelly when you wake up...

Why we move around so much in our sleep...

Why a jet engine is like a hosepipe...

And many more science facts you didn't even know about!

Latest

April 2024

With things finally starting to feel a bit more spring-like outside and Earth Day being celebrated on 22nd April, this month we've chosen a #BrilliantBeanstalkBook of the month which we hope will help children understand the importance of protecting our planet and some of the issues faced by climate change. Read more about 'The Last Bear' by Hannah Gold here...
Win books for your nominated school library!

Coram Beanstalk, The Alligator's Mouth Book Shop and The Bright Agency are once again offering schools the opportunity to win a set of the ten books longlisted for The Alligator’s Mouth Award 2024, which champions both authors and illustrators of highly illustrated children’s fiction. Nominate a UK-based school to win a set of the ten longlisted books for their school library here...
6 ways graphic novels encourage reading for pleasure

Our friends at Parrot Street Book Club generously give us a 50p donation for every book they ship to their subscribers. Here, Emily Bright and Sarah Campbell, founders of the book subscription service for children, have written about the 6 ways in which graphic novels can encourage reading for pleasure!
Celebrating the success of our Reading Leaders programme

Having delivered over 40 of our Reading Leaders courses in secondary schools across the country since September, we're delighted to be receiving so much positive feedback and have even appeared in a recent Ofsted report. Read more here...

Oi Frog!

This book is packed with animals, rhyming and silliness! This bestselling story will have children and adults in hysterics!
Amazing Animal Journeys

Every year, billions of animals move from one part of our planet to another. Share the adventure with jellyfish, red crabs, free-tailed bats and wildebeest to learn more about these fascinating journeys.
We're Going on A Lion Hunt

In this beautifully illustrated rendition of a well-known children's chant, two sisters are looking not for a bear, but for a lion-a lion that lives on the African savanna.
Frog and Toad are Friends

Frog and Toad have captured the hearts of many with their powerful tales of friendship. Despite their differences of appearance and character, or perhaps even because of them, Frog and Toad share a strong, enviable friendship that has stood the test of time.
Flip Flap Jungle

Flip Flap Jungle invites the reader to create their own animal and make it roar! The possibilities are endless enabling children to create their own animals, such as an ‘Antilla’ (Ant/Gorilla)!
The Mystery of the Haunted Farm

Something strange is going on down at the farm - is that a full moon in the sky? Will Farmer Greg get to the bottom of the ghostly goings-on?
Dave's Cave

Dave lives in a very nice cave, but he starts to wonder whether there is a better cave for him out there. He packs up his belongings and adventures out to find the perfect cave for him.
You Choose

This truly original book allows the reader to choose a different experience every time you open the book.
Window

A wordless picture book that documents over time, the changing landscape from a boy's bedroom window.
Max and The Midknights

An exciting medieval graphic novel about 10 year old Max who dreams of becoming a knight.

Apply to become a volunteer with us

Ready to take the first step to becoming a reading helper? Check that you can meet some basic practicalities and fill in our application form here.
Frequently asked questions

You may have some questions in your mind before you fill in your application form. Here are answers to our most commonly asked questions. If your question isn't answered here you can find out how to get in touch with our team.
The benefits of being a reading helper

We know from our volunteers that being a reading helper brings purpose and enjoyment into their lives. Find out more about the benefits of being part of our reading community here.
Our approach

Find out more about how we work and our approach to reading support.
Thank you for applying to be a Coram Beanstalk reading helper
Literacy charities join forces

On 1st November 2017 Reading Matters merged with the national children’s literacy charity Beanstalk.
Current vacancies

Click here to view our current vacancies.
Volunteer agreement

Find out more about how we will do the best we can to make your volunteer experience with us enjoyable and rewarding.
How we train and support our volunteers

Find out how we help our volunteers to become confident in delivering the Coram Beanstalk approach and feel connected, and supported, within our reading community.
Story Starters training

Our early years programme offers a unique approach to equipping adults in your setting to help children develop all six crucial pre-reading skills plus the communication, concentration and confidence they need to ‘catch the reading bug’. Read more about how our unique programme Story Starters can help you ensure that children start their primary education ready to be taught to read.