The Big Book of Magical Mix-Ups - Hilary Robinson (author), Nick Sharratt (illustrator)

The pages of this book are physically split so that children can spend hours mixing and matching magical spells! Children can create a spell to turn their embarrassing uncle into an exploding pencil case. Parents better be careful what they say or they might be at the wrath of a magic spell!

As a huge admirer of Coram Beanstalk and the vital work they do in primary schools, I'm truly delighted that not one but four of the books I've illustrated have been selected for inclusion for their starter packs, geared to help set children on the path to confident reading. Nick Sharratt, illustrator

In my view the key to engaging children with reading is to carefully steer each child towards stories which speak to them and their unique personalities.  Some stories will always be universally popular but reluctant readers are likely to be encouraged by, and respond to, plots or characters with whom they can relate or aspire to be.  Every adventure under the sun can be found in one room, or even on one shelf.  That’s what books can do – they can project readers into a parallel world of discovery and excitement.   The ability to read needs to be fostered out of a curiosity and a passion to want to read.  If, through my work, my stories are passed on from reader to reader, and from generation to generation, then my work will have been worth more than any words I could possibly write. Hilary Robinson, author