The Gingerbread Star; Anne Fine, illustrated by Vicki Gausden

Anne Fine has written several books for Barrington Stoke and this is another one that new readers of chapter books will thoroughly enjoy.

Grey worm Hetty wishes she had a little glow of light in her body like the glow worms who light up the forest. Then she would be able to light her way through the woods, find lost things in dark places and best of all, read late into the night. Her parents have told her it is impossible but Hetty is convinced there must be someone out there who can help her…

This is an adorable little adventure story about one little worm who is desperate to glow. Sprinkled with fantasy and magic and set in a place where the impossible is possible, readers will find much to like as Hetty goes about trying to get her wish and receives cuddles and gingerbread biscuits from her parents. Despite a couple of fruitless asks for help, Hetty isn’t one for giving up and eventually gets her wish from the most unexpected of things. The loveable Hetty is resilient and determined - lovely messages for young readers.

Barrington Stoke have a wonderful reputation for producing dyslexia friendly books and this addition to the ‘Little Gems’ series is printed in dyslexia friendly font and on cream paper ensuring the book can be accessed by every child. Illustrations by Vicki Gausden are just gorgeous - Hetty is adorable with her rosy cheeks, yellow scarf and red glasses. Added extras come in the form of a maze and a recipe for some very tasty gingerbread stars that can be found on the inside front and back covers.

Recommended for 5+.