For many children, making the transition from picture books to chapter books can be quite daunting. Picture books have colourful pages, large type, and few words per page. Children find them fun, and an easy introduction to reading. However when a child opens a chapter book the pages are full of words, with few illustrations, leading to an otherwise enthusiastic reader being easily deterred.

The Amadeus Ammonite books bridge this divide and help ensure that children maintain and develop their love of reading. The books retain the colourful engaging images of picture books, but incorporate an expanded storyline arranged into chapters.

For younger children the books make ideal bedtime stories which can be explored together with their parents. The chapters break the story down into event led sections, each of similar length to an entire picture book, which means the story can be read over several evenings to match the child's attention span.

As the child's confidence grows, and they are ready to progress from picture books, the appealing presentation of the pages draws them into the story and encourages them to read more. 

At around 4,000 words, Amadeus and the Sea Dragon helps a child on their journey from The Gruffalo to Harry Potter, while proving a fun and captivating story.

A recent review by a primary school teacher said:  The text is accessible for lower key stage two readers (or year 2 readers working at greater depth) without compromising on facts and details. The cover and pictures are appealing for children this age with the bonus that it will interest both boys and girls.  This book would work both as an independent reading book or as a text for guiding reading.

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