Mary, the Big Brown Hairy Spider, by Lyn Lee

Mary the spider has a lovely big back yard all to herself – but she is very lonely. So, when a family come to live in the house, she is very excited. She decides to make them feel welcome by spinning some special webs for them.

At first the people are not too pleased to have a big spider in their yard. But one night Mary sees a burglar break into her family’s house. She uses all of her cunning to outwit the man, and wins over the family at the same time.

Mary, the Big Brown Hairy Spider is a SOLO title from Omnibus, specially designed for beginning readers making the transition from first readers and picture books to chapter books. The simple plot line and language are well supported by illustrations on every page, provided by the talented Kim Gamble. At the same time, the mix of action and humour will hold young readers’ interest.

A cute read.

Mary, the Big Brown Hairy Spider, by Lyn Lee, illustrated by Kim Gamble
Omnibus, 2004

Best Friends, by Sue Walker

Grace and Amy are best friends. They share everything – games, lunches, pencil cases, even secrets. Until the day that Grace finds Amy playing with Lisa. Seeing her best friend with another girl makes her feel hot and cold, even when Amy invites her to play, too. She doesn’t want to share Amy with anyone.

Part of the Solos series, Best Friends is a delightful first chapter book for beginning readers making the transition from picture books and classroom readers to more independent reading. With plenty of illustrative support and subject matter which will strike a chord with many young readers, this is a cute easy-read.

A great blend of fun and chances for reading success.

Best Friends, by Sue Walker
An Omnibus Book from Scholastic Australia, 2004

Big Al, by Phil Cummings

There are two things Big Al loves to do. One is to drive his delivery truck. The other is bake his own bread. When his little truck breaks down in a storm, Big Al has a big problem. But maybe, juts maybe, baking may hold the key to fixing it.

Big Al is a humorous and entertaining offering, a Solo book from Omnibus, aimed at beginning readers making the transition from picture books and readers to first novels.With delightful illustrations by Don Hatcher on every page, there is plenty of support for learners to make a success of their first chapter book.

Big Al is loads of fun.

Big Al, by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Don Hatcher
Omnibus, 2003

What a Goat, by Narelle Oliver

Tom has a new goat called Ernie. Ernie doesn’t seem happy until he’s allowed out of his pen to play with the dog.

Together goat and dog have lots of fun – but they also get into loads of trouble. If Tom can’t get Ernie to behave, he might have to give him away. Can Ernie prove he really is a dog-goat?

What a Goat is an easy to read Solo title, from Omnibus books. Written with beginning readers in mind, these books are perfect for the transition from picture books to novels. What a Goat is a fun read.

What a Goat, by Narelle Oliver, illustrated by David Cox
Omnibus Books, 2003

Shoo Cat, by Ian Bone

Matt is surprised when a strange cat comes to visit. He already has a cat, Pudding, and tells the strange cat he can’t come in.

Matt’s dad is also cross with the strange cat. “Shoo cat,” he says every time he sees it. But despite Dad and Matt’s efforts, the strange cat keeps coming back, looking for food, shelter and company. What can they do?

Shoo Cat, by Ian Bone is a Solo title for beginning readers, from Omnibus. In a highly illustrated novel format, these books are designed to help youngsters make the transition from picture books to first novels. Shoo Cat is a fun easy read.

Shoo Cat, by Ian Bone, illustrated by Ann James
Omnibus Books, 2003

Little Fingers, by David Johnson

Kerry loves to take things apart to see how they work. All of her toys are in pieces, her brother’s radio doesn’t work properly any more, and the television is stuck on one channel.

When Kerry tells her Dad she wants to fix things, just like he does, he gives her a projector to fix. She uses his rules, and a little patience to get the machine going again, just in time to watch an old home movie of her parents wedding on their anniversary.

Little Fingers is a Solo book from Omnibus books,designed to help children make the transition from picture books to novels. Simple yet fun plot lines are supported by ample illustrations to encourage comfort and success.

The illustrations of Craig Smith are, as always, an excellent complement to the text.

A fun story.

Little Fingers by David Johnson, illustrated by Craig Smith.

Omnibus Books, Scholastic Australia, 2002

Talk to Me, by Marguerite Hann Syme

Anna is lonely and bored. She wants someone to talk to and have fun with. Mum is too busy talking on her mobile phone. So are Dad AND Uncle Jeff AND Kat.

Anna does all she can to get their attention but they are just not listening. The only person who does listen is Fang, the lonely letterbox monster, and he can’t answer her. Is there a way to solve her lonliness AND Fang’s? Talk to Me, by Marguerite Hann Syme, is a Solo book from Omnibus Books. Solo books are designed for young readers making the transition from picture books and emergent readers to the novel format. With ample illustrations to support the text, kids have an opportunity to connect with the text and read succesfully.

The cartoon-style illustrations of Janine Dawson are gorgeous. Anna especially will be endearing to adult readers.

Talk to Me is a fun read, but also has a subtle message for parents and other adults about mobile phones and having time for children.

Lovely!

Talk to Me, by Marguerite Hann Syme
Omnibus Books, Scholastic Australia, 2002