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John Dougherty

    John Dougherty, a Northern Irish author, has enriched children's literature with his captivating stories. Drawing from his experiences as an educator, his work aims to both inspire and entertain young readers. Dougherty's writing is characterized by a playful approach and a remarkable ability to draw children into imaginative worlds. His dedication to children's literature has also led him to take on leadership roles within literary organizations.

    The Hare-Shaped Hole
    Zooming the Zoo
    Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the Great Kerfuffle Christmas Kidnap
    The Bear-Shaped Hole
    Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Quest for the Magic Porcupine
    Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the Bees of Stupidity
    • In this completely stupendous (or just plain stupid) adventure, find out what happens when the bees take over the island of Great Kerfuffle. Can Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face save the day? Or will they be thwarted, and spun round and round a lot, by the gang of ruthless office chairs? Yes, it really is THAT stupid (or should that be stupendous?).

      Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the Bees of Stupidity
      4.6
    • Approved by the Great Kerfuffle Society for Approving ThingsOi! You at the back! Yes, you! Stop mucking about and get a move on. Some of us are waiting to getgoing on this quest you know! These magic porcupines are pretty hard to find, so pay attention andstick with our fearless heroes, Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face.It could take many years for us to finish our gigantic quest, or it could take just under 200 pages, but I'm pretty sure we'll be back in time for tea, 'cause we'll be starving by then . . .With a host of unforgettable characters such as . . . ummm . . . old what's her face and . . . errrr . . . young fellow-me-lad, this is nail-biting and thumb-sucking adventure that will leave you laughing and cheering and quite possibly really fancying a banana!

      Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Quest for the Magic Porcupine
      4.4
    • The Bear-Shaped Hole

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Focusing on the theme of preparing for loss, this picture book follows Gerda the bear as she comes to terms with the reality that her best friend, Orlo, will not be around forever. Through a tender narrative, it addresses the emotional challenges of friendship and the inevitability of change, offering a gentle exploration of grief and acceptance for young readers.

      The Bear-Shaped Hole
      5.0
    • It's Christmas in Great Kerfuffle, but something's not quite right. Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face have been extra good this year but they don't have any presents! They know Father Christmas wouldn't forget them so something must have happened to him. It's up to them to save Christmas (or at least find their presents!)

      Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the Great Kerfuffle Christmas Kidnap
      4.4
    • Zooming the Zoo

      • 98 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      A hugely entertaining new collection of poems for children from a leading performance poet

      Zooming the Zoo
      5.0
    • The Hare-Shaped Hole is a poignant and touching picture book exploring death and grief, as Bertle the turtle learns to cope with the loss of his best friend Hertle the hare.

      The Hare-Shaped Hole
      4.2
    • Meet the funniest collection of characters ever known to mankind in this stupendously hilarious book that will make you laugh your socks off, and quite possibly your ears too.

      Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers
      4.1
    • Zeus on the Loose

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      I am the great and mighty Zeus, mortal- give me one good reason why I shouldn't smite you here and now!'Alex's class are learning about the Ancient Greeks. That's why Alex makes a temple (out of loo rolls and a cornflakes box) for the Greek god Zeus. Even worse, Zeus reckons it's time for another Trojan War - in the school playground!

      Zeus on the Loose
      3.6
    • Sam and Bansi are excited about exploring their new school library - until they are joined by two cheeky aliens! Will they be able to stop the aliens from messing up the library? Will they be able to prevent an alien invasion? Find out what happens in this humorous playscript. Aliens in the Library is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 6-7 years

      Reading Planet - Aliens in the Library - Purple: Galaxy