Collins Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 4--7 edited by Cliff Moon. Top children's authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that your children will love to read, banded to help you choose the right book for every child. Practical teaching notes are included at the back of each book. Arthur the donkey is having a party - but he wants it to be fantastic. So fantastic, that only fantastic guests can come! But when none of his friends qualify to go on the guest list, he changes his mind - and everyone has lots of fun. This funny and beautifully illustrated story by Joseph Theobald offers a lovely way to explore ideas of friendship - and also wonderfully weaves in links to fairy stories through Arthur's guests such as the wolf, the three bears and the three little pigs. A invitation and reply for Arthur's party on pp22-23 offer a great opportunity to extend the story and link to children's writing. Orange level (Band 6) books offer varied text and characters, with action sustained over several pages.
