Great Books for PSHE and Citizenship - Books at Random House

Great Books
for PSHE and
Citizenship
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A note from Random House
The books included in this booklet have been drawn
from all the Random House children’s imprints: Red
Fox, The Bodley Head, Hutchinson and Jonathan Cape
along with Andersen Press. Random House hopes that
part of the value of this list lies in the expert and
independently expressed views of its author.
Thanks
To Greenfields JMI School, South Oxley and St.
Bridget’s C. of E. Primary School, West Kirby for their
contributions to this booklet.
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www.randomhouse.co.uk/kids
Cover illustration by Satoshi Kitamura
taken from For Every Child
© Satoshi Kitamura 2000

Great Books
for PSHE and
Citizenship
Contents 1
Introduction 2 - 3
Developing confidence and responsibility 4 - 7
Preparing to play an active role as citizens 8 - 11
• Belonging to groups and communities 8 - 9
• Taking care of animals and the environment 10 - 11
Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle 12 - 15
Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people 16 - 19
• Relationships with families and friends 16 - 18
• Respecting differences 19
For Every Child 20
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Contents

Introduction
Personal, social and health education (PSHE) is intended to help pupils ‘lead healthy, confident
and independent lives and to become informed, active, responsible citizens’. It is a subject
that permeates the whole curriculum but it is necessary to explicitly teach PSHE rather than
to let it be filtered through other curriculum areas. Essentially, PSHE involves pupils gaining an
understanding about rights and responsibilities. Each one of us is unique and special,
deserving of care, but we are also part of our wider communities. We all make choices about
both our rights within communities and our responsibilities towards others. What may start
when learning to share with others in the nursery school should be developed into
understanding the part played by every individual in the democratic processes of our
society. The National Curriculum requires teachers to ensure that children are gradually
introduced to the ideas contained in the PSHE curriculum. This booklist is intended to offer
ideas to help primary teachers fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum.
Reading literature often opens our eyes to the everyday concerns of human relationships
and situations. Stories have always been very effective in helping to explain things to the
young so it makes sense, whatever subject you are teaching, to look for books that will help
children understand. The books on this list offer such stories. However, teachers must
remember that, although being used for a particular purpose, first and foremost the books
in this selection are worth reading because they are super books by outstanding authors
and artists.
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Great Books
for PSHE and
Citizenship

Although for the purposes of this publication we have listed them under particular topics
covered by PSHE, these books should not be pigeon-holed into an area of the curriculum.
Many have been favourites for years – Dogger and The Eighteenth Emergency, for example
–and they may well be books you already have on your shelves. All the books are perfect for
reading aloud purely for pleasure but they also conveniently provide backing for the themes
found in the PSHE curriculum.
Books can be used in a variety of ways to support teaching: as a starting points for lessons
or to introduce a new topic; to be read during work e.g. to illustrate a particular point; or,
for bringing ideas together as a conclusion to a lesson. As their teacher, you are the best
person to decide if a particular book will be appropriate for your class. We stress these
books are intended to support your teaching so, apart from a few short novels, these texts
are easily assimilated into the average lesson time. Needless to say, you will find many, many
more books that will provide equally valuable teaching support for PSHE.
Although no book can be too easy to read, the maturity level of the content may make some
books more appropriate to a certain age range. We have indicated with which groups we
would use each book by shading the appropriate years; for example, R 1 2 3 4 5 6
.
We hope you find this collection helpful in supporting your PSHE work but most of all we hope
you and your pupils enjoy the books!
Prue Goodwin and Chris Routh
Reading and Language Information Centre
The University of Reading
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Introduction

Developing confidence and responsibility
Developing confidence and
The titles in this section provide opportunities to explore the range of experiences and emotions encountered by
growing children. From the first day at school (The New Boy) to a selfless act of bravery (Frog is a Hero), collectively these
stories demonstrate how individuals develop the necessary confidence and self-esteem to help them cope with new or
challenging situations.
Youngsters who empathise with Bernard’s frustration (Not Now, Bernard), Dave’s sense of loss (Dogger) or Hazel’s
jealousy (The Very Worst Monster) might find it easier to name and talk about their own feelings. While more mature
readers might reflect on their own abilities while reading about Jack’s endeavours (Jack’s Big Race), or the need to be
considerate towards others in the light of Levi’s experiences (The Lion and the Unicorn).
My Brother Sean
Petronella Breinburg
0 09 928911 3
The agony and ecstasy of starting
play-school are conveyed by a
simple text and emotionally charged
illustrations.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Very Worst
Monster
Pat Hutchins
0 09 966041 5
Hazel is quite understandably
jealous of all the attention her new
baby brother receives, but she
eventually proves to her family
that she is actually the Worst
Monster in the World. A
humorous, yet sensitive
exploration of shifting relationships
in a growing family and the
process of coming to terms with
being the oldest sibling.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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Frightened Fred
Peta Coplans
0 862 64821 1
Coming from a very nervous
family, Fred the cat is often
frightened. But one day, during a
walk with his more confident
cousin, he overcomes his fear by
facing up to some mean looking
cats in the park.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Running away from
home
Gregory Rogers & Nigel Gray
0 09 972461 8
Sam is fed up with his Dad so he
decides to run away from home.
He packs his most precious
possessions, kisses the dog
‘goodbye’ and walks out into the
rain. Of course, he doesn’t get far
and is eventually tempted back
with juice and cake. A safe story
with which to explore a young
child’s frustration with the adult
world.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The New Boy
Holly Keller
0 09 926355 6
When Milton starts school things
don’t go too well, and even when
he starts to make an effort he still
doesn’t seem to be fitting in. But
when another new boy arrives,
Milton begins to relax.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6

esponsibility
Titch
Pat Hutchins
0 09 926253 3
A reassuring story that explores
what it feels like to be the smallest
member of the family and proves
the maxim that bigger doesn’t
always mean best.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Not Now, Bernard
David McKee
0 09 924050 5
Will his parents ever take any notice
of Bernard? This classic for young
children can raise many different
issues with children including the
frustration and anger they
sometimes feel when everyone
seems too busy to listen, but
especially the need for confidence
and self-esteem.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Aldo
John Burningham
0 09 918501 6
This poignant, first-person narrative
paints a picture of an often lonely
child who finds it difficult to make
friends, is sometimes bullied and
who lives with volatile adults.
However, she is comforted by the
knowledge that the companionship
and support of her imaginary friend,
Aldo, are always at hand – and their
time together is always magical.
Typically, while Burningham’s
economical text reveals the girl’s
thoughts, his masterly illustrations
convey the contrasting worlds of
reality and imagination in which she
lives.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Oscar Got the Blame
Tony Ross
0 09 957280 X
Oscar’s ‘friend’ Billy is always
getting Oscar into trouble. The
problem is nobody believes in Billy.
Is he real or an imaginary friend?
What do readers think about Billy’s
behaviour? Many things to discuss
with young children and a super
book to share.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using Dogger in
the Classroom
St. Bridget’s used Dogger with
their Year 2 and the children
were able to empathise with
the loss of a loved toy. Much of
the discussion centred on family
relationships, especially listening
to someone else’s problems,
and the benefits of caring and
sharing.
Greenfields School used
Dogger with Year 3 and
discussed the range of
emotions and reactions
highlighted in the story. This
prompted discussions about
parental support and feelings
towards siblings in light of their
personal experiences.
Dogger
Shirley Hughes
0 09 992790 X
Loss of a greatly loved possession is
very upsetting and Dave is
inconsolable when his special toy,
Dogger, goes missing. This is a story
about love and loss to which any
child can relate. The distress of the
loss and the tension of the search for
Dogger are resolved in a most
satisfactory ending.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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Developing confidence and responsibility

Developing confidence and responsibility
Angry Arthur
Satoshi Kitamura & Hiawyn Oram
0 09 919661 1
Arthur’s frustration when he isn’t
allowed to stay up to watch
television causes him to lose his
temper in a cataclysmic way.
Despite his family telling him, ‘That’s
enough,’ Arthur’s anger continues,
causing storms, earthquakes and,
ultimately, a universequake. When
he eventually falls asleep he has
forgotten why he was angry.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
I’ll take you to
Mrs Cole
Nigel Gray & Michael Foreman
0 862 64407 0
A little boy has to fend for himself
while his mum is at work and if he
doesn’t do what he has been told
he is threatened with being taken to
Mrs Cole’s. Not surprisingly the
boy’s imagination runs riot trying to
envisage the horrors that await him
there. Then one day he has the
opportunity to meet Mrs Cole and
get to know her chaotic, but happy
household – he consequently
overcomes his fears and prejudices.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
6
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You’re Somebody
Special, Walliwigs!
Joan Rankin
0 09 926536 2
Walliwigs, a parrot chick,
survives a dangerous start to his
life to be adopted by Martha the
hen. She is delighted with her
strange chick and brings him up to be a
confident bird, despite the prejudices of
the other farmyard fowl. There is much
to explore about relationships from
both Walliwigs and Martha’s points of
view, not to mention the attitudes of
the humans and the other hens.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Frog is
frog
0 862 64812 2
Frog is frightened
0 862 264714 2
Frog is a hero
0 862 64761 4
Max Velthuijs
Three in a series of stories about Frog
and his animal friends which explore the
topics of identity, feelings, self-esteem
and bravery. The books are thought
provoking and reassuring and also
demonstrate the benefits of friendship.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
I’m Coming to Get You
Tony Ross
0 862 64071 7
It is easy for a niggling worry to get
out of all proportion. In Tommy
Brown’s mind the monster coming
to get him is overwhelmingly fierce
and destructive. Once the true
dimensions of the monster are
known, Tommy is well able to
conquer his fears and control the
situation.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6

Where the
Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak
0 09 940839 2
This ‘must have’, ‘ground-breaking’
picture book classic explores the
dramatic intensity of young
children’s feelings which depend on
the calming influence of a loving
family.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Lion and the
Unicorn
Shirley Hughes
0 09 925608 8
Lenny Levi is an evacuee. He is
confused, lonely and insecure, with
nothing to hold on to but the brass
badge given to him by his father.
Coming to terms with his situation
was not easy, but eventually, the
‘magic’ of the badge helps Lenny to
cope. This is a book that allows
children to explore a variety of
feelings and to consider how
inconsiderate attitudes from others
can be seriously upsetting.
Jack’s Big Race
Michael Foreman
0 09 940495 8
R 1 2 3 4 5 6 R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Determined to enter the annual raft
race, Jack asks his grandfather to
help and together they construct a
raft using wood from the organ
built by the boy’s great-grandfather.
In spite of strong opposition Jack
returns from the race a hero.
Steeped in family history, this story
also celebrates the courage of
individual endeavour.
The TV Kid
Betsy Byars
0 09 942621 8
Lennie is obsessed with TV –
watching it and daydreaming about it
when he should be revising for
school tests. It was a way of blocking
out some of the uncomfortable parts
of his life. But an unexpected
occurrence forces him to realise that
TV isn’t about real life and that he
must give more thought to reality.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Harvey Angell
Diana Hendry
0 09 925602 9
A most original story, mixing mystery
with allegory, about an orphan,
Henry, and the strange but
captivating ‘electrician’ Harvey
Angell. Henry gradually works out
that Harvey Angell’s job is more
concerned with mending people’s
lives than electrical goods. Lots to
think and talk about regarding how
character is formed by experience.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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Developing confidence and responsibility

Preparing to play an active role as citizens - Belonging to groups and communities
Preparing to play an active
Children gradually become aware of themselves as social beings who belong to different groups including their family,
school and neighbourhood – each with their own rules for behaviour and areas of responsibility. Even the youngest child
can be involved in helping with everyday routines like Roger (It’s Your Turn, Roger!) or the children in Helpers.
While thought-provoking books like Way Home and Rose Blanche provide valuable opportunities to discuss more sensitive
political issues and promote better understanding and concern for our fellow human beings, other stories focus on
another important social skill – the ability to respect differences – in terms of race (Frog and the Stranger), disability (Seal
Surfer) or behaviour (Michael).
Belonging to groups and communities
Ms MacDonald Has a
Class
Jan Ormerod
0 09 951651 9
Inspired by a trip to a farm, Ms
MacDonald’s class plan, rehearse
and perform an energetic and
colourful presentation for their
families. Adept at capturing the
detail of everyday classroom life, Jan
Ormerod reveals the activities
leading up to the performance,
while her lively, rhythmical text,
which is based on the popular
nursery rhyme, begs for our
enthusiastic participation.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
8
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The Big Katie Morag
Storybook
0 09 972031 0
The Second Katie
Morag Storybook
Mairi Hedderwick
0 09 926474 9
All of Mairi Hedderwick’s endearing
stories about Katie Morag and the
imaginary Isle of Struay where she
lives, conjure up a strong sense of
place, family life and community
spirit. Both of these most recent
titles in the series contain stories,
poems and activities which reflect
different aspects of Katie’s island
world and invite comparisons with
the reader’s own everyday life.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Helpers
Shirley Hughes
0 09 992650 4
A delightful account of how a
teenage boy copes with looking
after three young children when
their Mum goes out for the day. As
the title suggests, everyone helps in
some way and young children will
enjoy talking about their own daily
routines and the roles that different
members of their family play.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Who’s Who In Our
Street?
Jan Ormerod
0 09 926289 4
A celebration of community spirit,
focusing on the busy lives of three
neighbouring families, who support
each other through each hectic
week, by working, playing and
relaxing together. Follow the story
of each family or individual to find
out who is really being helpful.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6

ole as citizens
Badger’s Bad Mood
Hiawyn Oram and Susan Varley
0 862 64776 2
When Badger declares he feels ‘All
out of it’, his companion Mole
realises that Badger simply needs to
hear how much he is loved and
appreciated by all his friends. After
all, everyone in the woodland
community depends on him for
something. This gentle, sensitive
story also provides opportunities to
talk about self-esteem and
friendship.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
It’s Your Turn, Roger!
Susanna Gretz
0 09 966091 1
Roger resents having to take his
turn to set the table and storms off
in search of a family who won’t
make him do anything. After visiting
three other homes he begins to
understand the benefits of everyone
helping and that only guests are
exempt from doing chores. More
importantly he realises how much
he loves home cooking!
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Willy and Hugh
Anthony Browne
0 09 997780 X
On the face of it, Willy and Hugh
seem an unlikely pair to become
friends but they actually get on very
well and are able to offer mutual
support. Willy finds that the bullies
who torment him are less inclined
to do so while Hugh is around.
Hugh, on the other hand, is grateful
that Willy easily copes with scary
spiders. A lovely celebration of
friendship.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Way Home
Libby Hathorn and Gregory Rogers
0 09 948681 4
This picture book tackles
homelessness in a challenging and
engaging way. The images of rubbish
and urban decay reflect the life of a
street child who, whilst unloved
himself, does all he can to protect
his vulnerable kitten. Much to
discuss with older primary pupils
about why the boy might be
homeless and the role society
should take in alleviating
homelessness.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Rose Blanche
Roberto Innocenti and Ian McEwan
0 224 02841 3
A stark, uncompromising look at
children’s experiences in Germany
during the Second World War. A
young girl, Rose Blanche, observes
lorries rumbling through the town
and is curious to know where they
are going. Eventually, by following a
lorry, she discovers children behind
the barbed-wire barriers of a
concentration camp. Her response
to this discovery illustrates the
courage of individuals who help
others despite personal danger and
serves as a reminder that the
political decisions made by adults
have consequences for the most
vulnerable members of society.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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Preparing to play an active role as citizens - Belonging to groups and communities

Preparing to play an active role as citizens - Taking care of animals and the environment
Taking care of animals and the environment
Children’s understanding of the needs of all living things often begins with caring for a pet (The Pet Person), but there are
several stories here which invite consideration of wider issues including the exploitation of animals (Mr Bear and the Bear)
and the effects of pollution on their survival (The World that Jack Built).
Oi! Get Off Our Train
John Burningham
0 09 985340 X
This story works in the familiar style
of other favourites by John
Burningham, such as Mr Gumpy’s
Outing. As a dream train travels
through the night, different animals
seek refuge from pollution and
exploitation. The child engine driver
takes all the creatures on board the
train and travels and plays until
morning.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
10
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The Pet Person
Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis
0 862 64666 9
In this hilarious story of reversals,
Rex the dog is desperate to have a
pet person for his birthday. In spite
of the objections made by his
family, he manages to acquire a little
ginger one only to discover that
having a ‘pet’ isn’t quite as much fun
as he thought. An entertaining way
to explore the practicalities of
keeping a pet.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Two Monsters
David McKee
0 09 945530 7
Two monsters share a beautiful
world but, living on either side of a
mountain, they see it from different
points of view. They fall out over
their differences of opinion and start
a fight that soon gets out of hand.
Gradually their fighting destroys the
mountain.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Mr Bear and the Bear
Ruth Brown and Frances Thomas
0 09 972611 4
This poignant tale of a grumpy old
man who buys and frees a
fairground bear has the potential for
all sorts of work on people’s
attitudes to both animals and their
fellow human beings. It focuses on
the plight of a dancing bear, being
partly in aid of Libearty, a charity
working for the release of bears
being used to entertain today. This
book can be enjoyed as an uplifting
story for the very young but can
also lead to quite challenging
discussions with older pupils.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6

One World
Michael Foreman
0 09 983480 4
Entranced by its beauty, two
children plunder a rock pool to
create their own world in a bucket,
leaving all but a blob of oil. As the
water turns cloudy, the children
consider the similarities between
the pool and our fragile world.
Their simple, but symbolic, act of
cleaning the pool and replacing the
things that they had taken, suggests
how everyone could make a
difference, however small their
contribution.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The World That Jack
Built
Ruth Brown
0 09 978960 4
By combining striking images with a
deceptively simple text based on a
well-known rhyme, Ruth Brown
has created a powerful indictment
of the effects of industrialisation on
the natural landscape.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Zoo
Anthony Browne
0 09 921901 8
What appears to be a story about a
fun outing to the zoo is actually a
challenging consideration of human
attitudes to keeping animals in
captivity. It contrasts the stark reality
of the bare enclosures, boredom
and frustration experienced by
animals, with the puerile behaviour
of a human family.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Preparing to play an active role as citizens - Taking care of animals and the environment
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Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle
Developing a healthy, safer
Keeping healthy and safe is fundamental to the well-being of all children. Stories like the ones in this section can provide
reassurance about physical changes (Hair in Funny Places) or illness (I Don’t Want to go to Hospital) for example,
or reinforcement of messages about the need for skills and strategies which help to keep youngsters safe
(You Can Swim, Jim),(Arthur lost).
The use of animal characters (Badger’s Parting Gifts) or humour (Drop Dead) can often provide ways to talk about
sensitive subjects, like death and bereavement at a safe distance.
You’ll Soon Grow into
Them, Titch
Pat Hutchins
0 09 920711 7
Replete with visual references to
growth and change throughout the
natural world, this is bound to
stimulate discussion about personal
development and the anticipation
and arrival of a new baby in the
family.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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I Want my Potty
0 862 64965 X
I Don’t Want to go to
Hospital
0 862 64968 4
Tony Ross
Two hilarious stories featuring a
recalcitrant little princess, who in
the first believes that there must be
something better than yucky
nappies, while in the second dreads
a trip to hospital. As amusing and
entertaining as these stories might
be, they both focus on significant
times in young children’s lives. Most
will remember or know of younger
children involved in potty training
and anyone about to visit hospital
for the first time will be reassured
by the positive outcome of the little
princess’s experience.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Arthur Lost and Found
Marc Brown
0 09 940395 1
Not surprisingly, Arthur and his friend
Buster are nervous about catching
the bus to the swimming pool for the
first time, and when they miss their
stop and end up getting lost they
become even more scared.
However, the boys are resourceful
enough to make their own way
home before anyone gets too
worried, proving their growing sense
of responsibility and independence.
The story also provides opportunities
for talking about aspects of personal
safety.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6

lifestyle
D.W. the Picky Eater
Marc Brown
0 09 926317 3
Many children will empathise with
D.W.’s aversion to spinach.
However this particular fussy eater
is surprised to discover that spinach
really is quite good after sampling
‘Little Bo Peep Pot Pie’ at a family
celebration.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
You Can Swim, Jim
0 09 966941 2
Need a Trim, Jim
0 09 926546 X
Kaye Umansky & Margaret
Chamberlain
Young children are often frightened
by the thought of new experiences
– including their first haircut or
jumping into a swimming pool –
and Jim is no exception. With a lot
of encouragement from everyone
around him, he not only survives
but also enjoys each experience. In
both titles, Kaye Umansky’s
rollicking, rhyming texts are well
matched by the lively humour of
Margaret Chamberlain’s colourful
illustrations, resulting in two very
enjoyable and reassuring stories.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Arthur’s Chicken Pox
Marc Brown
0 09 926314 9
When Arthur develops chicken
pox, D.W. becomes jealous of all
the attention he receives, even
though he might have to miss a
family outing to the circus. Ironically
Arthur recovers just in time for the
trip and D.W. has to stay at home.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Frog and the
Birdsong
Max Velthuijs
0 862 64908 0
Frog and his friends begin to
understand the meaning of death
when they find a blackbird lying
motionless on the ground. The
book is both moving in its gentle
revelation of the truth and
optimistic in its celebration of life.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle
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Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle
Fire Alert!
Nicholas Allan
0 09 940786 8
There are a series of Hilltop Hospital
stories which can be used as an
introduction to the work of doctors,
nurses, midwives etc. Hospital
terminology, for example, blood sample,
scalpel, scanner, etc. is used regularly.
Lots to discuss about keeping healthy.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Badger’s Parting Gifts
Susan Varley
0 862 64062 8
In anticipation of his inevitable death,
Badger becomes concerned about how
his friends will feel when he is gone.
When the time comes, his close friend
Mole is particularly grief stricken. But
everyone finds comfort in talking about
Badger and sharing their special
memories of him – and as time passes
the intensity of their sadness fades. This
moving story sensitively explores the
subject of death and how we might
come to terms with the loss of a loved
one.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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Dr Dog
Babette Cole
0 09 965081 9
Babette Cole presents messages
about healthy living in a way that
will involve any youngster.
Dr Dog, a fully qualified medic, is
called upon to treat his family for
such ‘engaging’ conditions as
headlice, worms and wind so
terrible that it endangers the
local community. In each case,
Dr Dog’s diagnosis is graphically
described. This book provides
sound lessons about health and
hygiene in a most amusing way.
Not for the faint-hearted adult
but not yet known to fail with
children.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using
Dr Dog
in the Classroom
Greenfields School used the
book with Year 5 children and
whilst they were reading it and
making comments their teacher
got a feel for their
understanding of the issues.
She discovered for instance that
they all knew that smoking was
bad for you but did not know
what tar was. The teacher was
then able to discuss the gaps in
their knowledge.
St. Bridget’s School used the
book with Year 2 who all
thought it was very funny.
The children felt that they had
all learnt something new and
more importantly they learnt
why they shouldn’t be doing
certain things!

Mummy laid an egg
Babette Cole
0 09 929911 9
When two parents make a feeble
attempt to explain how babies are
made, their children decide to tell
them what really happens. What
follows is a simple illustrated
account of human reproduction –
simultaneously offering an ideal
model for adults as well as an
honest but accessible version for
young children.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fred
Posy Simmonds
0 09 926412 9
Fred, the lazy but loveable cat, is
dead and buried. After the funeral,
however, Nick and Sophie discover
their old moggy was not as lazy as
they thought. Fred was leading a
double life – being one thing to his
human family and an altogether
different character with his fellow
creatures. The celebratory feel to
this book provides much to talk
about on the tricky theme of losing
a loved one.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Drop Dead
Babette Cole
0 09 965911 5
Babette Cole celebrates the
process of growing from young to
old, employing her outrageous
sense of humour to tackle the
sensitive issue of our mortality.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Hair in Funny Places
Babette Cole
0 22 404763 9
Babette Cole handles the delicate
matter of puberty with her usual
frankness and irreverent humour,
explaining the changes that boys
and girls can expect once Mr and
Mrs Hormone get working.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle
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Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people – Relationships with families and friends
Developing good relationships
differences between people
Children need to recognise that they form an important part in a network of relationships encompassing family, friends
and the wider world. Through the books in this section, children can explore their roles in their families (Nana’s Garden),
(The Cartoonist), with their friends (My Best Friend) and with others who are close to them throughout their childhood
(What Will We Do Without Mrs Mac?).
Learning to respect, value and celebrate diversity is an essential part of their schooling. Children can be introduced to
complex issues, such as irrational prejudice (Frog and the Stranger), and can be encouraged to look beyond the
stereotypical attitudes they may encounter to value themselves and others for their individual qualities.
Relationships with families and friends
Using Is That
What Friends Do?
in the Classroom
St. Bridget’s School used the
book with their year 2 class.
The teacher thought it was a
useful book for PHSE as it
prompted a lot of discussion
about friendship and, after a
little prompting, a discussion
about saying sorry and
forgiveness.
Greenfields School used the
book with Reception in circle
time and it initiated a lot of
discussion about what Monkey
should have done to help his
friend as well as thinking of
activities the Elephant and
Monkey would have been able
to do together and enjoy. The
teacher found that it enabled
the children to look at how
they treated their own friends
and what it is like to have a
bossy person telling them what
to do.
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Is That What Friends
Do?
Marjorie Newman & Peter Bowman
0 09 922162 4
Lonely Elephant is pleased that
Monkey wants him for a friend but
soon finds it hard. Monkey has had
lots of friends but seems to have
lost them all. By the end of the
story we all know why. Monkey has
to learn to share and be kind.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Trouble with
Jack
Shirley Hughes
0 09 992730 6
A little brother – especially ones like
Jack – can be a real nuisance. Jack
spoils Nancy’s toys and games, he
even messes up her birthday party
but she realises that she must ‘put
up with him whatever he’s like’
because he is her brother.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
I Love You Blue
Kangaroo
Emma Chichester Clark
0 862 64831 9
Blue Kangaroo has always been
Lily’s favourite soft toy but as new
toys arrive she seems to be
neglecting him. Eventually, when
Blue Kangaroo gets pushed out of
bed, he decides to stop hoping Lily
will remember him and makes do
with the baby. But Lily realises she
loves Blue Kangaroo far more than
the new toys.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6

and respecting the
Moving Molly
Shirley Hughes
0 09 991650 9
Molly’s lively family moves from a
busy town street to a quiet house
in the countryside. Change can
be daunting and, once the
excitement of the move is over,
she finds herself with no one to
play with and none of her
everyday tasks to perform. Just as
Molly has come to terms with
being alone, another family
moves into the empty house next
door and there’s a chance to
make new friends.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
My Best Friend
Pat Hutchins
0 09 928191 0
All children enjoy having a friend to
stay overnight. In this celebration of
friendship, the host child
enthusiastically describes the many
qualities and achievements of her best
friend who’s come to stay. But
everyone has strengths and when the
visiting child thinks there’s a monster
in the room she has her friend there
to reassure her.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Titch and Daisy
0 09 971801 4
Tidy Titch
0 09 920741 9
Pat Hutchins
Two more stories about the popular
pre-schooler - this time focussing on
the subjects of friends and siblings.
The first explores the awkwardness
young children sometimes feel in
certain social situations and the
comfort gained from being with a
friend. The second is a gently ironic
tale about tidy and not-so-tidy
bedrooms, which touches on the
themes of sharing and co-operation.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
What Would We Do
Without Missus Mac?
Gus Clarke
0 862 64884 X
In anticipation of Missus Mac’s
departure the children recall all
the different ways that she has
helped them. She is just as sad
about leaving as they are about
losing her and in the end she
agrees to stay. A happy outcome
for everyone in this case, but
having to say farewell is a
common occurrence in a school
community and this book
provides the ideal stimulus for
talking about how we feel on
such occasions.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Nana’s Garden
Sophy Williams
0 09 940784 1
Thomas would love his
grandmother to come and play
with him in the garden, but she’s
too old. In the garden he meets a
little girl, who shares his
grandmother’s name, and they
play together until the light begins
to fade. As they depart, Rose says
that she will always be with him
and Thomas runs back into the
arms of his grandmother. Could it
be that Rose is the ghost of Nana
when she was a little girl? Are
Rose’s parting words a message
from Nana anticipating the time
when she will no longer be
there? Whatever you may think,
Sophy Williams’ beautiful
illustrations convey the
atmosphere of an autumnal
garden steeped in mystery and
deeply felt emotions.
Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people – Relationships with families and friends
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people – Relationships with families and friends
Two of Everything
Babette Cole
0 09 922062 8
Children often find themselves in
the middle of conflict between
adults and it is easy for them to
assume they are somehow to
blame. Babette Cole makes it very
clear in this book that Paula and
Demetrius are very definitely not
responsible for ‘parents who
behave like five-year-olds’. She also
provides them with a solution, an
‘un-wedding’ – followed by a
satisfactory arrangement for
everyone so that the children
continued to see both parents (plus
the advantage of having access to
two of everything!).
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Story of the
Dancing Frog
Quentin Blake
0 09 953551 3
The tale of Great Aunt Gertrude
and George, the dancing frog, is
not as straightforward as it seems.
Mum tells a family story which
offers a way of understanding
complex concepts such as loss,
loyalty and responsibility - rather
serious themes which are wrapped
up in the fun of George’s growing
celebrity and success.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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The Present Takers
Aidan Chambers
0 09 999160 8
Being bullied makes Lucy miserable
but she finds it hard to tell her
parents how she feels. Eventually,
with the help of friends, she finds a
way to tackle the ‘present taker’
gang. This book raises issues of
friendship, loyalty and ‘when to tell’
in addition to the obvious one of
bullying.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Eighteenth
Emergency
Betsy Byars
0 09 940867 8
‘Mouse’ spends his time imagining
how he would escape a variety of
emergencies. Unfortunately, none
of his ideas help him when he lands
himself in a really tricky situation
with Marv Hamlish, a known bully.
This humorous account of how
‘Mouse’ deals with his predicament
provides a light-hearted way of
discussing taking responsibility for
unwise actions.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Cybil War
Betsy Byars
0 09 942571 8
Simon’s confusion over relationships
with his friend - Tony, ‘girlfriend’ -
Cybil and various significant adults
causes him frustration and gloom.
Everything gets out of hand when
Tony decides that he wants to go
out with Cybil. Simon learns who
to trust and he begins to have
confidence in his own judgement.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Cartoonist
Betsy Byars
0 09 942601 3
When Alfie’s attic is threatened by
the return of his useless older
brother, Bubba, and his pregnant
wife, he decides to take action. By
discovering that his sister and
grandfather have also suffered from
Bubba’s inconsiderate behaviour,
Alfie comes to terms with his
chaotic family life – especially his
insensitive mother.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6

Respecting Differences
Dottie
Peta Coplans
0 862 64488 7
In a simply expressed story
about Dottie, the puppy who
loves to grow things, children
can be introduced to the idea of
stereotyping. Dottie’s parents
realise that they had been
wrong to discourage her interest
in gardening.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
You’re all Animals
Nicholas Allan
0 09 176797 0
Billy Trunk is a very superior little
elephant who considers all his
new class mates beneath him
because they are ‘different’. He
joins a chat line on the internet
to find a friend and is delighted
to discover that somebody just
like him already attends his
school. Computer conversations
are very successful but what will
happen when the two friends
meet for the first time?
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Elmer
David McKee
0 09 969720 3
The story of Elmer, the patchwork
elephant, has long been an ideal book to
open up discussion with children about
being different and valuing diversity.
There are many Elmer stories for the
children to enjoy which continue the
theme in a variety of ways.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Michael
Tony Ross & Tony Bradman
0 862 64759 2
A salutary tale about a scruffy, cheeky
little boy who turns out to be
exceptionally gifted. He doesn’t fit in at
school at all, finding such social
organisation too restricting and being far
more concerned with his own ideas than
the curriculum.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Seal Surfer
Michael Foreman
0 09 972451 0
A boy and his grandfather share the
same interest in the local seal colony.
Over the months a bond develops
between a young seal and the boy. In
spite of his physical disabilities the boy is
a competent swimmer and surfer, but he
still needs the help of the seal to escape
the dangers of the sea.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Frog and the Stranger
Max Velthuijs
0 862 64625 1
The arrival of a stranger in the wood
stirs strong feelings. Although Frog is
happy to make friends with Rat some
of the others, who are full of
prejudice and resentment, call him
names and make accusations against
him. However, as time passes Rat
proves his worth and is gradually
welcomed into the community. An
ideal introduction to the sensitive
issue of racial prejudice.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Night Shimmy
Gwen Strauss & Anthony Browne
0 09 996510 0
The Night Shimmy, Eric’s imagined
companion, provides the only
channel for him to communicate
with the world. Marcia’s
unquestioning friendship gradually
gives Eric the confidence to break
through his self-imposed silence and
eventually discard the Night Shimmy
forever. A powerful story about
opening doors in the mind of an
unhappy child.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Worst Kids in the
World
Barbara Robinson
0 09 942740 0
It is easy to find fault with a family
that is always in trouble in the
neighbourhood. The narrator of this
story discovers, however, that the
Robinsons have redeeming features
– not least, at Christmas time. Seeing
the Robinsons’ interpretation of the
nativity during the church pageant
makes complete sense of the story.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people – Respecting Differences
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For Every Child
For Every Child
Text adapted by Caroline Castle
0 09 176815 2
‘We can each make a difference if we are vigilant to create a
new kind of society, more compassionate, more caring,
more sharing where human rights,
where children’s rights are respected and protected.’
This statement, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his introduction to For Every
Child, embodies the principles that underpin all personal, social and health
education. In this book fifteen of the rights formally laid out in the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child are interpreted visually by fourteen
well-regarded children’s book illustrators from around the world. While the text
provides a simply expressed version of the original, the appendix lays out the
articles in detail, resulting in a publication designed to appeal to the needs and
sensitivities of children and adults alike.
This beautiful book is testimony to the power of the picture book to
communicate a poignant message in a way that is meaningful to both the
youngest and the most mature readers.
R 1 2 3 4 5 6
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Using
For Every Child
in the Classroom
Greenfields School used the book
with Year 6 and their teacher
started off by explaining the
history and functions of the United
Nations before moving on to
introduce the idea of a
Convention for the Rights of the
Child. The children were then
asked to contribute their own
rights. Instead of coming
up with the right to television and
designer trainers the children
actually came up with the
following: a safe, warm,
comfortable place to sleep or live;
enough food and drink; education;
suitable clothing; someone to love
and protect them and the right to
have their own thoughts – not far
off the actual rights.
They then looked at the book and
compared the real conventions to
the rewritten ones looking at the
language and sense. The children
then wrote and illustrated their
own ideas for children’s rights -
either taken from the book, the
Convention or ones they had
made up. They are planning
future work on the book looking
at responsibilities.
St Bridget’s also enjoyed the book
very much and are planning on
using it as a class resource for
years 2 to 6.

Random House Children’s Books have a
range of resource material to help you to
get the most out of our books. All are
available free of charge!
GREAT BOOKS FOR BOYS �
Recent research has shown what most teachers and librarians have
always known - that some boys miss out on the fun of books. For them
reading may be a chore, it may seem irrelevant, or worst of all they are
bored by it! Lindsay Fraser, Executive Director of the Scottish Book
Trust, has compiled this illustrated guide and booklist, which is packed
with some of the most exciting picture books and fiction available, as
well as helpful hints and tips on how to encourage boys with their
reading.
GREAT BOOKS FOR THE LITERACY HOUR AND
BEYOND �
This illustrated booklist compiled by Wendy Cooling, following the
headings given in the National Literacy Strategy document Framework
for Teaching. The booklist makes it clear which titles are appropriate for
each age group and topic. The titles chosen provide opportunities for
work at word, sentence and text level in both shared and guided
reading sessions from Reception to Year 6.
THE RED FOX READING GANG �
Red Fox Reading Gangs are the ideal way to encourage children to
read books and to enjoy them. Aimed at children between 4 and 12,
Red Fox Reading Gangs offer the chance to read and discover about a
wide range of first-rate books and authors. With this easy Leader’s
Notes booklet packed full of photocopiable resources and activities you
will have everything you need to start up your own gang.
AUTHORS BEYOND THE LITERACY HOUR �
Written by English Co-ordinator, Alison Heffernan, these photocopiable
teacher’s notes each focus on the work of a specific children’s author,
exploring their work and suggesting ideas of how to use their books in
classroom activities. Based on the new National Curriculum to be
implemented in September 2000, the notes suggest ways to link the
author’s work to a whole range of curriculum subjects including literacy,
art, science, geography and PSHE.
Please photocopy this page indicating which items you require by ticking
the boxes (max. 1 of each) and send with an A4 self address envelope
(no stamp required) to: Resource Material, The Marketing Department,
Random House Children’s Books, P.O. Box 1375, London SW1V 2SA.
All resources are free of charge. No stamp or money required.
Please allow 28 days for delivery.

Great Books for PSHE
and Citizenship
Personal, social and health education (PSHE) is intended
to help children to lead “healthy, confident and
independent lives and to become informed, active,
responsible citizens”.
Books are an important tool for getting these messages
across and can be used in a variety of ways: as a
starting point for lessons - to introduce a topic; to be
read during work - to illustrate a point; or, for bringing
ideas together as a conclusion to a lesson.
Prue Goodwin, Director of INSET at the Reading and
Language Information Centre, The University of Reading,
has worked with Random House Children’s Books to
create this illustrated guide and booklist which is
packed with some of the most useful picture books
and fiction to help children to understand
and enjoy learning about PSHE.
Random House Children’s Books
A division of the Random House Group Ltd.
20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SWIV 2SA
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