Happy Families is a British children's television series made in the late 1980s based on the Happy Families series of books by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Happy Families ran for two series, 24 episodes in all (since each story was split over two episodes), and was shown on Children's BBC in 1989 and 1990. With over 50,000 words and intuitive illustrations and photographs, this is the ideal first dictionary for children aged 6+. Age-appropriate definitions, colour-coded sections, a user-friendly margin alphabet index, clear concise usage examples and pronunciation guides make this dictionary a great choice both for school and home learning. The fun games and vocabulary puzzles are useful for stretching the more able.

Allan Ahlberg, a former teacher, postman, plumber's mate and grave digger, is in the super-league of children's writers. He has published over 100 children's books and, with his late wife Janet, created such award winning picture books as EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM and THE JOLLY POSTMAN - both winners of the Kate Greenaway Medal. He has also written prize-winning poetry and fiction and lives in Sussex. Disclosure: If you buy books using the button above, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops. Books for year 2 video A collection of Judith Kerr’s Mog stories, including Mog the Forgetful Cat, Mog and Bunny, Mog and Baby, Mog on Fox Night, Mog’s Bad Thing and Mog’s Christmas. A brilliant collection of books for year 2 children to read in school or share at home, these stories will appeal to children who love animals and pets. There is no doubt that wobble is a great word to repeat over and over again. Wibble-wobble, wibble-wobble!If you liked our year 2 book list, why not try our Books for Year 1 reading list or our list of recommended picture books. We also have a great list of pirate-themed books for topics in year 2. Ahlberg wrote his first book when he was thirty-seven, after a decade of teaching - a profession that he maintains is "much harder" than being a writer. He says that if he hadn't become a writer, he would have loved to be a soccer player. He was married for many years to fellow children's author Janet Ahlberg, with whom he often worked. Their daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, is also a children's author. At home, Clarice has to put up with her annoying younger brother, a really moody older brother, and a grandfather who pours soup on his cornflakes. A very funny story about Clarice, who just wants peace and quiet. One of a series of great books for year 2 that are suitable for more independent readers. Could you choose between the Land of Birthdays and the Land of Toys? This is a classic and captivating story set in a magical land. Suitable for very independent year 2 readers, or perfect to read aloud to a class in storytime over a couple of weeks, this is a useful book to inspire imaginative ideas for writing.

Janet and Allan Ahlberg's Happy Families series is full of wonderful and funny books, perfect for children learning to read. This new, bigger, edition means that even younger children can enjoy the stories. Look out for Mr Biff the Boxer, too! A charming and heart-warming story about Alan and Bertram, who live next door to each other. Both seem to have something missing in their lives and are brought together in a clever ending – despite their different personalities – through Bertram’s cat Pierre. There are lots of discussion points for KS1&2 PSHE – how to compromise, how to respect each other’s differences, and how to find happiness; and the simple and effective character descriptions are ideal to explore in KS1 literacy lessons. Art teachers will see lots of opportunities to inspire pastel work using the illustrations as an impetus.

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A fun and engaging story about a lion who just wants to thank the villagers for feeding him – only for chaos to ensue. Beautifully illustrated in pen and ink. A classic picture book, and ideal for independent or paired reading in year 2. Human life is told through the unique perspective of Dr Xargle, an alien David Attenborough writing an observational travel guide. There are some hysterically funny descriptions of eating and babies. Ideal to read to your child in year 2 – this book is guaranteed to cause fits of the giggles. Malcolm is a normal boy, but all those around him a slightly strange. There’s a school that tries hard to make everything boring, a genie who appears if you rub your nose, and a city called Ponky. The first of a series, this is an ideal book for Year 2 children to read out loud. The importance of family and family support is also shown throughout the book which can open discussions with the children.