Beowulf and the Monster; The Simple Giant

These two titles are part of a series (sixteen titles so far) representing an excellent new initiative from Scholastic. Established authors (Philip Pullman, Alan Garner, Ad$ele Geras and the much missed Henrietta Branford amongst them) have been commissioned to retell classic tales in vivid, accessible prose, illustrated with simple but attractive header and footer motifs, in books which have the look and feel of a short beginner novel. Each of them costs a pound. If these two new examples are typical, this represents excellent value for money. Patten's account of the slaughter in the Great Hall followed by Beowulf's relentless pursuit of Grendel and his mother is bloody and dramatic but lightened with touches of humour. Temperley tells a simple touching tale in which readers will recognise elements of Kaspar Hauser, the Friendly Giant and Seven at a Blow. Both books deploy verse and dialogue to good effect. This series is very highly recommended, particularly for readers gaining confidence between KS1 and 2. For a mere sixteen pounds, a class set could introduce your readers to a gallery of powerful traditional tales retold by some of the best authors at work in the UK today.