Going to the Zoo Zoo for Sale ¦ Birds ¦ Birds from Africa ¦ Space Travel ¦ The Space Monster ¦ Cars ¦ The Red Racing Car ¦ Airport ¦ Flight into Danger

In spite of the publisher's claim, 'An exciting new series for the 1980s', I was extremely disappointed by the New Starters which seem in essence not radically different from their predecessors; although now there are three reading levels - Red (5-6), Blue (6-7) and Green (7-8) - and for every factual subject there is a parallel 'story'. However, these are written in pedestrian, stilted language (though in their favour, the type is clear, well-spaced and well-leaded). Some of the illustrations seem oddly inappropriate for the age range proposed by the publishers.

For example, the characters depicted in The Space Monster would suggest that the book is aimed at much older readers than the 6 to 7s stated in the blurb. The themes chosen - space, aeroplanes, etc. - indicate that popular appeal is the aim but for me, in trying perhaps too hard, the series fails. Those who desire to further the cause of true literacy will leave well alone.