'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh 'A shining light in our dark days' - 5 STAR reader review After an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom's class. On top of that, his colleague's malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud moments, Tales Out of School is a warm, humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village. Readers are loving TALES OUT OF SCHOOL: 'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS 'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS 'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS 'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS 'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

This book offers teachers a useful and very readable text to help them select stories, poetry and non-fiction material for the primary classroom, with ideas on how to teach them. Appropriate selection criteria are discussed and suggestions are given about keeping up with the range of available texts. The author offers a comprehensive guide to the whole range of books appropriate for use in the Literacy Hour. The tried and tested practical approaches provided in the book reflect guidance on The National Curriculum Programmes of Study for English and The National Literacy Strategy. Gervase Phinn has rare gifts as a teacher, speaker, storyteller and writer, all of which skills come together in the authoring of this book. It will inform, stimulate and entertain all who engage in literacy teaching throughout the English-speaking world -- even in places which have no knowledge of the Literacy Hour.

First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right level Three folk tales from around the world retold by the wonderful storyteller Gervase Phinn. In the first, a golden turtle offers a kindly fisherman riches beyond his wildest dreams. In the secod, Amparo’s daughter looks sweet, but when she’s determined to do something nothing gets in her way. In the third, a naughty leprechaun gets a big shock! Sapphire/Band 16 books offer longer reads to develop children's sustained engagement with texts and are more complex syntactically. A ‘wanted’ poster on pages 54 and 55 for the leprechaun in the last story helps children to recap all the naughty things he did. Text type: Three stories from other cultures. This book is paired with The Ultimate World Quiz, a non-fiction information book full of facts about our planet. Curriculum links: Geography: Passport to the world; Citizenship: Choices, Living in a diverse world. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

The third and final novel in the delightful Top of the Dales series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn. 'A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - Alan Titchmarsh Change is afoot in the usually sleepy village of Risingdale. Gerald Gaunt, headmaster of the primary school for over thirty years, is retiring. It is the end of an era and Gerald hopes that his replacement will work with him to secure a bright, happy future for the school. But Mr Smart has his own ideas about how things should be run, and things start to become fraught very quickly. On top of this, the teachers have plenty of other dramas to contend with. Still dealing with a class of children who seem to understand agriculture better than arithmetic, Tom Dwyer is pining over Janette, his one-that-got-away. Meanwhile, his colleague Joyce Tranter's new marital bliss is shattered by the arrival of her husband's avaricious, scheming nephew. And elsewhere in the village, Sir Hedley's long-cherished plans for his future are jeopardised by the arrival back in his life of his bitter, desperate ex-wife. Can the residents of Risingdale pull together and achieve happiness against the odds? With a lively cast of characters both old and new and countless laugh-out-loud moments, A Class Act is a warm, enchanting portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village. Readers are loving the Top of the Dales series: 'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS 'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS 'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS 'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS 'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

Sail away with the delightful new novel from Gervase Phinn, bestselling author of The School at the Top of the Dale A summer cruise should be just the ticket for a few weeks of luxury and relaxation - but for the passengers and crew of the Empress of the Ocean, the sights of the Mediterranean are nothing compared to the excitement on board... For bickering couple Albert and Maureen, the trip might prove a much-needed escape - or the final straw. Elegant Frances de la Mare is determined to hobnob with the right kind of people - but her penthouse suite proves lonelier than she ever imagined. Meanwhile, precocious twelve-year-old Oliver discovers that guidebooks don't teach you everything, sparks fly when the port lecturer finds himself upstaged by a popular author, dancers Bruce and Babs can't keep in step, and cruise expert Neville just wants someone to speak to. But as unlikely friendships are forged, feuds bubble in the laundry room, and everyone jostles for a seat at the Captain's table, they might find all their plans going overboard.... Warm, funny and uplifting, this is the perfect escapist read for fans of Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire novels, as well as readers of Celia Imrie, Alan Titchmarsh and Maeve Haran. '[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh

This is Gervase Phinn's third collection of children's insightful observations, amusing remarks and impossible-to-answer questions.

This entertaining volume of verse for the very young is the perfect introduction to poetry. It includes poems about everything that is important to children: animals, family, food - and some very good jokes. Jane Eccles' humorous and wacky illustrations perfectly complement this lively and amusing collection. Complete with Audio CD to aid independent reading.

Rich in language, humour and rhyme, this hilarious tale is perfectly complemented by Amanda Montgomery-Higham's witty illustrations. Lizzie and Dominic desperately want a kitten but they get much more than they bargain for! Complete with Audio CD to aid independent reading.

The third and final novel in the delightful Top of the Dales series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn. 'A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - Alan Titchmarsh Change is afoot in the usually sleepy village of Risingdale. Gerald Gaunt, headmaster of the primary school for over thirty years, is retiring. It is the end of an era and Gerald hopes that his replacement will work with him to secure a bright, happy future for the school. But Mr Smart has his own ideas about how things should be run, and things start to become fraught very quickly. On top of this, the teachers have plenty of other dramas to contend with. Still dealing with a class of children who seem to understand agriculture better than arithmetic, Tom Dwyer is pining over Janette, his one-that-got-away. Meanwhile, his colleague Joyce Tranter's new marital bliss is shattered by the arrival of her husband's avaricious, scheming nephew. And elsewhere in the village, Sir Hedley's long-cherished plans for his future are jeopardised by the arrival back in his life of his bitter, desperate ex-wife. Can the residents of Risingdale pull together and achieve happiness against the odds? With a lively cast of characters both old and new and countless laugh-out-loud moments, A Class Act is a warm, enchanting portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village. Readers are loving the Top of the Dales series: 'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS 'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS 'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS 'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS 'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh 'A shining light in our dark days' - 5 STAR reader review After an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom's class. On top of that, his colleague's malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud moments, Tales Out of School is a warm, humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village. Readers are loving TALES OUT OF SCHOOL: 'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS 'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS 'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS 'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS 'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS

Childhood is a magical time, when every experience is new and fresh, and the world is awash with wonder and amazing adventures. Gervase's selection ranges from medieval times to the present day, and from famous figures to moving reminiscences from ordinary people with a powerful tale to tell.

‘Could you tell me how to spell “sex”, please?’

Gervase Phinn thinks he’s heard just about everything in his two years as a school inspector, but a surprising enquiry from an angelic six-year-old reminds him never to take the children for granted.

This year, however, he has a few important things on his mind besides the schools. His impending marriage to Christine Bentley, the prettiest headteacher for miles around, finding themselves somewhere to live in the idyllic Yorkshire Dales, and the chance of a promotion all generate their fair share of excitement, aided and abetted as usual by his colleagues in the office. But it’s in the classroom where Gervase faces his greatest challenge, keeping a straight face as teachers and children alike conspire to have him – and us – laughing out loud.

Sail away with the delightful new novel from Gervase Phinn, bestselling author of The School at the Top of the Dale A summer cruise should be just the ticket for a few weeks of luxury and relaxation - but for the passengers and crew of the Empress of the Ocean, the sights of the Mediterranean are nothing compared to the excitement on board... For bickering couple Albert and Maureen, the trip might prove a much-needed escape - or the final straw. Elegant Frances de la Mare is determined to hobnob with the right kind of people - but her penthouse suite proves lonelier than she ever imagined. Meanwhile, precocious twelve-year-old Oliver discovers that guidebooks don't teach you everything, sparks fly when the port lecturer finds himself upstaged by a popular author, dancers Bruce and Babs can't keep in step, and cruise expert Neville just wants someone to speak to. But as unlikely friendships are forged, feuds bubble in the laundry room, and everyone jostles for a seat at the Captain's table, they might find all their plans going overboard.... Warm, funny and uplifting, this is the perfect escapist read for fans of Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire novels, as well as readers of Celia Imrie, Alan Titchmarsh and Maeve Haran. '[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh

Gervase Phinn is offered the post of County Inspector of Schools in North Yorkshire because of his good sense and lack of pretension. 'We don't put people on pedestals in Yorkshire', he's told, 'they nobbut want dustin'. As Gervase Phinn reveals in this warm and wonderfully humorous account, his first year was quite an educational experience.

He quickly learns that he must slow his pace and appreciate the beautiful countryside - 'Backwatersthwaite's been theer since time o' Vikings. It'll still be theer when thee finds it'. He meets some larger than life characters, from farmers and lords of the manor, to teaching nuns and eccentric caretakers. And, best of all, he discovers the endearing and disarming qualities of the Dales children, including the small boy who, when told he's not very talkative, answers: 'If I've got owt to say I says it, and if I've got owt to ask I asks it'.

With his keen ear for the absurd and sharp eye for the ludicrous, Gervase Phinn has delighted audiences with tales of his experiences as a school inspector. Now, for the first time, readers, can enjoy him too.

Rich in language, humour and rhyme, this hilarious tale is perfectly complemented by Amanda Montgomery-Higham's witty illustrations. Lizzie and Dominic desperately want a kitten but they get much more than they bargain for!

'Miss, who's that funny man at the back of the classroom?'

So begins school-inspector Gervase Phinn's second year among the frankly spoken pupils and teachers of North Yorkshire. The sight of Gervase calmly getting out his notebook and pen provokes extreme reactions from children and adults alike. He finds himself unwillingly playing the stooge to Mrs Peterson's class of juniors, confronting a Mr Swan whose hunger for lunchtime exceeds his appetite for English and alarmingly disarmed by a pupil unsure whether he is 'learning' French or German.

But Gervase is far from daunted. He's still in pursuit of his dream girl - headteacher Christine Bentley, he is ready to brave the steely glare of the officious Mrs Savage and even feels up to helping Dr Gore organize the Feoffees - just as soon as someone tells him what they are!

This is a delectable second helping of hilarious tales from the man dubbed 'the James Herriot of schools'. It will have you laughing out loud.

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh Newly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer has been given his first post in Risingdale, a sleepy little village at the very top of the Yorkshire Dales. Unsure if he'll ever fit into this close-knit community, Tom joins a motley staff at the village school. With pupils who know more about sheep than they do arithmetic, Tom has his work cut out for him. Add to that an altercation with the beautiful but stand-offish Miss Janette Fairborn and an argument with the local squire's son, and Tom's first term proves a baptism of fire. But Tom soon finds himself growing fond of Risingdale, and with a class of lively and demanding pupils, an end-of-term show to put on, and a jewellery thief at large, he will find himself at the centre of drama, secrets revealed, and plenty of love, laughter and new friendships. Full of colourful characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, The School at the Top of the Dale is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village. Readers are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL: 'Well written and highly entertaining - exactly what I hope for from this author. ' - 5 STARS 'Another good read.' - 5 STARS 'A well written story about a small community full of interesting characters.' - 5 STARS 'Another gem.' - 5 STARS 'Again, a most enjoyable story. I cannot put the book down.' - 5 STARS

A touching and hilarious gift book of poetry and prose on the subject of children and Christmas from the Yorkshire school inspector and bestselling author of the Dales series and Little Village School series.

The popular raconteur recounts another selection of witty stories and anecdotes in this live stand up show.

Rich in language, humour and rhyme, this hilarious tale is perfectly complemented by Amanda Montgomery-Higham's witty illustrations. Lizzie and Dominic desperately want a kitten but they get much more than they bargain for! This version includes fun language activities for parents and teachers.

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh Summer has arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale and as a new term begins at the little primary school, it's not just the warm weather that's getting people hot under the collar. Meetings with the teachers from Urebank School to discuss the merger are producing more than a few fireworks, a disruptive new pupil arrives, set to cause trouble, and a surprising staff love affair is exposed. There's also a big school production of The Wizard of Oz to organise as well as an impending visit from the Minister of Education. Headteacher Elisabeth Devine certainly has her work cut out for her. And that's just some of the drama set to shake-up the village. Throw in a sprinkling of secrets, shocking revelations, old flames, new liaisons, psychics, weddings and misfortune . . . There's plenty to gossip about this term. Readers are loving THE SCHOOL INSPECTOR CALLS!: 'Any Gervase Phinn book should give you hours of pleasure.' - 5 STARS 'Compulsive reading as ever.' - 5 STARS 'I can't wait to read more.' - 5 STARS 'I would recommend this book.' - 5 STARS 'Wonderful descriptions of village and school life' - 5 STARS

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh 'It's a small village is Barton-in-the-Dale, Mrs Stirling,' said the shopkeeper. 'You ought to know that by now. Nothing can be kept secret for too long. News travels fast.' In the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale, long-hidden secrets are bubbling to the surface. Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are set to tie the knot, when a revelation from the handsome Irishman's past returns to haunt him. The town's resident nosey-parker discovers some juicy gossip about the primary school's dishy new staff-member, and head teacher Elisabeth Stirling has a very special secret of her own. As the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama, friendship and love. One thing's for sure: for some, life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again. Readers are loving SECRETS AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL: 'Wonderful' - 5 STARS 'Perfect light summer reading' - 5 STARS 'Just as good as his previous book in the series.' - 5 STARS 'I so enjoy the trials and tribulations of this Yorkshire school. Gervase is a fine writer.' - 5 STARS 'It's like having a gossip with a good friend - a beautiful series of books.' - 5 STARS