DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton

Research consistently shows that reading for enjoyment has a bigger impact on academic success than anything else. But fewer people are enjoying reading these days, and many teachers say it’s becoming harder and more stressful to get students interested in it. As a primary school teacher whose children have grown past having me read stories out loud to them, I still get many opportunities to read children books out loud so I feel like I understand what children will like to listen to (or read themselves). Being a huge fan of Korky Paul, this was a no brainer. Nothing beats snuggling up with a heavy, hard back book with that “brand-new page” smell.

All the Better to Read You With Volume 1 is a fabulous children’s book filled with short stories that would suit just about anyone’s taste. From a skeleton whose job is to scare people and a spider trying to trick a god, the fifteen short stories in this compilation brag about not being “safe” and “cosy” – creepy, danger, teeth and tricks all wait for you between the covers of this book. A promise to be cautious and to continue with care!

Chip Colquhoun and Korky Paul have created a book that all children will love (and some adults too). The beautifully drawn illustrations across the two hundred and thirty-nine pages bring the stories to life in front of your eyes. The language is easy to read which makes it even more suitable for children as they could read the stories to each other. My personal favourite is Warning: Read Before Cauld Johnnie – a lovely little tale about a Scottish tradition that the last person in a village to die would be the guardian of the graveyard. Cauld Johnnie being the last person, without his knowledge helps a poor wee boy to drive his aunty and uncle to distraction! Another one I thoroughly enjoyed the content is aimed at children of various ages and would be a fabulous addition to any teacher’s classroom in KS 1 and KS 2 classes. I love the way the author has a unique way of speaking to the reader as if they were standing right next to each other.

I lived my entire childhood with my nose in one book or another and I yearn for children across the world to have that same fabulous start in life that would allow them to dream big, using an expanding imagination daily and learn from a young age that the sky was the limit!

This fabulous book would make a brilliant gift for any child that likes a bit of an adventure story. I rate this collection as 5/5 and would recommend this to all and any that enjoys stories that will make you fall in love with reading all over again!

Rating: 5/5

This book retails at £12.99 and can be purchased from