Jane Lawes grew up in Surrey, and spent her childhood dancing and practicing gymnastics in the garden. She studied American Literature with Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, where she spent three years reading good books and writing stories. Her first series of children's fiction, Gym Stars, was published in 2012, and her Ballet Stars series was in 2015. When she's not writing fiction, she works in the publishing team at the Royal Opera House, putting together performance programmes for The Royal Ballet.

Sarah Jennings has been illustrating children's books since graduating in 2013. At a young age she discovered a love of drawing and has been scribbling and sketching ever since. Sarah enjoys combining traditional and digital techniques to create her illustrations and particularly loves designing characters. She currently lives in London and works from her home studio in the company of her very cheeky three-legged cat!

An entertaining, sporty story, ideal for children practising their reading at home or in school.

Emmie's school is having a big sports day and everyone has to choose an event to take part in. There are running races, long jump, an egg-and-spoon race, and even the three-legged race. But Emmie isn't sure what to choose and she is sure that she is going to come in last...

This fun and sporty adventure from author Jane Lawes is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves and for Key Stage 1. It features engaging illustrations by Sarah Jennings and relatable characters young readers will find hard to resist.

Bloomsbury Young Readers are the perfect way to get children reading, with book-banded stories by brilliant authors like Julia Donaldson. They are packed with gorgeous colour illustrations and include inside cover notes to help adults reading with children, as well as ideas for activities related to the stories.

'Every child needs a Bloomsbury Young Reader. Fun, stretching, just the right length, full of adventurous vocabulary and punctuation.' (Julie-Ann McCulloch, Teacher)

Book Band: White

Ideal for ages 6+

Every child needs a Bloomsbury Young Reader. Fun, stretching, just the right length, full of adventurous vocabulary and punctuation, [with] tips to support the parent or carer at home or the teacher who needs inspiration at the end of a busy day.

I like that the books do have messages and characters you can empathise with, but I also like that they are a light and breezy read, that there is enjoyable, playful language, humour and that they are not dull!