Adam and his Shetland pony Haki have been inseparable. Haki is clever and brave and Adam soon trains him to do things other Shetland ponies can't -- to act, to dance and to follow the sound of Adam's bagpipes. But Adam must move off the island to find work and selling Haki is the only way he can leave. Then the pair performs at the Highland Show and a ringmaster is so impressed by the talented pony that he lets Haki, and Adam, join his travelling circus. Haki -- with Sondra the friendly elephant -- become stars of the big tent but some of the circus folk are jealous of their success. Can Adam protect his friend? This classic children's novel from much-loved author Kathleen Fidler takes the reader on an entertaining journey -- from a small Scottish crofting community to the bright lights of the circus. Fidler's authentic and charming depiction of life on Shetland remain, to this day, an unrivalled portrait of Scotland’s islands.

HELP FOR YOUNG READERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING AND FOR THOSE WITH ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE. It is believed that twenty or more percent of New Zealand children and many from other countries, particularly boys, are leaving formal education sadly deficient in the literary skills essential for normal living: without being able to read road directions or the instructions on a bottle of medicine. PART ONE of this book and the accompanying practice pages in "KEYS TO READING" has proved, with regular use, to be of great assistance to many young readers who are struggling to overcome a setback in their progress and has enabled them to become confident and fluent readers. For parents who are seeking desperately for clear guidance as to how they may help their children this program will provide a simple and effective plan to follow. PART TWO provides a simple outline of English grammar both for students who need some help in an easily understood form and for those with English as a second language. There is also help with written expression, spelling, and vocabulary. An extensive list of idioms should prove especially useful to those with English as a second language. Brian Elder is a graduate of Otago University, with a BA degree, majoring in English and trained as a teacher at Dunedin Teachers' College. He has taught all primary school grades, with most teaching at the Intermediate level, and was for many years a deputy principal at an Intermediate School. Apart from teaching his main interest has been organizing and leading Christian holiday camps for pre-teens, spending thirty years, during school vacations, as Camp Director of Christian youth camps Brian has always had a real concern for disadvantaged children and the Keys to Reading program has arisen from a perceived need to provide some practical help for boys and girls who have been struggling in this area.

Kathleen Fidler's classic story is set in the ancient Stone Age village of Skara Brae on Orkney. This is a fascinating and vividly portrayed story of life nearly 3,000 years ago. Kali and Brockan are in trouble. They have been using their stone axes to chip limpets off the rocks, but they've gone too far out and find themselves trapped by the tides. Then, an unexpected rescuer appears, a strange boy in a strange boat, carrying a strangely sharp axe of a type they have never seen before. Conflict arises as the village of Skara must decide what to do with the new ideas and practices that the boy brings. As a deadly storm threatens, the very survival of the village is in doubt. Step back into the Stone Age and learn about the daily life and rituals of the ancient village of Skara Brae in this compelling, fictional account of the famous Orkney settlement. Vivid descriptions and accurate historical details bring the village to life and make this an ideal choice for those studying the Stone Age curriculum.

Series covers individuals ranging from established award winners to authors and illustrators who are just beginning their careers. Entries cover: personal life, career, writings and works in progress, adaptations, additional sources, and photographs.

Series covers individuals ranging from established award winners to authors and illustrators who are just beginning their careers. Entries cover: personal life, career, writings and works in progress, adaptations, additional sources, and photographs.

Twins Kirsty and David Murray are forced to leave their crofting home in the north of Scotland, and struggle to cope with life in Glasgow, where the work is hard and dangerous. Then comes a chance for a new adventure on a ship bound for Canada. Will they survive the treacherous Atlantic crossing, and what will they find in the strange new land? The Desperate Journey is Kathleen Fidler's best-known story, a true Scottish classic whose thrilling plot will keep children gripped till the end.

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