Mad in the Back by Michael Rosen

Mad in the Back by Michael Rosen

By Michael Rosen (author) , Richard Watson (illustrator) Part of the Acorns series

Paperback In Stock £6.99 £6.29

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A Dyslexia Friendly Picture Book for Parent and Child

It’s hard to know who will laugh more at this new picture book, children or their parents! Any adult who has undergone a long car journey with kids will be familiar with the phrase ‘I can’t drive properly if you two are going mad in the back’! Michael Rosen and Richard Watson describe just such a journey, and make it really funny.

Mum’s frustration and irritation grows as the two in the back bicker, fight and make endless demands for drinks, until she eventually explodes! Sounds familiar? The pictures are hilarious and it’s brilliant for reading out loud too. Read and enjoy in the comfort of your home, not on the road. ~ Andrea Reece

Publisher Barrington Stoke was inspired to create the Picture Squirrel Books titles after meeting a man with dyslexia at a book event. “We were approached by a gentleman who told us that it broke his heart that he couldn’t read to his child because of his dyslexia,” M.D. Mairi Kidd told The Bookseller. “So we talked to Michael Morpurgo, who we were already working with on low text books [textbooks that use a limited number of words]." The layout of picture books can be difficult for adults with dyslexia as the language and typeface are often very varied, the text can be cut into small chunks or is sometimes spun around a picture, which can make a book tricky if you don’t have good reading skills. Barrington Stoke worked with the authors and illustrators to ensure that the books are suitable for dyslexic readers and thereby helping more families grow a love of reading .

On the Picture Squirrels...Michael Morpurgo says: “I was immediately taken with the idea of the Picture Squirrel books, a picture book list that dyslexic parents and less confident readers can read with their children too.”

A hilarious snapshot of a familiar aspect of family life, told with Michael Rosen’s trademark wit and genius for language. This deliciously anarchic book, joyously illustrated and written by a national treasure, is perfect for sharing and will be loved by children and parents alike.

Read the full description

Two siblings drive their mother to distraction on the car journey from hell, while Mum tries every trick in the book to get them to behave, from cunning distractions - Look! It's a LAMP-POST - to threats of abandonment by the side of the road. All together now: Are we nearly there yet?

Part of Barrington Stoke's picture book range for all the family, with easy-read font.

Sharing stories is one of the best things families can do for their children and the Picture Squirrel books published by Barrington Stoke all contain a cluster of dyslexia-friendly features to help and support parents and carers with dyslexia so that they too can enjoy great books with children in their care.

Michael Rosen is a hugely bestselling author of picture books and poetry. Michael frequently appears on radio and gives talks and lectures on children’s literature. Michael was the Children’s Laureate for 2007–2009 and the winner of the Eleanor Farjeon Award. He lives in London.

Michael Rosen on Michael Rosen: I grew up in the London suburb of Pinner, a place my parents often wondered about. How had we landed there? My parents were teachers, politically committed (socialists), and great storytellers and readers. I was lucky to have found them. Most of my adult life, I've been a freelance writer, teacher (of sorts), journalist, performer and broadcaster. I visit schools doing my one-man show, and support Arsenal Football Club. I have often written about my life and family, but I also write occasional fantasy (usually based in a real place) and non-fiction.

Things you didn't know about Michael Rosen I wear size 12 shoes. I like speaking French. I'm an atheist. I love mobile phones. I love houmous. I can't live without green warty pickled gherkins. I hate racism. My father was American. I can slide my top lip one way and my bottom lip the other. I can play the harmonica.

Photo credit Laurence Cendroicz

Inaugural Michael Rosen Day launched

Hi-Lo Books - perfect for engaging struggling and reluctant readers, those with English as an additional language and those with dyslexia

the best picture books · the best bedtime stories

The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Mad in the Back and determined it is suitable for children aged 3-6 years old

Mad in the Back features in the following genres: Featured Books for 3+ readers, Recommendations, Featured Books for 5+ readers

Paperback. £6.29, down from the £6.99 cover price. In Stock.

Mad in the Back was written by Michael Rosen and published by Barrington Stoke Ltd

Mad in the Back has 25 pages

Yes it is part of Acorns series

£6.29, reduced from £6.99. In Stock.

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