The Invisible Dog Dick King Smith

Janie longs for a dog, but her family cannot afford one, so an imaginary companion seems the next best thing. As her wish and the world around her begin to overlap, Dick King-Smith creates a gentle adventure with a magical edge. The story captures a child's determination and affection for animals, exploring hope, imagination and the delight of possibilities that seem just beyond reach.

Age suitability and learning: Primary (6-8), Older children (9-12). The longer narrative suits children ready to sustain attention across a developing story, whether reading independently or sharing it aloud. Following characters and events supports comprehension, vocabulary and reading stamina; discussing motives, settings and choices encourages inference, empathy and imaginative thinking.

Available at QT Toys in Battersea.