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Select your format based upon: 1) how you want to read your book, and 2) compatibility with your reading tool. To learn more about using Bookshare with your device, visit the Help Center.

Here is an overview of the specialized formats that Bookshare offers its members with links that go to the Help Center for more information.

• Bookshare Web Reader - A customized reading tool for Bookshare members offering all the features of DAISY with a single click of the "Read Now" link.
• DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) - A digital book file format. DAISY books from Bookshare are DAISY 3.0 text files that work with just about every type of access technology that reads text. Books that contain images will have the download option of ‘DAISY Text with Images’.
• BRF (Braille Refreshable Format) - Digital Braille for use with refreshable Braille devices and Braille embossers.
• MP3 (MPEG audio layer 3) - Provides audio only with no text. These books are created with a text-to-speech engine and spoken by Kendra, a high quality synthetic voice from Ivona. Any device that supports MP3 playback is compatible.
• DAISY Audio - Similar to the DAISY option above; however, this option uses MP3 files created with our text-to-speech engine that utilizes Ivonas Kendra voice. This format will work with Daisy Audio compatible players such as Victor Reader Stream and Read2Go.
• EPUB - A standard e-book format that can be read on many tools, such as iBooks, Readium or others.
• Word - Accessible Word output, which can be unzipped and opened in any tool that allows .docx files

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl: Frankenstein (PDF)

When Frankenstein creates a monster, he never expects it to be such a huge threat to society, what will he have to do to stop it, and can he succeed before any more damage is done? Explore the fascinating dilemma of nature versus nurture in Mary Shelley's unforgettably dark thriller.

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl: Virginia Hall World War II Spy (PDF)

At the beginning of World War II, a young American woman named Virginia Hall was sent undercover to Nazi-occupied France to spy on the German army. Follow her incredible true story as she bravely aids the French Resistance, organises and leads rebel armies and passes secret coded radio messages to the Allied forces in this fascinating biography. * Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. * Text type: A biography. * Curriculum links: History: What can we learn about recent history from studying the life of a famous person?

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl: Jane Eyre (PDF)

When governess Jane Eyre goes to work at Thornfield Hall and meets the mysterious Mr Rochester, her life finally feels like it's going right. Until the strange woman in the attic threatens everything. Charlotte Bronte's epic classic is beautifully retold here by award-winning author Julie Berry.

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl: Little Women (PDF)

Follow the lives of the March sisters, who are forced to pull together when their father leaves to fight in the war. But will the girls cope when disaster strikes and their mother has to leave too, or will their changing world pull them apart?

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl: KING LEAR (PDF)

Revisit Shakespeare's most famous tragedy. When King Lear asks his three daughters to prove their love for him, he never expects the devastating outcome he faces. This remarkable edition allows readers into the minds of each of the principal characters to better understand their crafty plans and desperate motivations. Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. Text type: Fiction from our literary heritage Curriculum links: English: fiction from the English literary heritage

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl: The 39 Steps (PDF)

Revisit John Buchan's classic adventure story of danger and intrigue, as hero Richard Hannay desperately tries to escape being caught for a murder he didn't commit. The question is, can he stop the mysterious forces, which threaten the safety of the world while he's on the run?

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl: HAMLET (PDF)

A wonderfully creative retelling of Shakespeare's famous tale of revenge. When Hamlet's father unexpectedly dies and his mother quickly remarries his uncle, something doesn't feel right. A warning from a ghost sets in motion a terrifying investigation to uncover the truth. But at what cost? Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. Text type: Fiction from our literary heritage Curriculum links: English: fiction from the English literary heritage

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl: Othello (PDF)

Sally Prue's gripping retelling of Shakespeare's devastating tragedy is both shocking and riveting. Find out how far Iago will go to get revenge on Othello, and what the terrible consequences will be. Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. Text type: Fiction from our literary heritage Curriculum links: English: fiction from the English literary heritage

Collins Big Cat, Band 18, Pearl, RICHARD III (PDF)

Follow the twisted, evil plans of Richard III as he works his way to up become king of England. But, just how far will he go in order to reach the top, and once there, will he get the glory and triumph he so craves? Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. Text type: Fiction from our literary heritage Curriculum links: English: fiction from the literary heritage

Collins Big Cat, Band 2, Red: A Day Out, Workbook (PDF)

An engaging workbook for children who are using the Big Cat series. These workbooks accompany the popular Collins Big Cat series. They enable children to practise and reinforce the target vocabulary and language structures presented in each corresponding Collins Big Cat reader through enjoyable puzzles, games and activities, as well as through more traditional comprehension exercises. Tracing, copying and eventually free-writing tasks build and develop children's writing skills as they progress through the Bands. A fun quiz to test understanding, and a reward certificate at the back of each Workbook, enable children to feel a sense of progress as they learn to read more confidently in English.

Collins Big Cat, Band 2, Red: Tec and the Hole (PDF)

Tec the detective has found a hole in the ground - but who dug it? Children follow Tec as he trails his suspects, until he finds the vital clue that leads him to the guilty party!

Collins Big Cat, Band 2, Red: Pirates (PDF)

This comical story is a patterned, counting text about a band of pirates searching for treasure. One-by-one, they get into trouble and make a hasty retreat back to the pirate ship. Helpful vignettes of the pirates at the top of each page help children count how many pirates are left.

Collins Big Cat, Band 4, Blue: What's Underground (PDF)

Photos and illustrations combine to give a detailed picture of the fascinating life that goes on underground. We meet animals who live underground, see trains that travel underground and follow pipes, wires and cables from houses deep into the ground. * Blue/ Band 4 non-fiction books use children's language patterns to give information which is supported by the illustrations and design. * Text types - A non-chronological report. * The cross-sectioned diagram on pages 14 and 15 allows children to recap and discuss the text. * Curriculum links - Geography: the local area; Science: light and dark. * This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.

Collins Big Cat, Band 9, Gold: Buzz and Bingo in the Fairytale Forest

When Buzz and Bingo went down to the woods one day, they got a big surprise! They met a charming prince, a big bad wolf, seven little men and an old woman. But where was the beautiful girl that everyone was looking for?If some of these characters sound familiar to you, you shouldn't be surprised! Alan Durant has plunged Buzz and his dog Bingo into a forest filled with your favourite fairytale characters. Their arrival encourages familiar characters to interact in new ways with hilarious consequences.

Collins Big Cat, Band 9, Gold: Buzz and Bingo in the Fairytale Forest (PDF)

When Buzz and Bingo went down to the woods one day, they got a big surprise! They met a charming prince, a big bad wolf, seven little men and an old woman. But where was the beautiful girl that everyone was looking for?If some of these characters sound familiar to you, you shouldn't be surprised! Alan Durant has plunged Buzz and his dog Bingo into a forest filled with your favourite fairytale characters. Their arrival encourages familiar characters to interact in new ways with hilarious consequences.

Collins Big Cat —The Case of the Adder That Didn't Add Up: Band 15/Emerald

Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Levelled for guided and independent reading, each book includes ideas to support reading. Teaching and assessment support and eBooks are also available. A poisoned mouse. No witnesses. No weapon. No footprints. With the evidence pointing to one suspect, Sly is eager to solve her first case and make an arrest before time runs out for poor Molly. But for Detective Snooper something doesn’t quite add up … Emerald/Band 15 books provide a widening range of genres including science fiction and biography, prompting more ways to respond to texts. Text type: A mystery story Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.

Collins Big Cat - First Day: Band 06/Orange (PDF)

It's Flynn's first day at school and he's nervous about making a mistake. An amusing story unfolds as Flynn's parents recount the mistakes others have made: Police officer Julie Nick gave a robber an ice cream and Ned Mutton tried to milk the chickens. Convinced he won't do anything so silly, Flynn walks out of the house still wearing his pyjamas! âe¢ Orange/ Band 6 books offer varied text and characters, with action sustained over several pages. âe¢ Text type - A humorous story with a familiar setting. âe¢ A storyboard on pages 22 and 23 provides a pictorial summary of the eight funny accounts. âe¢ Curriculum links - Citizenship: Choices; People who help us. âe¢ This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.

Collins Big Cat, Gold/Band 09: Escape From the Island (PDF)

As five friends paddle around the bay in their dinghy, none of them see a storm coming until it's too late. Swept out to sea, the children end up on a desert island. Follow them in this exciting playscript, as they explore the island and try to find a way to escape - and discover that sometimes it's the most unlikely person who saves the day.

Collins Big Cat - Hard Times: Band 17/Diamond (PDF)

Imagine you were a child in Victorian times. What was your day like? What did you wear, eat and play with? Did you go to school, or out to work? Find out what life was like for children in this enthralling non-fiction book. * Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view. * A timeline on pages 54 and 55 help children to recap the main events of the Victorian era. * Text type: A non-chronological report * This book is paired with Moving Out a fiction story set in the past about a family in post-World-War-Two London deciding whether to move out to a New Town. * Curriculum links: History: What was it like for children living in Victorian Britain. * This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader

Collins Big Cat, Lilac, Band 0: What's in the Egg? (PDF)

This photographic information book by Moira Butterfield shows the variety of creatures that hatch from eggs, including fish, turtles, crocodiles, seagulls and eagles. This photographic information book by Moira Butterfield shows the variety of creatures that hatch from eggs, including fish, turtles, crocodiles, seagulls and eagles. Lilac/Band 0 books are wordless books that have a narrative using pictures. A simple pictorial summary with labels on pages 14-15 provides an opportunity to recap and discuss the information in the book. Text type: A wordless information book Curriculum links: Understanding of the world

Collins Big Cat Phonics — GORILLAS: Band 04/Blue (PDF)

Gorillas are fascinating animals – find out all about their habitat, diet and behaviour in this photographic non-fiction book by Teresa Heapy. • Blue/Band 4 books offer longer, repeated patterns with sequential events and integrated literary and natural language. • Text type: A non-chronological report • Children can discuss the important facts they have learnt about gorillas in the summary diagram on pages 14–15. • Curriculum links: Science: Plants and animals.

Collins Big Cat Phonics, Band 1, Pink: Pips in Pots (PDF)

Follow this simple instruction text with clear photographs of each stage to learn how to plant your own fruit pips.

Collins Big Cat Phonics, Band 1, Pink: Rat Naps (PDF)

Sid is a rat at the tip, he lives there with his friends Cam and Tim. But while they sleep soundly in their snug beds Rick the cat is on the look out for some dinner. This exciting story is vividly illustrated by Tomislav Zlatic. - Pink/1B

Collins Big Cat Phonics, Band 2A, Red A: Run, Jump, Hop (PDF)

This photographic non-fiction book examines how animals and people move.

Collins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds — BOB AND THE PINK WIG: Band 02A/Red A (Collins Big Cat Phonics For Letters And Sounds Ser.)