Collins Arabic Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 3 to 11. The series is structured with reference to the learning progression of Arabic at nursery and primary schools researched especially for Collins. This carefully graded approach allows children to build up their reading knowledge of Arabic step by step. Level 7 books include story lines with more episodes in time sequence, and may include imaginary happenings in the context of familiar experiences. There is still repetition but more variation in pattern and more new words are introduced than in lower levels. Non-fiction titles bring in simple non-fiction tools, such as diagrams, labels and captions. Additional vowel marks that encourage the flow of pronunciation are introduced at this level. Verbal sentences of up to 8-10 words with repeating and accessible actions appear at this level. Double spacing is used between words to ensure children see where each new word in a sentence begins and ends. When a hungry boy wishes for an egg he gets a surprise – a magic egg that makes everything he wishes for come true with hilarious consequences. But in the end does he ever really get what he wants? This traditional tale is beautifully illustrated by Karen Donnelly to set the scene and encourage discussion. A circular story map on pages 14-15 shows the boys journey and the consequence of each of his wishes, providing a wealth of speaking and listening opportunities.
