Frances Durkin is a writer, historian and the author of the award-winning Histronauts book series. She has also written a number of books about the history of STEM subjects, articles for Aquila magazine and digital content scripts for museums. She holds a PhD in Medieval History from the University of Birmingham and, when she isn't writing or researching, Frances runs history events in schools, museums, bookshops and at festivals. Frances was born in Yorkshire and now lives in Buckinghamshire with her partner and two young daughters.
Big Cat Read On supports fluent readers to improve their reading skills and nurture a love of reading. Consisting of a wide range of engaging chapter books, the Big Cat Read On series improves reading stamina and comprehension, develops vocabulary, and introduces children to more sophisticated narrative structures and themes. A stately home, a tropical fruit, a Victorian mystery! My name's Molly, and I'm a housemaid at Beacon Towers. Lady Bracken has asked me to guard one of the pineapples when it's on display during a dinner party. It's worth a lot of money, so absolutely nothing must go wrong... About the Author and Book Talk questions invite the reader to think more deeply about the themes in the book and reflect on their reading experience. Online lesson plans provide guidance in using this book in a range of settings, including independent, social and whole-class reading - all designed to support the reader to connect with the book and encourage a positive attitude to reading.