Dr Mandy Hartley has a PHD in genetics and runs scientific workshops aimed at teaching children about DNA, and to share her love of science and literacy. She has written a series of award-winning books, The DNA Detectives, which are aimed at children aged 7-12 and encourage an interest in STEM learning through exciting, engaging adventure stories.

We chatted to Dr Mandy about her love of science and the inspiration behind the series.

When Science and Literature Collide: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

The YOTO Carnegie Medal-winning author, Katya Balen, explains how reading changed her life, ahead of Pickatale’s publication of her exclusive 24-part festive special Ruby’s Christmas Adventure.

What This YOTO Carnegie Medal-Winning Author Thinks About Reading for Pleasure

A chronic lack of funding for libraries in primary schools in the UK, coupled with no statutory requirement for a school to have a dedicated library space, has left only four out of ten primary schools with an on-site library. Furthermore, many public libraries are being forced to shorten their opening hours - and in some cases close altogether - due to insufficient funding. 

No library, no problem! - A guide for schools

Many socioeconomically disadvantaged children have low levels of literacy, according to research from the National Foundation for Educational Research.

Helping disadvantaged children learn to read consistently – A guide for teachers

Five easy tips to help children learn to read from the leading child language expert

Five reasons why non-fiction books can help to accelerate children’s reading progress

Language, words, speech and vocabulary are all things we take for granted – until we’re surrounded by children, that is. In this fascinating article, David Crystal (one of the world’s leading child language experts) explains how books will help children know and understand around 50,000 words by the time they’re adults. Not bad, eh?

Learn how and why books are essential to your child’s vocabulary from the leading child language expert

5 tips for teaching children to read at home

We’re back with more amazing reading and speaking tips for toddlers and children from David Crystal – one of the world’s leading authorities on child language and the English language!

Learn amazing tips to help your child speak and read from the leading child language expert

With the new national Covid-19 restrictions in full swing, England is once again in lockdown. If you’re on the hunt for fun activities to keep your kids entertained indoors, we have you covered! 

Five fun reading activities to keep kids entertained during lockdown

Make super-slime at home with this easy recipe from our Science Experiments for Kids book!

‘Tis the season for books! There’s no other time of year that is filled with as much hope, joy and excitement as Christmas, so why not embrace all of the merriment and relax with one of these magical children’s stories, which you can find in our app now. 

If you have already watched lots of Christmas movies, attended plenty of carol concerts and eaten your fair share of mince pies, you and your little one may be looking to find new ways to feel festive. These five Christmas books could be the answer, so take a peek at our seasonal picks below and start reading today.

Five festive children’s books to read this Christmas 

Welcome to the world of audiobooks, where stories are brought to life by amazing voices and sounds. This ever-popular way of consuming literature has become one of the hottest bookish trends of recent years and it’s here to stay for the long haul.

The rise of the audiobook: Why listening to audiobooks is so popular

The books you read and loved as a child might not be interesting enough for your kids, especially in this fast-paced digital world we live in. If you’re keen to encourage a love of books in your family home, here are 10 great tips on how to motivate your children to read.

If you need some advice on how to motivate reading, here are ten bookish tips for you:

10 great tips on how to motivate your children to read!

Learn how to support your child on their reading journey. Information for schools and families on how to improve children’s reading skills and encourage them to read for pleasure. Discover tips and tricks for parents and teachers.

When Science and Literature Collide: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

What This YOTO Carnegie Medal-Winning Author Thinks About Reading for Pleasure

No library, no problem! - A guide for schools

Helping disadvantaged children learn to read consistently – A guide for teachers

Five easy tips to help children learn to read from the leading child language expert

Five reasons why non-fiction books can help to accelerate children’s reading progress

Learn how and why books are essential to your child’s vocabulary from the leading child language expert

5 tips for teaching children to read at home

Learn amazing tips to help your child speak and read from the leading child language expert

Five fun reading activities to keep kids entertained during lockdown

Make super-slime at home with this easy recipe from our Science Experiments for Kids book!

Five festive children’s books to read this Christmas

The rise of the audiobook: Why listening to audiobooks is so popular

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When Science and Literature Collide: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

What This YOTO Carnegie Medal-Winning Author Thinks About Reading for Pleasure

No library, no problem! - A guide for schools

Helping disadvantaged children learn to read consistently – A guide for teachers

Five easy tips to help children learn to read from the leading child language expert

Five reasons why non-fiction books can help to accelerate children’s reading progress

Learn how and why books are essential to your child’s vocabulary from the leading child language expert

5 tips for teaching children to read at home

Learn amazing tips to help your child speak and read from the leading child language expert

Five fun reading activities to keep kids entertained during lockdown

Make super-slime at home with this easy recipe from our Science Experiments for Kids book!

Five festive children’s books to read this Christmas

The rise of the audiobook: Why listening to audiobooks is so popular

Safe use

Privacy

Follow Pickatale on social media

Certificates