Hector the Hippo wants to play the cello more than anything else in the world. But who in the jungle will teach him? Most of the other animals laugh at the idea. Finally Hector meets a musician who can help him, a lyrebird. He practices everyday until he has a chance to play at a grand concert in front of all the other animals.

This story by a significant author tells the tale of Hector the Hippo who wants to play the cello. • Series editor Cliff Moon is an acknowledged expert in teaching reading, with decades of experience, well known and trusted by teachers. • Collins has commissioned top children’s authors and illustrators to create guided reading books that children will love to read. • Highly stimulating illustrations in a variety of styles, from cartoon to photographs, are designed to engage young readers’ interest and imagination. • The highly visual books support developing literacy skills and provide a wealth of speaking and listening opportunities • Easily accessible teaching notes at your fingertips are included at the back of every reading book to support classroom management. • Special pages are provided at the end of the story to help teachers recap, check understanding and move on. Competition: Biff, Chip and Kipper

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. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available.

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. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available. Collins Big Cat is a whole-school reading programme that provides complete support for primary reading. Children will become fluent readers through hundreds of high-quality fiction and non-fiction banded books by award-winning authors and illustrators. In-depth teaching resources support you in developing and assessing key reading skills at all stages from early reading through to phonics, to guided, whole-class and independent reading for more confident readers.