Hugh Price

This is a true story of events in New Zealand at the most desperate time of World War II, when Japanese invasion seemed likely, and the outcome of the terrible world struggle between the Allied and Axis powers could have gone either way. At this perilous moment, early in 1942, a prison inmate by the name of Syd Ross completed his sentence and was released from Waikeria Prison, and at once set about building the biggest hoax that New Zealand has ever seen, involving the Prime Minister, and another senior minister as hapless participants along the way. Syd’s hoax grew and grew, and was about to burst, when he was astonished to find that it had been hijacked by a public figure, with more serious, and worrying, designs in mind. How this extraordinary matter unfolded is the tale at the heart of this book. As the Police Commissioner at the time said: the whole thing was "…beyond comprehension".

These stories have been written using controlled basic vocabulary to let children master a growing number of common but confusing high frequency words, and to engage the mind and emotions and make learning to read satisfying.

Sarah no longer has to tip toe or quickly run past the white fence to avoid the big dog, as she sees a big truck leaving from its driveway. Suggested level: junior.

Many dinosaurs die when a volcano erupts, but four manage to escape and begin a new life. Suggested level: junior.

Little Dinosaur manages to escape from Big Dinosaur when a thunderstorm strikes. Suggested level: junior.

Dad and Sam had a great fishing day where they both caught two big fish. Suggested level: junior.