About Ransom Publishing: Ransom Publishing Ltd. started specialising in books for reluctant or struggling readers about five years ago, when there seemed to be little material available that was genuinely suitable for their needs. We were thrilled to make our mark so quickly, with the Dark Man series winning the Educational Resources Award in 2006. Every year since then other series have achieved SEN awards and accolades, the latest being the inclusion of Boffin Boy titles in the annual Booked Up national reading initiative for two years running.          

We focus strongly on books that are highly visual, with rich illustrations and layouts: after all, for reluctant and struggling readers text is often the least attractive part of the ‘reading’ experience. We use compelling, age-appropriate illustrations and layouts to draw in the reader and to get them to commit to the text. Our very high profile in the Renaissance Learning ‘What kids are reading’ reports is testament to this high engagement factor. (In one case nineteen of the top twenty books voted by boys are books published by Ransom.) When children are reading books that they can read and that they want to read, then they are on the reading ladder.

Why do our books appeal so much? Whatever the subject matter, our books must serve to entice those who have been turned off reading. To do this, they must:

• Have strong visual appeal (important for poor readers).
• Never be patronizing or look babyish. That applies to illustrations and layouts as well as to the texts.
• Not look educational, or in any way suggest special needs. (We always show both the interest age and the reading age on our website and in our catalogues, but never on the books themselves).

In theory it’s simple; but in practice it’s a great skill to write suitably accessible, appealing texts that develop the reader’s literacy skills. We’re extremely fussy about our authors. And we’re equally choosy about the illustrators.

Of course we listen, too. Like all publishers, we always seek constructive feedback. We liaise closely with Local Authority teams around the country and we listen carefully to what teachers and children tell us about their reading likes and dislikes. We always welcome advice, and if you’ve got an idea please contact us. We’re a small company, so you’ll get a very personal response.

How to find us. We’re at www.ransom.co.uk.

For advice and help choosing the right book or resource, without obligation to purchase, please contact us on 01962 862307. Money-saving packs are available for all our series, but you can buy in any format you wish. We’ll visit, and/or send books on approval if you wish.