Cambridge Reading is a major new reading scheme providing stimulating books and support materials for the teaching of reading throughout the primary years. Key features include: a coherent yet flexible structure for teaching and learning; a variety of attractive picture books; a balance of text types and genres, including stories, poems and information books; an integrated phonics programme; comprehensive support materials. The thirty Beginning to Read books give children a first experience of reading. Three of these, My Pet, Dirty Dog and My Dog's Party make up a set in which the text by Bill Gillham and illustrations by Alan Snow, each reveal an appealing character. The owner is evidently not entirely in control of the strongminded pet and the humour of the situations depicted will appeal to young readers.