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.


Spike used to be a cat-burglar, but he’s given up his life of crime to live with retired police officer, Police Nan. Now he’s a baddie-turned-goodie, and enjoys his comfy life of cream, cuddles and cat naps. One problem: if Police Nan hears about a crime, she just can’t help herself. On goes her old police helmet, and off she bustles to solve the case. Only Police Nan’s a bit rusty these days … she needs Spike and his sharp, ex-cat-burglar brain to dig her out of trouble and help solve the crimes. Join Police Nan and Spike as they travel to Paris to solve the mystery of the toyshop robber in this hilarious story by Dawn McNiff.


White Plus/Band 10+ books provide challenging plots and vocabulary as well as opportunities to practise inference, prediction and reading stamina.


Pages 46 and 47 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall.


Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.

Illustrated by: Andy Catling
Prepared for publication by: