Leila Rasheed 
Reading Planet – The Smiling Stones – Level 5: Fiction (Mars) 

Nothing ever happens in the sleepy village of Bani Rashid, which is why Jamal is so excited when an explorer from Europe takes an interest in his home town. At first, Jamal tries to impress Mr Moneta – until it becomes clear that this visitor wants to do more than just admire the statues that Jamal sits beneath and tells his secrets to. Jamal realises that he needs to prevent Moneta from taking the Smiling Stones away … and from discovering an amazing lost chamber of riches hidden beneath Bani Rashid. But how can a penniless village boy defeat a man the size of a giant? A battle of wits has begun, but as the heat of the summer grows, there can only be one winner … The Smiling Stones is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band. Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills.Reading age: 7-8 years