Book excerpt: This newly updated, user friendly Primary English Encyclopedia addresses all aspects of the primary English curriculum and is an invaluable reference for all training and practising teachers. Now in its fifth edition, entries have been revised to take account of new research and thinking. The approach is supportive of the reflective practitioner in meeting National Curriculum requirements in England and developing sound subject knowledge and good classroom practice. While the book is scholarly, the author writes in a conversational style and includes reproductions of covers of recommended children’s books and examples of children’s writing and drawing to add interest. The encyclopedia includes: over 600 entries , many expanded and entirely new for this edition, including entries on apps, blogging and computing; short definitions of key concepts; input on the initial teaching of reading including the teaching of phonics and the other cue-systems; extended entries on major topics such as speaking and listening, reading, writing, drama, poetry, non-fiction, bilingualism and children’s literature; information on new literacies and new kinds of texts for children; discussion of current issues and input on the history of English teaching in the primary years; extended entries on gender and literacy; important references for each topic, advice on further reading and accounts of recent research findings; and a Who’s Who of Primary English and lists of essential texts, updated for this new edition. This encyclopedia will be ideal for student teachers on BA and PGCE courses preparing for work in primary schools and primary school teachers. Anyone concerned with bringing about the informed and imaginative teaching of primary school English will find this book helpful and interesting.