"Oxford Reds" is our first major super series for newly confident readers.

Each book is on a real-life subject, with a simple lively text and richly coloured, realistic illustrations.

Many are written by well-known children's writers. Each one is written by an author who communicates enthusiasm, passion and understanding for the subject.

Approved by educational experts, "Oxford Reds" contain clear type, simple sentence structures, information boxes, contents pages, alphabetical glossaries, and parents' and teacher's notes.

These books will appeal particularly to the beginner reader who prefers factual information to a story.

The series is planned to launch with 12 titles in 2000 followed by 8 per year.

Other subjects include: Sharks; Snakes; Frogs and Toads; Dogs; Rockets; Dinosaurs; Spiders; Whales.

Karen Wallace was born in Canada and now lives with her husband in Herefordshire.

They have two sons. Karen has worked in publishing as an editor and in publicity. She has had a large number of children's books published, including "Think of an Eel" (Walker Books), which won 5 prizes including the TES Junior Prize, and the "Flash Harriet" series for Hodder, as well as "Scarlette Beane" for OUP.