Cambridge Reading is a major scheme providing stimulating books and support materials for the teaching of reading throughout the elementary years. Key feataures 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 use of rhythmical, rhyming language in these Beginning to Read books encourages children to explore and enjoy language. The books use rhyming patterns and initial sounds to predict which word comes next. Some books feature the same characters or share the same text/illustration style, encouraging children to develop preferences. They build on skills used introduced in the nursery rhyme materials.