Peter the Cat is a favourite character from the Gaspard the Fox series of books, known for his use of long words. Here, Peter explains some of his favourite ‘big words’, including a simple explanation alongside a phonetic spelling to help children understand how to pronounce each of the words.

Books in the series:

• Gaspard the Fox
• Gaspard Best in Show
• Gaspard's Foxtrot
• Gaspard's Christmas

Zeb Soanes is a children’s author and broadcaster. He presents weekday evenings on Classic FM. For over 20 years, he was a newsreader and reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4. He has written for The Observer, Country Life, and The Literary Review and his best-selling first book for children, Gaspard the Fox began a series of stories based on the real urban fox that visits him at home in London. He has earned a reputation as ‘the go-to person for music narration’ with the UK’s leading orchestras, performing favourite works for children including Paddington’s First Concert and Peter and the Wolf.  In recognition of his efforts to culturally rehabilitate the urban fox, he was made the first patron of the Mammal Society.

James Mayhew is an acclaimed illustrator, author, concert presenter and storyteller. He is the creator of the much loved Ella Bella Ballerina and Boy. He published The Knight Who Took All Day with Graffeg in September 2017.

Longlisted for the Children's Literature Festivals Book Awards 2025

'A heart-warming, spirit-lifting, brainstretching feast of fun – fantabulous!’ Gyles Brandreth 

'This book is brilliant and my 8 year old fell in love as soon as she started flicking through the pages.' Malloch Books

'This book is the perfect gift for any wordsmiths out there.' Books for Little Bookworms

'In my experience, young children love to impress grown-ups by using big words so this book should definitely hit the spot.' Jill Bennett, Red Reading Hub

'This is such a special book for getting children interested in and using big words. I love it!' Clare Fulton, Regional Outreach Co-ordinator for Scottish Book Trust

'Helping to expand children's vocabulary, this compact hardback book is perfect for use in the classroom as well as a great little gift idea!' Play to Learn with Katy

'An appealing first guide to the wealth of wonderful words that children can discover and use in their own writing and conversation.' Jayne Gould, The School Librarian