No doubt I've missed loads of information already so sorry everyone if this is very boring!
I'm after some interesting new music for pupils who are beyond the early tutor books, but not ready for grade 1 level pieces. Have had Seventy Adventures with the Little Monstre recommended, but it's not easy to get and is quite expensive. Also not sure if it might be a little too easy? I'm looking at work for 8/9 year olds

Advice gratefully received.

Hi Gabriellej

You probably already have these on your list - but in case not -

Party Time and Party Time on Holiday
Upgrade and More Upgrade (0 -1)
Roundabout, and the various prep-test level books

two others which I find useful at this transitional level are ...

Alfred's Fun Book and Recital book, both level 1B

I don't know the one you mention so can't comment - although will look out for it on next music-shop trip.

Book 1 of 70 adventures with Little Monster would be too easy. Book 2 is about right but it's a very definite style - quite 'creative' and mood-driven pieces, no well-known tunes.

I love it but it's not for everyone. Would definitely reccommend you get to have a look at it first.

At this stage, many of my students have very much enjoyed Piano Adventures Lesson Book 2B - the orange one. This moves around the keyboard nicely, and reinforces most of the concepts they will need to tackle Grade 1. When they are about half way throgh the book, I introduce some Grade 1 pieces - not necessarily the ones they'll play in the eaxm. Often they then tackle the second half of the book in conjunction with their chosen Grade 1 repertoire, so that they are not confined to playing the 3 pieces endlessly.

The Breitkopf & Hartel books, Keyboard Crocodile, contain plenty of attractive material, both pre- and post- Grade 1. Their new books, 'Water' and 'Ponies' ( selections from different composers in a wide range of styles) also look interesting.

Also the Piano Adventures Popular Repertoire books are very good and well worth a look. They also have a connected series of books called "PlayTime Piano" and "Showtime Piano" which are excellent. (http://www.fjhmusic.com/piano/pretime.htm)

Thanks lots of interesting suggestions and some new repertoire for me to try out