I am using Apple\'s CoreDataBooks sample project as a learning aid for core data.
I modified the app so that when the app loads I show a menu page first - not the B
Did you change the Core Data model at all? That error is common when the Core Data model for an app changes without also changing the underlying SQLite database, so the stored data and the model are out of sync.
Try completely removing your app from the Simulator or testing device, then reinstalling it and trying again.