A beautiful adventure tale set in the backdrop of World War II. When two siblings are evacuated to the coast they are plunged into a plot that could pA beautiful adventure tale set in the backdrop of World War II. When two siblings are evacuated to the coast they are plunged into a plot that could put their lives into more danger than just the War. This story encompasses all the elements of a mystery story as well as some characters that you cannot help but want to help.
What makes the narrative of this story so special is that the reader is continuously presented with ideas or view points that challenge their original ideas. Throughout the novel, the reader builds an understanding of the times and the challenges that faced the people during the War. Themes such as refugee, difference and retribution are tackled with grace and in a way that the reader considers these from the historical and modern day perspective.
A delightful novel that builds on the reader's understanding of this time in history but enables the reader to understand the daily challenges and decisions many people at this time were making. ...more
A story about learning to be loved and not taking the smallest of things for granted. Edward Tulane is a china bunny rabbit that lives with his lovelyA story about learning to be loved and not taking the smallest of things for granted. Edward Tulane is a china bunny rabbit that lives with his lovely girl Abilene- Edward takes his daily routine as expected and holds no value to his life. Until he is lost and falls to the depth of the sea.... This is a different stories and provides an insight into the world where we often only live through our own eyes.
As Edward is pushed and taken from person to person he learns something new about the world he lives in. From sacrifice to regret to family Edward learns something new from each person he meets and it is these that warm his heart and encourage him to remember. What makes this particularly poignant is the emotions and intensity of love Edward feels for each character. The lessons he learn form his character from the beginning to the end and the reader follows him in this sense and understands the importance of each value and character. For this reason, it would make a lovely book to share with KS2 children as part of a PSHCE project.
I feel that this book holds a lot of potential for children about learning the world around them and the challenges that all the people around them might be facing. ...more
My favourite book of the year so far! I fell in low with this book from the first word to the last, it's message and values are something that we all My favourite book of the year so far! I fell in low with this book from the first word to the last, it's message and values are something that we all need to consider.
Meet Aniyah and her brother Noah, two children put into the care of Mrs I- a foster carer. According to Aniyah they arrived there because they are playing a big game of Hide and Seek from Dad. This story tells of the siblings journey to name a star in memory of their mother, who always said a good person's heart became a star when they died. What makes the plot of this story so special is the innocence that is carried through from beginning to end- whilst the reader is allowed to infer the reasons behind the children being placed into care, the revelation of the truth comes to the reader at the same time it comes to Aniyah.
The themes of friendship, respect and family are so present in this text and create a powerful message for the reader about acceptance even when you only know certain details. Despite the rest of the characters knowing so much more about Aniyah's story than she does- they never once judge her on this or isolate her because of this. The emotions in the novel are so powerful and it is a challenge not to be brought to tears by the novel's conclusion.
The novel clearly addresses the rise of domestic violence around the world but what makes the message so powerful is the innocence of the children to what was happening around them. As a teacher, we are always warned of the games children might disclose and the truth behind them but as a reader being thrown into Aniyah's innocent belief of 'Hide and Seek' and 'Shut the Door and Shout' it is clear to see the detrimental impacts of this issue on children's mentality and outlook on life.
If you have not read this book I would make sure that you do and soon!...more
Millions was my first novel by Frank Cottrell Boyce and whilst not my personal favourite I can understand how the children in a Key Stage 2 classroom Millions was my first novel by Frank Cottrell Boyce and whilst not my personal favourite I can understand how the children in a Key Stage 2 classroom would fall in love with this novel. Witty, fast paced and a heightened sense of tension would keep children engaged for hours.
Millions tells the story of two brothers- Damian and Anthony- who find a bag filled to the brim with money. As the reader follows their journey through deciding whether to spend, save or hide the money we learn the characters of the boys and the importance of change on their lives. The boys are thrown from decision to decision and quickly learn the influence of money on the people around them- both positive and negative. As they encounter these challenges the boys learn what is important to them and who they want to include in their family. The boys also represent the struggle of adapting to new family and new situations. Damian who the reader understands to have a learning difficulty trusts all those around him wholeheartedly and only wants to prove himself as the best he can be...even if this doesn't always actually happen. Whereas Anthony feels that he must always lead to ensure he can protect both of them, which has some tragic consequences when all their hard work appears to crumble around them.
The subtle humour and fast paced narrative would keep children engaged whilst also providing them a unique insight into the differences between character's thoughts. The role of perspective also enables the children to think about changing events and how this influences our awareness of the plot. However, I found the end of the plot predictable and much slower to the rest of the novel meaning I began to come a little bored. Despite this, I feel that this would be a great whole class text for a Year 4 or 5 classroom. ...more
A book about imagination, growing up and family...The Land of Roar is one of the most lovely children's books you can imagine. Arthur and his twin sisA book about imagination, growing up and family...The Land of Roar is one of the most lovely children's books you can imagine. Arthur and his twin sister, Rose, used to get a long so well and would always play in the mysterious land of Roar together but childhood doesn't last forever and as the twins grow older and apart this has dire consequences not just for their relationship but also to Roar where things are quiet as made up as they seem.
This book illustrates the beautiful and complex nature of children's imagination and the importance of this. As the narrative unravels, the reader is plunged into a beautiful world of creatures both big and small. The setting is breathtaking and the reader can't help but want to take a trip there considering the detailed description but also detailed illustrations that accompany the narrative. Not only is the setting vibrant, but the characters are charismatic and memorable too. From the twin's grandfather who will stop at nothing to remind the twins of their childhood, to Win (a ninja with a twist)...you just can't help but fall in love with each and every one.
The limits of this book in the classroom are endless. It would serve as a great introduction or focus for a cross curricular adventure but it also would be a lovely book to explore as a class with no pressure of academia. Before lockdown, the Land of Roar was my class text, and it was well loved and the children really connected with all the messages. If you are in KS2 you need this book in your collection. ...more
After many of the girls in my classroom had read and loved this book I decided to give it a try for myself. I was joyfully enthralled throughout and eAfter many of the girls in my classroom had read and loved this book I decided to give it a try for myself. I was joyfully enthralled throughout and enjoyed the intermittent bursts of traditional tales to supplement the story line.
This story tells the tale of Yanka a girl who simply does not fit in. Not only because of whispers in the village about her height, but her belief in the wildly imaginative stories of Anatoly all seperate her from feeling a sense of belonging in her village. Until one fateful day...where Yanka's legs turn into bear legs. On a journey to break her curse, Yanka meets friends both human and not who all aid to save her. Along this journey, children are treated to rich and imaginative settings but also characters that promote values important in their every day lives.
Throughout the story, a range of characters tell Yanka a traditional tale of the forest she is in. These traditional tales follow a fairy tale/legend structure and provide children with a great example of these pieces of literature without guiding children towards the anthologies. These provide great opportunities for their own writing opportunities and can be introduced independently to the text- a great resource for doing traditional tales in Reading or English. Not only this, but the perspectives of individual characters give children the opportunity to make their own decisions about these stories and the impact they have on Yanka.
Not only this, but Yanka's journey promotes a range of values that are important for children in their time at school- including acceptance, tolerance and self worth. These challenges are becoming more and more prevalent in schools and having a novel that provides children a view on these issues without directly encouraging them to face it, enables for discussion and trust to be built. Whilst the majority of the children that have read this book are girls, I feel that the adventurous nature of Yanka could appeal to boys but would need a careful pitch.
Overall, a lovely tale based around the traditional legends providing children with a different narrative option within the classroom. ...more
Holes tells the story of redemption and the everlasting consequences of our actions. When Stanley Yelnats is hit on the head by a mystery pair of sneaHoles tells the story of redemption and the everlasting consequences of our actions. When Stanley Yelnats is hit on the head by a mystery pair of sneakers he never believed that his world could change or that he would be charged with theft and sent to a Juvenile Detention centre in the Middle of Nowhere.
Throughout the novel, initially 2D characters are revealed to be deeper understood and each present a different question to the treatment of the problems in society. Whilst at Camp Green Lake, Stanley navigates the struggle of manipulation and friendship, as well as dealing with the desire to move on and up whilst being deemed to already have reached his limit. Whilst Stanley spends his days digging a dry and barren landscape the reader is thrown back to 1800 where Sam the Onion Man and Kate Barlow encounter their own challenges of equality. Despite being popular for his natural remedies Sam will never be equal in the town of Green Lake because of the colour of his skin. When him and Kate are spotted being involved romantically, Sam is shot and killed causing a irevocable change that will never be undone. In her understanding of the town's tyranny, Kate becomes the illustrious Kissing Kate Barlow thief untouchable. Kate eventually turns mad but not before she can hide her treasure from the families that once saw to punish her.
Back in the modern day, when faced with struggles and misunderstandings of his peers Stanley and Zero runaway. Sprouting memories of his great grandfather Stanley finds solace and unknowingly cures the curse that has plagued his family for years. At their solace, the boys bond over past mistakes and find that their pasts could not have been closer. This bond becomes the power they need to overcome the mistakes of the past and find something that restores justice in both boys lives.
Initially, coming into reading this novel I wasn't that excited. However, the moment the dual narrative is introduced the story has a sudden sense of depth and meaning with clear links between the two worlds. With encompassing themes that can spread to the challenges of school life for many children, Holes places itself as a valuable novel for those children in UKS2. The receptive context options for this text are various and would easily allow children to understand the links between 1800s and modern day. Despite my initial scepticism I would recommend this book for UKS2 for both whole class and independent children reading. ...more
A tale that isolates how far the rift between siblings can go but also how impactful the care within a family can be. 'The Tunnel' tells the tale of tA tale that isolates how far the rift between siblings can go but also how impactful the care within a family can be. 'The Tunnel' tells the tale of two siblings, who battling rivalry ends in them taking a mysterious journey through a fairy tale tunnel ending in the brother's stone cold exterior being broken down by the love and grief of his sister.
The fact that this seemingly normal story of brothers and sisters is set amongst the back drop of fairy tales provides the chance for children to engage with the book in a wider context and depth. By spending time re reading the picture book both with and without the narrative, I was amazed about how much I discovered and how different my interpretation of the book was each time. The Tunnel incorporated so many parts of different stories that it provides a great whole class opportunity for children to engage in inference, prediction and extending the story activities and also would provide great insight for the teacher into how children's depth of understanding about stories is developing within their classroom.
The illustrations, alone, provide vital insight into the emotions and feelings of the character. The use of panels throughout also aids in developing a sense of distance between characters and also draws the reader in at different crucial times. Often the images that Brown has added greater detail and intertextuality fill the whole two page spread or the whole page that they are on...encouraging the reader to spend more time picking apart each image.
Overall, a brilliant picture book to introduce children into the idea that depth can be found in whatever text they are reading. Brilliant as both a whole class text or a group text but it is vital this picturebook is given the right amount of time to be looked at in depth and critically otherwise who know's how many children's ideas we are going to miss. ...more
A picture book that reveals a truth we might not all want to realise. 'The Island' tells the story of a mysterious man who appears on an island and hoA picture book that reveals a truth we might not all want to realise. 'The Island' tells the story of a mysterious man who appears on an island and how he is accepted, or in this case not accepted by the people around him. A shocking narrative, with a lasting providence in society today.
The themes of unknowing, fear and sectarianism addressed in this book provide children with a perspective many will not have encountered in their previous reading. This lends the book perfectly with upper KS2 for discussions about their world and their impact on the world; as well as maybe a way of displaying bullying to children in an impactful way that encourages a consideration of actions and consequences when looking at the events from an outside perspective.
This narrative is perfectly accompanied by abstract illustrations that maximise the emotions experienced by the reader. The sketching illustrations aid in carrying the emotions throughout the narrative and provides teachers with the opportunity to spend time with an older class looking at the picture book and addressing the misconception that picture books are only for KS1. Although, this text does address a difficult topic in a straight forward and truthful manner meaning that it could be challenging even for some children in the last years of Primary school. Therefore, this book might be better used in small groups of older primary children, or could be look at in parts by the whole class although I feel that not looking at the whole story is a crying shame.
Overall, it was a new experience to read such a stark and insightful picture book that addresses such a challenging topic but it has definitely opened my eyes. A beautifully insightful tale, perfect for making the reader think, not only about themselves but their society and their view of the world they want to be a part of. ...more
When the dark suddenly appears in Laslo's room he is suddenly forced to face his fear and visit the dark in it's domain. A charming story about facin When the dark suddenly appears in Laslo's room he is suddenly forced to face his fear and visit the dark in it's domain. A charming story about facing your fears, and not being afraid of the hidden figures in the dark.
This story focuses on 2 characters Laslo and 'the dark' who are both as three dimensional as each other. Laslo highlights what it is to be children to be brave and shows children how it is okay to face fears and that often when they do they are no as fearful as they first might seem. 'The Dark' originally appears to be a well developed villain with a charming presence but as the story develops 'the dark' becomes just as much of a fearful child as Laslo did at the beginning of the story as when the day breaks the dark is hidden again. If anything, these two well developed characters demonstrate that sometimes the best novel are those with the simplest ideas.
The illustrations in this text are exceptional and the use of hidden light adds several layers to the story. When Laslo is facing his fear the illustrations in the text are shown only by what his torch illuminates in the room, getting smaller and smaller as the narrative develops, creating a sense of unease but at the same time a need to keep reading the story. Klassen's illustrations remain simplistic throughout the text but equally with two characters in the text this suits the written word perfectly.
Another story by Snickett and a great story that is so much more than a battle between light and dark. ...more
A vibrantly coloured picture book that has a great approach to a rather tricky topic. Grandad's island tells the tale of a boy and his grandfather advA vibrantly coloured picture book that has a great approach to a rather tricky topic. Grandad's island tells the tale of a boy and his grandfather adventuring to and from a mystery island, however when Grandad stays on the island Syd is left to navigate the world by himself.
This picture book deals excellently with a tricky topic about family members leaving which can be difficult to explain to young children. However, this books positive tone throughout could really aid this discussion in the primary classroom by navigating a sad topic in a memorable way.
Not only is there an overall positive tone and message in the story; the illustrations and in taking this book from good to exemplary. This book is filled with vibrant colours and eye catching images of the rainforest and animals! But the use of colour also extends here in aiding to communicate the characters emotions as at times the colour reverts to a brown...maybe highlighting the emotions people feel during grief.
Overall, although this book deals with a difficult topic it's still an excellent resource in any KS1 primary classroom! It's illustrations and messages allow for this to be an ideal resource in initiating discussion and communicating the difficult messages in an understandable and relatable way. ...more
A beautiful and poignant narrative, perfectly accompanied by illustrations that provide perspective, depth and emotions. 'The Journey' focuses on the A beautiful and poignant narrative, perfectly accompanied by illustrations that provide perspective, depth and emotions. 'The Journey' focuses on the tale of a family forced to leave their home because of war and follows their journey to find somewhere safe.
The narrative is filled with symbols and emotions making the reader question the events of the tale and how each individual character feels about the events happening to them. However, the narrative is only part of the picture, the illustrations add layers of depth and make this tale something that you could easily spend hours on in the classroom.
The illustrations each provide an individual perspective, that opens more about the narrative than simply looking at the words. The illustrations include many references to fairy tales, creating an idea of how issues like this are displayed within society. Particularly effective, is the use of black and shadow to display the ideas of war and death- the all consuming black presence on some of the pages help to make the message of impact and consequences clear and could be really poignant in conveying other realities to children in the classroom. Despite this sense of sadness, the colours almost present a sense of positivity and hope which provides the reader with the determination to see the journey of the characters throughout.
Overall, having waited to read this picture book for a long time it has exceeded all expectations I had and definitely need to re read this book again to take time to consider the many ways it could be used throughout the primary classroom and even throughout the Primary school. Would recommend to anyone that wants to expand their perspective and challenge their ideas on the world that they live in. ...more
'A story about strangeness, strength, friendship and keeping the shadows at bay' is simply just to simple for everything this novel is about! The Song'A story about strangeness, strength, friendship and keeping the shadows at bay' is simply just to simple for everything this novel is about! The Song From Somewhere Else contains just about everything you want from a good story- unpredictable narrative, realistic and entertaining characters as well as beautiful illustrations!
In terms of the narrative, I won't give too much away. But be prepared for a twist at every page, A.F Harrold has a really developed sense of narrative and plot which makes the book an exciting read; and could easily see how this text could be used with the older years in the classroom to engage competent and reluctant readers.
The characterisation here is flawless, anyone that loved Amanda, Rudger and Mr Bunting in 'The Imaginary' you will not be disappointed with the characters in 'The Song From Somewhere Else'. Frank is a powerful female protagonist yet at the same time the internalised monologue through her 'stomach' presents a beautiful sense of vulnerability, making her realistic yet her inspiring. Similarly, Harrold's address of of bullying and treatment of SEND through Nick allows for the book to tackle a serious topic yet the narrative isn't isolated to this. Even the characters, in the background of the narrative add dimensions to the text and create their own challenges and questions within the novel.
Levi Pinfold's illustrations are so delicately woven into the text that they really aid in making the world of the narrative real in the mind of the reader. The illustrations carefully bridge the gap between fearful and beautiful, allowing the text to bridge the gap between fantasy and realism!
This novel is so much more than I initially expected it to be, and I believe it would be a great addition to any KS2 classroom. This novel would be amazing as a whole class text or with a small group of children, not only because it is a great read but it could also be placed easily into any part of the curriculum. This book has left me with one lasting thought...how important it is to expose children to high quality literature and books that like this are going to leave a lasting impression of the new generation of readers. ...more
A novel that had me enthralled from beginning to end. This book has such an imaginative and gripping story line it is hard to see how adults and childA novel that had me enthralled from beginning to end. This book has such an imaginative and gripping story line it is hard to see how adults and children alike could put this down. The characters within the tale are all well developed and emotive that have their own individual places and journeys in the story. The relationship between the two main characters Amanda and Rudger is particularly exciting as their individual journeys carry the narrative strings of the story and as they are so cleverly entwined it is hard not to want to be a part of their friendship. Similarly the character of Mr Bunting provides a consistent sense of danger that alongside the fear of forgetting captures the readers into a sense of fear for Rudger and his fate, making the imaginaries fears seem just as fearful for those reading the book.
Gravett's illustrations hold just as much worth in the text as the writing. The mix of bright colours paired with monochrome illustrations consistently embellishes the messages within the narrative. Memorably the whole page illustration of Mr Bunting's imaginary was particularly frightening and might come as a welcome surprise to children who are reluctant to read etc. The images also aid in showing KS2 children how images can be used in texts to carry messages, and that this idea is not isolated to picture books alone.
The fact that the novel is centred around a prominent theme for children, imaginary friends, enables the book to connect all children in the classroom into the text and activities associated. This theme could also provide an interesting receptive context that could engage children in the text before they have begun to read the story. Further, I imagine that this book would raise a lot of questions for children that could be applied into PSHEE or P4C sessions and other areas in the curriculum.
Overall, I found this book enjoyable from the start to the end, and is a novel that is entirely unique in it's storytelling. I feel that this book could easily be applied into a Year 4/5 classroom with a range of literacy objectives and beyond into wider areas of the curriculum.
THEMES: Friendship. Adventure, Good vs. Evil, Remembering, Imagination, Childhood...more
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