With Spring in the air and daffodils donning their yellow bonnets, now is the time of year when my thoughts turn to gardening. Pruning rose bushes and planting bulbs in the hopes of a riot of colour and creepy-crawlies come Summer. My boys love helping me choose which bulbs and bedding plants to purchase and … Continue reading How does your garden grow?
In my experience, poetry is often overlooked in school and the collection of anthologies available for pupils and staff is often dated or tatty. But why? Why?! Poetry is the ultimate ‘quick-read’ - it can take seconds to read and enjoy a poem. Perfect to fit in a spare moment, to giggle over during independent … Continue reading Poetry in Motion
With the concept of mindfulness firmly planted in the nation’s consciousness, we are encouraged to find and celebrate the ‘everyday’ extraordinary. This beautiful picture book encourages readers to stop and look around them, to live in the moment, and to cherish their loved ones. Although the big, the loud and the colourful can be pretty … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Extraordinary!’ by Penny Harrison, illustrated by Katie Wilson.
Bugs of all shapes and sizes are always a source of fascination for children so I have a new fictional adventure and two beautiful information books for you to enjoy. ‘Winnie and Wilbur: The Bug Safari,’ by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul (OUP) A new adventure for fans of magical duo Winnie and Wilbur. After … Continue reading Bug Out Over Books!
In my experience, poetry can be an area often overlooked in schools. But why? Personally, I didn’t feel that I knew enough about composing poetry to teach it properly. But what about sharing poems, performing poems, dipping into a volume and seeing what grabs you? That’s the beauty of a good poetry book and the … Continue reading The CLiPPA Shortlist (premier poetry picks)
Today I’m pleased to be sharing with you the rather lovely ‘When it Rains’ by Rassi Narika, which was originally written in Indonesian. I also have a special piece from Rassi about the process behind illustrating her book. Kira is bored, bored, bored of the never-ending rain. You can’t do anything fun in the rain, … Continue reading ‘When it Rains,’ by Rassi Narika, translated by Ikhda Ayuning Maharsi Degoul & Emma Dai’an Wright.
As the daffodils and crocuses start to bloom, we know that Spring is definitely on its way and it’s time for us to get outdoors and muddy. I’d like to share three picture books to help inspire little ones to get back to nature this Spring. ‘Little Bear’s Spring’ by Elli Woollard & Briony May … Continue reading Let’s Get Outdoors!
