The Library Mouse

Quill the mouse lives in a library where everyday he watches the faces of children enjoying story time and wishes that he could be an author one day. With the help of his friend, Leggsy the spider, he tries to get his story noticed- but with no success. However, just as he starts to lose hope, his dearest dream comes true.

There is so much to recommend this beautiful story! Starting with the setting, it shows a love of libraries, books and story time which is a joy to see. The illustrations show a wealth of book-ish wonder, the perfect backdrop to Quill’s dreams, and sure to encourage children to share stories of their favourite books- and libraries!

Quill himself is a wonderful character. With support from Leggsy, his spidery friend, his determination to share his story and fulfil his ambition to be an author is admirable. With each setback, he tries again until…but I won’t spoil the story for you! The illustrator shows a wonderful range of expressions on his little face as Quill experiences a whole range of emotions on his journey to become an author, encouraging empathy with his feelings as well as admiration for his tenacity as a mouse trying to be heard in the human world!

Told in rhyme, the text is a joy to read aloud, using some wonderful vocabulary. His ‘frisky friend’ Leggsy ‘jitterbugged by’, for example, whilst Quill ‘whisker-wobblingly wept’. There is so much here to explore and enjoy! Advice at the back of the book encourages children to have the confidence to write their own stories, finding their own way to share these. I am sure some will be inspired to make tiny books like Quill’s and create a library of their own!

The Library Mouse

Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O’Connor

UCLan ISBN: 978-1915235893

Published on the 4th April 2024

You can read my review of ‘An Artist’s Eyes’ here.

Poetry Prompts: All Sorts of Ways to Start a Poem

I have always loved poetry and ever since I started teaching, I have tried to share this love with both children and colleagues, sneaking poems into every possible topic and encouraging children to create their own. ‘Does it have to rhyme?’ and ‘What rhymes with secret?’ by Sandy Brownjohn were two of my favourite books during teacher training and ones which I have frequently consulted over the years. ‘Poetry Prompts’ gathers together an amazing range of starting points - ways into poetry writing - offering amazing support for teachers seeking to inspire as well as for those wishing to write at home. It’s a real must have!

There are 41 prompts included in this brilliant book to support children in writing their own poems, but also to understanding poetic terms and devices which they might wish to use. The first suggestion is for making a mini-notebook for recording ideas and poems. Each activity offers plenty of examples and encouragement, sure to inspire readers of any age to emulate, experiment with and develop and the ‘Poetry Power-Up’ which accompanies each, extends the idea, offering a challenge. From tongue twisters to renga, from triolets to haiku, there are ideas for all occasions and all styles!

The whole book bursts with the message that poetry is about having fun with words and to encourage everyone to ‘discover the poet within’. Colourful, fun illustrations from four illustrators make the book appealing as well as making poetry writing accessible and enjoyable for all. Absolutely invaluable!

Poetry Prompts

All Sorts of Ways to Start a Poem from Joseph Coelho

Illustrated by Georgie Birkett, Grasya Oliyko, Amanda Quartey and Viola Wang

Wide Eyed ISBN: 978-0711285118