On Poetry Street

In this collection, Brian Moses offers not only 52 poems (one for any week of the year), but oodles of inspiration and possibility. ‘On Poetry Street’ shows just how accessible and enjoyable creating poems can be and is sure to leave readers itching to get started.

This is a book for everyone, not just children. Each poem offers an idea or a model which can be enjoyed, perhaps performed, and then used as a starting point for creating new poems, whether using that framework or developing ideas of your own.

Notes at the end of the book from Brian Moses offer further information about the different styles of poems he has used, what triggered his ideas and says that ‘the two words, ‘What if?’ are the writer’s best friends.’ These pages are a real treasure trove of inspiration, a poet’s gift to other writers.

Many of the ideas here will spark not just poems, but discussion and debate as children share their ideas and explore possibilities. ‘If I Could Travel back in Time…’ is sure to raise questions about the events Brian Moses has chosen as well as encourage children to recall or investigate past incidents and consider why they might choose them for their poem. ‘A Mouthful of Words’ and ‘A Difficult Poem to Read Unless You’ve Swallowed a Dictionary’ both celebrate the joy of words, wordplay and dictionaries as well as encouraging curiosity.

The whole collection is peppered with Mark Elvins’ lively illustrations which add much to this enjoyable collection. This is an essential addition to any bookshelf, offering hours of pleasure and fun!

On Poetry Street

Brian Moses, illustrated by Mark Elvins

Scallywag Press     ISBN: 978-1915252586

Blog Tour: Whisper to the Rescue

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Whisper to the Rescue’ today.

Whisper is the smallest, quietest dragon on the mountainside and although he notices everything, his family don’t seem to notice him. He sees how they are damaging the environment, making it unsafe and unpleasant for the other creatures who live there, but he cannot make his family listen. however, with a little help from his friends, Whisper finds a way.

Brave and determined, little Whisper is sure to find a place in readers’ hearts. Proving that the quietest amongst us are often those who notice things which pass others by, this lovely story shows how perseverance, teamwork and taking a new approach can solve seemingly impossible problems. Many children will empathise with Whisper’s feelings of not being listened to, but will take courage from the creative solution he and his friends come up with.

There is also an environmental message here with children trying to make their elders recognise the damage which they are inflicting on the planet and change their ways. The story is perfect for encouraging discussions and making children feel as if they can be heard. This gentle story has real strength at its heart.

Whisper to the Rescue

Rose Robbins

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978- 1915252203

I Heard a Bird

When cats seem to scare away the bird she is listening to, a little girl searches for it. As she endeavours to find it, she notices all kinds of insects and creatures in her garden before lying on the grass and connecting with nature.

the beautiful weather over the last few days has reminded me of how much I used to enjoy spending time with my son in the garden, discovering and observing nature as well as playing and creating. In this lovely book, Rob Ramsden explores the importance of using all the senses to appreciate the world around us, capturing the joy of really focusing on the little things in life. The carefully chosen language is perfect for sharing with children and encouraging them to identify the sounds and sights of nature- and then, perhaps, to investigate for themselves. The little girl’s concern for the bird and her desire to make sure the cats haven’t hurt it also offers plenty of scope for discussion about caring.

Additionally, the story shows the importance of taking time to relax and take time to connect with the natural world. The little girl hears the music of nature as she uses some simple meditative techniques which families could try for themselves.

The illustrations are delightful. Bright and bold, they are full of details to discuss and explore whilst the text has been used in places to imitate the movement of creatures- woodlice wandering, caterpillars, crawling- adding to the enjoyment of the story.

This is the fourth in Rob’s ‘In the Garden’ series, with ‘I Saw a Bee’, ‘We Found a Seed’ and ‘We Planted a Pumpkin’. Each is sure to foster a love of nature. Each is beautifully presented, colourful and instantly appealing, perfect for sharing with little ones.

I Heard a Bird Rob Ramsden

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252005

My Dad is a Tree

Madeline is pretending to be a tree so Dad decides to join in- just for a minute. As they pretend their arms are branches, their bodies are trunks and their legs are roots, Dad finds a sleepy owl nestling on his shoulder, a robin nesting in his hair, a slug on his shoe…Whatever happens, Madeline is on hand to help and support Dad with the experience. When night comes, Madeline acknowledges that they are not trees, but is delighted that they stayed outside all day- and wonders what they might be tomorrow!

This is such a wonderful book! Dad joins his daughter in her pretending, initially ‘just for a minute’, but in the end committing whole-heartedly to her game. Jon Agee has captured the whimsy and innocence of imaginative play and Dad’s dedication to joining in with his daughter is delightful, the love between them perfectly captured.

There is so much humour captured in the collage-style illustrations as Dad’s expression ‘to camera’ offers the audience a dual narrative to the events. But the story also celebrates all the possibilities when adults slow their pace and invest time and attention in their children’s games, nurturing their imagination and listening to their view of the world. This is sure to become a firm favourite for lingering over and sharing again and again- and who knows what games it might inspire?!

My Dad is a Tree Jon Agee

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252173

Blog Tour: Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch

Having just met Derek at the FCBG Conference, I am doubly delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for his new book, ‘Ivey Newt and the Storm Witch’. With illustrations by Magda Brol throughout, this is the first in a series about Ivy Newt, her familiar, Tom, and their adventures in Miracula.

It’s Ivy’s birthday and, although the worst storm in the history of Miracula has prevented her friends from flying over for Ivy’s birthday, her parents, Queen Fenella and King Lucius, are doing their best to spoil her and make the day special. As part of the entertainment, they are going to perform some birthday magic…which leads to them disappearing! Suspecting foul play, Ivy and her shape-shifting familiar, Tom, must find a way to make them reappear!

Engaging from the first page, ‘Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch’ is a pacy, entertaining story. Although a witch and a shaper-shifter, Ivy and Tom have characteristics which children will recognise and empathise with. Their friendship helps them to find the courage and determination needed to find Ivy’s parents and solve the mystery of their disappearance.

With plenty of humour, the children triumph over the wicked witch, Clawdelia, who is ‘nothing but a bully’, foil her attempt to rule over the whole of Miracula and save all the kings and queens from the caves of Grot. Having faced mild peril along the way, everything turns out well in the end and Ivy’s birthday is celebrated with cake!

Magda Brol’s lively illustrations capture the children’s antics brilliantly, adding a visual element to the story which is so enjoyable and rewarding in itself. The addition of the map and character portraits at the beginning allows children to track the adventure and supports with ‘reading’ the pictures by clarifying which character is which.

This is the first in a new series, perfectly pitched for confident readers in KS1 and into lower KS2, supporting children as they develop the stamina to tackle longer stories. I can see them adding their own characters to castle windows and plotting their own adventures for Ivy, using the map of Miracula to guide them whilst they eagerly await the next title in the series, ‘Ivy Newt and the Time Thief’.

Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch

Derek Keilty, illustrated by Magda Brol

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252180

Pause for Poetry: A Passing on of Shells

‘A Passing on of Shells’ is a collection of 50 poems, each written using fifty words. There is much to enjoy here as Simon Lamb uses a variety of poetic styles and techniques, offering an ingenious selection of work on many themes.

The collection opens with ‘How to Start an Adventure’, the perfect way to fire the imagination and encourage creativity. Many of the poems here are perfect for performing like ‘The Satsuma Rumour’ or ‘Garden Phantoms’ whilst others provoke thinking and discussion. ‘They Built a Bridge’, ‘What We Wear’ and ‘A Line in the Sand’ would all be brilliant as part of a circle time or PSHE session.

‘You Make Me So Acrostic’ will elicit a wry smile from many teachers! Many believe the acrostic form is an easy one to use; however, as this poem suggests, if poorly taught, it can result in the most appallingly contrived, stilted pieces. This amusing poem would make an excellent starting point for discussions about the form, perhaps whilst tactfully looking at a variety of examples! Many of the poems here would make excellent models to inspire a class- or an individual- to create their own, perhaps adhering to the 50 words theme or not!

Others are just beautiful poetry moments which effortlessly capture a mood or feeling. I love ‘Snow Globes’, ‘Still Earth’ and ‘Pocket Poem’ and know I will return to these again and again. The title of the collection is a line from ‘Life on the Rock’, a beautiful reflective work, sure to provoke discussion- and the perfect title for this book!

The whole collection is lavishly illustrated by Chris Riddell whose wonderful illustrations capture the mood of each poem perfectly- humorous, pensive, poignant- and will encourage children to make their own artistic responses to the poems. Each poem and its picture is to be dwelt on and enjoyed- a fabulous collection!

A Passing on of Shells: 50 Fifty Word Poems

Simon Lamb, illustrated by Chris Riddell

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252128

Don’t Be Silly!

Bouncy Bo and Little Smudge lived in a castle…

With their father, Mr Judge.

So begins this delightful romp of a story in which, full of the exuberance of youth, siblings Bo and Smudge, are constantly being told ‘Don’t be silly!’ by all the grown-ups around them. Even when they try to act like adults, donning serious hats and big shoes, they still fail to impress. However, a visit to their grandparents changes everything as the greeting they receive on arrival is the opposite of the boring one they expected!

Told through bouncing, rhyming text, this story is sure to strike a chord with many children (and adults!). The repetitive refrain of ‘Don’t be silly!’ will encourage them to join in with any reading of the story as the antics of both the children and their grandparents inspires this response. At one point, at one point Smudge observes, ‘Perhaps when you grow up, your face gets very stiff, so it is hard to move your mouth and make its corners lift’, a thought which is perfect for encouraging discussions about the importance of enjoying yourself and looking for the lighter side of situations, no matter what your age!

The illustrations are simply delightful with much to notice on each spread from the little mice who join in all the children’s antics to the glowering portraits on the castle walls which eventually find their smiles! It is so lovely to see vibrant, energetic grandparents, full of life and silliness, being depicted in this way. The book is a joyful, light-hearted read which is sure to become a firm favourite!

Don’t Be Silly! Padmacamdra

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252111

Queen of the Classroom

MJ is ready for her first day at school and when her mother adds a sparkly tiara to her outfit, crowning her Queen of the Classroom, MJ is determined to fulfil her duties. She will brighten up every room, be caring and kind and be helpful to others, just like her Mama says. And she does! Having found her seat, MJ makes the most of her first day, embodying all the qualities the Queen of the Classroom should have.

This is the loveliest of lovely books! MJ is a complete delight, full of positivity and personality, and her story is perfect for reassuring and encouraging anyone uncertain about a first day anywhere! No matter what she does during the day, she tackles it with enthusiasm, seeking to engage others and make the best of every moment.

MJ is supported by a very loving, close family. Her little brother wakes her in the morning, her mother always helps her to ‘look nice’ and pays her compliments and her father holds her hand as he walks her to the door of her class. He doesn’t want to leave her! At the end of the day, she gives her little brother the picture she made, brightening his day as she has with others.

The illustrations are as joyous as the text! MJ’s hair is tied with rainbow coloured bands and her denim pinafore dress and spotted top add both texture and colour to the pictures while in many a golden glow surrounds MJ. A smiling sun shines into the classroom, illuminating a busy, fun environment. There are so many details to notice- the class bookshelf contains some familiar favourites also written by this author!

An absolute delight, ‘Queen of the Classroom’ is an empowering, vibrant read, perfect for sharing and enjoying again and again!

Queen of the Classroom

Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1912650941

You can read my review of ‘I am Every Good Thing’ here.

Flyntlock Bones Blog Tour

Today, I am delighted to have been asked to take part in the Blog Tour for ‘The Ghost of Scarletbeard’. There are lots of wonderful resources available on the Scallywag Press website to accompany this series (the chocolate ghosts have been added to my to-do list!), including teacher notes and a couple of board games!

The Countess of Bohemia’s jewels have been stolen by a ghost. Not just any old ghost, but the ghost of Captain Scarletbeard, the scariest pirate who ever lived!

Flynn and the crew of the Black Hound descend to the murky depths to Davy Jones’s Locker, where they uncover a ghoulish plot that threatens the survival of the Seven Seas…

‘The Ghost of Scarletbeard’ completes the trilogy of Flyntlock Bones stories. Flynn (Flyntlock Bones) is cabin boy aboard The Black Hound, an unusual pirate ship whose crew have left their piratical ways behind and are now pursuing a career in ‘pirate investigation’. Business is not booming and no parrots have flown in with the news of a job recently; however, when they hear that the Countess of Bohemia has (once again!) had her jewels stolen, they are quick to offer their services, leading them into an amazing adventure facing an iniquitous pirate, Captain Scarletbeard, and his witch partner, Molly Macbeth.

Full of fun and adventure, ‘The Ghost of Scarletbeard’ offers just the right level of piratical goings-on and dastardly deeds for younger children whilst introducing a wonderful range of characters and locations which are brought to life by Mark Elvins’ brilliant pictures. With lots of detail to pore over, the book offers a mixture of pages bordered with smaller illustrations and some wonderful full page spreads.

With the baddies getting their comeuppance and the good finding happiness, ‘The Ghost of Scarletbeard’ is a pacy, fun-filled adventure, perfect for pirate-loving landlubbers!

Flintlock Bones: The Ghost of Scarletbeard

Derek Keilty, illustrated by Mark Elvins

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1912650774

Thank you to the lovely people at Scallywag Press for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour.