News
We have two recommended Books of the Week for you to discover and explore, selected by our new Junior Librarians, Ted and Livia from 2HD.
Firstly, Ted is tickling our taste buds with a very funny story by Sue Hendra (of Supertato fame). Ted recommends ‘No-Bot: The Robot With No Bottom!’
Ted’s reason for his choice: ‘This is a REALLY funny story and I think all the Grimsdell children – from Nursery to Year 2 – will enjoy helping Bernard the Robot find his bottom!’
The book, together with a plethora of other picture books by Sue Hendra, is available to borrow from our Library. Mrs Harvey would also support Ted’s choice. Children are very much drawn to books which have a ‘feel good’ factor and this amusing tale will have them laughing as they try to help Bernard the Robot locate his bottom!
Bernard the Robot loses his bottom on the park swing and sets off to find it. Every time he gets close, it disappears again! Bird was using it as a nest, but it was too heavy; Bear used it in his drum kit, but it was too tinny; the Squirrels built sandcastles with it…and now it looks as if they’re sailing away in it. Will Bernard EVER get his bottom back?
There is no doubt that children will find plenty of entertainment in this picture book – the bright and bold illustrations help to create a visual narrative, engaging the reader’s interest in the story. The repetitive nature of the text makes this book great fun to share and read aloud.
Livia has selected a very different genre of book. Her choice is ‘Starbird’, written and illustrated by Sharon King-Chai.
Livia’s reason for her choice: ‘This is a really interesting and magical story. I love the illustrations in this book. On every page there is so much to discover.’
The book tells the traditional tale of the legendary Starbird. Starbird’s songs weave the richest dreams and delight all who hear him, but when the Moon King traps him in a cage, the colour and life in his voice begin to drip away. What follows is a story with the feel of a timeless myth, with the message that captivity dims even the brightest star.
It is a heartfelt, lyrical story and was short listed for the 2021 Kate Greenaway Medal. The book is available for loan in our Library.
The Kate Greenaway Medal, established in 1955, is named after the popular nineteenth century artist, known for her beautiful children’s illustrations and designs. The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded annually to a children’s book illustrator whose artwork creates an outstanding reading experience.
Each year thousands of reading groups in schools and libraries in the UK and overseas get involved in the Awards, with children and young people ‘shadowing’ the judging process. They read, discuss and review the books on the shortlists, get involved in reading related activity in groups and vote for their favourite books to win the Shadowers’ Choice Awards. Every summer term, the Year 2 children at Grimsdell take part in shadowing the Award and this book was the Shadowers’ (and Grimsdell) winning book.
Mrs Harvey would also support Livia’s choice. There is visual splendour in this colourful book, with the shining silver foil providing a thoughtful addition. The animal silhouettes showcase their shape, and clever use of brushstrokes create contrast. The illustrations tell the story thanks to a magical colour palette and inventive use of space. The concept of time is presented well – whole-page spreads slow time down, whilst panel sets speed it up.
The illustrations and text work well together to create meaning, a true visual narrative. The illustrations add to the text rather than simply be there for decorative purposes only. There is a real synergy of illustration and text. The illustrations are multi-layered and allow readers to bring their own experiences to the story to create their own meaning (the story is open for different interpretations again to the background/age of its readers) and make a lasting impression on the reader.
Happy Reading!
Mrs Harvey
