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Book of the Week
This week, our Junior Librarian Farha, from 2AM, recommends one of her favourite genres of books – non-fiction. As
it is our annual celebration of Non Fiction November, her recommendation is particularly apt.
Farha recommends The Usborne First Cook Book by Angela Wilkes and illustrated by Stephen Cartwright.
Farha’s reason for her choice:
“I enjoy creating things and I have made some of the delicious recipes in this book with my little sister. I wonder what you will make?”
Mrs Harvey would also support Farha’s choice. The book contains a huge array of savoury and sweet recipes, perfect for any first time chef! Our Library Learning Wall displays some lovely pictures of Farha and her sister, busy following some of the recipes – with excellent results!
Mrs Harvey also encourages the borrowing of non-fiction books. Non-fiction books are a popular choice by many of our Grimsdell borrowers. I have written previously about the importance of non-fiction in the development a child’s literacy skills. Non-fiction underpins all other learning: comprehending non-fiction is a life skill. The reading and sharing of non-fiction literature develops reading comprehension, builds background knowledge and develops analytical skills.
How do you encourage your child to read non-fiction if they are a reluctant non-fiction reader? I often encourage children to pair their fiction book with a non-fiction text, as this can make their enjoyment and understanding of the fiction text much richer. Competent readers make meaning from a text not only by knowing what the words mean, but by bringing what they know of the world to the text. It’s worth noting that children are more likely to engage with a non-fiction text related to a story that they are emotionally invested in. Alternatively, go with your child’s interests. Whether it is dogs or princesses, find non-fiction books to match your child’s passions. Include ‘how to’ books such as Junk Modelling that teach them how create new and exciting items or try a science experiment book for all the budding scientists out there! We have a wide range of non-fiction books – I am sure there is something to tempt everyone!
Happy Reading
Mrs Harvey
