News
Books of the Week
Our Junior Librarians this week have each selected two very different books.
Firstly, Zara from 2NS, has chosen the true classic of children’s literature, The Tiger Who Came to Tea written and illustrated by Judith Kerr.
Zara’s reason for her choice:
“This is one of my most favourite stories EVER! I hope you enjoy it as much as me.”
Mrs Harvey would support Zara’s choice. The Tiger Who Came to Tea was written over 50 years ago and remains a popular book, which is testament to the story’s continued resonance with children. This picture book is a true classic, with enduring appeal for children and parents alike. The book obviously contains some anachronisms – who has a milkman these days, let alone a grocer’s delivery boy? The presentation of parental roles is old-fashioned but these anachronisms and traditional presentations should provide a talking point and should not detract from the timeless quality of the story. Kerr’s vibrant, colourful illustrations and simple but charming story make this a perfect book to enjoy reading together. The words are simple, yet strong and rhythmic and the dialogue flows.
The story centres on Sophie who encounters a strange, furry visitor. Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay to tea. After eating everything, he moves on to Daddy’s supper and for good measure also cleans out the fridge and drinks all the water from the tap.
When Daddy gets home, he decides they should all have supper out and the next day Sophie and Mummy buy an extra big tin of tiger food – just in case the tiger comes back!
Our second book of the week has been chosen by Emre, from 2SD. Meet the Planets is written by Caryl Hart and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin.
Emre tells us:
“I really enjoyed learning about all the different planets in this Space adventure!”
Mrs Harvey would also promote Emre’s choice. Meet the Planets formed part of our Year 2 Adventure Reading Road Map in 2020. With its rhyming text and picture book layout, it brings to life facts about the planets in our solar system. This read-aloud, rhyming, picture-led book takes you on a space adventure to meet all the planets of the solar system and the smiley-faced planets from ‘shimmering Saturn’ to ‘mighty Mars’. The distinct illustrations and rhyming text creates a memorable space book.
Zoooooooom! We’re off on an exciting space adventure in our rocket to meet all the planets of the solar system. The reader is encouraged to join with the rhymes and spot all the smiley-faced, friendly planets. Little ones will have a blast in this striking book which combines STEM learning with a rhyming twist – perfect for all would-be astronauts.
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 to 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
