News
Our Grimsdell Library is child centred and so our Book of the Week is always chosen by one of our Junior Librarians. However, our new Junior Librarians have not yet had the opportunity to consider their favourite book, so I am delighted to be able to share with you the recommendations from two new members of our Grimsdell staff team, Miss Evangeline and Miss Tanya. Miss Evangeline and Miss Tanya form an integral part of our office team.
Firstly, Miss Evangeline has chosen one of her favourite books to share with her children: No Matter What by Debi Gliori
“I enjoy sharing this story with my children as it reminds us that a parent’s love is constant and unconditional.”
No Matter What is a warm, reassuring picture book about unconditional love and setting big worries to rest, beautifully written and illustrated by Debi Gliori.
The key message behind this simple and beautiful book for young children is that the love a parent feels for a child is constant and never dies, no matter what happens. The two characters, a parent (Large) and a child (Small) are not identified as male or female. Small is ‘grim and grumpy’ and says, ‘nobody loves me at all’. Large provides reassurance that Small will always be loved, grumpy or not. Small asks many ‘what if…?’ questions: “If I turned into a bug, or a bear, or a crocodile, would you still love me?” Large explains comfortingly that their love will never go away, no matter what.
Secondly, Miss Tanya recommends I am Enough by Grace Byers.
“This is currently my daughter’s favourite book. She enjoys how the book encourages you to believe in yourself
I Am Enough by Grace Byers is an uplifting and motivating book about female empowerment and respect for diversity. The consistent message through this book is one of self-worth and embracing differences, which is a central tenet of our Grimsdell Way. Byers emphasises that regardless of one’s looks, abilities or beliefs, every child is unique, able and worthy of respect. Her message encourages children to recognise diversity and show respect and kindness to others.
She poetically portrays messages of empowerment through the use of simple simile and rhyme. For example, she writes “Like the sun, I’m here to shine” and later: “…that does not dictate our worth, we both have places here on Earth.” Her use of rhyme allows the book to read smoothly and rhythmically, whilst her use of similes encourages the reader to think carefully about the message on each page. Many of the messages are simple and clear, while others may require more careful thought and discussion to build meaning from the message.
I am delighted to introduce you to a budding new author this week – Zev, a departing Grimsdellian, who is currently in Year 3 at Belmont. He has kindly donated his very first story book to our Grimsdell Library.
Zev has written and illustrated an exciting fiction book centring around one of his greatest passions – football. Even if you are not a football fan you will enjoy this thrilling and well written story. The book is catalogued and shelved and is available for loan! It is highly recommended.
