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BOOKS OF THE WEEK
This week, the Junior Librarians Cameron (Owl class) and Alfie (Hawk class) are sharing with us their favourite reads. Interestingly, in both the books they have chosen, the author uses differing fonts to create a particular atmosphere.
Firstly, Cameron recommends Supertato: The Great Egg Escape, written by Sue Hendra and illustrated by Paul Linnet.
Cameron’s reason for his choice: “Supertato is one of my favourite book characters and Easter is my favourite celebration!”
Mrs Harvey would also promote Cameron’s choice. We hope that Cameron’s recommendation will encourage you to borrow one of our Supertato stories and have a chuckle with your grown up as you share the story together! We have all the different stories from the Supertato series in our Grimsdell library. It is a book that really demands to be shared -who doesn’t like to chuckle over a story line?
In the fight of good versus evil many superheroes stand out. Batman. Spiderman. And now, straight from the aisles of the supermarket, we have Supertato. He’s a cape wearing, belt toting spud. Variety unknown. The new superhero in town …
If you are not familiar with the Supertato stories, then now is the time! The newest adventure in this bestselling series is an irresistibly chocolate-y caper starring Supertato and the Evil Pea! It’s night-time in the supermarket and SOMEONE has stolen ALL the Easter eggs! Never fear! Supertato and the veggies have a plan to get them back. It’s EGGciting, it’s EGGcellent, but will it also be…foiled?! There’s only one way to find out!
This is a pacey romp of a book – every page is bursting with action, peril and drama. A hilarious and anarchic story with truly brilliant characters. No child could fail to fall in love with Supertato and his veggie companions. Bright, fun illustrations sit alongside straightforward but clever text that both adults and little ones will enjoy. But be warned: you will be asked to read it again and again. And again …
Secondly, Alfie recommends one of his favourite fiction books, Octopus Socktopus written and illustrated by Nick Sharratt.
Alfie explains his choice: “This is a really funny story and I like lifting the flaps to discover what might happen next …”
Mrs Harvey would also recommend this book. Nick Sharratt is a talented and popular author/illustrator, and the children are very familiar with his work. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2003. His quirky writing coupled with big and bold illustrations ensure that every story in which he is involved, leaps off the page.
Nick Sharratt has created illustrations for over two hundred and fifty books during his illustrious career. He has produced over sixty of his own titles, including much-loved favourites Ketchup on Your Cornflakes and Shark in the Park. He has worked with celebrated writers including Julia Donaldson, Kes Gray and Michael Rosen and is well known for his collaboration with Jacqueline Wilson, for whom he’s illustrated more than fifty novels.
He has been the official illustrator for World Book Day and together with Katrina Charman, was awarded the 2021 BookTrust Storytime Prize, he was also the BookTrust Writer-Illustrator in Residence for 2022-23.
Brightly coloured octopuses appear throughout the pages of this fun pop-up book from Nick Sharratt.
There are numerous flaps to lift and tabs to pull, which will delight young children. This book will raise a smile among all who read it and is perfect for sharing.
This week’s Books of the Weeks focus on humour – always a popular genre amongst our Grimsdell readership. Comical books seem to have an irresistible pull on children. I often find them giggling together over a picture book. Our humour section is very popular and draws pupils of all ages. Funny stories are an invaluable teaching tool and can support our commitment to pupil well-being.
The physiological and psychological benefits of laughter are well-documented. One of the main physiological effects of laughing is the production of endorphins which promote a sense of well-being and help relieve stress. Laughter can also help counteract feelings of anxiety or anger in children. When we smile, levels of one of the body’s stress hormones, cortisol, are reduced. All of these effects are very beneficial to a person’s mental health. In an age where schools are paying increasing attention to the mental health and emotional well-being of their pupils, laughter is a powerful tool to utilise in the classroom – and what better way to do that than through funny books?
Happy Reading!
Mrs Harvey
