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Meltem’s Journey is a refugee diary which captures the life of a Kurdish girl who grew up in Eastern Turkey. Meltem and her family travel to England and the author relates this true story through Meltem’s own words. The diary extracts tell the journey from the way things were, to looking forward to the future. Meltem and her family experience hard times, including racial discrimination. Children could learn a lot about the plight of refugees and also better appreciate what it means to be free by reading this book. It really does make you think and empathise with the plight of others and promotes positive race relations.

 

At the end of the book is an interesting Did You Know section which gives facts about the Kurds and their home country. There is also a detailed explanatory text entitled ‘What Happened’ which gives background information about the history of the Kurdish people. The visuals are a clever mixture of maps, photographs and illustrations, which gives authenticity to the book. Meltem’s Journey would be a fantastic resource in school and would greatly enhance the teaching of this subject matter and also assist in the delivery of PSHCE objectives.

 

Nick Ward

English 4-11 No. 42, Summer 2011

 

This outstanding Comic Strip book is accessible for readers of all ages. I loved every aspect of it, from its pocket-sized format, through the red and black cartoon strips to the highly entertaining and original telling of classic Greek myths. The book lives up to its claim on the blurb, featuring: ‘Eye-gouging, Liver-pecking’ and ‘Hours of fun for everyone from scholars to anyone who thinks a myth is a female moth.’

 

Meet Jason and trace his epic voyage, acquaint yourself with Helen of Troy, find out why a wooden horse was so important and discover how a woman with snakes for hair lost her head to the noble Perseus. All human emotions are reflected, from love through hate to anger and revenge. The machinations of the gods can be tricky for a novice to follow, but to assist the reader, this book starts with a comprehensive Who’s Who of Ancient Greece, profiling gods, monsters, muses, nymphs, fates and furies. This forms a useful reference guide whilst reading the narrative.

 

Although these are ancient, epic stories, a contemporary feel is created by the effective partnership of text and image. The book will leave readers laughing from start to finish. It should be available in every junior school library, class bookshelf and ancient Greek topic box. Ten year old Freddie liked the comic strip layout, the illustrations and the mixing of modern words with ancient stories. He thinks the book would suit both boys and girls from aged 7 upwards. He described the book as ‘humorous, informative and good to look at’.

 

Gill Robins

English 4-11 No. 42, Summer 2011

 

To borrow the parlance of the texting generation, this is an lol book – every page will make you laugh out loud.  It recounts just one eventful week in the life of Archie, a week in which he leaves home to run simple errands and finds himself embroiled in one adventure after another.  He unwittingly saves his local library from closure, but only after being super glued to the door handles.  He inadvertently catches a bank robber, but only after narrowly avoiding arrest for shop lifting.  Then there are the curious incidents of the dead dog in his pocket, the kidnap in the park, the lion roaming in a neighbour’s house and the trundling piano . . . . and what is the role of the omniscient Cyd in all of Archie’s adventures?
 
At the end of each incident he returns home to a maternal Victor Meldrew, who cannot believe that Archie forgets to do even the most straightforward jobs like posting letters and changing library books.  Even after all the strands of the story are hilariously combined at the close of the week, Archie’s Mum remains unrepentantly despairing.

 

Norriss’s trademark comedic touch pervades every sentence of this book.  It would be thoroughly enjoyed by young independent readers for whom Shaw’s illustrations provide added humour.  But it would also be great to share the fun by reading it aloud to a class.  And reading this book may well make you glad that nothing much out of the ordinary ever happens to you.

 

Gill Robins

August 2011

Have you ever wondered why leopards have spots, why snakes don’t lie in straight lines or why hippos live in water?  If you have, this is the book for you.  K. P. Kojo is an experienced storyteller, but The Parade is the first time he has published his stories in written form.  The book contains six tales about the roguish spider Ananse and his antics in outwitting other animals.  Set in Kojo’s and Ananse’s homeland of Ghana, the traditional purpose of African stories is retained - each tale involves creative thinking and a moral, teaching children about the dangers of pride and greed.

 

Anyone who has heard Kojo telling stories can hear his voice on every page of this book.  What the written text can’t capture is his sense of fun and the physical actions that bring his stories to life and give them pace.  Nevertheless, this book will transport you to Africa as you get caught up in the rich descriptive text and fast moving narrative.

 

The Parade would be suitable for any confident reader to enjoy independently.  It could also form part of a theme on storytelling or Africa for children across the primary age range.  With their simple structure, clear meaning and amusing characters, these stories could also inspire children to write their own narratives.

 

Gill Robins

English 4-11 Number 41, Spring 2011

Diary of a Wimpy Kid started life just six years ago as a daily blog on Funbrain.com.  Greg Heffley, the Wimpy Kid, has been visited over 80 million times since then, with up to 70,000 children reading his blog daily.  In the last 3 years, four Wimpy Kid books have been published.  The first three were based on the online blogs with new material added.  The Ugly Truth is the fifth book in the series.

 

In this most recent book, Greg is facing the challenges of growing up, including braces on his teeth, boy/girl issues, ‘The Facts of Life’ lesson at school and ‘the Talk’ from his grandmother.  Unfortunately, he has fallen out with his best friend Rowley, so he has to deal with growing up alone.

 

The mixture of cartoons and diary entries creates an original style which holds immediate appeal for any child who can read fluently.  Greg’s anarchic approach to life, school and sibling rivalry appeals to a wide range of independent readers - this is definitely not a book to share with parents or carers.  The popularity of the Wimpy Kid books will ensure the success of The Ugly Truth, which should form part of the reading material in every key stage 2 classroom.

 

Gill Robins

English 4-11 Number 41, Spring 2011

 

Written by headteacher Chris Ashley, this story is based on his personal experience of taking a class of children swimming.  Staff in school will really be able to relate to the characters and dialogue in the story and I’m sure that many of the pages will bring a smile or two to your face.  A super book to read to your class as the children will also be able to identify with the story and settings too.  Wasim is desperate to be a One-Star swimmer and the recognition he will receive from his headteacher Mr Abbot in the weekly assembly.  Twenty-five metres – gulping, spluttering, no armbands – a red star on a piece of card.  One Star.  However, things seem to get in the way.  The story deals with friendship, acceptance and perseverance and promotes a very positive message to children in a lovely way.  The dialogue is written very effectively and is really true to life.

 

Another great book from the author who brought us Wasim the Wanderer and Wasim’s Challenge – I wonder what Wasim will get up to next?

 

Nick Ward

English 4-11 Number 41, Spring 2011

 

This is a very useful book which presents information in an interesting way.  The double-page spreads are attractive.  Colour is well-used and information about geography, language and literature, science and maths, history, social history, arts crafts and music accompany the central facts and illustration and photographs.  My class particularly liked the double-page spread on Language and Writing, the Wisdom of Greece and Alexander the Great.  The final double-page is a clearly presented time line with a comprehensive glossary.  This book is a very clear introduction to ancient Greece and is recommended for key stage 2.

 

Brenda Marshall

English 4-11 Number 41, Spring 2011

 

The Mucker’s Tale is a story of magic, mayhem and muck.  Lots of muck!  The plot follows the adventures of Mucker, whose job it is to muck out the flying horses, and his friend Princess Emmeline.  They are both desperate to learn magic, but in the kingdom they live, magic is not for princesses and stable boys.  All is well in the kingdom until the arrival of the raiders, who have come to steal the flying horses.  Is this the chance for Mucker and Emmeline to save the kingdom and to learn some magic at the same time?

 

There is a lot of humour throughout the story which readers will love, particularly as many of the jokes revolve around horse muck!  The plot moves on quickly and keeps the reader engaged, with lots of action and adventure along the way.  With it medieval setting, the story will appeal to lovers of the television series such as Merlin and Robin Hood with its magic spells and swordfights.  Children will also love the fact that a young boy and girl become the heroes of the day and save the kingdom through their acts of bravery and cunning plans.

 

The language used is quite simplistic making it accessible to those who are struggling to read but want high interest stories to capture their imagination.  There are, however, examples of technical language and some words would be hard to decipher for those reading independently, whereas more able readers might become frustrated with the lack of complexity.  The Mucker’s Tale would make a good class reader for children in Y3 or Y4, and would link well with literacy units linked to adventure stories, or myths and legends.

 

Dominic Davies

English 4-11 Number 41, Spring 2011

 

A great concept – a collection of poems from all over the world, which really encourages children to celebrate our Earth and want to protect it for the future.  The poems have been selected to show two sides to our world; to celebrate the beauty and also the dangers which threaten its existence.  Questions are posed to generate thinking, from warm thoughts to angry viewpoints.  The poems are varied in style and there is something for everyone, from short to story-telling, from shape poems to rhyming verse.  They are grouped together in themes, which helps the book to flow as a collection.  My personal favourites are the thought provoking We are going to see the rabbit, Question and Dreamer; and the fun If you ever and Natural Anthem.

 

The illustrations are powerful and add an extra dimension to the anthology.  At the back of the book is a two page section about the poets included in the book, which although short, provides the reader with interesting information.  The book is aimed at KS2 children and is an absolute joy.  It would be a welcome addition to any school.

 

Nick Ward

English 4-11 Number 41, Spring 2011

 

Black Death tells the story of Will, a young orphan sailor in Medieval England. He returns from a voyage to his home in Dorset, amidst rumours of a terrible illness sweeping the continent. Within days of his return, people in his village start to become ill, with terrible sores and boils appearing on their bodies before they die. The villagers begin to look at Will and his sister with suspicion and it is not long before they have to make their escape as Will is blamed with bringing the plague to their homes.

 

Martyn Beardsley has written an exciting, haunting tale, expertly weaving historical facts with moments of suspense and action. The frightening atmosphere of this period of history is well conveyed, with Will’s plight reflecting the suspicion and anger that comes with uncertain times. The reaction of the villagers offers an excellent opportunity to explore issues relating to prejudice and scaremongering in society and the media. The story would also be an interesting starting point to discuss how diseases are spread, and advances in medical and scientific understanding. I was particularly impressed with the ‘Historical Facts’ section at the back of the book, which explained more about the plague and events surrounding the epidemic.

 

Black Death is published by Barrington Stoke who specialise in books for reluctant or struggling readers. It would certainly appeal to reluctant readers towards the end of KS2 who may be drawn in by the dramatic events, gruesome descriptions of plague victims, and the eerie, deserted villages filled with the possibility of danger. As it offers opportunities for discussion it would also make a good guided reading text, also allowing the children to develop their fluency as the language is simple but engaging. It would also be suitable as a short class reader for younger KS2 children, particularly if linked to ongoing work focussed on this period of history.

 

Dominic Davies English 4-11 Number 41, Spring 2011

This fast paced, science fiction thriller would suit independent Key Stage 2 readers who like lots of action packed into the narrative. Jodie, from planet Dijan, becomes human and is placed in the anonymous setting of a children’s home. His mission is to try and understand why humans are polluting their planet. He uses a Calling Crystal to communicate with his home planet and one day, in the middle of a school lesson, it starts to flash a warning that he is being identified by an alien force. As the story develops, Jodie unmasks the alien and is left with a terrible dilemma – does he destroy the Crystal and remain stranded permanently on Earth or does he betray his people to save his own life? Strong friendships are the key to his final decision.

This book is highly recommended as an exciting reading experience.

 

Gill Robins, 2011

 

Sometimes a book is unusual, perhaps a little strange, but intriguing and stimulating.  When We Lived in Uncle’s Hat is just such a book.
Sometimes, people have to move, and it can take those families a long time to settle and to feel safe.  Here we follow a family as they live in a variety of different places.  Our narrator is a member of the family, one of the children, who shares with us all the places they try to call home.  They live in a house with a blue light, the bus, on the church roof, in Auntie’s violin, on the moon and – of course – in Uncle’s hat.

 

In total, the family live in seventeen different places, before finding that the eighteenth place is really home.  There’s one page of text, and one full-colour illustration for each place.  Everywhere they live has some distinctive issues, for example, in the sea they try talking to fish, but the fish never reply and in the hotel they get fresh towels everyday.

 

For each location they inhabit, there is a list of random facts about what happens to different family members there:  Mother watches the same film forty times in the cinema, Grandma loses her patience in Nowhere and on the moon, Father promises each of his children a third of the world.

 

On their way to discover their true home, there is sadness when Grandpa passes away, but overall this is a magical journey.   And there is so much to discuss with young readers.  What do they think each of the locations might be like to live in?  Which would they choose and why?  Can they think of any other places the family might live (school, supermarket, an ice cream van), and what might the family’s life be like there?  Can the children in your class use the ‘Our Home’ section to write about their own homes in a similar style?

 

There is one word of warning – living on the church roof makes Mother have an Eve-inspired moment when she sunbathes in the nude.  If it is a problem, you can skip that page, but I suspect most children will find it funny (the illustration certainly doesn’t offend me).

 

And finally, what of Uncle’s hat?  Well, to tell you everything would ruin it, but I can tell you that when the family lived there, Uncle met two women on a regular basis, but kissed only one of them.  Now who do you suppose they might be?

If you’d like some in-depth ideas for using the book, visit the publisher’s website for an online resource sheet:

http://www.wingedchariot.com/docs/Uncle'sHat%20support.pdf

 

Rob Sanderson, 2011

 

The Grubtown tales series are very popular in our school. Grubtown is not to be found on any map, and local resident beardy Ardagh provides vivid descriptions of Grubtown and its inhabitants. Children like the zaniness, the silliness, the chaos and the grubbiness. The word play and puns are whacky and the pace is fast and fun. The book tells the story of why the local lighthouse goes dark, a ship runs aground bulldozing The Rusty Dolphin and the Grubtown jailbreak. Fans of Andy Stanton and Lemony Snicket will find much entertainment in this very amusing book. I recommend the series to Key Stage 2 pupils.

 

Brenda Marshall

English 4-11 Number 40, Autumn 2010

 

Aquila 2 is the continuing story of Tom and Geoff's adventures in the lifepod from an alien starship which they discovered whilst on a school trip. This story opens in New York, with the boys discovering technological capabilities that they didn't realise Aquila had. They struggle to keep Aquila a secret, but their new-found curiosity about geography and their improved school results starts to raise questions. Life is further complicated when Tom's mum develops a serious relationship with Alan, whose decptively docile son turns out to be a genius who saves the day. Friendship is tested to the limit when Geoff tells someone else about Aquila, especially when the 'someone else' turns out to be a girl.

 

As ever, Andrew Norriss combines humour and sci-fi adventure to produce an exciting narrative. But the reader also has to address contemporary and relevant issues about relationships, second families and the strength of friendship. I would recommend this book for the school and classroom library or to read aloud to any KS2 class. It should hold particular appeal to boys who love adventure stories and anyone who watched the TV series Aquila in the late 1990s.

 

Gill Robins

English 4-11 Number 40, Autumn 2010

 

Jill Murphy is the author of the hugely popular Worst Witch series. She based her latest story on her own experience. Her first Deer Hound went missing when her son was only six and this inspired her to write Dear Hound.

 

Alfie is a large, clumsy deerhound puppy who lives digging holes, cheese, causing trouble, chasing the cat, relaxing on his beanbag and Charlie, his master. Charlie and his mum go away for the weekend and leave him with a sitter. Alfie thinks he is being punished. Afraid he will never see his master again, Alfie escapes into the woods as a huge and terrifying storm approaches. Lost and alone, he meets a pair of foxes, Fixit and Sunshine, who look after him and teach him how to survive in the wild. Charlie is devastated by the loss of his beloved dog, and tries to find him. Months pass. Mum loses hope but Charlie's endless optimism that the dog will be found is heart-warming. There is much tension when, moments away from reunion, Alfie is kidnapped by Stan and Bert, who train him as a hunting dog. Eventually Charlie and Alfie are reunited.

 

Dear Hound is both a gripping, fast-paced adventure and a charming story of love and loyalty. The character of the naive puppy and the depth of emotional feeling of the young boy make this an appealing read. With more than 150 of the author's own black and white line drawings, the book is accessible to boys and girls. It is highly recommended.

 

Brenda Marshall

English 4-11 Number 40, Autumn 2010

 

This is fantastic book for stimulating and extending an understanding of mathematics in our everyday life. Johnny Ball starts in ancient times and explains the birth of measurement, from time, weight and distance, to how great thinkers believed in the magic of numbers. Later we are shown how numbers have helped explorers, engineers and scientists.

 

The book can be read as a narrative or dipped into and most of the double page spreads have sections that catch the reader's eye and jump off the page. My class liked the jokes, puzzles and tricks and the links with the history of science/maths. Their favourite sections were where our ideas of measurement and maths come from, especially the ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks, the pages on the Colosseum, sundials and how to find your way across the sea. Children returned to the book again and again, and it inspired sharing and conversation. A child commented, 'You don't have to be good at maths to like this book.' It would make a great present for a Key Stage 2 child.

 

Brenda Marshall

English 4-11 Number 40, Autumn 2010

 

This book has vibrancy and spirit. Jamela is bored in the summer holidays. She sits around waiting for the Afro-Idols TV final. Aunty Beauty owns Divine Braids ladies hairdressing salon, and Jamela starts working. She is kept busy, but can't believe her eyes when Miss Bambi chaka Chaka, the glamorous Afro-Idols celebrity walks into the salon asking for a 'surpise' hair-do. All starts well but a buzzy fly disturbs everyone. Jamela is given the fly swat. Chaos follws when she smacks Aunty Beauty's bottom and the razor she is using cuts a swathe through Miss Chaka's hair. Luckly the celebrity is dozing. Jamela's sunflower handbag saves the day and the flowers are removed and braided into Miss Chaka's hair do! Miss Chaka Chaka invites everyone to the show, and dedicates her song to Jamela and thanks her for the sunflowers. This is a funny, busy, fast-moving story about a girl with spirit who has to show initiative. The illustrations are great fun, with excellent expressions and a sense of movement. The book has a useful glossary at the back. Niki Daly is an exuberant South African writer and this is an excellent book for Key Stage 2 pupils.

 

Brenda Marshall

English 4-11 Number 39 Summer 2010

 

One is a series of Frances Lincoln books in which children return to their cultural homeland, this thoughtfully produced book details Kamal's visit to Trinidad and Tobago to visit his father's family. Every page is crammed with rich, colourful photographs which are visually stunning. Kamal includes everything from homes, clothes, food, sport and music to the varied geography and history of the islands, all rpesented in terms which are accessible to children at both Key Stages 1 and 2. A recipe for Kamal's favourite chicken meal is included, together with a comprehensive glossary.

 

The clear, logical layout and text of this book would facilitate independent research for older readers, whilst the pictures provide a wealth of detail for younger researchers too. It is a must for the school library, essential reading for a geography topic on the West Indies and a visual feast for any child who wants to learn about the culture of another country.

 

Gill Robins

English 4-11 Number 39, Summer 2010

 

This book is great fun to read. Jake is jealous of Boris, the new dog in the park, who is getting all the attention. Then injured birds are found by the park lake. Jake suspects Boris, but then Jake himself becomes the prime suspect. Jake finds himself in real danger and it is Boris who helps Jake clear his name and find the culprit. The book is a very exciting adventure for first-time readers. Themes include relationships; first impressions; accepting a newcomer; the police; wrongful arrest; blame; guilt; wolves; Canada and ice houses. The text is easy to read with attractive illustrations on good quality paper. A welcome addition to the class library.

 

Brenda Marshall

English 4-11 Number 38, Spring 2010

 

I am a huge fan of Philippa Pearce and Mrs Cockle's Cat is a special book. Mrs. cockle is an old lady who lives in London. As a balloon seller she does not make very much money but has enough to keep herself and her cat, Peter. Peter is very special to her. His passion is fresh fish and when bad weather interrupts the fresh fish supply Peter runs away to find some more. Mrs Cockle is devastated and gets thinner and thinner. One very windy day she floats into the air with her balloons and her adventure begins. Eventually she is reunited with Peter and starts a new life. The book is an exploration of love and offers opportunities for discussing relationships such as why, at the end of the book, Mrs Cockle did not tell anyone that Peter had lived with her before. Mrs Cockle is an interesting portrait of old age. She is prepared to take on new challenges and uproot herself to be with the cat she loves. The text is enhanced by Anthony Maitland's sensitive illustrations. This is a book of great charm for primary age children.

 

Brenda Marshall

English 4-11 Number 38, Spring 2010

 

This is an engaging stimulating approach from the outset in the form of letters. Esraa is a 9 year old Egyptian girl writing to her pen pal Jackie about her country; Paul is an 8 year old German boy writing about his country to his English pen pal Kerry. The books are a combination of the personal (with details of Esraa's and Paul's lives respectively) alongside brief histories of Egypt and Germany.

 

The books stay within their formats throughout and are interesting and easy to follow. The knowledge gained is mainly about aspects of Egyptian and German daily life as seen through the eyes of Esraa and Paul, including school and family life. The books end with useful and informative 'Fact Files', 'Glossary' and 'Further Information' sections.

 

These books are highly recommended as an ideal means for lower Key Stage 2 children to draw comparisons between their daily lives and those of contemporaries in other countries. These are part of a series of books covering a range of countries throughout the world.

 

Kelly Knowles

English 4-11 Number 37, Autumn 2009