As part of my PGCE I signed up for an additional module in Children's Literature. As part of this I am required to read and review 10 recent children's books. So I thought, where better place to pop my reviews than on my teaching blog....so here goes.
Books suitable for Key Stage 1
Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers, 2010
Long listed for 2012 UKLA Book Award, 3-6 years category.
I chose this book as it was long listed for the UKLA 2012 book award and was written by the same author as “The Heart and The Bottle” which was shortlisted for the 2011 Kate Greenaway Medal.
This is a beautiful story about friendship and supporting others in pursuing their dreams. I love the way this story brought the two characters back together at the end of the story as their realised what their friendship meant to each other.
This book would be ideal for KS1 however it would be an ideal book for years 3 and 4 if there had been an argument or fall out between members of my class.
The part of the story where the boy is looking for his friend in the zoo slightly confused me as the author wrote about their favourite game, which had not really been mentioned before.
However, the illustrations, as with all of Oliver Jeffers books, are simple and beautiful and the story is a pleasure to read.
The heart and the bottle, by Oliver Jeffers, 2011
Shortlisted for the 2011 Kate Greenaway Medal.
I chose this book as it was shortlisted for the 2011 Kate Greenaway Medal and is written by the same author as “Up and Down”, which was long listed for the UKLA 2012 book award.
I was drawn into the simple yet engaging illustrations and was taken on an emotional journey by the words and the facial expressions of the characters. I found myself reading this book in a whisper I felt very aware that I was being let into a very fragile world filled with the emotions of this little girl. The way Oliver Jeffers portrayed loneliness in this book was heart-breaking yet the ending was hopeful and uplifting.
This book has the ability to raise memories for both children and adults, which would make me think carefully about who I read it to. I would only use this book in a class I knew and where there was a great deal of trust between the children and myself to express their feelings and emotions.
I would use this book during circle time and during PSHE to help the children express their feelings and to develop their emotional literacy.
I would also keep this book in mind in case a child in my class suffered a loss as I feel it could instil hope and comfort during their time of grief.
Wolf Won’t Bite! by Emily Gravett, 2011
Long listed for 2012 UKLA Book Award, 3-6 years category.
I chose this book Emily Gravett is one of my favourite children’s authors. This book was also long listed for the 2012 UKLA Book Award for 3-6 year olds.
As always, Emily Gravett produced a witty, exciting and fast paced book which could draw in children and adults alike. The stunning illustrations and rhythmic words made this book a pleasure to read. I found myself reading it for a second time as soon as I had finished.
I feel this book would go well with books such as “Going on a bear hunt” due to its repetitive language and song like phrasing.
The pace of this book draws you in an keeps you reading right until the end to find out what happens with the wolf!
This book would be loved by any KS1 child if they can prise it out of their teacher’s hands!
Rollo Ruff and the Little Fluffy Bird by Mick Inkpen, 2011
Long listed for 2012 UKLA Book Award, 3-6 years category.
I chose this book as it is written by the author of Kipper, a childhood favourite of mine. It is has also been long listed for the 2012 UKLA Book Award for 3-6 year olds.
I love the amazing descriptions in this week. It would be an ideal book when teaching adverbs, adjectives and onomatopoeia to KS1.
This layout of the text in this book is fascinating and makes the book much more exciting to read. The use of shaped text is captivating and the story itself is very heart warming.
This book would be great for PSHE lessons, especially one based on friendships and relationships. The story explains that we should treat everyone with kindness and respect, even if they are different from us.
FArTHER by Grahame Baker-Smith, 2010
Winner of 2011 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal and long listed for 2012 UKLA Book Award, 7-11 years category.
I chose this book as it appeared on the 2012 UKLA 7-11 years long list. I was also mesmerised by the illustrations which can only be described as beautiful.
There seem to be many stories all rolled into one within this book. A son fascinated by his father’s dream of flying, a son’s longing for a lost father, a father’s love for his son and a son’s desire to fulfil his late father’s dream. I believe that any one, child or adult, would be able to find their own story within this book.
Within a classroom the illustrations alone could provoke the more exciting discussions. The use of photography, collages and drawings draw the reader in to see past the words.
I would be hesitant to read this book to young children or to a class that I was unfamiliar with as the story could bring up emotions of lost friends or relatives. Ideally I would save this book for children in years 3 and 4.
This is defiantly a book to keep, read, reread and treasure.
KS2 books to come so watch this space!
Take Care,
Student Teacher
