2024

This week, children in school have had an assembly about Coventry Food Bank, as that is where our harvest donations will be going this year. They have asked for items with long dates, such as tinned tomatoes and vegetables, tinned meats and fish, cooking sauces for the hob, and UHT long life milk. If you could attach a coin to a can too, they are also working with a charity in Bolivia to help feed street children too. We would be extremely grateful for anything you feel you can donate. We  will be accepting donations from Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October.

Our harvest collection has inspired my book choices for this week, which delve a little deeper into the lives of children who don’t have enough food.

The first is a picture book called, It’s A No Money Day by Kate Milner.

Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in the cupboards. Forced to visit the local food bank, Mum feels ashamed that they have to rely on the kindness of others, but her young daughter can still see all the good in her day like reading and drawing, and even the food bank.
Maybe one day things will be different but for now together they brighten up even the darkest of days.

A moving insight into the sad rise and necessity of food banks from the perspective of society’s most vulnerable, and an essential book to help develop empathy in younger readers.

For Year 3 and up, I’ve picked The Great (Food) Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Rauf

On Thursdays, Nelson, Ashley and Mum head out to the bank. But not just any old bank – the food bank. With its shining tins and packets of food stacked from floor to ceiling, Nelson thinks it’s the best kind of bank there is. But there’s a thief in town, and the shelves of the food bank are getting emptier each day, leaving people hungrier than ever. For the sake of his family and everyone else’s, Nelson needs to make them stop. But can he and his friends really be the ones to catch the bank robber?

Written with great empathy and Onjali’s trademark humour, The Great (Food) Bank Heist is a moving story that gives a child’s-eye view of the increasing problem of food poverty.

And finally, I have chosen a chapter book for Year 5 and up called, The Boy In The Suit by James Fox.

It’s not easy to fit in when you’re the boy in the suit…

Ten-year-old Solo – embarrassingly, that isn’t short for anything – just wants to be normal. He wants a name that doesn’t stand out. He wishes he had a proper school uniform that fitted him. He dreams about a mum who doesn’t get the Big Bad Reds, like his mum Morag. But most of all he longs to stop crashing funerals for the free food. But when Solo and Morag crash the funeral of a celebrity and get caught, the press are there to witness their humiliation. The next day it’s splashed across the papers. Before Solo knows it, he becomes a viral sensation, and life may never be normal again.

The Boy in the Suit is a remarkable debut that tackles important issues such as mental health, poverty, and the quest to fit in with sensitivity and grace. James has crafted a story that is not only a page-turner but also a life-affirming testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and is a timely reminder of the importance of empathy, community, and the strength found in the unlikeliest of places.

Happy reading!

This week, I have chosen a picture book that focuses on gratitude – an important character strength that we all need to foster to improve our wellbeing and help us through trickier moments in life.

Thank You by Jarvis is an enchanting picture book that serves as a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the seemingly ordinary things that often go unnoticed. From the very first page, Jarvis’s picturebook delivers a heartwarming experience, both visually and emotionally, that is sure to resonate with children and adults alike. Its vibrant collage art and simple, rhythmic text combine to create a captivating read that will leave a lasting impression on young readers.

The book follows a young child who joyously gives thanks to the various elements of his everyday life. This simple yet profound narrative guides readers through a series of delightful illustrations that capture the essence of each item the child appreciates—from the warm embrace of the sun and the thrill of riding a bicycle to the simple pleasure of jelly in a bowl. The central theme of gratitude is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, encouraging children to recognise and appreciate the small joys in their own lives.

Jarvis’s artistic approach is nothing short of mesmerizing. The illustrations, crafted through vibrant collage art, create a visual feast that complements the book’s theme perfectly. Each page bursts with colour and texture, drawing children into a whimsical world where the wonder and enthusiasm of the child  is thoughtfully captured. The text is simple yet effective, with rhythmic, repetitive phrasing that reinforces the theme and encourages participation. As the child expresses thanks for each small joy, the repetitive structure invites readers to join in, fostering a sense of inclusivity and sharing.

More than just a picture book, Thank You is a celebration of the art of gratitude. It not only teaches children the importance of saying “thank you” but also encourages them to reflect on the things that bring them happiness, providing a valuable lesson in appreciating the small joys in life.

Happy reading!