It’s lovely to see all of the children back in school! I completed the Summer Reading Challenge 10 times over (more than 60 books!) and these are a few of my favourites.
For Reception and Key Stage One, Ten Delicious Teachers by Ross Montgomery and Sarah Warburton is a monstrously dark book told in verse about the perils of missing the bus home and walking through the woods. Laugh out loud funny, Sarah’s delightful illustrations are the perfect backdrop to Ross’s raucous rhyming tale that is bound to have children joining in. With plenty to discover in each spread, this is a book that I am sure will be read over and over again.
For Year 3 and 4, and beyond, Peanut Jones And The Illustrated City by Rob Biddulph, the man behind the world record breaking #DrawWithRob event last year, is glorious celebration of imagination and creativity, Peanut Jones And The Illustrated City is a laugh out loud funny adventure with a huge heart. Highly illustrated throughout, this is exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a child. Short chapters mean just one more could easily extend to three or four more… Dastardly villains, brave heroes, and an eclectic supporting cast in a beautifully created world will have you routing for Peanut and her companions as they work together using their unique skills to tackle every obstacle that comes their way. Creativity, physics and code-breaking are all required to stay one step ahead of Mr White’s Razers. There is even a glossary at the end for anyone who wants to find out more about the artists we encounter along the way.
For Year 5 & 6, we have Adam-2 by Alistair Chisholm. a dystopian sci-fi set in a world at war. Packed with twists and turns from beginning to end, this is a thrill-a-page story with much to discuss beyond the story, from the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, to the rights and wrongs of war, and how differing cultures can come together and live in harmony. While much of the story is dark, it is hopeful and heartfelt.
And finally, a picture book that is suitable for everyone and sings of our school values. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman is a celebration of every one no matter their race, religion or background. Bright, bold illustrations accompany the uplifting verse, with the repeated refrain of All Are Welcome Here, reminded me of the wonderfully kind, friendly, diverse community that makes up Cannon Park Primary School.
