School is Open
School will be open as usual today. Mr Cortese has been up early clearing the paths this morning. Please watch your step coming into school due to the falling snow.
Tree Planting
Yesterday, every child planted a tree at Tutbury Avenue Open Space. The children worked with Coventry City Council Urban Rangers, who taught the children how to plant a tree and talked about the importance of trees and their role of supporting the environment.
If you would like to go and see how our trees are growing, you can find them here:
Coventry Inspiration Book Awards: The Evictions, Week 4
Another week and we say goodbye to three more fantastic books.
What’s The Story say goodbye to Inspector Penguin Investigates by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Ross Collins.
The famous Diamondo del Mondo has been stolen! There’s something fishy going on. And no one knows fishy quite like…Inspector Penguin! Spot the clues throughout the book to help Inspector Penguin solve the mystery! Who could have broken into Baron von Buffetworth’s super-secure top-secret safe? And where have they taken his precious diamond? There’s only one detective who can solve this mystery: Inspector Penguin! That is, if he can keep his mind off tuna long enough to find some clues…
If you liked this book, try Edgar And The Sausage Inspector by Jan Fearnley, a funny quirky picture book that’s guaranteed to cause giggles!
Edgar and Edith are hungry, and it’s up to Edgar to bring home something tasty. But just when Edgar finds some delicious sausages, they are confiscated by The Inspector, a very important-looking rat with a big hat. Poor Edgar and Edith are left with nothing but dry crackers! That is, until one day, when The Inspector is all fattened up, and Edgar does some inspecting of his own, and the tables are turned . . .
Telling Tales will be very sad to see Grimwood by Nadia Shireen leave the competition.
Fox siblings Nancy (the tough one) and Ted (the sensitive one) are forced to flee the big city for the countryside after Ted accidentally bites off pussycat boss Princess Buttons’ tail. Grimwood, where they find themselves, is a kind of paradise it seems, full of friendly if eccentric animal residents who love nothing better than a good game of treebonk. Ted feels right at home, Nancy needs convincing, but when Princess Buttons arrives, bent on revenge, and armed with a Brain Zapper 3000, and their new friends step up to help, she changes her mind.
If you loved this book, you’ll be delighted to know that your favourite inhabitants from Grimwood are back in Let The Fur Fly! You could also try Agent Moose by Mo O’Hara.
Agent Moose, the best (worst) secret agent in the Big Forest, and his slightly-more-intelligent sidekick Owlfred are on the case in this new full colour graphic novel series.
Something fishy is going on at the South Shore. Folks just disappear and are never seen again. But when Agent Moose learns that a key witness has gone missing, he and Owlfred ride to the rescue. Will they find the missing turtle before time runs out?
Hooked On Books lose Misson Mayhem by Burhana Islam, illustrated by Farah Khandaker
The first in a laugh-out-loud series following the hilarious, and often chaotic, adventures of nine -year -old Yusuf Ali Khan. Yusuf’s responsible older sister is getting married and, as everyone keeps telling him, it’s time for him to become ‘the man of the house’, when his sister gets married and leaves home.. The problem is… that sounds like way too much work, so he decides with the help of his cousin to sabotage his sister’s wedding; but his plans often backfire in accidental and hysterically funny ways. Will he get away with all his mischief or is there a bigger lesson for him to learn?
If you enjoyed this book, try Little Badman And The Invasion Of The Killer Aunties by Henry White and Humza Arshad.
“You’ve probably heard of me, right? Little Badman. No? Oh. Well. . . Doesn’t matter. You will do one day. I’m gonna be big.” I’m Humza Khan, the greatest eleven-year-old rapper Eggington has ever known; soon everyone will know my name. Only problem is school has got really weird, man. All my teachers are disappearing and our aunties are taking over. It wasn’t too bad at the start, they keep feeding us delicious snacks. Like, all the time. But now these aunties are trying to mess with my music, so me and my best friends Umer and Wendy are going to hunt for the truth. Cos something big and bad is going on and we won’t let anything mess with my music… or you know, the world.
A hilarious and fast-paced adventure from comedian Humza Arshad and screen writer Henry White, perfect for fans of David Solomons and Jenny Pearson.
Coventry Inspiration Book Awards: The Evictions, Week 3
It’s the third week of evictions, and as ever, I am surprised at how early these books are leaving the competition.
What’s The Story? says goodbye to Frank And Bert by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Frank and Bert are the best of friends and they LOVE to play hide and seek. But Bert the bear isn’t quite as good at hiding as he thinks he is . . . and Frank ALWAYS wins! Every. Single. Time. But when it’s Bert’s turn to hide, and Frank has to decide between winning again OR making his friend happy, Frank learns that friendship is always the true winner. This interactive and entertaining story about friendship is guaranteed to get children giggling!
If you enjoyed this book try, Omar, The Bees And Me by Helen Mortimer and Katie Cottle
Omar, The Bees and Me encourages children to look after nature in local communities planting wild flowers to form bee corridors. Themes around cultural identity are also explored through Omar (a new boy from Syria) and Maisie’s friendship. It also offers an insight into international beekeeping and is illustrated by award-winning picture-book maker Katie Cottle, creator of The Green Giant and The Blue Giant. Including bee facts on the endpapers and a recipe for honey cake on end page, Omar, The Bees And Me is a win for friendship, bees and our environment.
Telling Tales lose Sindhu and Jeet’s Detective Agency by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Amberin Huq
Sindhu and Jeet are the best detectives in town: they solve all their cases with a dollop of observation, a dash of imagination and a whole load of legwork. And when they travel from India to England for a holiday, the detective work doesn’t stop! This page-turning story is accompanied by black-and-white illustrations by Amberin Huq.
If you enjoyed this book, try The Case Of The Vanishing Granny by Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Sam Usher
Billy, Fern and Joe Shortbread are the stars of their family circus, but they also have another talent … they’re experts at solving mysteries! When their circus moves into a new town they soon make friends with a young boy named Tom. But Tom can’t enjoy the circus because his granny has disappeared and he’s worried he’ll never see her again. With the help of their astonishing circus skills can the Shortbread circus stars crack the clues and find Tom’s granny? A brilliant McCall Smith adventure story, brimming with wit, wisdom and larger than life characters.
Hooked On Books have evicted Eve by Victor LaValle, Jo Mi-Gyeong and Brittany Peer
A young girl, Eve, raised in a virtual reality embarks on a deadly cross-country quest to save her father… and our dying planet. When the ice caps melted, most of humanity was lost to the hidden disease that was released. Now, a mysterious girl named Eve has awoken in secret and must deal with a world that’s nothing like the virtual reality she was raised in. In order to save her father and accompanied only by Wexler, her robotic caretaker and protector sheathed in her favorite teddy bear, Eve must embark on a deadly quest across the country. Along the way, she will have to contend not only with the threats of a very real world that await her, but the lies we tell our children in the name of protecting them. Victor LaValle and illustrator Jo Mi-Gyeong deliver a powerful dystopian adventure about the world we leave behind… and the price that must be paid to restore life to a dying planet.
If you enjoyed this book, try The Light Thieves by Helena Duggan.
Clever, quirky and hugely imaginative, discover the eagerly anticipated new series from the bestselling author of A Place Called Perfect. Who would you trust to save the world…a boy or a billionaire? The earth has shifted on its axis and a mysterious dark mark has appeared on the sun – the whole world is in peril! But billionaire tech genius Howard Hansom has a plan… When Grian’s sister goes missing he’s convinced she has run off to Hansom’s new city to help save the world. But when Grian and his two friends Jeffrey and Shelli track her there they find that nothing is quite as it seems. Why is everything so secret? Where is the mysterious Area 13? What does Howard Hansom want with all the people he has enticed to live in his city? The days are getting darker but what’s really happening to the sun?
Happy reading, and don’t forget to keep voting to keep your favourite book in the competition!
World Book Day Display
This week, the children have been designing and creating their very own book-inspired t-shirts to celebrate World Book Day. Today, we put up a display at Cannon Park Shopping Centre to share their fantastic designs. The children will bring their t-shirts home after half term ready to wear to school on Thursday 2nd March to celebrate World Book Day.
Coventry Inspiration Book Awards: The Evictions, Week 2
Another week sees three more amazing books leave the competition. If you loved one of them, here are some recommendations of books you might enjoy too.
What’s The Story?: Constance in Peril by Ben Manley, illustrated by Emma Chichester-Clarke
Constance, an old cloth doll, having been rescued from a rubbish bin by a boy called Edward, suffers a series of potentially catastrophic incidents. More suited to elegant tea parties in a bygone age, she nevertheless remains stoic throughout. From being forgotten and left out in the rain or trapped up a tree, even being caught between the jaws of the neighbour’s dog, Constance is constantly finding herself in mortal danger. Although she’s luckily rescued each time by the watchful Grace, Edward’s loving older sister, it seems disaster is never far behind. Is Constance doomed to suffer a life of never-ending peril?
If you enjoyed this book, try Seahorses Are Sold Out by Katja Gehrmann and Constanze Spengler
Mika’s father works from home and he’s very busy! He can never find time for the promised swimming trip. So Dad allows Mika to choose a pet from the store while he finishes the project—something quiet like a mouse. And so begins a wonderfully turbulent story in which Mika brings home one animal after another… The mouse gets lost so they need a dog to find it. The dog is followed by a seal, the seal a penguin. One pet for Mika leads to another and another. How many animals can come to stay before a harassed father notices?
Telling Tales: A Tale Of Two Dragons by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Peter Malone
The kingdoms of Arbor and Pomosa are neighbours. Arbor is leafy and green with forests, while Pomosa is fertile, full of wheatfields and grazing cows. A high thorn hedge divides them but fortunately the children sneak through the hedge at night to help themselves to firewood or grain and milk. This keeps the people of both countries warm, fed, and happy. However, the kings are determined to protect their property and each one hires a dragon to patrol the hedge. Things escalate, and the kings order the dragons to fight, to the distress of their citizens, who’ve come to love these beautiful creatures much more than they ever loved their rulers.
If you enjoyed this book, try Grey Island, Red Boat by Ian Beck
Everything on the Island of Ashes is grey, from the weather to the castle, the grass and the flowers. But then the red boat arrives, and with it a young man who believes he is cursed – everything he touches turns to colour. Princess Opal and the people of the island are enchanted, but the King is suspicious and imprisons Wendell. Opal must find a way to escape to a life filled with love and colour.
Hooked On Books: The Thief Who Sang Storms by Sophie Anderson
Linnet and her father, Nightingale, are Alkonosts, bird people who live on the island of Morovia. Alkonosts and humans used to live in harmony, but everything changed when a tidal wave devastated the island and killed the two Morovian queens, along with many of the islanders. Ruthless Captain Ilya plays on the islander’s grief and anger to claim that the Alkonosts’ singing magic caused the tragedy. He banishes the bird people to the deepest swamps and bans them from using magic. Linnet and Nightingale keep moving to stay safe and are forced to steal from humans to survive. When Nightingale is captured by Captain Ilya’s guards, Linnet embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue him. With no magic of her own, she must draw on other skills, such as kindness and determination, if she is to succeed.
If you enjoyed this book, try Song Of The Far Isles by Nicholas Bowling
Oran lives on Little Drum, where music is everything. Every islander has a birth instrument and a life song – and the ancestors, called ghasts, linger to hear the music. But when the Duchess arrives from the mainland bringing orders of silence, she threatens the ghasts’ existence, the very soul of the community. When Oran hears of a mythical instrument with the power to manipulate hearts, she brings her ghast best friend, Alick, on a quest to find it, play it, and change the Duchess’s mind …
Don’t forget, if you don’t want your favourite to be evicted, keep voting!
Children’s Mental Health Week
This week, we have been enjoying taking part in Mental Health Week. The children have really enjoyed the week, following the theme of ‘Let’s Connect’. This morning, all children took part in a human circle to remind ourselves of how important it is to connect with each other.
For more information on how to support your child’s mental health and wellbeing, please see the following image.
Coventry Inspiration Book Awards: The Evictions, Week 1
It’s that time of year already when the vote offs have begun for Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2023. The first books out are:
What’s The Story? The River by Tom Percival
Rowan is so happy exploring and playing and he particularly loves the river and how it can be calm, playful, or even angry, just like him. One year there is a particularly cruel winter, and the now empty dog basket is shown. The river, unseasonably remaining frozen, represents Rowan’s grief and his inability to find any joy in life without his beloved pet. The nature around him eventually breaks through when he notices, rescues, and heals a little bird and Rowan growing, feeling, and changing over time just like the river he remains and goes on.
If you loved this book, try Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate.
Celebrate love in all its forms, as Grandad tells his granddaughter about the adventures he used to have with Gramps. A long time ago, Grandad and Gramps spent many happy days travelling the world together in a camper van. But now Gramps isn’t around any more, Grandad doesn’t feel much like having adventures. As she listens to his wonderful stories, Grandad’s granddaughter has an idea to cheer him up…
Telling Tales: Indigo Wilde And The Creatures Of Jellybean Crescent by Pippa Curnick
Discovered in the Unknown Wilderness when she was just a baby, Indigo Wilde was adopted by World-Famous Explorers, Philomena and Bertram, who are always off adventuring. Home for Indigo and her little brother, Quigley, is 47 Jellybean Crescent, a crazy and colourful house full of magical creatures that her parents have taken in over the years. There’s Fishkins, a purrmaid – half-cat, half-fish, and ALWAYS grumpy; Graham, a llama-corn with a particular taste for tinsel; Olli and Umpf – bright pink and blue yetis who can’t blend into the snow, and that’s to name just a few. Now Indigo’s parents have sent another Monster Mail delivery to Indigo and Quigley. But this time, the box is empty, and the escaped creature is running rampage around the house. The race is on to catch the creature before it’s too late and disaster strikes…
If you loved this book, try Luma And The Pet Dragon by Leah Mohammed.
A collection of two warm and funny stories about Luma and her cheeky pet dragon. When Luma Dewan wakes up on the morning of her seventh birthday, she knows that today will be special. But she has no idea just how wonderful and extraordinary it will be. For today is the day she will meet Timir – a real talking dragon. Or at least when Luma is around that’s what he is. When anyone else is there, he becomes an ordinary grey puppy with a fluffy tail, who loves chasing squirrels and bouncing on trampolines.
It’s a big secret to keep – and Luma’s clever cousin Arjun is soon suspicious of this peculiar puppy, who doesn’t quite behave like any other dog. Luckily Luma’s grandmother – Nani – is there to help, and to Luma’s surprise, Nani might just know a little dragon magic of her own . . .
Hooked On Books: Magicborn by Peter Bunzl
The year is 1726 and the Royal Sorcerer of England is on the hunt for those who are Magicborn. Two children, Tempest, and Thomas both have lost their parents, and both have one green eye and one blue eye. They are both in great danger, because they are MagicBorn and the Royal Sorcerer, Lord Hawthorn, is determined to track them down. When Tempest is captured after accidentally unleashing a power she didn’t know she had, she is taken to Kensington Palace alongside a boy like her, Thomas. Trapped, Tempest and Thomas find their magic flickering to life – and with it, long-buried memories. For they are the lost prince and princess of Fairyland, bound by a deadly curse…and now the fairies are coming to get them. A battle is building – one only they can end. But who will survive?
If you loved this book, try The Chime Seekers by Ross Montgomery.
Step into a world of faerie tricks and hidden danger… When an evil faerie steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back. For faeries delight in tricks and rescuing her won’t be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way. Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own, if he’s to outwit the faerie and save his sister…
Ross Montgomery brings the magical world of British folklore to life in this contemporary fantasy novel. Bursting with Ross’s trademark charm, humour and heart, with echoes of David Bowie’s Labyrinth.
Happy reading, and don’t forget to vote to keep your favourite books in the competition!
Friday Library Recommendations: The Healing Power Of Nature
We’re nearly at the end of January, and statistics say that 23% of people who made resolutions linked to healthier lifestyles will have given up in the first week, and only 9% make it past January 31st. But, it is really important that we look after our mental health all year round, so this week, I’m sharing books that give us ideas on how we can use the natural world around us to improve our well-being.
Shine Like The Stars by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Harry Woodgate
You are part of this earth. You grow like the seed. You shine like the stars.
We are all connected to the natural world, and it is connected to us. And just as the stars shine brightly in the night sky, so can you.
Told from the point of view of the natural world, this exquisite and thought-provoking story invites us to connect with the world around us and achieve our potential. Exploring a range of emotions, we see how nature can reassure, calm and inspire us.
My Big Book Of Outdoors by Tim Hopgood
Discover the great outdoors with this beautifully illustrated treasury that celebrates the wonder of nature in four glorious seasons. From vibrant springtime flowers to sweet fruits on summer trees, the falling of autumn leaves and snowdrops in winter, this book of four seasons is the perfect introduction to the big outdoors.
Discover why birds fly south in winter, find animal footprints in the snow and learn to make the perfect snowflake; grow a sunflower, find a feather and make a daisy chain. Full of activities, poetry and fun facts to explore, this bumper book is jam-packed with amazing things to see and do outdoors – perfect for every season.
The Lost Spells by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris
Kindred in spirit to The Lost Words but fresh in its form, The Lost Spells introduces a beautiful new set of natural spell-poems and artwork by beloved creative duo Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. Each “spell” conjures an animal, bird, tree or flower — from Barn Owl to Red Fox, Grey Seal to Silver Birch, Jay to Jackdaw — with which we share our lives and landscapes. Moving, joyful and funny, The Lost Spells above all celebrates a sense of wonder, bearing witness to nature’s power to amaze, console and bring joy.
Written to be read aloud, painted in brushstrokes that call to the forest, field, riverbank and also to the heart, The Lost Spells summons back what is often lost from sight and care, teaching the names of everyday species, and inspiring its readers to attention, love and care. This pocket-sized treasure is the perfect gift for fans of nature, language and rich artwork, adult and child alike!
The Night Animals by Sarah Ann Juckes
Nora’s mum has good days and bad days, but the bad days are getting worse. It’s been just the two of them for always, and they don’t need anyone else. When the rainbow-shimmering ghost animals Nora used to see when she was small start to reappear, she’s convinced that they hold all the answers. Along with new friend Kwame, Nora follows a glittering ghostly fox, hare, raven and otter on the adventure of a lifetime, helping her to find the strength she needs to help her family.
In a heartbreaking and hopeful narrative, Sarah Ann Juckes’ stunning novel, illustrated by the award-winning Sharon King-Chai sees a brave young girl face down her ghosts. Each ghost animal mirrors the emotions Nora is hiding from behind the phrase, “I’m fine!” A stunning read for empathy, that allows us to look at life through the eyes of a young carer.
Happy reading!
Friday Library Recommendations: Rabbits
This Sunday is Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by 20% of the world’s population, and sees the Year Of The Rabbit begin (or the Cat if you are in Vietnam), so I have chosen some of my favourite literary rabbits for this week’s Friday Library Recommendations.
But before we get to the rabbits, let’s find out All About Lunar New Year. Kevin Tsang and Linh Nguyen have teamed up to tell us all about one of the most significant holidays celebrated across Asia. This beautiful book is filled with crafts and recipes, fun activities and facts about the Lunar New Year celebrations observed by over ONE BILLION people.
Read about the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac and learn why they’re so important to the Lunar New Year as well as the other stories behind this festival. Children can also create magical decorations, plan for the wonderful year ahead and make delicious treats!
Now to the Rabbits! First up is John Bond’s Mini Rabbit. Whether Mini Rabbit Not Lost or Mini Rabbit Come Home, these adorable stories are bound to raise a chuckle as our little friend is determined to succeed without help…
Mini Rabbit is making a cake. Cake, cake, cake! But he’s run out of berries. No berries, no cake. No cake? No way!
So off he goes to look for some… He’s not cold, not too small. And, no, no, definitely NOT LOST… or is he?
Mini Rabbit is making a camp in the garden. He can’t wait. It’s going to be the BEST DAY ever! But there are still a few last things he needs to get, and it looks like it might rain. Will Mini Rabbit ever manage to get everything home in time?
Next we have The Royal Rabbits Of London, where adventure begins for brave little Shylo and his Royal Rabbit friends in this charming series from bestselling authors Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag Montefiore and illustrator Kate Hindley, that proves even the smallest rabbit can be the biggest hero.
Life is an adventure. Anything in the world is possible – by will and by luck, with a moist carrot, a wet noise and a slice of mad courage! Shylo has always been the runt of the litter, the weakest and quietest of all of his family. His siblings spend their days making fun of him for not being like the rest of them. But when Shylo stumbles across a band of ratzis and overhears their evil plan to take a photo of the Queen in her nightie, it’s up to this unlikely hero to travel to London and inform the Royal Rabbits of London about the diabolical plot! The Royal Rabbits have a proud history of protecting the royal family and now the secret society need to leap into action to stop the ratzis… But can a rabbit as feeble and shy as Shylo convince them that Queen is in danger?
The Legend Of Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood has some of the bravest rabbits in literary history in a story that starts an epic adventure across the Five Realms.
Podkin is the son of a warrior chieftain. He knows that one day it will be up to him to lead his warren and guard it in times of danger. But for now, he’s quite happy to laze around annoying his older sister Paz, and playing with his baby brother Pook. Then Podkin’s home is brutally attacked, and the young rabbits are forced to flee. The terrifying Gorm are on the rampage, and no one and nowhere is safe. With danger all around them, Podkin must protect his family, uncover his destiny, and attempt to defeat the most horrifying enemy rabbitkind has ever known.
And finally, but I couldn’t possibly celebrate rabbits without talking about Watership Down by Richard Adams. This was one of my absolute favourite books when I was in primary school. It made me laugh and cry, and taught me a lot about faith and social justice.
In this epic story, a young rabbit called Fiver senses that something terrible is about to happen to the warren – he is sure of it. Fiver’s sixth sense is never wrong according to his brother, Hazel. They had to leave immediately, and they had to persuade the other rabbits to join them. And so begins a long and perilous journey of a small band of rabbits in search of a safe home. Fiver’s vision finally leads them to Watership Down, but here they face their most difficult challenge of all…
Wishing all of our families celebrating Lunar New Year a wonderful weekend!
Happy reading, and don’t forget to keep voting for your favourite book in the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2023 – Coventry City Council if you don’t want it to be voted out!