Reading

Friday Library Recommendations: Puzzle Books

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I am a huge fan of puzzle books, and it’s great to see new ones hitting bookshop shelves based on some of our favourite characters.

Where’s Wally? A-maze-ing Journeys by Martin Handford

A must-have addition to any young puzzler’s bookshelf. Now available in paperback, this delightful maze-filled journey promises hours of entertainment as young adventurers accompany Wally on a truly unique exploration.

With over 60 maze routes to uncover, the book takes readers through eleven captivating scenes, each more mind-boggling than the last. From art galleries to a bustling sweet factory, a space centre, and even Wallywood, each location is a maze in itself, packed with twists, turns, and plenty of fun distractions. Kids can trace their fingers through the labyrinths, solving the maze challenges, and searching for hidden objects along the way.

In addition to the main mazes, there are mini-mazes and extra searches scattered throughout, adding even more layers of adventure. From groovy discos to fantastical journeys, Wally’s world is as exciting as it is perplexing.

This book is an excellent choice for young puzzle enthusiasts, combining problem-solving skills with the thrill of discovery. Perfect for children who enjoy exploring, learning, and—most importantly—having fun!

Bunny Vs Monkey: The Whopping World Of Puzzles by Jamie Smart

The beloved Bunny vs Monkey series continues with a fantastic new addition that promises hours of interactive fun for children! In this latest book, Bunny, Monkey, and their gang stumble upon a secret theme park hidden deep within the woods, and what follows is a thrilling competition where you become part of the adventure.

Packed with a variety of engaging activities such as wordsearches, puzzles, and mazes, this activity book is designed to keep young minds entertained while offering plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you are solving challenges or joining in the fun with Bunny, Monkey, and the rest of the characters, there’s something for everyone. It’s a wonderfully creative way to keep busy, and this book is sure to be a favourite!

An absolute must-have for fans of the series and any child who loves interactive activities.

Loki: A Bad God’s Guide To Unruly Activities by Louie Stowell

If you are a fan of the mischievous Loki, then this fun-filled, interactive book is sure to keep you entertained for hours. A brilliant new addition to the series, it combines short stories, quizzes, puzzles, and a host of activities that are perfect for curious minds.

The book kicks off with Loki’s latest escapade: after pulling one too many pranks involving… well, let’s just say ‘poo’, Heimdall challenges him to find a more creative (and less messy) way to pass the time. Naturally, Loki is up for the task! With a bit of help from his friends, Valerie and Georgina (and, of course, Thor, who is definitely not one of Loki’s friends), he creates a collection of fun and sometimes cheeky activities.

You can try your hand at quizzes about Norse mythology, including a rather tricky one with Valerie and a much easier one with Thor. You can also decipher secret codes, and even hunt for Loki in various animal disguises. There is even an Insult Generator to craft witty (and humorous) remarks that is for out of school use only. Throughout it all, there are promises of those tantalising stories Loki has always been too busy to tell.

Packed with clever, light-hearted activities, this book is perfect for readers who love to engage with their favourite characters in a more interactive way. Whether solving puzzles or enjoying Loki’s mischief, this book is a brilliant boredom buster.

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: Book Quiz Prizes

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This year, our Year 5 & 6 Hooked On Books Quiz Team triumphed, beating all of the competition with their knowledge of this year’s shortlisted books. They answered questions on animals, names, numbers, food and drink, places, and other general knowledge, winning school a fabulous haul of books. This week, I’m sharing my favourites from our prize box.

For our younger readers, I’ve picked a fabulous non-fiction picture book, Do Bears Poop In The Woods by Huw Lewis Jones and Sam Caldwell

A fascinating and engaging field guide that takes readers on an exciting journey through the wild to uncover the wonders of eight different species of bears. Aimed at young explorers, this book offers a perfect blend of information and adventure, making it an ideal read for families interested in wildlife and conservation.

In this informative guide, Huw Lewis Jones introduces us to the world of bears, from the iconic panda and polar bear to the lesser-known sun bear and sloth bear. With the help of the expert field guide, children will learn how to identify these incredible creatures, and discover fascinating facts such as why bears poop so much, how to stay safe in bear territory, and the crucial ways we can help protect these magnificent animals.

Not only does this book teach about the lives of bears, but it also highlights the importance of conserving their habitats and understanding their unique needs. With its engaging narrative, fun facts, and beautiful illustrations, it is a must-have for nature-loving families and young readers eager to explore the wild.

So, lace up your walking boots, grab your binoculars, and set off on an unforgettable adventure into the world of bears. It’s both educational and entertaining, making it a perfect addition to any child’s reading list.

For our more confident readers, I’ve chosen another non-fiction title, Extinct: Hainan Gibbon by Ben Garrod, illsutrated by Gabriel Ugueto

TV scientist, Ben Garrod, presents an eye-opening exploration of extinction through the lens of one of our closest living relatives; the critically endangered Hainan gibbon. This book offers a compelling look at how evolution’s most remarkable creatures have survived the most destructive forces of nature, and how some are now on the brink of disappearing forever.

Ben Garrod’s unique approach makes complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting, showing how extinction has shaped life on Earth. The book asks a crucial question: can we help the Hainan gibbon become a ‘super-survivor’? With only a handful of these primates left, Ben challenges readers to reflect on our role in the story of life, encouraging us to move from being careless bystanders to active ‘super-savers’ – individuals who take responsibility for preventing the extinction of species we share the planet with.

Whether you’re a child or an adult, Extinct: Hainan Gibbon makes science fun and relevant, inspiring hope and action for the future. Ben’s thought-provoking message about conservation and the need for urgent action is both a call to awareness and a celebration of the incredible animals we still have the chance to protect. This book is a must-read for families interested in wildlife, conservation, and the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity.

And finally, for our oldest readers, I’ve selected The Others by Sarah Merrett

An exciting historical sci-fi adventure that will captivate young readers and spark their imaginations. Set against the backdrop of an observatory, the story follows Reuben, a boy living with his astronomer grandmother, who is determined to win the Guzman Prize — a prestigious award for discovering and contacting extraterrestrial life. However, Grandma faces fierce competition from the sinister Professor Pinfield, whose mysterious intentions could put everything at risk.

Reuben, though confined to the observatory, sneaks out one day and encounters an alien he names Blue. What follows is a thrilling race against time as Reuben must protect Blue from the evil professor while also unraveling the mystery of his own identity.

This fast-paced, action-packed novel combines elements of science fiction with historical intrigue, making it an engaging read for children. Sarah’s storytelling is rich in suspense, and the characters are both relatable and intriguing. Reuben’s bravery and determination shine through, and the themes of loyalty, courage, and discovery are woven throughout the story.

The Others is a fantastic choice for readers looking for an adventurous, thought-provoking book that blends science fiction with a historical twist. It will undoubtedly inspire curiosity about space, science, and the unknown, while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. A must-read for fans of adventure and mystery!

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: Making Memories

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It’s our last week celebrating National Non Fiction November, and I’ve picked books that encourage us to enjoy nature together and make memories.

My first choice is Sunday Fun Day: A Nature Activity for Every Weekend of the Year by Katherine Halligan, illustrated by Jesus Verona.

Published in collaboration with the National Trust, this is a beautifully designed guide to spending quality time with loved ones through seasonal activities. With 52 diverse ideas—one for each Sunday of the year—this book offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, creative crafts, and family-friendly recipes that are perfect for making every weekend feel special, whatever the weather. I can personally vouch for the carrot cake recipe!

The book is split into four seasonal sections making it easy to choose activities based on the natural resources to be found in local parks and gardens, so no matter the weather, you’re bound to find something to suit your mood and environment.

Easy to follow instructions are accompanied by vibrant illustrations for every activity so you can direct your grown up if you need an extra pair of hands. At the end of the book, you can find helpful kit lists for the kitchen and garden, and for crafting and adventuring, as well as a useful set of safety tips.

Packed with super seasonal activities for children (and adults!) of all ages, this book will make every family weekend a fantastic one.

I have also chosen Hike It: A complete guide to camping, hiking and backpacking in the great outdoors by Iron Tazz.

This fully-illustrated book is the perfect introduction to enjoying the great outdoors. Explore 30 diverse terrains, from snow-capped mountains to coastal trails to ancient forests, and discover the majesty of nature with glorious artwork throughout.

What I love about Hike It is its unique blend of informative content and vibrant artwork. Each of the 30 terrains featured in the book—ranging from snow-capped peaks to ancient forests and coastal trails—is brought to life through glorious illustrations that transport readers into the heart of nature. This visual richness, combined with straightforward explanations, makes the book appealing to children, sparking curiosity while offering valuable knowledge about the natural world.

Young adventurers will learn about navigating the trails and what to do if they get lost, which is a crucial skill for anyone venturing into the wilderness. There are also chapters on essential hiking gear, including the importance of packing the right equipment and how to stay safe in various weather conditions, such as heat, snow, and rain.

In addition to these basics, Hike It also emphasizes responsible hiking with tips on how to “leave no trace” and protect the environment, teaching all of us the importance of sustainability. The section on fire safety and setting up camp is particularly helpful, offering step-by-step guidance for creating a safe campsite and cooking in the wild.

My favourite section on the night sky, where we can learn how to find the North Star and navigate by the stars. This hands-on knowledge adds an extra layer of adventure, helping us feel more connected to the natural world in a meaningful way.

With its engaging illustrations, practical advice, and empowering message, this book is sure to inspire the next generation of hikers to lace up their boots and hit the trails.

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: The Extraordinary Book That

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We’re staying with National Non Fiction November this week, and I’ve chosen two books from an extraordinary series…

The Extraordinary Book That Invents Itself by Alison Buxton, Helen Bell, and Pintachan, sparks the imagination of young readers and budding engineers. Aimed at children who are curious about the world of science and technology, this book introduces them to the exciting field of invention in a fun, interactive way. From rockets to bionic hands, this book shows children how to build real-world inventions using simple materials and clever engineering principles.

What makes this book so engaging is the way it brings complex STEM concepts to life through hands-on activities. Each activity focuses on a different invention, explaining the scientific ideas behind it in easy-to-understand terms. Whether it’s the principles of gravity, aerodynamics, or coding, kids learn how these concepts work as they build rockets, code-breaking machines, and even balancing acrobats. The instructions are clear and straightforward, making even tricky projects feel achievable for young inventors. This book is more than just a guide to making cool things—it’s a tool for building confidence in problem-solving, creative thinking, and perseverance. It shows young inventors that, with a little curiosity and a lot of imagination, they can create anything.

My next choice, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You An Artist by Mary Richards and Go Suga, isn’t just a book; it’s an art adventure that will inspire you to see the world in a new, colorful way. If you want to encourage anyone to explore their artistic potential, this book is an absolute must-have.

This interactive masterpiece doesn’t just tell a story—it becomes a story that you create. With every page you turn, you’ll uncover new ways to make art, explore different artistic styles, and even learn about famous art movements like Pop Art, Cubism, and Surrealism. It’s educational but not in the traditional sense; instead of simply explaining concepts, it allows readers to experience art. It’s an invitation to explore, imagine, and get their hands dirty with paint, scissors, and markers. Perfect for building a budding artist’s confidence in their creative abilities and for sparking their imagination, they might start by folding a page into a 3D sculpture, using another page to design a colour wheel, or turning a spread into a pop art masterpiece. And that’s not all: the book’s cover doubles as an art portfolio where creations can be stored, turning the book into an ongoing personal gallery that can be visited again and again.

If you love these two books, there are two more Extraordinary books in the series to explore; The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy (to feel positive, confident, focused, calm, relaxed, inclusive and included), and The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself (every page turns into an eco project that helps you save the planet and recycles the book).

Happy reading and creating!

Welcome to the first Friday Library Recommendations of the school year!

/ / Friday Assembly, Library

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.

The Phoenix Comic Crashes The Summer Reading Challenge

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The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge 2020 has joined forces with The Phoenix comic to bring more ‘silly’ fun to the nation’s most popular reading challenge.

A special take-over issue of the comic featuring activities, information and illustrations from Jamie Smart, Adam Stower and official Summer Reading Challenge illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson will be on sale from Friday 17th July with a FREE digital edition made available on the Summer Reading Challenge website from today (Wednesday 15th July 2020) until the end of September 2020.

Emma Braithwaite, Programme Manager, Children’s Reading, The Reading Agency says:

“We’ve always been big fans of The Phoenix at The Reading Agency, so we’re incredibly excited to team up with them for this special edition to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge. Comics are a fantastic way to engage children with reading – with their smart, funny stories and amazing illustrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We want to say a huge thank you to The Phoenix for generously allowing us to host the special edition on our website, so that children taking part in the Challenge can read it for free this summer.”

Tom Fickling, Managing Director, The Phoenix says:

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with The Reading Agency to help spread the word about the Summer Reading Challenge. Getting kids of all ages reading is at the absolute heart of everything The Phoenix does. At a time when the pandemic has affected physical access to schools and libraries, schemes like The Summer Reading Challenge are more important than ever. So, get to the website and get reading!” 

The Summer Reading Challenge is the biggest children’s reading for pleasure programme in the UK. Last year over 700,000 children and their families took part. Please encourage your children to read anything that makes them happy – whether it be a comic, joke book, poetry, fiction or non-fiction, in digital or print format, from e-book lending through the public library service or from what they already have at home, with the Summer Reading Challenge official book collection as a guide.

summerreadingchallenge.org.uk   #SillySquad2020 www.thephoenixcomic.co.uk

 

Reading Resources

/ / Library, Parent/Carer Support

There are a wide range of resources to help you to continue accessing books during lockdown. While many independent bookshops have closed, Amazon and Waterstones are still open online, although delivery may take longer than usual.

Scholastic Learning Zone Library

All children in Key Stage 2 (Year 3-6) have access to the Scholastic Learning Zone Library, with lots of ebooks available both fiction and non-fiction for them to read.

Amazon and Audible

For as long as schools are closed, Amazon have made some their Audible resources for children free. Children everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being children. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet – just follow this link to start listening.

Amazon have also made a number of Kindle Books available for free download. Click here for more information.

Oxford Owl

Oxford Owl have a wide range of free ebooks on their website suitable for the whole primary age range, as well as a section on Phonics and Maths Games. Take a look here.

British Library

The British Library has a host of activities inspired by well know children’s stories, poems and illustrations. Find out more here.

Coventry City Libraries

If you are a member of Coventry City Libraries, you can access all of their e-books, e-comics and audio books for free using the service provided by Borrow Box. Don’t worry if you haven’t joined up already – you can sign up online for temporary access. You can find more information here.

The Schools Library Service are also running a Virtual Book Club with challenges and ideas to inspire you.

National Literacy Trust

The Book of Hopes: Words and Pictures to Comfort, Inspire and Entertain Children in Lockdown has been released today, which can be read exclusively online at the National Literacy Trust. It’s a collaboration of short stories, poems and illustrations with contributions from over 100 authors and illustrators – it’s well worth a look!

Publishers

Some publishers have put together activities based on their books, and are releasing audio stories daily. Click on the links below to see what they have on offer for you.

Barrington Stoke

Chicken House

Nosy Crow

Puffin

Usborne

Toppsta

Toppsta is a book review website where you can win a book in exchange for a review, many of which before their publication date. Find out how here.

CBeebies Bedtime Stories

Many of the bedtime stories from CBeebies can be accessed on their YouTube Channel, here.

And don’t forget to:

  • Check our school Twitter feed every day for a list of lots of bookish activities, whether it’s a chat with an author, a draw a long session, or storytime.
  • Listen to your class story every week day at 3pm in your Google Classroom.

If you are stuck for ideas about what to read next, you can always ask in your Google Classroom. I’m sure we can come up with some great ideas together!

Happy reading,

Miss Cleveland

Video Book Reviews

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Year 5 had a reflective morning thinking about some of their favourite books, and then created some amazing video reviews. One was for this year’s winning book in the Hooked On Books category for the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards. We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Kirsty Applebaum for winning – we loved The Middler – and a massive thank you to Coventry School Library Service who organise the awards each year. As you can tell from this video, all of the children have loved taking part, and have all got involved!

 

https://youtu.be/lwvEOMAnXv0

Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2020

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VOTING IS NOW OPEN!

We’ve looked at all of the books for our age groups. Now it’s time to get voting to save your favourites before they get knocked out. The first eviction will be on Monday 20 January and subsequently, one book will be knocked out each week in each category until we reach the winners!

Vote Here!

I know who I’ll be voting for…

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