I think over the coming weeks,as we are very close to the seaside, we should celebrate the up and coming 'Oliver and the Seawigs' with some sea wig making. I can see lots of potential for all you Storyshack imagineers out there. The book is a collaboration between the author Philip Reeve (of the brilliant 'Mortal Engines' quartet amongst others) and the illustrator Sarah McIntyre of the lovely 'Vern and Lettuce' book you can see in one of my earlier blogs amongst other characters. I'm looking forward to getting my copy and I think you'd like it too if you like  adventures-particularly sea type ones. Don't worry though-if you don't live near the sea you can still enjoy and IMAGINE.

BUT you absolutely must admire this amazing SEAWIG at
http://jabberworks.livejournal.com/575735.html
It's phenomenal....I think Sarah would love to see more-I wonder if YOU could make an even taller one? What do you think me hearties? 

        STORY SHACK open TOMORROW from 10 am.

What a wonderful day of imagining at the Story shack today. A very busy one with old and new friends for Story shack. 
The day started with a delightful parcel FULL of posters, cards and Chimp and Zee puppets from Laurence and Catherine Anholt. http://www.anholt.co.uk
Then we had lots of imagineers coming to visit including our youngest - Harry who is the grandson of Miranda Barclay the very kind, generous and patient owner of Abbey Farm Barn...here she is with Harry and his Mum.
Although it was tipping down with rain all day we didn't notice that much because there was a lot of concentrating to be done making these fantastic books. It never ceases to amaze me how CREATIVE our children are given TIME and maybe even a little bit of being 'left alone'. This is what they made:

WOW and then there was playing, puzzles, painting, drawing, recording favourite authors-curling up in the chair with ITCH for a loong time and wonderful wonderful play and dressing up and........COME ALONG AND SEE FOR YOURSELF
PS we had a family come from the furthest so far - SHEFFIELD. SO thank you so much Evan and Autumn's family...especially for bringing your mum on her birthday. It was a real treat having such very fine IMAGINEERS leading the way in creating and storying.

This is Poppy's choice-read a couple of years ago now when 'Paradise Barn' by Victor Watson first came out,sent by my lovely Cambridge pal Bridge. A very LOOOONg time ago Victor Watson was my professional tutor during my last 10 week teaching practice at Exning Primary school and a great one too. I do remember my very jolly headteacher stalling him with scones from the bakery before he came to observe me!
Since his retirement he has written these excellent books-the last of which we've just discovered so we're looking forward to the next installment.

We know about the first 2 books so can absolutely say they're a great mystery, great page turner (would say from 9+) AND  excellent at giving readers a sense of what it was like during WW2 in the countryside.  They really seem to be from a child's point of view-it's all seen through their eyes and a great read, carefully detailed.

Lastly, it is about barns so it's a must have - "Paradise Barn" for Abbey Farm Barn STORYSHACK.

It's really tricky to choose the top 50 books for children. Once you start thinking about it more keep coming into your head.
I remember 'Mrs. Frisby and the rats of N.I.M.H' being read to us in 4th year juniors-now Year 6-by Mrs. Quick our lovely teacher.I can remember having a reading corner with some comfy seats on ...sometimes you got to sit by Mrs. Quick so could see the book first hand. Always such a special 'down time' at the end of the day, much needed then and now.