We talked about Harry Patch, the 'Last fighting Tommy' many times over the years during assemblies. As an enthusiastic teacher and historian I do believe we are obliged to tell our children about Flanders fields and WW1 so that they can tell their children and children's children. It seems right and proper to talk about the sacrifices Harry and his fellow soldiers made - in our primary and secondary schools and to continue to do so. He lived until he was 111 and still strived to remind us of the events he was a part of but now it's up to us to do so for our children.
There are many excellent books and stories for primary school age children which are perfect as a way of encouraging children to find out more and explore the past-good and bad. I've talked about a favourite 'My secret war diary by Flossie Albright' by Marcia Williams before. I've spotted it in many of the schools I've been lucky enough to visit on my travels AND many more story stalwarts such as 'When Hitler stole pink rabbit' by Judith Kerr and 'Adolphus Tips' by Michael Morpurgo.
So I just wanted to share Michael Foreman's latest book with you too. It is based on a true story AND Michael Foreman was bought up just up the road in Pakefield. In fact 'War boy' is a beautifully illustrated memoir of his boyhood there during war time-if you are in a Suffolk school this one is a must for you. 'War Game' is another true, heart warming tale again beautifully illustrated book about the Christmas truce when German and British soldiers came out of their respective trenches to meet in no man's land for a football match.
There are many excellent books and stories for primary school age children which are perfect as a way of encouraging children to find out more and explore the past-good and bad. I've talked about a favourite 'My secret war diary by Flossie Albright' by Marcia Williams before. I've spotted it in many of the schools I've been lucky enough to visit on my travels AND many more story stalwarts such as 'When Hitler stole pink rabbit' by Judith Kerr and 'Adolphus Tips' by Michael Morpurgo.
So I just wanted to share Michael Foreman's latest book with you too. It is based on a true story AND Michael Foreman was bought up just up the road in Pakefield. In fact 'War boy' is a beautifully illustrated memoir of his boyhood there during war time-if you are in a Suffolk school this one is a must for you. 'War Game' is another true, heart warming tale again beautifully illustrated book about the Christmas truce when German and British soldiers came out of their respective trenches to meet in no man's land for a football match.
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But back to his new book 'THE AMAZING TALE OF ALI PASHA':'On 6th May 1915, Henry Friston, a 21-year-old seaman, rejoined his battleship after ten days in Hell. Hell was just 180 metres long and seven metres wide and was otherwise known only as 'X Beach', Gallipoli. Henry, ferrying the wounded from the battlefield, had not eaten or slept for three days. Then, somehow, in the midst of the bombardments, he met an unlikely companion - a tortoise.'
I'm looking forward to reading it. I haven't had a chance yet as you might know if you've been reading my other blog entries-bit of a book back log but that's never a bad thing! However, I know Ipswich Children's book group were lucky enough to have him speak about ALI PASHA last month and it sounds rather good. I also think his illustrations really are beautiful and always, always admire them. I'm sure you will too -see below:
I'm looking forward to reading it. I haven't had a chance yet as you might know if you've been reading my other blog entries-bit of a book back log but that's never a bad thing! However, I know Ipswich Children's book group were lucky enough to have him speak about ALI PASHA last month and it sounds rather good. I also think his illustrations really are beautiful and always, always admire them. I'm sure you will too -see below:
Thank you to Ange and Alice for this next one. They are 'keen bean' trainee teachers at the Faculty of Ed and have worked really hard on building up a series of lessons based around the Michael Foreman illustrated 'Little ships' by Louise Borden. Again, I've used this for WW2 themes particularly because it's pertinent to our local coast; I do think we need to give our children a sense of where they live. Some of the ships that made this courageous journey still sail today. If you don't know this one take a look.....you'll be inspired.
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