I actually know of Astrid Lindgren through this route not through her most well known character Pippi Longstocking.
I love the quote above though and thoroughly believe it. Where would we be without imagination?
Explore a map-real or fantasy....where do you want to go? Make your own and see where your imagination takes you.
Ain't that the truth....really interesting article and reminded me of one of my favourite childhood books about 'The Six Bullerby Children' by Astrid Lindgren which has since been re illustrated by Tony Ross as 'The Children of Noisy Village' and 'Happy Times in Noisy Village'. Very charming and just a lovely slice of Lisa's life in a small village. I can remember lots of chapters of this book-pulling her brother Lars ' teeth out and hiding them under a floor board and a lovely bit which I still think about for birthdays. Lisa moves into a new room for her birthday which I thought was just wonderful-her doll's house is put in there, she has her own bed, her own chair and her own rag rug. It's just about the important things and would be a great first chapter book read.
I actually know of Astrid Lindgren through this route not through her most well known character Pippi Longstocking. I love the quote above though and thoroughly believe it. Where would we be without imagination?
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Half term reading has started with a bag with Matt Haig's 'Echo Boy'. A gripping story about Audrey and her search for answers after her parents are killed by an ECHO - Enhanced Computerized Humanoid Organism. The story is a Sci Fi Thriller for 13+ and you'll probably need to put aside some hours because you might feel the urge to read it in one sitting-therefore perfect for the holidays. It is thought provoking and raises many questions about what it means to be human and the power of technology versus humans who feel.....very topical indeed. Matt Haig's writing about the power of reading also struck a chord with me as he writes as Audrey recalls her mum encouraging her to read: " 'A book is a map,' she said, after I had finished reading Jane Eyre. 'There will be times in your life when you will feel lost and confused. The way back to yourself is through reading. There is not a problem in existence that has not been eased, somewhere and at some time, by a book. I want you to remember that. The answers have all bee written. And the more you read , the more you will know how to find your way through those difficult times.' " What a lovely adventure....here's a story about children at a beach who set off on an amazing adventure. Who hasn't done this when they were little and if you haven't...it's NEVER too late! There's lovely rhyme-perfect for reading aloud and saying together AND Helen Oxenbury's delightful illustrations so really what is not to like? I'm sure you already know it but if you are heading to the beach and you haven't got a copy you can find one in Storyshack OR your library. HAPPY IMAGINGING.
Made by Ellen, who is 6 years old, with no help AT ALL-apart from threading a needle. That was it. An afternoon of total absorption in Storyshack. Just a little bit more time for our children to BE, to make, to create and to work out for themselves without adult interference to 'take overs'. Look what happens when you give a little space.........
Another rapid read because it's lovely to have TIME to read in the hols. Page turners are always brilliant when you've got the time to read them aren't they? So Sally Gardner's 'The Door That Led to Where' is just that. It won the CILIP Carnegie Medal in 2013 and is a gripping read. You know she is one of my favourite authors and I was very lucky to hear her make an inspiring speech about holding creativity dear to us in primary schools. Not only does she speak passionately about education she's also an enthralling writer.
This novel centres around 3 friends who are not having the easiest of teenage lives-in fact they're really struggling with things that we all hope our children wouldn't have to struggle with but lots of young people DO. AJ is the main character and this story is really his-the mystery surrounding his father , his awakening of his own talents and his recognition of this chance to change his life. The boys are living a harsh life but the magic and mystery in the book contrasts with this and gives it a quirky lift. I like that bit of magic particularly when it is a key which enables you to go back into time and in a more exciting way than in the Magic Key that Biff and Chip use!! 14 + for this one I think-it's got some themes better suited to this age range -drug use, gangs. The book uses the F word a couple of times just to warn you if you feel offended by that or if you like to know what you're children are reading. It would detract if they said something much more polite because it just wouldn't feel real. Read it if you haven't already and then read 'I Coriander' if you haven't already ...... 'The Imaginary' by AF Harrold+Emily Gravett is a thought provoking read charming, poignant, funny and scary all at the same time. Amanda has an imaginary friend... She's a very imaginative, creative child and together with her friend they share lots of adventures. BUT, there is somebody who would like to wipe out imaginary friends. The book is really interesting because it's dark and light. Reading it raises lots of questions, gives lots of ideas for discussion-loyalty, right and wrong, what is a friend, growing up, loss. It really is a multi layered book. I think it would be great to read from 8+. It's a really lovely one for bed time reading or reading to your class and I think could give you much potential for an in depth topic for a term. Be warned it's one of those need to read at once books-I started last night and finished it this morning (it took my mind off the end of term cold lurgy). http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/pressdesk/press.php?release=pres_2016_nom_ann_carn.html Next stop SALLY GARDNER'S 'THE DOOR THAT LED TO WHERE'....I love holiday reading. PS come and have a look at 'The Imaginary' for yourself at Storyshack-we'll be opening this Wednesday 30th and Tuesday 5th April. Come and find some lovely reads AND make a book too :-) See you there! "WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE MADE A MISTAKE, THINK OF IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL!"2/28/2016 AAAAH super super books for putting a spring in your step and a spring in your classes step too (if you happen to have one). 'Beautiful Oops' by Barney Saltzberg must be picked up and explored as it has lots of treats in store in pocket, lift up and other treasure forms. Then there's 'Ish' by Peter Reynolds in which there is a very recognisable event which turns into something completely different with the help of a much younger child-ain't that sometimes the way? Lastly there is the wonderful 'What do you do with an idea by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom which quite simply should be read by everyone young and old. It's about dreaming, hoping, having an idea, holding on to it, believing in it and making it happen. I know we get more cynical as we get older but really how would we ever have ideas and make the world a better place if it wasn't for a bit of this? Who's up for changing the world?
Thanks to lovely Sam in the office and her daughter Maddie I've just finished 'Frost Hollow Hall' by Emma Carroll. What a corking read. I was a bit bleary eyed yesterday morning as I'd stayed up late the night before to carry on reading. A ghost story for readers of about 9+ or maybe one to read together. It's a little bit scary but that's what makes it gripping and it's not in a horror way more of a mysterious way which leaves you wanting to find out how everything fits together. It's very atmospheric, a Victorian gothic ghost story about Tilly who has a near drowning experience but is saved by what she finds out to be a ghost-Kit the heir from Frost Hollow Hall. The mystery unfolds at the same time as Tilly has to grow up even more quickly and get a job to support her family. There's a good slice of life 'downstairs' in a large house as well. My hands were starting to feel worn out with all the cleaning and scrubbing the maids had to do amidst some very strange goings on. Definitely one to read in a short space of time so if you start now you can finish before the end of the weekend :-)
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Sarah GallagherAvid reader, sometimes a headteacher AND founder of Story shack. A place where you can release your imagination and see where it takes you.... Archives
May 2022
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