ALBUMBLE

Normally around November time I upload a seasonal tale usually with a wintry/Christmassy theme, this is similar but with a twist - the big day in *this* book is Diwali!

Without giving too much away Asha, our protagonists, has her world turned upside down and decides she needs to take her fate and ultimately her family's fate into her own hands, She embarks on an adventure but is sure someone - or maybe something - is watching over her. A great descriptive read, weaving real life with spirituality as well as opening up the world of Indian culture to many who have never been there.

This amazing book has 40 chapters, although most of the chapters are around the 10 minute mark. The first few chapters really set the scene and are therefore a little bit longer.

Enjoy!

The last of my summer reads comes from a stalwart to children's television  - Floella Benjamin.

This book, recounting her journey from the Caribbean to the UK, mirrors the story told by many of the Windrush generation, but could be the basis of any immigration/emigration story. Although the tale does not shy away from some of the difficulties and sadness, this story is overwhelmingly positive and definitely seen through the eyes of a child. Please go and find this book in your local library or bookshop and the pictures are also expressive and comforting.

 

Who came to the UK first? Why do you think they went alone?

Which song did the children sing before school?

Where to Floella live when her Marmie left?

How long did the journey take?

Why does she describe the boat as a 'flying skyscraper'? 

Where did the boat finish its journey?

What do you think Floella means by 'moving staircase'?

Which of Floella dreams eventually came true?

"When I Was a Child" brings together two mega talents in children's books - Andy Stanton, the bestselling author of Mr Gum, and David Litchfield, the award-winning creator of The Bear and The Piano.

The simple message of the books is that one is never too old to continue seeing the magic in the world and that children are the best people to remind grown-ups that magic really does exist everywhere you look. In this case through the eyes of a grandchild/grandparent relationship.

Talking to elders and hearing their memories is so important for children in building a sense of their own identity and developing empathy, and this book captures those "when I was your age" conversations beautifully – and could also prompt sharing many more.

 

Make a list of the rhymes and near rhymes heard in the poem.

What is the name of the grand-daughter?

Why do you think the colours did not fade?

What might the world have looked like if if was a 'crystal jewel'?

How or why might a river grow 'tired'?

Why do you think the grandma can't see the magic but the grand-daughter can?