BOOKS OF THE WEEK

This is our final Book of the Week for this academic year and our Librarians have chosen some lovely books which I am sure will tempt our Grimsdell readership.

Athena and Maria have opted for interactive books which are always a popular choice.

Firstly, Athena recommends There’s a Unicorn in Your Book, written and illustrated by Tom Fletcher

Athena’s reason for her choice:“I like unicorns and this book is lots of fun to read!”

Mrs Harvey endorses Athena’s choice.This Tom Fletcher series is really popular amongst the Grimsdell children. This brilliant new story combines interactive fun with an important message about the power of friendship, and how helpful it can be to share your worries with others.

I have written before about how interactive books can boost early literacy skills - and they continue to be a fantastic tool for young readers. Adding interactive books to your story time routine is a great way to get children talking about what they see, think and predict. These conversations help lay the foundation for reading, as good readers don’t just read - they ask questions, make predictions and connect with the story.

One of the challenges with traditional storybooks is knowing when to pause and ask your child questions. Interactive books often make this easier, with built-in moments designed to spark curiosity. You might ask your child what they think will happen next, or what else they can find on the page beyond what is in the key - especially in “look and find” books.

Books with flaps, pull tabs or textures are especially helpful for our youngest learners. They invite children to physically interact with the book, which keeps them engaged and excited. These features also create natural opportunities to practice important early reading skills, like making predictions. For example, before lifting a flap, ask your child, “What do you think is hiding under here?” This kind of playful guessing game is not only fun – it is a simple way to teach an essential thinking skill that is used in all areas of learning.

Interactive books also support hands-on learning. Children press, lift, turn, whisper, shout and explore - engaging their minds and bodies as they go. This multisensory experience helps make learning more meaningful and memorable.

In fact, research supports what many parents and educators have already seen: interactive books are a powerful tool for supporting early literacy. A 2021 study published by Atlantis Press found that interactive books help children participate more actively, develop practical skills and become more independent learners. These books bring stories to life in colourful, creative ways and turn reading into an experience children love.

Our second interactive Book of the Week has been chosen by Maria: Is that you Little Chick? by Rob Hodgson.

Maria shares with us her reason for this choice: “This ismy cousin’s favourite book and I think Grimsdell children will enjoy it too!”

Mrs Harvey has no hesitation in supporting Maria’s choice. This is a bright and interactive pull-and-slide flap book ideal for our younger children. Little Chick is very good at hiding and Papa Rooster needs your help to find her! Join Papa Rooster on his search through the farm in this gorgeous flap book, illustrated by Rob Hodgson. Each spread features a sturdy flap that children can slide back and forth to reveal a surprise animal hidden underneath (and there's a quirky ladybird to spot on each page too!).

Our third Book of the Week has been selected by Lexi from Owl class.

Lexi recommends Norman – The Slug with the Silly Shell, written by Sue Hendra and illustrated by Paul Linnet

Lexi explains: “This is such a funny story that I know ALL children in Grimsdell will enjoy reading it!”

Mrs Harvey thoroughly approves of Lexi’s choice. Sue Hendra is an award-winning British writer of over 100 children's books including the infamous Supertato series. Norman the Slug is looking for a perfect shell but can he find his match? You can find out in this wonderfully bold and fun picture book that will teach children the importance of accepting who you are.

Humorous stories are a firm favourite among our Grimsdell readers! Funny books have a special way of drawing children in and it is a delight to see pupils sharing a laugh together over a comical picture book. Our humour section remains one of the most popular areas in our library, appealing to children of all ages.

But funny stories are more than just entertaining – they are also an excellent educational and emotional support tool. Humour plays a valuable role in promoting pupil well-being, something we are deeply committed to at Grimsdell.

The benefits of laughter are well-supported by research. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins: feel-good chemicals that help reduce stress and create a sense of happiness. Smiling and laughing can also lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and ease feelings of anxiety or frustration. These natural responses support mental and emotional health, which is why creating moments of joy through books is so important.

In today’s world, where schools are increasingly focused on supporting the whole child - including mental health - laughter is a simple yet powerful tool. And what better way to bring laughter into the classroom and home than through a well-loved funny book?

So, as you read with your children this week, enjoy the giggles, silliness and joyful moments these stories bring. They are not only fun – they are good for the heart and mind.

Happy Reading!

Mrs Harvey