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- Books of the Week: November 8
I am delighted to announce our second group of Year 2 Junior Librarians for the rest of this term. I am looking forward to working with Auston and Noor from the Eagle class, Leonardo, Inaya and Helena from the Owl class and finally, Ahelia, Sophie and Ariella from the Hawk class. They have the responsibility for the library environment and choose our Book of the Week. Watch this space for their forthcoming suggestions!
National Non-Fiction November
During the month of November, the library will be supporting and celebrating National Non-Fiction November (NNFN). National Non-Fiction November is the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual celebration of all things factual.
Born out of National Non-Fiction Day, the brainchild of Adam Lancaster during his years as Chair, the whole month now celebrates all those readers that have a passion for information and facts and attempts to encourage more children to embrace the genre of non-fiction.
At Grimsdell, we understand the importance of non-fiction literature, which makes up over a third of our library collection. Furthermore, our classroom reading baskets are consistently stocked with a diverse selection of non-fiction books to enhance our pupils' reading development. Non-fiction remains a favoured choice among our Grimsdell readers.
Studies have shown the inherent educational benefits of non-fiction. A recent report from the National Literacy Trust (2022) revealed that a greater number of children and young people who engage with non-fiction are driven to read for educational reasons, to satisfy their curiosities, to build social connections, and to enhance their mental well-being - Click here.
This year’s theme for NNFN is ‘Why Don’t You?’ which aims to stimulate discussion about hobbies and leisure activities and to encourage children to try something new.
The NNFN organisation is running a really exciting competition for 5-12 year olds with a closing deadline of 2/12/24. Please follow the link provided to find full details and the competition rules - Click here.
Book of the Week
Our Grimsdell Library is child centred and so our Book of the Week is always chosen by one of our Junior Librarians.
This week, Helena shares with us a story from one of her favourite series of books. Her chosen book is Ella Bella Ballerina and the Nutcracker by James Mayhew.
Helena tells us:
“This is my favourite story from this series – it is a magical adventure! I love the illustrations.”
Mrs Harvey supports Helena’s choice – the Ella Bella series of books are very popular with our Grimsdell readership. In this story, Ella Bella the eponymous little ballerina in author/illustrator James Mayhew's picture-book series devoted to her adventures, returns for her fourth appearance in a story based on a famous ballet, this time in a dreamlike interaction with the cast of the Nutcracker. The ballet’s plot is skillfully summarised and delicate watercolour-and-ink illustrations capture the exciting battle scene and create an ethereal atmosphere for the Land of Sweets with backgrounds of pink blossoms and candies. James Mayhew's richly detailed storytelling and his exquisite, retro art-style make this book perfect for all would-be prima ballerinas. The final page is devoted to ballet facts, so children can learn about the original ballet The Nutcracker. This is a perfect choice for the forthcoming festive season.
The Grimsdell Library has all five of the books in the Ella Bella Ballerina series as well as the entire set of the Katie series.James Mayhew's first book for children was Katie's Pictures Show, (Orchard Books 1989) establishing the long running series about a child's adventures in an art gallery. Many of his books have a cultural agenda and James is passionate about introducing children to art, music, opera, ballet and traditional tales.His series of Katie books are much-loved and respected as an early introduction to art. The content and literary style have much to recommend. Indeed, two of his texts have formed the basis of our teaching of last summer’s topic Oh La La – France and the Olympics. He has published over 60 books and illustrated and written for many other colleagues including Philippa Pearce, Martin Waddell and Jackie Morris.
Happy Reading!
Mrs Harvey
