Posted on: 09/12/2013
At the Tree we are often asked to recommend books, not only for use in the classroom for Literacy sessions, (see our monthly Bibliotherapy column in Primary Teacher Update magazine) but also for children whose parents are stumped to find a book to match their child’s interests and quirks.
We believe books make the best presents; there is something intrinsically special about receiving a book you know has been selected especially for you. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of some of our recent recommendations for all different types of children, from those who like to play with words, to those who want to travel the world. For there is a book for each and every one of us; we all have different interests and sometimes these cannot always fit into fixed genres…
A book for the child who loves wordplay…
There is actually a whole series here to collect that we have been coveting for a while, including ‘A Filth of Starlings’ and ‘A Shiver of Sharks’. There is an enduring fascination with the collective nouns used for groups of animals in the English language and many of them are relatively unknown, such as a galaxy of starfish. Collective nouns are great for children who like to play with language and a great gateway into wordplay as there are so many opportunities for them to create their own. Now, what shall we call a group of teachers in the staff room…?
A book for the child who talks to animals…
This was a recent choice of one of our teacher’s book groups and was reviewed earlier in the year in the August Literature Review. The Last Wild has a classic feel to it with a strong moral message about how we treat the planet and the animals which reside alongside us. It tells the tale of Kester, a boy who is gifted with the ability to talk to animals, and his predicament of being chosen to save the last living species of animals. We know there’s a sequel on the way and we can’t wait!
A book for the child who wants to travel the world...
This is no ordinary book of maps. Neither is it just an atlas. Beautifully presented, this oversized book gives facts alongside visual treats in the form of illustrations of people, food and landmarks. Packed full of unusual facts, it will fascinate any children as well as any adult. Each illustration could be a print in its own right and deserves time spent poring over the detail lovingly created by these two clever illustrators, who apparently spent three years creating the masterpiece. One worth investing in.
A book for the child who doesn’t follow the rules...
As with many great picture books what Shaun Tan’s forte is to paint what is seen in the imagination rather than what is simply written on the page. This stunning book really allows our fantasy to run away with us. Set out as a series of rules learnt by a younger child as defined by an older sibling or friend. It explores the bond of friendship and the intricate and often inexplicable rules that inhabit the world of play. Although dark in places, the story is warmly resolved with as normality is touchingly restored on the last day of summer.
And what do we want for Christmas? Well, seeing as you ask…
This book explores, in depth, the history of the alphabet as we know it and gives us the stories behind the 26 letters that we so often take for granted. What is clear in this book is the importance of playing with words and how language will inevitably change. Ideal for the inner geek within.
