A Writing Root for The Zebra's Great Escape

COMING APRIL 2025

Outcomes:

Detective notes, 'wanted' poster, letter, action scene, poetry, dialogue

Main Outcome:

Own version 'great escape' narrative

Length:

15 sessions, 3 weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 15 session Writing Root for The Zebra’s Great Escape by Katherine Rundell. The Writing Root begins with children discovering mysterious hoof prints, chewed plants and CCTV footage from somewhere in the school grounds suggesting an unusual animal is on the loose. Part of a (chewed) missing poster is discovered suggesting something might have escaped from the local wildlife park. Children piece together the evidence into detective notes to make inferences about who or what might have escaped. As they begin to read the story, children go on to create Wanted posters for the criminal stealing the animals from the park and write SOS messages to seek help from other animals to catch the criminal and find the stolen animals. They complete character comparisons for Mink (the protagonist) and Mr Spit (the villain) and practise the use of fronted adverbials by developing additional action scenes for the book as well as through describing settings. Possessive apostrophes are taught through the creation of poetry about Mr Spit’s ‘alphabet of animals’. Finally, children go on to use role-play to plan speech and dialogue before planning and writing their own version of a ‘great escape’ animal mystery.

Synopsis:

Mink doesn't believe in rules. She loves running wild and free. So, when a zebra appears in the square where she lives and she finds out that his parents have been captured by the evil Mr Spit, she knows that it's up to her to help. So begins a grand adventure to rescue a whole menagerie of animals - an adventure that will take all of Mink's courage and determination.  Written with generous helpings of warmth and humour, this is a timeless picture book about bravery, friendship and the importance of taking action. With stunning illustrations by award-winning illustrator Sara Ogilvie, illustrator of The Detective Dog, this modern classic from bestselling children's author Katherine Rundell is an unmissable treat.

Text Rationale:

The Zebra’s Great Escape is the debut picture book by multi-award winning and highly-acclaimed children’s author, Katherine Rundell. Following on from the success of well-known novels such as Rooftoppers and The Good Thieves, The Zebra’s Great Escape, with vibrant illustrations by Sara Ogilvie, is a fantastic way to introduce younger readers to Katherine Rundell’s signature storytelling style filled with adventure and empathy. The story’s simple yet engaging narrative blends wonder, whimsy and humour with adventure and intrigue, and deeper messaging about the natural world. With lively, rhythmic prose, this is a joyful text celebrating the themes of freedom, curiosity, confidence and caution and the magic of imagination.

Links and themes:

Friendship, courage, confidence, good versus evil, freedom, captivity, kindness