Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 2+ week Writing Root using Sidney, Stella and the Moon by Emma Yarlett, On the Moon by Usborne and Sun, Moon and Stars by Usborne. Children are given non-fiction books to collect information about the moon to create Moon factfiles. This will be in response to a letter received from the two characters, Sidney and Stella, who have replaced the moon with cheese and need our help! Further sessions may be needed for writing up more sections of the book and creating illustrations for the book if desired. It would work well if children were then presented or sent to Stella and Sidney with a covering letter that would be part of a piece of shared writing done by the class. The fact files could then be returned with another letter thanking them for their expertise.

Synopsis of Text:

Twins Sidney and Stella love doing everything together… everything except sharing. When an quarrel over a bouncy ball creates a moon-sized problem, the twins must face their biggest ever challenge: working together to find a new moon! This debut picture book is a tour-de-force of the imagination by exciting talent Emma Yarlett.

Text Rationale:

This story follows the relationship between twins Sidney and Stella who do not like to share anything. The story illustrates the importance of sharing and teamwork, and treating others with respect. It is also a great chance to pique children’s curiosity about the moon and space. Emma Yarlett is an award-winning author and illustrator who has created many gorgeous books.

Links and themes:

The moon, space, space travel, astronauts, behavioural expectations, how to treat others

Date written: August 2014