Overview and Outcomes:

This is a two-week Writing Root for The Owl and the Pussy-cat by Edward Lear, illustrated by Charlotte Voake, in which children explore the themes of the poem, write in role as the characters, create fictitious interviews, create lists of items they can take on their honeymoon and eventually innovate upon the poem to create their own versions. Appropriate terminology is written in bold.

Synopsis of Text:

Gruffalo author, Julia Donaldson, revisits Edward Lear's favourite rhyme in this wonderful new story set in a nonsensical land full of adventure. When their beautiful golden ring is stolen, the Owl and the Pussy-cat must travel far from the safety of the Bong-tree glade as their search for the thief leads them across the Sea, to the Chankly Bore and beyond...

Text Rationale:

This is a classic narrative poem first published in 1871 by pioneering poet Edward Lear who was famous for writing nonsense poetry. It is a great text to introduce children to the narrative poetry genre, providing lots of rhyme and repetition for children to join in with. It is a joyful poem that explores themes of love and adventure. The illustrations by award-winning Charlotte Voake create a vivid and colourful depiction of this fantastical world.

Links and themes:

Poetry, owls, cats, nonsense verse, poetic language, adventure, love, celebration

Date written: December 2015