Teach Primary Issue 18.2

Book CLUB We review five new titles that your class will love Flying High by CaoWenxuan, illus. YuRong, trans. JakeHope andSimone-DavinaMonnelly (£8.99, UCLan Publishing) It’s tough being left out, but trying too hard to fit in can bring more problems – and learning to value your differences may be the hardest thing of all. Gently and affirmatively, this striking picturebook explores these issues through the eyes of a child who yearns to play with the bigger kids. Rejection inevitably ensues, but with the help of an imaginary bird, the child begins a healing journey of discovery out in the natural world. They discover small can be good; different can be good. With grandma’s support they try again, and are soon flying a brand-new kite alongside the other children’s. Beautifully illustrated with paper collages and expressive line drawings, Flying High will prompt reflection and discussion among your pupils. Full instructions on how to build a Chinese kite are included in the book. 52 | www.teachwire.net How to Build a Home byGeorge Clarke, illus. Robert Sae-Heng (£9.99, Red Shed) How do we build our houses? Who works on them, and what will they look like in the future? This stylish non-fiction book by architect and TV presenter George Clarke invites children to be curious about the built environment. Packed with well-chosen information and illustrated in a way that encourages close observation, it presents a creative mix of facts, ideas and possibilities. Topics include materials, the environment and new technologies, and there’s a refreshing emphasis on real-world jobs. Mechanical and structural engineers are introduced, alongside plumbers, plasterers and quantity surveyors, and children are challenged to get involved now, by dreaming and designing. How to Build a Home will surprise and delight readers of all ages, but is particularly good for Years 2 to 4. Do You Remember? bySydneySmith (£12.99, Walker Books) A boy and his mum are sharing precious memories in bed. Each story warms them briefly in their cheerless room, but the shadows are still gathering. Have they lost too much to hope? Or will this night be the beginning of a wonderful new memory? Double-page portraits and evocative, light-filled vignettes pack a strong emotional punch in this poetic and stunningly-illustrated picturebook. Different audiences will read the images and subtext in different ways, but the central narrative is clear for those willing to listen, observe and piece the clues together. Children will want to decide what’s going on, and relate it to their own experiences. This lovely book makes a rich starting point for personal reflection, discussion and creative responses from Year 1 right through Key Stage 2. KS1 KS1/2 KS1/2