Teach-Primary-Issue-19.4

Book CLUB We review five new titles that your class will love 68 | www.teachwire.net The Water Flower byYingting Chen, ill.Huaqing (£12.99HB, Post Wave) Life (As We Know It) byZiggyHanaor, ill. Cristóbal Schmal (£14.99HB, Cicada Books) KS1/2 EYFS/ Y1 The Wild Robot on the Island byPeter Brown (£12.99HB, Bonnier Books) ‘We know this much is true. We know think this much is true. We know think this much is true a truth.’ Exploring the Big Bang and delving into the domino effect of evolution that came after, this stunning volume is the perfect introduction to complex scientific concepts for young and old. In a world where knowing what is correct and incorrect is becoming more of a challenge, being able to present how science moves with the times, and that ‘facts’ and ‘truths’ deserve thorough consideration, is a teaching goldmine. Collage-like illustrations keep the complex ideas engaging for children, and the depth of the text means that even with several rereads, you won’t get bored, either. Beautiful soft illustrations and flowing text bring the story of the lotus into the realm of poetry. With a main story chronicling the journey of a sleepy seed that awakens in spring, and later blooms into a delicate flower, this book shows a transformation across seasons, and the cycles of nature. There are plenty of learning opportunities within the pages, too, from the science of plant growth and pollination – additional text provides scientific information, which is the perfect basis for a science exploration of flowers with older children – to art projects based on the various parts of a flower. You could even link to geography, since the book was first published in China, exploring the country and its flora. The beloved character from the New York Times #1 bestselling author, and DreamWorks’ smash hit movie, The Wild Robot , is back. Join Roz as she explores the island where she unexpectedly finds herself, and all the friends she meets along the way. As she travels across the island, Roz learns about the difficulty of adapting to a new place, as well as the joy and safety of chosen family. Filled with Peter Brown’s sumptuous illustrations, the hauntingly simple text highlights issues that dive much deeper than face value. This stunning book is accessible for EYFS learners, who can follow along with the pictures, yet complex enough to dig into with much older children; truly a star volume for your shelf, whatever phase you’re in. KS2