Teach Primary Issue 19.6

Book CLUB We review five new titles that your class will love 98 | www.teachwire.net AMillion Chameleons byRachelMorrisroe, ill. Aysha Awwad (7.99, Hachette) Pencil’s Best Story Ever byPencil (andCarlyGledhill) (£12.99HB, post wave) KS1 EYFS/ KS1 Unicorn Post byEmmaYarlett (£12.99HB, Walker Books) This innovative book is a metatextual delight of storytelling. Following Pencil as he tries to write a story about his friend Peanut, we witness Pencil attempting to keep the narrative flowing while battling sock-eating birds, wood-invading jellies, and Peanut’s insistence that he doesn’t want to get eaten or smushed. Collage-like illustrations add to the childlike feel, and could easily inspire a copycat art lesson. The cast of characters (including antagon- ist-turned-friend Bear) is endearing, and children will love Pencil’s enthusiasm as he is determined to finish his story, no matter how many challenges he faces along the way. Now, who’s ready for the next story? Guys? There is something to be said for titles that are just plain fun. This is one of those books. Lighthearted rhyming text carries the reader through a series of bright and brilliant illustrations (the real stars of the show, here), introducing a litany of chameleons in different situations, from drinking tea ( loves-a-cup-of-tea-leons ) to lifting weights ( fitter-than-a-flea-leons ). If you’re keen to use this book beyond story time, there are plenty of learning opportunities for pupils in recognising the rhymes, and coming up with their own, as well as storytelling through images; can children tell a story about the chameleons based on the pictures alone? As an extension activity for older children, research chameleons and their habitats, and challenge pupils to create their own fact files. When our young narrator meets a unicorn while playing in her treehouse, she does her best to find it a new home... but where on earth do unicorns live? The narrator tries a pet shop, a farm, and even a carnival, but it’s the regal castle that takes the unicorn’s fancy. Although saying goodbye is very difficult when the unicorn finds its new home, the narrator learns that good friends always come back. With gorgeous, childlike illustrations throughout, and a first-person narrative, pupils will have no trouble connecting with the story. The interactive flaps add a sense of involvement, and there are cues for songs to sing along the way. A lovely read-aloud for EYFS, or story-writing prompt for older children. KS1