Teach-Primary-Issue-19.8

Meet the author HARRIET HOWE ON THE POWER OF WORDS AND PICTURES TO HELP US THROUGH LIFE’S TRIALS What was primary school like for you? I have such fond memories of primary school. A particularly proud moment was seeing one of my stories pinned up by the office. Even back then, I loved writing, but never believed I could become a published author. So, it’s a privilege now to visit schools, hopefully helping teachers inspire a new generation of writers, showing them the world needs their stories too! What was it like working with award-winning illustrator Katie Cottle? It’s been an honour working with Katie; seeing her illustrations evolve was such an exciting part of the process. That alchemy of words and images is so magical. Importantly, it gives even the very youngest readers agency – they can follow the story through the pictures, often being a step ahead of the adult reader. When I was writing, I tried to leave room for the illustrations to tell the story. There’s one spread that contains just two words, and I think it’s one of the most powerful moments in the story. I gasped when I first saw Katie’s illustration! How would you like teachers to use your book in the classroom? I’d love it to help teachers navigate discussions around loss and grief, with the hopeful message that although our pets can’t live forever, our precious memories will. I’ve had wonderful feedback from teachers already; some have used our story in one-to-one, or small group situations, with children who have lost a pet, or suffered a family bereavement, while others have chosen it for whole-class readings, from EYFS to Y6. I’m a big fan of picturebooks being used across a wide age range, so that’s been great to hear. Tiger’s Last Roar (£7.99, Templar Books), by Harriet Howe, ill. Katie Cottle, is out now. www.teachwire.net | 71 Reptiles and Amphibians byMarty Crump&Andy Charrier, ill. Loreto Salinas, trans. Iris Enck (£14.99HB, post wave) Which Way to the Future by CressidaCowell (£14.99HB, Hachette Children’s) RESOURCES RECOMMENDED CPD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH Did you know that a subscription to Plazoom includes not just three curriculums and 1,000s of resources, but access to a suite of top-tier online CPD courses? These video courses are available for subscribers to access anytime, anywhere. Every course is delivered by highly experienced literacy experts who are leading effective training in schools across the country. Find out more at tinyurl.com/tp-cpd-courses KS2 KS2 Everyone’s favourite dragon trainer is back; this time with her much-anticipated conclusion to the Which Way to Anywhere series. K2, Mabel, Izzabird, Theo and Annipeck are off on another wild adventure, and Mabel and Izzabird are yet to find out what their magical powers might be... The children have three seemingly impossible tasks, but can they stop quarrelling long enough to pull together and use their magical powers to save the day? A must for existing fans of Cowell’s dazzling fantasy, and perfect for confident independent readers looking for their next world to dive into, Which Way to the Future is another time-and-space- bending delight of the standard we’ve come to expect from this master at work. When it comes to animals – furry pets, slimy garden critters, or even exotic creatures they’ve never seen in real life – children’s curiosity knows no bounds. If you have any animal enthusiasts in your class, this is the book for you. Packed with information and brilliant illustrations of everything from salamanders to crocodiles, it’s a seemingly endless source of fascinating facts. Did you know, for instance, that the Western skink has a detachable tail, or that the Texas horned lizard can cry blood? Whether you’re teaching children about evolution and adaptation, or you’re simply looking for a book of curiosities to keep them entertained, I’d recommend this one. Brb, just learning about the blue jeans poison frog...