Teach Reading and Writing Issue 19

About this book When a boy spots a green shoot in rubble near a fence, he nurtures it; only to see it destroyed by soldiers. But it isn’t dead, and with help from a child on the other side of the fence, it is reborn. Set in a landscape of ruined houses and barbed wire, this classic picturebook depicts the desolation of war. Monochrome pencil drawings of the boy and his bleak environment are brought to life by the colours and vibrancy of the vines that no-one – not even a soldier – can destroy. Green Lizards vs Red Rectangles BY STEVE ANTONY, HACHETTE CHILDREN’S GROUP 2 FOUNDAT I ON S TAGE A Child’s Garden: A Story of Hope BY MICHAEL FOREMAN, WALKER BOOKS 3 Thinking and talking • Why do you think the rectangles and the lizards are at war? • How do they eventually share their space? Do you think it’s a good idea? • What do you argue about? How do you solve your problems? Try this… n Create patterns on white paper with red rectangles, then choose your favourite design. Draw green lizards in the gaps. n Look at the final spread. How do the lizards and rectangles feel, and what do you think they’re saying to each other? Add sticky notes with more dialogue, or role play their conversation. n Use contrasting sets of paper shapes to make ‘war’ and ‘peace’ pictures. n Talk or write about what you’ve done. KEY S TAGE 1 About this book Why are the squashy lizards and hard-edged rectangles at war? No-one knows, but fighting continues until they’re forced to find a way to co-exist. Their solution delights just about every reader: a bright red structure with plenty of white space for the squashy lizards… could it be a block of flats? Who knew that creative and co-operative thinking could result in such Try this… n Bring vitality and hope to images of monochrome landscapes by adding coloured vines and flowers. Imagine you’re walking into your picture. Write about what you see, smell, hear and touch. n Look at the picture of the family in their ruined home. What do they need? Who could help them? Research the work of the Red Cross/Crescent and other charities. n Could you plant a flower tub in school for everyone to enjoy, or transform an outdoor area by creating a small garden? Work together to implement your plan. Thinking and talking • What could have happened before this story began? Why is the fence there? Share ideas. • ‘Roots are deep and seeds spread.’ When does the boy say this? What does he mean? • Have you ever watched something grow? Do you have a special outdoor place that you love? an effective compromise? This quirky picturebook is a great way to explore conflict and its resolution, and makes an eloquent visual and emotional case for peaceful co-existence. We all benefit from each other’s strengths and differences; Steve Antony’s light-touch exploration of complex ideas will prompt some thoughtful responses. Thinking and talking • What’s happened to the little cat’s city? How has it changed? • Who or what helps her to feel better? • Who’s been kind to you? What did they do, and how did you feel? Try this… n Pretend you’re the little boy. Tell the story of the day you met the grey cat. What happened next? n Paint a picture of the cat. How does she feel when people are kind to her? How does she feel when she’s kind to the boy? Work together to list words, then write them around your picture. n ‘A little kindness goes a long way…’ Share examples of being kind. Can you decide who benefits from the kindness? Maybe there’s a ripple effect, where the kindness is passed on? Record your ideas in pictures and words. www.teachwire.net | 13 BOOKS FOR SCHOO L S