Teach Reading and Writing Issue 19

Extract from Chapter 9, page 136 www.teachwire.net | 9 136 Even though unicorns can’t talk in Skandar and the Unicorn Thief , that doesn’t mean the humans can’t talk at them! Using this one-sided dialogue helps to get across Skandar’s closeness to Scoundrel. Ending this section with an image of them staring into each other’s eyes in silence helps build a picture of their non-verbal link. Earlier in the book, readers learn that Skandar is afraid of creepy crawlies like wasps. This moment shows Scoundrel looking out for Skandar’s fears – and hints at their closeness. Comparing the feelings Skandar has for his unicorn to those he has for his sister – who readers know he loves – helps to convey the depth of feeling he has for his unicorn. It is also something readers with siblings may be able to relate to and imagine for themselves. Physical proximity helps to build up the idea they are very content in each other’s company. See also Skandar running his hand along Scoundrel’s neck, above. Exact details and descriptions of where the characters are will help readers visualise the companionship in the scene more clearly. The one-word sentence at the end is there to emphasise how determined Skandar is that nothing will happen to Scoundrel, reinforcing the strength of their bond. Here they are mirroring each other’s feelings of happiness, and I set this out in sentences next to each other for emphasis. Once she’d gone, Skandar ran his hand along Scoundrel’s neck. ‘Do you mind if I stay in here with you? Just for a while?’ Skandar made his way to the back of the stable and slipped down against the cool black rock. Scoundrel followed his rider, stared down at him for a few seconds, and then collapsed in a heap himself on to the straw, resting his horned head on Skandar’s knee. A sleepy wasp flew right past Scoundrel’s nose. Skandar readied himself to stand up and run away. But in a split second Scoundrel had caught it between his teeth and swallowed it. It felt like a good omen. Scoundrel ruffled his wings and squeaked contentedly. Skandar felt his own happiness overflow too, as though he’d just sprinted into his sister’s arms for the best hug in the universe. It was like the bond was magnifying his feelings, making them unicorn-sized. The world was bigger somehow. What he could do, what he could feel–in that moment anything felt possible. Skandar’s worries about Mitchell and the spirit element drifted away as he looked into his unicorn’s eyes. They didn’t need to speak to understand each other–the bond connecting their two hearts did all the talking for them. Skandar knew he’d do anything to protect Scoundrel. Somewhere under his black coat– between those spindly wings–was an elemental power that could get them both killed. But Skandar was never going to let anyone harm Scoundrel’s Luck. Ever. Extract from C L AS SROOM AC T I V I T I E S Find out more about the Skandar series at simonandschuster.co.uk/ series/Skandar