Mrs M-J updates us on all things library
It has been a lively first half of the term in the library, with plenty of book chat interspersed with Uno and chess. The Shelves of Recommended Reads in the inner hall are filling up on a weekly basis, and I am hugely enjoying hearing about what your children are reading at home as well as at school. The book request and suggestions box has a steady stream of requests which provide a snapshot into what the children want to see in the library; as a result, we have had some great new additions, from Lottie Brooks through to Spy School. Book loans are up by 30% on the same period as last year, with a notable rise in loans from the updated and expanding non-fiction section.
Our new Pupil Librarians, Anya, Poppy and Isaac, have been issuing and returning loans with enthusiasm, and have also created some great displays in collaboration with last term’s librarians. Crime and detective fiction feature at the moment.
Year 3 readers have embarked on Book Bingo and are marking off squares at speed. It is lovely to see how they have embraced the challenge. Please do remind your children it is not a race to complete the level they have chosen! Reading challenges for other year groups will be launched this term.
FAQ #1 Do audiobooks count as reading?
Answer: Yes! Not only are they a brilliant form of entertainment and encourage engagement with stories, they can help develop language and literacy skills. If you are a member of your local library, you should have access to a range of audiobooks via Borrowbox and Libby.
Reading recommendations for half term and beyond:
Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett (Age 3+)
Clev
er, funny and highly detailed, Gravett’s illustrations are accompanied by a story that shows the importance of balance in nature, and how small creatures have just as important a role to play as their larger friends. For another great Gravett read, try Again!
Bear and Bird by Jarvis (perfect for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books)
Funny, warm and full of wisdom, these short stories are about the friendship between Bear and Bird, and the mishaps and misunderstandings that can happen along the way. The illustrations are glorious.
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger (Age 10-13)
This is the first book in an international bestselling series, perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Amari and the Night Brothers and Artemis Fowl. Sophie is a 12 year old who has the power to read the thoughts of those around her. When she finds out she is not a human, but an elf in great danger, she is forced to leave everything she knows for a new and strange magical world. Packed full of adventure, each book left on a cliffhanger. The first book has just been published as a graphic novel.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch for book recommendations for your children, or more general queries about reading. I will be delighted to chat books with you.