# data[].attributes.body
We've collected together a range of resources to help settings support book talk and general reading for pleasure in school and at home.

# data[].attributes.headline
Matt Goodfellow Live Stream Session- Y4+

# data[].attributes.subject
Matt Goodfellow Live Stream Session- Y4+

# data[].attributes.body
25th January 9.30am
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any questions that you'd like to ask Matt during the session.

Matt will also be setting a writing challenge during the session. You can add your work to this collection or send it to us for us to add.

# data[].attributes.body
PPT for a writing session based on 'Liam' from Bright Bursts of Colour by Matt Goodfellow
Pupils should learn to plan their writing by recording ideas (Yr 4)
Pupils should learn toplan their writing by noting and developing initial ideas (Yrs5/6)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!

# data[].attributes.body
A video version of the writing session based on 'Liam' from Bright Bursts of Colour by Matt Goodfellow (video version of above PPT)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bright Bursts of Colour Poem Writing 1080p

# data[].attributes.body
25th January 1.30pm
28th January 1.30pm
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any questions that you'd like to ask Susannah during the session.

Susannah will also be setting a creative challenge during the session. You can add your work to this collection or send it to us for us to add.

# data[].attributes.body
An optional worksheet to support the ppt/video

# data[].attributes.body
Poetry collections for pupils in KS2

# data[].attributes.body
We've collected together some links to support EYFS settings in accessing a range of online story times and author sessions.

# data[].attributes.body
Please note that all links below are affiliate links. Purchasing books through these links mean that 10% go to Liverpool Learning Partnership (a registered charity) and 10% goes to independent bookshops

# data[].attributes.body
PPT for a session introducing The Terribly Friendly Fox by Susannah Lloyd and Ellie Snowdon. This session encourages pupils to think about what they already know about foxes from their own knowledge and from how they are presented in other books and media. They then make a prediction of what the character in this book will be like based on the image on the front cover.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!

# data[].attributes.body
A video version of the writing session based on The Terribly Friendly Fox.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Terrible or Friendly... a lesson on prediction based on 'The Terribly Friendly Fox'

# data[].attributes.body
An optional worksheet to support the ppt/video

# data[].attributes.body
Picture books featuring animals for EYFS and KS1

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet to support recounts of the event and gathering of information about Matt and his work. In full colour and printer friendly versions.

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet to support recounts of the event and gathering of information about Susannah and her work. In full colour and printer friendly versions.

# data[].attributes.body
During the first lockdown Matt put together a range of 'Poetreat' sessions where he shared some of his work and gave some suggestions for writing inspiration. We've linked to these so you can share them with pupils so they can have a go too.

# data[].attributes.headline
Writing Prompts- The Terribly Friendly Fox PDF #LiverpoolWrites

# data[].attributes.subject
Writing Prompts- The Terribly Friendly Fox PDF #LiverpoolWrites

# data[].attributes.body
A pdf of writing prompts based on The Terribly Friendly Fox. Schools/parents/carers can share examples of writing through the hashtags #LCFR and #LiverpoolWrites

# data[].attributes.headline
Reading for Pleasure: At School and At Home

# data[].attributes.subject
Reading for Pleasure: At School and At Home

# data[].attributes.body
A collection of resources and links to support reading for pleasure in school and at home

# data[].attributes.body
Reading discussion prompts that you can share at home and in school. Discuss these or use them as the basis for a piece of writing or artwork.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is a collection of resources to encourage families to reflect upon their reading behaviours. They can be the basis for discussion or you could encourage people to respond in creative ways- photos, illustration, written answers. We’ll be releasing one a day on our social media channels but you…

# data[].attributes.headline
Catherine Johnson Live Stream Session- Y4-7

# data[].attributes.subject
Catherine Johnson Live Stream Session- Y4-7

# data[].attributes.body
28th January 9.30am
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.body
29th January 9.30am
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.body
Poetreat: At The End Of My Rainbow

# data[].attributes.body
Poetreat: List Poems

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any questions that you'd like to ask Smriti during the session.

# data[].attributes.body
An Authorfy masterclass based on I'm Sticking With You (includes videos and extracts)- free to sign up

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
'I'm Sticking With You' with Smriti Halls

Smriti Prasadam-Halls is an award-winning, internationally bestselling British author whose books for children include 'I Love You Night and Day' (Publisher's Weekly #1 bestseller, Wall Street Journal bestseller), 'The Ways of the Wolf' (English Association Non-Fiction Winner) and 'Don't Call Me Sweet' (Booktrust Treasure Pack). Smriti worked for the BBC and across children's publishing and television for twelve years, as a writer and commissioning editor. She began writing books of her own in 2012 and is now published in more than 30 languages worldwide. Smriti lives and works in London with her husband and three sons.

Steve is a designer and illustrator based in London and is part of a team of animation directors at StudioAKA. He has worked on a wide variety of projects and still finds animation as fascinating as he did when he first watched Disney films as a kid. But then there are books... Steve says, 'they don't move and they don't make a sound, yet they remain one of the finest ways to smuggle a story into our imagination. I've always been hooked on books and love the simple storytelling chemistry at work in picture books.'
Wherever you're going, I'm going too.
Whatever you're doing, I'm sticking with you.
It's wonderful to have good friends to see you through the good times and the bad. But sometimes, friends can also be a bit... well... over bear ing. This completely irresistible rhyming text by Smriti Halls is perfectly complemented by artwork from fantastic new picture book illustrator, Steve Small.

'Deftly humorous... a lovely book to cuddle up with' - The Guardian
'This celebration of friendship has future classic stamped all over it.' - Daily Mail
Authorfy are an Amazon Associate and are part of the Waterstones Affiliate Programme, so may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click-through to their websites from any links on authorfy.com. This will not affect your buying experience or the cost of any products you order.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'I'm Sticking With You' with Smriti Halls - authorfy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
'I'm Sticking With You' with Smriti Halls Smriti Prasadam-Halls is an award-winning, internationally bestselling British author whose books for children include 'I Love You Night and Day' (Publisher's Weekly #1 bestseller, Wall Street Journal bestseller), 'The Ways of the Wolf' (English Association Non-Fiction Winner) and 'Don't Call Me Sweet' (Booktrust Treasure Pack).

# data[].attributes.headline
Writing Prompts- The Terribly Friendly Fox JPEG

# data[].attributes.subject
Writing Prompts- The Terribly Friendly Fox JPEG

# data[].attributes.body
You can find jpeg versions of the prompts above saved in our LLP dropbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!

# data[].attributes.body
1st February  9.30am
2nd February 1.30pm
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.body
1st February  1.30pm
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.body
2nd February 9.30am
4th February 9.30am
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.body
3rd February 9.30am
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.headline
Patrice Lawrence Live Stream Session UKS2

# data[].attributes.subject
Patrice Lawrence Live Stream Session UKS2

# data[].attributes.body
8th February 9.30am
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.headline
Patrice Lawrence Live Stream Session Y8+

# data[].attributes.subject
Patrice Lawrence Live Stream Session Y8+

# data[].attributes.body
9th February 9.30am
LLP YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrO7ZVnaXkvNXvX5OaVqtQ

LLP Twitter Account (via Periscope): https://www.twitter.com/LLPartnership

LLP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/liverpoollearningpartnership

# data[].attributes.body
The poem created with help from Liverpool pupils during the session with Smriti Halls.

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet from Smriti Halls so children can create a poem like the one we wrote in the session.

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any questions that you'd like to ask Catherine during the session.

# data[].attributes.body
PPT for a session based on I'm Sticking With You by Smriti Halls and Steve Small. This could be used before or after the session with Smriti Halls. The session has a PSHE focus, looking at the nature of friendship.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!

# data[].attributes.body
A video version of the writing session based on The Terribly Friendly Fox.

# data[].attributes.headline
Patrice Lawrence Event Padlet 9th Feb 9.30

# data[].attributes.subject
Patrice Lawrence Event Padlet 9th Feb 9.30

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any comments/questions for Patrice.

# data[].attributes.body
Optional worksheets to support the ppt/video

# data[].attributes.body
An alternative to the 'Reading River' activity. A tracker to encourage children to reflect on what they read throughout the year.

# data[].attributes.body
A tracker to encourage children to think about the nature of their reading for pleasure and to record the genres they read.

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet inspired by the popular Bullet Journal trend, encouraging children to keep a record of their reading.

# data[].attributes.body
Picture books about friendship for EYFS and KS1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Picture Books About Friendship Recommendations

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet to support recounts of the event and gathering of information about Smriti and her work. In full colour and printer friendly versions.

# data[].attributes.headline
Writing Prompts- I'm Sticking With You PDF #LiverpoolWrites

# data[].attributes.subject
Writing Prompts- I'm Sticking With You PDF #LiverpoolWrites

# data[].attributes.body
A pdf of writing prompts based on I'm Sticking With You. Schools/parents/carers can share examples of writing through the hashtags #LCFR and #LiverpoolWrites

# data[].attributes.headline
Writing Prompts- I'm Sticking With You JPEG

# data[].attributes.subject
Writing Prompts- I'm Sticking With You JPEG

# data[].attributes.body
You can find jpeg versions of the prompts above saved in our LLP dropbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!

# data[].attributes.headline
Discussion Guide: Rain Before Rainbows- Smriti Halls and David Litchfield

# data[].attributes.subject
Discussion Guide: Rain Before Rainbows- Smriti Halls and David Litchfield

# data[].attributes.body
Ideas for discussion and activities based upon Rain Before Rainbows.  Would be suitable for mixed age groups.
Suitable for settings working with Primary aged pupils

# data[].attributes.headline
Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield – a book to inspire hope from Walker Books & Save the Children

# data[].attributes.subject
Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield – a book to inspire hope from Walker Books & Save the Children

# data[].attributes.body
Walker Books has released Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Halls and illustrated by David Litchfield as a free eBook to raise awareness for Save the Children’s Save with Stories campaign which is helping children most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The rainbow has become an incredible symbol of hope and optimism during this time and we hope that this uplifting story can be a source of comfort and light to children and families.
Suitable for settings working with Primary aged pupils

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In June 2020, Walker Books released Rain before rainbows. Clouds before sun.
Night before daybreak. A new day's begun.
Rain Before Rainbows ahead of publication as a free eBook to raise awareness for Save the Children's #SaveWithStories campaign which is helping children most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The book was read by Stanley Tucci as part of this campaign. The rainbow has become an incredible symbol of hope and optimism, and we hope that this uplifting story continues to be a source of comfort and light to children and families.
A girl and her companion fox travel together from a place of loss and despair, through uncertain times, towards the hope of colour, light and life. Along the way, they find friends to guide and support them. Together, they build a glorious future and discover there is a way out of the darkness, into the light of the rainbow. A book with immense hope at its heart, this is a positive message for anyone who's ever gone through a tough time.

You can buy Rain Before Rainbows: here

Text © 2020 Smriti Halls. Illustrations © 2020 David Litchfield. Rain Before Rainbows published by Walker Books Ltd., London. All Rights Reserved. Warning: Unauthorised copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting are prohibited.

Policies and Terms of Use

Copyright © 2021 Walker Books Ltd.
Walker Books Ltd., 87 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HJ. Registered in England under Company No. 1378601

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In June 2020, Walker Books released Rain before rainbows. Clouds before sun. Night before daybreak. A new day's begun. Rain Before Rainbows ahead of publication as a free eBook to raise awareness for Save the Children's #SaveWithStories campaign which is helping children most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

# data[].attributes.body
Writing on the Wall has held Write Here Write Now sessions to celebrate the Liverpool Year of Writing! Here's the session with Patrice Lawrence where she gives you writing prompts and challenges.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Write Here Write Now with Patrice Lawrence - Liverpool Year of Writing

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any questions that you'd like to ask Marie during the session.

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any comments/questions for Karl.

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any comments/questions for Kathryn.

# data[].attributes.headline
Marie's Writing Challenge from her livestream session

# data[].attributes.subject
Marie's Writing Challenge from her livestream session

# data[].attributes.body
Historical fiction for KS2/3

# data[].attributes.body
A preview extract on Google Books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
12-year old Nathaniel is a slave, sent to England. Life in London is tough and Nat seizes the first opportunity to escape. He hears the story of The Zong, a ship where the crew murdered 133 slaves. Will the world continue to turn a blind eye to the horrors of slavery? And can Nat really evade his ma…

# data[].attributes.body
Catherine Johnson has written some fantastic books focusing on Black History. Some take a real historical event and follow a fictional character during this time. Others focus on real figures from Black History. You could ask pupils to research important Black role models and historical figures and to think about how they could best present this information- fact files, biography etc.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Black History Month takes place every October in the UK. In the United States, it is celebrated in February.
Black History Month resources
You can use this collection of teaching resources to explore black history, heritage, culture and achievements with your class.
Below you'll find content suitable for use with both primary and secondary school pupils. Each resource is accompanied by teacher notes to aid classroom use.

For teacher CPD, you can read this article by Josiah Isles , an assistant headteacher who has written about his experiences within the education system as a black teacher in the UK.

And we have a series of short films to help support teachers to be an ally to students from black, South Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds.

You can also catch up on our panel discussion programme, Beyond Black History Month , in partnership with TES. This programme was originally broadcast live on 21 October 2020 and features ideas and best practice around teaching black and diverse histories and experiences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore Black History Month 2023 content suitable for use with both primary and secondary school pupils. Each resource is accompanied by teacher notes to aid classroom use.

# data[].attributes.body
Freedom features the abolitionist Olaudah Equiano. Read this article to find out more about him.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
(1745?-97). Olaudah Equiano was a slave whose autobiography is considered by many to be the first significant work about an enslaved person's life. The book is called The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano; or, Gustavus Vassa, the African, Written by Himself (1789).

# data[].attributes.headline
Newsround Article about the Atlantic slave trade

# data[].attributes.subject
Newsround Article about the Atlantic slave trade

# data[].attributes.body
Freedom features real life historical figures and events such as Olaudah Equiano, Granville Sharp, and the story of the slave ship The Zong. This article from Newsround gives an explanation of the slave trade.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On Friday 23 August, the world is marking the International Day for the Abolition of the Slave Trade.

The slave trade refers to a period in history when it used to be completely legal to buy and sell black people as slaves, bought and sold across routes around the Atlantic Ocean.

But on the night of 22 to 23 August 1791 in Santo Domingo (which is today Haiti and the Dominican Republic), an uprising began that would be extremely important in abolishing it.

The day, led by the United Nations, is marked with cultural events and debates in lots of different countries to remind people of this shameful period in history.

Find out more about it below.

Since about 1500, there was a lot of money to be made buying and selling people as slaves.

Slave ships from Britain left ports like London, Liverpool and Bristol for West Africa, carrying goods such as cloth and guns to be traded.

These goods were traded for men, women and children who had been kidnapped then sold to slave traders or bought from African chiefs.

Millions of families were separated. They were then tightly packed onto slave ships and travelled for months to the Caribbean or to North and South America. This was called the Middle passage where many people died on the journey because the conditions were so bad.

It is thought at least 24 million Africans were sold to slave traders around the world.

In the Caribbean, North and South America enslaved Africans were sold to the highest bidder at slave auctions. They were then forced to work for nothing on big farm lands called plantations growing things like sugar cane and coffee.

These people had no rights and were treated very badly. Goods such as sugar, coffee and tobacco were bought and carried back to Britain for sale on the ships.

Many people got very rich off this trade and it made Britain lots of money.

How were slaves treated?

It was a very hard life as a slave and very difficult to imagine now.

Most slaves had no rights at all. Many had to change their name - sometimes to that of their owner.

They would work really hard for up to 18 hours a day in very bad conditions.

They had a poor diet and no healthcare - often walking for miles in the hot sun, living in rough huts and sleeping on a dirt floor.

Many masters would control their slaves by using violence.

Once a slave started work on a plantation, their life expectancy was shortened because they were worked so hard.

Being a slave was a hard, miserable life.

How was it abolished?

In the late 18th century, an anti-slavery movement began to get a lot of backing in Britain - firstly by some religious groups, such as the Quakers.

People began to stop using sugar, as they didn't want to be seen to be supporting the use of slaves on the big sugar plantations.

Thomas Clarkson spent seven years riding 35,000 miles on horseback across Britain, getting support for the anti-slavery campaign and, in 1787, persuaded the MP William Wilberforce to take the fight to Parliament.

At the same time, slaves were protesting about how they were being abused. One of these was Olaudah Equiano - a former slave who bought his own freedom and published a best-selling book.

The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed by the British Parliament on 25 March 1807.

This law included a fine of £100 for every slave found aboard a British ship. At that time, the fine was so high it probably would have put the ship owner out of business.

The slave trade was then slowly wiped out, with slaves first being freed, but often signed up to work in "an apprenticeship" for their masters for five years.

By 1838, all of the slaves from this trade in the British Empire were formally set free. However, slavery did continue in other places.

Slaves didn't get any money for all the work they had done, but slave owners were given money for the loss of the slaves.

One example was the Bishop of Exeter who gave up 665 slaves and received around £12,700 for it, which is worth a fortune today.

Is there still slavery today?

Sadly, there are still some criminals who keep people as slaves today.

This is completely illegal and people are punished in the courts if they are caught doing this, just as they would be for other serious crimes.

It is also illegal to be involved with moving people around the country, or even abroad, to be used as slaves. This is called human trafficking.

This is one of the main differences between the modern slave trade and the historical trade - modern slavery is completely against the law.

Most historical slaves also didn't used to have any rights, which is not the case now.

Nowadays, if anybody is being kept in awful conditions against their will and forced to do work they don't want to do, they have rights like anybody else. If they manage to escape, the police will protect them.

In the historical slave trade, if a slave escaped, the police would return them to their master and they would likely be punished for being a disobedient slave.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
International Day for the Abolition of the Slave Trade: What does this mean? - CBBC Newsround

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It seems hard to imagine, but black people used to be sold to other people to be their slaves - and it was completely legal. This was called the slave trade and is a shameful period in history. On 23 August, an international remembrance day is held to remember what happened.

# data[].attributes.body
An extract from Queen of Freedom: Defending Jamaica by Catherine Johnson (via Google Books)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The thrilling true story of how one woman masterminded slave resistance to British rule in eighteenth-century Jamaica - part of the True Adventures series
1720. Blue Mountains, windward Jamaica. In the sweltering heat Captain Shettlewood leads a troop of British soldiers through the thick trees towards the river. They are hunting slaves who have escaped from the brutal plantations. Their mission: to find them, and kill them.

But up ahead, hidden among the rocks above the water, a group of men with cutlasses and muskets wait patiently for the instructions of their leader. Queen Nanny is a 'wise woman' with a reputation for ancient obeah magic, and a guerilla fighter with a genius for organisation. So the battle for Jamaica begins, the First Maroon War, in which the maroons - escaped slaves - will make a final, do-or-die stand against the slavers and soldiers of Empire.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The thrilling true story of how one woman masterminded slave resistance to British rule in eighteenth-century Jamaica - part of the True Adventures series1720. Blue Mountains, windward Jamaica. In the sweltering heat Captain Shettlewood leads a troop of British soldiers through the thick trees towards the river.

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet to support recounts of the event and gathering of information about Smriti and her work. In full colour and printer friendly versions.

# data[].attributes.headline
Susannah Lloyd Website: Activities to Print

# data[].attributes.subject
Susannah Lloyd Website: Activities to Print

# data[].attributes.body
Activities to accompany the books This Book Can Read Your Mind and The Terribly Friendly Fox

# data[].attributes.body
A biography of Catherine Johnson that can be shared with pupils so that they can find out more about her life and work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I was born and lived most of my life in London, some people might think that's unadventurous but there's still so much about the city I don't know and it's always changing. I like a lot of the really old things like Wilton's Music Hall in the city and the new things like the gherkin building and the millennium bridge. Also I like the fact that I've seen more wildlife in London than in the country - foxes at 9.00am in Waterloo, kestrels in my back garden in Hackney and cormorants swimming up the canal. Most of all what makes London special is the people here from everywhere else. I like the 24hour hot bagel shop and the Turkish restaurants in Dalston, my youngest loves Jamaican fried dumplings and I like the Portuguese restaurants in Stockwell. It's the mix up that's good, old and new; Cornelissens art shop that sells dragon blood in a jar and The Algerian Coffee shop in Old Compton Street. The City farms, my local, Hackney, of course and Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest. Isn't that enough?

My parents were very good storytellers. My dad was from Jamaica and my mum was Welsh. this is a picture of them just before they got married in North Wales in 1954. I was born in 1962 and mixed race families were still very unusual, especially in the suburbs. I went to school at Tetherdown primary school in north London. I loved it. I was good at school and if you'd have asked me then I'd have said I'd be a writer. But I hated secondary school. It was a very old fashioned girls school that soon squashed it out of me. I don't expect any of my teachers would believe I would ever write enough words to make a book.

In fact I was bottom of the whole year in history, so how I got to writing historical novels is a mystery. Well, actually, it isn't. History is people, and what writers and readers love is people.

I love writing about the people you don't often see in regular history. When I was little I loved the Sunday afternoon serials, historical stuff, Leon Garfield stories, kids in big frocks, but when we came to play the stories in the playground at school there was never anyone like me in those stories, so I set about writing people like me into the past. And although the characters in my historical novels are made up, they are always based on truths. Did you know that when Elizabeth the first was on the throne she complained about the amount of black people in Britain?

And you never got to see black people wearing historical clothes, only ever rags as we were only ever slaves. That's changed now, but I've put this other picture in because I love it.

It's my Grandmother, Great Aunts and Great Grandmother in their Sunday best for the camera, my Grandmother is the little one. Isn't it wonderful?

A few years ago I moved to the seaside in Hastings, and now I live on my own with a view of the sea, which is fabulous.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I was born and lived most of my life in London, some people might think that's unadventurous but there's still so much about the city I don't know and it's always changing. I like a lot of the really old things like Wilton's Music Hall in the city and the new things like the gherkin [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Oh no! Haven't updated for weeeeeks! What has happened? It is odd isn't it right now? I have sometimes found work very hard, sometimes impossible, and sometimes flowing just right.

What have I been up to? Well on World Book Day I will be here https://thechildrensbookshow.com/ I'll be in conversation with Nicolette Jones, who writes about Children's books for The Times, and is a genuine fount of knowledge.

SOUTHWARK - the TV series adapted from The Black Tudors book (see below) is a step closer to your screens, https://variety.com/2020/tv/global/britbox-uk-southwark-black-tudors-drama-miranda-kaufman-book-1234804154/

And at the end of last year the game I was working on I AM DEAD came out. There's a walk through here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvcOYP47xT0

It was so interesting and such a lot of fun, the artist, Dick Hogg, and the developer, Ricky Haggett at Hollowponds were great to work with. And for the first time in my life I wrote the words to a song, a sea shanty. I am also a character in the game, the new museum curator, and this is me in the game!

Also something very exciting is one of my favourite books of the past A NEST OF VIPERS is being issued with a snazzy new cover and - parps own trumpet- as a PUFFIN! When I grew up I would never imagine that I would have my own title as an actual Puffin. Am thrilled!

Lots of news, in these weird spring days, and there does seem to be something of a theme.The Dumas book is out with Bloomsbury in July and now has a wonderful title - TO LIBERTY! and the history of Nanny, QUEEN OF FREEDOM, is out with Pushkin in August. Meantime I'm the Authorgraph in Books For Keeps this month, you can read here.... http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/241/childrens-books/articles/authorgraph/authorgraph-241-catherine-johnson

October update! More lovely news FREEDOM has been chosen by IBBY, the international board for books for young people as it's honour list title for 2020 https://ibby.org.uk/2020-honour-list-nominees/ . I still cannot believe it. Past honour listed books include The Sterkarm Handshake by Susan Price, and The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce. I have to spit hard on my good fortune.

Happy Midsummer from Catherine Johnson FRSL (I know!) and (parps own trumpet again) Winner of the LITTLE REBEL AWARD for FREEDOM

This year has been the fastest and the busiest for me. I have had an amazing summer. I have letters to put after my name - I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature - this photo was taken at the ceremony. Unbelievably the other new Fellows included Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at Cambridge and massive heroine. Safe to say I will not be disclosing what we were talking about, but she is as brilliant and funny and incredible as you could imagine. Honestly I was shaking before this when I had to sign the Fellows' book. I knew it was an honour and a massive privilege, and I know I have a decent reputation as reliable jill of all trades and safe pair of hands, but I had not realised the calibre of my fellow fellows - see picture below - and have never felt more impostery in my life. Luckily Mary Beard was on hand to make me feel at home.

Fellow Fellows including; Nikesh Shukla, Dorothea Smartt, Stephen Fry, Armando Iannuci, David Olusoga....

Then the wonderful Little Rebel Award. I have been the judge for this, in fact, just last year I handed the prize to the wonderful Zanib Mian, whose winning book, The Muslims, has since been swept into legendary status as the Planet Omar series. Other past winners include Alexis Deacon and Viv Schwarz's Henry Finch and Ada Twist Scientist, by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, as well as books by Gill Lewis, Gillian Cross and Sarah Garland. It's an amazing prize, set up by the Association of Radical Booksellers and you can find out about it here https://littlerebels.org/

It's a real honour, as someone who has spent my writing life writing the sorts of books that do alright, that gain a - shall we say - select readership, this prize is special. It's about social justice, it's about saying young lives and young people's opinions are vital, and it's about books that deliver fantastic stories. I can't thank the judges enough for choosing Freedom from a brilliant shortlist that included The Ghosts and Jamal by Bridget Blankley, Across the Divide by Anne Booth,Running on Empty by S.E. Durrant, The King Who Banned the Dark by Emily Haworth-Booth, Tomorrow by Nadine Kadaan, and The New Neighbours by Sarah McIntyre.

Thanks to Letterbox Library and Housmans and the CLPE who hosted the evening in their stunning library.

Otherwise? I'm still writing the amazing Black Tudors project for Silverprint Pictures, I'm working on a computer game featuring a psychopomp (look it up!) in the form of a silken wind hound, and have written about this all round fantastic man, Colonel Thomas- Alexandre Dumas for Bloomsbury - out next year I think (hope).

Oh and there have been a couple of Arvons, always hard work and good fun, look them up here - https://www.arvon.org/about/arvon-home-of-creative-writing/ - one in Lumb Bank, Yorkshire which I taught with Marcus Sedgewick (I since found among the books I had of his at home, one actual signed copy - Revolver is still one of my utter favourites) where I met some lovely new writers, and another that I am off to next week in Shropshire co tutoring with poet Cliff Yates. I'm still teaching for Curtis Brown Creative, one of my students had her debut published this summer; Anne- Marie Howell with The Garden of Lost Secrets, and others have been agented or had wonderful deals heading their way.

So that's it for another six months I expect. I am hard at work with the TV job and it is so the best and most exciting thing I have ever done. Fingers crossed it flies....

In the meantime here is me and Marcus Sedgewick and some trees. Pic by Claire McNamee

also if you do need up to date ranting from me try @catwrote on twitter or for Insta @catherinerebeccajohnson
HELLO 2019!
Excuse me but I am BACK! Life has been suitably hectic, I've moved house, had books nominated for the Carnegie Medal, shortlisted for the YA book prize and written for Holby City. My children have left home, my poor old cat, Noko has died, but I am still writing, this year marks my twenty fifth (I know!) year as a published writer. And there have been two, (TWO) new books last year, FREEDOM, from Scholastic, which has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal, and RACE TO THE FROZEN NORTH from the ever lovely Barrington Stoke.

I am currently working on two spectacular projects, both total dreams come true. The first is in a brand new medium for me, I am working on a computer game and it has been so much fun! Can't say any more than that, but the art and the world are amazing.

Secondly, I have hit writing gold with a job that could not be bettered - I am lead writer on an adaptation of Miranda Kaufmann's book BLACK TUDORS for Silverprint Pictures ( Shetland, Vera, Jericho). We're hammering a thrilling drama out of impeccably researched source material that will give viewers a view of London and our history that is fresh and compelling. Clearly we've mountains to climb before anything happens, but you would not believe the joy this is bringing me right now. http://www.mirandakaufmann.com/black-tudors.html

I have to thank the lovely folk at https://www.letterboxlibrary.com/ who do a sterling job selling my books - if you want to buy anywhere spend your money with them, they are seriously the best booksellers in Britain!

Next year holds lots of surprises and new beginnings. I can't tell you about all of them, but there will be more books eventually and perhaps some work in other mediums as well. I've been to Brussels this year with Speaking Volumes and have two books to finish, one of which is my first adult novel. I also have work in Margaret Busby's seminal DAUGHTERS OF AFRICA anthology, out in March.

In the meantime enjoy this drawing of me spouting on about Black British History at last years SCWBI conference by the wonderfully talented Imogen Foxell.

I am still talking and writing about Black British history and if you'd like me to visit your school or college get in touch. Look forward to meeting you in 2019....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oh no! Haven't updated for weeeeeks! What has happened? It is odd isn't it right now? I have sometimes found work very hard, sometimes impossible, and sometimes flowing just right. What have I been up to?

# data[].attributes.body
A free, daily set of activities for 3-5 year-olds linked to the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) educational programmes, many of which are linked to stories and introduced by authors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our first book!

What we do

In the face of adversity comes extraordinary things. We hope EYFSHome will be one of them for the many young children and their families home-educating over the next few weeks.

​

We offer a simple, organised programme of activities, advice and support and a much needed community for all those looking after
3-5 year-olds and their siblings.

Explore the rest of the site

Curriculum

Advice

& support

Join our community and follow us

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our first book! What we do In the face of adversity comes extraordinary things. We hope EYFSHome will be one of them for the many young children and their families home-educating over the next few weeks. ​ We offer a simple, organised programme of activities, advice and support and a much needed community for all those looking after 3-5 year-olds and their siblings.

# data[].attributes.body
Stories suitable for EYFS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Video books & activities to enjoy together

It's never too early to read stories with your child and spending just ten minutes every day enjoying books together can make a BIG difference to their development. Sharing stories boosts creativity and imagination, improves wellbeing, is a positive experience for parents, carers, guardians, grandparents - everyone! - and is great fun!
Download our Sharing Stories Together PDF for tips on how to enjoy books together
You can also buy all the books here on our Bookshop.org page.

Share a Story Corner: Brown Bear Wood: Grand Old Oak and the Birthday Ball

Written by: Rachel Piercey

Illustrated by: Freya Hartas

Published by: Magic Cat Publishing

With its gnarled trunk, giant branches and glossy leaves, Grand Old Oak is Bear's favourite tree in the woodland. So when Bear learns that Oak is five hundred years old, he decides to plan an extra-special birthday ball.

In this first storybook of poetry, join Bear and his friends through the seasons as they prepare a magical birthday party, with lots of things to spot along the way.

Share a Story Corner: Brown Bear Wood: If You Go Down to the Woods Today

Written by: Rachel Piercey

Illustrated by: Freya Hartas

Published by: Magic Cat Publishing

Journey through a magical woodland, with poems to read and things to find.
My woodland's full of animals,
of every different kind.
So shall we stay here for a while
and see what we can find?

Experience the everyday wonder of nature in this first book of poetry, exploring a magical woodland year. With poems by acclaimed writer Rachel Piercey, join Bear on his journey from spring to winter with lots of friends to meet, places to explore, and things to spot along the way.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our video books and activities bring books to life for toddlers and preschoolers. Find a story for the whole family to enjoy together.

# data[].attributes.body
A range of online storybooks

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Here you can find lots of lovely interactive books to read online or watch with signing.

There are classic children's stories that we think you and your family will love, including Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd to Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson, along with newer favourites such as Chris Haughton's Oh No, George! and Everybunny Dance! by Ellie Sandall.
Our storybooks and games are free to use, however some older devices aren't able to support them. You can also watch our Storytime playlist on YouTube read by the likes of Ore Oduba, Adam Buxton, Fearne Cotton and many more.
We also have lots of free online games for children to enjoy. Whether you're after number games, puzzle games, colouring or interactive storybooks, there are lots of fun activities to try!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stories for kids online and fun games to play

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find kids' books to read online for free, including classic children's stories like Hairy Maclary and Owl Babies, and play our fun online games - from number games to colouring.

# data[].attributes.body
PPT for a session based on Princess BMX that could be used before or after the session with Marie Basting. The session has a PHSE focus of what makes our identity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!

# data[].attributes.body
A video version of the session based on Princess BMX.

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet to support recounts of the event and gathering of information about Marie and her work. In full colour and printer friendly versions.

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any comments/questions for Karl.

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet to support recounts of the event and gathering of information about Karl and his work. In full colour and printer friendly versions.

# data[].attributes.headline
BookTrust Article: The Books That Made Me

# data[].attributes.subject
BookTrust Article: The Books That Made Me

# data[].attributes.body
An article by Catherine Johnson about a book from her childhood that was important to her.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Book That Made Me: Catherine Johnson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Author Catherine Johnson says an illustrated poetry collection captured her heart as a child (and she learnt some of it off by heart, too).

# data[].attributes.headline
World Book Day Masterclass with Patrice Lawrence and Malorie Blackman

# data[].attributes.subject
World Book Day Masterclass with Patrice Lawrence and Malorie Blackman

# data[].attributes.body
An online masterclass on connecting with the reader plus note making resources, discussion points and extracts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Best-selling authors Malorie Blackman and Patrick Lawrence share how they create emotional connections between readers and characters

# data[].attributes.body
Recommendations for further reading based on Matt Goodfellow's session

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use cookies and similar methods to recognize visitors and remember their preferences. We also use them to help detect unauthorized access or activity that violate our terms of service, as well as to analyze site traffic and performance for our own site improvement efforts. To learn more about these methods, including how to disable them view our Cookie Policy. Accept Cookies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies and similar methods to recognize visitors and remember their preferences. We also use them to help detect unauthorized access or activity that violate our terms of service, as well as to analyze site traffic and performance for our own site improvement efforts.

# data[].attributes.body
Recommendations for further reading based on Susannah Lloyd's session

# data[].attributes.body
Recommendations for further reading based on Patrice Lawrence and Catherine Johnson's sessions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use cookies and similar methods to recognize visitors and remember their preferences. We also use them to help detect unauthorized access or activity that violate our terms of service, as well as to analyze site traffic and performance for our own site improvement efforts. To learn more about these methods, including how to disable them view our Cookie Policy. Accept Cookies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies and similar methods to recognize visitors and remember their preferences. We also use them to help detect unauthorized access or activity that violate our terms of service, as well as to analyze site traffic and performance for our own site improvement efforts.

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any questions that you'd like to ask Dom during the session on Monday 1st 9.30am.

# data[].attributes.body
This padlet has space for you to add any questions that you'd like to ask Dom during the session on Tuesday 2nd Feb 1.30pm.

# data[].attributes.body
PPT for a session based on This Rock That Rock that could be used before or after the session with Dom Conlon. The session focuses on planning ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
A video version of the writing session based on This Rock That Rock.

# data[].attributes.body
A worksheet to support recounts of the event and gathering of information about Dom and his work. In full colour and printer friendly versions.

# data[].attributes.body
Books about Science and Nature for KS2

# data[].attributes.body
Videos of Dom Conlon reading some of the poems from This Rock That Rock.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Poetry read from This Rock That Rock, the collection of fifty poems inspired by the Moon. The book is written by Dom Conlon and illustrated by Viviane Schwar...

# data[].attributes.body
Videos of Dom Conlon answering questions about science

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ask Dom is an occasional series of videos where one rambling poet attempts to answer questions about space. Ask your own questions in the comments!

# data[].attributes.body
A video of Dom giving poetry tips! Great for encouraging children to write their own poems.

# data[].attributes.body
Includes ideas for writing prompts and creative activities

# data[].attributes.headline
LitFilmFest Creative Session with Marie Basting on creating magical creatures

# data[].attributes.subject
LitFilmFest Creative Session with Marie Basting on creating magical creatures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Creating Magical Characters with Marie Basting | #LitFilmFestClassrooms | Write #withme #stayathome

# data[].attributes.body
Marie's creative 'about' page for kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
(Kids only - grown-ups should head straight to the sensible information in the Press Pack or on the School Visits and Events page. If you do read this, Marie denies everything.)
Marie Basting is the author of Princess BMX, a true story which provides conclusive proof that magic is real and bikes are the new broomstick. OK, that is a big fat lie, but Marie mostly speaks the truth particularly on Tuesdays when she teaches synchronised swimming to mermaids and helps out at a shelter for homeless goblins.

On Wednesdays Marie hunts boggarts with her friend Zana the brave.
Princess BMX is Marie's debut novel. But she plans to write lots more as soon as she has finished watching Adventure Time. Marie loves Adventure Time because, like Princess BMX, it is a kind of modern fairy tale, and Marie wants to show children that magic is everywhere even if it is sometimes hard to find. That sounds corny but trust me it is not as corny as Marie's feet.

Marie posing with a BMX.
Marie first had the idea for Princess BMX while watching BMXers at the famous Undercroft skate park on the South Bank. When Marie was a kid, BMX was for boys and she wasn't brave enough to try extreme sports anyway. Not being brave or confident enough was a bit of a theme for Marie, but the good news is she eventually got over this and decided she wouldn't let fear hold her back anymore. She gave up her job and decided to write books. The bad news is Marie is absolutely rubbish at BMX. Hopefully, her books are better. You decide.

Marie at Undercroft Skate Park.
When Marie isn't writing or watching the telly, you'll probably find her mooching around Manchester with her husband, son and most unusual of pets, Polly Woo. As you can see, Polly is a very rare cross between a womble and a wookie.

Polly the Wookie Womble Woo.
Chewbacca is Polly's favorite film star EVER but so far he has ignored her marriage proposals which Marie thinks is rather rude. Polly, however, won't have a word said against Chewy and figures he's too busy saving the galaxy to reply to her letters. Whatever you do, don't get your relationship advice from Polly.

Like Chewy, Marie grew up in a galaxy far far away. Well, it was far away from Chewy at least. Born in Liverpool, to a fairy prince and a time travelling minstrel called Ethel, she moved to Runcorn when she was nine-years-old. Her brother has superhuman powers, but he is a bit shy so she can't talk about them here. Her dog Snowie was the naughtiest dog ever and once interrupted a police dog display at her school. Marie, however, was always well behaved and denies ever locking her teacher in a cupboard. The last thing you should know about Marie is that she has zillions of cousins and every single one of them has webbed feet. If they eat after midnight nothing happens.

Teachers! I said this was for children only but as you're here I may as well let you know that my author visits are competitively priced and include a free book signing. I frequently offer discounts to schools in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Halton and the Wirral - visit my school visits page for further details.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
(Kids only - grown-ups should head straight to the sensible information in the Press Pack or on the School Visits and Events page. If you do read this, Marie denies everything.) Marie Basting is the author of Princess BMX, a true story which provides conclusive proof that magic is real and bikes are the new...

# data[].attributes.headline
Women's BMX Highlights at FISE: Edmonton 2017

# data[].attributes.subject
Women's BMX Highlights at FISE: Edmonton 2017

# data[].attributes.body
A video showing women's BMX

# data[].attributes.headline
Women BMX Flatland Highlights | 2019 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships

# data[].attributes.subject
Women BMX Flatland Highlights | 2019 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships

# data[].attributes.body
A video showing women's flatland BMX

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Women BMX Flatland Highlights | 2019 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships

# data[].attributes.body
from CLPE's Vimeo channel

# data[].attributes.body
from CLPE's Vimeo channel

# data[].attributes.body
from CLPE's Vimeo channel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Karl Nova - What inspires you as a poet?

# data[].attributes.headline
Karl Nova: How does poetry make you feel?

# data[].attributes.subject
Karl Nova: How does poetry make you feel?

# data[].attributes.body
from CLPE's Vimeo channel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Karl Nova - How does poetry make you feel?

# data[].attributes.body
from National Poetry Day on YouTube