UL Teachers' Reading Group 2021 by Karen Tulloch

Using Padlet to Support Remote Book Talk

karentulloch — 2021-01-07 17:44:49 UTC

Video guide from Mathew Tobin

I could not put this book down. It made me think about all the children I had taught whose family situations I may have 'judged' and about what a family can look like and how different all families are. It made me reflect on what matters to a child. A book about love, family and small acts of kindness. Really special, in my opinion

karentulloch — 2021-01-07 17:45:16 UTC

A young girl grappling with friendship, her toddler twin siblings - but mostly with her grandmother's developing dementia. Gentle but really moving, too.

karentulloch — 2021-01-07 17:45:22 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-01-07 17:45:56 UTC

I find the RfP site a little non-intuitive, so this guidance on navigating might help if you do, too. You do need to be logged in to access everything, so registering is essential and you should then receive the monthly newsletter (mine went to Spam for a long time)

karentulloch — 2021-01-07 17:49:47 UTC

I am looking forward to chatting about this book with you all.

This is one of the most beautiful and powerful picture books. I loved Mama's advice not to carry the mean words as they only belong to the person who said them.....

karentulloch — 2021-01-07 17:50:40 UTC

'A House That Once Was is a beautifully illustrated exploration of time, imagination and the nature of home that is sure to provoke discussion. Lane's artwork is a riot of colour and rich texture that perfectly matches the poetic text written by the New York Times-bestselling author, Julie Fogliano' says the review

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 08:37:06 UTC

Tony recommended this to explore friendships in a positive way. Nosy Crow are a publisher really worth exploring, if you don't know them.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 08:37:33 UTC

Catherine and Tony both recommended this. Lots of potential discussion around 'things' and what we really need....

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:13:50 UTC

A lovely story overcoming adversity and challenge. Binky can't wait for his wings to grow but when they do they are wispy and weak....but there is more than one way to fly

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:15:51 UTC

A beautiful book to explore WW2. The true story of a house, its history and four families who made it their home.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:19:28 UTC

A lovely book recommended by Tony. Good for younger children.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:21:33 UTC

A beautiful book dealing with thoughts/emotions and how these change and pass. Great for exploring mental health.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:24:08 UTC

Recommended by Tony as a celebration of love. A boy and his father take a walk around the city discovering all the ways they are perfectly designed for each other.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:25:22 UTC

A few of you mentioned this one. Navigating the lockdown of 2020, inspired by the rainbows that were created around the world. Current and important.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:34:15 UTC

Tony recommended this as wonderful for exploring refugees. A very powerful picture book, illustrating different perspectives really well.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:36:01 UTC

Tony's recommendation - a political book. The sad little fact is locked away for telling the truth. He meets other facts who also could not lie. They get the facts and truth out into the world.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:37:00 UTC

Tony suggested this as teachers do often do work around superpowers. The superpowers in this book are wonderfully silly and great fun for children to explore and perhaps create their own.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:39:26 UTC

One day, the Thing falls from the sky and four strangers stumble across it. Together they decide to work together to take care of the Thing. But before long a media circus builds up around the creature they are protecting and the debate about the Thing spreads far around the world.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:40:31 UTC

One of Tony's recommendations. This has great potential for so many discussions and writing opportunities. Andy Seed's writing is always such fun.

karentulloch — 2021-01-08 11:43:45 UTC

The Dinosaur that pooped a Planet

charlotteroe2 — 2021-01-08 12:58:47 UTC

My daughter chose this over the last lockdown, and I used it to record myself reading a story to my class. I found myself unable to carry on reading because I couldn't stop laughing - what child doesn't love a book about poo! Its pacey and witty and great read out loud.

The Invisible String

charlotteroe2 — 2021-01-08 13:04:31 UTC

We used this story for a transition book for our new Reception Starters. It is a great book of comfort for those children who struggle to leave their grown-ups - might be useful during lockdown if they are anxious or worried.

My Friend the Weather Monster

terriward62 — 2021-01-11 19:24:16 UTC

A beautiful story about emotions and kindness.

Superb short story about a lonely weather monster that lives outside a village on his own and eventually makes friends with the villagers nearby. The monster as the title implies controls the weather, so if he is happy, it is sunny, if sad it rains, and if angry...it thunders.

Journey

terriward62 — 2021-01-11 19:26:17 UTC

A wonderful wordless book which is loved by all ages.

One great way to keep abreast of current/new high-quality children's literature is by checking out the various book awards that take place annually. This list provides them all in one place - all of 2020's children's book award winnners!

karentulloch — 2021-01-14 12:02:51 UTC

Anisha Accidental Detective

sharonmerryweather — 2021-02-04 16:20:50 UTC

A very engaging story of how Anisha becomes an accidental detective as she helps find the kidnappers and saves her aunts big day!

The Boy. the Mole. the Fox and the Horse

sharonmerryweather — 2021-02-04 16:27:39 UTC

What an amazing story ! So, many discussion-worthy points within the story itself. A great read.

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:25:32 UTC

I thought this was a lovely home learning task to support reading for pleasure

Currently enjoying this series with my son. So full of joy and kindness!

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:33:04 UTC

I am currently reading this and think it is wonderful. A story of a boy in foster care who is on a mission to find parents. If you have not come across Stewart Foster's books, I highly recommend them. Top end KS2 & older.

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:34:55 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:38:08 UTC

This is an awesome read with so much to discuss. KS2.

Tiny Owl publish some wonderful books and do a great job of representative literature and celebrating diversity. This picture book is a delight - full of kindness and hope and simply lovely.

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:38:15 UTC

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought there were so many themes to be explored in class. KS2 - friendships, family, trying to fit in and the choices we make when doing that. Wonderful book. Cath Howe is very active on Twitter and will respond to children's questions & comments.

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:38:26 UTC

This is a helpful list of suggestions for wordless picture books.

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:38:44 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:39:19 UTC

The Claude books by Alex T Smith are perfect for year 1 and 2 and are lovely read alouds, too. Sir Bobblysock is a lot of fun!

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:39:27 UTC

The foreword to this book is attached - uplifting to remind us why we do what we do here in this TRG!

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:39:40 UTC

For year 1 as a read aloud and year 2 and beyond, this is a delight. The relationship between bear, who is very calm, chilled and positive and rabbit who is very prone to anger and stress, is just delightful. It is such a positive and philosophical read - really lovely. And very very funny, too. Very satisfying for younger readers.

There are a few in the series

Again, a series and very nice for younger readers. Short chapters and a few illustrations

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:39:45 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:39:49 UTC

The unicorn in this is hilarious. Relationships are really gently but positively portrayed and it is a great read for years 1 - 3 ish

This has gained deserved praise. Quite an adventure and some positive role models

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:39:55 UTC

One of the best sources of books is also The Book Trust. Their bookfinder facility is really helpful for finding that 'next' book for children. They also review and provide so much information about books and are worth keeping an eye on

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:40:07 UTC

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/

The Early Illustrated Fiction awards (this year and last) from Alligator's Mouth are a great source of books beyond picture books but before big, thick chapter books. They tend to be short chapters, light hearted and enjoyable and generally satisfying. I have read them all with my son when he was year 1, 2 or 3 and can tell you more!

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:40:15 UTC

https://www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk/award

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:40:46 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:41:00 UTC

Twitter is great for children's book recommendations & sharing practice. Follow @ourfp . The OURfP Book Blethers are great, monthly

karentulloch — 2021-02-12 10:43:40 UTC

A book Y3 really enjoyed! Nice illustrations and lots of laughs!

2021-02-23 12:40:40 UTC

Using this to support reading in the wider curriculum.

2021-02-23 12:45:26 UTC

The Lion Inside

catherinewilliams — 2021-02-25 10:41:35 UTC

I love the themes in this book about unusual friendships and courage to make big steps.

Tidy

catherinewilliams — 2021-02-25 10:44:42 UTC

A lovely look into the seasons

Thinking back to our first session when Tony shared poetry books, I do have a lot of poetry but this one is really 'old but gold'. It is a great starter or back up as it is sectioned by poetry type/genre and a little definition is provided, followed by lots of examples of that poem. Great when you need to teach kennings/narrative/haikus etc...

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:08:16 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:09:04 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:09:10 UTC

http://www.brianpatten.co.uk/

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:09:16 UTC

You cannot go wrong with Brian Patten!

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:09:23 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:09:36 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:09:40 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:09:48 UTC

Matt Goodfellow's Bright Bursts of Colour review

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:09:54 UTC

The Hairdo That Got Away is humorous but actually subtly explores the fact that Dad has gone away

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:04 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:10 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:15 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:24 UTC

I love Joseph Coelho and his poetry. He includes really important and serious themes but without explicitly focusing on them. He believes this is right for children to see themselves and their issues without themselves and the issues being the central theme. Have a look at his website, there are some great resources there. You will also find a lot of his poetry on CLPE's poetry line.

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:31 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:35 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:39 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:46 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:53 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:10:58 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:11:06 UTC

A visiting poet can be really good value for money - The Poetry Society offer visits and match the poet to the school and local area as much as possible. The poet will do an assembly, class lessons, a CPD session after school for teachers - all for around £200 plus travel. Not for now, of course. But the future......

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:11:15 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:11:20 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:11:23 UTC

Tony recommended James Carter as a poet who has written some wonderful books. He is also fantastic as a visiting poet.

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:11:33 UTC

Tony mentioned the following James Carter books:
Zim Zam Zoom
Once Upon a Raindrop (this is one of the UKLA Shortlisted books in the 3-14+ years non-fiction/information category this year)
Once upon a Star
World's Greatest Space Cadet

His website is here
www.jamescarterpoet.co.uk

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:12:12 UTC

A new recommendation from Tony - year 6 ish

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:15:21 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:16:15 UTC

Tony recommended this as a very unusual and wonderful collection of poems not found elsewhere and read a wonderful poem about magnets to us

One of the Joseph Coelho poetry collections recommended by Tony. I love it

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:17:29 UTC

Tony's recommendations - little poems big ideas

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:19:45 UTC

This is a beautiful collection of nature poems in a joyously hard back big book

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:21:32 UTC

This lives on our kitchen table as a daily read. I loved Tony's idea of having it on a lectern in school

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:22:22 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:24:32 UTC

For younger readers - EYFS

Tony suggested this for younger readers

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:25:42 UTC

Tony's suggestion for younger readers

karentulloch — 2021-02-26 18:26:44 UTC

Poems out Loud!

terriward62 — 2021-02-28 14:48:01 UTC

We love this book in my Year 1 class.

This is our chosen read from session 2 - shall we chat about it in session 4?

karentulloch — 2021-03-02 10:09:29 UTC

Please do consider supporting the independent bookshop who supports our Teachers' Reading Group so wonderfully (and voluntarily)

karentulloch — 2021-03-02 15:08:53 UTC

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/alligatorsmouth

karentulloch — 2021-03-02 15:18:02 UTC

I have recently purchased this - by the same duo who wrote the wonderful Last Stop on Market Street. It is just as wonderfully rich and positively representative as their previous book but even more special. Very unique and highly recommended - a wealth of discussion opportunity & some fascinating themes to explore

KS2 Recommendations

terriward62 — 2021-03-03 07:49:39 UTC

Hello everyone,

I am mainly an EYFS/KS1 teacher and know lots more about books for these ages than I do for KS2.

I have been trying to wider my book knowledge recently and branch out to more books aimed at KS2. I have recently read these two books and loved them.

Does anyone have any recommendations of books aimed at KS2 children that I must read?

Thank you :D

Superhero Scientists is brimming full of amazing people who are involved in the fascinating world of science. This beautifully illustrated book explores the work of famous scientists from long ago, other scientists who are alive today and people who use science in their jobs. Take a journey through the 21 chapters packed full of fabulous facts, life stories and scientific discoveries. From astrophysicists to pilots, epidemiologists to vets, marine biologists to scene of crime officers – the book details why they are all superheroes. The people included are representative of the world’s diverse community.This book is perfect for children to read independently and is also a great resource for teachers to use with their classes. Each chapter concludes with a creative and inspiring opportunity for children to share their understanding about each scientist

karentulloch — 2021-03-12 11:06:10 UTC

It's also written by my friend and ex-colleague....and I think it is wonderful!

karentulloch — 2021-03-16 14:51:01 UTC

This book will stay with me a very long time. Very powerful & poignant but also very hopeful. A graphic novel with the most amazing (true) story & illustrations - I paused so often to just sit & look at the pictures & think. I cannot recommend this highly enough

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 17:42:29 UTC

https://www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk/award - The Early Illustrated Fiction Award longlist is out. A unique range of books for upper KS1, lower KS2 and just lots of fun. Fantastic books for children to ensure we don't jump straight to chunky, challenging novels too soon

Here is the link to the Raintree catalogue Tony recommended. Books for reluctant readers and something for everyone. You can download it as a pdf (too large to put here)

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 17:52:54 UTC

A wonderful story which was on the shortlist for the UKLA information texts award last year. True story and a great read. I found some bits quite hard hitting, however.

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 17:57:24 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 17:59:23 UTC

Incredibly short stories! Reluctant readers often love these

Some very short and silly stories. Recommended by Tony for reluctant readers in KS2

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:00:42 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:02:38 UTC

Tony's recommendation - zombie apocalypse but lots of fun

I have used this so many times with children who struggle with reading and/or claim not to enjoy reading. Short chapters with real cliffhangers and a wonderfully gripping story. A boy & his friend skive off school, the friend gets injured & the boy goes to get help...but then realises he will be in trouble if he tells and gets deeper and deeper into a tangled web. Edge of your seat stuff where you just want him to tell the truth QUICK!

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:04:32 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:07:27 UTC

A good way in for those who are not keen/confident readers. Very accessible and easy to read (in verse) but deep & important themes and content

Great for fans of Dog Man to move onto. A race to find who is kidnapping chefs in the city

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:08:52 UTC

Very popular entry into graphic novels. Lots of fun. Captain Underpants' author

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:11:11 UTC

Tony's recommendation for year 6. A mystery in graphic novel format

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:12:53 UTC

Tony suggested this as a year 6 option for children who have enjoyed Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid or similar. Themes of fitting into a new school.

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:14:29 UTC

Upper KS2 - a new graphic novel

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:16:36 UTC

A series of historical graphic novels.

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:18:30 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:19:55 UTC

Tony recommends Calvin and Hobbes as a companion - accessible to all - told in simple cartoon strips. Light, enjoyable reading

Tony recommended this as an upper KS2 able reader option. We read this as a group last year. I would be interested to know what you think of it......

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:21:19 UTC

Children seem to love this series. Engaging and well written. If children enjoyed Harry Potter, this is a great next offer

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:22:47 UTC

An Example of Practice on comics. Personally, The Beano helped our lockdowns no end. They had a special offer on in lockdown one and we have had it ever since. My son rushes to the door when it lands & I lose him from that moment until he finishes it. He re-reads them, passes them on to friends, and laughs a lot. The pranks are an acquired taste for a parent.....

karentulloch — 2021-03-25 18:25:09 UTC

FREE pop- up festival of children's literature to share in schools

2021-05-11 09:54:38 UTC

We talked about reading newsletters last night. This Example of Practice outlines content & ideas from one school who have been producing reading newsletters for a while

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:20:56 UTC

The gap task from session 3 featured Jon Biddle. Here is one Example of Practice from his school that he mentioned in the clip - My Dad Reads

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:22:39 UTC

It's a No-Money Day is our shared read between session 4 and session 5. Enjoy!

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:25:08 UTC

This is such a rich book. I learned (and reflected on) so much from it.

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:29:31 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:34:21 UTC

This is a beautifully illustrated & powerfully informative exploration of how & when women achieved the right to vote in various countries around the world. It is enlightening & inspiring

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:36:32 UTC

Tony's recommendation - 'curious, lovely, poetic natural history book'

For confident year5/6 readers. Chemotherapy treatment in the background, an overprotective mum & a clear message of good deeds and kindness being important

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:38:21 UTC

Tony's newly published recommendation to support geography work on rivers

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:40:39 UTC

A fact-filled, funny guide to every Olympic sport. Tony felt this would also appeal to non-sporty and less interested in Olympics pupils - it also suggests reasons not to take up each sport!

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:41:53 UTC

The life story of the rock that was brought back from the moon during Neil Armstrong's visit. Beautifully illustrated

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:44:47 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:47:26 UTC

Tony recommended this to be on a lectern to turn over each page through the year. For younger children than Nicola Davies' book

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:48:51 UTC

This is the book Tony was comparing Tim Hopgood's book to. It is a wonderful book of nature for young children. Just beautiful.

From the creators of the wonderful book All Are Welcome (definitely one for every school if you don't already have it). Big Feelings follows a class of children through all their tensions, problems and team work.

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:50:35 UTC

Finn's Garden Friends is by an author local to The Alligator's Mouth bookshop. It follows the story of Finn, who lives in a flat too far from the park to enjoy the nature he longs for. His grandfather takes him to the allotment to enjoy all manner of natural joys.

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 11:52:17 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 12:32:29 UTC

Looking forward to Saturday all week, but stress & chaos threatens to spoil it by derailing all plans. But, the day is precious despite it all and not a wasted day after all

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 12:34:08 UTC

Wick manages to escape a horrific orphanage, which doubles as a match factory, where throwing children down bottomless wells is the norm. He finds himself in a world of magic & nature, learning the ways of the forest and trying to save others from the horrors he escaped. Older readers, but similar in (and perhaps a step up from in reading ability/age) illustration and layout to Wild Robot.

Tony described Harklights as a step up from The Wild Robot. Now with a sequel, Wild Robot Escapes, this is a lovely book. Unusual in its simplicity, it is not a difficult read, very accessible ,but very engaging & thought-provoking. I was initially irritated that the language was not 'better' but reflected that it was perfect for many readers and pitched really well for those more reluctant/struggling readers who need a chapter book that is mature yet not too challenging in its language.

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 12:38:47 UTC

You can NEVER go wrong with the duo Rachel Bright & Jim Field. A new one from them is bound to be as wonderful as all of their other superb picture books. A clear, positive message through wonderful illustrations and superb stories featuring lovely animal characters.

karentulloch — 2021-05-21 12:42:02 UTC

A great new resource for using graphic novels in school. Please don't share beyond this group as it is a paid for premium NLT resource

karentulloch — 2021-07-06 15:07:47 UTC

karentulloch — 2021-07-06 15:10:59 UTC

https://literacytrust.org.uk/resources/graphic-novels-in-the-classroom/

karentulloch — 2022-01-26 09:28:31 UTC

karentulloch — 2022-01-26 09:31:52 UTC