Back in the summer a few members of the book group visited a local gallery to see an exhibition of children's book illustrations.
Escape to Wonderland exhibition
With artwork by some of the most famous and talented illustrators in the world such as John Tenniel (Alice in Wonderland), EH Shepherd (Winnie the Pooh), Quentin Blake (iconic Roald Dahl illustrator), Nick Sharrat (instantly recognisable from Jacqueline Wilson's books), Lauren Child (Clarice Bean, Charlie and Lola), Mick Inkpen (Kipper, Wibbly Pig), David McKee (Elmer), Chris Riddell, Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) and many more, this was a magical exhibition.
As it was coming to a close, we decided to go back for one last look. There were a few extra exhibits added since our last visit, a Christmas section with some beautiful paper engineering and a cell from Raymond Briggs' The Snowman film.
We also learned that Cicely Mary Barker who wrote and illustrated the Flower Fairies books was educated at home and taught herself to paint!
Thursday 30 December 2010
Wednesday 29 December 2010
Words for joy!
OK, this is another catch up really, but it's an important one.
Throughout David Almond's book My Name is Mina which we read back in November, Mina invents what she calls "Extraordinary Activities" that tie in with what she's been doing or thinking about. Here are a few examples:
Write an empty page. This is quite easy. Now look closely at the emptiness. This is quite easy, too, and quite delightful.
Write a page of UTTER NONSENSE. This will produce some very fine NEW WORDS.
Go to sleep. Sleep while you fly. Fly while you sleep.
Stare at the stars. Travel through space and time. Hold your head and know that you are extraordinary. Remind yourself that you are dust. Remind yourself that you are a star. Stand beneath a street lamp. Dance and glitter in a shaft of light.
Mina also suggests writing a page of words for joy and a page of words for sadness. Here is the Book Group's page of Words for JOY:
My family is going to be using Mina's Extraordinary Activities for inspiration in the coming New Year. Lots of food for thought!
Throughout David Almond's book My Name is Mina which we read back in November, Mina invents what she calls "Extraordinary Activities" that tie in with what she's been doing or thinking about. Here are a few examples:
Write an empty page. This is quite easy. Now look closely at the emptiness. This is quite easy, too, and quite delightful.
Write a page of UTTER NONSENSE. This will produce some very fine NEW WORDS.
Go to sleep. Sleep while you fly. Fly while you sleep.
Stare at the stars. Travel through space and time. Hold your head and know that you are extraordinary. Remind yourself that you are dust. Remind yourself that you are a star. Stand beneath a street lamp. Dance and glitter in a shaft of light.
Mina also suggests writing a page of words for joy and a page of words for sadness. Here is the Book Group's page of Words for JOY:
My family is going to be using Mina's Extraordinary Activities for inspiration in the coming New Year. Lots of food for thought!
Monday 20 December 2010
Catch up
They're a talented bunch, this Book Group! The books we've read have inspired some fantastic pictures that deserve to be shared...
Hopefully lots more to follow!
This picture was drawn by Tabitha, after reading Anna Dale's Spellbound.
These Ballet Shoes - inspired pictures were drawn by Ana...
...as was this one of Anne Shirley...
...and this one of Mina McKee from My Name is Mina.
Hopefully lots more to follow!
Monday 13 December 2010
Books of the year!
We've read some great books this year, and as it was our last meeting of 2010
I thought it would be fun to look back at this year's books and for the group to vote for their favourites.
Here are the results!
In joint third place with 15% of the vote:
I thought it would be fun to look back at this year's books and for the group to vote for their favourites.
Here are the results!
In joint third place with 15% of the vote:
Anne of Green Gables
LM Montgomery's classic tale of orphan Anne Shirley who touches the lives of everyone she meets.
Also with 15%...
Finn Family Moomintroll
The gentle and whimsical story of Moomintroll and friends' adventures. (As we later found out this is actually the third in Tove Jansson's Moomin series!)
In second place, with 20% of the vote:
My Name is Mina
David Almond's groundbreaking and inspiring prequel to Skellig; this book is a must for all home educators!
And our winner, with 28%...
HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
The only real surprise was that so few of the book group had previously read the first instalment of the Harry Potter series. JK Rowling's mixture of mystery, magic, humour and memorable characters won everyone over, and at least two members of the group went on to read the next six books.
Other books this year were:
Noel Streatfield's Ballet Shoes
Hilary McKay's The Exiles
Robert C O'Brien's Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Anna Dale's Spellbound
Joan Aiken's The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
Sunday 12 December 2010
November/December - The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M Boston
Our December read was The Children of Green Knowe, the ghostly tale of Tolly and the children he meets when he goes to stay with his great grandmother for the Christmas holidays.
The reviews were mixed; some book group members really enjoyed it, but others found it confusing and a bit boring. Several people found it quite scary in places.
Page Turners Rating: 3.5/5
The reviews were mixed; some book group members really enjoyed it, but others found it confusing and a bit boring. Several people found it quite scary in places.
Page Turners Rating: 3.5/5
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