Spring has sprung

 

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, flowers are blooming and the clocks 'spring' forward on Sunday 28th March. Spring is definitely here and Easter is just around the corner.  So here are some spring themed books that you might like to read. 

The RABBIT girl by Mary Arrigan; Alfie BLOOM by Gabrielle Kent; The viper's NEST by Peter Lerangis.

Attack of the giant robot CHICKENS by Alex McCall; TULIP touch by Anne Fine; APRIL by Gabrielle Lord.

Venus SPRING by Jonny Zucker; EGGS by Jerry Spinelli; White RABBIT red wolf by Tom Pollock.

If you would like to borrow any books from the Library you can request them using this form and the books will be delivered to you the next time you are in school.

National Puppy Day

 In America today is National Puppy Day. To celebrate below is a picture of my new cocker spaniel puppy Lyra and some books with the word 'dog' in the title!!

Alex the dog and the unopenable door by Ross Montgomery; Wild thing gets a dog by Emma Barnes; Girl with a white dog by Anne Booth.

When Mr Dog bites by Brian Conaghan; Notes from a liar and her dog by Gennifer Choldenko; Dog days by Jeff Kinney.

Soldier dog by Sam Angus; The dog Ray by Linda Coggan, How to look for a lost dog by Ann M. Martin.

Day of Reflection

 

Today, March 23rd, marks one year since the first lockdown in the UK because of the coronavirus pandemic. Take some time out today to reflect and remember.

World Poetry Day March 21st

 A couple of book related poems by Brian Bilston for World Poetry Day:

a little learning

one thing

I have learnt

as I've got older

is that books

light up life

and make it smoulder

and that beauty 

is in the eye

of the book holder.

St. Patrick's Day

The 17th of March is celebrated the world over as St. Patrick's Day. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Britain in the 5th century to Romanised parents.

 At the age of 16 he was captured by Irish sea raiders and sold into slavery as a shepherd for a Celtic priest. He escaped back to Britain after six years but eventually returned as a Christian missionary.

There are many legends about Saint Patrick one of the most famous is the story that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland into the sea and their demise!

Some Irish authors:

Eoin Colfer: Artemis Fowl; The wish list.

Sarah Crossan: The weight of water; Apple and Rain.

Oisin McGann: Ancient appetites; Small-minded giants.

John Boyne : The boy in the striped pyjamas; Stay where you are and then leave.

N.B. Siobhan Dowd was born in Britain to Irish parents but both the books shown are set in Ireland!

Roddy Doyle: Wilderness; A greyhound of a girl.

 

#invyreads

 Mr Sharp of the Geography Department shares his love of the Scots language and unusual books in this week's #invyreads teachers' video.

International Women's Day

 A mix of Non-Fiction and Fiction books featuring strong women.

International Women's Day

 

To celebrate International Women's Day visit the official website to learn more and understand the reasons behind this year's theme #ChooseToChallenge.

Or read a book by an influential woman, for example:

Happy WORLD BOOK DAY

 So many of you seem to have been inspired by our #invyreads short story prompts so why not learn more about the craft of writing stories. The World Book Day website has masterclasses from authors and illustrators including Derek Landy and Katherine Rundell. Find more information and choices here

#invyreads

 Mr Shipton of the P.E. Department shares his love of reading for #invyreads

World Book Day

 

Lockdown Wellbeing

 The BBC offers some useful Life hacks for dealing with Lockdown anxiety. There are 12 episodes that offer advice in everything from dealing with anxiety and loneliness to managing money.