A woman d'un certain age just came into the shop and told me that she thought children's books were far too advanced for them. She claimed to be an English teacher, and as well as saying that children don't understand tenses, she baldly stated that she didn't think a five-year-old could comprehend the words "motivation" ("Owl Babies") or "skittery" ("Bridget Fidget"), or "bad-tempered" ("The Bad-Tempered Ladybird"). Bad-tempered!
She said, "Why not use 'angry' or 'cross'?" Well, because neither of those words actually mean quite the same thing as bad-tempered. I did not say that.
I said I thought she was underestimating children, "And how will children learn synonyms, how will they increase their vocabulary?"
"Oh, none of that counts these days. Vocabulary and punctuation don't count for anything in GCSE or A-Level English." (Actually, I think she said O-Level instead of GCSE).
Gah. Now I'm angry. And I'm not generally a bad-tempered person.
See how they mean different things.
I'm really pleased to have been quoted on the No To Age Banding website. And what I say there applies here too: "How awful for younger children to be restricted to the stories they can read, rather than those they can enjoy."
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Saturday, 8 December 2007
Word of the Week 7
Due to Christmas Fair issues, we didn't manage to have a word of the week last week (though if we had it might have been multitudinous!)
This week's word of the week is Defenestrated (dee-fen-ess-tray-ted) which means thrown out of a window. I was struggling to think of a way to use this in a sentence when the computer froze, and I nearly defenestrated it!
This week's word of the week is Defenestrated (dee-fen-ess-tray-ted) which means thrown out of a window. I was struggling to think of a way to use this in a sentence when the computer froze, and I nearly defenestrated it!
Tara's Gifted Picks
It's the last week of term, and we're all in a very Christmassy place, so these books are the ones I think make the best gifts of all!
Picture Book
Puff The Magic Dragon – Peter Yarrow
This beautifully illustrated book contains the lyrics to the classic Sixties song, as well as a specially recorded CD.
The story of Puff, who lives in the land of Honalee, and his friend Jackie Paper is touching children’s story in its own right. And the recording of the song by its original composer really makes this the ideal gift.
Early Readers
The Barefoot Book of Fairy Tales – Malachy Doyle
Twelve well-known and not so well-known fairy tales including Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin and Hansel and Gretel, re-told by children’s author Doyle, and illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli.
This is the ultimate collection of fairy tales, and perfect for bedtime reading!
Developing Readers
Pippi Longstocking – Astrid Lindgren & Lauren Child
From the creator of Charlie & Lola comes this wonderfully illustrated edition of the classic children’s novel.
Pippi Longstocking lives all by herself with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase full of gold coins. Grown-ups to make Pippi behave in ways that they think a little girl should, but Pippi has other ideas…
Pippi inspired Lauren Child’s creations, could she inspire you?
Confident Readers
Uncle Montague’s Tales of Terror – Chris Priestley
As Uncle Montague tells Edgar his most frightening stories, it gradually becomes clear how he knows them – he was there!
Fast paced and genuinely scary!
The Unauthorised Autobiography – Lemony Snicket
If you’ve read all thirteen Unfortunate Events, and you want more, I can only suggest that you see a suitably qualified doctor. If, however, you insist on persisting in your interest, then this book about the elusive author may find favour. But I couldn’t possibly recommend it.
Picture Book
Puff The Magic Dragon – Peter Yarrow
This beautifully illustrated book contains the lyrics to the classic Sixties song, as well as a specially recorded CD.
The story of Puff, who lives in the land of Honalee, and his friend Jackie Paper is touching children’s story in its own right. And the recording of the song by its original composer really makes this the ideal gift.
Early Readers
The Barefoot Book of Fairy Tales – Malachy Doyle
Twelve well-known and not so well-known fairy tales including Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin and Hansel and Gretel, re-told by children’s author Doyle, and illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli.
This is the ultimate collection of fairy tales, and perfect for bedtime reading!
Developing Readers
Pippi Longstocking – Astrid Lindgren & Lauren Child
From the creator of Charlie & Lola comes this wonderfully illustrated edition of the classic children’s novel.
Pippi Longstocking lives all by herself with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase full of gold coins. Grown-ups to make Pippi behave in ways that they think a little girl should, but Pippi has other ideas…
Pippi inspired Lauren Child’s creations, could she inspire you?
Confident Readers
Uncle Montague’s Tales of Terror – Chris Priestley
As Uncle Montague tells Edgar his most frightening stories, it gradually becomes clear how he knows them – he was there!
Fast paced and genuinely scary!
The Unauthorised Autobiography – Lemony Snicket
If you’ve read all thirteen Unfortunate Events, and you want more, I can only suggest that you see a suitably qualified doctor. If, however, you insist on persisting in your interest, then this book about the elusive author may find favour. But I couldn’t possibly recommend it.
Monday, 26 November 2007
Great Adaptations
This interview with Susan Cooper got me thinking about books that have been adapted into films, and in general, how disappointing they are.
Neither A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe nor Stormbreaker were anywhere near as good as the books they were adapted from.
But that's not to say that there haven't been some excellent adaptations of great books - looking at our 'classics' shelf I can see The Wizard of Oz, Little Women, and The Neverending Story, terrific films all.
The Harry Potter films, too, have been fine. I particularly approve of Alfonso Cuarón's Prisoner of Azkaban, which was just beyond perfect in its details.
And I must admit, I'm very much looking forward to The Golden Compass, adapted from Phillip Pullman's first Dark Materials novel, Northern Lights (it's the American title). Although I have heard conflicting opinions on the film's treatment of religion, which is a central theme of the novels. Still, I'm keeping an open mind, as ever!
Neither A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe nor Stormbreaker were anywhere near as good as the books they were adapted from.
But that's not to say that there haven't been some excellent adaptations of great books - looking at our 'classics' shelf I can see The Wizard of Oz, Little Women, and The Neverending Story, terrific films all.
The Harry Potter films, too, have been fine. I particularly approve of Alfonso Cuarón's Prisoner of Azkaban, which was just beyond perfect in its details.
And I must admit, I'm very much looking forward to The Golden Compass, adapted from Phillip Pullman's first Dark Materials novel, Northern Lights (it's the American title). Although I have heard conflicting opinions on the film's treatment of religion, which is a central theme of the novels. Still, I'm keeping an open mind, as ever!
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Word of the Week 5
This week's word is bagatelle (bag-a-tell), which means a small, unimportant thing. Updating this blog is a mere bagatelle compared with getting all the Christmas stock out of the cupboard!
Tara's Underground Picks
In each of this week's picks, characters discover underground tunnels - they may be dank and unpleasant or warm and cosy, but they're all full of adventure!
Picture Book
The Tunnel – Anthony Browne
This is an unusual picture book about two siblings who don’t see eye to eye. But when her brother disappears into a tunnel, his sister must go in after him.
A very atmospheric, spooky book, which fortunately has a happy ending!
Early Readers
Fantastic Mr Fox – Roald Dahl
Poor Mr Fox, he has a wife and small foxes to support, but nasty farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean want him dead. Luckily, Mr Fox has a plan to outsmart all three, and he’s got some friends to help him dig an amazing tunnel.
Another Dahl classic, this book is full of brilliant details: the farmers’ diets are particularly funny (boiled chicken and dumplings for chicken farmer Boggis, goose liver and doughnuts for goose-and-duck farmer Bunch and just cider for skinny apple-and-turkey farmer Bean!
Developing Readers
Five Go to Smuggler’s Top – Enid Blyton
When an ash tree falls on Kirrin Cottage, the Famous Five (Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the Dog) are sent to stay with Julian and Dick’s school friend Pierre ‘Sooty’ Lenoir and his rather strange step-father. They soon discover hidden tunnels running under the house, and become embroiled in an alarming plot!
One of the Five’s most atmospheric adventures.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Caroll
When Alice falls down a rabbit hole, she discovers a strange world, where everything she knows has been turned on its head. From the mouse who speaks French to the Cheshire Cat, Wonderland never fails to surprise.
A delightfully strange tale!
Confident Readers
Tunnels – Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams
When Will’s father suddenly disappears down an unknown tunnel, he decides to investigate with his friend Chester. Soon they are deep underground, and they unearth a terrifying secret, one which may cost them their lives.
A thrilling and inventive novel.
The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins would much rather not leave his underground hobbit-hole, thank you. But when Gandalf and the dwarves arrive to take him on quest, he proves to be more adventurous than the average hobbit!
Both adults and children will enjoy this classic prequel to Lord of the Rings.
Picture Book
The Tunnel – Anthony Browne
This is an unusual picture book about two siblings who don’t see eye to eye. But when her brother disappears into a tunnel, his sister must go in after him.
A very atmospheric, spooky book, which fortunately has a happy ending!
Early Readers
Fantastic Mr Fox – Roald Dahl
Poor Mr Fox, he has a wife and small foxes to support, but nasty farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean want him dead. Luckily, Mr Fox has a plan to outsmart all three, and he’s got some friends to help him dig an amazing tunnel.
Another Dahl classic, this book is full of brilliant details: the farmers’ diets are particularly funny (boiled chicken and dumplings for chicken farmer Boggis, goose liver and doughnuts for goose-and-duck farmer Bunch and just cider for skinny apple-and-turkey farmer Bean!
Developing Readers
Five Go to Smuggler’s Top – Enid Blyton
When an ash tree falls on Kirrin Cottage, the Famous Five (Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the Dog) are sent to stay with Julian and Dick’s school friend Pierre ‘Sooty’ Lenoir and his rather strange step-father. They soon discover hidden tunnels running under the house, and become embroiled in an alarming plot!
One of the Five’s most atmospheric adventures.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Caroll
When Alice falls down a rabbit hole, she discovers a strange world, where everything she knows has been turned on its head. From the mouse who speaks French to the Cheshire Cat, Wonderland never fails to surprise.
A delightfully strange tale!
Confident Readers
Tunnels – Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams
When Will’s father suddenly disappears down an unknown tunnel, he decides to investigate with his friend Chester. Soon they are deep underground, and they unearth a terrifying secret, one which may cost them their lives.
A thrilling and inventive novel.
The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins would much rather not leave his underground hobbit-hole, thank you. But when Gandalf and the dwarves arrive to take him on quest, he proves to be more adventurous than the average hobbit!
Both adults and children will enjoy this classic prequel to Lord of the Rings.
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Brave New Worlds
A couple of interesting links in The Guardian yesterday. Amazon's mobile library and The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
Kindle, which is a sort of e-book, and will allow readers to download books (and newspapers) wherever they are, does look very impressive. Lemony Snicket and Neil Gaiman both give positive responses to it, on the Amazon product page, but I can't help but feel this isn't really for The Kids. There is no heirloom value to a Kindle book. And I can't believe it's going to deal convincingly with picture books at all. Certainly I'm not quaking in my stylish, yet affordable boots just yet!
The Tales of Beedle the Bard may well be the last Harry Potter book. And there are only six copies. JK Rowling is auctioning one copy for charity this Christmas, and it is expected to reach £40 000! If you've read Deathly Hallows you'll know that the Tales include the story of the Hallows themselves, and are therefore an important part of Potterania. It's frustrating as a fan to know that only six people will get to read them!
I suppose these two things are polar opposites - the Kindle is an electronic device that will hold hundreds of texts, and Beedle the Bard is a beautiful rare hand-made book. I'm not sure either is the best way forward.
Kindle, which is a sort of e-book, and will allow readers to download books (and newspapers) wherever they are, does look very impressive. Lemony Snicket and Neil Gaiman both give positive responses to it, on the Amazon product page, but I can't help but feel this isn't really for The Kids. There is no heirloom value to a Kindle book. And I can't believe it's going to deal convincingly with picture books at all. Certainly I'm not quaking in my stylish, yet affordable boots just yet!
The Tales of Beedle the Bard may well be the last Harry Potter book. And there are only six copies. JK Rowling is auctioning one copy for charity this Christmas, and it is expected to reach £40 000! If you've read Deathly Hallows you'll know that the Tales include the story of the Hallows themselves, and are therefore an important part of Potterania. It's frustrating as a fan to know that only six people will get to read them!
I suppose these two things are polar opposites - the Kindle is an electronic device that will hold hundreds of texts, and Beedle the Bard is a beautiful rare hand-made book. I'm not sure either is the best way forward.
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