I would like to let you know about a fantastic
opportunity to listen to the professional storyteller, John Kirk. The daily
events are scheduled for next week during half term and have been organised by
Havering Library Service. The sessions are free of charge and will bring some
familiar and much loved stories to life in a fun filled way.
Mrs Martin
Jacqueline Wilson is the new author of the week, she has written over 100 books for children of all ages with many varied storylines. This week you can read the first story in the Tracy Beaker series as well as watch a video from Jacqueline explaining how she created the character. There are also downloadable activities available.
The web address has changed too. To be able to access the virtual school library you now need to type Oak National Academy into the search bar or type www.the national academy. It is still free to access without registration or password and still run in collaboration with The National Literacy Trust and will still feature an author of the week as well as much more.
Mrs Martin
Josh Lacey is the new author of the week, he has written the fantasy stories ‘The Dragon sitter’ and well as the ‘Grk’ series. He has turned his attention to environmental issues in his new stories. The main character is Hope Jones and she is 10 years old. In the first book of the series Hope realises that plastic is overused and unnecessary in her local supermarket and makes it her mission to do something about it. The book is written in the style of a blog/diary, you can read it yourself and follow Hope on her journey.
https://wordsforlife.org.uk/virtual-school-library/
If your child would like to either read or listen to an audio book there is a great selection to choose from on the virtual school library website. The site is accessible from an iPad, mobile phone or computer, is completely free and does not require registration or password. There is an author of the week reading, talking about and promoting their book along with downloadable activities connected to the story, competitions and reading suggestions.
This week the audio book Boy Underwater is being read in installments by author Adam Baron. It is about a boy called Cymbeline Igloo who is 9 years old and has never been swimming or near water and his quest to find out why. The answer will turn his world upside down.
For younger children there is an animated story to watch based on the classic book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. Alternatively Sophie Dahl reads her book Madame Badobedah where children can listen and follow the beautiful illustrations.
These are only a few suggestions as there is much more available including visual nursery rhymes to act and sing along to with your baby. Type into your search bar Virtual School Library and click on National Literacy Trust Virtual School Library/Words for Life tab. I hope you enjoy browsing.
Virtual School Library
The new author of the week is Eoin Colfer, he is the author of the very populat Artemis Fowl series. The Fowl Twins is the first book in the thrilling series. It follows the story of
Myles and Beckett, two wildly different eleven-year-old twins – one a
certified genius with a criminal leaning and the other possessing an
unusual talent that has not been fully explored... yet!
Listen to a new instalment of The Fowl Twins
audiobook every weekday for FREE, watch an exclusive video from Eoin
introducing the series and discover his top three favourite children's
books. Click the link to listen to the story.
For younger children the audiobook The Bolds by Julian Clary is available to listen to. The Bolds are a normal family living in a normal house. There’s just one difference – they’re hyenas! Follow their action packed, funny adventures.
Virtual School Library
The new author of the week is the footie-mad writer behind the Roy of the Rovers series, Tom Palmer! He is passionate about football and reading, a great combination. Read Tom's book, Roy of the Rovers: Scouted, for FREE, watch an exclusive video, discover his top three children's books and download a football writing activities workbook.
Winter Reading Challenge
Havering Libraries have launched the winter mini reading challenge online, the theme this year is 'Everyone is a Hero'. The aim is for children to read at least three books from 1st December to 15th January and post a review on the website www.wintermini.org.uk. The children are able to unlock special rewards along their journey to completion.The website also features activities, competitions and reading suggestions. Any book can be read including ebooks and online ones, maybe use the virtual school library to see what is available to read on their website too, www.virtualschoollibrary.org.uk.
Books can still be borrowed from all havering Libraries by using the click and collect service, library app or by phoning to ask for a book to be reserved for collection at an agreed time.
Hope you enjoy taking part in the challenge,
Mrs Martin
Virtual School Library
Author of the week this week is Jaclyn Moriarty, she is the author of the book 'The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone'. Read all about Bronte's adventures in this story. Bronte's parents have died and have left her a list of instruction to follow which involves delivering special presents to her Aunts in various kingdoms. Bronte has a feeling that her parents are still alive and following the instructions will lead her to them. Can she find them? Read the story to find out. Jaclyn also gives her top recommended reads as well as Bronte's fantastic recipe for Orange Drizzle Cakes.
Alternatively, you can listen to two picture books being read by author Joseph Coelho. The stories are 'Luna Loves Art' and 'Luna Loves Library Day'.
Follow the link to The Virtual School Library website
Virtual School Library Virtual School Library
The new author of the week is Bali Rai you can read his short story 'A Sense of Home' on the website. It is taken from a collection of stories from the book 'Home Again: Stories About Coming Home From War'. It is a poigniant, fictional story as remembrance day approaches next week. Find out more information and complete activities connected to World War 2, which have been produced with help from The Royal British Legion.
For younger children there is the opportunity to watch and listen to two stories 'Peace At Last', written by Jill Murphy and 'Stick Man' written by Julia Donaldson.
Please follow the link to the Virtual School Library webpage.
Mrs Martin
Virtual School Library
The new author of the week is Phil Hickes he loves to write spooky short stories. You can watch Phil's video talking about his new book 'The Haunting of Aveline Jones' and also listen to tips to help you write or improve your own scary ghost stories. The Boy On The Rocks and The Marrigan are two short stories, written by Phil, available for you to read. Hope you enjoy reading them.
For younger children there are stories to listen to including 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' and 'Wow Said The Owl'
Click the link below to be redirected to the website
http://www.virtualschoollibrary.org.uk
Mrs Martin
Virtual School Library
The new author and illustrator of the week is Liz Pichon creator of the hugely successful Tom Gates series. Watch her video promoting her new book Shoe Wars and read The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. Click the link to be redirected to the website.
http://www.virtualschoollibrary.org.uk
Mrs Martin
Virtual School Library
The virtual school library has updated today with a new author of the week, Alex T Smith. He writes the very popular and funny stories about an extraordinary dog called Claude. You can read 'Claude Best In Show' and follow a step by step video to learn how to draw Claude as well as download various Claude activity packs.
For younger children there are stories to listen to including I Dont Want To Wash My Hands, I Want A Bedtime Story, Elmer and The Very Hungry Catapillar.
Hope you enjoy exploring. (highlight the web address, right click and choose open link in new tab)
http://www.virtualschoollibrary.org.uk
Mrs Martin
![The Very Hungry Caterpillar [Board Book]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91T7dbZc6LL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Virtual School Library
The virtual school library has been updated this morning with many more activities and competitions to take part in. The author of the week is Michelle Robinson and you can read her new book 'Do Not Disturb Dragons' on the website. It is aimed at KS2 children. Younger children can enjoy reading 'Charlotte's Piggy Bank' by David Mckee as well as listen to and watch a video of another of his books 'Not Now Bernard'.
Happy Reading
Mrs Martin
