posted on 14 Mar 2022

'Wild Things and Gold Rings' is back

Like most people I have found the last two years very frustrating in terms of not being able to do ordinary, taken for granted things. Pre-pandemic I was regularly visiting schools, nurseries and other community settings to talk enthusiastically about books and read stories to anyone who would listen. Trying to do something online just wasn’t the same because the whole joy of sharing real books is to be able to linger over the pages and home in on particular illustrations.

At long last I am back on the road again and finding it just as satisfying as ever. Last week I was invited into Moor Green Primary Academy in Birmingham to do two ‘ Wild Things and Gold Rings’ sessions for World Book Day. The first was with about sixty Year One children, many of whom arrived wearing costumes. These included Harry Potters, Peter Pans, Gruffalos and my five year old grandson, who was one of three impressive Paddington Bears.

As usual, it had been difficult to make a selection from my vast collection but they seemed to be enthralled with the pop up books ( no surprise there). When I suggested that they might write a letter to persuade the Head Teacher to buy one for their classes, the very serious boy, who explained that he is one of the school council reps, put up his hand and suggested that he could talk directly to her.

All the children looked and listened intently as we progressed through my powerpoint slides, a child named Oscar being thrilled to see his name alongside an Oscar Wilde quotation. They responded with enthusiasm to the activity where they are asked to select a preferred illustration of the moment where Baby Bear finds his broken chair in the Goldilocks story. Many had a good attempt at trying to explain why they liked a particular version, but I hope that the teacher will return to this. I always use quotations from the illustrators Alison Jay and Korky Paul who are determined to encourage children to keep practising drawing and developing confidence because I know that this doesn’t happen nearly enough in schools these days for all kinds of reasons. Five year olds can ask difficult questions and I was rather stumped by ‘What will be the last book ever written’?

Does anyone know the answer please?

I used a slightly adapted powerpoint but pretty much the same selection of books with a Year Four class. Many of these children were clearly established avid readers and were able to identify most of the illustrators from my quiz. I usually take a bit of time showing my audience the wonder of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak and observing their reaction to how it is so cleverly constructed. I was once lucky enough to watch the author Aidan Chambers do this with undergraduate students in a fascinating two hour lecture. I was determined that they should remember the name of Maurice Sendak and kept asking them throughout the session. It was hard work!

In the afternoon I was able to read some of my favourite stories to the Nursery class that included my three year old grandson dressed as Spiderman. They all sat cross legged and enjoyed ‘Little Rabbit Foo Foo’ and ‘Bears Don’t Eat Egg Sandwiches’. My last slot was with two Reception classes in the hall who also impressed me with their concentration and participation.

I am looking forward to my next live event but must admit that I slept very well that night.

 

Karen Argent

March 2022