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The Minpins by Roald Dahl
The Minpins by Roald Dahl
The Minipins (published in 1991, a year after the author's death) is Roald Dahl's last book. It tells the story of a young kid called Little Billy, whose mother doesn't allow him to do much of anything. Most particularly, though, his mother forbids Little Billy from entering the Forest of Sin behind their house, fearing that the Whangdoodle, Hornswogglers, Snozzwanglers, Vermicious knids, and the elaborately-named Terrible Blood-Suckling Tooth-Pluckling Stone-Chuckling Spittler would seriously frighten- nigh harm him - if he entered their territory.
But Little Billy doesn't believe his mother. He thinks that she is lying and decides to venture into the forest, where he finds that a Red-Hot Smoke-Belching Gruncher is following him. This causes Little Billy to climb into a tree for his own safety. But Little Billy quickly learns that he cannot escape the tree, so he devises a plan with the other animals to get rid of the Red-Hot Smoke-Belching Gruncher so that he - as well as the other animals - can remain safe, something which he ultimately does.
Why this text?
Like many of Dahl's texts, he creates villainous or unreliable adult characters to showcase the power of childhood imagination and spirit. The Minpins tells children that imagination can triumph over dismissive authoriatarianism. Billy is changed by his adventure in the Forest of Sin and is less likely to meekly submit to his mother's will to the same degree as at the beginning of the story. In this way, the Minpins is a celebration of growing independence, character and imagination.
Themes
The irony of censorship
Facing your fears
Collaboration
Imagination
The Iron Man by Ted Hughes
The Iron Man by Ted Hughes
Considered by many to be a modern fairy tale, 'The Iron Man' by Ted Hughes tells the tale of the unexpected arrival f a giant metal man (the Iron Man). This mysterious character brings with him destruction as he eats farm equipment until he befriends a small boy. Ultimately, the Iron Man defends the world from a dragon from outer space!
Why this text?
The Iron Man is an exciting tale which can enthral even the most reluctant reader. The story explores the destructive nature of conflict and war, as well as the value of friendship and open-mindedness in an age-appropriate manner.
Themes
bravery
prejudice
inclusion
acceptance
intelligence and kindness succeeding over weaponry
The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo
The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo
Michael runs away from boarding school and meets an old lady living alone in a large cottage who tells him the story of a young boy named Bertie who lived in South Africa. As a boy, Bertie found an orphaned white lion cub which he cared for. On day before school, Mertie met Millie and the two became fast friends.
After leaving school, war broke out and Bertie joined the army. When fighting in France in WW1, Bertie is rewarded for acts of bravery. This act of bravery ultimately leads Bertie and Millie to be reunited. Together they discover that Monsieur Merlot's circus has closed down, but that the Frenchman lives nearby with the lion.
Bertie marries Millie and brings the lion back to England, where they live happily for many years. When the lion dies, Bertie and Millie carve a lion out of the chalk in the hillside in memorial, before Bertie dies himself.
After being told the story, Michael returns to school. He finds a plaque commemorating Bertie's heroic acts in the war, and learns from a teacher that Millie died only a few months after Bertie. Michael goes back to the house, finding it deserted. He then hears Millie's voice asking him to look after the chalk lion on the hill.
Why this text?
In 'The Butterfly Lion', children can begin to gain an understanding of how life has changed throughout history and across the globe. Children are able to engage with how war can disrupt the lives of people (and animals!) and how the bonds of friendship can be felt between both people and animals.
Themes
friendship
war
separation
loyalty
overcoming impossible odds
Pirates: Dead Men's Tales by Anne Rooney
Pirates: Dead Men's Tales by Anne Rooney
In Pirates: Dead Men's Tales, we explore pirates throughout history and across the globe. We come face-to-face with some of the most villainous and scurrilous rogues ever to sail the seven seas. Included are the notorious Blackbeard, who terrorised the Caribbean and the Atlantic seaboard of America until he met his end in a dramatic shoot-out; and Captain Kidd, who might be the unluckiest pirate of all time, and whose legendary treasure is still sought after. Lavish hand-drawn illustrations bring the real life stories of legendary pirate-rogues to life. With in-depth pirate profiles and highly visual maps and explore all the incredible details of life as a pirate on the high seas.
Why this text?
This exciting text is attention-grabbing and engaging for all readers. Children enjoy learning about the swashbuckling lives of legendary buccaneers whilst developing their reading comprehension by practicing a range of reading skills. Included are three notorious women pirates too. This text will appeal to all adventure-loving boys and girls!
Themes
crime
adventure
politics/rights
Street Child by Berlie Doherty
Street Child by Berlie Doherty
'Street Child' by Berlie Doherty tells the gripping, unforgettable tale of orphan Jim Jarvis' life navigating Victorian London. Sent to the workhouse after the death of his mother, Jim manages to escape and chooses a grinding life on the city streets. Struggling to survive, Jim finds some comfort in new friends until he is taken away and forced to work for the cruel Grimy Nick...
Why this text?
Author Berlie Doherty was inspired to write 'Street Child' whilst researching the famous Victorian philanthropist Dr Bernardo who dedicated much of his efforts to helping house homeless children. During this research, Doherty came across the story of Jim Jarvis and resolved to tell his tale as a children's story. Reading this story will transport our readers back to murky back-alleys and bustling market-places of Victorian London. Children will also be able to set their learning of their history topic into real-life context, gaining an appreciation of change and continuity throughout history. In addition, our readers will appreciate the virtue and importance of charity and compassion.
The BFG of Roald Dahl
The BFG of Roald Dahl
The BFG (or Big Friendly Giant) is a 24-foot tall giant who lives in Giant Country. Spending his time collecting dreams in Dream Jars, he delivers good dreams to children all over the world. Unlike the other giants, the BFG does not eat humans; he is kind and compassionate. Indeed, he is utterly dedicated to making children happy.
The portagonist of the story is Sophie who lives in an orphanage run by a mean and careless headmistress. On night, lying awake, Sophie sees the BFG making his way down the road delivering dreams to children. Taking her away to Giant Country, Sophie must navigate this new world and manage to avoid getting eaten by the other sinister giants. Sophie and the BFG must work together to foil a foul plot targetting the Queen of England herself...
Why this text?
This text explores the importance of accepting difference in others and within ourselves. By making friends, success and happiness can be found in the most unlikely places.
Themes
sense in nonsense
killing and violence is wrong
two wrongs don't make a right
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