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John Agard is a playwright, poet and children's writer from Guyana, who moved to the United Kingdom in 1977. He worked for the Commonwealth Institute from 1978 to 1985, travelling throughout the United Kingdom as a touring reader promoting the Caribbean culture to over 2000 schools. He currently resides in Lewes, near Brighton with his partner, the poet Grace Nichols. He became the first Writer in Residence at the South Bank Centre in London and became Poet in Residence at the BBC in London as well. He has won a total of five awards for his works, including the Paul Hamlyn Award for Poetry in 1997 and the Cholmondeley Award in 2004. John was Poet-in-Residence at the National Maritime Museum from August to November 2008.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 7 Shona loves words and discovering new ones, so she’s fascinated by the professor on TV talking about her campaign to protect dying languages. Shona’s teacher is a language-lover too and encourages the class to create a language nest. The class fills up with words from the different languages the children speak and there’s a special surprise guest at their World Language Day celebration. A story that takes real pleasure in words and language, this is a lively and entertaining read. Shona, her friends and family are fun to be with and every reader will pick up words they didn’t know to add to their own language nest. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 7+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
A brand-new anthology of poems by winner of the Queens Medal and the Eleanor Farjeon Award, John Agard Do triangles ever get into a tangle when their sides meet their angles? In this brand new collection of poems, John Agard draws on themes from nature and science to identity and inclusion, to inspire every reader. Here, we become transported by words and form on a journey through past and present. We are invited to answer life's questions, while having a great deal of fun at the same time ...Answers are folly when questions are bliss? Without questions, do I exist?
A powerful short novel that will undoubtedly challenge readers to consider the reality of racism and the Black Lives Matter campaign.
My name is Book and I ll tell you the story of my life. Non fiction like you've never read it before!
Interest Age 7-12 Reading Age 7 Shona hates bats, horrid night-time beasties with their fluttery mouse-heads! To her they seem spooky and up to no good. But bats are part of her life whether she likes it or not. First one appears in her sitting-room disturbing her family’s cosy evening; then her teacher, who loves bats so much she has the Chinese symbol for bat as a tattoo, decides Shona’s class Hallowe’en assembly will be on the little creatures. The more she learns about them, the more Shona realises how lucky – serendipitous Miss Bates says – it was that bats moved into her house. John Agard cleverly mixes together natural history, myths about bats and Shona’s own family stories, and this charming little book teaches us that people, like bats, don’t fit the labels we give them. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Tells us the story of the book! Told by none other than Book himself, this work begins with stories told from person to person, to writings on clay tablets to the development of parchment, right up to modern day and the ebook. But Book's not a straightforwardly chronological chap; he can't help musing - and his musings, whether they're on the evolution of the alphabet, libraries, book-burning or blurbs, are delightful and thought-provoking. Years of reflection and observation have gone into this charming title - John Agard signed the contract with Walker 16 years ago! Written by the winner of the 2012 Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, this is an utterly original, unique story of the book.
Interest Age 7-12 Reading Age 7+ A magical story about bringing people together. Shona has met a lot of apparently very different people on her day out with her Dad. At the Natural History Museum she meets Lucy who actually lived 3.2 million years ago. On the underground on the way home there are all kinds of people – Pinstripe Man, Kindle Woman, the iPod twins, Tattoo Fellow and Doctor Bananas who can do all kinds of magic. They all look completely different and seem to behave very differently. But it turns out that they have a lot in common, too! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
Age 9+. Winner of The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education's Poetry Award for 2009 and nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Brilliantly original, John Agard’s poetic reworking of Dante’s Inferno for a young, modern audience is a thrilling journey of discovery. Told in thirteen Cantos which follow the hero in a hoodie, it takes readers into the Circles of Hell where, among others, they confront Frankenstein, the Furies and Crone. Each is a life changing experience. Satoshi Kitamura’s illustrations confirm the dark experiences of the young hero.
Winner of The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education's Poetry Award for 2009 and nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2010. Brilliantly original, John Agard’s poetic reworking of Dante’s Inferno for a young, modern audience is a thrilling journey of discovery. Told in thirteen Cantos which follow the hero in a hoodie, it takes readers into the Circles of Hell where, among others, they confront Frankenstein, the Furies and Crone. Each is a life changing experience. Satoshi Kitamura’s illustrations confirm the dark experiences of the young hero.
Selected by a distinguished independent panel of experts including our editorial expert, Julia Eccleshare, for Diverse Voices - 50 of the best Children's Books celebrating cultural diversity in the UK. One of the the UK's top performance poets explores issues of race and identity in this classic collection.
Shona has always loved words. She even has her very own strange word thesaurus! When her and her classmates learn that some languages are dying out, Miss Bates tasks them with becoming top-class word detectives, proving to themselves and their families that there are many beautiful languages still thriving, even within their own classroom. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 7+
A brand-new anthology of poems by winner of the Queens Medal and the Eleanor Farjeon Award, John Agard Do triangles ever get into a tangle when their sides meet their angles? In this brand new collection of poems, John Agard draws on themes from nature and science to identity and inclusion, to inspire every reader. Here, we become transported by words and form on a journey through past and present. We are invited to answer life's questions, while having a great deal of fun at the same time ...Answers are folly when questions are bliss? Without questions, do I exist?
A wonderful new anthology of poems by winner of the Queens Medal and the Eleanor Farjeon Award, 2016 Do triangles ever get into a tangle when their sides meet their angles? A wonderful new children's poetry collection, from a celebrated, award-winning poet. From nature and science to identity, prepare to be transported on a journey through past and present. This collection from John Agard, winner of the Queens Medal and the Eleanor Farjeon Award, explores the wonders of the world - inviting your child to ponder life's questions with lots of fun along the way!
From above earth, from above sky, from below earth, from under water, come all you little persons come exactly as you are. Come little bird person, come little bee person, come little tree person - little persons from all over the world join together to celebrate the dance of life and love in this stunning poem from John Agard. Stunningly illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, this is a book that both little persons and big persons will treasure and pore over for a lifetime, and is a true poem of our time.
From above earth, from above sky,from below earth, from under water,come all you little personscome exactly as you are.Come little bird person, come little bee person, come little tree person - little persons from all over the world join together to celebrate the dance of life and love in this stunning poem from John Agard. Stunningly illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, this is a book that both little persons and big persons will treasure and pore over for a lifetime, and is a true poem of our time.
My name is Book and I'll tell you the story of my life. Non-fiction like you've never read it before! Quirky and humorous, part poetry, part reflection, this is the story of the book told by none other than ... BOOK! This extraordinary character begins by reminding us of his origins in oral story and clay tablets, then ponders on papyrus, parchment and paper, and on being a scroll who finally gets a spine. We see Book lovingly illuminated by monks in medieval monasteries, then witness the massive changes brought about by the invention of the printing press, and the coming of paperbacks and eBooks in the 20th century. But Book's not the straightforwardly chronological sort, and can't help musing - and those musings, whether they're on the evolution of the alphabet, libraries, book-burning or blurbs, are delightful and thought-provoking. Sixteen years of reflection and observation have gone into this charming title.
Shona likes most creatures in the world but for some reason she's terrified of bats, and so she's a bit concerned when her new teacher announces they're about to begin a bat project. But that's nothing to how she feels when a colony of the pesky flappers turn up in her own attic! Luckily Miss Bates turns out to be a bat expert and she's soon on the case. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
Learn all about the strange goings on in Cotton Tree Village with these four traditional tales from the Caribbean, beautifully told here by award-winning authors, John Agard and Grace Nichols. Emerald/Band 15 books provide a widening range of genres including science fiction and biography, prompting more ways to respond to texts. Text type: Traditional tales from another culture Curriculum links: English: fairy stories, myths and legends; books from other cultures and traditions This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.
Books contain countless talesbut what if Book told its own story? From clay tablets to e-readers, here is a quirky, kid-friendly look at the book.Books are one of humankinds greatest forms of expression, and now Book, in a witty, idiosyncratic voice, tells us the inside story. A wonderfully eccentric character with strong opinions and a poetic turn of phrase, Book tells of a journey from papyrus scrolls to medieval manuscripts to printed paper and beyondpondering, along the way, many bookish things, including the evolution of the alphabet, the library (known to Egyptians as "e;the healing place of the soul"e;), and even book burning. Book is a captivating work of nonfiction by one of England's leading poets.
My name is Book and I'll tell you the story of my life. Non fiction like you've never read it before! Quirky and humorous, part poetry, part reflection, this is the story of the book told by none other than Book himself! This extraordinary character begins by reminding us of his origins in oral story and clay tablets, then ponders on papyrus, parchment and paper, and on being a scroll who finally gets a spine. We see him lovingly illuminated by monks in medieval monasteries, then witness the massive changes brought about by the invention of the printing press, and the coming of paperbacks and e-books in the 20th century. But Book's not a straightforwardly chronological chap; he can't help musing - and his musings, whether they're on the evolution of the alphabet, libraries, book-burning or blurbs, are delightful and thought-provoking. Years of reflection and observation have gone into this charming title - John Agard signed the contract with Walker 16 years ago!
"e;My name is Book and I'll tell you the story of my life."e; Non fiction like you've never read it before!Quirky and humorous, part poetry, part reflection, this is the story of the book told by none other than Book himself! This extraordinary character begins by reminding us of his origins in oral story and clay tablets, then ponders on papyrus, parchment and paper, and on being a scroll who finally gets a spine. We see him lovingly illuminated by monks in medieval monasteries, then witness the massive changes brought about by the invention of the printing press, and the coming of paperbacks and e-books in the 20th century. But Book's not a straightforwardly chronological chap; he can't help musing - and his musings, whether they're on the evolution of the alphabet, libraries, book-burning or blurbs, are delightful and thought-provoking. Years of reflection and observation have gone into this charming title - John Agard signed the contract with Walker 16 years ago!
There she was on the news, Miss Goody Two-Shoes, Caught on CCTV. Don't look so shocked! Of course you know who - Who else but Goldilocks? Here are 30 amazing poems which are rooted in the world of fairy tale and legend. Wickedly witty, deliciously subversive and utterly modern, the poems are also affectionate and big-hearted tributes to the original tales and characters that inspired them. This is a sizzling new collection from a master poet, portrayed with verce by Satoshi Kitamura's extraordinary black-and-white illustrations.
Comedy and charm abound in this quirky story about different personalities. Shona and her dad are just returning from a trip to the Natural History Museum when - oh no! - their train comes to a halt. What can Shona do to pass the time except study the passengers in her carriage? Fun, light-hearted comedy. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
From water-vapour to robots and outer-space to water, this highly original collection from John Agard, winner of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, explores everything exciting about science. Delighting in the wonder and oddities physics, biology and chemistry have to offer, these poems will bring out the scientist in you!
From the mysterious power of the decimal point to the oddity of odd numbers, fun and wonder are the essence of these remarkable poems. The winner of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry takes us through the delight and silliness maths has to offer. Subjects range from the title poem in which Einstein's number-loving parents persuade her of the fun they have with maths, to poems about the magic number nine, the power of the decimal point, and the ancient Inca counting device the Quipo.
Can our hoodie hero make it through nine circles of Hell and back again? Will he find love with his soulmate, Beatrice? Discover the city of Dis where everybody disses everybody. Meet Frankenstein, the lovesick bouncer with the bling-bling. Come face to face with the Furies, a gang of snake-haired females in T-shirts. Prepare for a host of gluttons, bigots and plunderers from the world of history and politics. John Agard fires Dante's Inferno into the 21st century in a red-hot retelling, with wicked artwork from Satoshi Kitamura.
There she was on the news, Miss Goody Two-Shoes, Caught on CCTV. Don't look so shocked! Of course you know who - Who else but Goldilocks? Here are 30 amazing poems which are rooted in the world of fairy tale and legend. Wickedly witty, deliciously subversive and utterly modern, the poems are also affectionate and big-hearted tributes to the original tales and characters that inspired them. This is a sizzling new collection from a master poet, portrayed with verce by Satoshi Kitamura's extraordinary black-and-white illustrations.
An award-winning collection of poetry vividly evoking the experience of living in the Caribbean - and of leaving for other lands. This prestigious anthology, which won the 2003 CLPE Poetry Award, conjures up the sights and sounds, tastes and tales of the Caribbean; the experience of living there - and of leaving for other lands. A companion to the acclaimed A Caribbean Dozen, this book contains more than fifty poems by over thirty poets, including John Agard, Grace Nichols, James Berry, Valerie Bloom and Benjamin Zephaniah.
A fantastic collection of nonsense poems from all around the world. Have you ever heard of a doctopus or a hippopotamustn't? Have you ever visited the Ning Nang Nong or lived in a floorless room? Did you know that in Japan cows go mo , in Vietnam they go o-o and that in the Philippines they go ngna-ngna ? Here is an absolutely wonderful bunch of silly and charming poems from all around the world - from classics like the Jabberwocky, to great contemporary nonsense like The Computer's First Proverb - with superb illustrations by Satoshi Kitamura.
A rich and diverse anthology collecting the work of thirteen leading Caribbean poets. Infused with the flavours and rhythms of Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and the Bahamas, A Caribbean Dozen vividly evokes the childhood memories of the Caribbean's finest poets: Valerie Bloom, Faustin Charles, Telcine Turner, David Campbell, Opal Palmer Adisa, Marc Matthews, Dionne Brand, Pamela Mordecai, John Lyons, Frank Collymore, James Berry, Grace Nichols and John Agard. There are over fifty poems in this magical collection and introductions to each of the thirteen poets, as well as biographies and an easy-reference index. The book is illustrated in black and white by collage artist and painter Cathie Felstead.
A wonderful anthology of poetry by award winning poets John Agard and Grace Nichols, brought to life with beautiful illustrations by Satoshi Kitamura. * Purple/Band 8 books offer developing readers literary language, with some challenging vocabulary. * Text type: A poetry book. * An illustration on pages 22 and 23 encourages children to recap the poems they have read in the anthology. * Curriculum links: Art and Design: Portraying relationships; Music: Play it again - exploring rhythmic patterns; Citizenship: Living in a diverse world
Can our hoodie hero make it through nine circles of Hell and back again? Will he find love with his soulmate, Beatrice? Discover the city of Dis where everybody disses everybody. Meet Frankenstein, the lovesick bouncer with the bling-bling. Come face to face with the Furies, a gang of snake-haired females in T-shirts. Prepare for a host of gluttons, bigots and plunderers from the world of history and politics. John Agard fires Dante's Inferno into the 21st century in a red-hot retelling, with wicked artwork from Satoshi Kitamura.
Infused with the flavours and rhythms of Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, this rich and diverse anthology vividly evokes the childhood memories of the Caribbean's finest poets: Valerie Bloom, Faustin Charles, Telcine Turner, David Campbell, Opal Palmer Adisa, Marc Matthews. Dionne Brand, Pamela Mordecai, John Lyons, Frank Collymore, James Berry, Grace Nichols and John Agard. This magical collection features more than fifty poems, an easy-reference index, an autobiography of each poet and sumptuous illustrations.
Sparkling crystal waters and coral beaches, velvet-smooth dolphins and flying fish, whispered ghost stories and the pung-la-la chorus of frogs...the sights and sounds, tastes and tales of the Caribbean come alive in this glorious collection of poetry. Divided into five sections each brilliantly illustrated by a major contemporary artist, the experience of living and leaving the Caribbean is vividly recalled in this vibrant anthology, edited by leading Caribbean poets John Agard and Grace Nichols.
The tensions brought about by differences of race and culture are at the heart of this powerful and entertaining collection by one of Britain's most exciting and original poets and performers. John Agard, winner of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, explores the richness of human diversity in the world today.
This wonderfully eclectic anthology brings together poems passed from mouth to mouth, generation to generation, from all over the world: Russia, India, Jamaica, Vietnam... There are schoolyard chants, sea shanties, work-songs, riddles, spells and curses, and much, much more. It's a feast of spoken magic served up on page after mouthwatering page.
Full of wonder and excitement at the discoveries of science, this collection of poems should be enjoyed by all who have an interest in science and the natural world. Providing numerous links between literacy and science and therefore ideal for cross-curricular work in the classroom, subjects range from water vapour to the wind, from robots to outer space, from physics to chemistry and biology.
Laughter is an egg with a crick-crack face that can hide in the heart of the human race. Tummy tickling, rib-cracking and even wee-yourself laughs can all be found in the pages of this eggstraordinary collection of poems, riddles, jokes and ballads from the wonderful John Agard.
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