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Blackpool CofE Primary School
A couple of days ago I went to this school to do a performance of my book, 'Chloe and the Bright Idea'. It seemed like the whole school...
Dec 7, 2024


Exciting News
I'm delighted to say that my wonderful children's book, 'Chloe and the Bright Idea', published in August 2024, is now stocked in the...
Dec 6, 2024
Singing in Early Childhood
I did a lot of singing in my early childhood - either with my mother, or at school, or on my own. I always loved it. And as a mother...
Dec 3, 2024
Christmas in England
Who loves Xmas? Christmas in England is one of the most celebrated and cherished holidays, rich in tradition, festivity, and family...
Nov 29, 2024
Nursery Rhymes
I love nursery rhymes. Nursery rhymes are short, traditional songs or poems for children, often characterized by their catchy melodies,...
Nov 26, 2024
Literature & Imagination
Having begun to enjoy literature around the age of two, my own imagination was deeply nourished from the start. Literature and...
Nov 22, 2024
Dogs in Children's Literature
Dogs hold a really special place in children’s literature, capturing the hearts and minds of young readers with their loyalty, their...
Nov 19, 2024
The Benefits of Poetry for Children
Poetry holds a pretty special place in children’s lives - it's a combination of rhythm, learning - and fun! Not only can it spark their...
Nov 17, 2024
Bonfire Night
I do love Bonfire Night, especially the old-fashioned way with a few fireworks, toffee apples and baked potatoes round the bonfire with a...
Nov 12, 2024
The Wreck of the Hesperus
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow This marvellous narrative poem tells the story of a shipwreck caused by the captain's arrogance and pride....
Nov 7, 2024
I Love English Autumns
I love Autumn in the UK - a season marked by a transformation of the landscape and an atmosphere that blends nostalgia with anticipation....
Nov 4, 2024
Paul Revere’s Ride
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I have to admit I'm not very good at lyrical poetry, even though I studied lots of it at degree level! I've...
Nov 2, 2024
The White Doe Of Rylstone
By William Wordsworth This is an epic narrative, set during the late 16th century, centering around the historical events of the Rising...
Oct 30, 2024
A Visit from St. Nicholas
CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE Now here is a poem that I love, love, love. Often referred to as, 'Twas the Night Before Xmas' - it's a really...
Oct 28, 2024
The Spider and the Fly - Mary Howitt (1829)
I really like this poem by Mary Howitt. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and flattery: the crafty spider tries all...
Oct 24, 2024
Maud Muller
by John Greenleaf Whittier This wonderful poem tells the story of a poor farm girl, Maud Muller, and a wealthy judge who cross paths -...
Oct 21, 2024
The Eve of St. Agnes
By John Keats Here's a fabulous story, one that tugs at the heart strings... This epic poem is set on the magical Eve of St Agnes, when,...
Oct 14, 2024
The Charge of the Light Brigade
by Alfred Lord Tennyson I love Tennyson :) This poem is not a favourite of mine, but I had a young friend who completely loved it, and he...
Oct 11, 2024
Tam O 'Shanter By Robert Burns
Written in the Scottish dialect, this poem tells the story of Tam, a rather reckless and hedonistic farmer, who, after a night of heavy...
Oct 7, 2024
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (text of 1834) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is the most epic narrative poem ever. What a story! It shows how a thoughtless act can have everlasting...
Oct 4, 2024
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