Welcome to the Eagle Primary Reading Newsletter for October.

We’ve been back at school for a little while now and we are fast approaching half term. What better time is there to catch up on some reading?

This month, I’m going to mix it up a little. Some stories that have settings that are in unfamiliar places, be they fantasy, magical, or just set somewhere in the world different to here at home.

Whether you share the books with your children or if you encourage them to read them for themselves, it doesn't matter. I would simply like to see children get the opportunity to develop the breadth and depth of books that they have access to.

Remember that children need to experience a variety of books. Reading one author or a set of books by the same author is a good thing, but it is important to read wider and discover what else is out there, even if you decide that it’s not for you. There are treasures out there waiting to be discovered!

I have been a long term fan of Terry Pratchett's Discworld stories, but have recently really delighted in the discovery of new authors such as Neil Gaiman and Philip Reeve. I believe that children should enjoy a favourite, but take a risk and branch out into something new!

Mr Watson

EYBook of the Month

In this prize-winning tale, a young Australian boy's father takes him by boat to a tropical rainforest. The boy explores, musing about the nature of the forest, its history and future until it's time to go eat the fish his father has caught and cooked.

Stunningly illustrated with Baker's gorgeously colourful and textured collages, and featuring a rainforest modelled on a real wilderness in North Queensland, Where the Forest Meets the Sea is sure to stimulate thought and debate, and encourage even the youngest reader to develop an interest in the environment.

Jeannie Baker has produced a number of these simply stunning picture books, there is so much to discuss in every page. 'Book-talk' is an incredibly powerful way to develop a child's skills in comprehension... and the exploration of the images lets them create the world.

KS1 Book of the Month

Anthony Browne is at his most brilliant in this profound picture book about sibling relationships.

Once upon a time there lived a brother and sister who were complete opposites and constantly fought and argued. One day they discovered the tunnel. The boy goes through it at once, dismissing his sister's fears. When he doesn't return his sister has to pluck up the courage to go through the tunnel too. She finds her brother in a mysterious forest where he has been turned to stone...

Anthony Browne creates sensational books, many like this invites you to see other stories hidden within... I recommend playing 'Spot the Fairytale Character'.

KS2 Book of the Month

"This luminous tale of loss, love and finding family is threaded through with the power of storytelling, and a touch of magic. ‘A giant of a little thing', as Alberto would say, The Boy, the Bird, & the Coffin Maker reads like a classic." Kiran Millwood-Hargrave, author of "The Girl of Ink and Stars".

Alberto lives alone in the town of Allora, where fish fly out of the sea and the houses shine like jewels. He is a coffin maker, spending his quiet, solitary days creating the final resting places of Allora's people. Until the day a mysterious boy and his magical bird arrive - flying from danger and searching for a safe haven. Tito is fearful, suspicious of kindness, but as the winter days grow colder and darker, Alberto's home grows warmer and brighter.

Can Tito and his bird be sheltered from the town's prying eyes and the shadows of their past?

A story of life and death and of how hope can burn bright in a place faded by sadness.

This was a beautiful find. My 8 year old daughter found it in a local bookshop and handed it to me. I was intrigued by the cover. What I found when I read it was a beautiful story of loss and hope.

Author of the Month

CHRISTOPHER Edge