The Secret Garden

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 24 June 2021 > Ready to Use

We’ve been promising you a resource on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic story about an orphan girl who discovers a hidden garden and decides it will help cure her sickly cousin. It’s perfect for coming-of-age stories in LLCER, but we also wanted younger students to be able to enjoy it, so we’ve provided three different resources … Continue reading “The Secret Garden”

The Mouse Mansion

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 26 June 2019 > Ready to Use

“The Mouse Mansion” is a sequence for 6e pupils based on the children’s book of the same name by Karina Schaapman, and on the DIY video tutorials on her website. Author and artist Schaapman spent years building and furnishing the Mouse Mansion, an elaborate doll’s house, out of cardboard boxes and papier-mâché, and writes books … Continue reading “The Mouse Mansion”

Michael Morpurgo at Shakespeare and Co

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 06 December 2018 > What's On

The War Horse author is one of Britain’s most popular children’s literature writers, although his books are far from lightweight, tackling difficult emotional themes. Michael Morpurgo will host an evening at the legendary English-language bookstore Shakespeare & Co on Tuesday 18 December. The veteran author, now 75, has written more than 150 books for children and teens. … Continue reading “Michael Morpurgo at Shakespeare and Co”

The World of Winnie the Pooh

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 26 March 2018 > What's On

Winnie the Pooh is one of those rare children’s classics that seem universally recognisable, whether you think of the books, the illustrations or the Disney cartoons. An exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum in London does exactly what it says on the tin: Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic. The exhibition has large sets plunging visitors … Continue reading “The World of Winnie the Pooh”

Quentin Blake Webpicks

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 19 September 2016 > Webpicks

Quentin Blake illustrated all of Roald Dahl’s children’s books. And now he has illustrated a long-lost story by Beatrix Potter. Here are a couple of ways to enrich your class with Quentin Blake’s work. This trailer for The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots features Quentin Blake’s illustrations and Dame Helen Mirren reading the opening passage of the … Continue reading “Quentin Blake Webpicks”

Quentin Blake Brings Roald Dahl and Beatrix Potter to Life

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 19 September 2016 > What's On

Quentin Blake’s illustrations are instantly recognisable to anyone who has ever read a Roald Dahl’s children’s book. And now he has illustrated a long-lost story by Beatrix Potter. Blake’s illustrations have helped form generations of readers’ image of Roald Dahl’s characters. When Blake was asked to illustrate Roald Dahl’s first book for younger children, The … Continue reading “Quentin Blake Brings Roald Dahl and Beatrix Potter to Life”