The Greatest Show on Earth
Mini Grey is one of my all-time favourite authors to go and see as well as for her incredible books. Her enthusiasm and creativity are second to none and everyone leaves her sessions full of joy, usually having made something special. I have been lucky enough to have taken part in a session by her for teachers where she taught us to make little books as well as having joined in events really aimed at children, but which I have loved! If you get the chance to see her- do!
Mini’s latest book glows with her genius as Rod the Roach and his troupe of insects welcome the reader to a performance of the greatest show on Earth. The performers act out the story of life on Earth whilst in the Orchestra Pit, there is a team in charge of the ‘Tape Measure of Time’. As Rod tells the story, additional information is displayed in the ‘wings’ of the stage, all accompanied by Mini’s amazing illustrations. There is so much to linger over and enjoy on each spread.
Information is presented in accessible chunks, making it easy for younger readers to understand. A detailed glossary at the end of the book supports comprehension of many of the terms used and a timeline showing the ‘time periods of Earth’ is also included. The insects comment on the fact that ‘the moment of people’ is the last millimetre on the Tape Measure of Time and Mini subtly draws attention to their impact on the planet. Whilst gazing into the nearer future, one of the suggested possibilities is that there might be future humans who can live in balance with everyone else. The story offers so much to learn, reflect on and discuss.
It is impossible to do justice to this book in a review- people need to get their hands on a copy. As well as being the epitome of reading for pleasure, it is an essential addition to school libraries and topic boxes as it is crammed with information. However, I think it is also perfect for inspiring creativity.
When my son was little, we loved to make puppets and little theatres to put on performances. Making a show box theatre is such a fun and easy activity, needing few resources and lots of imagination. My son- like many young children- loved dinosaurs and we had many happy trips to the Natural History Museum. The spread showing the shadow puppet dinosaurs reminded me of us playing with some finger puppet dinosaurs that we made together after one such visit- so I thought I would share the idea here.
First, decide which dinosaur you would like to make. For ease, I have chosen an Apatosaurus (with a shortened tail!) and a T-Rex. Sketch a template shape- this can be as complicated as you like, but simple works best! Make sure they are the right size for little fingers by measuring against the hand that will be using them and then cut the final pattens out carefully in card.
Choose whatever colour felt you like and draw around the body and leg templates twice each, remembering to turn them so that one is reversed for joining.
Cut out and add details like teeth and eyes. A hole punch can be used for cutting circles of felt suitable for eyes if you have one or ‘googly’ eyes could be used. Stick these onto the body of the dinosaur.
Now stick the two body pieces together, making sure you leave a big enough gap without glue to create the space for the child’s finger. (I used to whip round the edges on the sewing machine to make them more secure.) Once stuck together, the felt should be firm enough to stop the neck or tail from flopping around; however, a small strip of card can be glued in place between the layers of felt to add support if this is needed. Lastly, add the legs and any decoration the maker fancies!
Make sure the dinosaurs are completely dry before playing with them. These can easily be made at home or with a book group and shoe box theatres created to show them off!
The Greatest Show on Earth Mini Grey
Puffin ISBN: 978-0241480830
NB: On Mini’s website there is an amazing ‘Greatest Show’ cut out theatre which would be great fun to make! You can find it here.