Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Taking the Long Way Home
The walk home from school is always too long for Zarah. However, when Uncle Jerome picks the children up and suggests that they take the ‘long way home’, the walk is suddenly full of fun and imagination!
Celebrating the power of imagination and the joy of engaging with children and encouraging them to have fun, ‘Taking the Long Way Home’ is a delightful story. Initially, the children- Zarah and her sibling who is not named-are reluctant to engage, but Uncle Jerome’s enthusiasm and willingness to play with them quickly wins them round and they all end up having great fun. As they enjoy skimming stones, watching nature and eating ice creams, there is plenty of time to imagine pterodactyls swooping overhead, escape the snapping jaws of crocodiles as they cross a river and track a yeti to the top of the hill whilst taking the long way home.
By the end of the story, the children are thoroughly enjoying themselves. The illustrations capture their adventure perfectly, showing their excitement and delight as they explore as they open up to trying something different and realise how much fun this can be. It is lovely to see an Uncle being such a positive role model in this way, encouraging imaginative play and outdoor fun!
Taking the Long Way Home
Jake Hope, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald
Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252845