Review: Eye of the Wolf

I think the opening of this story is fantastic. It draws you in and sparks your curiosity. The tale of the Wolf from his point of view is very well written and thought provoking.

I also enjoyed most of Africa's story however I was disapointed by the ending. I am not sure if something is lost in the process of translation. It seemed to end too suddenly and left me wanting something more.

I have used the book at school but only the opening rather than the whole story.

Bernadette from Winston Way

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I really enjoyed reading this book: it was a very quick read and so satisfying to finish a book in a few evenings; the illustrations added to the read; the life of the wolf is fascinating and made you think again about how cruel humans can be to animals; the ending brings everything together in such a satisfying way and leaves you with that warm feeling all good books should. Also, my 13 year old son loved the book and I want to thank the project for inspiring him to read again as he used to in primary school (he is now ahead of me and is reading "The Boy in Striped Pyjamas"!). I agree with other comments that the names of all the wolves were confusing and I had to keep reading back over a few parts to work out which animal was which.

St Matthias and Dr. Bell's Bristol

Eye of the wolf

Having read The Other Side of Truth and The Garbage King, I was really looking forward to reading this book.
I did find it a little difficult and disconcerting at first, but after the first couple of chapters, I really started to feel like I could understand each of the characters. I feel I have to agree with some of the other comments, in that I think it deserves a second read to fully understand all of the different concepts in the story.
I really thought it was heart-warming that the boy and the wolf found a true companion in each other, and although you have to suspend your disbelief a little, it was really sweet to have most things worked out by the end of the story.
A really interesting story.

Rahima Miah
Mayflower Primary
Tower Hamlets

Daniel Pennac Eye of the Wolf

I thoroughly enjoyed The Other SIde of the Truth and The Garbage King, so was a little disappointed when I started reading The Eye of the Wolf. I found it difficult to get into and a little confusing - Where did the cubs come from? Had it gone back in time? Who was telling the story? Who was Blue Wolf/Grey Wolf etc. I found myself having to re-read bits to make sense of it. I should point out that I was reading in bed and was very tired, hence I nodded off a few times. I will endeavour to read the book again, preferably when I am more alert!

Raye Scott
Alderwood Primary School

Message from Hillingdon

The whole school have embraced the project by creating reading corners in their classrooms and spending quality time in their classrooms reading aloud. Jo at Sacred Heart.

Whitehall Juniors have really taken off with the project, enhanced their learning environment and incorporated the teaching seqeunces into their planning. Rosa Harkin.

We've been reading There's a Boy in the Girl's bathroom and they love it! When I whip it out there's an enormous 'Yesssss!' from the children. Anna at St Matthews.

Lady of Shalott

We have just begun the Lady of Shalott - the children have really enjoyed it and have begun to make better links using the Likes / Dislikes / Puzzles / Connections sheet. We have produced some great art and I'm looking forward to building some poetry!

Barnet Power of Reading Group

We started Into The Forest and my class have started doing lots of work on it in their own time at home! Simone, Summerside School.

I made a snow cave in the reading area to go with the winter theme. My reading area was previously quite bleak, now it's really exciting. The children love it!
Hannah at Cromer Road School.

We have completely revamped our reading areas at very little cost. It is now being visited almost continously!
Joyce and Marian at Bell Lane School.

Central Group B Teachers

"I've just started doing Skellig with my yr5/6 class and they are hooked!"Jane Begum, St Paul's, Southwark.

"We've just finished Ice Palace, I've noticed that they are so immersed in the text that it feeds into all their writing and they've produced really good quality work." Sharon Leach, Michael Faraday, Southwark.

"I have a boy in Year 6 who didn't use to like reading - since we started doing the London Eye Mystery he has since said "I didn't use to like reading, but something inside me sparked." Rhoda McDairmant, St Francesca Cabrini, Southwark.

Message from Warwickshire Power of Reading teachers

'We trialled Naughty Bus with reception, it was fabulous, the children loved it. We made a movie, they made up a song. The bus company came in, some of the children had never been on a bus before and that was exciting.'
Natalie Johnson,Emscote Infants

'We've changed the reading environment, slimmed it down and separated it into sections. We've got finger puppets and bean bags and cuddley toys to make it inviting.'
Katie Brown, St Patricks Primary

'The children got very involved in Beegu and very empathetic with his feelings. They've extended the story - what happened when Beegu got home, and made their own version of the book. And done some drama and drawing. They've thoroughly enjoyed it and they are now planning our role play area.'
Lisa Booth, Weddington Primary

Message from Wandsworth Power of Reading

We did Fly Eagle Fly. My kids really loved all the discussion about it -the eagle chick, looking towards the sun...
Helen, Smallwood Primary

We're looking at the Wolf's Footprint. The children love it, we're researching wolves, the children are looking at all different kinds of wolves.
Abi, Westbridge

We read Way Home - we did lots of PSHE, talking about runaways. My kids love it, talking about pictures, doing maps.
Kara, Smallwood Primary

We did Where the Wild Things Are - we went on a journey in role - they've done some fantastic writing.
Lottie, Allfarthing

We're reading Floodland - we're using it in Year 6 and the children have produced some lovely writing and a big display.
Diane, Franciscan Primary

Message from Central C

'The kids are really enjoying the books.' Tilly Billington Buckingham Primary.
'The teachers are enthusiastic, there's a buzz around the school.' Caron Harrison, Odessa Infants.
'The children can't wait for the next session.' Stephanie Thomas, Brampton Primary.
'I've really seen an impact on their writing straight away.' Rachel Lewis, St Stephens Primary.

Redbridge Teachers

In Redbridge:

• we are seeing the impact on children's writing immediately with the first sequence we've tried
• through reading aloud we have inspired children to read with more enthusiasm - the children don't want us to put the book down
• the boys are really motivated and want to keep reading the book

Message from Merton Power of Reading

I've got a system for children to recommend books and they enjoy recommending their favourite books.
Lyndsey, Benedict Primary



The children enjoyed being part of creating a brand new reading area. They decided on a theme of space and this led into our half termly topic.
Stephanie

We did some fantastic work around Into the Forest - children wrote some wonderful notes to their missing dad.

Central A Group message

"We've been working on Way Home in Year 6. The children have really enjoyed the drama and artwork which have led to some fantastic writing and a school assembly." Catherine Smith, Deansfield Primary.

"We found it interesting completing the 'can do grid', and then to hear their responses and them 'being allowed' to say that they did not like reading in general. From that we are now compiling a list of books that they want in school." Maggie, Celestine and Mandy.

"Children in year 2 are really excited about Traction Man and we've decided to use action heroes as our theme for the reading area." Joanne Newton, St Alfege Primary.

Power of Reading in North Somerset

"I started with Traction Man and had a wonderful adventure story from a boy who had always said that he hated literacy". Esther, Uphill Primary School

"We had an action man day following the Traction Man sequence. All of the children brought in their own action figures and were inspired to write some fantastic stories". Pippa, Birdwell Primary School

"I've developed my reading corner with drapes, cushions and puppets. The children love being in there!" Laura, St. Peter's Primary School

Welcome to the Power of Reading blog 2010!

We hope you'll use the blog to comment on the books you've read, to share experiences of the POR project, and to make suggestions for activities and books for the classroom.

The CLPE team

Teacher and pupil responses to the POR project

I enjoyed immersing the children into the world of the story through drama, story -telling and other talk for writing activities. We already teach a lot of drama in our school, so that is not new, the difference with the POR teaching sequences is that the drama provided a solid basis for text-led writing activities (rather than objective-led ones), which has been liberating for teaching and learning. The children seemed freer to express their ideas and were so inspired that they naturally wrote in role for a real purpose. The children’s focus was shifted from the process of writing to its content.

The reluctant readers and writers in my class had enough ideas and motivation to write down their ideas and before they knew it, had written a paragraph. One boy said, “I want to marry writing,” and sighed with disappointment when it was time to stop. Since we started the POR project, one mother commented, “He is always asking to read at home and that’s a first!”

The more experienced writers were able to take advantage of the simple, yet open structures to find their voice and express their ideas to their best ability.

Beverly Titmuss
Patcham Junior School, Brighton

The Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I read this book in the Easter holidays when I was staying on a holiday farm in the middle of nowhere, in the countryside, in Suffolk. I enjoyed reading the book (quite an easy read), maybe more so, because I felt close to nature and animals? I thought it was a fantastical read, cleverly written portraying the voices and thoughts of the 2 main characters in the text. As humans, it gives us a sort of glimpse into the animal world. I think children would enjoy hearing this book read aloud to them as they always seem so much more sympathetic to animals then adults. A different sort of book to anything I've read before, but nonetheless enjoyable and should be celebrated for being different!

Audrey Dean John Hunt Primary & Nursery School, Newark, Nottinghamshire

Eye of the wolf

Not sure about this book. I didn't feel the connection with the characters that some people talked about, but at the same time I thought it was an interesting read, and that it was written cleverly.

I think children would enjoy having this book read to them, but whether many of them would stay with the story if they were reading it themselves, I'm not sure. I do agree with the bloggers who say it is worth a second read. My immediate thoughts on finishing the book were that I would have to read it again because knowing the ending would help 'fit' all the more subtle nuances of the story together.

Carole Turner

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

John Boyne has portrayed the innocence of children during the Holocaust in this incredibly moving tale. The end of the book is so unexpected, moving and powerful. It deals with issues of racism that children can't understand and relates to how children always look up to their parents. I haven't read many books that have had such a sad ending and such a high impact.

It leaves you stunned!

Surjit Assi

Uphall Primary School

The other side of truth- Beverley Naidoo

I have enjoyed this book more than The eye of the wolf, as it is a longer story in which the plot develops well.

At times, I thought the experiences that the two young characters go through were far fetched, particularly when they get to London (video shop scene).

I was still able to empathise and feel sorrow for the characters though, especially when I thought their papa was going to die in the end!

A good read that highlights an on going issue within our world.

Format of teaching sequences

I am thoroughly enjoying using the Power of Reading sequences and approaches with my class, and the children's response to the texts has been tremendous - especially the change in the boys' attitudes.

One thing that would really make my life easier is for the teaching sequences to follow the same format. Although some are similar, many of them are quite dramatically different in format. I know this may sound a bit picky but because we have to be so precise and detailed with our daily literacy plans, being able to find what I need in the sequences more easily would really help.

The Boy in the striped pyjamas

I love, love, love this book! I began reading with some scepticism, as I often find that books that have been made into films can be somewhat lacking. However, as soon as I started reading could not put the book down - I was hooked. The way that Boyne has written from Bruno's pov with such innocence and sensitivity was amazing; many books I have read which have been written from a child's pov sometimes sound childish, and fail to engage me. I especially enjoyed the way he used Bruno's more 'child-like' language, such as 'Outwith'.

The end shocked me, and made me cry - cannot believe that I didn't see it coming!

As a result of reading this I have since watched the film, and was not at all disappointed! It was, rather surprisingly, just as moving and enthralling as the book.

Brilliant choice of book!

Eye of the wolf Daniel Pennac

Similar to other bloggers, found this book hard to get into at first, was confusing who was telling the story at times however don't think this was necessarily a bad thing, just required more concentration! Enjoyed the way Pennac portrays the connection between the wolf and boy in a very simple yet effective way e.g boy closing an eye to make the wolf more at ease.

A lot to get out of this book, worth a second read.

Katie and Sue, Pakeman School

Eye of the wolf - Daniel Pennac

We both really enjoyed reading the last two books - Other side of Truth and Garbage King and looked forward to getting into Eye of the wolf , however this book was much more of a struggle to read. Eye of the wolf is written in a very different style. It doesn't have a running plot but uses anecdotes from the boy and the wolf which were sometimes hard to follow. This gave the book a disjointed feel which was hard to understand. We had been told that it may take a couple of chapters to get into the book but neither of us did. We were both left feeling a little disappointed by The Eye of the Wolf but reading other more positive blogs suggest that we should give this book another chance and have a go at reading it again.

Anna and Amy Woodlands Infants School Ilford

For the colleague who wanted to know about other Pennac titles, all those who loved Eye of the Wolf AND those who are still to be convinced...

Dog - Daniel Pennac

Half-drowned at birth, abandoned on a rubbish tip and chased by dog-catchers:Dog's had a tough puppyhood. He decides it's time to find himself an owner - someone he can train and love. But human beings are strange creatures and his search is harder than he expected...

Written from a canine point of view, this humorous and touching story will warm your hearts and have you alternatively laughing and (maybe) crying. It is reminiscent of Varjak Paw and The Miraculous Adventures of Edward Tulane and its French setting could make it of interest to those schools which have chosen French as their additional language.

Don't be put off by the first couple of chapters.

Jenny Vernon CLPE

Eye of the Wolf

I found The Eye of the Wolf incredibly moving. I particularly enjoyed the simple way the wolf and boy were connected by their shared experiences and how this enabled us to learn their stories. How powerful was the image of the boy shutting one eye in order to be able to really communicate. I don't know if it says something about the author or about me the reader, but I felt more involved/ affinity with the wolf than with the boy.

Colline Smith
St. Mary's Primary
North Somerset

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I found this to be an enjoyable but rather unusual and intriguing book. The beginning is very interesting and I liked the idea of writing from the wolf's point of view. You can almost feel the wolf's curiousity and disquiet at being watched by the young boy. Like the wolf you are left asking questions, who is this boy and why is he there?
This story is an easy read but rather like an onion it has so many different layers. You learn about the Blue Wolf and Africa and then there are the sub plots surrounding the characters of Shiny Straw, the she-wolf, Saucepans, hyena etc.
Africa's story is rather like reading a traditional or fairy tale and has an almost magical quality. Terrible things happen to Africa, he's an orphan and he's sold by Toa, but you always get the impression that all will be well.
The ending of the story is sentimental but I rather liked that to be honest. It's satisfying that the characters, even Toa find happiness and peace "in the zoo of the Other World". After all "Eye of the Wolf" is a book for children so why shouldn't it have a happy ending?

Heather Maynes Wraxall Primary North Somerset.

Eye of the Wolf

There is something about 'Eye of the Wolf' which is compelling. Daniel Pennac is described as a 'master story-teller'. I reflected on this as I read. There was something incredibly simple about how the boy's and the wolf's stories were told and this simplicity made me want to carry on reading. For me what made the story special was how Daniel Pennac connected the boy, the wolf and their stories together.

I was interested in James Hollis' comment that, "read aloud it is captivating..." Although I read this to myself, I can understand exactly what he means and perhaps having this read to you is the perfect way to access this beautiful story.

Penny Boardman
Learning and Teaching Adviser
North Somerset

Eye of the Wolf

The more I read this book the more enchanted I become by it. There is something very powerful, particularly about the opening (the initial stand-off through the enclosure fence and the moment the boy covered one eye), and the wolf's story. What a clever idea that you can be drawn into the wolf's world through his eye, and what a beautiful world it is. Read aloud, it is captivating and naturally generates thought provoking questions and discussions. Strangely, I don't feel the same affinity with Africa's story. Although his journey was interesting I need to give more time to the meaning of the ending.

James Hollis
High Down Junior, N.Somerset

Eye of the Wolf

Having really enjoyed the previous 2 books on the reading list (Other Side of the Truth and Garbage Kings) , I was left feeling a little disappointed by The Eye of the Wolf. While the themes running through the story were really interesting, I found the writing style a little disjointed. However, I can see how the book could be used for lots of cross-curricular writing opportunities - but probably not in my class.

Diarmuid & Laura
St Boniface RC, Tooting

Eye of the Wolf

What a lovely tale. We really loved the imagary and the narrative thread that ran throughout the story. I found the ending particularly interesting. I felt it didn't fit in with the rest of the story, which was very true to life. The ending felt slightly surreal. What do other people think?

Helen and Anna, Sacred Heart Roehampton

Eye of the Wolf

I read the book a while ago and I remember enjoying the idea and I remember the ending very clearly so that makes me think the ending was particularly effective! I enjoyed the issues it raised and the ideas of captivity (I used to be a zookeeper) so the parts where it describes the captive wolf are particularly poingant for me. I always enjoy a story that approaches things in a different way.

Eye of the Wolf

I didn't enjoy this book and felt very disappointed by it. I struggle to remember what happened in the story. I kept feeling that the story was going to open up and become more exciting. I shan't be recommending it to anyone and really hope the next book that is recommended will be more to my taste.

Fly Eagle Fly

My year 3/4 class range from p7 to 4b. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Fly Eagle Fly for two weeks. There was much drama, discussions about reaching our full potential, moral dilemmas and mind blasting of ideas. The end of the unit enabled the children to successfully produce a superb piece fo writing entitled "Why I can fly". This provided an ideal opportunity for the writing to be APP'd with many producing writing that raised them a sub-level.
We are moving onto Varjak Paw this week and I have to say I am very excited about sharing a novel with the children and evoking emotions and opinions from it.
The only difficulty I have had with the sequences is creating differentiation. We as teachers are encouraged by our head to differentiate ALL of our lessons 3 ways and this isn't always possible with some of the activities.
Thanks for some superb ideas!!!
Rachel, Harcourt Primary

Wolf Brother

Dear Mystery Blogger,

I agree Wolf Brother is a fantastic book, powerful themes and an exciting adventure too. Did you know there was a Wolf Brother teaching sequence on the Power of Reading website? Judging by the links you've posted it looks like lots of other people have discovered Wolf Brother too!

Sue M, CLPE

Varjak Paw observation

Dear Sally,

It's great your class are enjoying Varjak and that you want to show off POR approaches to your visiting governors. How about switching the sessions round a bit? You could start with the drawing and annotation of Sally's gang and Holly and co from the next session, drawing together what they already know about the gangs and individual cats, then in pairs role playing interviews with one child in each pair as Sally or Holly and the other as a reporter. These could then be shared with the class at the end of the session - or you could have a whole class hot seating session. This could lead to the writing of an 'in-depth' report about life on the streets to go with the newspaper reports on the missing cats (which you could do in a later session) or could be the diary writing in mini books suggested in the sequence.

Hope it goes well! I'm sure it will.

Sue McGonigle, CLPE

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

The book has a main character which can be empathised with by Upper KS2 children. Some of the concepts will need explaining for children who are unfamiliar with pre history facts.

Best thing about the writing within this book is that it stands as a good model of decriptive and evokative language for L5 writers.

There also is a great deal of resources on the web to support this text. Here for example is a very good teaching plan:

pearsonschoolsandcolleges.co.uk/Secondary/Literature/14-16/NewLongmanLiterature14-18/Resources/Supportmaterial/WolfBrother.pdf

Observed lesson on Varjak Paw

Just been told today that TWO of our governors are coming in on Tuesday to watch me teaching 'Power of Reading Stuff''.

The children are loving Varjak Paw and we have done some great Varjak Diaries. I'm due to be doing the session on newspaper articles about The Vanishings, but I'm worried that this won't show off the fantastic POR techniques.

Any ideas? It's an hour long lesson for year 4 - ranges from P8 statemented child with TA up to 4B writers. Big EAL group too. I have a student in with me and an EAL support TA for this session.

All suggestions gratefully received!

Sally Goodman
Swaffield Primary Wandsworth

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

This was a really quick read. I enjoyed the boy's storyline - but wanted more detail. I can't remember the end - I thought it was disappointing. The one eyed wolf freaked me out! It hasn't left a lasting impression!

Wendy Livingstone - St. Mary's CE Primary - Putney

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I was quite disappointed by this book - I felt that it didn't really go anywhere and I struggle to recount what actually happened! I wouldn't recommend it. There were some intriguing storylines which were not developed - in that sense I suppose there was a 'readerly gap' for the children to respond to and perhaps fill - but I can think of other books I would use with the children before this one...

Cheryl Payne - St. Mary's CE Primary - Putney

The Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I agree with Emma, this book was unlike any I have read before. It took me a little while to get into the way Pennac switched between writing in the past and present tense, but once I was used to his style I really enjoyed the imagery he created! I especially liked the different worlds created through the boy's story. I also really liked the way the animals from all walks of life found themselves in exactly the same place at the end. A great ending.

Hannah, Crampton Primary School

Read aloud with Year 2!

Following on from a very successful Man on the Moon sequence of work; my class have thoroughly enjoyed listening to another book by Simon Bartram called Dougal the deep sea diver. After putting into the book corner they have often fought over who gets to read it!!!


Hightown Primary Year 2

Using Grace and Family with Year 1

Having started our topic on Africa, Grace has helped to provide the children with an incite into life in Africa. When reading the story Grace visits an African market, as a class we then researched this and created our own market. The children got into role and enjoyed the hands on experience of this which led to some creative diary entries.

Hightown Primary Year 1

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I really enjoyed reading this short story and the developing relationship between the wolf and the boy. Another emotional novel! I have also really enjoyed reading 'Wolf Brother' by Michelle Paver so much so that I went to the library to get the next 'Chronicles of Ancient Darkness' book! I am planning to use this with my Year 5/6 class next half term. If anyone has any successful stories of how this book developed in their class, I would love to hear them.

Mason Moor, Southampton

The Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

Having read all the eliquent comments, I feel rather intimidated to say something intelligent! I did enjoy reading the book - it was a very easy read. I too agree with most comments so far that it was the story of the wolf that intrigued most. I couldn't quite work out if the boy was a statue and this mystery kept me reading. Glad it all worked out in the end.
Jill Efford

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I appreciate the magic realism in this short, but powerful story. I read it at one go riding home on the bus after the P of R meeting and continued in front of the fire. I became caught up in the lives of the wolves and how Daniel Pennac plays with time and place. I agree with a previous blogger who found the human part less intriguing, but I think it revives when the boy and the wolf become entwined.
His writing created very strong visual images in my imagination and I found the introduction of the boy, standing and staring, standing and staring, over a mysterious amount of time and weather, captivating.
Gill Dove, Michael Faraday School, SE17

Eye of the wolf

I'm a bit of a sucker for this type of story (human and animal reach an understanding beyond words). I prefered the wolf's part of the story as the boy's was a bit fantastical.
I enjoyed the simple things - like choosing to keep one eye closed because things dont look too good.
Martin Bowes, Kender

Fly Eagle Fly

Year 4 at Kender have enjoyed acting out the farmers first journey. Also they used role play to explore dialogue (with some persuasion thrown in).

Eye of the wolf

This is a memorable story which was very thought provoking. The imagery and descriptive language used are very engaging. I would like to read another of Daniel Pennac's novels as I have never read a story like this before and found the development of the story fascinating.

Danielle

St Thomas Becket Primary School

Book Corner and Classwork

Our book corner is finally coming together! I wanted to get the feeling of escaping to somewhere nice so we have had a little help from one of the dads who made some wooden palm trees and screwed them to the bookshelves in the bookcorner! We now get to imagine being in a hot, tropical country whilst we're in our classroom and it's a nice place for the children to retreat to and read quietly. I also bought some colourful cushions and Ikea stools (which the Year 6 children LOVE!) and they helped to organise and label the books in the book corner. It is small but cosy!

The children are loving the book 'The Other Side of the Truth` and are really into the storyline. It is hard to try and find the time in the school day to get to read, but when we find it, we all appreciate a welcome break from the work routine and the children (even though in Year 6) sit on the carpet and are captivated by the events. We have had some great discussions after each chapter.

The children also enjoyed our work based on Way Home. They produced some great newspaper reports, poetry and role-play.
Lucy - St Thomas Becket School, South Norwood, London

Eye of the Wolf

We had heard lots about this book before, so we were eager to get stuck in and read it. Anne Forsythe had previously read an engaging section of the book to us at a staff meeting and we were not let down. It was full of beautiful descriptive language and created an intense atmosphere for the reader.
We both loved the book and would definitely consider reading another Daniel Pennac book. Subsequently our Year 6 are now using this engaging text in their Literacy sessions. Whilst Year 2 are enjoying Beegu and Year 4 have just finished Varjak Paw. Photo's soon to follow!!
Rebecca and Donna from St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School.

Eye of the Wolf

This book was an easy read however was unlike anything I have read before. The imagery is thought provoking and the description of nature is very thoughtful and reflective. I enjoyed the way the stories of each character unravelled and surprisingly came together at the end.

Emma

Lakenham Primary

Trying to plan in a power of reading way

I'm not currently doing a POR text as none of them fitted in with my unit, but I am trying to plan in a very POR way - so far so good!

At Swaythling Primary School, Year 5 have been reading Wolf Brother. We have enjoyed cross curricular activities including role play, dance, puppet making, art, story maps etc.. Outside of school, the children have started to read other books in the Chronicles of Darkness series, create models of the key characters and make their own cave drawings. This book has really captivated their imagination and they adore the cliff hangers at the end of each chapter.

Our book corner has been totally revamped after a trip to a well known furniture store! I can't keep the children out of the book corner at the moment. They all want to read or work in there! We also created a cave in the forest as a role play area. Great for drama! Here are some photos of our experiences!!

Claire Martin

Rita from St. Patricks Birstall Book discussion

Book discussion
Hi there thanks for another fab afternoon especially the exercise in on the field. Very good touch to keep us on our feet! HE HE!
First ‘The Garbage King’ I liked the how scared I felt as I read about how much that poor child went through. I kept thinking- When is it going to stop? This is what kept me reading as it was not the type of book that I do like to read and found it hard to get started.
I did not like when that little boy died and all those children were dealing with it on their own. I just so wanted for someone to help them and to ensure that all the children could find refuge.
Second ‘The Other Side Of Truth’ I haven’t quite finished this book yet but I found the beginning very dramatic and such a worry. I so wanted for the children to wake up and its all a dream. I feel that this is not going to happen now.
I am finding it hard to get into or connect with this story as I can’t believe that these children whose father is willing and so determined to die for the truth. Their mother who seems to have been so strong and supportive inside for her husbands work and beliefs. Then how can these allow themselves be pushed along these other paths without planning and plotting to get to their uncle not taking no for an answer. I was waiting for them to bolt or to stand their ground as this is their only way of getting to their father.
For me this title could have meant little white lies where you shade the truth to protect some ones feelings.
The connection between both books is the involvement of children, hardship and the their need for refuge and care.

Eye of the Wolf

Eye of the Wolf was very different to anything I had read before but was an easy read full of descriptive language, imagery and atmosphere. The stories within the story gradually unravelled to a happy yet unpredictable ending.
Lucy
St Thomas Becket Primary School

Book Corner - Tanners Brook Infants

My book corner has been transformed! The children enjoy it so much I am always asking them to come back to their tables. The children have an interactive display area in the book corner now and they feel more ownership of the area. They enjoy the books which have been carefully sorted to ensure a wide variety of interesting and thought provoking books. We have 'book of the week' where the book we have used in literacy is placed in a pouch so that the children can read it themselves. We also have a poster called 'which book is your favourite'. The children review the books and write the title of their favourites on our poster. This is an excellent way for me to find out what genre the class really enjoys!

Mrs Austin Yr1

Mrs Austin Yr1

Beegu arrives at Tanners Brook Infant School

The children in Yr1 loved Beegu! They could relate to his situation very well. They wanted to help him get back to his family and even created a rocket ship out of old boxes. During discussion the children were most surprised that no one would help Beegu and EVEN the teacher sent him away! We had a great time finger painting little Beegu all over their imaginative space setting pictures.

Mrs Austin Elephant Class

Varjak and Eye of the Wolf

It's great that your class loved Varjak - it was the most frequently mentioned book as making a difference to individual readers - by Year 3/4 teachers.

Just to say that the teachers' books are meant to be for you - the teachers! - to read and discuss. The teachers' books are not meant to be directly used with children - they are for your delight and to build experience of what children's literature can offer.

Some teachers have read and worked with the book in Y6 and I know some Y7 classes use it.

Olivia, CLPE

Varjak Paw comes to Brighton

My class of year 3, 4 children really loved that book - all of them were involved and keen to put their ideas into writing (which was far more lively and thoughtful than usual!). We read it over a three week period, and quite a few have now bought the sequel. I would never have chosen it myself, so many thanks for the introduction!!
I have mixed feelings about Eye of the Wolf. I feel that it could prove a rich source for philosophical discussion, an approach that my school is currently developing. I will be interested to see how accessible it will be for my year 3 children. Perhaps I am underestimating them!!

J Ironside

Robsack Wood School

We are thoughally enjoying the titles recommended by the Power of Reading Project!

We have read, 'Into the Forest' and created a display in our main entrance hall.

Children from years 1,2,3 and 4 visited the woods to retell the story.
Guess what they found?
We took loads of pictures and really enjoyed it!

Other texts we have read are Traction Man, Man on the Moon and Krindlekrax. We look forward to enjoying more!!! Thanks PORP!

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

An amazing tale of tales all interwoven to climax to a fantastic ending. It is an incredible story of a young storyteller who touches and changes the lives of so many animals and people despite the hardships he has faced.

Surjit, Uphall Primary School. Ilford.

St Mary's video

The puppet show video is fantastic - I'd like to put a link to it on the website - let me know if that's okay

olivia.laptop@clpe.co.uk

Olivia, CLPE

Glad you're enjoying The Eye of the Wolf

Really glad that some of you are enjoying The Eye of the Wolf and finding time to blog about it - maybe the snowy weather has given a bit more time!

I really love the way book spans so many different worlds and parts of the world - in such a short space - and so simply written.

Olivia, CLPEwwww

The Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

Found the story easy to read and liked the format. Thought the descriptive language was excellent and found the pictures on the front cover and throughout the story added to the overall interest of the text.

Fay Bailey Wansdyke School Bristol

Eye of the Wolf - Daniel Pennac

I found this book a very easy read. The beautiful use of language combined by the complex relationship between the boy and the wolf made it a compelling read.

The transformation of the circumstances for the wolf and its inevitable effects on its personality demonstrates how a story can take a reader along a difficult and challenging narrative, whilst maintaining the reader's desire to reach a conclusion.

N Green
Hastings, Brighton and Hove Group

Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac

I have spent this morning reading the book 'Eye of the Wolf' and thoroughly enjoyed it!
It is a short book but is packed with rich descriptions and is thought-provoking, with issues which I could well imagine discussing and debating with the children. Indeed, the picture on the front cover (the transposed faces of Africa and the wolf) may be used to spark the children's imagination about the story and raise questions they would like to be answered by reading the text. I think I am tempted to describe the book as 'a story, within a story, woven into the narrative.'

Leila Harris
Central C Group

Puppet Show

After a two term project on 'Leaving Home', year 6 produced a puppet show. During the project we read: The Arrival by Shaun Tan, Coming to England by Floella Benjamin, Brothers in Hope by Mary William; The Other Side of Truth by Beverly Naidoo and several non fiction texts on issues of migration and immigration.
This puppet show was the culmination of our efforts and was performed to parents and the rest of the school. All the puppets were made by the children from reclaimed materials i.e. last years tomato canes, cereal boxes and old clothes.
Enjoy!
Owen Knowles
Year 6 teacher St Mary Redcliffe Primary School