Grandpa Christmas: From master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, a gloriously feel-good Christmas tale with a hopeful message for anyone who cares about the future of our planet!

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Grandpa Christmas: From master storyteller Michael Morpurgo Grandpa Christmas: From master storyteller Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller who has written over one hundred books and won countless awards. In 1976 Michael and his wife Clare started the charity Farms For City Children, which aims to relieve the poverty of experience of young children from inner city and urban areas. In 1999 they were awarded the MBE for their work in creating these farms and in 2006 Michael received an OBE. His novel War Horse has been adapted into a hugely successful and critically acclaimed West End play as well as a film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg. Michael is a tireless champion for children's books and was formerly the Children's Laureate. The story begins with Mia, a girl who follows a family tradition year after year; placing a letter from her Grandpa on the tree. This provides good opportunities to discuss tradition in an inclusive way. The story then changes to the letter. Grandpa has loved watching Mia in his garden; teaching her about the environment, growing plants, naming wildlife, and on trips to the beach. His letter reflects the utmost love he has for Mia, and that of her for him. This book sends an amazing message to children (and adults!) about nature and the world we live in. Although the name of the book suggests it is a Christmas story, Christmas is not the focus of the book. Inside Mia’s diary is a letter from her Grandpa who has passed away and this letter makes up the book. Grandpa explains to Mia the importance of looking after the earth by relating this to things they have enjoyed doing together. Michael Morpurgo frames his powerful message about protecting the environment in this beautiful personal story about a grandpa's wish for his granddaughter to live in a better world. This vital and timely story is paired with Jim Field's emotive illustrations in this gorgeous Christmas picture book, perfect for the whole family to share.

Creative Play

Author Luke Palmer introduces his new book, Play (Firefly Press) about four boys growing up together, the challenges, the friendships, and what hap... This Christmas, instead of a Christmas card – you’ll have plenty of those – and instead of a present – you’ll have plenty of those too, I am sending you a letter … Although it mentions Christmas in the title, this is not a typical commercially-driven Christmas story with the usual 'Christmassy' themed tale. This is, however, a truly beautiful book. The story and pictures are so poignant and Michael Morpurgo has delivered the message within the story in a creative way. It has beautiful illustrations by Jim Field which support the text and really draw the reader into the story. This Christmas, instead of a Christmas card - you'll have plenty of those - and instead of a present - you'll have plenty of those too, I am sending you a letter ...

Grandpa Christmas – HarperCollins Publishers UK

This is illustrated in a way that children can grasp and understand, though I think it is often actually the adults that need to make a change. The story then moves onto him wishing that Mia can continue her love for others and nature but he worries for the future of the planet. Then comes the slight twist, a very clever way of guiding the reader into thinking about pollution, global warming and how our day-to-day lives could be affecting experiences, and therefore the memories of others in the future, all whilst on the theme of Christmas. His letter is a hopeful plea to Mia (and to all of us) to continue to care for and protect our precious world. There are many learning opportunities linked to this books; History - how traditions have changed, life in the past, predictions for the future. PSHE - family celebrations, making memories, family generations. Geography - the Earth, pollution, global warming, growing. English - letter writing, change of tense, writing in 1st person. Art- story illustrations. This Christmas, instead of a Christmas card – you’ll have plenty of those – and instead of a present – you’ll have plenty of those too, I am sending you a letter . . .

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