Category: children's books

What about other cultures?


I spent time in book shops over the festive season.  I realised it is still a better experience than being online. I also noticed the lack of contemporary stories for children about other cultures. Most, if not all publishers have an anthology of folk tales from ‘the world’. Then, most publishers have the obligatory ‘multicultural’ collections, or a…… Continue reading What about other cultures?

The Grand Old Duke of York


The Grand Old Duke of York (final sketch) In 1460, Richard, The Duke of York and his army marched to his castle at Sandal to defend it against the Lancastrian army. Sandal Castle was built on top of a man-made hill 33 feet (10m) above the ground. In a moment of madness he decided to…… Continue reading The Grand Old Duke of York

Ring a Ring o’ Roses


I think there is still some thought about the decoration of the type and the flowers that has to happen, but wanted to post it anyway as I’m fairly pleased with the progress. Ring a Ring o’ Roses The historical context for this rhyme dates back to around the time of the Great Plague of…… Continue reading Ring a Ring o’ Roses

Baa Baa Black Sheep


The earliest publication for the “Baa, baa black sheep” rhyme or poem was 1744. The Music that we know today was first published in the early nineteenth century. The song  makes a link between wool and sheep. Babies imitate the sounds or noises that animals make –  onomatopoeia – as part of  learning through playing. The…… Continue reading Baa Baa Black Sheep