In this tale of the unlikely friendship between Will and Oona the elephant, Michael Morpurgo captures the setting of the Indonesian rainforest to perfection. Pupils could then be challenged to use the word in their own writing. Tales retold Arthur, High King of Britain Sir Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s most popular children’s authors. He has written over 100 books and been awarded a knighthood for his achievements. As well as being a successful author, Morpurgo is a dedicated charity worker, family man, and inspiration to both adults and children alike. For generations of teachers, myself included, Michael Morpurgo’s books are an integral part of school life.

Another book off my Christmas reading list. This is my accidental find as I was trying to find another book called Coming Home but forgot the author’s name and so just typed in the title and this came up. I am so pleased I did find it as it was a beautiful book to read. Each of our Michael Morpurgo activities have been designed in collaboration with our team of experienced teachers, especially for children aged 7-11 years old. They’re ideal for developing your learners’ literacy skills in a fun and engaging way.This is a superb book for a child to have to read over and over during the cold, snowy days of Winter. He will be able to begin understand the wee bird's plight and yet also grasp the innate destiny that is the bird's to move from place to place in his migratory journey. As a child, I remember listening with baited breath as our headteacher read Friend or Foealoud in assembly. He was sure to always stop on a cliffhanger so we’d have to wait a whole week to find out what happened next.

James Clements, education writer and former primary teacher, shares ideas for celebrating the master storyteller this February… Let there be half an hour of storytime at the end of the day in primary schools up and down the country. Make this the half hour they all long for, that they don’t want to be over. Let the children go home dreaming of the story, reliving it, wondering.” The pictures, with varying perspectives, enable readers to more easily understand the hazardous conditions faced by the small bird. The robin’s return home, which has been anticipated by more than just his mate, makes for a satisfying addition to holiday collections.The class can then choose another setting – the desert, the tundra – and use the same techniques to create the feeling of being there. Animal adventures The Butterfly Lion Read as a class and imagine what it would be like to be there. Next, look carefully at how the author describes the setting. This can support children’s own development as writers. It has been exclusively created to be used with episode nine of the Author In Your Classroom podcast. This is a virtual ‘author visit’ you can share with children whenever you like, absolutely free!