Brought to life by Jonathan Dove’s wonderful composition, Gaspard’s latest adventure is the perfect introduction to classical music for primary school pupils in P3 – P6. Ensuring that pupils can benefit from the positive holistic impact on learning and engagement that musical education can bring. The endpapers provide fox facts and all the places of interest along the route. This wonderful illustration posed quite a challenge for illustrator, James Mayhew, as he painstakingly recreated each side street and landmark to accurately represent the bus route from Islington to Hyde Park. Fans of Mayhew’s hugely successful and utterly delightful Katie books (including Katie In Londonand Katie’s London Christmas) will be delighted with this new journey through the capital.

Gaspard remains a ‘he’ in the series of books, and in the first one, we follow in Gaspard as he embarks on his first adventure, meeting neighbourhood cat Peter (aka Fluffy – to his horror) and Finty, the feisty escapee dog, on her way. He discovers the delights of leftovers from a festival on the canal, and glows in the friendship offered by other local animals who, contrary to popular belief, don’t really seem to mind foxes all that much. It is easy to see why, in James Mayhew’s sensitive and delightful illustrations, which capture Gaspard’s unique personality so well. Who could not fall in love with such a beautiful fox? Lucy Drever will host two live sessions online in advance of the concert! Expect fun and games, links to the resources, what to expect from the concert and some special RSNO guests.Join us for the musical version of the much-loved modern classics, narrated by the author with beautiful live illustrations. Children’s publishing follows trends and the current one seems focused on encouraging children to be themselves, to celebrate their uniqueness, and to own their differences. This is admirable and desirable but sometimes, after the umpteenth title declaring the same message, it is a treat and a privilege to read a book that focuses on more traditional approaches to storytelling – ie actually telling a story! And this is where Zeb Soanes’ and James Mayhew’s gorgeous picture book, Gaspard the Fox, comes in. The landmarks Zeb and James decided to show are not the usual tourist attractions and give a really authentic feel to the ‘real’ London such as the beloved James Smith & Sons umbrella shop in Bloomsbury and the Pyramid spire with a unicorn statue! The story provides both a visual treat and a historic journey through London’s capital.

I have been a huge devotee of James Mayhew’s books for children for a while now – his Katie series and Koshka’s Tales, for example, have delighted the children I have shared them with. James’ art style is infused with warmth, love and light and during these times, when we feel rather deprived of comfort, I can think of nothing better than to immerse myself in his welcoming illustrations. There is something infinitely reassuring about his pictures – they manage to capture characters and life at its best, while retaining their unique quality. For me, he is one of the best illustrators we have nowadays. Book Two will be published in August and I’m already working on a third. Fred is yet to make an appearance, but you’ve just given me an idea 😉 The vocabulary is delightfully challenging. Phrases such as ‘civilise the bees’ and ‘brightly lit signs enticed tourists’, make this a joy to read aloud and ideal for enriching children’s own writing. The story really does read well. I laughed out loud when Peter, who is my favourite character (as both a cat lover and a lexophile!), fell off the sofa in surprise to see his fox pal take the stage. As your child becomes familiar with the story they may like to join in as you read for example with the sound effects and some of the conversations. Talk about the story

Without giving too much away, can you tell us a bit more about Gaspard the Fox and what inspired this story? Providing opportunities for children to deepen their understanding of culture in Scotland and the wider world. With a variety of in-person and digital opportunities for young learners, primary and secondary schools, and teachers, this year’s activity builds on last year’s successful National Schools Concert Programme, ensuring that everyone can take part. I know you grew up in Lowestoft, which was also a favourite place for my family to visit every year when we went on holiday to Norfolk. When you moved to London, did you feel like Gaspard at all – overwhelmed by the business and bustle? Gaspard’s foxtrotis an artistic and musical joy of a picture book, created by two of the nicest people you are ever likely to meet. To truly indulge in this story it must be heard read aloud by the dulcet tones of author Zeb Soanes (who you may recognise from BBC Radio 4) and the ultimate experience would of course be attendance at one of the live orchestral performances with Jonathan Dove, which will happen as soon as permitted.

Enhancing and enriching children’s learning through partnerships with professional arts companies, creative adults, and cultural organisations.He is also the creator of the Katie art books and Ella Bella Ballerina series. He has worked with many orchestras and musicians including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, painting illustrations live on stage to performances of classical music, including The Firebird, Scheherazade and Pictures at an Exhibition. Do you think Gaspard and his friends will return in a sequel? Do you think your childhood tortoise, Fred, might make an appearance? CookieYes sets this cookie to record the default button state of the corresponding category and the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. I found the part of the story, where Gaspard is peering into his friend’s window, watching the two men laugh together, very uplifting. It’s lovely to have gay characters in a children’s story who ‘just are’ and whose relationship isn’t made into a big deal. How important was it to you to include this scene?