Some Reading Week programmes:

Inspirations – Book Illustration

Profiling the work of renowned children’s author/illustrator Quentin Blake, this programme explores the role of illustration and shows how illustrated books can be used in the classroom to expand children’s imaginations and aid cross-curricular learning.

Monday 30 March, 9.15pm, Tuesday 31 March, 4.45pm (F) and 9.45pm, Thursday 2 April, 8.45pm, Friday 3 April, 7.15pm and 9.45pm, Saturday 4 April, 4.30pm, 8.15pm Sunday 5 April 6.30pm and 9pm

 

Breaking Through – Jacqueline Wilson

In this programme, two young reporters unravel fascinating facts about Jacqueline’s life including her unusual childhood, how she became a writer, the story behind Tracy Beaker and her special working relationship with illustrator Nick Sharratt. Jacqueline shows her huge book collection and talks about her appointment as Children’s Laureate and her scheme to encourage ‘reading aloud.’

Monday 30 March, 4pm (F) and 8pm, Sunday 5 April, 7.30pm

 

A Life of Books – Anne Fine

When a primary school in Anne Fine’s home town is asked to provide three children to interview her, there’s a frenzy of reading and writing. Two weeks later Victoria, Jess and Edward arrive on Anne’s doorstep clutching a long list of questions.

Her warmth and enthusiasm soon relaxes them as she uncovers some interesting facts about herself. She shows them the number of messy drafts she writes before the book is ready for publication and reveals how her first and possibly happiest book On The Summerhouse Steps was created when she was marooned in a blizzard. Her whole house - library, bedrooms, even the staircase - is lined with books including Anne’s treasured childhood copies which she shows the children before asking them their favourites and discussing her time as Children’s Laureate and her special Home Library project.

Tuesday 31 March, 4pm (F) and 8pm, Saturday 4 April, 8.30pm

 

Amazing Bookshop by the Sea – Catherine and Laurence Anholt

To enter a tiny shop called Chimp and Zee in Lyme Regis is to step into a world of enchantment that no child who visits can ever forget. Its creation is the reflection of talented authors/illustrators Catherine and Laurence Anholt and the delightful picture books they have created together and individually.

We take a magical mystery tour to Laurence’s and Catherine’s studio where the children learn all about the creation of their books and see the special ‘Feel Happy’ project which has adapted the Anholt’s Artists series into braille.

Wednesday 1 April, 4pm (F) and 8pm, Saturday 4 April, 6.15pm

Naughty But Nice – Nicholas Allan

There can’t be too many people who can produce books for primary school children about royal knickers, an overweight tooth fairy and a pet dog packing its bags for Heaven, however Nicholas Allen has a way with words and his simple but very funny illustrations allow risqué subjects to be told in an acceptable and educational way - guaranteed to put a smile on faces young and old.

Nicholas takes April and Raurie out on a fun day around the sights of London. They take an exciting trip on the London Eye, visit the restaurant in Covent Garden where Nicholas worked as a waiter 20 years ago, try to pop in to Buckingham Palace for a cup of tea with the Queen, and spend time in his studio overlooking Big Ben where the illustrations for his new book ‘Picasso’s Trousers’ lie strewn across the floor drying.

Thursday 2 April, 8pm, Saturday 4 April, 9.15pm

 

Mermaids and Other Friends – Jane Ray

School friends April and Dianne visit illustrator and author Jane Ray at her London home. The friends are transported to the world of Jane’s childhood, to the exquisite ‘chocolate-box’ house where she grew up and where her father still lives. Jane shows them how the house has featured in many of her illustrations then talks about her life and childhood, always spent drawing and painting.

Back at Jane’s own house they squeeze into the tiny shed where she works and discuss the book she is illustrating and the variety of materials she uses. A week later Jane and April meet on a beach to build a sand mermaid but as the tide washes it away a surprise visitor arrives in a gorilla mask! Can You Catch A Mermaid features in the programme, threading moments captured from the day on the beach with the book’s turning pages. Jane’s beautiful narration and her father’s piano soundtrack make it a true family affair.

Friday 3 April, 8pm, Sunday 5 April, 6pm

 

Reading Connects

This is a case study looking at one Southampton primary school’s mission to build a reading culture across the whole school. Downloads at the website include teaching strategies, worksheets, games to use in class, time-saving tips and links to the best of the web.

 

Through a Gorilla’s Eyes – Anthony Browne

Yorkshire-born Anthony Browne takes us around his adopted home county of Kent and tells of his childhood and an inspirational father whom he worshipped but lost when Anthony was seventeen. Back in his studio at home in Canterbury he reads the children his picture book 'Silly Billy', and answers questions about his life, family, work, inspirations and worries.

Anthony also visits two schools: King’s Junior in Canterbury, where he reads and discusses his book, 'Gorilla', and then to the little village primary school his own children once attended at St. Nicholas-At-Wade. Here he plays The Shape Game - a creation from his childhood that has inspired much of his art, followed by more questions and answers about his books and his life.

Wednesday 1 April, 10.20pm

 

We Are Wizards

We Are Wizards explores the world of Harry Potter fandom and the fascinating, amusing and inspiring ways in which American fans have taken their love of J.K. Rowling’s’ book series to a whole new level, honouring the characters and stories with their own ideas, passions and talents.

Wednesday 1 April, 9pm, Friday 3 April, 4pm (F), Saturday 4 April, 7pm and Sunday 5 April, 10pm