Welcome to our November Edition of Clara’s Corner!
This month Clara will be reviewing three books, ‘Luna Loves Christmas’, ‘Best of All: The Magical Mix That’s You’ and ‘ Bea’s Bad Day’
Don’t forget to use the code ‘CLARA’ at checkout to get 10% off all books included in Clara’s Corner.
Luna Loves Christmas
Usually when you see Joseph Coelho’s name on a picturebook, you can almost be certain
that it’s going to be a great read, and this book is no exception.
Luna Loves Christmas is the latest in the Luna Loves… series. It’s a sensitive and tender
examination of Christmas through the eyes of a child with separated parents. However,
this Christmas, Luna and her family take part in lots of different examples of volunteering
and demonstrating good will. Through all her great efforts, Luna is delighted with a chance
for both sides of her family to spend Christmas together. A bonus feature of this book is
the fact that it actually contains a ‘book within a book’ – you’ll have to find that for
yourself so I don’t spoil anything for you!
Ultimately, this is a really lovely story about caring for others. A sweet and tender tale
demonstrating the importance of generosity, giving back and recognising the needs of
others during the festive season.
Things to try at school:
●Organise a Christmas Appeal within the school and collect non-perishable goods to
donate to a local Christmas Charity
● Return to the text. Ignore the text and simply follow the illustrations concerning
Luna. What details stand out to you?
● Explore the author: Learn about Joseph Coelho; explore some of his children’s
poetry.
● Classroom discussion: How could we practise generosity and good will as a school
in our local community this Christmas?
● The book is called ‘Luna Loves Christmas.’ Discuss and list all the reasons why you
think Luna loves Christmas.
Things to try at home:
● Dinnertime discussion: How could we show generosity to each other as a family
this Christmas?
● Dinnertime discussion: What things do you love about Christmas?
● Make & do: There are lots of paper chains across the illustrations of this story.
Collect strips of paper and create lots of Christmas paper chains for your home.
Best of All: The Magical Mix That’s You
“In you a brand new story unfolds…”
This is one of those books that you can read with any age group. A lovely for a first day, or
a final day. To make you think, to make you reflect. A story bursting with magnificent
metaphors and brimming with beautifully, bright illustrations. It’s about celebrating your
heritage, your uniqueness, your attributes… it’s about YOU! A beautiful book to gift to an
adult or child – a book that will build you up and think fondly about yourself and all the
lovely things that make you, you!
Things to try at school:
● Use this book to support studying the concept of metaphors
● Choose your favourite metaphor from the story
● Choose someone you really love and admire. Write a paragraph of metaphors
describing them.
● Consider ‘you’ – what is the magical mix that makes you, you? Think of all your
attributes and characteristics that you have gained from others.
● Family photos: Look at old photos of family members. Does anyone look like you?
Things to try at home:
● Dinnertime discussion: Who are you like? What did you gain from your relatives in
looks and/or traits?
Bea’s Bad Day
Another beauty by Tom Percival! I do enjoy a book that begins with a letter from the
author! Tom invites the reader to reflect on a few of the issues that are likely to arise in
the text and it works as a lovely opportunity for young readers (and listeners) to connect
to the text and main character before the story begins!
Bea’s Bad Day is a clever examination of the big feeling of disappointment. Something we
all can experience, especially when things don’t go to plan. Bea had big plans and
expectations for her birthday, but in an unexpected turn of events, nothing pans out the
way she had intended. Tom Percival deftly navigates the complexities of emotions and
offers teachers and parents another wonderful text to support the sometimes very big
feelings in our young readers. A wonderful addition to a classroom or home library.
Things to try at school:
● Recount skills: Can you recount all the things that went wrong for Bea?
● Explore the author: Learn about Tom Percival; has he written any other children’s
books?
● Class discussion: When you are disappointed by something, how might you react?
What might help?
● Take some time to explore the illustrations in depth;
○ How many creatures / animals can you find?
○ How many different types of food can you find?
● Explore the illustrations across the text. Examine the colours and how they change
depending on Bea’s feelings.
Things to try at home:
● Dinnertime discussion: Have you ever had a bad day?
● Dinnertime discussion: Have you ever felt disappointed?
About Clara:
Clara Fiorentini is a former primary school teacher, now lecturing in initial teacher education at Marino Institute of Education, Dublin where she specialises in literacy education and children’s literature. Clara provides CPD for teachers and early childhood educators in the areas of literacy, children’s literature, playful learning and school transitions. Clara is completing her PhD research on preschool literacy practices at Trinity College Dublin and is the current President of the Literacy Association of Ireland (2024). Clara is a huge advocate for children’s literature and the use of the read-aloud in school and the home.
You can connect with Clara via Instagram, X or via her website.
For contact and enquiries, please email: [email protected]
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