Welcome to our September Edition of Clara’s Corner!
This month Clara will be reviewing three books, ‘You and The Universe’ ‘The Ocean Gardener’ & ‘Flower Block’
Don’t forget to use the code ‘CLARA’ at checkout to get 10% off all books included in Clara’s Corner.
You and the Universe – Stephen Hawking, Lucy Hawking and Xin Li
I was instantly drawn to this text when I saw Stephen Hawking’s name on it. You don’t
often associate Professor Hawking’s work with children’s literature but this text raises
some of the world’s most important questions in a way that is both accessible and inviting
for young minds. How many stars are there? Is time travel possible? Do aliens exist?
This is a book that will draw readers in through the welcoming, conversational tone across
the plot. Readers will travel through the text, accompanied by Professor Hawkins as he
invites readers to think as they read, to reflect on the world around them and to consider
the role we play in protecting the planet and each other.
Xin Li’s illustrations are a delight, offering a wealth of opportunities for inference and
connection making. If using this in the classroom or as a parent and child shared reading
experience in the home, I highly recommend revisiting the story, putting the text aside
and simply focusing on walking through the illustrations and embracing the dialogue that
stems from examining the pictures closely. What do they make you think of? What stands
out to you? Are the pictures making you want to ask any questions?
Towards the end of the book, five powerful questions are addressed by the authors,
packed with valuable facts and knowledge – a wonderful invitation to extend the learning
beyond the reading of the text itself. Although it might be considered a non-fiction,
informational text, this is still a beautifully emotive book which will appeal to readers of all
ages and a valuable one to have in your Science collection!
Things to try at school:
● List all the questions you have about the world we live in.
● Return to the text. Choose a question from the story and answer it with your group.
● Who was Professor Stephen Hawking? Do some research and gather some facts
about this fascinating scientist.
● Explore the illustrations on page one. What inferences can you make about
Professor Hawking?
● Professor Hawking reckoned that there are over one billion trillion stars. How might
you write one billion trillion? How many zeros would we need?
Things to try at home:
● Dinnertime discussion: Would anyone in your family like to travel into space?
● Dinnertime discussion: If you could time travel, where would you go and why?
● Family habits: What small changes could we make in our home to help protect the
planet?
● Star Gazing: On a clear, dark evening, go outside together and look up at the sky.
What can you see? Are there stars? Can you see any interesting shapes or patterns
in the sky?
The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi
Another month of Clara’s Corner and another sea-themed recommendation. I can’t help
it, I’m drawn to the sea. I think it’s down to the Donegal coastal childhood! The Ocean
Gardener is a little gem. Another beautiful story, packed with nuggets of information
about ocean life and the efforts that go into maritime protection. Ayla and her mum, a
marine biologist, live on a gorgeous tropical island, where coral plays a big part of their
lives and the lives of much of the sea life. They begin to notice changes as the fish begin to
leave the area. All is not lost, however, as Ayla’s mum has a plan. A fascinating tale about
ocean gardening and the repopulation of a dying coral reef. The illustrations are the
perfect accompaniment, with vibrant colours and delightful details to discover between
every fold. The book concludes with an overview of the inspiration behind the story (the
work of marine biologist, Chloe Pozas) and some bonus information on corals and their
significance. A gorgeous text for the primary classroom. Like many of my
recommendations, this is a text that will appeal to most ages and stages, but I’d probably
pitch it at 1st class and upwards.
Things to try at school:
● Discuss the similarities and differences between an ocean gardener and a regular
land gardener.
● Explore the illustrations: There are many sea creatures to be discovered across the
illustrations. Revisit the pages and explore the creatures. Can you name them?
● Illustration inferencing: A tropical island is an unusual place to live. What
inferences can we make about Ayla and her mum by exploring the illustrations?● Gardener lingo: Explore the word ‘gardener’ in different languages. Are there any
similarities to the English version of the word?
● Making connections: Can you think of any other stories or movies that feature the
ocean or coral?
Things to try at home:
● Dinnertime discussion: Would you like to live on a tropical island? Why / why not?● The book was printed using eco-friendly vegetable-based inks! What materials
around the home could you use to make eco-friendly paints?
Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield and Hoang Giang
We all know the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, but how about Jermiah and the Flower
Block? One night, just before bedtime, Jeremiah plants a packet of sunflower seeds and
what happens next is something he couldn’t have even dreamed of. Mum is at work and
Jeremiah is at home with his brother Theo and when they wake up and discover that vines
and leaves have grown right through their ceiling, they have no choice but to face the
situation head on and follow the magic! There are lots of lovely little themes running
through this text; different things that will be picked up and honed in on by different
readers. Ultimately, it’s an uplifting, playful and wonderfully imaginative tale of hope,
nature, community and facing your fears. A special mention for Hoang Giang’s delightful
illustrations – they’ll have you rotating and turning the book in directions galore to follow
the tiniest of details. A beautiful text for infants – 2nd class.
Things to try at school:
● Flowers and plants feature a lot in this story. Can you think of any other books or
stories you know that revolve around plants or flowers?
● Plant sunflower seeds (or any other seasonal flowers) and keep track of their
height as they grow.
● Use the construction materials to construct a tower block.
● Design a plan for a rooftop garden on the school. What would we need? What
would we plant?
● Explore the illustrations on pages one and two. What inferences can we make
about Jeremiah and his family?
● Phonological Awareness: Flower and block are words that have lots of rhyming
words. List all the words you know that rhyme with flower and then all the rhyming
words you know that rhyme with block!
Things to try at home:
● Dinnertime discussion: Discuss everyone’s favourite plants and flowers.
● Using an old fruit or vegetable punnet, create a mini garden by planting some
seeds.
● Compare and contrast: Discuss how Jeremiah’s home is similar or different to
yours.
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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