Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2024 i Storytime

Alan was busy burying his toys in the back garden when Mrs Ward found him. “What are you doing?” she asked in surprise. “Oh,” he said, “These toys were broken! I’m burying them so they’ll grow into new ones!” Mrs Ward didn’t know what to say. Alan had a unique way of looking at the world and was always coming up with peculiar ideas! He was born in London in 1912, but soon after that, his parents had to go to India for his father’s work. They decided that Alan and his big brother John should stay in England and sent them to live with Colonel and Mrs Ward. They were a kindly couple who lived in a big house by the sea. “I don’t think your toys will grow!”…

They came from Polynesia! The ancestors of the Maori discovered New Zealand around the year 1300CE. They named it Aoteaoroa, which means ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’. Maui is their greatest hero! There are many Maori myths about gods, monsters and heroes. The most famous Maori hero is Maui. He was said to have caught the great fish which became the South Island of New Zealand! They eat fascinating foods! Traditional Maori foods include fish, shellfish, sweet potatoes (kumara) and birds. Earthworms and certain grubs were eaten as treats! Large feasts were cooked in an umu or earth oven – the food was buried and steamed underground. Tattoos are very important! Chiefs and other important people had special tattoos called moko chiselled into their faces. Each moko was unique…

Many moons ago, a husband and wife lived on this island. They loved each other and were well-respected by their neighbours for being kind, fair and generous. There was just one thing that made them sad. “I wish we had a child!” sighed the man one day. “It would make our family complete.” “Wishing doesn’t accomplish anything!” the woman replied. “Let’s go to the temple and pray for a baby!” The next day, the couple visited a nearby temple. They prayed and gave offerings to Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, their supreme god. He must have heard them, because nine months later they had a baby boy. He had a healthy appetite – In fact, his parents wondered if their child’s appetite might be too healthy. “He won’t stop eating!” his…

BRILLIANT BOOKS FOR SUMMER! → EVERYBODY TRAVELS by Kristin Roskifte (Wide Eyed) is all about people, the places where they meet, the things they have in common, and the things that make them unique. The art is striking, with colourful figures against a minimal background, and the story encourages us to cherish our shared humanity. → AN INVITATION TO THE BOTANIC GARDENS by Charlotte Guillain illustrated by Helen Shoesmith (Welbeck) takes readers on a gorgeously illustrated journey through the famous Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. You’ll find out all about its magnificent plants and the wonderful work that the staff do behind the scenes. It’s a real labour of love and amazingly informative! → THERE’S A MOUNTAIN IN THIS BOOK by Rachel Elliot, illustrated by Genevieve Lacroix (Thames & Hudson) is a must-read…

Alan Turing received a first-class degree in mathematics from Kings College, Cambridge. In 1935, he came up with the idea of a machine which could solve any mathematical problem – a concept similar to that of a modern computer! During the Second World War, the British government needed clever mathematicians to break the complicated codes that the German military used to send secret messages. Turing was part of a team assembled at Bletchley Park to crack these German codes. Turing helped to develop an early computer called a bombe that was used to decipher German messages – this helped the Allies to end the war! In 1945, Turing worked on the ground-breaking Automatic Computing Engine. He also developed the idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and invented the ‘Turing Test’ to…

But the king had a problem. “I am getting old!” he told his wife “My heir must be brave and mighty, so he can defend this land when I am gone!” At that time, their only son was just a baby. His parents named him ‘Samba’, which means ‘shepherd’. They hoped that he would protect their people, just as a shepherd protects his sheep. However, the boy’s parents soon discovered that their child was scared of everything. Even the squeak of a mouse made him tremble! “Don’t worry!” the queen said confidently. “I’m sure he will grow out of it!” As the years passed, Samba grew up to become tall and strong and handsome – but he didn’t overcome his fears. He was startled by any noise and refused to…

For this activity, get each club member to review a tale in Storytime. Describing a story and telling others about its good and bad points is a great way to think about what you read and practise your writing skills. It encourages you to think critically and develop a deeper understanding of a tale. Everyone has their own opinions, and it’s fun to express yours! PICK YOUR STORIES! Select a story from a magazine for each member of your club to review. Then, give them a copy of the Story Review sheet that can be downloaded here: Members should read their stories and answer the questions on the sheet. When everyone is finished, they can read their reviews to the group. When you’re reading your story and writing your review,…