We are a group of local people (both parents and professionals, and bookworms of all ages) interested in children’s literature. Our Group is part of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups (registered charity No. 268289), which aims to promote a love of reading and of literature in children all over the country. Here in Oxford we organise lots of events but there’s much more going on for schools, families, and everyone else!
The Story Museum
The Story Museum, in Pembroke Street, Oxford, is an amazing place. Evolving from an idea to a museum developing several old buildings in the centre of Oxford, with changing exhibitions.
Other local museums that run activities for schools and families:
Ashmolean Musuem of Art and Archaeology
Pitt Rivers Museum
Museum of Natural History
History of Science Museum
Oxford Botanic Garden
Oxford Castle and Prison
The Bodleian Library
Blackwell’s Bookshop 100 books to read
OCBG is proud to be associated with Blackwell’s Bookshop in Broad Street, Oxford, which has been selling books to ‘Town and Gown’ and the city’s children, since 1879.
For World Book Day 2021, Blackwell’s colleagues have complied two interesting lists which feature, respectively, the 100 books to read before leaving Primary School and Secondary School.
100 books to read before leaving Primary School
100 books to read before leaving Secondary School
In previous years, we have gifted Books and Story Sacks to our school members and local hospitals. Hopefully, we will be able to donate more books later in the year.
But, in the meantime, please keep the date of March 31st (1:30-2:20pm) in your Diary. We have arranged for all our members to attend the following talk with St Margaret’s Institute, via Zoom:-
Being a Children’s Book Illustrator
Korky Paul, illustrator of children’s favourites such as Winnie the Witch and The Fish Who Could Wish
March 31st (1:30-2:30pm)
Korky has long been a supporter and associate of the OCBG so we are thrilled to be able to hear him talk about his illustrious career in book illustration.
We will send our members the link by email nearer the time… See you there!
With all good wishes, from the OCBG committee for a very happy World Book Day and exciting reading adventures in the year ahead…
Enjoy!
Websites we think you will be interested to see:
Toppsta is an online community where you can read, review and discover great children’s books. Children (but also parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians) can enter to win a free book to read and review via one of their giveaways and all members are encouraged to share their book recommendations by writing reviews. All the reviews they receive are organised by the age of the child so they have a chart of best books for every age from babies to 12 year olds. Visit them at toppsta.com
Young Writers has been working with schools, parents and young writers across the world for over two decades. Their aim is to promote poetry and creative writing. They run annual competitions, produce poetry and creative writing collections as well as provide resources for teachers and young writers. Visit their website at www.youngwriters.co.uk
Oxford Owl Reading has 250 free eBooks for you to share with your child as well as simple ideas, top tips, activities and games to help your child with their reading at home. You’ll also find advice from educational experts on many areas including phonics, motivating boys and how to help a child who is struggling with their reading. Helping your child to learn to read and learn to love reading is one of the greatest gifts you can give them… and Oxford Owl is here to help you every step of the way. Their website is www.oxfordowl.co.uk
Armadillo Magazine is a blog reviewing the latest children’ books and things happening in the children’s book world, have a look at the website: armadillochildrensmagazine.blogspot.com
FREE Holocaust Memorial Day resources from Tom Palmer
I hope my book After the War – from Auschwitz to Ambleside and its resources will help schools and libraries mark Holocaust Memorial Day – Wednesday, 27 January 2021.
The resources include:
- a pre-recorded 20 minute assembly for Y5 to Y8, talking about why we mark Holocaust Memorial Day with the National Literacy Trust
- a resource pack created around the book by UCL Centre for Holocaust Education. Containing lesson plans and materials for KS3 History, RS, Cit and Eng
- a CPD session hosted by UCL and myself relating to After the War
- a five-part story to read aloud during the week of 27th January 2021 with the National Literacy Trust
- an interview with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust about listening to survivor testimonies
As we are working with the generous support of multiple partners, the links to all these materials (with a chance to win a class set) can be accessed by clicking here from where you can also access:
- After the War posters and bookmarks posted to your school or library
- More downloadable resources including films of my research, book trailer, glossary and a student workbook here.
The five-part read aloud story will be set in the present day about the visit of a Holocaust survivor to a UK school and how the children prepare and reflect on the experience. The survivor will be Yossi, one of the main characters from After the War, 75 years on from his liberation, age 91.
The story will be from the point of view of the pupils and will be aimed at Y5 to Y8. It is not essential to have read After the War beforehand (but you can read Chapter 1 of the book here). There is more information about the book here.
N.B. In the event that this coincides with a local lockdown, teachers are welcome to stream their read-aloud to their pupils. If there is a national lockdown, films will be available for you to stream of each chapter being read aloud by me!
Let us know what you think of our suggestions by contacting us through our Contact page
