Happy Birthday to Lansdowne Library!
Our little library will be 5 at the end of January! Keep an eye out for events to celebrate, including our popular bedtime story sessions.
If you would like to donate a book to the library as a birthday present, you can find the link to our wishlist throughout this newsletter.
We have just received a delivery of books from Scholastic that we bought using rewards from the last Book Fair held in school. Thank you so much to everyone that came along and bought books - your support really does mean the world to us! Keep your eyes peeled for lots of exciting new books being added to the shelves soon!
There are lots of special months and celebrations coming up in the Spring term that will be reflected and celebrated in the library and this newsletter; it is Lunar New Year at the end of January, February is LGBTQ+ History Month, March 8th is International Women's Day and the holy month of Ramadan begins at the end of February and runs through March.
We are proud to reflect our wonderfully diverse school community in our library. It is important that all our children and families see themselves in the books we have available but also that our young people develop empathy and understanding by reading about people whose lives are different to their own.
Check out some of the recommendations from our brilliant librarians and find out what books from the library our teachers read last term.
Don't forget that the library is open after school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Mr. McInnes is on hand for help and recommendations. Don't worry if you have forgotten your library card, you can still take books out!
Finally, we can't wait to celebrate World Book day with you all on Thursday 6th march! Our librarians will be busy planning lots of lovely activities and we'll share details of them soon!
Mrs. Jones Recommends...
Omar, the Bees and Me
When Omar brings in some honey cake that reminds him of his beekeeping grandpa, it gives his teacher an idea to make the town more bee friendly with bee corridors.
Omar and Maisie discover a shared family passion as their friendship blossoms alongside the flowers.
Author Spotlight
Maisie Chan
Maisie Chan is a children's author whose debut novel 'Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths' won the Jhalak Prize and the Branford Boase Award in 2022.
Her second novel was 'Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu' and she also writes the series 'Tiger Warrior'. She has written early readers for Hachette and Big Cat Collins, and has a collection of myths and legends out with Scholastic.
She runs the Bubble Tea Writers Network to support and encourage writers of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) descent in the UK.
She has a dog called Miko who has big eyes. She lives in Glasgow with her family.
Books by Maisie Chan in Lansdowne Library include: Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths, Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu, Tiger Warrior: Attack of the Dragon King, Tiger Warrior: Rise of the Lion Beast and The Very Merry Murder Club.
Watch Maisie Chan read from 'Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths':
Watch Maisie Chan talk about her roots and why representation in books is important:
Author Spotlight
Sufiya Ahmed
Sufiya Ahmed was born in India and arrived in the UK as a baby. She lived in Bolton, Lancashire, before moving to London where she still lives. Sufiya has worked in advertising and in the House of Commons, but is now a full-time author. In 2010 Sufiya set up the BIBI Foundation, a non-profit organisation, to arrange visits to the Houses of Parliament for diverse and underprivileged school children.
Sufiya has written several children’s books including My Story: Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan, Rosie Raja: Churchill's Spy and Under the Great Plum Tree which was longlisted for the UK Literacy Association Book Awards.
In 2023, Lansdowne Librarians met Sufiya at the Cardiff Children's Literature Festival. They were all very excited, especially Mr. McInnes! See if you can find a book in the library signed by Sufiya at the festival.
Sufiya's books in Lansdowne Library include: Rosie Raja: Churchill's Spy, My Story: Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan, My Story: Princess Duleep Singh, The Time Travellers: Adventure Calling and The Time Travellers: Secrets and Spies.
Watch Sufiya Ahmed read from Rosie Raja: Churchill's Spy:
Illustrator Spotlight
Garry Parsons
Garry Parsons has worked with many of the UK’s most talented writers. He is the illustrator of the best-selling ‘Dinosaur That Pooped’ series by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter selling over 2 million copies. Garry's illustrations have been regularly aired on the CBeebies' "Bedtime Story" schedule. He is the illustrator of ‘My Daddies’ and ‘Fabulous Frankie’.
Garry also illustrated the popular fiction series The Dragonsitter by Josh Lacey and the space adventure series George’s Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy & Stephen Hawking. His books have been translated into many languages and his illustrations are enjoyed by children around the world.
Garry enjoys visiting schools, libraries and literary festivals to inspire children creatively through drawing and writing.
Garry studied on the Illustration & Sequential Design M.A at the University of Brighton and also has a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art.
Garry lives on the Kent coast with his husband, children and scruffy dog, Charlie.
When he is not illustrating for children, Garry is either running or drawing using charcoal.
Books in Lansdowne Library illustrated by Garry Parsons include: Llama Glamarama, My Daddies, Fabulous Frankie and George's Secret Key to the Universe.
Learn how to draw Larry the Llama from 'Llama Glamarama':
Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow
My name’s Archie Albright, and I know two things for certain:
1. My mum and dad kind of hate each other, and they’re not doing a great job of pretending that they don’t anymore.
2. They’re both keeping a secret from me, but I can’t figure out what.
Things aren't going great for Archie Albright. His dad's acting weird, his mum too, and all he wants is for everything to go back to normal, to three months before when his parents were happy and still lived together. When Archie sees a colourful, crumpled flyer fall out of Dad's pocket, he thinks he may have found the answer. Only problem? The answer might just lie at the end of the rainbow, an adventure away.
Together with his best friends, Bell and Seb, Archie sets off on a heartwarming and unforgettable journey to try and fix his family, even if he has to break a few rules to do it...
Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of the Dark
Sam Wu is NOT afraid of anything. Except for quite a lot of things. Like ghosts. Sharks too. And also THE DARK! And so when Sam goes camping in the woods with his friends and cousin Stanley, who knows what scary kind of things they’ll face…?
Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of the Dark is the third book in this brilliantly funny series.
The Name Jar
A heartwarming story about the new girl in school, and how she learns to appreciate her Korean name.
Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious about fitting in. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she decides to choose an American name from a glass jar. But while Unhei thinks of being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, nothing feels right. With the help of a new friend, Unhei will learn that the best name is her own.
The Girls
Four little girls meet under an apple tree and form a bond that grows as they share secrets, dreams, worries and schemes. This beautifully illustrated tale charts the girls' lives through ups and downs and laughter and tears. Find out how their friendship flourishes as the years pass by and the girls become women.
Ramadan Moon
Ramadan, the month of fasting, Doesn't begin all at once. It begins with a whisper. And a prayer. And a wish.
Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan and the joyful days of Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of the month of fasting as the most special time of year. This lyrical and inspiring picture book captures the wonder and joy of this great annual event, from the perspective of a child.
This is a book for all children who celebrate Ramadan and those in the wider communities who want to understand why this is such a special experience for Muslims.
Nen and the Lonely Fisherman
Far out to sea and deep below the whispering waves lives a merman called Nen. Nen spends his days exploring his underwater kingdom, but something is missing: his heart is empty. So, Nen ventures to the forbidden world above and it is here that he meets Ernest, a lonely fisherman. But can two people from different worlds be together and what will happen when a terrifying storm gathers?
A lyrical, beautiful celebration of love, acceptance and faith, with a gentle message about how we treat our oceans, and each other.
Rainbow Revolutionaries
Rainbow Revolutionaries brings to life the vibrant histories of fifty pioneering LGBTQ+ people from around the world.
This book is a celebration of the many ways these heroes have made a difference and will inspire young readers to make a difference, too.
Featuring an introduction, map, timeline, and glossary, this must-have biography collection is the perfect read during Pride month and all year round.
Women in Art
Women in Art is an empowering and inspirational celebration of some of the most iconic and fearless women who paved the way for the next generation of artists.
From well-known figures such as Frida Kahlo and Dame Vivienne Westwood to lesser-known artists including Harriet Powers (the nineteenth-century African American quilter) and Yoyoi Kusama (a Japenese sculptor), this charmingly illustrated and inspiring book highlights the achievements of 50 notable women in the arts.
Covering a wide array of artistic mediums, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about artistic movements throughout history, statistics about women's representation in museums, and notable works by women who have inspired the world from the 11th century to today.
Nura and the Immortal Palace
A magical adventure rooted in Muslim culture and tradition, Nura and the Immortal Palace follows a young girl’s journey from modern-day Pakistan into the world of the jinn.
Nura has worked all her life in the mica mines, earning just enough to keep her family afloat – and enjoy the odd delicious gulab jamun from the market. Some day she’s going to find the Demon’s Tongue, a legendary treasure buried deep in the mines, and her family will never have to worry about money again.
But when a terrible accident buries her best friend below ground, Nura goes in search of him and passes over into the magical and terrible world of the jinn. Across a pink sea and under a purple sky, she finds her way to a palace, where great riches and a whole new life are on offer.
But it’s not long before Nura discovers this world to be as unfair as the real one, and that trickster jinns will always live up to their reputation…
Front Desk
Mia Tang has a lot of secrets:
1. She lives in a motel, not a big house.
2. Her parents hide immigrants.
3. She wants to be a writer.
It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, and go for her dreams?
The Golden Hour
Struggling with anxiety after witnessing a harrowing instance of gun violence, Manuel Soto copes through photography, using his cell-phone camera to find anchors that keep him grounded. His days are a lonely, latchkey monotony until he's teamed with his classmates, Sebastian and Caysha, for a group project.
Sebastian lives on a grass-fed cattle farm outside of town, and Manuel finds solace in the open fields and in the antics of the newborn calf Sebastian is hand-raising. As Manuel aides his new friends in their preparations for the local county fair, he learns to open up, confronts his deepest fears, and even finds first love.
City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm
Grace and her friends must protect a newly hatched dragon from mysterious evildoers.
When Grace moves to Hong Kong with her mum and new stepdad, her biggest concern is making friends at her fancy new boarding school.
But when a mysterious old woman gifts her a dragon egg during a field trip, Grace discovers that the wonderful stories of dragons she heard when she was a young girl might actually be real - especially when the egg hatches overnight.
The dragon has immense powers that Grace has yet to understand. And that puts them both in danger from mysterious forces intent on abusing the dragon's power. And now it's up to Grace and her school friends to uncover the sinister plot threatening the entire city!
Queens
Queens – over 3,000 years of incredible women who ruled the world!
Celebrating strong, brave women across the centuries and around the world, Queens tells their stories of strength and resilience.
Spanning 3,000 years from Cleopatra to the Viking queens, Queen Nanny of Jamaica to HRH Elizabeth II, discover new stories about fierce female monarchs.
Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World
Do you think you know who first thought of the theory of evolution?
Have you ever wondered who created the oldest university in the world?
Is Joan of Arc is the only rebel girl who led an army that you've heard of?
If so, then you need this stunningly illustrated treasure trove of iconic and hidden amazing Muslim heroes!
There are so many amazing Muslim men and women who have changed our world, from pirate queens to athletes, to warriors and mathematicians. Who will your next hero be?
Just Like Everyone Else
"Just Like Everyone Else is sad but also happy. I like this book because it is diverse and I wouldn't have ever found it if we didn't have a diverse library. I really think other people should read this to maybe find out something new. This could be your new favourite book like mine"
Thirteen-year-old Aidan can't breathe in his crowded family home. Running is his only respite from four loud sisters and involved, touchy-feely parents. Then his mum makes an announcement: she's having another baby. Only, this time it's not for her; she will be a surrogate for gay couple Justin and Atif.
Aidan is incensed. As if his family wasn't embarrassing - or big - enough already. But he's also scared. Aidan thinks he might be gay, and he's really struggling to accept this possibility. He's definitely not ready to come out, but what if being around Justin and Atif exposes him as gay?
If only he was just like everyone else.
The Tryout
"I love this book because it's about cheerleading. I like it because the best friends always do things like me and my best friend do at school all the time."
STAND TALL. BE LOUD. GAME FACE ON.
When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and her best friend, Megan, literally jump at the chance to join the squad. As two of the only kids of colour in the school, they have always yearned to fit in-and the middle school cheerleaders are popular and accepted by everyone. But will the girls survive the terrifying tryouts, with their whole grade watching? And will their friendship withstand the pressures of competition?
The Amazing Edie Eckhart
"This book reminds me that everyone is different. Edie, who is the main character, has cerebral palsy. She is different and amazing. She is a great inspiration to the pupils of Lansdowne."
Hello! My name is Edie Eckhart and I'm eleven years old. I'm a little bit different. I have a disability called cerebral palsy, so I talk slowly and fall over a lot. It's never really bothered me because I've never known anything else.
Edie Eckhart is Excited with a capital E to start secondary school with her best friend Oscar - the fish to her chips, the bananas to her custard. But when she and Oscar are put into different tutor groups on their first day, Edie is devastated. Who will play secret hangman with her in class? Who will she eat sausage rolls with?
But while she's plotting her reunion with Oscar, she accidentally gets cast as the lead in the school play. As Edie discovers a passion for performance, she also finds new friendships, talents, and dreams. After all, it's easy to shine on and off the stage when you're Amazing with a capital A.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
"I really like Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief because I like Greek mythology. The book is also funny and made me cry a bit."
Half boy. Half God. ALL Hero.
Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood. I never asked to be the son of a Greek God.
I was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. Now I spend my time battling monsters and generally trying to stay alive.
This is the one where Zeus, God of the Sky, thinks I've stolen his lightning bolt - and making Zeus angry is a very bad idea.
The Secret Sunshine Project
"The Secret Sunshine project is an amazing LGBTQ+ book that shows how grief and moving somewhere new can affect somebody. I love this book because it is really diverse and represents different experiences."
A heart-warming story of kindness, courage and love in all its forms.
Bea’s family are happy. Like, really happy. Like, kind of gross but also cute happy. So when they visit London Pride together and have the ultimate day out, Bea doesn’t think her family could possibly get any happier. But a year later, a grey cloud is following Bea’s family around. Dad has passed away, and without him around they have no choice but to pack their bags and move to the countryside to live with Gran.
With Bea’s big sister, Riley, taking the news hard, Bea will do anything to cheer her up. So with the help of new friends, The Secret Sunshine Project is formed – Bea’s plan to bring Pride to the countryside and a smile back to Riley’s face. There’s just one teeny tiny problem – the village mayor. A grumpy old woman who’s on a mission to rain on Bea’s parade . . .
Dead Good Detectives
"Dead Good Detectives is a really good book because it's adventurous and a mystery."
Sid Jones loves hanging out in the graveyard with her best friend Zen – they are desperate to see a real-life ghost!
But when Sid accidentally summons a 300-year-old pirate from the dead, it opens the door to the HALFWAY HOUSE – a magical inn FULL of lost souls from across the ages, all trapped there by a sinister landlord.
There are more ghosts that Sid could ever have imagined – and they’re all sure Sid is there to save them! (Sid’s sure there’s been some kind of mistake.)
But someone else is watching, and they’re not happy about Sid helping the ghosts …
Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth
"I love this book because the characters are very funny and I love that it's a mix of my three favourite things to find in books which are Greek mythology, action and comedy."
HALF BOY - HALF GOD - ALL HERO.
SURE, AS A DEMIGOD I’VE HAD MY FAIR SHARE OF NEAR-DEATH DISASTERS. BUT HEY, I’M STILL HERE TO TELL THE TALE . . .
Percy Jackson’s enemies are back, and looking for a way to destroy Camp Half-Blood.
To stop them, Percy and his friends must take on a new quest through the mysterious labyrinth – a sprawling underground world with deadly surprises at every turn.
But the labyrinth was built to keep heroes out, and secrets safe within.
As time runs out and the Titans draws near, can Percy save the day once more?