IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING
Kinder & Primary
…stepping into stories as new worlds unfold…
Picture-Book Art, Experiential Learning, and Storytelling
RECENT FAVOURITES
Kinder + Gr 1
The Little Paper Bird
Lonely Bird by Ruth Whiting
2024 ILA Children’s and Young Readers’ Book Award Winner for Primary Fiction.
A tiny slip of paper, a doodle cut in the shape of a bird, embarks on fantastic adventures in an oversized world. One day, unexpectedly, she finds a cheerless paper slip who quickly starts to enjoy Little Bird’s exploits. All goes well between the two …until the whoosh of the vacuum cleaner takes them by surprise!
*Art and Creativity
*Adventure
Kinder + Gr 1-2
Let’s Fix this Problem TOGETHER!
Flooded by Mariajo Ilustrajo
2023 Klaus Flugge Prize.
The water level in town rises and rises, and no one seems to care… It is easier to row and splash into the puddles, and even appreciate wet art! Fortunately, a whole bunch of fellow animals spot the danger and decide to act!
*Climate Change
*Collaborative environmental care
Kinder + Gr 1- 3
How to Save a Penguin
Lost and Found + Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers
Nestle Smarties Book Prize Gold Prize
Blue Peter Book Award
Boy opens his house door to find a defenceless penguin, staring at him! What will he do with his unexpected guest? After a long journey back and forth from the South Pole, Boy finally understands that Penguin only needs company and care; he must also admit to himself that Penguin loves risk-taking… so he must always be there, for the rescue! Two stories in one!
*Human relationships
*Taking care of significant others
Gr 1- 3
Talking Paintings? No way!
The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee
1988 New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year.
Eccentric painter Felix Clousseau is eyed by the villagers with a trifle of interest and eventually, with serious mistrust. His paintings talk, make funny noises and even steam off with lava. It will take some time for society to finally appreciate his outlandish art!
*Humour
*Resourcefulness
Gr 4-5
Finding Home
The Penguin of Ilha Grande: From Animal Rescue to Extraordinary Friendship by Shannon Earle ILA Children’s and Young Readers’ Book Award Winner for Primary Non-Fiction + The Elephants Come Home by Kim Tomsic and illustrated by Hadley Hooper California Young Reader Medal 2023-2024 Nominee for Picture Books for Older Readers.
From wilderness to safety… This session follows two rescue stories, one about a baby penguin covered in oil slick, and the second about a family of stampeding angry elephants. Set in tropical habitats, both stories portray a lifelong bond between the endangered animals and their saviours. Based on inspiring true events.
*Animal Protection
*Interconnectedness
Year 5 and up
The Craft of Weaving
A Weave of Words by multiple award winners: Robert D. San Souci and Raul Colón (illust.)
A rich and powerful king falls for the weaver’s daughter, whom he immediately wants to marry … but she quickly replies: “Once you learn to read and write, and learn a trade…” The young monarch is soon to discover that his newly-acquired weaving skill can release him from captivity, and allow him to return to the haven of his palace and clever wife.
*Growth and understanding in human relationships
*Cooperation between male and female energy
ALL-TIME FAVOURITES
Gr 1-3
Paws on the Window
What happens when two neighbour cats say Hi! across their windows? Will their “humans” understand their meaows and purrs? Two very different cats open a new chapter in their owners’ lives…
Themes: breaking barriers, socializing, friendship, sharing, cat lovers.
All Cats Welcome by Susin Nielsen
& illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Gr 2 & 4
An Explosion of Courage
Shrek encounter ordeals and tests to achieve their goals with incredible cunning and stamina. Stories packed with action and humour – arresting illustration work!
Shrek by William Steig
Gr 1-3
Mess in the Tate Gallery
Everybody thinks Mildred is lazy…she spends the whole day in her cozy basket. But no one can tell what she is capable of… until the gallery doors close. Once alone, Mildred is anxious to find her inner cat artist, but as luck would have it, a whimsical mouse crosses her path. And an incredible scuffle follows with extraordinary consequences in the Tate Gallery, alongside re-imagined art!
Children also play drama games inspired in Calder, Pollock, Miro and Andy Warhol’s paintings … and the big mess that follows the scuffle. Fun and educational! Inspired in the curious incident of a real cat that lived many years in the Tate Gallery, London.
Mildred, the Gallery Cat
By Jono Ganz
Gr 3-4
Friendship Grows Everywhere
Where you see an empty space, there may be a seed for a myriad of possible connections to grow. The ingredients? Imagination. Empathy. Kindness. Two young characters embark on journeys to find new friends in clever and heartful ways- only after admitting there’s an unfinished story they need to complete.
Short book discussion follows on biased first opinions and the importance of real connections with others. A thoughtful look at the illustrations stretches young audiences’ imaginations.
Adrian Simcox does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell & illustrated by Corinna Luyken And Neville
By Norton Juster & illustrated by Brian Karas
Gr 3-5
Small and Big Things in the Wild
A tiny baby deer and a colossal whale are at the center of these two stories, where young characters venture into the wild with loving care and determination. What does it take to rescue wildlife?
Themes: nature, freedom, courage, emotional growth.
The Boy and the Whale By Mordicai Gerstein
& The Home of the Wild by Louise Greig
Illustrated by Julia Moscardó.
Gr 6 and up
The Art of Story Weaving
A boy goes on a personal quest to search for water in the dry Kingdom of Morocco. He is soon to discover that in the joy of storytelling, abundance and gratitude flow. A bluebird, a blue spindle and a brass cup full of cool water are some of the symbols in this frame narrative, where the weaving of stories allows the young protagonist to outwit Sand Storm and save a village and its people.
Themes: the power of storytelling, coming-of-age, creativity and empowerment.
The Storyteller
By Evan Turk
Gr 5-7
Inner Wisdom in Water Stories
Seals are magical creatures in Scottish folklore, and the sea is a universal symbol for psychic energy and flow. What can happen to a seal-catcher if forced down into the ocean? What lessons are to be learnt and what healing properties can he bring to his soul?
Students are also invited to generate new narratives, prompted by conversations on the symbols and images in this ancient literary piece. The Hero’s Journey is also discussed.
The Seal Catcher and The Selkies from:
Celtic Tales – Fairy Tale and Stories of Enchantment from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Wales. Designed by Emily Dubin
Illustrated by Kate Forrester. Text adapted by Mirabelle Korn
