This book was sent to me as a review copy by https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/
This is a really well designed, hands-on book. It is geared towards 7-11 year olds, but I think that it could be used with Years 7 and 8 in a secondary school for creative writing lessons. The structure of the book is such that it is intended as a workbook, with spaces to fill in, thus building up confidence in writing and structure. However I think that a teacher could use it as a text book, writing the exercises on a display board for pupils to copy out and complete.
The book starts with a diagram proving that everyone is or has the capability of becoming an amazing author. Some myths are dispelled about the importance of spelling and grammar (let’s eat grandma) and then the rest of the book is a series of exercises and story-writing techniques to try out straight away. There are a number of worksheets helping to develop characters, including deciding on names and ways of describing and developing them as credible people. The other worksheets cover descriptions, avoiding dull words such as ‘nice’ and ‘pretty’, settings, plans and themes. The final chapter pulls all of the ideas together for creating an amazing story. It is possible that the reader might like to work through the whole book, or choose a theme or an exercise such as writing an acrostic poem based on their name, or writing a story about bad day at school in 50 words.
A really imaginative book which would make a great gift for a keen reader/writer. Many teachers and librarians would enjoy trying out some of these ideas in the classroom.