Following consultation with schools, this year we have produced a programme of short, engaging films by an exciting array of talent including well known authors, poets and illustrators including Michael Rosen, Nick Sharratt and Jacqueline Wilson. Read on
for more details. The aim is to connect children to big ideas and new ways of thinking! Each short film is supported by activity ideas and learning packs. You can access all the resources via the
Bradford Literature Festival website.
Key stage one children
- A wonderful selection of riches includes brilliant debut picture book author,
Hannah Lee, who talks about different hairstyles and ways to look after hair alongside giving a lively reading of her warm-hearted book
My Hair. Meanwhile, storyteller and author Chitra Soundar takes readers to the Polar Regions as she introduces her book
You’re Snug with Me and talks about conservation and ways young people can help the planet.
- Much loved illustrator and author Nick Sharratt invites readers to a fantastic
Tea Party Parade with an engaging reading of his new book and a special ‘draw-along’. Former children’s laureate
Michael Rosen performs some pitch perfect poems for children to join in with, and author and illustrator
Paddy Donnelly talks about Here Be Dragons and offers top tips on creating characters.
Key stage two
- Award-winning non-fiction author Catherine Barr encourages children to consider their own ten reasons to love Bradford encouraging thinking about what means most about the area where they live. (Later this year, we plan to run a competition
for children on this subject with the opportunity for winning entries to be published in a special book – more details to follow.)
- As well as the local, there is the global with inspirational young conservationist
Mya-Rose Craig showing the difference young people are making to the climate crisis across the world.
- In her film, Amazing Muslims who Changed the World, Burhana Islam thinks about what makes people inspiring and introduces us to some ground-breaking individuals.
- Francesca Simon, author of the phenomenally popular Horrid Henry
books takes us back in time to the Viking age and introduces Whack and Hack the stars of her new book
Two Terrible Vikings as well as offering some of her top tips for writing!
- For a moment of peace and contemplative reflection, try the film by illustrator
Jackie Morris, Letters to the Earth and watch as she paints swallows. Alternatively settle back and find your next read with the help of
Jacqueline Wilson who discusses the 10 Books that Changed My Life.
There’s a vast amount to discover! I hope you find these resources useful and we’re keen for your feedback so please complete the survey at the end of each film.
For stories and ideas that will last a lifetime, the adventure begins at Bradford Literature Festival.