tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63348065301710497902024-03-16T18:52:59.820+00:00Culture BabyOur journey down the rabbit hole into the wonderful world of the arts...MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-58408185353514611772019-08-14T23:17:00.000+01:002019-08-15T10:42:21.275+01:00Culturebaby Reviews: Aesop's Fables at the Unicorn Theatre<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkDoU3flzv1lM3tP4ebWnbthNaV_GpG4cTF5kvmJVj00v017RTY0EIrpSuA36dSV5gKIc91ahRot-1XwO0ASOAFnOz6YkNpS0d3iHDaM-SztGAR0hPfHtH-tRXtwjXsOw5nCvB-uaxcqz/s1600/09FE346A-485F-4169-A51C-67DB6F73468B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkDoU3flzv1lM3tP4ebWnbthNaV_GpG4cTF5kvmJVj00v017RTY0EIrpSuA36dSV5gKIc91ahRot-1XwO0ASOAFnOz6YkNpS0d3iHDaM-SztGAR0hPfHtH-tRXtwjXsOw5nCvB-uaxcqz/s400/09FE346A-485F-4169-A51C-67DB6F73468B.jpeg" width="400" /></a>7 year old Culturebaby is now starting to review her own events, and frankly what could be more satisfying than hearing directly from her? </div>
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"Aesop’s Fables was great, I saw it at the Unicorn Theatre. This theatre is just for children. </div>
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The show we saw is first about mums trying to get on but they are being competitive, while the children are just playing. [Think - clever version of the Tortoise and the Hare].</div>
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The second part of this fable is the story about dogs and wolves talking about being free, or being a pet but like a slave. I would rather be the wolf because he was a little bit hungry but he was free. </div>
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My favourite story was Frankie and the white crow because it really teaches us a lesson, because it doesn’t matter what you look like, it matters if you have love. The white crow’s brothers and sisters wanted him to be gone and killed, and nobody else wanted to play with Frankie. The little girl called Frankie was sad because she was very different - nobody wanted a play date with her or to play with her, because her hair was different and she kept 'pooking' in public. <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">But at the end all of them made friends and everybody was nice to everyone else.</span></div>
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People should come in and see the performance because it’s all about how are you should live your lives, about being kind, not being jealous or mean and you should respect people's rights and don’t be mean to them because they’re different. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The setting was great because they have these boxes and they open them up and there was a special button and if you press it, it would change the story to a different one. </span></div>
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The story is for ages 4 to7, but there is also another production for people over eight years old.</div>
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Aesop was a slave and a storyteller who lived in the land of Ancient Greece. He wrote 725 stories and fables."<br />
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Culturegirl, a recent five-and three quarters ish re-brand from Culturetot ("I'm not a baby mummy!") also wanted to add her rather more entertainment-oriented reflections:</div>
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"There was this type of button that you press, and when you press it, it changes into different parts of the story. My favourite part of the story was <u>all of it</u>. I liked the Wolfie one because it was funny. I would be the wolf because it is free. The cake one was good because if you eat it too quickly you get sick, and if you bury it for a long long time it looks like witch cake. People should come and see the show because it is funny."</div>
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So there we have it. Rave reviews. It was also worth adding that the theatre, as always, was massively welcoming and it was great to see a diversity in their staff, with their seeming deliberate recruitment approach in this area. Culturebaby sat down and had a good chat with one of the theatre stewards about how he could relate directly to her analysis of the tale of Frankie and the White Crow. It was a touching and mutually upbuilding moment.</div>
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The Unicorn notes: "We considered doing all 725 fables and then thought better of it. What we’ve done instead is asked a few of our favourite writers to select one fable and to re-tell it for today’s audience. We’re presenting two versions of the results: one for ages 4-7 and one for ages 8-12. This is a celebration of young and old, ancient and new – a tribute to how fresh, bold and vibrant the classics remain today."<br />
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While we ended up seeing this performance later on in its run, we hope this show might return. We've loved everything we have seen at the Unicorn and you can see all their future programming <a href="https://www.unicorntheatre.com/whatson">here</a>.</div>
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<i>The images included in this post are courtesy of the Unicorn Theatre and Guy Rhys, Craig Sugden, Jessica Hayles, Rosie Wyatt, Jessica Hayles, </i><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Nathaniel Wade, Jessica Hayles</span><i> and Shazia Nicholls respectively.</i><br />
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MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-82287068704747758002018-11-28T21:12:00.000+00:002018-11-28T21:12:36.219+00:00Christmas is Open - The Snowman Returns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnb5-EF3fI-Xf2M6BFOtZ0zYvCz4JUJMnCk-UbhKZW6IIvsKztbpeBSMD2TCFNySlxrp_LmZF1f5JTBWM5x_Fa-1v78kphMMKIMuZOmlVQVr9OdupCpRdpYHBk5SnyOgSreB_Nnsdl1xG/s1600/Birmingham+Repertory+Theatre_The+Snowman_Credit+Tristram+Kenton_4%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnb5-EF3fI-Xf2M6BFOtZ0zYvCz4JUJMnCk-UbhKZW6IIvsKztbpeBSMD2TCFNySlxrp_LmZF1f5JTBWM5x_Fa-1v78kphMMKIMuZOmlVQVr9OdupCpRdpYHBk5SnyOgSreB_Nnsdl1xG/s400/Birmingham+Repertory+Theatre_The+Snowman_Credit+Tristram+Kenton_4%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a>Culturebaby has just reached seven, seemingly in the blink of an eye, and is keen to write her own reviews . So for the first time here's why <i>she</i> thinks you'll enjoy The Snowman, in her own words...</div>
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"On Saturday 24th November we went to the Snowman. It was magical because they fly to the North Pole and at the end snow falls on the stalls and you can catch it. Jack frost is naughty and cheeky. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbbxWYtoDleCn-TmxNLcuHYiYSGd6GiJmOz7ejJYwFOd4j0L2TTM6qOYBPPuj9BLIZLO-vs6kb7ZKpQZpit0nqNpjFePVjGUvo9M2o11G3UjcJ5CEB-WxhikRIEE30KUb6SE4vveG8ehf/s1600/Birmingham+Repertory+Theatre_The+Snowman_Credit+Tristram+Kenton_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbbxWYtoDleCn-TmxNLcuHYiYSGd6GiJmOz7ejJYwFOd4j0L2TTM6qOYBPPuj9BLIZLO-vs6kb7ZKpQZpit0nqNpjFePVjGUvo9M2o11G3UjcJ5CEB-WxhikRIEE30KUb6SE4vveG8ehf/s640/Birmingham+Repertory+Theatre_The+Snowman_Credit+Tristram+Kenton_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST7bh4ZqBhM6PRx2aqEt2xugBejojMqomknvPTZqcliDgxqLQvaNzV9inipYJxGJPPYDcWE3bRnvj4PL1Q1kfMoPoAsd5vm27WRZgrXrRV_LlVrMxiOr_6TxTlEg_HpsC1NKHvZiH90kY/s1600/Birmingham+Repertory+Theatre_The+Snowman_Credit+Tristram+Kenton_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST7bh4ZqBhM6PRx2aqEt2xugBejojMqomknvPTZqcliDgxqLQvaNzV9inipYJxGJPPYDcWE3bRnvj4PL1Q1kfMoPoAsd5vm27WRZgrXrRV_LlVrMxiOr_6TxTlEg_HpsC1NKHvZiH90kY/s400/Birmingham+Repertory+Theatre_The+Snowman_Credit+Tristram+Kenton_2.jpg" width="400" /></a>In the first Act it is the most magical because the Snowman comes to life. The second part Father Christmas comes and they have a boogie and a funny ending dance. My favourite parts are when the banana, a coconut and the pineapple come out of the fridge, and dance with the Snowman.</div>
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It meant to the boy so much because the Snowman was his best friend."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNWGbEYucOPxoTW-DpEJ5UPcWZzo9PpQbIGxOG5awMVyDdIjz1q_7ueiZz4Dz7BbQ5a6Rgn8bcUJ0gHLGlRAFQ4VNT0w5yKako6P2lJVgdq1yjxra-XaadqTCsPvS8eS80EMUDG7q0XlQ/s1600/thumbnail_image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNWGbEYucOPxoTW-DpEJ5UPcWZzo9PpQbIGxOG5awMVyDdIjz1q_7ueiZz4Dz7BbQ5a6Rgn8bcUJ0gHLGlRAFQ4VNT0w5yKako6P2lJVgdq1yjxra-XaadqTCsPvS8eS80EMUDG7q0XlQ/s320/thumbnail_image2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTWaitfdkz79tawSP8wEnvpD0OW2rqkuvwSa1Dejqy80g_bqnXAnHOiJn2JshfC4e3rIyTAVqxedhdQrHkHM3WrVKrF-6-H5MUUSJAqpn-6awyNBjEa0iz4LfZq8NS-3TgYV71yAKvRTN/s1600/thumbnail_image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTWaitfdkz79tawSP8wEnvpD0OW2rqkuvwSa1Dejqy80g_bqnXAnHOiJn2JshfC4e3rIyTAVqxedhdQrHkHM3WrVKrF-6-H5MUUSJAqpn-6awyNBjEa0iz4LfZq8NS-3TgYV71yAKvRTN/s320/thumbnail_image1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you want to read my more detailed previous review of this wonderful show <span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.culture-baby.net/2017/12/walking-in-air-for-twenty-years-snowman.html">see here</a> for their 20th Anniversary last year. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0yrgcqAhGrlsFkKtswE70-wZWlc24mqYFeil0rafDfU_0_DQXo8FNDP34vx6S_-rP4cKFUrnbStw6MvC50mJjzUd5ERFKYaweMF2ZSwemmYG8eZwHlI9UCZA7x6aAT8PUDVKf0HB62tf/s1600/Birmingham+Repertory+Theatre_The+Snowman_Credit+Tristram+Kenton_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0yrgcqAhGrlsFkKtswE70-wZWlc24mqYFeil0rafDfU_0_DQXo8FNDP34vx6S_-rP4cKFUrnbStw6MvC50mJjzUd5ERFKYaweMF2ZSwemmYG8eZwHlI9UCZA7x6aAT8PUDVKf0HB62tf/s640/Birmingham+Repertory+Theatre_The+Snowman_Credit+Tristram+Kenton_10.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Over the years we've had so much fun with the Snowman that we've now
accumulated a list of specifically themed activities to accompany the
show and provide some creative inspiration. These work for a wide range
of children's
ages: </div>
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<b>1. Snowman and Snowdog Christmas Cookies </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPVVsF_pSK-qAhnLiqSRkFaJ15vPEf3FPe2Yucv8o8sCZwz8FiV7ZAwHRQUQckXf1pBsm502R-t23yV3-PfB9ySe-e1aVzEsTFr34T5f2VQGBlahPvExyE8ZQ6A9iagA8fKTNfw5xoDk/s1600/blogger-image-243807402.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPVVsF_pSK-qAhnLiqSRkFaJ15vPEf3FPe2Yucv8o8sCZwz8FiV7ZAwHRQUQckXf1pBsm502R-t23yV3-PfB9ySe-e1aVzEsTFr34T5f2VQGBlahPvExyE8ZQ6A9iagA8fKTNfw5xoDk/s400/blogger-image-243807402.jpg" width="400" /></a>These simple Christmassy smelling and tasting biscuits are based on an extremely
simple recipe. A golden
syrup, ginger and cinnamon combination worked really well for the
season. </div>
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Sift together 350g plain flour, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda<br />
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Add 2tsp ground ginger and 1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
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Add 125g butter and blend until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in 175g soft brown sugar.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgge9vUmcCPHV55Mf7UP5WUQjCEerd_nFGGKZee6Iuc0UW_pClRl7B_0T1W-IuTnKKYJlUgZZIBTMgYL11CivKV2vyn-mZzSwENHHfWse8sC200L-_AO6DYs1waykkVwBsHDHgfNGi-ic/s1600/blogger-image--1297391492.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgge9vUmcCPHV55Mf7UP5WUQjCEerd_nFGGKZee6Iuc0UW_pClRl7B_0T1W-IuTnKKYJlUgZZIBTMgYL11CivKV2vyn-mZzSwENHHfWse8sC200L-_AO6DYs1waykkVwBsHDHgfNGi-ic/s320/blogger-image--1297391492.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Lightly beat an egg and 4tsp golden syrup together, add to mixture and
blend until the mixture clumps together. Knead until smooth, wrap in
cling film and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes or so whilst you
preheat the oven to 180 degrees C/Gas Mark 4 and line baking trays with
greaseproof paper.</div>
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Roll the dough out to around 0.5cm on a lightly floured surface. Create shapes using the cutters.</div>
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Place on baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes. </div>
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Leave to cool for 10 minutes. </div>
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We then varied the recipe to suit tiny hands using roll-out icing to
cover each biscuit (also using the cutters) and tubes of food
colouring gel for decoration.
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<img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_S8h-u4-lWwtCyHQvHIOrbtpwtmb6NX99_dbMRiK2sH5WM3hNM4lKw4n4j72C5xQV0AtMznwJO2jstPO2sOxd7ZKKHDz6y_3WkUaKMht3b-_YDjAfNggn6BTEQBackBcm3DFLMigFbk/s400/blogger-image--138372957.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<b> </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm58v9b6jyse9PRxEbpZ8f1SNfKJqq9Av4Va0F88xL6kwhTbNsIGV5UGddKLjOBleiIoozRDEN3Nc7QS8mC0cMcb5ViJ9GFB2XAU6mhVYTikZKEOfR4h9EG5APwlSnHE-NZt6d3wP23hw/s1600/blogger-image--1567147836.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm58v9b6jyse9PRxEbpZ8f1SNfKJqq9Av4Va0F88xL6kwhTbNsIGV5UGddKLjOBleiIoozRDEN3Nc7QS8mC0cMcb5ViJ9GFB2XAU6mhVYTikZKEOfR4h9EG5APwlSnHE-NZt6d3wP23hw/s320/blogger-image--1567147836.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>2. Running a Snowman on the Shelf Advent</b><br />
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Lots
of parents arrange an advent
activity called Elf on The Shelf, where a cheeky little helper is sent
by Santa to keep an eye on the household and consequently gets into
mishaps along the way. This isn't something we have ever done, but one
year we decided that our large cuddly snowman might enjoy some elf-like
antics. Given that he is the ideal
companion for a child throughout this festive season, and he already
loves exploring the house (and gets into a few scrapes along the way),
he was the perfect messenger from the North Pole for us: our very own
Snowman on the Shelf. <br />
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<b>3. Create a Snowman Themed Christmas Play Basket</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxnfz3k4xUxb1kaCbHTcgk0dYgtnr7LZkuJ1_cVwMPU4xTqABxHb_mcd2jh-JByEVqqW6G1nHYtusWuWQ1JXCeViJq4BW2BcM8QyspSIR5KufByxc6bi2fiqETbl8WAGA4wSu8S4z5cY/s640/blogger-image--147845852.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxnfz3k4xUxb1kaCbHTcgk0dYgtnr7LZkuJ1_cVwMPU4xTqABxHb_mcd2jh-JByEVqqW6G1nHYtusWuWQ1JXCeViJq4BW2BcM8QyspSIR5KufByxc6bi2fiqETbl8WAGA4wSu8S4z5cY/s320/blogger-image--147845852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Somewhere between two and four the girls
particularly loved a series of small-world Montessori-inspired play
baskets I made for them, though they still indulge daily in imaginative
play. If you have a child who loves sensory play and small objects I'd
highly
recommend making these simple dreamscapes for them to explore. The
Snowdog joined our already much-loved little Snowman in the basket
alongside a tree for Culturebaby to dress with miniature decorations.The
floor of the basket was scattered with items that can be collected,
matched and
counted such as wooden and felt snowflakes, stars, reindeer, small
presents, miniature musical instruments and bells.<br />
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<b>4. Explore the Story through Art and Modeling</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNPhzGs-nY3eiHyChkKKncqvJ7vvhpi-ZsQ_lYERDv7uOchBqVvADc32IglkSpXe_r6WRshzpBvk2hZYaSm5Vo1exwG9BWpVIk1xdfbBBFhRUvqgxMWQjhSgm2nYXDQIguYfumBJw6oM/s640/blogger-image-1555602354.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNPhzGs-nY3eiHyChkKKncqvJ7vvhpi-ZsQ_lYERDv7uOchBqVvADc32IglkSpXe_r6WRshzpBvk2hZYaSm5Vo1exwG9BWpVIk1xdfbBBFhRUvqgxMWQjhSgm2nYXDQIguYfumBJw6oM/s200/blogger-image-1555602354.jpg" width="200" /></a>Between 2 and 3, little ones are beginning to draw with clear
intention and increasing ability. Using playdoh is another
way to foster this interest, and three years ago we tried modelling the
characters from the Snowman, and watching others do so - as well as 'melting' (squashing)
the snowman afterwards. Creating the scene
of the house from playdoh and acting out certain parts of the book was really effective.</div>
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5.
Imaginative Play and Storytelling with Characters </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaykU2yNqy48r7y9CTDu92ay-Ggx-rUhyPyR2nnmBGlfe8s15CtxY4VRNJuboMzew5nd03Lstj7wOwO7Vv5x8vj_xse-JMbhKXB5j4dbEaHX7HaaDR59mjuUNEwJ0nQXgsvLlhVv_8Tg/s1600/blogger-image-1892120542.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaykU2yNqy48r7y9CTDu92ay-Ggx-rUhyPyR2nnmBGlfe8s15CtxY4VRNJuboMzew5nd03Lstj7wOwO7Vv5x8vj_xse-JMbhKXB5j4dbEaHX7HaaDR59mjuUNEwJ0nQXgsvLlhVv_8Tg/s400/blogger-image-1892120542.jpg" width="400" /></a>This
activity was revived a couple of years on the run. The first year,
we created a snowy landscape
with a large white towel and, listening to the audio soundtrack, used
one of Culturebaby's play cottages and characters, with her toy snowman,
to act out parts of the story. The second year, we set up a sheet of
faux snow material and included the scenes with the dance of the
snowmen, when Father Christmas gives James the gift of the scarf and the
final morning. The girls have reached the stage where they happily act
out stories together. I may resurrect the materials to see how they use
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJZSy635WcysDKcyjDE3RHBSs2O8nJ_y9o3lIiDyhzIF55O4Jk3VRxlDLxoSWgHKb_JVEjeHZjFsvR5TNBWHDdK7JfBd7ORGOG3BOxT9exDgoxdo5lOecy__cC2gr3IN2YESFknmQzcQ/s640/blogger-image-21979168.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJZSy635WcysDKcyjDE3RHBSs2O8nJ_y9o3lIiDyhzIF55O4Jk3VRxlDLxoSWgHKb_JVEjeHZjFsvR5TNBWHDdK7JfBd7ORGOG3BOxT9exDgoxdo5lOecy__cC2gr3IN2YESFknmQzcQ/s320/blogger-image-21979168.jpg" width="320" /></a><b> </b><br />
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<b>6.
First science experiments</b> - Three years ago we took a few ice cubes
and let them melt
in a bowl at room temperature. We talked about what was happening and
why - and of course why the Snowman had started to melt when he sat too
close to the fireplace. Practical activities like this have also helped
the girls understand and discuss differences in temperature.<br />
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The Snowman is currently on at The Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT until 6th January. You can <a href="https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2018/the-snowman/">book here</a>.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: Many thanks to Sadler's Wells for press tickets to The Snowman and for media images, taken by Tristram Kenton.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-8856379797552164862018-08-09T01:23:00.002+01:002018-08-12T00:58:31.570+01:00A Cat For All Seasons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAtc-dUYsTznXYtFvtmD5SEtRGW-Ol5t5bS2bT1SFpCe7AmXQ73r2i960F0_spg1ykiJffTiJM_q4WPT7eCzmk08fAeZzPmSZlnaBAwZUqivdofDbHqralPHNIbBAU5L8SZz5izjzdlby/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAtc-dUYsTznXYtFvtmD5SEtRGW-Ol5t5bS2bT1SFpCe7AmXQ73r2i960F0_spg1ykiJffTiJM_q4WPT7eCzmk08fAeZzPmSZlnaBAwZUqivdofDbHqralPHNIbBAU5L8SZz5izjzdlby/s400/IMG_4965.JPG" width="400" /></a>Today was international cat day, and it’s been rather a fun exercise to meander through the many shelves to pull out some of our brilliant picture book odes to the feline. Here's a miaow to our favourite classic cats, with new cats on the block and some marvellously arty cats to follow. We'd love to know your favourites too.<br />
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Some of my favourite illustrators of all time seem to harbour a penchant for the fabulous feline. My collection of Nicola Bayley's tales have been a treasured possession since childhood. The Patchwork Cat, by Nicola Bailey and William Mayne is a gloriously illustrated and lyrically written tale of a cat whose beloved blanket is disposed of for a newer version. But she loves her old rag and sets off in pursuit, finding herself lost and consigned to a dump... will she ever see her home again? Bayley also teamed up with Richard Adams (of Watership Down fame) to produce another catty classic - the poetic <i>The Tyger Voyage </i>about two adventurous feline brothers who set off to explore the world. Think Jules Verne for Tigers... Finally she worked with Antonia Barber on the classic Cornish tale of Mousehole fame about Mowzer the cat and her owner Tom who brave the Great Storm Cat to save their village and bring in some fish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JMiTcEW_QxeJ6I1FHuqQewYUBQ1ESfSFp3vUOuxA6uAUo1eIirmIF1MugChZDeMW7ruJtLZKWCS2IhbntftzM1le41FaxSRIAjYg2rTVjlh0omNovqYfB6IPrROz0cZ_o13IZeMVH48f/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JMiTcEW_QxeJ6I1FHuqQewYUBQ1ESfSFp3vUOuxA6uAUo1eIirmIF1MugChZDeMW7ruJtLZKWCS2IhbntftzM1le41FaxSRIAjYg2rTVjlh0omNovqYfB6IPrROz0cZ_o13IZeMVH48f/s320/IMG_4978.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-EvjhzF101l-nll-gGHnQr9QtpcrSvtPqNDjZaFcXy5y5jdw6aMoROIJ99KR7jNdLQsuC3Rof18Wj_qPkp9-Qtt7Ek1utxpnK1BQ2JfPsbpYcdyF6mMitDHz_ssVziZyrTlOQnJbD_8g/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-EvjhzF101l-nll-gGHnQr9QtpcrSvtPqNDjZaFcXy5y5jdw6aMoROIJ99KR7jNdLQsuC3Rof18Wj_qPkp9-Qtt7Ek1utxpnK1BQ2JfPsbpYcdyF6mMitDHz_ssVziZyrTlOQnJbD_8g/s320/IMG_4976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcveSvDv4E8H_aWj6E1Zno6-eYSc4MW-XFmZbnLYLXGkbOz0NuSuZuo-w3OdbWmzqJxAsdGyqpDPCBmXQy-5bzemEjvIQFPkBAvcWYt-ZLZ0jZAuAJnA7IyCwIyE70EkqM8DYTWNsH3r8/s1600/IMG_4977.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcveSvDv4E8H_aWj6E1Zno6-eYSc4MW-XFmZbnLYLXGkbOz0NuSuZuo-w3OdbWmzqJxAsdGyqpDPCBmXQy-5bzemEjvIQFPkBAvcWYt-ZLZ0jZAuAJnA7IyCwIyE70EkqM8DYTWNsH3r8/s320/IMG_4977.JPG" width="240" /></a>In a similar vein Richard Adams has also written a beautiful volume <i>The Ship's Cat</i>
with Alan Aldridge which follows the swashbuckling adventures of
another adventurous moggy - a thoroughly English cat, risking perils of
the seas for Queen Elizabeth I against the Spanish threat; and Helen
Cooper's <i>The House Cat</i> is a sumptuously illustrated and warmtale about a cat who is moved away from the place he really considers his home with owners who do not really appreciate him. We follow his harrowing journey home, all the way back to his little girl from the flat upstairs and the place he really belongs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJFyBoIMyw5Nvq5d3k3PsXHB97GZnOSI_OLkl5mBUFMGpN1obXqScvKcC4EbWOWHypBnJDYtI3l6QjfGRSkvD_SN0G8CADjB8nA2LlrILoO-icLKybopcwF44whv68T6snOzAQcRnqVXJ/s1600/IMG_4972.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJFyBoIMyw5Nvq5d3k3PsXHB97GZnOSI_OLkl5mBUFMGpN1obXqScvKcC4EbWOWHypBnJDYtI3l6QjfGRSkvD_SN0G8CADjB8nA2LlrILoO-icLKybopcwF44whv68T6snOzAQcRnqVXJ/s400/IMG_4972.JPG" width="300" /></a>Another little beauty is <i>A Dark Dark Tale</i> by Ruth Brown "Once upon a time there was a dark, dark moor. On the moor there was a dark, dark wood. In the wood there was a dark, dark house..." A black cat creeps her way through the night following a trail through a mysterious old house. I used to love the creepiness of her journey, the suspense and the surprising coda.<br />
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Other treasured classic tales need little introduction , <i>The Tale of Tom Kitten</i> by Beatrix Potter, Judith Kerr's <i>Mog, </i>Dr Seuss's <i>The Cat in the Hat, </i>and various Ladybird classic versions of <i>Puss In Boots </i>and <i>Dick Whittington</i>.<br />
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Next, we have an appropriate marriage of two recently published celebrations of Edward Lear's most famous couple The Owl and The Pussy-Cat. Firstly a stunningly illustrated gift version of the original, then a sequel from the wonderful Julia Donaldson, herself a devotee of Lear and his talent for nonsense poetry. Lear originally wrote the illustrated poem for the poorly three year old daughter of a friend, and I've found it is one of the best first poems to introduce to a child. The girls particularly love the poem set to music as part of the fantastic<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2014/05/music-to-watch-toddlers-by.html"> Funkey Rhymes CD</a>. Charlotte Voake's illustrations are simple yet dynamic. They convey movement, lightheartedness and a splash of childhood joy. I love how they look like watercolours and you can see some of the brushstrokes - a great inspiration for budding artists to emulate. Donaldson's sequel The Further Adventures of the Owl and The Pussy-Cat is also illustrated by Voake, and with Donaldson's seemingly effortless genius with rhyme, the tale continues in seamless form with the honeymoon of the unlikely couple. Following the loss of their wedding ring, the two are thrust on new adventures where they meet many others of Lear's colourful creations - The Pobble who has no toes, the Chankly Bore, even the Jumblies. It's brilliant. A wonderful Christmas gift for any child (the sequel even comes with a CD of Donaldson narrating the poem).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KyULSyLbaWJfRgH0S2qCdJOH5HIqr4IHv5Tn5-KJfyC5YYYlqgH9LJcxwxrgIt63bUu_PlCN9DBiJxYFRq2IYh-b-XNjjQxGeq3Gia-A5Yt4jDTyOG0Hu4OGOyDLSi5s53yQFlEGsu6p/s1600/IMG_4979.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KyULSyLbaWJfRgH0S2qCdJOH5HIqr4IHv5Tn5-KJfyC5YYYlqgH9LJcxwxrgIt63bUu_PlCN9DBiJxYFRq2IYh-b-XNjjQxGeq3Gia-A5Yt4jDTyOG0Hu4OGOyDLSi5s53yQFlEGsu6p/s320/IMG_4979.JPG" width="240" /></a>Finally, a couple of new offerings from classic authors. Last year Quentin Blake was
invited to illustrate an unpublished story by Beatrix Potter,<i> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35407846">The Tale of Kitty in Boots</a>,</i> rediscovered after 100 years. Potter said in letters that she had wanted to
finish the story but "interruptions began", including the First World
War, her marriage and illness. Her tale as she describes it is about "a well-behaved prime black Kitty cat, who leads rather a double life". Beloved classic characters also make cameo appearances, but Blake's illustrations give the book a more modern feel. <i> </i><br />
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<i>Meg and Mog</i> by Jan Pienkowski and Helen Nicholl were also solid childhood friends. In 2016 Jan brought out a third title in a collaboration with David Walser. The illustrations are iconic - bold blocks of colour and distinctive soundbubbles. My edition of Meg and Mog is just about still in one piece...<br />
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Finally a huge success is Judith Kerr's latest feline picture book. 47 years ago Kerr wrote about her cat Mog, mentioned above as a true classic selling over 3 million copies. Mog has long since passed away - controversially perhaps Kerr even wrote about this in a lovely book about the loss of a pet. Last year Kerr, at 93 and having had 9 cats through her lifetime, brought out a stunning book with a new feline character (her latest cat Katinka) entitled <i>Katinka's Tail - </i>described by the author as "a white cat with a tabby's tail that doesn't belong". When people point out the incongruent markings, we are told she is a perfectly ordinary pussy cat... except for her (rather magical) tail. Culturetot immediately fell in love with this beautiful book, and so did my mum. At 93 Kerr's work is still exquisite, long may she continue to create. (For more on her background and inspiration see this post on <i><a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/05/it-doesnt-happen-every-day-that-tiger.html">The Tiger who Came to Tea</a>).</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1LNQlFcHFkBahOirIRXuDDVXN7uUE-MHxifxU4ciJ9Ff0CZuG5IvKUnGv37RJ6Ir_FQGnrPTiWnafcQ0ku023wq36D5EDHEbGyfZGye9VTzQfSs8NghEcTmjHyUSZ1gNhHzjcO4cE37l/s1600/IMG_4983.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1LNQlFcHFkBahOirIRXuDDVXN7uUE-MHxifxU4ciJ9Ff0CZuG5IvKUnGv37RJ6Ir_FQGnrPTiWnafcQ0ku023wq36D5EDHEbGyfZGye9VTzQfSs8NghEcTmjHyUSZ1gNhHzjcO4cE37l/s320/IMG_4983.JPG" width="240" /></a> <br />
<i>Disclaimer: Most of the books discussed we own and several copies are being passed down the generations, but thanks go to Harper Collins, Warne and Puffin for review copies of recent editions.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-42049848479843642692018-08-08T22:30:00.005+01:002018-08-08T22:30:45.504+01:00The Everywhere Bear<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAm4a8naMOov_3yj4HAigb_ShUFn6O-5pGOurV_QIa6CXRBpyiYAHGEt5PwKIrCWKnau7FzURBYFNfIvydvmYrMSJ-_1UWW6LMK2Pw4Pqjb46TD909pJkM_0Q12uc-HAA1BcKCZs5slAC/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAm4a8naMOov_3yj4HAigb_ShUFn6O-5pGOurV_QIa6CXRBpyiYAHGEt5PwKIrCWKnau7FzURBYFNfIvydvmYrMSJ-_1UWW6LMK2Pw4Pqjb46TD909pJkM_0Q12uc-HAA1BcKCZs5slAC/s400/IMG_4156.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="color: black;">One of the more adorable shows we've seen this year is the warm-hearted, tear-inducing tale of a class bear, much loved and lost, sought and found. Each of Julia Donaldson's illsutrators bring a different flavour to her books and the combination of Julia Donaldson's storytelling and Rebecca Cobb's illustrations seem to produce tales uniquely brimming with emotion. Their first joint endeavour was the stunning Paper Dolls (probably my favourite of Donaldson's books). </span>A loving mother helps her little girl make a chain of paper dolls, which
become the child's most beloved play things. They accompany her on
adventures, they face perils and experience wonders with her and all the
time laughing and singing "You can't get us. Oh no no no! We're holding
hands and we won't let go. We're Ticky and Tacky and Jackie the Backie
and Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow!". Then sadly one day a
little boy snips and destroys them, believing they are gone forever; but
of course they aren't - they fly singing into the girl's memory. They
join her most treasured things and as she grows into a girl and a mother
they remain in her memory and she too helps her own little girl make
some paper dolls. This stunning book shows the real value of legacy, and
how our acts of love and creativity with our children (and those of my
own mother with me) will always live on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0zfKpjXPdJyWP_7JjikAxOUnEd5yACVo8B7iQfzyep-LIxoUB8igXALNOvfJ_MygsJDc1LgUDRcTBW57_7Jx2sgNsQjKRabSACf7YIgsO-_Ouvgikcrj-_Ei_fTiWx8rdSx0wEh5nmSA/s1600/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0zfKpjXPdJyWP_7JjikAxOUnEd5yACVo8B7iQfzyep-LIxoUB8igXALNOvfJ_MygsJDc1LgUDRcTBW57_7Jx2sgNsQjKRabSACf7YIgsO-_Ouvgikcrj-_Ei_fTiWx8rdSx0wEh5nmSA/s400/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_120.jpg" width="266" /></a>The more recent <i>The Everywhere Bear</i> has a similar flavour and skipping rhyming text. "With her blue pointy shoes and her hair in a bun, Mrs McAllister teaches Class One...." Just like many reception children (and Culturebaby as no exception) their classroom has a much loved pet that the children covet and wait in earnest to take home for the weekend. Ours was Charles. I must confess I have mixed feelings about Charles. Every Friday, Culturebaby would emerge from the classroom crestfallen: it wasn't her week. She hadn't done that special thing to earn her time with the picky penguin. But then her moment arrived, the look on her face, the excitement.... and the consequent memories. Perhaps it was worth the wait after all, and the pressure to show Charles a good time after his litany of weekend jollies to a range of exotic locations. Culturebaby took Charles on a boatride, to Hampton Court, to the lido, he even did violin practice. Both girls still look back on it as a particularly happy weekend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDqS9g55OQ1YAC0-CF7UKbUSRt1exAYxqxw1yV-2SlNFRjx8TRNXy71WaKrSTXrTSJwK64SQS3ySkAybrsaykggc8n8og2gUFLBCReovaLzdGcHFgJf9GyzvLkiy8npbiqsEF_f3BErM8/s1600/Everywhere-Bear-jacket-image_no+title.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1185" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDqS9g55OQ1YAC0-CF7UKbUSRt1exAYxqxw1yV-2SlNFRjx8TRNXy71WaKrSTXrTSJwK64SQS3ySkAybrsaykggc8n8og2gUFLBCReovaLzdGcHFgJf9GyzvLkiy8npbiqsEF_f3BErM8/s640/Everywhere-Bear-jacket-image_no+title.jpg" width="472" /></a>Donaldson's Charles is the Everywhere Bear and he enjoys a range of activities with his Bijoux class of 19. Matt is new, so it is decided that he will take the bear home for the weekend. However, on the way to school the bear is misplaced and he finds himself disppearing down a drain, washed out to sea, caught in a net, displayed in a fish shop, thrown in a skip, and finally reeking of seafood he is picked up by a seagull and fortuitously dropped back near his school to be saved by the local librarian. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5gByc9A38OuB267kZMYzpcmH0ll5aPL45OOP3hZ_uZLmVqW6jITaNFZy9CcPl52GQrXwsxdhRZQGhbRQ7fQoEjZDCVFONDp-i4I-4rxSIkwpuSTrxi5YFqrBHNZUPLQ0lP5wczQO9TqM/s1600/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5gByc9A38OuB267kZMYzpcmH0ll5aPL45OOP3hZ_uZLmVqW6jITaNFZy9CcPl52GQrXwsxdhRZQGhbRQ7fQoEjZDCVFONDp-i4I-4rxSIkwpuSTrxi5YFqrBHNZUPLQ0lP5wczQO9TqM/s640/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9R47LDE42ydtx9EFxdI2u9jbk2LbQ0XTNUcPQLIqSlM-VlfIYTxD5CjaMNQCumgNev4eW4znrAa4iezyOMzWcRmTcIqNT5xjRR-ItvzrTxqveGTfqORf12uR4dZj8bo-DmEIzVNGhY3k/s1600/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9R47LDE42ydtx9EFxdI2u9jbk2LbQ0XTNUcPQLIqSlM-VlfIYTxD5CjaMNQCumgNev4eW4znrAa4iezyOMzWcRmTcIqNT5xjRR-ItvzrTxqveGTfqORf12uR4dZj8bo-DmEIzVNGhY3k/s400/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_033.jpg" width="266" /></a>The book is sweet, with adorable illustrations and Stickman-like it is an adventure with a happy ending. However, it is Peter Glenville's stage show that really brings this book alive, adding emotive episodes in spades and turning a cute book into a moving classic. In the show we meet Matt, not just a new boy but a nervous new boy with no friends yet. He is delighted to have the bear for the weekend and develops a close bond with him - spending quality time and growing very attached to him in the absence of real children to spend time with... it's hard being new. Matt is therefore completely devastated when, distracted by a cat in the rain, he misplaces the much-loved bear on his way to school. Wracked with worry he is unable to stop thinking about the lost toy. Meanwhile, nervous and alone, the bear is washed out to sea, destined for a series of challenging adventures as he journeys further and further from home - finally ending up in a tip alongside a Barbie with a broken heart. His care to an injured seagull finally leads to his happy return to the librarian that sees him home. The use of emotive music, humour, clever puppetry and additional scenes really add to the original tale, enhancing it and pitching it so beautifully as a tender tale of friendship and perserverance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTKea1WEctVrxRes4HC5p33Rd2yOwppY2WBvfzNevkumajlhExuyzbJ8Qc4pP5hFgY3vhfw2r7IjpAQ19SfGKQ22MtWViBwhRm7DY9NaeyYGQ-N6S6gm2qTacRmG9DBzDOGDRiOCnOByk/s1600/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTKea1WEctVrxRes4HC5p33Rd2yOwppY2WBvfzNevkumajlhExuyzbJ8Qc4pP5hFgY3vhfw2r7IjpAQ19SfGKQ22MtWViBwhRm7DY9NaeyYGQ-N6S6gm2qTacRmG9DBzDOGDRiOCnOByk/s640/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHv32yJ94Aw9ONi_Mb7oInvAtXVKXPK7TBqb7dr_GOioyVSYMR1YIFVTqy_hKTRUhO6h8UCNvLj0WIo0PtNZOAUiDZhxrkLJpu1FjqCdgJ5FsJNxZUNtPn37a3BYNcxStiDDAAa1_0vXO/s1600/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHv32yJ94Aw9ONi_Mb7oInvAtXVKXPK7TBqb7dr_GOioyVSYMR1YIFVTqy_hKTRUhO6h8UCNvLj0WIo0PtNZOAUiDZhxrkLJpu1FjqCdgJ5FsJNxZUNtPn37a3BYNcxStiDDAAa1_0vXO/s400/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_063.jpg" width="400" /></a>The children loved it and we were also privileged to attend a performance alongside Rebecca Cobb, who was clearly visibly moved to see the production for the first time. We asked her afterwards how it felt so see her work translated across to the theatre: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGYtR94xhs_yUAl-gOCR0T-DgwXvjzyJWuyOj7-u3OG7Stg_UPM_tU-tYUk-n-Z5zIYz_fvLOEb1307u8JpNC6lGcceTFU0rGpI2lh2faypvmHkQb3Je-hj8-XIwvG8UkWRYU7rvBDrTz/s1600/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGYtR94xhs_yUAl-gOCR0T-DgwXvjzyJWuyOj7-u3OG7Stg_UPM_tU-tYUk-n-Z5zIYz_fvLOEb1307u8JpNC6lGcceTFU0rGpI2lh2faypvmHkQb3Je-hj8-XIwvG8UkWRYU7rvBDrTz/s400/The+Everywhere+Bear_by+Suzi+Corker+Photgraphy050718_053.jpg" width="266" /></a>"It usually takes me about 6 months to illustrate a picture book and during this time I get very close to a story and feel very attached to the characters I am drawing. When I heard that The Everywhere Bear was going to be adapted for the theatre I was so excited but also nervous because I was worried about how I would feel when I watched the performance and I wasn’t sure if I would be happy with the way my drawings had been interpreted. But I really didn’t need to worry because as soon as I saw the puppets and the set I was overwhelmed with how brilliantly they had been created. I found it quite emotional to see all the work that had gone into transforming something that I had drawn on paper into 3D characters on a stage. The whole show was completely amazing and really true to the book and the rest of the audience clearly enjoyed it as much as my family and I did."</blockquote>
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The Everywhere Bear is on at the fantastic children's theatre, The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, until 26th August. You can book tickets <a href="http://www.polkatheatre.com/">here</a>.<br />
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Following the Polka, the show will tour to:<br />
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<b>Thu, 13th September 2018 to Sun, 11th November 2018</b> - Little Angle Theatre, London<br />
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<b>Thu, 29th November 2018 to Sun, 6th January 2019</b> - Royal and Derndale Northampton.</div>
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<i>Disclaimer: We were invited to a press performance with a view to a review. As always all opinions are very much our own. With thanks to Amy Bramman at Kate Morley PR for arranging tickets and for press photographs, the Polka theatre for hosting us and Rebecca Cobb for sharing her thoughts.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-16089389377814012432018-07-16T10:09:00.000+01:002018-07-16T10:20:35.336+01:00Toddler Utopia: Dream Worlds, the Night Garden and Chaucer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7c05udN_BfEEaFpcr6jiwFNBtMmW5UalPDb5bpXz3wdY4qAAtc4eWwGvgGU1JEkwohP-EKy38wjlmxSI_kvmoo9CALyDJm7U_CF8_ZKut662KSuA8doQg81a3MFTQofn37x_4LRg5drz/s1600/Group_In+the+Night+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1181" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7c05udN_BfEEaFpcr6jiwFNBtMmW5UalPDb5bpXz3wdY4qAAtc4eWwGvgGU1JEkwohP-EKy38wjlmxSI_kvmoo9CALyDJm7U_CF8_ZKut662KSuA8doQg81a3MFTQofn37x_4LRg5drz/s400/Group_In+the+Night+Garden.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM68kFLWllbZlgWwdNcjwOqyIENX0UF8xxiTYiAnPMEC3UWlNwybqZOjciw3hdp-BZZBKNZP-eE92iw7o-lYfHtSqiyRleuUrgPkeb7OWwxCT5v9O16khJR8hGtzp7zkvb2vD1JlCclv1/s1600/ItNG-Live_show-domes-exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM68kFLWllbZlgWwdNcjwOqyIENX0UF8xxiTYiAnPMEC3UWlNwybqZOjciw3hdp-BZZBKNZP-eE92iw7o-lYfHtSqiyRleuUrgPkeb7OWwxCT5v9O16khJR8hGtzp7zkvb2vD1JlCclv1/s400/ItNG-Live_show-domes-exterior.jpg" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-image: none; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a>Last year I wrote about the simple and arresting joy of a trip to see In the Night Garden Live in Richmond and as we passed the inflatable snow dome this year (with children finally emerged from the target age category of this show) already they found themselves gripped with a nostalgia for these toddler household friends. I have re-posted a section from our previous review here to give you a taster for the show:<br />
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"In the Night Garden is an adorable production for the very young and rarely have I witnessed such unparallelled delight in little people as at the arrival of these household names in larger than life form before their eyes. In The Night Garden is one of those utterly bizarre, and probably genius, Cbeebies programmes that have captured the heart of a nation. At the slightest whisper of threat to children's programming, parents declare war in defence of Upsy Daisy the pacifier and Iggle Piggle the entertainer of their miniature brood. I'm not sure a few years ago that I could have imagined I'd be writing an article about this surreal toddler wonderland, but there too leapt I into the giant showdome, pre-schoolers in tow, and found myself surrounded by the Richmond parenthood chanting along in one voice to the unintelligible but gripping choruses of Makka Pakka, Akka Wakka, Mikka Makka moo! and Igglepiggle, wiggle, niggle, woo!<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font: 400 15.4px/21.56px Georgia,Utopia,"Palatino Linotype",Palatino,serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM68kFLWllbZlgWwdNcjwOqyIENX0UF8xxiTYiAnPMEC3UWlNwybqZOjciw3hdp-BZZBKNZP-eE92iw7o-lYfHtSqiyRleuUrgPkeb7OWwxCT5v9O16khJR8hGtzp7zkvb2vD1JlCclv1/s1600/ItNG-Live_show-domes-exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 15.4px; margin-right: 15.4px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZpOC1uj4p39EnRx1dQjTrIM9Pu_1UkTx_MUr9kPjHKWY4sHjuUL47Pm4MqYjUgc_MEON9Xeo0RRcD4g6HjXYKySlaeeF0d5x4FPDH4LrdhRBfwInY2pTieiP4uXXqOkUsCNWS2LYxhlY/s1600/night-garden-live-022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZpOC1uj4p39EnRx1dQjTrIM9Pu_1UkTx_MUr9kPjHKWY4sHjuUL47Pm4MqYjUgc_MEON9Xeo0RRcD4g6HjXYKySlaeeF0d5x4FPDH4LrdhRBfwInY2pTieiP4uXXqOkUsCNWS2LYxhlY/s400/night-garden-live-022.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSITGgbsLkiMQlvSH_kZ-xCOxZeiWHNpkOn901K6DTQdqsi-GqECAT9bm5kIEPBaFzRC4ebcAYPV0RvMxZVNAbSl_GilcvZsNj3ciNvv7dgCc4d7KJtsQt5_Kb_3HslHOhvMFS829pzE5o/s1600/night-garden-live-166.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZpOC1uj4p39EnRx1dQjTrIM9Pu_1UkTx_MUr9kPjHKWY4sHjuUL47Pm4MqYjUgc_MEON9Xeo0RRcD4g6HjXYKySlaeeF0d5x4FPDH4LrdhRBfwInY2pTieiP4uXXqOkUsCNWS2LYxhlY/s1600/night-garden-live-022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a>I wonder what a future anthropologist falling upon some ancient footage might deduce from such scenes: who are these furry deities depicted on materials from dining equipment to painted bedroom walls, treasured in effigy and emitting strange and otherwordly chanting? But to the 2 year old, who sees true friends and companions in these colourful puppets, the whole phenomenon makes total sense. <br />
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There are again two shows available this summer, each covering a simple tale. Let's be honest these are not (for the adult observer) complex and gripping tales of adventure. In one Makka Pakka travels around the garden, introducing a range of his buddies and washing their faces. At one point he loses a sponge. The sponge is consequently r<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSITGgbsLkiMQlvSH_kZ-xCOxZeiWHNpkOn901K6DTQdqsi-GqECAT9bm5kIEPBaFzRC4ebcAYPV0RvMxZVNAbSl_GilcvZsNj3ciNvv7dgCc4d7KJtsQt5_Kb_3HslHOhvMFS829pzE5o/s1600/night-garden-live-166.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a>ecovered. There are bubbles. There is dancing. In the Ninky Nonk show, which we saw last year, Igglepiggle loses his blanket and all his friends help him find it. But the joy created in this showdome is utterly infectious. It was a thoroughly happy event, with audible expressions of delight throughout from young and old alike. It isn't cheap and inevitably is rather commercialised, but it is a great child-friendly performance and good option for a first experience of theatre designed entirely for and on a perfect wavelength for the very young.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSITGgbsLkiMQlvSH_kZ-xCOxZeiWHNpkOn901K6DTQdqsi-GqECAT9bm5kIEPBaFzRC4ebcAYPV0RvMxZVNAbSl_GilcvZsNj3ciNvv7dgCc4d7KJtsQt5_Kb_3HslHOhvMFS829pzE5o/s1600/night-garden-live-166.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSITGgbsLkiMQlvSH_kZ-xCOxZeiWHNpkOn901K6DTQdqsi-GqECAT9bm5kIEPBaFzRC4ebcAYPV0RvMxZVNAbSl_GilcvZsNj3ciNvv7dgCc4d7KJtsQt5_Kb_3HslHOhvMFS829pzE5o/s400/night-garden-live-166.jpg" /></a>My (then) four year old, who in hindsight didn't consider herself too mature for the whole experience, was particularly taken with the sense of scale and use of various sized puppets to bring the Night Garden alive. A larger Makka Pakka emerged alongside the Pontipines, whilst a smaller puppet was used beside the enormous Iggle Piggle. There were glorious moments when Iggle Piggle's boat appears amongst the waves, when Upsy Daisy finally danced onto stage, and when projections of stars onto the ceiling made the whole experience multi-dimensional.<br />
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As I circled my toddler's palm with my finger as the show began and witnessed her childish awe at the familiar spectacle unfolding before her, the emotion associated with the brevity of this tiring but wonderful phase rather bowled me over. I found myself wanting Oliver-like to bottle the whole experience. For In the Night Garden - for better or for worse - seems to be a right of passage for today's toddler and now, as then, I recall the immortal words of Evelyn Waugh: <i>"I should like to bury something precious in every place that I have been happy, so that when I'm old and ugly and miserable, I could come back and dig it up, and remember." "</i><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg52c5e-ykUz9HJwjpn7Sd4-wfUKQO43HHCUQf9NubUfzfwXCZ2_ahIUBYOeVat5Y70vRkQdlDq8MTdZhIFXytHnqiQfaPytULxxh77RBnZyIjrW2AeswsHVSIHPiJSy94QUluRW-8uvA/s1600/night-garden-live-084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg52c5e-ykUz9HJwjpn7Sd4-wfUKQO43HHCUQf9NubUfzfwXCZ2_ahIUBYOeVat5Y70vRkQdlDq8MTdZhIFXytHnqiQfaPytULxxh77RBnZyIjrW2AeswsHVSIHPiJSy94QUluRW-8uvA/s400/night-garden-live-084.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a><br />
Yet, what did I know back then as I noted the simple tales lacking complexity? This year I stumbled across a fascinating article in the New Statesman by Medieval and Early Tudor historian, Amy Licence. In her in-depth analysis of the plotlines and characters of this world between waking and sleep, with its utopian vision and eternal temperate summer, she unpacks its Chaucerian roots, including the strict literary conventions it follows from structure to setting and characters: <i>"Parents can be reassured by the BBC’s admission that the “tone of the programme is deliberately literary” although it is perhaps more literary than they realise. What these tots are actually getting is a dose of the conventions of medieval poetry. Specifically, Chaucer’s dream visions."</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCIX7SF8vpRTewoQuFwLd65N4QJ52fYh7pFlUvatfvv3Si7djTMnJAM8O165DUp_Xp5j8OFbaWT9FNQf5UkQHBunZ5ThXESw9k-AoW6Yn5ZlK6Q8_Jd0nr7X7t0IxdMlKI40aGlGYqoN6/s1600/IMG_7133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCIX7SF8vpRTewoQuFwLd65N4QJ52fYh7pFlUvatfvv3Si7djTMnJAM8O165DUp_Xp5j8OFbaWT9FNQf5UkQHBunZ5ThXESw9k-AoW6Yn5ZlK6Q8_Jd0nr7X7t0IxdMlKI40aGlGYqoN6/s640/IMG_7133.JPG" width="480" /></a><i>"The programme begins with a sleepy-eyed toddler, lying in bed, having the palm of their hand stroked soothingly. “The night is black and the stars are bright and the sea is dark and deep” begins the song, almost hypnotically. Just as the toddler drifts off, so dream poetry often begin with the narrator lying down restlessly and hoping for the onset of sleep. As “the day began to fail and the dark night” arrives, as in The Parliament of Fowls, the boundaries blur between the conscious and waking worlds. Here, Chaucer’s narrator often meets a guide, who helps him navigate through this dream world. For CBeebies’ sleepy toddlers, there is the blue, fluffy figure of Iggle Piggle... Presented like a toddler’s drawing of a man, with his little shock of red hair and matching blanket, he is the “everyman” bridge between the worlds."</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZSYCL6NzmQk2ysE3lguv8nm5abujfqSK-_FJ8FFWd56gIAMyj0tYuyVdZEy9u8OcYqRCxkzZxPTMWFMVv8UoP5ENCLhZyWioa5k3OyOc3HT8EGvAcKJ1_V1a10ssSfhtz1dEoPrpMR6Z/s1600/IMG_7136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZSYCL6NzmQk2ysE3lguv8nm5abujfqSK-_FJ8FFWd56gIAMyj0tYuyVdZEy9u8OcYqRCxkzZxPTMWFMVv8UoP5ENCLhZyWioa5k3OyOc3HT8EGvAcKJ1_V1a10ssSfhtz1dEoPrpMR6Z/s400/IMG_7136.JPG" width="300" /></a><i>Upsy Daisy looks like, and is, a child’s doll. The heroines of Chaucer’s dreams are also similarly mannequinesque, with “golden hair and wide bright eyes.” One is even strangely boneless and unreal; her neck is “smooth and flat without hollow or collarbone” and “every limb rounded, fleshy and not over-thin,” while another is “a feminine creature, that never formed by nature, was such another seen.” They are as animate as the toys that people the Night Garden. Iggle Piggle’s little fabric heart, however, has been won. Quick to swoon in situations of intense emotion, such as a sneeze, he recalls the guide of The Book of the Duchess, eager “to worship her and serve as best I then could,” who declares his love but “she never gave a straw for all my tale.” The toys play with the ball, symbolic of the to and fro of romance. They are the lovers of medieval legend, forever enclosed within their perfect garden but childlike, safe and innocent. And, just as in The Parliament of Fowls, they have their own Cupid, the dumpy brown Makka Pakka, reminiscent of a little Renaissance putto." </i><br />
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It's a fascinating piece - I recommend a full read <a href="https://www.newstatesman.com/music-and-performance/2013/09/night-garden-secretly-teaching-our-toddlers-chaucer">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw2iXOOjsLhKYpv5fDOstF0S-POICY0quNrDfa1Ym2dGzBVQNnOKAwGp4GmDAk800N2Pak-ndynKsksTNFSeCLcCmqBKcEG7H4IsvMl7stNJ59DYPzmIrpB7aR0d5uVZGFW1A3yzRMK_U/s1600/IMG_7134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw2iXOOjsLhKYpv5fDOstF0S-POICY0quNrDfa1Ym2dGzBVQNnOKAwGp4GmDAk800N2Pak-ndynKsksTNFSeCLcCmqBKcEG7H4IsvMl7stNJ59DYPzmIrpB7aR0d5uVZGFW1A3yzRMK_U/s400/IMG_7134.JPG" width="300" /></a>The magic of our last visit was also completed by a chance to meet the characters. Culturetot's little buddy found the experience a little too daunting (they are huge), but this year Culturetot really threw herself into the experience, chatting to the characters who were really excellent with the children. The joy was palpable. We also trialed a goody-bag. Often these sorts of themed packs can be poorly made, but the one we received had really high quality items - a soft toy, books and a breakfast set that is still a favourite a year on.<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,&quot; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; orphans: 2; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">In the Night Garden Live runs annually and tickets can be booked <a href="https://www.nightgardenlive.com/" style="color: #993300; text-decoration: none;">at this site<span style="color: #004000;">, </span><span style="color: black;">though the website notes that this may be the last year in the showdome. </span></a>The next two legs of the 2018 tour are at:</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.nightgardenlive.com/email-birmingham#showdome">Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham</a><br />
7 July - 22 July 2018<br />
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<a href="https://www.nightgardenlive.com/email-manchester#showdome">intu Trafford Centre, Manchester</a><br />
28 July - 19 August 2018<br />
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There are 4 shows a day at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm. There are no shows on Tuesdays. Each show lasts just under one hour.<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,&quot; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; orphans: 2; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; position: static; width: auto;" /></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,&quot; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; orphans: 2; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">We received a family ticket last year in exchange for an honest review of the performance. As always all views are very much my own. Photographs courtesy of In the Night Garden Live or our own.</i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-10370802197920194362018-06-02T19:03:00.000+01:002018-06-02T21:19:57.950+01:00What the Ladybird Heard - Live on Stage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSE92jg9yYobulvCph4mdB4pmL-Ib9YGy2pTDP_AMj3uvVkdJz6wq86PolL7PaAQ5hmn8UpyGNe-8IcHyFjX9DWc3HpRMWrEKz9mSXu9TSC4oBAHOlLlG-V3KLjswIUGdNIKxn8kHhGM7x/s1600/What+the+Ladybird+Heard.+Emma+Breton+%2528Farmer%2529%252C+Benedict+Hastings+%2528Raymond%252C+Lanky+Len%2529%252C+Emma+Carroll+%2528Lily%252C+Ladybird%2529%252C+Edward+Way+%2528Eddie%252C+Hefty+Hugh%2529.+Credit+-+Robert+Day+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSE92jg9yYobulvCph4mdB4pmL-Ib9YGy2pTDP_AMj3uvVkdJz6wq86PolL7PaAQ5hmn8UpyGNe-8IcHyFjX9DWc3HpRMWrEKz9mSXu9TSC4oBAHOlLlG-V3KLjswIUGdNIKxn8kHhGM7x/s640/What+the+Ladybird+Heard.+Emma+Breton+%2528Farmer%2529%252C+Benedict+Hastings+%2528Raymond%252C+Lanky+Len%2529%252C+Emma+Carroll+%2528Lily%252C+Ladybird%2529%252C+Edward+Way+%2528Eddie%252C+Hefty+Hugh%2529.+Credit+-+Robert+Day+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbsVIVZlS3HvHqbWgG-naPbOEv7liYf1j74dBlUf04XHrRXW3TH8BrORiYFZHNaQZtlQakn0RpbWkny0t6I8Ew3YCQxQyE2EnhMTzfEUvPbR3fhmOnO_-YISe-5YjXZ288CjB-HcGz57S/s1600/What+the+Ladybird+Heard.+Edward+Way+%2528Hefty+Hugh%2529+%2526+Matt+Jopling+%2528Lanky+Len%2529.+Credit+-+Michael+Jean-Marain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbsVIVZlS3HvHqbWgG-naPbOEv7liYf1j74dBlUf04XHrRXW3TH8BrORiYFZHNaQZtlQakn0RpbWkny0t6I8Ew3YCQxQyE2EnhMTzfEUvPbR3fhmOnO_-YISe-5YjXZ288CjB-HcGz57S/s400/What+the+Ladybird+Heard.+Edward+Way+%2528Hefty+Hugh%2529+%2526+Matt+Jopling+%2528Lanky+Len%2529.+Credit+-+Michael+Jean-Marain.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
When Culturebaby was really young, one of the first pieces of childrens' theatre we went to see was the stage production of <a href="http://www.whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk/"><i>What the Ladybird Heard</i></a> based on the modern classic by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks. It was therefore particularly lovely to revisit this all singing, dancing, rhyming celebration of brilliant writing for children.<br />
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The energetic cast of just four brings the book to life splendidly with catchy tunes, musical instruments and clever puppetry. Here we join a farmer and his yard of creatively crafted animals, including a prized cow who is frankly rather pleased with her own credentials. Using items from around the farm, the cast cleverly brings a host of animals to life. A horse emerges from a bath and a bike, a sheep from handlebars and a rug, a hog from a barrel and cart, a dog from a brush... Farmhands and theatre stewards double up as the crooks Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len who are determined to steal the farmer's prize cow and retire on the proceeds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tJbJZ_5OKxXLOlqUIjaTQUpFKAJfP7NdXYIZh8c6v3Ep1ASQq10ebB9WNfOxF8heHlea4YvW-8i4GvMx9ZwYMqA970WJZkgFdaZ8V2yNqxftLUCgNFx_nXSUw2ZELSHqJY8AJ3HrBbbs/s1600/What+the+Ladybird+Heard.+Emma+Breton+%2528Farmer%2529%252C+Benedict+Hastings+%2528Raymond%252C+Lanky+Len%2529%252C+Emma+Carroll+%2528Lily%252C+Ladybird%2529%252C+Edward+Way+%2528Eddie%252C+Hefty+Hugh%2529.+Credit+-+Robert+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tJbJZ_5OKxXLOlqUIjaTQUpFKAJfP7NdXYIZh8c6v3Ep1ASQq10ebB9WNfOxF8heHlea4YvW-8i4GvMx9ZwYMqA970WJZkgFdaZ8V2yNqxftLUCgNFx_nXSUw2ZELSHqJY8AJ3HrBbbs/s640/What+the+Ladybird+Heard.+Emma+Breton+%2528Farmer%2529%252C+Benedict+Hastings+%2528Raymond%252C+Lanky+Len%2529%252C+Emma+Carroll+%2528Lily%252C+Ladybird%2529%252C+Edward+Way+%2528Eddie%252C+Hefty+Hugh%2529.+Credit+-+Robert+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAeBi4lAhIQ78pkyZe65oELa_uwgZfZ5il0d86TGDtKlNuQzb0md98UmrQ7910jc-FIA4UEKd7g0FOFEEfe1nTmieKBqLM9BqjpueWRACSOZtacfoVCtAhHUEWpDtbg1IkdMJ99yAJkQ8/s1600/What+the+Ladybird+Heard.+Emma+Breton+%2528Farmer%2529.+Credit+-+Robert+Day.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAeBi4lAhIQ78pkyZe65oELa_uwgZfZ5il0d86TGDtKlNuQzb0md98UmrQ7910jc-FIA4UEKd7g0FOFEEfe1nTmieKBqLM9BqjpueWRACSOZtacfoVCtAhHUEWpDtbg1IkdMJ99yAJkQ8/s400/What+the+Ladybird+Heard.+Emma+Breton+%2528Farmer%2529.+Credit+-+Robert+Day.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a>"Once upon a farm lived a fat red hen, a duck in a pond and a goose in a pen, a woolly sheep, a hairy hog, a handsome horse and a dainty dog, a cat that miaowed and a cat that purred, a fine prize cow... and a ladybird. </blockquote>
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And the cow said, ‘MOO!’, and the hen said ‘CLUCK!’, ‘HISS!’ said the goose and ‘QUACK’ said the duck. ‘NEIGH!’ said the horse. ‘OINK!’ said the hog. “BAA!” said the sheep and “WOOF!” said the dog. One cat miaowed whilst the other one purred… And the ladybird said never a word."</blockquote>
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Hugh and Len plan their great robbery meticulously - planning to follow
the sound of the animals as they creep around in the dead of night - but with the help of an extremely talented ladybird, the animals are
determined to protect their friend and foil the thieves' plan.<br />
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Julia Donaldson herself describes <i>What the Ladybird Heard </i>as one of her favourites amongst all the books she has written (she has since produced sequels including <i>What the Ladybird Heard Next</i> and <i>What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday</i>). She notes: "The germ of the idea was born when my youngest son, Jerry, had just started primary school and couldn't read yet fluently. The teacher asked the class to match up some animal words with their sounds. In Jerry's case the result was quite comical: a hen hisses, a dog moos, and so on. I couldn't help laughing (though not in front of my son) when I saw his piece of work, but I had no idea that many years later it would inspire me to write <i>What the Ladybird Heard."</i><br />
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Donaldson has said how wonderful it is to see her characters come to life on stage and illustrator Lydia Monks has been involved in the development of the live show - which certainly captures the essence of her adorable illustrations. The challenge was to stray true to the short story, whilst extending it to an hour of theatre. The songs and audience participation achieve this in a seemingly effortless manner and the jolly cast managed to get everyone up dancing by the coda.<br />
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When we posted about our trip to see the show this half term at the wonderful Rose Theatre in Kingston, so many of our friends who have seen it agreed what a fantasic production it is. There are performances tomorrow in Kingston and then Ladybird will be touring the country. You can find a performance near you <a href="http://www.whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk/">here</a>.<br />
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"At the dead of night the two bad men (Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len) opened the gate while the farmer slept and tiptoe into the farm they crept. Then the goose said, “NEIGH!” with all her might. And Len said, “That’s the horse — turn right." And the dainty dog began to QUACK. “The duck!” said Hugh. “We’re right on track.” "OINK,” said the cats. “There goes the hog! Be careful not to wake the dog.” “BAA BAA BAA,” said the fat red hen. “The sheep! We’re nearly there,” said Len. Then the duck on the pond said, “MOO MOO MOO!” “Two more steps to go!” said Hugh. And they both stepped into the duck pond — SPLOSH!"</blockquote>
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<i>Disclaimer: We received tickets to the performance for the purposes of review. As always all views are very much our own. Images and quotes courtesy of the Rose Theatre Kingston and Ladybird Live. For more great family programming at the Rose Theatre see their website <a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on">here</a>. For more Donaldson, the <a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/the-gruffalos-child">Gruffalo's Child will be playing in October</a>.</i> MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-28874817371465898282018-05-21T11:41:00.000+01:002018-05-21T11:41:23.225+01:00Let's All Dance: The Princess and the Frog <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #212121; font-family: &quot; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBEH1LxOiqFbSDdZPE-R6zZERt2fRhsBV6muOH9brvexmqPogocUw8yGv7YHxSsdUBKY2j0xwQCEanhDlNqYBXFdfFuERDm615pydKzbtjjCyViAvdJnhGHe2_JN6jsl_vWWtWHMIGBdF/s1600/P%2526F+2018+flyer+front+high+res+no+text%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBEH1LxOiqFbSDdZPE-R6zZERt2fRhsBV6muOH9brvexmqPogocUw8yGv7YHxSsdUBKY2j0xwQCEanhDlNqYBXFdfFuERDm615pydKzbtjjCyViAvdJnhGHe2_JN6jsl_vWWtWHMIGBdF/s640/P%2526F+2018+flyer+front+high+res+no+text%25281%2529.jpg" width="459" /></a>Since discovering Let's All Dance and their engaging, tailored and well pitched ballets for children, we've been to see <a href="https://www.culture-baby.net/2018/01/the-owl-and-pussycat-went-to-sea.html">The Owl and the Pussycat</a> and most recently the <a href="http://www.lets-all-dance.co.uk/the-princess-and-the-frog/">Princess and the Frog</a>. Short and (importantly) affordable, these productions feature two energetic dancers who engage with the audience and even have the patience to pose for a photograph with every single child after the production. This openness is indicative of the ethos of Let's All Dance which was created by founder Orit Sutton (who is always around to chat at performances) to combine fantastic dancing and beautiful costume with "crystal clear storytelling to engage and delight young audiences". We were sitting beside another family who admitted they were rather addicted to the series.</div>
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The Princess and the Frog is an original ballet and score, intended to open up classical ballet for the youngest of viewers. Based on a fairytale with an important message, the dancers bring to life the spoilt princess only concerned for her own games, and a frog desperate for a friend. Losing her golden ball into the pool, the princess uses the frog to retrieve it, promising a friendship she had no intention of keeping. However, little by little the frog and the princess become attached and as the princess's behaviour changes, ultimately she is able to free the playmate she has grown to love. </div>
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As I've written before, one of the unique elements of the Let's All Dance Ballets is their intimacy. You feel closer to the dancers than in a normal ballet, with the Owl and the Pussycat it was almost as if the dancers had come to dance just for us in our own home, they were so close you felt as if you were on the stage with them. Though the Princess and the Frog was in a larger theatre the dancers still achieved this proximity to the audience, coming out into the aisles while they danced and inviting one lucky little chap onto the stage to take part in the performance. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb0dj3fZuw4rcHK75xL0NqqfqFs9rcTKx9qGkId4deRWBYyC0AoP5XgVoNTjIcvntAR0hkj_WTWN2LB052V-p9EfQKxdUtOsYIJSCGaVtLQG1Xx3o0V1bZnluq8V4v7pMKDRp97q7T8S6/s1600/P%2526F+princess+leap.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: &quot; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb0dj3fZuw4rcHK75xL0NqqfqFs9rcTKx9qGkId4deRWBYyC0AoP5XgVoNTjIcvntAR0hkj_WTWN2LB052V-p9EfQKxdUtOsYIJSCGaVtLQG1Xx3o0V1bZnluq8V4v7pMKDRp97q7T8S6/s400/P%2526F+princess+leap.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a>Through having children I'm increasingly loving rediscovering fairy tales and myths and they remain core favourites in the bedtime story selections. Usborne does a great selection (from the very well known to the fabulous and more obscure) as part of their brilliant Early Readers series, likewise Ladybird has a wide selection and through the years has produced various versions of the Princess and the Frog - some strikingly 80s in style! Albert Einstein famously noted: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” The <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb0dj3fZuw4rcHK75xL0NqqfqFs9rcTKx9qGkId4deRWBYyC0AoP5XgVoNTjIcvntAR0hkj_WTWN2LB052V-p9EfQKxdUtOsYIJSCGaVtLQG1Xx3o0V1bZnluq8V4v7pMKDRp97q7T8S6/s1600/P%2526F+princess+leap.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb0dj3fZuw4rcHK75xL0NqqfqFs9rcTKx9qGkId4deRWBYyC0AoP5XgVoNTjIcvntAR0hkj_WTWN2LB052V-p9EfQKxdUtOsYIJSCGaVtLQG1Xx3o0V1bZnluq8V4v7pMKDRp97q7T8S6/s1600/P%2526F+princess+leap.jpg"></a>moral messages, the story construction, the imagination, their foundation in much adult referencing and fiction... Like myths and biblical stories, such tales form a canon of references that help us to understand our culture better. Seeing these stories come alive on stage in such a memorable way really adds to the magic of this discovery. We are loving Russian fairy tales at present. I'm even indulging in some adult editions. I highly recommend The Bear and the Nightingale and its sequel The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden, and many of the ten year olds in our life are devouring the inventive School for Good and Evil.</div>
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Why not do some follow on science too inspired by the story? I've found that Spring is such a perfect time to explore the theme of life cycles. <a href="https://safariltd.com/products/search/sub_category:29">We have six brilliant Safariology life-cycle model sets</a> which come in four or five stages of a creature's development and encourage exploration, sorting and play. The frog edition comes in five parts and is scrumptiously tactile for hands-on learning.<br /><br /><br />A few years ago I set up a simple pond-like sensory play tub with the frog set using a base of green water beads. This fun little resource (not for children who still mouth) grow from tiny beads with the addition of water, and they are slimy and squishable to the touch. Once the weather improved we also incorporated some of these little models in a spot of outdoor water play. We are also fans of pond dipping. See <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2014/09/nature-baby-celebrating-summer.html">here </a>for some associated summer activities.</div>
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<b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></b></div>
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<b>Let's All Dance will be touring with their new production, Alice in Wonderland, from May.</b><b><br />
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<b>Please visit their website for more info and to book tickets:</b><b><br />
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</span><a href="http://www.lets-all-dance.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: &quot; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank"><b>www.lets-all-dance.co.uk</b></a><br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We received tickets for the performance for the purposes of review. All opinions are very much our own.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-64719279423878065662018-05-14T10:45:00.000+01:002018-05-14T10:45:44.580+01:00Baby at the British Museum<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuPd2nTyIuCujdj-hQOlDPZT3Wp-KzVrlcEY536GvB0Q3U5OlAPwXNpWnPO6zYFWH8V37Tet50FTu1fzw86RDsmKjJk0qwDR05v_5rgv12-hCQx5yJOQv-9fs7Ax_8J_CF3zGpgkUbkWs/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuPd2nTyIuCujdj-hQOlDPZT3Wp-KzVrlcEY536GvB0Q3U5OlAPwXNpWnPO6zYFWH8V37Tet50FTu1fzw86RDsmKjJk0qwDR05v_5rgv12-hCQx5yJOQv-9fs7Ax_8J_CF3zGpgkUbkWs/s400/image1.jpeg" width="400" /></a>When I began writing this blog, Culturebaby was tiny and I was constantly on the look out for high quality, brilliant books for babies and toddlers to introduce them to art and history. Even 6 years ago there was very little on the history side. I gathered rather a lovely collection about art (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2016/09/art-baby-best-art-board-books-for-very.html">see here</a>) and began to piece together an Egyptian version (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2013/07/all-about-mummy.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2014/06/keeping-mum.html">here</a>) but with the exception of the gorgeous <i>One Blue Hippo: An Ancient Egyptian Counting Book</i> and quirky <i>Tickle Tut's Toes</i> there was little else for toddling archaeologists. I was therefore delighted to be approached last year to review the stunning progeny of a well matched marriage between The British Museum and publisher Nosy Crow. The resulting exquisite and fascinating books, which unpacked the collections of the museum in a bright and engaging way, really filled a gaping hole in early years provision for miniature museum-goers and their families. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnIpPvvbTl3UcedjMnlOBkuavIv5Ykk9EmUgmWnPb2b97bQBTcijpdtv4Lmz2TNU7dhRIFlqZqG7rAxBMD8Hsond_0nvXFKIRMzM8Iyg-5BHGTMfrCnKU6tqW0_J_Gmi2uJ8GF_lgGIyc/s1600/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnIpPvvbTl3UcedjMnlOBkuavIv5Ykk9EmUgmWnPb2b97bQBTcijpdtv4Lmz2TNU7dhRIFlqZqG7rAxBMD8Hsond_0nvXFKIRMzM8Iyg-5BHGTMfrCnKU6tqW0_J_Gmi2uJ8GF_lgGIyc/s400/image8.jpeg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTP2znVRbim_2fzy5acwTFaMl1D1g7acu9cRA0pW7vTGYYmCj6li337Ricasku3cdW1vtpDWBA1OCKSTs4NaD3b2DTSFWzIyUID005d6LWC2vNnslOkYIm2JsKmcx6zPTe3_QuAr_arxI/s1600/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: "quot"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTP2znVRbim_2fzy5acwTFaMl1D1g7acu9cRA0pW7vTGYYmCj6li337Ricasku3cdW1vtpDWBA1OCKSTs4NaD3b2DTSFWzIyUID005d6LWC2vNnslOkYIm2JsKmcx6zPTe3_QuAr_arxI/s400/image7.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>The first titles I'd like to talk about form part a series called<i> Early Learning at the Museum.</i> These four sumptuous and well designed board books are full of high quality photographs of items from the BM's collections, showcased against colourful backdrops. Covering Colours, Opposites, 123 and ABC (with others being published since), the books aim to develop the essential areas of learning for little people. I also love that these titles draw from a wide spectrum of the museum's collections from prints and drawings and paintings to textiles, jewellery, pottery and archaeological items. These may be objects found in perhaps lesser-visited galleries which encourage us to look beyond the sarcophagi to other intriguing realms. We journey from Japan to America, Africa to Scandinavia on a single page and are encouraged to look at the objects thematically, numerically, for their colourful properties or for their similarities across the ages or geography. Pitt-Rivers-like, we explore collections by theme, or we see wildly different items juxtaposed for their contrasting qualities.<br />
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The absolute winner of the pack for the girls who are now 4 and 6 is <a href="https://nosycrow.com/product/british-museum-123/">123</a>, which works from 1 to 20 items. The numerical element of this book allows for a kaleidoscopic array of items on many of the pages and the girls love working through it and selecting which item they would choose if given the option. We also play 'guess the oldest item'. Pages with selections of dolls, keys, bags, hats, spoons, cups and rings hold endless fascination.</div>
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The titles also come with internet codes for parents linking to further information, and are ripe for use with follow-on activities to discover the items in real life on journeys through the galleries. These I-spy activities are so effective and need little preparation (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2014/06/my-mini-matisse.html">see here</a> for an example with Tate's Matisse exhibition). I simply cannot rave enough about these brilliant and beautiful books.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Accompanying the Early Learning Series is a fabulous playbook, that suits a range of ages.</span><i style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="https://nosycrow.com/product/british-museum-mixed-up-masterpieces-funny-faces/">Mixed-up Masterpieces</a></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> again features a set of high quality photographs of faces from the British Museum's collections. From ceremonial masks to marble busts, Halloween costumes to figurines, again we travel through the collections meeting a range of characters. As babies finish with simple black and white shapes and begin to perceive colour (</span><a href="https://www.culture-baby.net/2012/04/these-are-few-of-my-favourite-things.html" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">see here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> for why), they begin to be fascinated with faces. This book would be perfect for this earliest of stages; but it is also a creative puzzle for older children. The reader is invited to either discover the correct combination of facial features amongst 2000 combinations, or create their own weird and wonderful combinations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://nosycrow.com/wp-content/uploads/imported-books/British-Museum-Mummy-284589-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" id="fullResImage" src="https://nosycrow.com/wp-content/uploads/imported-books/British-Museum-Mummy-284589-1.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; height: 485px; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; width: 484px; word-spacing: 0px;" width="319" /><b><br /></b></a><br />
Finally in the early years set is a new Egyptian title to add to our collection: <i><a href="https://nosycrow.com/product/mummy/">Mummy!</a></i> by Lerryn Korda. With the simplest of concepts and aimed at the 0-2 range, I thought when it arrived that it might be a little young for almost 4 year old Culturetot, but she's really taken to it. A little Egyptian girl can't find her Mummy and embarks on a journey on the banks of the Nile to locate her. Along the way she encounters a host of different Mummies - from animal to embalmed - and finally finds her own. The loveliest feature of this little Board book is that it includes hieroglyph translations of a number of the key words, introducing the tiniest of readers to this most intriguing of languages.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkRuLu7m6oNfkURy-bWpQx9xzEriGOyDSvpHell40cC6Jk2rRimC_Dm29k6D1viX9XlY9sztumnDXWVWJFtC2iwq5iDrhiscEEItVdtv2ibAdYDOXLs5_tHq6O2pmf8I-4zmm8vEFAHxK/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkRuLu7m6oNfkURy-bWpQx9xzEriGOyDSvpHell40cC6Jk2rRimC_Dm29k6D1viX9XlY9sztumnDXWVWJFtC2iwq5iDrhiscEEItVdtv2ibAdYDOXLs5_tHq6O2pmf8I-4zmm8vEFAHxK/s320/image2.jpeg" width="320" /></a>For older children (as well as adults) there is also a beautiful set of several creative colouring books. Again inspired by the collections of the museum and with an inspiration guide at the end, these have been one of the most successful activity books for the girls as they loved the idea. Containing greetings cards paired with an envelope to construct, colour and decorate, and a sticker to seal it all, the girls were able to use this resource to make their own birthday and thank you cards for friends. Given the bonkers prices of greetings cards these days, these are also both excellent value and produce a rather more unique offering from the girls to any recipient. They even have a cute little box for them to sign "coloured for you by..."<b><br /></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer: <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Nosy Crow is working with the British Museum in an exclusive partnership to create a broad range of children’s books to sell to the UK trade and beyond. The British Museum is ‘a museum of the world, for the world’. The books draw on the British Museum’s internationally recognised brand, its unparalleled collection of objects and its world-class expertise. </span>We were sent copies of these books for the purposes of a review. All views are very much our own and we only ever review books we love and recommend.</span></i></div>
MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-43480592784152482792018-04-23T11:29:00.001+01:002018-04-23T11:29:59.954+01:00George's Marvellous Medicine & Chocolate Cake - Scrumptious Easter Theatre for Kids<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN0bKZmpKGkH5hW3GwoPhxq9uEhuHkFsnNth9tuXNQZ0hbv33YuqUEqSb2AKLQ1YEl7VxWUPlYGWxba1HuiFGGAwIn_2jyMvmJ9Dtdn05Il-fwdLYfVLg5mcgK1ZTm8Klj3X88e7dwUHO/s1600/Catherine+Morris+%2528George%2527s+Mum%2529%252C+Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529%252C+Lisa+Howard+%2528Grandma%2529+and+Chandni+Mistry+%2528Chicken%2529.+Photography+credit+-+Manuel+Harlan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1238" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN0bKZmpKGkH5hW3GwoPhxq9uEhuHkFsnNth9tuXNQZ0hbv33YuqUEqSb2AKLQ1YEl7VxWUPlYGWxba1HuiFGGAwIn_2jyMvmJ9Dtdn05Il-fwdLYfVLg5mcgK1ZTm8Klj3X88e7dwUHO/s640/Catherine+Morris+%2528George%2527s+Mum%2529%252C+Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529%252C+Lisa+Howard+%2528Grandma%2529+and+Chandni+Mistry+%2528Chicken%2529.+Photography+credit+-+Manuel+Harlan.jpg" width="492" /></a>We are really lucky in South West London to have two theatres that are fantastic for children. The family programming at The Rose in Kingston is of a really high quality, and this Easter we also went on our first visit to the Polka in Wimbledon - a theatre dedicated exclusively to children between 0 and 14 complete with café and play areas.</div>
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On Good Friday we joined a packed audience at the Rose to see George's Marvellous Medicine. It was rather <i>the</i> local event - lots of people from the area have mentioned that they have been and loved it. I think this is fabulous - theatres should be at the heart of community, part of the warp and weft of our family routines. The offer at the Rose is so fantastic it never fails to deliver - this time we took one of Culturebaby's friends - its a great idea for a slightly different playdate.</div>
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The girls are really getting into Roald Dahl. We have a great set of audiobooks that we listen to on long journeys and as a real surprise this year Culturebaby passed over any opportunity to wear a ball gown or a tutu and went to World Book Day at school as Matilda, clutching a basketful of books. They hadn't yet read George's Marvellous Medicine, so this interactive, fun and musical production was a great introduction to this Dahl classic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eLRYMBCixbN5jfOgnZmeoRFcWyVhyphenhyphenf_78XvFDzIvwRAAl4BnO9X930D_0lBPy3azgznDDD3_N382RaZrZhU4TtpCeP-o8HoN4B4X5C5cy-XUoA3zC3gMQNX4oPi85ByRfC1QtJZnksJ-/s1600/Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529.+Photography+credit+-+Manuel+Harlan+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eLRYMBCixbN5jfOgnZmeoRFcWyVhyphenhyphenf_78XvFDzIvwRAAl4BnO9X930D_0lBPy3azgznDDD3_N382RaZrZhU4TtpCeP-o8HoN4B4X5C5cy-XUoA3zC3gMQNX4oPi85ByRfC1QtJZnksJ-/s400/Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529.+Photography+credit+-+Manuel+Harlan+%25283%2529.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>George is on half term and can't wait to crack open his latest novel, but unexpectedly (and equally unwelcomely) his grumpy Grandma announces her imminent arrival to stay... indefinitely. Wielding a buzzer and using it regularly, his Grandmother proves both mean and demanding. George resolves to cure her mood with a fantastical medicine of his own invention. I was reminded on watching quite how deathly this medicine really would have been (and the cast took great pains to reiterate 'don't try this at home') but somehow George's marvellous medicine proves far from toxic - instead on ingestion it causes spectacular growth...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVvdfHLy-oZwnT8Hno4H69_NxU-hA__Ega3pGnFn9_T40bTmPJPNvxCR6Cl1Vz07RtaU0o7dcFl36m7tLXMOKIECgvStf7Z5EACNhyMT4DRqnQ0uL71mp-yAtx4GeelPCxeqgXbX-k5_C/s1600/Chandni+Mistry+%2528Chicken%2529+and+Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529.+Photography+credit+-+Manuel+Harlan+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVvdfHLy-oZwnT8Hno4H69_NxU-hA__Ega3pGnFn9_T40bTmPJPNvxCR6Cl1Vz07RtaU0o7dcFl36m7tLXMOKIECgvStf7Z5EACNhyMT4DRqnQ0uL71mp-yAtx4GeelPCxeqgXbX-k5_C/s640/Chandni+Mistry+%2528Chicken%2529+and+Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529.+Photography+credit+-+Manuel+Harlan+%25281%2529.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a>What we loved about this colourful and high energy production (with a Grandma who really did steal the show) was the extent to which a delighted audience were involved. In a test of observation, we had to help George create his medicine and then piece back together the initial concoction when more was required. The young audience did rather well...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFff99Xqd-Fnf4D0UkyNcwZtckRAXk7zpaFB18mnCg4mUuBByoU7K9BM-g1IUhTr2ybMn8GFj1LMzr2YaFwQy7BQTcbO8u1ViqlGDGekk29HClBVhpqoD5JGg9mjHTi820-rE6LiL404GS/s1600/IMG_2647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFff99Xqd-Fnf4D0UkyNcwZtckRAXk7zpaFB18mnCg4mUuBByoU7K9BM-g1IUhTr2ybMn8GFj1LMzr2YaFwQy7BQTcbO8u1ViqlGDGekk29HClBVhpqoD5JGg9mjHTi820-rE6LiL404GS/s400/IMG_2647.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a> CHANDNI MISTRY INTERVIEW – GEORGE‘S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE <b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1qninI7Fssnf-9djwgK7ShSxMAveqjz8oqnpd7yHGXZK9o3LsW4WZisV7jVP5B_HdMyB8MqKHWV4Loheibju7oHwLxwUANbqY_cH3Zd9_GM9ePULwGGmKEIHowQJtv4Z8Bj5DEtMhyphenhyphenuF/s1600/IMG_2646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1qninI7Fssnf-9djwgK7ShSxMAveqjz8oqnpd7yHGXZK9o3LsW4WZisV7jVP5B_HdMyB8MqKHWV4Loheibju7oHwLxwUANbqY_cH3Zd9_GM9ePULwGGmKEIHowQJtv4Z8Bj5DEtMhyphenhyphenuF/s400/IMG_2646.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswIu5jY3z6FsIbMOvhSK9nuEuB8CWD1FmsgjSO5yWnTqRIcShfE35huBNhAiZJWYKE1W9cUXtcx8MiOx06ENWR0jJ27bGShjT86-8F2RYn4zITG2rzD7OUxAgRq77cZqfcig3KnwppKv3/s1600/Clockwise+L-R+-+Justin+Wilman+%2528George%2527s+Dad%2529%252C+Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529%252C+Lisa+Howard+%2528Grandma%2529+and+Catherine+Morris+%2528George%2527s+Mum%2529.+Photography+cre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswIu5jY3z6FsIbMOvhSK9nuEuB8CWD1FmsgjSO5yWnTqRIcShfE35huBNhAiZJWYKE1W9cUXtcx8MiOx06ENWR0jJ27bGShjT86-8F2RYn4zITG2rzD7OUxAgRq77cZqfcig3KnwppKv3/s640/Clockwise+L-R+-+Justin+Wilman+%2528George%2527s+Dad%2529%252C+Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529%252C+Lisa+Howard+%2528Grandma%2529+and+Catherine+Morris+%2528George%2527s+Mum%2529.+Photography+cre.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="425" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswIu5jY3z6FsIbMOvhSK9nuEuB8CWD1FmsgjSO5yWnTqRIcShfE35huBNhAiZJWYKE1W9cUXtcx8MiOx06ENWR0jJ27bGShjT86-8F2RYn4zITG2rzD7OUxAgRq77cZqfcig3KnwppKv3/s1600/Clockwise+L-R+-+Justin+Wilman+%2528George%2527s+Dad%2529%252C+Preston+Nyman+%2528George%2529%252C+Lisa+Howard+%2528Grandma%2529+and+Catherine+Morris+%2528George%2527s+Mum%2529.+Photography+cre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px;"><br /></a>Chandni Mistry, who plays the role of the Chicken, talks about the production. </div>
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“I’m so excited to be part of this show! Our production of George’s Marvellous Medicine shows how imagination is the most amazing thing, not just for kids but for adults too. All George wants to do over his school holiday is read a book but the adults keep getting in the way. To get around that, he finds the most ridiculously inventive ways to have fun again. </div>
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“When I first got the part I really didn’t know what to expect. Obviously I play a giant Chicken but exactly how we’d make that happen on stage was a mystery to me. Our Director, Julia Thomas, has a brilliant eye for creativity and invention that keeps everything a surprise and a little unexpected. I’m certainly not your typical Chicken! </div>
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“One thing I’ve got to say about this show is how amazing the cast and creative team are. Everyone is giving their all behind the scenes and up on stage, I think that really shows too –you can’t get up in front of audiences as a Chicken or a grumpy Joan Collins-esque Grandma and be even a little bit shy. It’s all or nothing! </div>
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“This is a kids’ show but it really is fun for the entire family. Julia Thomas and our Designer Morgan Large have packed the production full of references to modern life that keep it current and fun for all ages. Tasha Taylor-Johnson, our Composer, has also infused the show with this incredibly funky, hip hop soundtrack that you can’t help but want to move to. It’s a brilliant vibe. </div>
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“We do have a strong ‘don’t try this at home’ message in the show but we’re also really inspiring creativity and entrepreneurship in our audiences. A lot of our props are made from recycled objects and we actually spent hours when rehearsals first began just letting our imaginations run wild and making the props that you see on stage, from pigs to milkshake machines. It was great for us to get in that creative zone and the things we made from the most random objects absolutely work in George’s world. </div>
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“This is the first time I’ve ever performed in an adaptation of one of Roald Dahl’s stories but I’ve always loved him as a writer. I remember reading his stories when I was younger and finding them so funny, there’s a lot of nostalgia for me in this production. That’s the great things about Dahl – kids are still reading his stories and are coming to the theatre with their parents who also read the books when they were children. They have this universal appeal that brings everyone together which is fantastic to make come to life on stage." </div>
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“I think my favourite thing about this production (and there are lots to choose from!) is the reaction we get from audiences each performance. Hearing the crowd laugh and enjoy the show is just the best feeling you can have.” </div>
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George's Marvellous Medicine is touring and is currently in Liverpool.</div>
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<a href="https://polkatheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ChocolateCake-121-e1522161821191-1024x893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img alt="undefined" border="0" class="mfp-img" height="348" src="https://polkatheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ChocolateCake-121-e1522161821191-1024x893.jpg" style="cursor: move; max-height: 683px;" width="400" /></a>We were also very pleasantly surprised by our first trip to the Polka to see Michael Rosen's Chocolate Cake. We love his writing but this piece was a first for us. It's wonderful to go to the theatre to celebrate already loved books or productions, but it is also a joy to experience new ones, to go not knowing what to expect, and to come away the richer. Chocolate Cake is a musical play based on a poem by Michael Rosen (now a book) and in the production we meet a young Michael, his older brother and his mother. Michael looks up to his older brother who he perceives to be much cooler, funnier, and cleverer than him - but he doesn't see his own strengths. Michael's favourite treat is chocolate cake. He dreams about it, creates stories about it, and looks forward with impatience to the next opportunity to eat some - his brother's birthday. The evening before the party an enormous cake created by his mother is stored safely in the kitchen, ready and waiting. The anticipation proves just too much for Michael. He wakes in the night and creeps downstairs...</div>
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There are some wonderful touches in the show. It is very human - messages of handling temptation, forgiveness, patience and family love and the music was excellent. Mark Houston who plays Michael has a really great voice and his '50s style song 'I'm Sorry' was a real highlight. Although we never know whether the story is true, we realise that Michael is in fact a young Rosen. His mother talks about his creative imagination and that his poem about a bear hunt was mentioned by the teacher as the best in class. We are left wondering whether he too had a brother that he felt in awe of. We all really enjoyed the production.</div>
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Set designer Verity Quinn talks in the programme about her inspiration for the design of Chocolate Cake. "I wanted to create a design which felt a bit like a living pop-up book of Michael's mind, using geometric shapes and bold colours which <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">could pop out and fold away to celebrate the creativity and imagination of Michael's life., I was especially inspired by the abstract colour block paintings of Piet Mondrian, by Pop artists Claus Oldenburg, Patrick Caulfield and Roy Lichtenstein and by Russian interior designer Daria Zinovatnaya... I love the freedom there is at Polka to create unusual worlds that are full of possibilities. It's a really unusual space to design for which challenges me to be inventive and there's a fantastic production team here who bring the designs to life with skill and ingenuity." </span></div>
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Why not try some Mondrian-inspired follow on art activities <a href="https://www.culture-baby.net/2014/10/mini-mondrian.html">on our blog here.</a></div>
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You kind find out more about the excellent programming at the <a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/the-rose-at-10-celebrating-10-years-of-world-class-theatre">Rose theatre here</a>, and the <a href="https://polkatheatre.com/">Polka here</a>. The Rose has recently announced its 2018 Christmas show, a festive new version with original music of the Brothers’ Grimm classic Hansel & Gretel written by Ciaran McConville, who returns to the theatre following last year’s successful adaptation of Alice in Winterland (<u><a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/12/alice-in-winterland.html">see our review here)</a></u>. Rosie Jones will direct a cast of local young actors from Rose Youth Theatre led by a team of professional actors. The production opens on Fri 14 Dec, with previews from Thu 6 Dec, and runs until Sun 6 Jan 2019. <b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Chocolate Cake is touring to a range of locations around the country.</div>
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<i>Disclaimer: We received tickets to the performances in exchange for an honest review. All views as always are our own. Photographs courtesy of the Polka and Rose theatres.</i></div>
<b></b>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-62648125932785872592018-04-04T15:19:00.000+01:002018-04-16T09:27:52.621+01:00The Essential Library for Mighty Girls - The Second Shelf<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyv6T-XkPLX2YooVjiParm725wa7U0u5t11B7H58ia0G2VHePNQkfG98y448AI05zOc8eq5mI5r7qi1bxLLudafAGva9vzJIlbS9_A1STs7ACtH9OcyZzYqOXOLWuQi8NE5ISQUcvTqKJ/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyv6T-XkPLX2YooVjiParm725wa7U0u5t11B7H58ia0G2VHePNQkfG98y448AI05zOc8eq5mI5r7qi1bxLLudafAGva9vzJIlbS9_A1STs7ACtH9OcyZzYqOXOLWuQi8NE5ISQUcvTqKJ/s400/IMG_2399.JPG" width="400" /></a><i></i>In February we celebrated 100 years of the first swathes of women gaining their hard won right to vote and last month saw the annual International Women's Day. The times they-are-a-changing, and happily publishers are gathering in their droves to produce high quality empowering picture and chapter books about brilliant women of the past and strong ladies of literature, and they are also producing new feminist picture book heroines of the future. Last year I produced the first instalment of our Essential Library for Mighty Girls. If you haven't read it pop<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/07/the-essential-mighty-girls-picture-book.html"> back and start here</a> with some stunning titles of fact and fiction.<br />
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Between then and now there's been a couple of feet of additional corkers to add to the shelf. This is becoming quite a collection, one to pass down through the generations. These books would be a brilliant gift for any young woman, but the boys need to read them too.</div>
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1.<i> Little People, Big Dreams Series (Frances Lincoln)</i><br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DD0JaybWAAE_ENR.png:large" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #993300; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" class="media-image" data-height="258" data-width="571" height="180" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DD0JaybWAAE_ENR.png:large" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-image: none; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); margin-top: 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a>First up are the next 4 instalments of the exquisite Little People Big Dreams series from Frances Lincoln publishing. I was delighted this recent Christmas to see these little gems popping out of Christmas stockings of the daughters of friends across the country. The vision for these books, created by a selection of different authors and illustrators each with their own distinctive and scrumptious style, is that young children can easily, through these simple and engaging biographies, discover the lives of outstanding people. From designers and artists to scientists, activists and authors, every featured mighty woman went on (often despite the odds) to achieve incredible things. Each had a dream and a passion and they followed it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XZ3kt8R3w7eEDf1G6DpJZnpFlBc6HJ8zogigLH3UlNAvuSGpY0Ttr4Ep91j7GK3CcvyQzjE7xIs4nZelscE-i8albcNurf1aFAZq1FqA54wMrcMk3ZDbJrN1-g58YNzosXGDtFDyNjnH/s1600/IMG_2410+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XZ3kt8R3w7eEDf1G6DpJZnpFlBc6HJ8zogigLH3UlNAvuSGpY0Ttr4Ep91j7GK3CcvyQzjE7xIs4nZelscE-i8albcNurf1aFAZq1FqA54wMrcMk3ZDbJrN1-g58YNzosXGDtFDyNjnH/s320/IMG_2410+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-5usjCJWghatzvlXTw6ENIy_orde0Q1PjGA4StFF20C_GnDzPP_h2V_sE3TvotCLMbHx-OI8-bM3_stE8E1Fn7TLKeQZm850Djo5_eFbgUg9Q1TiDz4fYLqDn6h1FwRd_9W_pGZ4hYNo/s1600/IMG_2412+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-5usjCJWghatzvlXTw6ENIy_orde0Q1PjGA4StFF20C_GnDzPP_h2V_sE3TvotCLMbHx-OI8-bM3_stE8E1Fn7TLKeQZm850Djo5_eFbgUg9Q1TiDz4fYLqDn6h1FwRd_9W_pGZ4hYNo/s320/IMG_2412+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a>On the day of the celebration of women's suffrage, the girls skipped into school sporting green, white and purple ribbons, and wielding their copy of<i> Emmeline Pankhurst</i>, a particular favourite. Culturebaby's teacher reported back that she loved sharing it with the class. The beauty of these books, beyond the stunning illustrations and brilliantly rendered versions of the characters, is the simplicity with which they convey the uniqueness of what each woman achieved and some of the great wisdom they have left with us. Emmeline was brilliant. She learned to read at 3 and was supported by affluent parents, but she didn't have many choices because she was a girl. She didn't understand why her father had said it was too bad she wasn't a boy - she couldn't go to university, vote or get a job like her brothers. She began to sense the unfairness of this predicament, both for herself but for other women and she started to read about women's rights, and as soon as she left school she began to campaign. She met a man who believed the same and together they worked for equality, and after he sadly died she was left with a large family (and she had to work to support them) but she didn't stop her mission - her daughters all joined in. Emmeline founded a new group of women called the Women's Social and Political Union, who at times had to resort to extreme measures to get themselves heard. Finally during the war they supported the effort and demonstrated their own indispensability and that women truly were human beings with rights. The second title is the inspiring story of Rosa Parks, born in Alabama and subject to degrading segregation. Rosa knew what she saw wasn't right and she began to work for better rights for black people. One day on a bus on her way home from the city, Rosa was told to stand up to give her seat to a white person and she refused. She was thrown into prison, which prompted others to hear her cause. Black people boycotted buses and worked together to raise awareness of the injustice they were subject to daily. Finally the Supreme Court ruled what Rosa knew all along, that treating people differently on buses because of the colour of their skin was wrong. Things began to change. Rosa had to move from Alabama where she was no longer safe, but she continued to campaign. She said "we have to keep trying as long as we are alive". <i></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qWUxKewfZdQWaE_0EvBiHnQDoHPF7eJEQUybpVdsr0VGW1QQhk5CTBl6dMWA3HHCODU9N4CsEyeRQqR-gfTe9cBnop45cqeMVxrW66UQV-8ddvMjRUxVp3PEn0EtMf5gncdcRaLsD4RX/s1600/IMG_E2411.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qWUxKewfZdQWaE_0EvBiHnQDoHPF7eJEQUybpVdsr0VGW1QQhk5CTBl6dMWA3HHCODU9N4CsEyeRQqR-gfTe9cBnop45cqeMVxrW66UQV-8ddvMjRUxVp3PEn0EtMf5gncdcRaLsD4RX/s320/IMG_E2411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GFjziXQLee167vRuyEBnsQywXgF3Di8s4acVBRr8Nfz7gK6PNBoiC__gCy8dVsVcOdcBIxApPSrin2hRuI957xq1oWp0CjKr8RRRrJ9zaTyV1_9oM18x_yHiujjy0tX1gEoW-QOJbA4v/s1600/IMG_E2409.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GFjziXQLee167vRuyEBnsQywXgF3Di8s4acVBRr8Nfz7gK6PNBoiC__gCy8dVsVcOdcBIxApPSrin2hRuI957xq1oWp0CjKr8RRRrJ9zaTyV1_9oM18x_yHiujjy0tX1gEoW-QOJbA4v/s320/IMG_E2409.JPG" width="320" /></a>Next, two very different women - Agatha Christie - a brilliant writer with an incredible imagination who used her experiences travelling and nursing in the war to create some of the world's best known literary characters and to become the best selling novelist of all time. Oh the mighty power of the pen! And finally Audrey Hepburn, a child who had suffered and become ill during the war who dreamed of being a dancer. Audrey was told that she had been left too weak to be a ballerina but instead she threw herself into musicals and before long, this beautiful woman became a world-famous star. <i></i>She had a simple rule for life "Dance as though no one is watching. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though Heaven is on Earth." And young Audrey did - she never forgot that there were children who were hungry just as she had been and she became an official charity ambassador, travelling the world to raise money for children's health and working for this cause for the rest of her life. I can't wait to see who Frances Lincoln covers next...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZua-pJEkE83GrOZDfd9hGaYd30b_JJX9R5JHXYG1jkm5AtCLlKw1SFeUtUwP6gUs6uRKXZd2l6TyQvSzEB5HjPOYf5alw4vHTYxrC0JJ7B_BHkQsoKNGpddne0ZFJIn5NZBrQmWZe1pcw/s1600/IMG_E2407.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZua-pJEkE83GrOZDfd9hGaYd30b_JJX9R5JHXYG1jkm5AtCLlKw1SFeUtUwP6gUs6uRKXZd2l6TyQvSzEB5HjPOYf5alw4vHTYxrC0JJ7B_BHkQsoKNGpddne0ZFJIn5NZBrQmWZe1pcw/s320/IMG_E2407.JPG" width="240" /></a><i>2. Ella Queen of Jazz by Helen Hancocks (Frances Lincoln)</i></div>
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A few other brilliant picture book biographies sit well beside these others. Firstly, again from Frances Lincoln, is the beautiful<i> Ella Queen of Jazz</i> by Helen Hancocks, the true story of the prejudice faced by the talented jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and how an unlikely friendship with the star Marilyn Monroe not only gave Ella opportunities she needed to break into white-dominated venues, but which also helped Marilyn to find her own singing voice through Ella - she even went on to sing for the president. Its a great, and perhaps lesser-known, tale of what courage and friendship can do, even amongst the most seemingly successful of women.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fzx028XuGt1IaGrpgbzFhPvSAiarWNFhzF-HxiEoI4GQS6gPWdWAj3v7mNXH8I73FV4ejHZ5cLhCpfmbfDuknjFS_W4sQIkL9YJGEKyxrpiHrjeJLmn2NdiveqPx5myI5iPSzJ4GSxjB/s1600/IMG_2428.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fzx028XuGt1IaGrpgbzFhPvSAiarWNFhzF-HxiEoI4GQS6gPWdWAj3v7mNXH8I73FV4ejHZ5cLhCpfmbfDuknjFS_W4sQIkL9YJGEKyxrpiHrjeJLmn2NdiveqPx5myI5iPSzJ4GSxjB/s320/IMG_2428.JPG" width="240" /></a>3.<i> Grace Hopper, Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu (Sterling)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuXVvRBl7m-aNSRs8LBMUcfrgWpGTy2NtkBFE_4H0g-27Xuo1N0qbopAZJ6DFazTQ2QpvDG-G63DnG8BuGjUm0Cpv5cwgZZpnqUgmoPMyknlc41M6XAOWlPm6wx33DY04pNPDpf36IUom/s1600/IMG_2427+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuXVvRBl7m-aNSRs8LBMUcfrgWpGTy2NtkBFE_4H0g-27Xuo1N0qbopAZJ6DFazTQ2QpvDG-G63DnG8BuGjUm0Cpv5cwgZZpnqUgmoPMyknlc41M6XAOWlPm6wx33DY04pNPDpf36IUom/s320/IMG_2427+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a>Did you know that it was a woman who revolutionised computer coding, who developed a programme that taught computers to recognise words and not just endless 0s and 1s? That a women coined the term 'computer bug' and that the cause of the term was, in fact, a real bug stuck in a computer?<i> "Software tester. Workplace Jester. Order Seeker. Well-known Speaker. Gremlin finder. Software minder. Clever thinker. Lifelong tinker. Cherished mentor. Ace inventor. Avid reader. Naval leader. Rule breaker. Chance taker. Troublemaker. AMAZING GRACE!"</i> In a world where we often associate coding, maths and computing with men and where girls have to be encouraged into STEM, it is thoroughly encouraging to read about the brilliant Grace Hopper, who wrote computer programmes for the navy and figured out a way to store pieces of a program inside early computers and tell the machine where to find them if she needed them again. As a child Grace had always tinkered with objects to understand them. At age 7 she was discovered with the contents of 7 household clocks scattered around the house and she created an elevator for her doll's house. She was brilliant at science and maths and when she failed Latin (which meant she couldn't go to college), she knuckled down, watched her friends go off to pursue their studies, and she passed. At college Grace watched some of her classmates take classes called 'Husbands and Wives' and 'Motherhood' but she chose maths and physics, she took opportunities to fly and helped her friends with their studies. She went on to Yale, where she was one of only two women in her class and she joined the navy which needed the best mathematicians. She dedicated her life to programming until she was 80, and inspiringly said "Humans are allergic to change, they like to say, 'We've always done it this way.' I try to fight that." This is the perfect book for any scientifically minded little lady and a crucial read for anyone who thinks computers are for boys. Culturebaby has asked for this one again and again.<br />
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<i>4. Malala's Magic Pencil, by Malala and Illustrated by Kerascoet (Puffin)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_5fJ0BaArNnqP9ph8POtXkm7tJKVDfuDi-8EO_6iBhXnxlUoGSoo4Q8cxKyW-ah-uRgKxXorgahYXhiHSuv_b7EmfR7PVvtwaj9WgaMvBTGzVSMtm2kqOmNv2ukciBi5XCZsVbA-KOk_/s1600/IMG_2421+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_5fJ0BaArNnqP9ph8POtXkm7tJKVDfuDi-8EO_6iBhXnxlUoGSoo4Q8cxKyW-ah-uRgKxXorgahYXhiHSuv_b7EmfR7PVvtwaj9WgaMvBTGzVSMtm2kqOmNv2ukciBi5XCZsVbA-KOk_/s320/IMG_2421+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6cLLhuURRmJG66gAB9rpekyrf47wpTQyVOCUg1FCxbZRF8GMa9Y9lUVqHPFjpZXDchUUv_dGUvCOjzVBBOfw4r54Ms5qKlbd_Agtx_4yVPFUiBgqNAwAOXg8vyyazs8yI2c5hHv0f7BS/s1600/IMG_2420+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6cLLhuURRmJG66gAB9rpekyrf47wpTQyVOCUg1FCxbZRF8GMa9Y9lUVqHPFjpZXDchUUv_dGUvCOjzVBBOfw4r54Ms5qKlbd_Agtx_4yVPFUiBgqNAwAOXg8vyyazs8yI2c5hHv0f7BS/s320/IMG_2420+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><i></i>From the minute this one popped through the letter box, the girls were inspired by this picture book authored by the brave Malala Yousafzai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and illustrated by Kerrascoet. Malala, the young educational campaigner who was shot in the head by the Taliban for speaking out about girl's education in Pakistan needs little introduction, but this picture book offers the perfect glimpse for our children to the immense bravery of this young woman. This book is particularly apt as Culturebaby sponsors a little girl in Pakistan and it has helped her to understand some of the challenges for a girl growing up in this dangerous place. We'd highly recommend sponsorship of a child as a birthday present - ours is through ActionAid (<a href="https://www.actionaid.org.uk/changelives/sponsor-a-child-4?src=ppc&utm_term=action%20aid%20sponsor%20a%20child&utm_content=Brand%20%7C%20Plus%20%7C%20CS%20%7C%20Exact&gclid=CPGD3dPV5tkCFRhlGwodzn0HKQ&gclsrc=ds">you can find out more here</a>).<i> Malala's Magic Pencil</i> focuses on Malala's inspiration to write. As a child she dreamed of owning a magic pencil, and with it she could erase problems and draw wonderful things - such as schools where children could study for free, or a ball so her brothers no longer needed to play with a rubbish-stuffed sock. She watched children working to sort rubbish into piles and was saddened to see that some of them didn't go to school because they had to work to support their families, particularly many of the girls. She worked hard at school and dreamt of how she might change the world. One day, 'powerful and dangerous men' declared that girls were forbidden from attending school and many were too scared to attend. Malala spoke out, wrote speeches and gave news interviews. And the powerful men tried to silence her... but they failed. She survived. This amazing young woman now studying at Oxford University reminds us that "One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world." </div>
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<i>5. Little Leaders - Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Puffin)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3V5Mxp5AutSlTq8Uy_g7NB0F0-LFEWuXqhmGOU18Q3LJgdn0IH76GYlM-jwGXSQCbunZPJnN58pCeh4HXsqF0ZZEvq6AsH6f5pzWta4SRfymZDKpNj30Beg6of8fgyels3Ft1msUutmS/s1600/Little+Leaders+high+res+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3V5Mxp5AutSlTq8Uy_g7NB0F0-LFEWuXqhmGOU18Q3LJgdn0IH76GYlM-jwGXSQCbunZPJnN58pCeh4HXsqF0ZZEvq6AsH6f5pzWta4SRfymZDKpNj30Beg6of8fgyels3Ft1msUutmS/s400/Little+Leaders+high+res+jacket.jpg" width="332" /></a>A while ago a friend asked for recommendations for 'diverse books' for children. We are starting to discover a selection, but there could be more out there. This title comes as a welcome addition. It features 40 trailblazing black women from both the past and the present time. From political pioneers such as Diane Abbott or Oprah Winfrey to musicians, singers, scientists and sprinters to a host of activists, there are many women in this book that we all ought to know rather more about. Alice Ball for instance, a chemist who only lived until she was 24 (1892-1916) but who gained two degrees (when most people from the African American population were employed in service professions) and who went on to find the leading treatment for leprosy - which her director promptly took credit for until the truth was uncovered in the 1970s. The book takes a similar format to Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls (reviewed <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/07/the-essential-mighty-girls-picture-book.html">here</a>) but is very different in style - it works chronologically and has the most adorable illustrations from debut author illustrator Vashti Harrison. When I showed it to a group of mums it is one of the ones that really caught their eye.</div>
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<i>6. Fantastically Great Women who made History by Kate Pankhurst (Bloomsbury)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7VoNc8_KEmDFRh5wqRiG3rIS9tNBDeK17IO-pwyAhvzEd_OIGQ1i-On1zqEzDvQH8jjCJY2ufjh4igyHw_F9xJATTT3D3ot9_N06O2eG-5YFe9IL0n4HAYj6Ofw7fvbEiZ7npHR7XKeF/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7VoNc8_KEmDFRh5wqRiG3rIS9tNBDeK17IO-pwyAhvzEd_OIGQ1i-On1zqEzDvQH8jjCJY2ufjh4igyHw_F9xJATTT3D3ot9_N06O2eG-5YFe9IL0n4HAYj6Ofw7fvbEiZ7npHR7XKeF/s400/IMG_2416.JPG" width="400" /></a><i></i>Hot on the heels of the successful <span style="color: #222222;"><i>Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World </i>by Kate Pankhurst, comes a second in the series, focusing on a selection of women who changed history. These sweet and affordable little paperbacks have become one of our birthday gifts of choice for Culturebaby's classmates. The engaging cartoon style and sweet illustrations bring to life a variety of very well and perhaps lesser known characters from around the globe and deep into history. We meet Boudicca (Queen of the Iceni), Harriet Tubman (underground railways conductor and runaway slave), Flora Drummond (leader of the suffragette army), Qiu Jin (Chinese advocate for women's rights), Noor Inayat Khan (secret agent and World War heroine), Dr Elizabeth Blackwell (the first woman to be awarded a degree in medicine), Pocahontas (an advocate for peace and understanding between Britain and native Americans), Valentina Tereshkova (the first woman in space), Ada Lovelace (inventor and first programmer - before computers were even created), Sayyida al Hurra (pirate queen), Hatshepsut (the female Pharaoh), Josephine Baker (star and anti-segregation activist), and the mother and daughter feminist duo Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley. Its a great selection of inspiring women. </span></div>
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<i>7. Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris (Chronicle Books)</i><br />
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This unusual picture book by Dave Eggers (of Circle fame), and illustrated by Shawn Harris looks at the Statue of Liberty and why she is such an important symbol (in these Trumpian times) of the underlying message of acceptance behind America's creation as a country. The book traces the statue's origin as a gift from France to celebrate 100 years of America, its creation in France and shipping over in 214 crates, and the 17 months it took to put her together on Bedloe's Island (now Liberty Island). The statue carries the Declaration of Independence, and the seven spikes on her crown represent both the sun and the seven continents and seas of earth. Liberty's torch is the symbol of enlightenment and freedom but what is perhaps less obvious is that her right foot is striding forth - this lady is on the move. Around her feet are broken chains. "Liberty and freedom from oppression are not things you get or grant by standing around like some kind of statue. No! These are things that require action. Courage. An unwillingness to rest." She continues to welcome immigrants and it should and cannot end. "After all, the Statue of Liberty is an immigrant too. And this is why she's moving. This is why she's striding. In welcoming the poor, the tired, the struggling to breathe free". What a message for America, and for us all.</div>
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<i>8. Where's Jane? Fine Jane Austen Hidden in Her Novels by Rebecca Smith and Katy Dockrill (Ivy Kids)</i></div>
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This gorgeously designed play on Where's Wally from Ivy Kids and Rebecca Smith and Katy Dockrill, invites us to locate Jane Austen in major scenes from all of her novels. For each novel we meet the major characters and see a cartoon-like synopsis of the story, and then on the following page we are challenged to spot them alongside author Jane, hiding within each scene. The moment this one arrived in the post it immediately came out with us for the day and it is currently 4 year old Culturetot's favourite book. It's a wonderfully joyful read, full of feisty young women and Jane's wit and humour. It's also a great introduction to the novels. For the littlest of little ones you can also try the fabulous Babylit (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2013/12/classics-from-cradle.html">reviewed here</a>) and Cozy Classics (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/03/cozy-classics-audience-with-authors.html">reviewed here</a>) each with their own stunning takes on Austen and we also have a great set of Austen-themed activities in our <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2015/05/little-miss-austen.html">post here on recreating the Georgians</a>.</div>
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<i>9. The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter (Warne)</i><br />
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<i></i>To celebrate 150 years of the birthday of the powerful Ms Potter, Warne has brought out a little book to match the classic miniature hardback size and style of the original 23 tales. This scrumptious title shows how Beatrix transformed Peter Rabbit from a few sketches in a letter to a little boy she sought to cheer up as he was feeling poorly, into an international bestseller. The Japanese use the books of Beatrix Potter to learn English, and Potter was one of the reasons that the English Lakes is a World Heritage Site today - both through her fame and through the swathes of countryside that she saved for the nation. No list of mighty girl literature can truly be complete without her- as an author, farmer and passionate conservationist she has truly changed our world as we know it. I remember as a child being obsessed with a book of Beatrix Potter's art and it was a moment of palpable misery that before the days of internet book buying I had to return it to the library, knowing I couldn't find a copy elsewhere. This little book captures some of that magic with its reproductions of photographs, watercolours and letters. We learn about the real pets of Beatrix Potter, who inspired her writing such as Benjamin Bouncer who walked on a lead and Peter Piper, who performed tricks and came everywhere with Potter. Alongside this title you can now also indulge in a little extra Beatrix that you couldn't have known as a child. Last year Quentin Blake was invited to illustrate an unpublished story that she wrote,<i> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35407846">The Tale of Kitty in Boots</a>,</i> now available to buy. Further Lakeland and Potter-themed posts can be read <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2015/03/peter-rabbits-happy-feaster-russian.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2012/06/nature-baby.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/10/swallows-and-amazons-forever.html">here</a>.</div>
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<u><b><i>The Fiction List</i></b></u></div>
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Moving on to a little list of current fiction with great themes about women...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8ikQ9bG1q8V0nGdFNUwhI2ZsSBt0jhL2v4eMArW_ZV6b33xj0dlPwzAinTLNfYXrI32YgPmalPH42qeLwpAExTiQ-QMAhLdyoDAWKwWD2IkIt8nC1ls5Ijo5gMo6tqDJYd2sBM_65-8f/s1600/IMG_2419+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8ikQ9bG1q8V0nGdFNUwhI2ZsSBt0jhL2v4eMArW_ZV6b33xj0dlPwzAinTLNfYXrI32YgPmalPH42qeLwpAExTiQ-QMAhLdyoDAWKwWD2IkIt8nC1ls5Ijo5gMo6tqDJYd2sBM_65-8f/s320/IMG_2419+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><i><i></i>1. Poppy and The Blooms by Fiona Woodcock (Simon and Schuster)</i><br />
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This has been one of Culturetot's favourite books this year. With absolutely adorable illustrations showing the contrast between nature and a grey city without it,<i> Poppy and the Blooms,</i> is a story about how Poppy and her friends Dandy, Bluebell and little Buttercup set out to locate and save the last park in a nearby city that is destined to be closed. Rushing across the gloomy and colourless city, little do they know that the blooms leave seeds in their wake, scattering the streets with hope and a rainbow of colour. They discover the park and set to work bringing it back to life, but after they are done when they turn to survey their footsteps, they see that their selfless magic has transformed a whole city.<br />
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<i><i></i>2. Princess Scallywag and the Brave Brave Knight by Mark Sperring and Claire Powell (Harper Collins)</i><br />
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This is a delightfully different fairy tale number about an exceedingly unconventional princess.<br />
Armour-clad, grubby and adventurous, Princess Scallywag and her mother get rid of any unwanted monsters by turning them into unwilling suitors. Terrified by the prospect of a stinky-footed, pond-bathing wife, dragons flee and trolls escape, and the concept of 'happily every after' takes on a new meaning. Not a prince in sight.<i></i><br />
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<i>3. Hortense and the Shadow by Natalia and Lauren O'Hara (Puffin)</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSiaQDO92wi25UIiJTBGTKPsYX-ICIo5Y_ruMrLNL0k8J07XEFfdFF6bxqG6n9PKFehhXyeQidaRkfwJte-YbACVF8qBMPrWtXvjfppWXsn6p_yZnn2Vg2I07nsrrG8lYVJzo6QwbOk2z/s1600/IMG_E2423.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSiaQDO92wi25UIiJTBGTKPsYX-ICIo5Y_ruMrLNL0k8J07XEFfdFF6bxqG6n9PKFehhXyeQidaRkfwJte-YbACVF8qBMPrWtXvjfppWXsn6p_yZnn2Vg2I07nsrrG8lYVJzo6QwbOk2z/s200/IMG_E2423.JPG" width="200" /></a><i><br /></i>
A lovely new title from two sisters who create work together, is inspired by classic picture books and fables and by the stories told by their Polish grandmother on snowy winter nights. The girls loved the stories of Wilde and Rackham and this mixture of influences can be felt in this title which features a strong young woman and a message that it is important to embrace all sides of ourselves. Hortense is a small girl who lived in dark and snowy 'wolfish woods'. She was kind and brave but she struggled with the fact that she hated her shadow, particularly how it followed her everywhere and warped into tall and crooked shapes when the night fell. Hortense began to hide her shadow and eventually worked out a way to cut it off. The shadow howled and ran and was lost in the dark. Then one day bandits appeared and her shadow became a hunter, a baker, a farmer, a bear, which scared the bandits and saved Hortense. She finally embraced that part of herself that made her taller in the dark, or shaded her eyes on prickly white days, and together they danced in the sun. "And if it is sometimes dark, cross, strange, silly, jagged or blue, well...sometimes Hortense is too."<br />
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<i>4. Emmeline and the Plucky Pup bu Megan Rix (Puffin)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigp2n7dciIOAeXwQpA_wi0EiSlUzmSWoGquc9Yau4h42ejj67X6caDja5sh7QHfZWhLM7x3f4P_MPRusSjPvMJvskVpkHE6-cNbwyQncbGaIzjgs5wlZCIojBY74rWl6UTQ9A4Y_dD9KNT/s1600/Emmeline+jacket+high+res%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigp2n7dciIOAeXwQpA_wi0EiSlUzmSWoGquc9Yau4h42ejj67X6caDja5sh7QHfZWhLM7x3f4P_MPRusSjPvMJvskVpkHE6-cNbwyQncbGaIzjgs5wlZCIojBY74rWl6UTQ9A4Y_dD9KNT/s400/Emmeline+jacket+high+res%25281%2529.jpg" width="260" /></a><i><br /></i>
Culturebaby at 6, whilst still very much enjoying picture books, is really falling in love with chapter books. I've been reading a few titles ahead of her and this one will join the shelf of little gems for the future - and I've started to read it to her in the meantime. The girls are intrigued by the suffragettes and we read all the picture books on them that we find. Megan Rix is an author of a series of fiction books about animals in history - there's Churchill and his kitten, dogs in the trenches and at the Great Fire, and here is a lovely tale about a little boy Alfie who escaped from a workhouse and ended up working as an errand boy for Emmeline Pankhurst. He discovers Rascal, a puppy, scared and alone on the streets and adopts her - she is the perfect cover for Alfie's crucial role and becomes a mascot for the suffragette cause. Through the eyes of this little boy and his dog (and his sister Daisy who becomes an Amazon - one of Pankhurst's bodyguards) we are introduced to some of the real major characters and events in the journey towards the vote for women and there is even some local history for us: Faraday House near Hampton Court, a regular haunt, was the home of prominent suffragette Princess Sophia Singh and a focal point of some of the scenes from the book. We are almost halfway in our joint reading and Culturebaby is loving it. She declared it beautiful. <br />
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<i>5. The Red Ribbon by Lucy Adlington (Hot Key Books)</i><br />
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For older readers, my book club has recently loved The Red Ribbon, a tale of strength and friendship and the many trials that were encountered by the girls who were captured and taken to Auschwitz and managed to survive by working in the (real) dress-making rooms of this death camp. Touching on the horror but also the small moments of kindness, and importantly the real decisions required in the fight for survival, this book featuring 14 year old Ella and her friend Rose, majors on the transformational power of friendship and how small moments of love and hope (and even the gift of a red ribbon) can lead to both jeopardy and joy. My Polish grandmother was rather like Rose, a young woman whose father, a university professor and part of the intelligentsia, was shot and his family either killed or imprisoned. Regina, a young woman, was put in a work camp and was one of the luckier ones to survive the war and be rescued by the British. It will be an important book for the girls to read, and a good introduction to their history. My friend's 10 year old loved it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmH9sh_ZZjTUKa9skOUfai1qpF3nkVE2rKzcI8vNAGyB-8nFtE2QQMx404fsVIzEq24iiT5vXwWBiO4_k1l_Yiln60dI4-y2NdnuNv8SBWvY_TlRfrkToNrCdsikCaVVSr636W3l8qSk1I/s1600/IMG_2398.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmH9sh_ZZjTUKa9skOUfai1qpF3nkVE2rKzcI8vNAGyB-8nFtE2QQMx404fsVIzEq24iiT5vXwWBiO4_k1l_Yiln60dI4-y2NdnuNv8SBWvY_TlRfrkToNrCdsikCaVVSr636W3l8qSk1I/s400/IMG_2398.JPG" width="400" /></a><i><i></i>6. V&A Puffin Classics - Anne of Green Gables, Little Women and The Secret Garden (Puffin)</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPj5emlQrOCi6MRksLB1JlVvTRdIIrcyVS1H1oucRMXhHwRVjuMEEDJyWuaIjqsknb2COqIJ0WunhQm5kuBbSVFgvAx89K8QVIYsHlJBGtGHE_jLr0_r0cdKZKpA5CcF7q_ZlnLGe3PX7/s1600/IMG_E2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPj5emlQrOCi6MRksLB1JlVvTRdIIrcyVS1H1oucRMXhHwRVjuMEEDJyWuaIjqsknb2COqIJ0WunhQm5kuBbSVFgvAx89K8QVIYsHlJBGtGHE_jLr0_r0cdKZKpA5CcF7q_ZlnLGe3PX7/s320/IMG_E2402.JPG" width="240" /></a><i><br /></i>
Whatever new books emerge, we should never forget those classics which from a different time give us great insights into the strength of young women. The V and A has brought out a stunning set of William Morris inspired Puffin classics which leap off the shelves at the unsuspecting browser. Three in particular fit so well with this theme of strong female role models - Anne with an e, the eponymous feminist heroine of Prince Edward Island who believed that it was better to be dazzlingly clever than swooning over boys with her insatiable thirst for knowledge and a quirky interest in her own projects - a girl entirely true to herself. "Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?" Anne has been described as a proto or stealth feminist and the patron saint of outsiders. The girls and I have recently watched the 1980s drama together with its green hair, ridge-pole walking and lovely Gilbert Blythe. It's a joy from start to finish and Culturebaby sobbed for a full five minutes when it finished "happy tears" she noted "because it's so beautiful". We also love Usborne's illustrated version of Anne of Green Gables from
their completely fabulous young reading series. It's a lovely
introduction to Anne, which even 4 year old Culturetot adores. Anne is also a perfect accompaniment to Roald Dahl's Matilda (another current favourite) with its intelligent, brave and single-minded heroine. There's noone better to inspire a little person at the beginning of their
school journey than a strong woman who loves books...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZIAxV54iYuKNUcUO98iMqJgHVV2-IrBfux_pLrKgYtfiXUabp3voZX3l6Py5ahUWOYd7q49uhc_PBKomAauHzEuj69X6KKtzP3GFFsHgpt3ikBFBAbtN9_zOTFA1uHVcN0mwpr1UeVdu/s1600/IMG_E2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZIAxV54iYuKNUcUO98iMqJgHVV2-IrBfux_pLrKgYtfiXUabp3voZX3l6Py5ahUWOYd7q49uhc_PBKomAauHzEuj69X6KKtzP3GFFsHgpt3ikBFBAbtN9_zOTFA1uHVcN0mwpr1UeVdu/s320/IMG_E2404.JPG" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-uEAQRzoZ2rGSDADnIn0Etsa7HjCS72OXreyPNwbOSk1xIdwgZxRar5z_cXcf0eGKC2Xd8J7ogoDkLXBaurc_ubM7s4XZgRkF3R64IM_cHUZZEZkjBDUwMJ9O8fNz6isUipiom96vEl9/s1600/IMG_E2403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-uEAQRzoZ2rGSDADnIn0Etsa7HjCS72OXreyPNwbOSk1xIdwgZxRar5z_cXcf0eGKC2Xd8J7ogoDkLXBaurc_ubM7s4XZgRkF3R64IM_cHUZZEZkjBDUwMJ9O8fNz6isUipiom96vEl9/s200/IMG_E2403.JPG" width="150" /></a>The second title is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott with its story of four sisters facing the world together, and not least the strong and brave Jo who sells her hair to save a family member and is unwilling to conform to what may be expected of a woman. The joy of this book is that is shows a huge spectrum of what being a woman might be from the shy to the brave, and a strong sisterhood which above all else (whether there are boys in their lives or not) demonstrates great power. Finally we have Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden - a book I've always loved for its strong message about the transformative power of hope and optimism. Mary begins as a spoiled and difficult child who has a sense of entitlement and she encounters a troubled cousin who is even worse, but she doesn't let her newly orphaned existence ruin her life, she changes and grows, and ultimately seeks to bring joy and colour to others. Her friendship with Dicken and later Colin saves the latter and helps salvage his relationship with his father. She's a woman who leans in, takes opportunities and changes her future. </div>
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<i>Disclaimer - some of the books described are our own but the majority were sent to us to aid our review. We are grateful to the publishers for providing them. </i><br />
<br />MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-57895044795553615022018-02-19T20:40:00.001+00:002018-02-19T20:40:42.242+00:00The Saga of Noggin the Nog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQakK4sXg4KmKUf66_8sgjpMZjDAcPpWhuZrTxtp2ywjZXvHhvxJMb7WcJv5Vo79VTCDAv8gHfqeuk7n2_wx-A6nbtSj8_7fuD0P7W_1CFwxosiS530MDik32KZukVAgfcCVd8ofOprGA/s1600/birdscreen.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQakK4sXg4KmKUf66_8sgjpMZjDAcPpWhuZrTxtp2ywjZXvHhvxJMb7WcJv5Vo79VTCDAv8gHfqeuk7n2_wx-A6nbtSj8_7fuD0P7W_1CFwxosiS530MDik32KZukVAgfcCVd8ofOprGA/s1600/birdscreen.JPG"></a><br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/UigChessmen_SelectionOfKings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQakK4sXg4KmKUf66_8sgjpMZjDAcPpWhuZrTxtp2ywjZXvHhvxJMb7WcJv5Vo79VTCDAv8gHfqeuk7n2_wx-A6nbtSj8_7fuD0P7W_1CFwxosiS530MDik32KZukVAgfcCVd8ofOprGA/s1600/birdscreen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQakK4sXg4KmKUf66_8sgjpMZjDAcPpWhuZrTxtp2ywjZXvHhvxJMb7WcJv5Vo79VTCDAv8gHfqeuk7n2_wx-A6nbtSj8_7fuD0P7W_1CFwxosiS530MDik32KZukVAgfcCVd8ofOprGA/s400/birdscreen.JPG" width="265" /></a>We never cease to be impressed by the quality of children's programming at Kingston's Rose Theatre. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, this fabulous, cosy and high quality theatre has provided some real gems in recent months. From West end touring productions to Saturday morning puppetry, we'd recommend a trip for all families. Spring sees a programme including Dahl's <u><a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/georges-marvellous-medicine">George's Marvellous Medicine</a></u> and <a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/the-railway-children">The Railway Children</a> and <a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/what-the-ladybird-heard">What the Ladybird Heard</a> at the end of May. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNio3edPrJj_YKi6D5BBF0KMp-P-KlWBhE4hFe6NMQfmyGliWQgD7SXAVkN0azdDiH6hrZ9lmKN7_N-O_zhAuR8xa6KvUGfJU_TidEigogmX1nHbHd9Zuv6TRWjaLLP7myAg_BxG9A_L7m/s1600/noble+nog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNio3edPrJj_YKi6D5BBF0KMp-P-KlWBhE4hFe6NMQfmyGliWQgD7SXAVkN0azdDiH6hrZ9lmKN7_N-O_zhAuR8xa6KvUGfJU_TidEigogmX1nHbHd9Zuv6TRWjaLLP7myAg_BxG9A_L7m/s320/noble+nog.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our most recent visit was to a production of the vintage children's classic, The Saga of Noggin the Nog. My mum remembers enjoying these comic characters as a child - the first episode of the British TV series aired in 1959. The loveable characters, inspired by the Lewis Chessmen at the British Museum, are 'Northmen' loosely based on Vikings, with Noggin ruling benevolently, and sometimes competently, as their king. There are however, many fantastical additions - dragons, talking birds, and miniature beings. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lewis Chessmen from Wiki Commons © Andrew Dunn</td></tr>
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<i>'In the Lands of the North where the black rocks stand guard against the cold sea, the Men of the Northlands sit around their great log fires and they tell a tale...'</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNjW5pPwVrbHt7vppKePg1zXtHy_x9XVuQi6yJw6386hiiyQtZICKlL5m2k1d39C0Y6MkbDqWrL1G60ok9vvxQbEtbA9cJf1jRy0j8IPocggRuuesAt7k6Ff8EazpV5FD7BH_FejlZp3V/s1600/nogginknife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNjW5pPwVrbHt7vppKePg1zXtHy_x9XVuQi6yJw6386hiiyQtZICKlL5m2k1d39C0Y6MkbDqWrL1G60ok9vvxQbEtbA9cJf1jRy0j8IPocggRuuesAt7k6Ff8EazpV5FD7BH_FejlZp3V/s640/nogginknife.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The production covers two of these adventures. Firstly the attempted theft of Noggin's crown by his wicked Uncle Nogbad the Bad whilst Noggin is off getting married in a far away land. Then a journey to the land of miniature people and a battle with the 'fearsome' ice dragon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS23qomy-CZJDKobMb-u2BqB7fJGwaaT0jy7WK0_PdR0icvbQq4Xc7r_F8Q5fpjI8nJlsCiUY0dOYDxeZ2mCG1kaweagP-2fHr54Hwe6c2Jxj9nwGcA7Su6d42-RJKd-rLSOJ5vS4gFPLY/s1600/brightondragon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS23qomy-CZJDKobMb-u2BqB7fJGwaaT0jy7WK0_PdR0icvbQq4Xc7r_F8Q5fpjI8nJlsCiUY0dOYDxeZ2mCG1kaweagP-2fHr54Hwe6c2Jxj9nwGcA7Su6d42-RJKd-rLSOJ5vS4gFPLY/s640/brightondragon.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With an all male cast, the actors were hugely versatile, with imaginative costumes and great puppetry. The production was simple but funny and effective, and you certainly don't need to be acquainted with Noggin to thoroughly enjoy this performance. We weren't previously but we've since bought the DVD. It's also a great way in to discussing the real Vikings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Jorvik_Fishermen_tableau_05_May_2017.jpg/1280px-Jorvik_Fishermen_tableau_05_May_2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="mw-mmv-final-image jpg mw-mmv-dialog-is-open" height="219" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Jorvik_Fishermen_tableau_05_May_2017.jpg/1280px-Jorvik_Fishermen_tableau_05_May_2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jorvik Viking Centre from Wiki Commons</td></tr>
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As a child I loved trips across to York, to the Castle Museum and also the immersive sights, sounds, smells, animatronics and all important moving car at the wonderful Jorvik Viking Centre. The museum is housed in the basement of a shopping centre as it remains on the site where a settlement was found. Its a great example of how rescue archaeology and creative thinking about the future of a site can boost tourism and education. Visitors can journey 6 metres underground to discover the remains of a Viking hearth and walls that made up the historic city. I haven't visited since their refurbishment following a devastating flood, but I can't wait to take the girls. Visits there certainly planted a seed for my future choice of reading archaeology at university. Museum Crush has also compiled a great list of museums around Britain where you can learn more about the Vikings - see <a href="http://museumcrush.org/top-viking-museums/">here</a>.<br />
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<i>The Saga of Noggin the Nog is touring and information can be accessed on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kingofthenogs">Facebook Page.</a></i><br />
<i>Rose Theatre Upcoming Shows can be booked <a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/">here</a><u>.</u></i><br />
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<i><u></u>Disclaimer: We received tickets to the show in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own. Images of the production used are courtesy of The Rose Theatre. Other images are from WikiCommons.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-33584871752810932572018-02-13T22:29:00.002+00:002018-04-16T09:32:11.751+01:00You Can Never Run Out Of Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXBCr7_gsTBaHcla3mVnYqumUtilycfLyov4kwz50SXGqBn75uuwP4orTgO9EtsSygLGd814wCwursjGn6UslCc4O-zT69ZpB2yLXp-5fg7gRdWbyLG-POcEiaz1yR1yOf1sNCEwFOTv4/s1600/blogger-image-349934488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXBCr7_gsTBaHcla3mVnYqumUtilycfLyov4kwz50SXGqBn75uuwP4orTgO9EtsSygLGd814wCwursjGn6UslCc4O-zT69ZpB2yLXp-5fg7gRdWbyLG-POcEiaz1yR1yOf1sNCEwFOTv4/s640/blogger-image-349934488.jpg" /></a>Already the girls at 4 and 6 are coming home from school with Valentines cards, thankfully addressed to Mummy and Daddy. Their view of the whole event is that it is a day for showing people how much we love them. In many ways that would be much nicer than the exclusive emphasis we currently place on the day for couples. Last year I wrote a <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/02/books-about-love-for-little-people.html">post with activities and a selection of books about love for little people</a> and there have been such gorgeous publications on the theme over the last few months that a sequel is certainly in order. For the very young, here's our Valentine's sensory basket too. You can find out what scrumptiously tactile materials to throw into the mix <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/02/books-about-love-for-little-people.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hdLf3ROlkZJpOmUpiFHIbtP7SbZKFntHnQqz4TWZ31w6cw-XeNLxN_d_aOHwNN1YY9BmJBHRiRVstOzK0OoY1MQyvHJ6vjit11eqSZSUrQgSzLHHIRaN5SWeNz4beUVzx-WECFSU5GgF/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hdLf3ROlkZJpOmUpiFHIbtP7SbZKFntHnQqz4TWZ31w6cw-XeNLxN_d_aOHwNN1YY9BmJBHRiRVstOzK0OoY1MQyvHJ6vjit11eqSZSUrQgSzLHHIRaN5SWeNz4beUVzx-WECFSU5GgF/s640/IMG_1681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>You Can Never Run Out of Love by Helen Docherty and Ali Pye</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI2IwqOYCURcgd61kM4qdOFq0TaZnmf_TWdX8UvmawR_6tND76fH1fDV9zWiawipHlE1lQnZQZkeLyE-5a95NrqDtuKxIxAjg4ZR2wYsgsHVSL6ZpfySMTdYcvMVpkvvraFRu0fZNVlKF/s1600/IMG_1695+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI2IwqOYCURcgd61kM4qdOFq0TaZnmf_TWdX8UvmawR_6tND76fH1fDV9zWiawipHlE1lQnZQZkeLyE-5a95NrqDtuKxIxAjg4ZR2wYsgsHVSL6ZpfySMTdYcvMVpkvvraFRu0fZNVlKF/s320/IMG_1695+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a>This lovely book has been read and re-read in our household. Both girls love the rhythmic text, the sweet illustrations and the message, that whatever you run out of from food to energy, to socks, from time and money to patience and ideas - you can never run out of love. "Love doesn't come in a bottle or jar. It's right there inside you, wherever you are. You don't have to charge it. No batteries inside. Your love can be big, as the whole world is wide..." At the crux of the book is the central message that love grows when it is given. When you've run out of everything else, you'll still find... you can never run out of love. Long may our girls believe this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY64LnBMZO-AQTlIB8c3dLNQ3L1s3Jk91toc6RDvUorLtPyVBK8-blGXEDssDVnPaXMlHgTMnJjaDwBx4To9v5TNDzc9-pNZE3zcqpCG6goR9KGa1ONuikRKLLyImmUIztqiT8dfw-rPt/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY64LnBMZO-AQTlIB8c3dLNQ3L1s3Jk91toc6RDvUorLtPyVBK8-blGXEDssDVnPaXMlHgTMnJjaDwBx4To9v5TNDzc9-pNZE3zcqpCG6goR9KGa1ONuikRKLLyImmUIztqiT8dfw-rPt/s200/IMG_1689.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<i>Words and Your Heart by Kate Jane Neal</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZrtUZOtxJKhKdqaW0elX4W_N2PNugoMUKyT1biP2sKAJc3w2PDMvRDEAR1KPQ75iBXWSDGr35HLPqv8vYAlLMqdfru6YaLXShwAixT9yvOYY4XpCo6-DpswCdX3DTlUGwCZkGEhSWhyphenhyphenZ/s1600/IMG_1688.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZrtUZOtxJKhKdqaW0elX4W_N2PNugoMUKyT1biP2sKAJc3w2PDMvRDEAR1KPQ75iBXWSDGr35HLPqv8vYAlLMqdfru6YaLXShwAixT9yvOYY4XpCo6-DpswCdX3DTlUGwCZkGEhSWhyphenhyphenZ/s320/IMG_1688.JPG" width="320" /></a>Sometimes a title drops through the post that in its own original way gets a message so right that you have to shout about it. This is one of those books. <i>Words and Your Heart</i> is a little book about the amazing power of words, to harm or to build others up. Our words are powerful, they are important, because the words that go into our ears can really affect our hearts too. Just as the words of others can make us happy or want to sing (or make us cry), our words can also pierce someone else's heart - the little bit of them that makes them, them. Our words are so powerful that they can change the way someone's heart feels - our words can make someone who feels weak, feel stronger. The book exorts us to choose to use our words to look after the hearts of others. It's a really important message for school children - teachers have even reported a change in the culture of their classroom after sharing it with their students. It's just as crucial for us as parents. This is one of those books I'll buy for others, and I have a copy to send to school.<br />
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<i> </i><br />
<i>How to Say I Love You in Five Languages by Kenard Pack</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vdKPAHrojHXZY6Hx9xH2o8NY7l8ND6V8MPWYI3eT5x4lRrtkt_n2cnjmYTWLUMQIWQkESB6bvDfYDf1aZgmw6-Hy4U00knjgFAxfs1sV3DTjutKRP2zv1aLOQMly-p_Ms7MUAF7BGy6q/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vdKPAHrojHXZY6Hx9xH2o8NY7l8ND6V8MPWYI3eT5x4lRrtkt_n2cnjmYTWLUMQIWQkESB6bvDfYDf1aZgmw6-Hy4U00knjgFAxfs1sV3DTjutKRP2zv1aLOQMly-p_Ms7MUAF7BGy6q/s320/IMG_1684.JPG" width="320" /></a>This cute interactive primer arrived this week, alongside a counting version, and the girls have been busy experimenting with it. With buttons to press, we are taught how to say "I love you" in English, French, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin. The girls' school does French and Mandarin from reception so they have particularly enjoyed hearing these and looking at the simple phrases such as "You are my friend". Noisy books are always fun and this title from Wide Eyed Editions lives up to their usual high quality quirky standards.<br />
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<i>The Poesy Ring, A Love Story by Bob Graham</i><br />
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When we were married, we both selected Georgian rings. Men's rings of this age are tricky to find as many have been melted down. Ours perhaps survived because of its inscription on the inside 'Love Ever'. It's a Poesy ring - these were given at engagement or marriage and often had inscriptions like ours on the inside. This tale is therefore particularly apt as it traces a journey to the present day of a ring carrying the phrase 'love never dies'. The book begins with a ship sailing away onto the horizon and a teary rider galloping away. A ring is discarded, tumbling into a meadow and settling there with only animals for company for season after season. In time it was found by a boy and placed in his pocket with an acorn, then again it is lost: the acorn becomes a magnificent tree - the ring its hidden neighbour. As the seasons continue to turn the ring becomes wedged in a deer's hoof, is ploughed through soil, carried by birds and dropped into the sea. Eventually found in the belly of a fish, it is finally sold, to be bought by a couple in need of an engagement ring. It's a happy ending for the ring - it finally fulfils its purpose. Love is always there, Bob Graham tells us, it just needs to be found.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0-Gu5c7LNM4IPw5K9S57xxi-yP-J3HhyjZc9tTVLNsIJT42sYWBS_HMutwHVFNBzB7EqxZDU0PyvSMzGR459EIJlJz6EfMEmde4GuvyaOFdTbV0xLbr2fTyFf7vD5SBBPlob9cPS-Q-u/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0-Gu5c7LNM4IPw5K9S57xxi-yP-J3HhyjZc9tTVLNsIJT42sYWBS_HMutwHVFNBzB7EqxZDU0PyvSMzGR459EIJlJz6EfMEmde4GuvyaOFdTbV0xLbr2fTyFf7vD5SBBPlob9cPS-Q-u/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" width="240" /></a><i>Oskar and Mo by Britta Teckentrup</i><br />
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Last year I wrote about Britta Teckentrup's adorable creation Oskar. Her stunning illustrations and lyrical language and description have ensured that these gorgeous books will be future classics. From the the smell of spring to sweet red cherries, losing
himself in books to the silence of snow, Oskar gives us a glimpse into the simple beauty and pleasures in life. Now Oskar returns and he has a best friend Mo. "Oskar loves Mo, and Mo loves Oskar. They are the best of friends." From their favourite place where they share all their secrets, to activities they love to share together, their friendship ensures that the night doesn't seem so dark, the rain so bleak. Even though at times they disagree, they always make up. This is simple and perfect friendship, and the book itself is a work of art.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlqyDXzco_Nbd8N018Liup_M0fKns4cE1YO2mFJIESLVBl1Bz0Q09Lm28-vLDD2dIr_LAdPibgLyYq0LHUwthuvPUecIxFI0nr9q5mcJ2TCyEkG5s8-sVWPLYfwQimg9gA48p1BwD9_93/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlqyDXzco_Nbd8N018Liup_M0fKns4cE1YO2mFJIESLVBl1Bz0Q09Lm28-vLDD2dIr_LAdPibgLyYq0LHUwthuvPUecIxFI0nr9q5mcJ2TCyEkG5s8-sVWPLYfwQimg9gA48p1BwD9_93/s320/IMG_1694.JPG" width="240" /></a><i>The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones</i><br />
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The Snow Lion is a beautifully illustrated story about making new friends and growing in confidence. Caro and her mum move to a new house, and Caro wishes she has someone to play with. Then one day, she hears a deep gentle voice suggesting a game of hide and seek. The voice belongs to a snow-white lion, invisible against the white walls of the home<i>, </i>who becomes both playmate but also quiet encourager - suggesting that Caro ventures out and plays with other children - he will always be there when she returns. As her world becomes more and more filled with colour, her first playmate recedes, but as he reminds her, he will always still be there if she needs him. She knows where to look...<br />
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<i>The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling by Timothy Basil Ering</i><br />
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This unusual little book, somehow rather classic looking in its execution but original in the story it tells, talks of the power of falling in love with your passions in life, and in particular with music. Captain Alfred was sailing home with his dog, ducks for his farm and an egg- a precious gift for his wife. Then a storm comes and the boat is wrecked, and floating offshore in a violin case the egg cracks and Alfred Fiddleduckling emerges alone. The first real companion he sees floating by is the violin and Alfred takes hold of it and embraces it with all his heart. In return the object responds with the most beautiful sound he ever heard. They drift wave after wave through the fog, until they land safe ashore. It is this unlikely love story that leads the others, following the exquisite and familiar music, home too at last. It's a joyful tale about finding your gift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMItcfnCoPnVPZhk-SUxzwOKsZQkAM-cXgCUjzNCWjhtQ03h8_VDWTa8vaqoDPt1jUklZ7TEsvPRM4goVsb9eRGVm5rARCItvt9JenhhUG9uOYaeLXy00vnQFDxWBijhdNGCsauz2Ei0m/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMItcfnCoPnVPZhk-SUxzwOKsZQkAM-cXgCUjzNCWjhtQ03h8_VDWTa8vaqoDPt1jUklZ7TEsvPRM4goVsb9eRGVm5rARCItvt9JenhhUG9uOYaeLXy00vnQFDxWBijhdNGCsauz2Ei0m/s200/IMG_1692.JPG" width="150" /></a><i>Odd Couples. One Word Two Meanings by Mirja Winkelmann</i><br />
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Finally an unusual Valentines title from quirky art publisher Prestel. This mainly wordless book brings together unusual pairings of images, united by the one word that describes them. Words such as bark, ring, crane, tank, fly or sole are depicted in their odd couplings. It's a great book for getting little ones to think differently. Perfect for propping up on the breakfast table and discussing.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We received copies of the books over the last few months for the purposes of a review. I only write about the books that I love. There are all fabulous.</i> <br />
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<i> </i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-8970518026157591702018-01-29T10:48:00.000+00:002018-01-29T11:22:46.014+00:00The Owl and The Pussycat Went to Sea...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4YkP8e6hVOuGWC2GMOS36xXdtV2zFXJN8KGMS0ghmdjYj5Zs0IOVLyPWdlaZ_7Xj2iJKD9y46eXy4vcfkHc8y1PaaKwq-8FDoOI0qtOJuuZ8pNYhf-ky1IxHo1uO4Kj6n6jI8CX1EX88/s1600/O%2526P+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4YkP8e6hVOuGWC2GMOS36xXdtV2zFXJN8KGMS0ghmdjYj5Zs0IOVLyPWdlaZ_7Xj2iJKD9y46eXy4vcfkHc8y1PaaKwq-8FDoOI0qtOJuuZ8pNYhf-ky1IxHo1uO4Kj6n6jI8CX1EX88/s640/O%2526P+1.jpg" width="425" /></a>In October, we headed over to the Lilian Baylis Sudio at Sadlers Wells for a perfectly pitched little production of <a href="https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2017/lets-all-dance-the-owl-and-the-pussycat/">The Owl and the Pussycat</a>. Designed by<a href="https://www.lets-all-dance.co.uk/"> Let's All Dance</a>, and performed in an intimate space, it was as if a pair of ballet dancers had come to dance just for us in our own front room.<br />
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With thanks to the brilliant album, Funkey Rhymes (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2014/05/">see here</a>), the girls have grown up with a really catchy composition that has put Lear's famous poem to music, so they know it very well. The ballet featured just two dancers - an owl, who entered the studio from the back introducing himself to the excited audience, and the sophisticated and rather more aloof cat, with her stunning white tutu.<br />
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<a href="http://www.funkeyrhymes.com/template/funkey-rhymes-logo-footer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.funkeyrhymes.com/template/funkey-rhymes-logo-footer.png" /></a>As we all know, this unlikely pair sailed off for a year and a day in a pea-green boat, persuading pigs to part with prized posessions and turkeys to become ministers. The year on the boat was perhaps less of an issue for owl, who could always stretch his wings, but the cat must have been rather impatient for the sight of land, and a long promised wedding. The dancers brought the iconic poem to life so well with selected props, engaging the audience (and even begging for the ring until they spotted the pig...) At the end every child was invited to have their picture taken with the characters in the pea green boat. It was a perfect length and beautifully created. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe4s-6eQTAL1w61Q8vo1hQUwbzMiQjV5s8mpTP43dVvrAF8cnJJctdSSl7QQ1e7Aonf1Nc4B8AY_FGR4K0Ko8F5OyKeRZiZxn81OaQcVXsX5klo6zffy6cPfbAiNI2pj1AxxF2Z8F33Qt/s1600/Owl+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe4s-6eQTAL1w61Q8vo1hQUwbzMiQjV5s8mpTP43dVvrAF8cnJJctdSSl7QQ1e7Aonf1Nc4B8AY_FGR4K0Ko8F5OyKeRZiZxn81OaQcVXsX5klo6zffy6cPfbAiNI2pj1AxxF2Z8F33Qt/s640/Owl+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4MoXuhN8wbQQCunxB5e4icckkkGJFgw9KfTB7kvLvWuaZgex57e4PHdEo1rhD5xeBfvWR5Mv14s-nrpdRlvj3ge_hkHgwG598epbSrHCaH-1BC68bC0JMsgTjjUwzXvTN5jNqW5S0s1Q/s1600/Cat+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4MoXuhN8wbQQCunxB5e4icckkkGJFgw9KfTB7kvLvWuaZgex57e4PHdEo1rhD5xeBfvWR5Mv14s-nrpdRlvj3ge_hkHgwG598epbSrHCaH-1BC68bC0JMsgTjjUwzXvTN5jNqW5S0s1Q/s640/Cat+6.jpg" width="426" /></a>Some of the most effective productions are also those that tap into things children already love, and offer the possibility of follow-on activities and books to read. We have various versions of the Owl and the Pussycat, but favourites include two recently published celebrations of Lear's most famous couple<i>.</i>
First comes a stunningly <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/ladybird/books/265182/the-owl-and-the-pussy-cat/">illustrated gift version of the original</a>, with drawings by Charlotte Voake and a foreword by Julia Donaldson, then
an original sequel from Julia Donaldson, herself a devotee of Lear
and his talent for nonsense poetry. Lear originally wrote the
illustrated poem for the poorly three year old daughter of a friend, and it is perfect for this age. Charlotte Voake's illustrations are simple yet dynamic. They convey
movement, lightheartedness and a splash of childhood joy. I love how
they look like watercolours and you can see some of the brushstrokes - a
great inspiration for budding artists to emulate. Donaldson's sequel <i><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/ladybird/books/178945/the-further-adventures-of-the-owl-and-the-pussy-cat/">The Further Adventures of the Owl and The Pussy-Ca</a>t</i><span id="goog_2102612202"></span><span id="goog_2102612203"></span>
is also illustrated by Voake, and with Donaldson's seemingly effortless
genius with rhyme, the tale continues in seamless form with the
honeymoon of the unlikely couple. Following the loss of their wedding
ring, the two are thrust on new adventures where they meet many others
of Lear's colourful creations - The Pobble who has no toes, the Chankly
Bore, even the Jumblies. It's brilliant. A wonderful gift for
any child (the sequel even comes with a CD of Donaldson narrating the
poem).<br />
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My very clever and arty friend Natasha, who came to see the show with us also produced a stunning pair of felted animals. These are apparently rather easy to make with wool. She'll be guest posting some instructions soon so watch this space... <br />
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The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea </div>
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In a beautiful pea-green boat, </div>
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They took some honey, and plenty of money, </div>
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Wrapped up in a five-pound note. </div>
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The Owl looked up to the stars above, </div>
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And sang to a small guitar, </div>
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"O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love, </div>
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What a beautiful Pussy you are, </div>
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You are, </div>
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You are! </div>
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What a beautiful Pussy you are!" </div>
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II </div>
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Pussy said to the Owl, "You elegant fowl! </div>
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How charmingly sweet you sing! </div>
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O let us be married! too long we have tarried: </div>
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But what shall we do for a ring?" </div>
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They sailed away, for a year and a day, </div>
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To the land where the Bong-Tree grows </div>
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And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood </div>
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With a ring at the end of his nose, </div>
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His nose, </div>
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His nose, </div>
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With a ring at the end of his nose. </div>
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III </div>
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"Dear Pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling </div>
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Your ring?" Said the Piggy, "I will." </div>
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So they took it away, and were married next day </div>
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By the Turkey who lives on the hill. </div>
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They dined on mince, and slices of quince, </div>
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Which they ate with a runcible spoon; </div>
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And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, </div>
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They danced by the light of the moon, </div>
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The moon, </div>
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The moon, </div>
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They danced by the light of the moon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTTacXSyDVu-QQrCIFFGgzZw-IvsemFKmLoYV7CuFSFdTjpQar3y1KtkPc-Ql-CJ7tEN1Rn7cSIem1TMGk1KQQ672F25E8epIa_cg8cQqePp3NTRxg_Vda5cKB5zYfIROGvfzC2Ng-_Mm/s1600/IMG_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTTacXSyDVu-QQrCIFFGgzZw-IvsemFKmLoYV7CuFSFdTjpQar3y1KtkPc-Ql-CJ7tEN1Rn7cSIem1TMGk1KQQ672F25E8epIa_cg8cQqePp3NTRxg_Vda5cKB5zYfIROGvfzC2Ng-_Mm/s640/IMG_0063.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<i>You can follow Let's All Dance on their website here: <a href="https://www.lets-all-dance.co.uk/watch/">https://www.lets-all-dance.co.uk/watch/</a> The Princess and The Frog will be performed in February, followed by The Magic Word in May. We received tickets to the performance in exchange for a review and the books mentioned featured in a <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2014/10/baby-book-club-all-creatures-great-and.html">previous post</a> and were kindly provided by Puffin Books. Photographs Courtesy of Let's All Dance. </i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-71681875006423648972018-01-22T10:38:00.000+00:002018-01-22T10:38:46.114+00:00Sounds of the Southbank<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb3ArQDR_lOnVm5vxEMBuxsE3Rxz7pgSzemfmfI03vch5x93c9iNvMIljHgtVHewSK5oJPWzIbkB5gM7QXGjuBneCpbM82Vm96BDeVLFHihVtalcrCnHB_fS-JmN4OkQLuKzzfCVDMDKO/s1600/IMG_9712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb3ArQDR_lOnVm5vxEMBuxsE3Rxz7pgSzemfmfI03vch5x93c9iNvMIljHgtVHewSK5oJPWzIbkB5gM7QXGjuBneCpbM82Vm96BDeVLFHihVtalcrCnHB_fS-JmN4OkQLuKzzfCVDMDKO/s320/IMG_9712.JPG" width="240" /></a>The Southbank Centre feels rather like a playground for my little ones. We've been to some lovely events that the girls associate with the venue, from family concerts to the superb Imagine Children's weekend in the spring, where the venue is taken over for a couple of weeks by kids with a programme designed entirely for the very young and offering everything from immersive theatre to storytelling, dancing, art and experimentation with instruments. During Imagine, open spaces are transformed - last Spring there was an interactive Narnia-inspired scheme complete with a home inside a wardrobe, a pirate ship with miniature sailors clambering up the rigging and various playhouses to explore. A perennial favourite fixture at the Festival Hall is also the musical lift with its chorus of voices rising and falling in pitch depending on the destination and floor you have selected. It's a task to extricate any toddler from such an enthralling experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_I8QKN3YP738kLTtc2H8rCR5ifNERlAKr5VaM5pugZIlMKTe2Bk8yUUIHhCkC-RIhKXpqVivwcs-uPIkNaR8yrLZoGuOftpVJctRV54dVHs7MhsWo71BssBJCjgGPprXd8KZa3iGJUgp/s1600/IMG_9723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_I8QKN3YP738kLTtc2H8rCR5ifNERlAKr5VaM5pugZIlMKTe2Bk8yUUIHhCkC-RIhKXpqVivwcs-uPIkNaR8yrLZoGuOftpVJctRV54dVHs7MhsWo71BssBJCjgGPprXd8KZa3iGJUgp/s320/IMG_9723.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_I8QKN3YP738kLTtc2H8rCR5ifNERlAKr5VaM5pugZIlMKTe2Bk8yUUIHhCkC-RIhKXpqVivwcs-uPIkNaR8yrLZoGuOftpVJctRV54dVHs7MhsWo71BssBJCjgGPprXd8KZa3iGJUgp/s1600/IMG_9723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>This Autumn we attended two concerts designed for families, each very different. FUNharmonics is a regular (quarterly) series run by the London Philharmonic Orchestra for children over six (though I'd say these are equally effective for younger children). I've mentioned the series before as part of an article on big music for little people <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/11/big-music-for-little-people-concert-for.html">here</a>. As Sarah Kirkup noted in a rave review of FUNharmonics for <a href="https://www.gramophone.co.uk/blog/the-gramophone-blog/can-kids-tell-the-difference-between-a-good-performance-and-a-bad-one">Gramophone</a>, children, far from being forgiving of mediocrity are hugely discerning. She quotes Israeli-born American pianist Orli Shaham who discusses playing to a young audience ‘I play everything from Bach to music written last year... they accept everything equally so long as the pieces are wonderful and the performers have conviction’... As Sarah notes "‘Conviction’ is the key word here – and possessing it as a performer is even more important when playing for kids than for adults. If you don’t have it, they’ll see straight through you." It is wonderful to see performers put so much into performing for the very young and exuding a level of energy that shows they believe wholeheartedly in their mission. And rightly so, this is the audience of the future, and the shapers of societal taste far after the present orchestra have laid down their violins for the last time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE57VUVkFneVGHIJAJAI8Ia_r8xJO_9Wkh_KEfLQ3WvroGVyCXDeaAJ9QiBiMYID3LQ08y22FQxq73y-KsCuvRkqhZpZWVWYIOv8IFtn6mI3-Am_GK2dIoKUKWdK7Uq5R83oo3YgUTS0E/s1600/IMG_9724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE57VUVkFneVGHIJAJAI8Ia_r8xJO_9Wkh_KEfLQ3WvroGVyCXDeaAJ9QiBiMYID3LQ08y22FQxq73y-KsCuvRkqhZpZWVWYIOv8IFtn6mI3-Am_GK2dIoKUKWdK7Uq5R83oo3YgUTS0E/s200/IMG_9724.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa-6qrGvLkhpLeTposcPdPXmHR_4kh1GviXBx0DHUKtqloxhL7NoBs9FVCfy96FZdvG-hBrVKHy0PtosIjvkh-MsLcgfFaoHvxZ4rdfP277vzJhIXG_h_GLEtf5kMJmb84l9cgl3vBvc_/s1600/IMG_9725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa-6qrGvLkhpLeTposcPdPXmHR_4kh1GviXBx0DHUKtqloxhL7NoBs9FVCfy96FZdvG-hBrVKHy0PtosIjvkh-MsLcgfFaoHvxZ4rdfP277vzJhIXG_h_GLEtf5kMJmb84l9cgl3vBvc_/s320/IMG_9725.JPG" width="320" /></a>Following last year's Imagine Children's festival, where a huge highlight of the programme saw an orchestral cinematic showing of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's <i>The Gruffalo</i> and <i>Room on the Broom</i>, the LSO followed up with a concert featuring <i><a href="https://www.lpo.org.uk/whats-on-and-tickets/4801-the-gruffalo-s-child.html">The Gruffalo's Child</a>. </i>These concerts begin with art activities and the opportunity to handle instruments then, by stealth, a number of orchestral pieces are introduced to warm up the audience, including on this occasion the vibrant Slavonic Dances by Dvorak and three songs from Julia Donaldson's collection. The children were taught each piece, and various actions to go with them. We particularly loved Funny Face, an earworm that two months on still occasionally surfaces as the children break into a rousing chorus. It's a delight to see the shattered parents of London gurn quite so effectively on a Sunday morning. That's the joy of children's theatre and music; it keeps us grounded. It's incongruent not to be ridiculous along with your children, which in turn is rather good for the soul. High quality narrators at these events are also a must. Every group of the orchestra gets an introduction, we are shown their unique sounds and the parts they play in the upcoming pieces. Listening along to the soundtrack of The Gruffalo's Child we are encouraged to really hear what lies behind the moving image: which instrument produces which unique effect? As I've said previously, watching a full orchestral performance of a film is an electrifying experience and it positively ruins cinema forever - without an orchestra it begins to feel flat, you want more. Hand in hand with children's theatre, this sort of concert trains the ear to crave that immersive experience, and hopefully plant a seed for life.<br />
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The second concert we attended at the Royal Festival Hall was hotly anticipated as jazz is one of my favourite genres and the children really enjoy it too. Last year we'd been to an utterly brilliant concert by Albert's band at The Royal Albert Hall (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2016/11/classical-babies-six-of-best-regular.html">see here</a>) <u><span style="color: #993300;"><a href="http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2016/jazz-for-kids-new-orleans-jazz/">Jazz for Kids - and introduction </a><a href="http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2016/jazz-for-kids-new-orleans-jazz/">to New Orleans Jazz . </a></span></u>The children were taught about the rhythms that give Jazz its distinctive sound, heard the history of a movement rooted in the opportunity presented by the wholesale abandonment of military instruments, met a sousaphone (a curly tuba for marching) and had the opportunity to dance and sing with abandon to the music. The Introduction to Jazz concert on this occasion, <i><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/eg2fbp">Is This Jazz?</a></i> was a BBC Concert Orchestra production, which puts on such fabulous children's concerts as the CBeebies <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2016/08/ten-pieces-ii-proms-for-kids-or-day-my.html">Prom</a><u>,</u> and leads on the inspiring <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/11/bbc-musics-ten-pieces-iii-announced-and.html">10 Pieces Project</a>. The orchestra was also led by a woman, Holly Mathieson - important role modelling for the girls to see in a world where male conductors are the norm and it took 118 years for a woman to conduct the Last Night of the Proms. It also featured a young choir, always great for future aspiration for any little audience member. <br />
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<a href="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/496x279/p056zn0y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BBC Concert Orchestra" border="0" class="ev-act-summary__hero-image" data-image-wrapper="true" data-original-src="p056zn0y.jpg" data-placeholder="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/496x279/p056zn0y.jpg" /></a>On this occasion an excellent idea led to a mixed experience - children's concerts don't always get it right. The first half was brilliant and well pitched, and I'd really encourage the orchestra to run an event like this again along these lines. Energetic narrator, Pete Letanka, took the family audience on an exciting journey through the various places Jazz can be found. Do we always recognise music as Jazz? There's so much to be found in film and TV as well as shops, clubs, and in the concert hall. We sought out the sneaky jazz hiding all around us, through learning about the rhythms and re-creating these as a audience. The energetic opening showcased a cornucopia of TV theme tunes, we were treated to the Mambo from Westside Story and Gershwin's Summertime, film hits from Toy Story and La La Land, favourites from Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie and then some pieces we wouldn't think of as jazz, such as Shostakovich. There was lots of interaction and engagement. Finally we were introduced to the idea of improvisation where our narrator, also a musician, demonstrated effectively what could be done with a tune as simple as twinkle twinkle. With the rousing coda of It Don't Mean a Thing, the concert should have been left at that. The section that didn't work so well as a world premier of an improvisation piece. We wanted to love it, but it was long, failed to be gripping enough and led to much shuffling and even early exits from the families in the audience. It took some energy for those remaining to rouse themselves to join in at the ending. Even mistakes like this however lead to good discussion. Why do we like certain pieces, what pictures do they paint in our minds, why do other pieces fail to inspire us? Why do some lines stick in our heads and others fail to linger? The kids love jazz and we are grateful for those orchestras that experiment and showcase a variety of genres for a young audience.<br />
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FUNharmonics concerts from the London Symphony Orchestra are a regular feature at the Royal Festival Hall. Keep an eye on their events <a href="https://www.lpo.org.uk/education/family-concerts-funharmonics.html"><span style="color: #993300;">here</span></a>. You can see the BBC Concert Orchestra's forthcoming concerts <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/eg2fbp">here</a>, including upcoming events such as a live orchestral screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. An upcoming blog with explore last year's Imagine Children's Festival in a little more detail and give you a taste of what to expect <a href="https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/imagine-childrens-festival">this year</a>.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We received tickets to the events in exchange for an honest review. As always all views are our own.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-71506223074689674212017-12-21T17:30:00.000+00:002017-12-21T17:30:35.713+00:00Alice in Winterland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Saturday we returned to our local theatre to see a wintery interpretation of how Lewis Carroll's Alice would deal with falling into a land of winter, ruled by a despotic Red Queen and her deck of playing cards. Combining elements of Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and iconic poems such as The Jabberwocky, this creative concoction was thoroughly effective, gripping and rather emotional. As with much of Carroll's ingenious creations, the apparent nonsensical prose holds timeless wisdoms. The Rose Theatre's recent <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/11/the-hunting-of-snark.html">Hunting of the Snark</a>, likewise, has had a surprising legacy with the girls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnIJVwpCYjBHxMXecE_s0JvcQ7cwAjW4SCgyGb1gi72ZNkIDiG5nrTr0L_F6T6lanU8pPBiuyihVUrkWjvPqmSxnmGJ5FINSP1-NtXRcdPYlGGKEnYHYfU3Mpo6vfbYHinmL93KkCcQBP/s1600/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_80A7981C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnIJVwpCYjBHxMXecE_s0JvcQ7cwAjW4SCgyGb1gi72ZNkIDiG5nrTr0L_F6T6lanU8pPBiuyihVUrkWjvPqmSxnmGJ5FINSP1-NtXRcdPYlGGKEnYHYfU3Mpo6vfbYHinmL93KkCcQBP/s400/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_80A7981C.jpg" width="400" /></a>Alice, brought up by loving parents, loses her mother during the war, and her father's mind to post traumatic stress. Formerly surrounded by joy and wisdom, she finds herself at the mercy of a joyless aunt who is set on her attending a finishing school. On receipt of the parting gift of her father's watch, Alice's fervent wish to halt time immediately leaves us at a permanent two minutes to four. A white rabbit appears, steals the watch and leaves her with no option but to follow him into Wonderland to retrieve her precious gift.<br />
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Encountering the most bizarre of characters - a talking rabbit, a smiling cat, a dodo in search of love and a waddle of penguins, she finds herself in a surreal game of chess. Characters who work to aid her quest, though fantastical, are strikingly reminiscent of family members (friend or foe). Realising the importance of friendship and love for even the most unsavoury of characters, Alice grows an army of the bonkers, the bizarre and the brave - a frumious bandersnatch, and a knight brandishing a vorpal sword, a mad hatter help the little pawn to ultimately defeat a queen. Because of course, with the right strategy, even the smallest and seemingly most insignificant of pieces, can become the greatest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYth_AKoN_UjrHnGaavaA9w4oTjN-CX7gy7jvhsUM04xdj8pGet5oyZ_7PT63-n77DZBy7l47YzYVD0Rj_NEFItc3kvgJpIL7D7IGBkdeJn7wj8XEH8J09mGyETl5gKrkyUs4yggDcHbr-/s1600/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_50A0390.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYth_AKoN_UjrHnGaavaA9w4oTjN-CX7gy7jvhsUM04xdj8pGet5oyZ_7PT63-n77DZBy7l47YzYVD0Rj_NEFItc3kvgJpIL7D7IGBkdeJn7wj8XEH8J09mGyETl5gKrkyUs4yggDcHbr-/s400/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_50A0390.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The production itself, as Culturedad noted, was akin to something you would expect to see in the West end. The digital effects were brilliant - with Alice growing to the size of the theatre, or flying on the back of enormous puppets. The Jaberwocky managed to be huge and ferocious and the surprising coda - which I shall not reveal in this review - brought tears to my eyes as I witnessed the unbridled wonder and joy on the faces of the girls. They declared it absolutely brilliant, one of the very best performances they've seen (and we see a lot of theatre). It captured their imaginations to the extent that the very next morning Culturetot charged into our room brandishing her vorpal sword ready to slay the ferocious Jabberdaddy. There was not only a great set of professional actors, but also a host of youth actors who did a sterling job. A thoroughly scumpiferous frumabulous production. Go and see it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b4PTigORT41muWY9gFcxMI3PWEqcWaFiAnxc19-gE_w0noFA6OWwdxr0GPxz9_v1jk91aqG6FL9UwVB2cjGLMj2ymjKh0uvMpmFQFkoQgnYKoITmqBpaOMXQUEEejxgPd7NHNde-YDMW/s1600/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_50A1007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b4PTigORT41muWY9gFcxMI3PWEqcWaFiAnxc19-gE_w0noFA6OWwdxr0GPxz9_v1jk91aqG6FL9UwVB2cjGLMj2ymjKh0uvMpmFQFkoQgnYKoITmqBpaOMXQUEEejxgPd7NHNde-YDMW/s640/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_50A1007.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Culturebaby's verdict (6): "I liked when Alice grows tall when she ate the tart, because the background was an amazing giant screen. The Queen's voice was funny. The show was very clever because the claws of the Jabberwocky seemed real. Alice learned she could be a hero and she didn't have to leave with her Aunty - she was strong, and she learned that she has to look after friends, and they will help her too. The frumious bandersnatch was actually friendly. He helped Alice."</div>
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Culturetot's Verdict (4): "I would have liked to have played the red queen, I liked her voice. I liked Alice because she ate the tart and it was funny. The doormouse was cute - I liked the song they sang when they were having tea. Alice learned to be a White Queen - she was strong and saved her friends. I liked the caterpillar - he told the tale of the Jabberwocky."</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS86UZ5UHxNXobO9VflOpbGiMlLAxznFxfNy5iCuwqwZM2HASjvhEU7JRR7lxnUWYhoV5_Ab-i1dfegHn2C99k5TwVz5PJc35TKAuFRCAokSiWs1iEnKkWGL2Dto_4T-8kxlWGi2yU0n1W/s1600/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_50A9956.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS86UZ5UHxNXobO9VflOpbGiMlLAxznFxfNy5iCuwqwZM2HASjvhEU7JRR7lxnUWYhoV5_Ab-i1dfegHn2C99k5TwVz5PJc35TKAuFRCAokSiWs1iEnKkWGL2Dto_4T-8kxlWGi2yU0n1W/s640/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_50A9956.jpg" width="425" /></a><b>A Q&A WITH SUSANNAH VAN DEN BERG ‘QUEEN OF HEARTS’</b> </div>
<br />
<b>What made you keen to join the cast of Alice in Winterland? </b> <br />
<br />
I’ve
seen a few Christmas productions at The Rose, as well as being involved
in several community scratch choirs. I have always been impressed with
the production values and the commitment and energy of the youth
theatre. I was also excited about tackling a brand new script and
original score, being involved in creating something new and fresh. <br />
<br />
<b>What is Alice in Winterland about? </b><br />
<br />
The
setting of the original books has been changed to during the First
World War. Using elements and characters from the two books it’s
essentially a coming of age story for Alice. Through her adventures in
Wonderland she gains the strength and courage to deal with the trauma
and responsibilities of reality. <br />
<br />
<b>Tell us a bit about your character. What are you most enjoying about playing The Queen of Hearts? </b><br />
<br />
The
Queen of Hearts is a delicious megalomaniac, rather like a modern day
dictator. I’m finding her such fun to play because she has no limits. I
have the ability to be as silly or outrageous as I like because my court
allows me to get away with anything. Like anyone in great power, the
chance of being overthrown is always present so I’ve chosen to rule by
fear. <br />
<br />
<b>What particular challenges does this role present to you as an actor? </b><br />
<br />
Vocally
it’s a big role - lots of shouting “Off With Their Heads” - so
sustaining that will be a big task. Delivering a pretty spectacular
battle scene whilst wearing a massive dress is also going to be
challenging! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Alice in Winterland, is based on Lewis
Carroll’s timeless books, Alice Adventures in Wonderland and Through the
Looking Glass. Why do you think these characters have such an enduring
appeal? </b><br />
<br />
They’re magnifications of human nature -
all elements we recognise in ourselves taken to huge proportions.
They’re all things we could become. <br />
<br />
<b>The production sees
a professional cast and a youth company perform together. What has it
been like working alongside Rose Youth Company? </b><br />
<br />
Really
fantastic. They have such great energy and focus that could shame some
other professional companies! Working with two separate casts is a joy
as a performer as you get different performances to play off, meaning no
show will be the same. The company really works as a true ensemble,
they are generous to each other and there are no small parts. Slotting
into a company like this is incredibly exciting. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Why do you think people should come and see Alice in Winterland? </b><br />
<br />
The
story is incredible and the families who come to see it will go on a
real journey with Alice. There’s puppets, magic, monsters, a new script
with an electrifying original score, some terrible jokes, beautiful
costumes & scenery and snow... there’s definitely snow. Entertaining
yet life affirming.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://newimages.bwwstatic.com/upload12/1767689/tn-500_aliceinwinterland.madeleinelynes(alice)&susannahvandenberg(queenofhearts).credit-markdouet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for alice in winterland" border="0" class="irc_mi" height="248" src="https://newimages.bwwstatic.com/upload12/1767689/tn-500_aliceinwinterland.madeleinelynes(alice)&susannahvandenberg(queenofhearts).credit-markdouet.jpg" style="margin-top: 10px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>A Q&A WITH BILLY RILOT ‘TWEEDLEDUM’ </b><br />
<br />
<b>What made you keen to join the cast of Alice in Winterland? </b> <br />
<br />
I
was lucky enough to be in the cast last year and enjoyed it so much I
decided to audition for Alice in Winterland. Last year’s production was
the best few months of my life, I made a lot of great new friends that
will last a lifetime. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What is Alice in Winterland about? </b><br />
<br />
Alice in Winterland is about friendship, bravery and family. <br />
<br />
<b>Tell us a bit about your character. What are you most enjoying about playing Tweedledum? </b><br />
<br />
My
character is Tweedledum, he is loving fool, who is not too bright and
is devoted to his twin sister even though they squabble. I enjoy playing
Tweedledum because I get to do lots of clown work (including fixed
points, accents and playfulness). <br />
<br />
<b>What particular challenges does this role present to you as an actor? </b><br />
<br />
As
Tweedledum I have to do an accent, which I have never done before on
stage. It gives the show more realism and it really brings it to life. <br />
<br />
<b>Alice
in Winterland, is based on Lewis Carroll’s timeless books, Alice
Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Why do you think
these characters have such an enduring appeal? </b><br />
<br />
I
think the characters have such an appeal because the journey of Alice is
so brave, how she goes from being a lost girl to being the brave hero
and saviour of wonderland. <br />
<br />
The production sees a
professional cast and a youth company perform together. What has it been
like working alongside professional actors? <br />
<br />
It has been
such an eye-opening experience for me, learning from them and working
with them, the pros are also extremely nice people. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Why do you think people should come and see Alice in Winterland? </b><br />
<br />
I
think people should see Alice and Winterland because it is a story that
all ages can understand and appreciate …there are villains, heroes,
animals, talking playing cards, monsters – it’s scary, funny, sad and
exciting.<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<b>A Q&A WITH REN WALSINGHAM ‘DORMOUSE’</b><br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIbKi_uovtrMCSMK-3tlRnJXMmTv1iDMGXWTYhQE2aP0mU1GeVDnh8q8eBMCmv-ixFVASiipBzQWYGqdWUEE9QQQF8UtHsZ-FawNThSABz-9PnMmaNiQishXF3-x_sSoWZMiQEsjKUsbh/s1600/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_50A0574.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIbKi_uovtrMCSMK-3tlRnJXMmTv1iDMGXWTYhQE2aP0mU1GeVDnh8q8eBMCmv-ixFVASiipBzQWYGqdWUEE9QQQF8UtHsZ-FawNThSABz-9PnMmaNiQishXF3-x_sSoWZMiQEsjKUsbh/s400/Alice+in+Winterland+at+the+Rose+Theatre.+Photo+by+Mark+Douet+_50A0574.jpg" width="400" /></a><b>What made you keen to join the cast of Alice in Winterland? </b><br /><br />I love acting and when I saw that Alice In Winterland was on I was so happy I went to the auditions.<br /><br /><b>What is Alice in Winterland about? </b><br /><br />Alice in Winterland is about a young girl who has lost her family and one day gets sucked into the mad world of Winterland. <br /><br /><b>Tell us a bit about your character. What are you most enjoying about playing the Dormouse?</b><br /><br />My character is a fun character, a bit cheeky and knows everything!<br /><br />
<b>What particular challenges does this role present to you as an actor? </b><br /><br />The physicality of a realistic mouse. <br /><br /><b>Alice in Winterland, is based on Lewis Carroll’s timeless books, Alice Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Why do you think these characters have such an enduring appeal? </b><br /><br />The story is relevant of anytime we live in. <br /><br /><b>The production sees a professional cast and a youth company perform together. What has it been like working alongside professional actors?</b><br /><br />Amazing, I have learnt so much!<br /><b><br />Why do you think people should come and see Alice in Winterland?</b><br /><br />
It’s a great family show with a twist on a classic.<br />
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Alice In Winterland will be at
Rose Theatre Kingston from Thu 7 Dec – Sun 7 Jan. Tickets cost from £15
and are available online, <a href="http://rosetheatrekingston.org/">rosetheatrekingston.org</a>, by phone, 020 8174
0090, or from the Box Office <br />
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Listings <br />
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Fri 22 Dec 11am, 5.30pm <br />
Sat 23 Dec 11am, 5.30pm <br />
Sun 24 Dec 11am, 4pm <br />
Tue 26 Dec 1.30pm, 6pm <br />
Wed 27 Dec 11am, 5.30pm Thu 28 Dec 11am, 5.30pm <br />
Fri 29 Dec 11am, 5.30pm <br />
Sat 30 Dec 11am, 5.30pm <br />
Sun 31 Dec 11am, 5.30pm <br />
Tue 2 Jan 11am, 5.30pm <br />
Thu 4 Jan 1.30pm (relaxed performance), 6.30pm <br />
Fri 5 Jan 6.30pm <br />
Sat 6 Jan 11am, 5.30pm <br />
Sun 7 Jan 11am, 5.30pm (signed performance) <br />
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Twitter: @Rosetheatre <br />
Facebook: /RoseTheatreKingston <br />
Instagram: RoseTheatreKingston <br />
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Box Office: 020 8174 0090 <br />
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm (6pm non-performance days) <br />
Sun: one hour before the performance <br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We received tickets to the performance for the purposes of review, as always views are all entirely our own. Photographs courtesy of the Rose Theatre Press Office.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-38048505814906892132017-12-17T21:51:00.002+00:002017-12-17T21:56:23.294+00:00Walking in the Air (for twenty years)... The Snowman at Sadlers Wells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElOgj5eUl5rap3ybrjW7pM7EHWs8Pn2n6c8FhFvyxTfpu4ovFWlPsvSAuQOn_k_KpgnKq6iVOJAyCbjKz_Ffstpr6eBuy3DfoUUVf4XmLzV1pkMNG9cMdksOrXORHZ4OxwbNXWZ_abMaq/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="900" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElOgj5eUl5rap3ybrjW7pM7EHWs8Pn2n6c8FhFvyxTfpu4ovFWlPsvSAuQOn_k_KpgnKq6iVOJAyCbjKz_Ffstpr6eBuy3DfoUUVf4XmLzV1pkMNG9cMdksOrXORHZ4OxwbNXWZ_abMaq/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This Christmas for the 20th Year running, and our third, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre's magical production of the Snowman has returned, again triumphant, to London's West End. <br />
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There is little in life to surpass the child-like anticipation of
Christmas and this year with a combination of six and four year olds who are both head over heels in love with the magic but old enough to partake fully in every thing the season has to offer to the wide-eyed youngster, I can't imagine it getting better than this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ohQATu7ya7XibH9wEl0gXubNfEWgBSwtDYZSF0Py4sqshhklcn1peN_EhAc7y4MMerFQ8Y8SLoF875YirPi9z0B8-NZUbgWJFeAwS0A9Vlx2KKYRzv8EStOSaVc_o66YwNRGttuxeQ_R/s1600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="900" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ohQATu7ya7XibH9wEl0gXubNfEWgBSwtDYZSF0Py4sqshhklcn1peN_EhAc7y4MMerFQ8Y8SLoF875YirPi9z0B8-NZUbgWJFeAwS0A9Vlx2KKYRzv8EStOSaVc_o66YwNRGttuxeQ_R/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We went to see The Snowman as it opened, right at the end of November, something to be highly recommended as there is nothing that says 'Christmas is coming!' like a viewing of The Snowman. We emerged, enchanted as always, and ready to deck the halls, crack open the Rutter and throw our selves head-first into advent. Christmas for me, more than any other season, is the time for memories,
for dreaming and re-gaining the wonder in life. The Snowman was Culturebaby's first
ballet, and it has held us all, as Waugh would say, a 'finger's breadth from the turf' ever since.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TO9Dm22XA0nm7a9d-779Eo9S-31QXMooLbupKUKw9pWEkHxErprM1CvgY0U_xyc3ch-D_mgCaIr2mkAgrJD21y-fFHOdMfoJcV1SuXSbEuT84zIDUFTxnPgKzBx4E1StuCwpYrGgzgXd/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="900" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TO9Dm22XA0nm7a9d-779Eo9S-31QXMooLbupKUKw9pWEkHxErprM1CvgY0U_xyc3ch-D_mgCaIr2mkAgrJD21y-fFHOdMfoJcV1SuXSbEuT84zIDUFTxnPgKzBx4E1StuCwpYrGgzgXd/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a>The
Snowman with its classical score is so distinctive and
dynamic that it alone can paint pictures in the mind's eye. I was stunned that from three, Culturebaby was able to narrate what was
happening in the story accurately from the music alone. And then there is the story itself, heartbreaking and instructive on so many levels.
Ultimately it is a tale of belief, friendship, living life to the full and dealing
with loss.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwovop9yg8EjhdMfnGYJMznOAT2Ilwb_vGvye9vV3OnRuPJs3TiyRr2EEgLYLeXdyF3ybcr6904E6rWYvMu0lLJ9jbmzIGSGzCHqKBpzj69tCSOazF3pVgO2DKfl4Q-ftUNj3M2mFOG7vM/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="900" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwovop9yg8EjhdMfnGYJMznOAT2Ilwb_vGvye9vV3OnRuPJs3TiyRr2EEgLYLeXdyF3ybcr6904E6rWYvMu0lLJ9jbmzIGSGzCHqKBpzj69tCSOazF3pVgO2DKfl4Q-ftUNj3M2mFOG7vM/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a>The
production, which follows the broad format of the film, is particularly effective as a stage show because it captures the depth of emotion and wonder present in the story, but with an enormous injection of joy. Refusing to take itself too seriously, the ballet features dancing fruit, a jolly (if rather windy) Father Christmas, waltzing penguins and mischievious Jack Frost, determined to capture the hand of the Snowman's dainty dance partner. The sets are simple but effective - they even manage a motorbike on stage - and of course the magical moment where the pair take flight is achieved with gasps of delight by the children. This year we particulary loved the scene with the toys, which come to life in James's (the boy's) bedroom. A dancing ballerina, a bear and a solider all join in the fun, as a toy train makes its way across the stage. Likewise the Snowman's ball is musically and visually gorgeous. I've said before that one of the most brilliant elements of this performance is that it also contains a
small boy, only a few years older than the host of children wishing themselves in his shoes. What wonderful
inspiration for any tiny dreamer! Every year the girls also harbour a fascination with the unnerving but gymnastic Jack Frost. One year on, it was the first thing 4 year old Culturetot mentioned as she glanced at the posters on arrival at the theatre. It's sometimes astounding what can stick in the memories of even the littlest of theatre-goers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEcJh7FLRp5uAlJFplr28BfMYhGkn-A8pNXKO-o3Ncdz0hRFIO6lQqucIag4nCEgzZxBJEukkSvZaP4UpG_MllnIyjqqsT5arW0-K1YJFFOu4WszdGiOrQvQXBiHpS4a299Kk8zVTmZ1l/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEcJh7FLRp5uAlJFplr28BfMYhGkn-A8pNXKO-o3Ncdz0hRFIO6lQqucIag4nCEgzZxBJEukkSvZaP4UpG_MllnIyjqqsT5arW0-K1YJFFOu4WszdGiOrQvQXBiHpS4a299Kk8zVTmZ1l/s640/5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="465" /></a>Its a testament to a great family production that The Snowman is able to hold an audience of the very young captivated throughout, rising only to join the boy as he dances in the snow falling from the ceiling at the end, with its optimistic
implication that our eponymous hero could return. That is, of course, the crucial promise of the coda of this piece; that even before the advent of a sequel it never really seemed possible that this was truly the end. The hopefulness of a fresh fall of snow is the perfect ending to a magical performance.<br />
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Over the years we've had so much fun with the Snowman that we've now accumulated a list of specifically themed activities to accompany the show and provide some creative inspiration. These work for a wide range of children's
ages. <br />
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<b>1. Snowman and Snowdog Christmas Cookies </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPVVsF_pSK-qAhnLiqSRkFaJ15vPEf3FPe2Yucv8o8sCZwz8FiV7ZAwHRQUQckXf1pBsm502R-t23yV3-PfB9ySe-e1aVzEsTFr34T5f2VQGBlahPvExyE8ZQ6A9iagA8fKTNfw5xoDk/s1600/blogger-image-243807402.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPVVsF_pSK-qAhnLiqSRkFaJ15vPEf3FPe2Yucv8o8sCZwz8FiV7ZAwHRQUQckXf1pBsm502R-t23yV3-PfB9ySe-e1aVzEsTFr34T5f2VQGBlahPvExyE8ZQ6A9iagA8fKTNfw5xoDk/s400/blogger-image-243807402.jpg" width="400" /></a>These simple Christmassy smelling and tasting biscuits are based on an extremely
simple recipe. A golden
syrup, ginger and cinnamon combination worked really well for the
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Sift together 350g plain flour, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda<br />
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Add 2tsp ground ginger and 1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
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Add 125g butter and blend until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in 175g soft brown sugar.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgge9vUmcCPHV55Mf7UP5WUQjCEerd_nFGGKZee6Iuc0UW_pClRl7B_0T1W-IuTnKKYJlUgZZIBTMgYL11CivKV2vyn-mZzSwENHHfWse8sC200L-_AO6DYs1waykkVwBsHDHgfNGi-ic/s1600/blogger-image--1297391492.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgge9vUmcCPHV55Mf7UP5WUQjCEerd_nFGGKZee6Iuc0UW_pClRl7B_0T1W-IuTnKKYJlUgZZIBTMgYL11CivKV2vyn-mZzSwENHHfWse8sC200L-_AO6DYs1waykkVwBsHDHgfNGi-ic/s320/blogger-image--1297391492.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Lightly beat an egg and 4tsp golden syrup together, add to mixture and
blend until the mixture clumps together. Knead until smooth, wrap in
cling film and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes or so whilst you
preheat the oven to 180 degrees C/Gas Mark 4 and line baking trays with
greaseproof paper.</div>
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Roll the dough out to around 0.5cm on a lightly floured surface. Create shapes using the cutters.</div>
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Place on baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes. Leave to cool for 10 minutes. </div>
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We then varied the recipe to suit tiny hands using roll-out icing to
cover each biscuit (also using the cutters) and tubes of food
colouring gel for decoration. </div>
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<img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_S8h-u4-lWwtCyHQvHIOrbtpwtmb6NX99_dbMRiK2sH5WM3hNM4lKw4n4j72C5xQV0AtMznwJO2jstPO2sOxd7ZKKHDz6y_3WkUaKMht3b-_YDjAfNggn6BTEQBackBcm3DFLMigFbk/s400/blogger-image--138372957.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<b>2. Running a Snowman on the Shelf Advent</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm58v9b6jyse9PRxEbpZ8f1SNfKJqq9Av4Va0F88xL6kwhTbNsIGV5UGddKLjOBleiIoozRDEN3Nc7QS8mC0cMcb5ViJ9GFB2XAU6mhVYTikZKEOfR4h9EG5APwlSnHE-NZt6d3wP23hw/s1600/blogger-image--1567147836.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm58v9b6jyse9PRxEbpZ8f1SNfKJqq9Av4Va0F88xL6kwhTbNsIGV5UGddKLjOBleiIoozRDEN3Nc7QS8mC0cMcb5ViJ9GFB2XAU6mhVYTikZKEOfR4h9EG5APwlSnHE-NZt6d3wP23hw/s320/blogger-image--1567147836.jpg" width="320" /></a>Lots
of parents arrange an advent
activity called Elf on The Shelf, where a cheeky little helper is sent
by Santa to keep an eye on the household and consequently gets into
mishaps along the way. This isn't something we have ever done, but one
year we decided that our large cuddly snowman might enjoy some elf-like
antics. Given that he is the ideal
companion for a child throughout this festive season, and he already
loves exploring the house (and gets into a few scrapes along the way),
he was the perfect messenger from the North Pole for us: our very own
Snowman on the Shelf. <br />
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<b>3. Create a Snowman Themed Christmas Play Basket</b><br />
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Somewhere between two and four the girls
particularly loved a series of small-world Montessori-inspired play
baskets I made for them, though they still indulge daily in imaginative play. If you have a child who loves sensory play and small objects I'd highly
recommend making these simple dreamscapes for them to explore. The
Snowdog joined our already much-loved little Snowman in the basket
alongside a tree for Culturebaby to dress with miniature decorations.The
floor of the basket was scattered with items that can be collected,
matched and
counted such as wooden and felt snowflakes, stars, reindeer, small
presents, miniature musical instruments and bells.<br />
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<b>4. Explore the Story through Art and Modeling</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNPhzGs-nY3eiHyChkKKncqvJ7vvhpi-ZsQ_lYERDv7uOchBqVvADc32IglkSpXe_r6WRshzpBvk2hZYaSm5Vo1exwG9BWpVIk1xdfbBBFhRUvqgxMWQjhSgm2nYXDQIguYfumBJw6oM/s640/blogger-image-1555602354.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNPhzGs-nY3eiHyChkKKncqvJ7vvhpi-ZsQ_lYERDv7uOchBqVvADc32IglkSpXe_r6WRshzpBvk2hZYaSm5Vo1exwG9BWpVIk1xdfbBBFhRUvqgxMWQjhSgm2nYXDQIguYfumBJw6oM/s200/blogger-image-1555602354.jpg" width="200" /></a>Between 2 and 3, little ones are beginning to draw with clear
intention and increasing ability. Using playdoh is another
way to foster this interest, and three years ago we tried modelling the
characters from the Snowman, and watching others do so - as well as 'melting' (squashing)
the snowman afterwards. Creating the scene
of the house from playdoh and acting out certain parts of the book was really effective.</div>
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5.
Imaginative Play and Storytelling with Characters </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaykU2yNqy48r7y9CTDu92ay-Ggx-rUhyPyR2nnmBGlfe8s15CtxY4VRNJuboMzew5nd03Lstj7wOwO7Vv5x8vj_xse-JMbhKXB5j4dbEaHX7HaaDR59mjuUNEwJ0nQXgsvLlhVv_8Tg/s1600/blogger-image-1892120542.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaykU2yNqy48r7y9CTDu92ay-Ggx-rUhyPyR2nnmBGlfe8s15CtxY4VRNJuboMzew5nd03Lstj7wOwO7Vv5x8vj_xse-JMbhKXB5j4dbEaHX7HaaDR59mjuUNEwJ0nQXgsvLlhVv_8Tg/s400/blogger-image-1892120542.jpg" width="400" /></a>This
activity was revived a couple of years on the run. The first year,
we created a snowy landscape
with a large white towel and, listening to the audio soundtrack, used
one of Culturebaby's play cottages and characters, with her toy snowman,
to act out parts of the story. The second year, we set up a sheet of
faux snow material and included the scenes with the dance of the
snowmen, when Father Christmas gives James the gift of the scarf and the
final morning. The girls have reached the stage where they happily act out stories together. I may resurrect the materials to see how they use them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJZSy635WcysDKcyjDE3RHBSs2O8nJ_y9o3lIiDyhzIF55O4Jk3VRxlDLxoSWgHKb_JVEjeHZjFsvR5TNBWHDdK7JfBd7ORGOG3BOxT9exDgoxdo5lOecy__cC2gr3IN2YESFknmQzcQ/s640/blogger-image-21979168.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJZSy635WcysDKcyjDE3RHBSs2O8nJ_y9o3lIiDyhzIF55O4Jk3VRxlDLxoSWgHKb_JVEjeHZjFsvR5TNBWHDdK7JfBd7ORGOG3BOxT9exDgoxdo5lOecy__cC2gr3IN2YESFknmQzcQ/s320/blogger-image-21979168.jpg" width="320" /></a><b> </b><br />
<b>6.
First science experiments</b> - Three years ago we took a few ice cubes
and let them melt
in a bowl at room temperature. We talked about what was happening and
why - and of course why the Snowman had started to melt when he sat too
close to the fireplace. Practical activities like this have also helped
the girls understand and discuss differences in temperature.<br />
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The Snowman is currently on at The Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT from Thursday 23 November - Sunday 31 December 2017 <br />
Performances: 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm. Times vary on selected dates. See website for full schedule. <br />
Tickets: £15 - £36<br />
Family Ticket: £115 (four tickets including at least one child)<br />
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Ticket Office: 020 7863 8222 or <a href="http://peacocktheatre.com/">www.peacocktheatre.com</a><br />
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The Production will also be touring as follows:<br />
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The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (10-14 January), Milton Keynes Theatre (17-20 January) and Theatre Royal, Brighton (24-28 January).<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We received tickets to The Snowman in exchange for an honest review. We return to The Snowman annually - its a joy and a tradition. Long may the magic last. Images Courtesy of Sadlers Wells Press Office.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-73661349154340048092017-11-27T10:38:00.001+00:002017-12-21T17:33:20.034+00:00The Hunting of the Snark<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7ETxl-iI_ju9dxRxbnWJaNSw9U2SRDUnEHSWv0ngSEzED_Sz8nL6j9G8ZMiu4V7r45XVQzfXDycf8YsdCLG2cBhIuncWETZzR1riXBJohPrIMSqP9WOwnt1RHkcWDvXtrYl9gtraQoLy/s1600/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Simon+Turner+%2528The+Banker%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1165" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7ETxl-iI_ju9dxRxbnWJaNSw9U2SRDUnEHSWv0ngSEzED_Sz8nL6j9G8ZMiu4V7r45XVQzfXDycf8YsdCLG2cBhIuncWETZzR1riXBJohPrIMSqP9WOwnt1RHkcWDvXtrYl9gtraQoLy/s640/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Simon+Turner+%2528The+Banker%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" width="466" /></a>The Rose Theatre has been host to some fabulous children's programming this season. Over half term we were treated to a performance of the scrumptiously quirky <i>Hunting of the Snark</i>, based on Lewis Carroll's poem. <br />
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It's a tricky poem to share with children as it is long and rather complex, but it is packed full of weird and wonderful creatures and delightfully nonsensical activities that speak so perfectly to the imagination of the child. This theatrical adaptation brought the poem to life in a memorable way, unlocking the world of Carroll's quirkier imaginings visually - resulting in repeated readings of The Jabberwocky and even sections of the Snark itself in the days that have followed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPQLi0JsLCBMbvgTRt5TdmSb4yPBf3b-BBHEkunxLZMgktgvFrEEmNbe1i_AykBaJpXyZiZyOYMAfbICP06uptMthSe2LfKjlfBu5ZUkOyBZqyqRPfi6sxksW4cqO6kPsBlNRUXuA67kq/s1600/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Bryant+%2528Bandersnatch%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPQLi0JsLCBMbvgTRt5TdmSb4yPBf3b-BBHEkunxLZMgktgvFrEEmNbe1i_AykBaJpXyZiZyOYMAfbICP06uptMthSe2LfKjlfBu5ZUkOyBZqyqRPfi6sxksW4cqO6kPsBlNRUXuA67kq/s400/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Bryant+%2528Bandersnatch%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" width="298" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPQLi0JsLCBMbvgTRt5TdmSb4yPBf3b-BBHEkunxLZMgktgvFrEEmNbe1i_AykBaJpXyZiZyOYMAfbICP06uptMthSe2LfKjlfBu5ZUkOyBZqyqRPfi6sxksW4cqO6kPsBlNRUXuA67kq/s1600/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Bryant+%2528Bandersnatch%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Retaining the essential elements, but ensuring that the play was as coherent and appealing to a young audience as possible, The Hunting of the Snark production follows the story of a young boy and his sad relationship with his money-obsessed Father. When it is broadcast on television that a Snark has been sighted in the wild by a group of holiday-makers, the greedy banker seizes the opportunity to make some further cash and gathers experts, staff and hires a boat to capture the fantastical beast. His son, determined to be a part of the expedition stows himself away on the ship, which is also home to a baker with amnesia, a knitting beaver and the world expert on Snarks. Also on board is a vicious butcher, who wants nothing more than to put the elusive beast in her cooking pot. The mission requires patience, and some rather left-field thinking; the Snark can't be found using conventional means. The group encounters the Jub Jub Bird and the frumious Bandersnatch. Ultimately the Snark seems within their grasp, but as the expert explains it is impossible to tell whether a Snark on sighting is either authentic and friendly, or the dangerous Boojum. If the latter, a mere touch will disappear you away. What a risk indeed!<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZl-w2TS7I1jsL0sqA4_YYd3fPDDbHb3CPEQJbhommotQsesUiKpAIJ1ZHqB4Sl7YH0PItHMhrMHqDAzUpHgNj6oxk3KXFV_gkD5ev0NT_WilYr5fC9xTHjittAo-4VEsvsoCYEe73Em8i/s1600/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Ben+Galpin+%2528The+Bellman%2529%252C+Will+Bryant+%2528Baker%2529%252C+Jordan+Leigh-Harris+%2528Boy%2529+%2526+Polly+Smith+%2528Beaver%2529+Cred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZl-w2TS7I1jsL0sqA4_YYd3fPDDbHb3CPEQJbhommotQsesUiKpAIJ1ZHqB4Sl7YH0PItHMhrMHqDAzUpHgNj6oxk3KXFV_gkD5ev0NT_WilYr5fC9xTHjittAo-4VEsvsoCYEe73Em8i/s640/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Ben+Galpin+%2528The+Bellman%2529%252C+Will+Bryant+%2528Baker%2529%252C+Jordan+Leigh-Harris+%2528Boy%2529+%2526+Polly+Smith+%2528Beaver%2529+Cred.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr3IsiLM4xpOu53yRcdsPpLZ02dj7y6GvCPIWE99t55qVAlYrgd3ug4bpPCm1sD-uydxpulX4PxTovQaGSuShggU2rXrTo07KoCbLluFTcb6er0Q_E2yvG-I-3vsX68SMgulZmO_fN47U/s1600/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Polly+Smith+%2528The+Butcher%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b></b>Frivolous, but<b> </b>with an important message about what is really most important in life, the production also taps into Carroll's wider themes that imagination requires practice and nonsense can be exceedingly good for us.<i><br /></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr3IsiLM4xpOu53yRcdsPpLZ02dj7y6GvCPIWE99t55qVAlYrgd3ug4bpPCm1sD-uydxpulX4PxTovQaGSuShggU2rXrTo07KoCbLluFTcb6er0Q_E2yvG-I-3vsX68SMgulZmO_fN47U/s1600/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Polly+Smith+%2528The+Butcher%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1206" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr3IsiLM4xpOu53yRcdsPpLZ02dj7y6GvCPIWE99t55qVAlYrgd3ug4bpPCm1sD-uydxpulX4PxTovQaGSuShggU2rXrTo07KoCbLluFTcb6er0Q_E2yvG-I-3vsX68SMgulZmO_fN47U/s400/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Polly+Smith+%2528The+Butcher%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr3IsiLM4xpOu53yRcdsPpLZ02dj7y6GvCPIWE99t55qVAlYrgd3ug4bpPCm1sD-uydxpulX4PxTovQaGSuShggU2rXrTo07KoCbLluFTcb6er0Q_E2yvG-I-3vsX68SMgulZmO_fN47U/s1600/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Polly+Smith+%2528The+Butcher%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPQLi0JsLCBMbvgTRt5TdmSb4yPBf3b-BBHEkunxLZMgktgvFrEEmNbe1i_AykBaJpXyZiZyOYMAfbICP06uptMthSe2LfKjlfBu5ZUkOyBZqyqRPfi6sxksW4cqO6kPsBlNRUXuA67kq/s1600/The+Hunting+of+the+Snark+Vaudeville+Theatre+Bryant+%2528Bandersnatch%2529+Credit+Simon+Annand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><b></b><i>“Alice laughed. 'There's no use trying,' she said. 'One can't believe impossible </i><i>things.'</i><i><br />I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. There goes the shawl again!”</i> </blockquote>
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There's some great reading material available to accompany this production. For the littlest children the Babylit <i>Jabberwocky</i> by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver is a current favourite again. I've reviewed this clever series designed to introduce the classics from the cradle <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2013/12/classics-from-cradle.html">here</a>. We've also been dipping into Chris Riddell's brilliantly illustrated <span id="goog_419756259"></span><u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_419756258"><i>The Hunting of the Snark</i><span id="goog_419756260"></span></a>,</u> created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the poem. And then of course there is Alice. We have a great Barnes and Noble volume containing Carroll's main works, and there are several wonderfully illustrated adaptations from Emma Chichester Clark and Usborne's picture book series and early reader versions. Finally we found Graham Oakley's imaginative sequel to the famous poem <i>The Return of the Jabberwock.</i></div>
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<i>“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?”</i> <br />
― Lewis Carroll, <span id="quote_book_link_24213">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass </span></blockquote>
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The Hunting of the Snark is <a href="https://www.snarkthemusical.com/">touring,</a> next stop Sydney, and listings of the next set of family shows at the Rose Theatre Kingston is <a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on">here</a>. Over Christmas they will be showing Alice in Winterland. More on this soon...<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We received tickets to the Hunting of the Snark in exchange for an honest review. We also received copies of the Babylit and Alice in Wonderland Barnes and Noble edition. All other resources are our own.</i><br />
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<br />MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-15859810725843468422017-11-19T23:03:00.000+00:002017-11-19T23:09:47.253+00:00BBC Music's Ten Pieces III Announced - and the full set of videos to watch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wLPeJ7vJdUxe_TqQ-eDGzdPOkDkTlPWbfWK2cb6SaMfJS4MPgrrncB8yhitXaRpsxFdCRhqbIzQ7jq1wf1RD9Yyq7WO7KuNYkIlseCGy1tSqo9eBF-bsf7uxFrhHk840OZQEXV1GrEbj/s1600/IMG_6563.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wLPeJ7vJdUxe_TqQ-eDGzdPOkDkTlPWbfWK2cb6SaMfJS4MPgrrncB8yhitXaRpsxFdCRhqbIzQ7jq1wf1RD9Yyq7WO7KuNYkIlseCGy1tSqo9eBF-bsf7uxFrhHk840OZQEXV1GrEbj/s400/IMG_6563.JPG" width="400" /></a>I've written before about Culturebaby's brilliant experience of the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22560%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22https://www.youtube.com/embed/5pl_aTOcj1E%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E">2016 Ten Pieces II Prom</a> at the Royal Albert Hall: There's nothing quite like seeing your daughter falling in love with music; magnificent, passionate music that paints pictures and pins a 4 year old to their seat, gripped and inspired, and leaves them reminiscing, singing and dancing for weeks. <br />
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The Ten Pieces initiative aims to open up the world of classical music to 7-14 year-olds across the UK and inspire them to develop their own creative responses to music. The initiative launched in 2014 and has so far reached over four million people. <a href="http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/proms/proms-2016/prom-10-ten-pieces-i/"><span style="color: #993300;">Ten Pieces II</span></a> was aimed at early secondary school children, combining dance, animation and a plethora of musical offerings. However it was pitched, it suited the pre-schooler just as well. Culturebaby has declared that she loves 'big' music. She watched open mouthed in the Albert Hall as the organ thundered out its Fugue and the enormous choir of children perform the epic Day of Judgement from Verdi's Requiem. <br />
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I was therefore delighted to hear that this academic year's Ten Pieces III has been announced this week, and even better, school children across the country were treated to a 'live lesson' inspired by the Royal Opera House's production of the Nutcracker last Monday. In partnership with the Royal Opera House and The Royal Ballet School, the 30-minute Live Lesson from BBC Learning was presented by CBBC’s Naomi Wilkinson and Karim Zeroual and live-streamed to schools nationwide. BBC Music and BBC Learning have also produced a continuing programme of activity for Ten Pieces III for this academic year. By the end of the project, students and teachers will have the basic tools to choreograph their own original dances to any piece of music. There is a wide range of free Ten Pieces resources available, including a set of short films which accompany the new repertoire and support students in their explorations of the pieces, and six-weeks’ worth of lesson plans devised for each piece. There's also a series of Ten Pieces Schools Concerts planned for 2018. The details are set out below.<br />
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I'm really excited that we have been invited to host the new Ten Pieces III teaching videos on our blog. There are some absolutely fantastic pieces in this year's line up from a journey through The Nutcracker to the thundering darkly emotive Orff's O Fortuna. In each video, the children are introduced to the piece, the composer, and context, as well as looking at the instruments used. They also examine certain parts of the piece and the feelings they might evoke. At just over 6 minutes each, these bite-sized videos are pitched really well. I can't wait to show them to the girls.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman",serif,"EmojiFont";"> </span></span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T_UUpJt8wc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kerry Andrew</a> </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">No Place Like - </span><span style="font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">Commission for <i><span style="color: black;">a cappella</span></i> voices</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman",serif,"EmojiFont";"> </span></span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng6jdFQWo2g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mason Bates</a> </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">Anthology of Fantastic Zoology </span><span style="font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">– Sprite; </span><span style="font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">A Bao A Qu</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman",serif,"EmojiFont";"> </span></span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6WPJoaOSXM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joseph Bologne</a>, Chevalier de Saint-Georges </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">S</span><span style="font-family: "gill sans" , "sans-serif" , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 10pt;">ymphony No. 1 in G major – Allegro (1st mvt) </span><br />
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<b>BBC Ten Pieces 2018 Schools and Family Concerts</b><br />
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• Wednesday 7 February: Ten Pieces Schools Concert - City Halls, Glasgow (BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra) • Thursday 8 February: Ten Pieces Schools Concert – Perth Concert Hall (BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra) • Sunday 11 February: Ten Pieces Family Concert – His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra) • Tuesday 27 February: Ten Pieces Schools Concert – Watford Colosseum (BBC Concert Orchestra) • Wednesday 28 February: Ten Pieces Schools Concert – The Embassy Theatre, Skegness (BBC Concert Orchestra) • Saturday 3 March: Family Concert - Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest (BBC National Orchestra of Wales) • Sunday 18 March: Family Concert - Venue Cymru, Llandudno (BBC National Orchestra of Wales) • Sunday 13 May: Family Concert - St David’s Hall, Cardiff (BBC National Orchestra of Wales) • Tuesday 15 May: Ten Pieces Schools Concert - MediaCityUK, Salford (BBC Philharmonic) • Wednesday 16 May: Ten Pieces Schools Concert - MediaCityUK, Salford (BBC Philharmonic) • Saturday 26 May: Family Concert – The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester (BBC Philharmonic) • Thursday 21 June: Ten Pieces Schools Concert, Royal and Derngate, Northampton (BBC Symphony Orchestra) • Friday 22 June: Ten Pieces Schools Concert – Barbican, London (BBC Symphony Orchestra) <br />
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Booking details for the Ten Pieces School and Family Concerts will be available via the BBC Ten Pieces website shortly.MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-26160017218437887422017-11-10T14:16:00.000+00:002017-11-10T14:21:38.940+00:00Big Music for Little People: A Concert for Every Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The girls have been lucky to attend some fabulous large-scale concerts over the last year. We love our small and intimate venues with their brilliant children's programming (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2016/11/classical-babies-six-of-best-regular.html">see here for a selection of some wonderful regular ones</a>) but there is something utterly awe-inspiring in the huge concerts with their booming organs or Wagnerian choruses, or the giant cinematic experiences with favoured films brought alive by an orchestra. As I've written before, there's nothing quite like seeing your daughters falling in love with
music; magnificent, passionate music that paints pictures and pins a 4
year old to their seat, gripped and inspired, and leaves them
reminiscing, singing and dancing for weeks. For me it was racing to
safety behind a sofa as the stone door to the Hall of the Mountain King
swung shut, beating an imagined hammer to the Anvil Chorus and dashing
through the snow on a horse drawn sledge with Lt Kije to Prokoviev's
Troika. For Culturebaby it has also been The Nutcracker and now the
swift-winged Valkyries. I've been immensely grateful for the BBC's
fabulous series Melody, which animates a piece of music for children in
each episode, and Disney's Fantasia.<br />
With the school year coming round swiftly again, keep an eye out for these utterly inspiring family experiences.<br />
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<u><b>Autumn</b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF-AO3Mr9MrVktlETvuiJpj0c3ZZsE81FtFdtfTqze3AiG8b10P1FU41ddlDxcfF-tAEEFrQZRHvNwyjwIkrttpQCqKRm_ncms5h_Y6QtRmyuNvwfZ0abtAkMLiQqAQjhzMutbQSFYyjO/s1600/rah_38753838562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF-AO3Mr9MrVktlETvuiJpj0c3ZZsE81FtFdtfTqze3AiG8b10P1FU41ddlDxcfF-tAEEFrQZRHvNwyjwIkrttpQCqKRm_ncms5h_Y6QtRmyuNvwfZ0abtAkMLiQqAQjhzMutbQSFYyjO/s400/rah_38753838562.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVehTwhEzSrB6CsA5xKn3xjrFbRXcZzficMqHrLJ4vOz0mwNK7AFwU5ZFo_M05PKqpHCP9jF_8ewh81vpcWXXo0dS_7FxpPetRe7cPCzzWrKa-gLOIabkbTPugvJmoggjZFVsVjQ6tMT_/s1600/rah_38753831652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVehTwhEzSrB6CsA5xKn3xjrFbRXcZzficMqHrLJ4vOz0mwNK7AFwU5ZFo_M05PKqpHCP9jF_8ewh81vpcWXXo0dS_7FxpPetRe7cPCzzWrKa-gLOIabkbTPugvJmoggjZFVsVjQ6tMT_/s400/rah_38753831652.jpg" width="400" /></a>Autumn brings the Albert Hall's <a href="https://www.royalalberthall.com/about-the-hall/news/2016/october/listen-again-to-the-my-great-orchestral-adventure-soundtrack/">Great Orchestral Adventure</a>, which ran again this half term. Due to an unmovable work meeting we had to miss it and so I was delighted to see that there will be another running in the Spring, this time with a space theme. Last year's performance was interactive, educational and engaging. Around 8000 young people and their families descended on the venue to help conductor Tim find his magic conducting baton. Using 11 classical masterpieces, the orchestra took us on an atmospheric journey through forests, mountains and to kingdoms under the sea. We even travelled into space to the Sanskrit echoes of Star Wars' Duel of the Fates. We encountered perils such as tricky mermaids, and the ferocious troll living in the Hall of the Mountain King (I still recall racing to
safety behind a sofa as a child before the stone door to the Hall
swung shut). The finale of the performance featured a full narrated performance of Michael Rosen classic <i>We're Going on a Bear Hunt. </i>The intention of these entertaining productions is to introduce even the youngest children to the orchestra and the idea of a concert, and they achieve this so effectively. We met the conductor and explored the various parts of the orchestra. To the audience's delight, we were invited to vote on the way our adventure might proceed: which way to go? Vote red or green. One particularly lucky young lady was invited to come and t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QTLvWcgtI8WkabVkfyvtKs8HBSpoTGLAbnuky8OcIxKc28BiZH684dy7DOriFzUIbmdBs9DOBH5Tt2iS2Vmu9Alz0lErKINl6Ns_0CE83_f5wFKJ-YyFC-jdGryO6_yNdOwRLQXeSsRm/s1600/rah_38753841459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QTLvWcgtI8WkabVkfyvtKs8HBSpoTGLAbnuky8OcIxKc28BiZH684dy7DOriFzUIbmdBs9DOBH5Tt2iS2Vmu9Alz0lErKINl6Ns_0CE83_f5wFKJ-YyFC-jdGryO6_yNdOwRLQXeSsRm/s400/rah_38753841459.jpg" width="400" /></a>ake the place of the conductor as he nipped away. We were given a glimpse of quite how tricky the experience of controlling an orchestra can be but what a glorious experience when it all comes together. The audience danced and sang and remained utterly enthralled. The accompanying activity book and programme was also very well designed, introducing the concept of how music can conjure up a plethora of emotions from happiness to fear and sadness; how a piece can conjure adventure or drag us from peril to calm safety in a matter of moments.<br />
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<b>McKenzie</b> <i>Life’s a Happy Song</i><br />
<b>Rossini</b> <i>William Tell Overture</i><br />
<b>Grieg</b> <i>Asa’s Death</i>, from <i>Peer Gynt</i><br />
<b>Tchaikovsky</b> <i>Swan Lake</i><br />
<b>Grieg</b> <i>Hall of the Mountain King</i>, from <i>Peer Gynt</i><br />
<b>Mozart</b> <i>Dies Irae</i><br />
<b>Wagner</b> <i>Ride of the Valkyries</i><br />
<b>Williams</b> <i>Duel of the Fates</i><br />
<b>Stephen</b> <i>We’re Going On A Bear Hunt</i><br />
<b>Williams</b> <i>Flight to Neverland</i><br />
<b>Mahler</b> <i>Symphony no. 4</i><br />
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<i><b><u>Winter</u></b></i><br />
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Then as the nights roll in and the carols begin, nothing says nearly Christmas like The Snowman. Over the last few years we have particularly loved the Amadeus Orchestra and Mozart Symphony Orchestra's family concerts at both Cadogan Hall and King's Place. I've written about these in more depth <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2015/01/walking-in-air-and-capturing-wolf.html">here and </a><a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2016/12/wolves-bears-and-snowmen-unforgettable.html"><span style="color: #993300;">here</span></a> (complete with follow on activity ideas). This winning formula featuring a double-bill of two of our most loved orchestral works in one sitting never fails to enchant. <br />
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Prokofiev's Peter and The Wolf is, without a doubt, the best classical piece I've found to demonstrate the power of musical storytelling without the aid of film. Written in 1936 by Prokofiev for the Moscow Theatre for Children, the work was intended to be, and was commissioned as, a guide to the instruments of the orchestra. </div>
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Following the interval, the concert hall was transformed into a cinema and we were presented with the full film of the Snowman in cinematic scale, but with a live orchestra and a choirboy performing the classic Walking in the Air in the place of the soundtrack. As I wrote recently, a Christmas viewing of the Snowman is like a rite of passage, a ritual through which the joy of childhood is kept alive. Fully versed and note-perfect, surrounded by family and strangers alike, we re-enter annually this intimate tale of belief, living life to the full and dealing with loss. As far as cinematic experiences for children go, this is hard to beat. This fantastic series of Christmas concerts varies each year a little but retains many of its most magical components. They've since added an out of London concert in Cheltenham too.<br />
<a href="https://www.cadoganhall.com/files/images/applicationfiles/1659.7585.161222fatherchristmas/200x150.fitandcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Father Christmas and Peter and the Wolf" border="0" itemprop="image" src="https://www.cadoganhall.com/files/images/applicationfiles/1659.7585.161222fatherchristmas/200x150.fitandcrop.jpg" /></a><br />
This year Cadogan Hall and the Mozart Symphony Orchestra are running a two day series with:<br />
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<abbr class="published" itemprop="published" title="Wednesday 20 December 2017, 1.30pm and 4.30pm">Wednesday 20 December 2017, 1.30pm and 4.30pm</abbr><a href="https://www.cadoganhall.com/event/mozart-symphony-orchestra-171220/" itemprop="name"> - The Snowman and Carnival of the Animals</a>
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with the Mozart Symphony Orchestra</div>
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<abbr class="published" itemprop="published" title="Thursday 21 December 2017, 1.30pm and 4.30pm">Thursday 21 December 2017, 1.30pm and 4.30pm -</abbr><a href="https://www.cadoganhall.com/event/mozart-symphony-orchestra-171221/" itemprop="name">Father Christmas and Peter and the Wolf</a></div>
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King's Place is running <a href="http://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/music/the-snowman-and-carnival-of-the-animals#.WgWcn4hpHIU">The Snowman and Carnival of the Animals</a> <br />
on Tuesday, 19 December 2017 at 1.30 and 4.30pm with the Amadeus Orchestra.<br />
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<b><u>Spring</u></b><br />
<a href="https://d33hx0a45ryfj1.cloudfront.net/additional/Dynamic/media/5824cf6661d26f15?w=1600&h=630&crop=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="157" src="https://d33hx0a45ryfj1.cloudfront.net/additional/Dynamic/media/5824cf6661d26f15?w=1600&h=630&crop=1" title="Gruffalo_Encounter_portrait" width="400" /></a><b><u><br /></u></b>
Every year spring sees the fantastic <i><a href="https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/imagine-childrens-festival">Imagine Children's Festival</a> </i>at the Southbank Centre. This brilliant two week festival for kids, run by kids offers everything from immersive theatre to storytelling, dancing, art and experimentation with instruments. I'm going to write about this event in more depth shortly in the run up to this Spring's event, but a huge highlight from last year's programme was a cinematic showing of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's <i>The Gruffalo</i> and <i>Room on the Broom</i> with full orchestral accompaniment. Frankly cinema will never be the same again. We particularly loved how the audience was taught about the detail of what they would be hearing in advance. We met the instruments that would create some of the signature noises of certain characters, and we were helped to look out for sounds and ways of creating them that we see in the films. The Southbank Centre also runs interactive Funharmonics concerts throughout the year. Recently we had the huge excitement of watching The Gruffalo's Child with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Keep an eye on their events <a href="https://www.lpo.org.uk/education/family-concerts-funharmonics.html">here</a>. As we mentioned above, there will also be the next installation of the Great Orchestra Adventure at the Royal Albert Hall (<a href="https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2018/my-great-orchestral-adventure/">see here).</a><br />
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<u><b>Summer </b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSn199_yt_FCm6gBiwBGb9IGDg1Ed_hVNwO_XFPnGEF7dlJgPBXzZoLP3MpRKNc-ChkYUTk8qwHAhT19SmluK5VFgjpt_St06sw7GD66Qr2pJSQpH4mZy6id3moe9pxT3y8ympKscEI_U/s1600/IMG_6576.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSn199_yt_FCm6gBiwBGb9IGDg1Ed_hVNwO_XFPnGEF7dlJgPBXzZoLP3MpRKNc-ChkYUTk8qwHAhT19SmluK5VFgjpt_St06sw7GD66Qr2pJSQpH4mZy6id3moe9pxT3y8ympKscEI_U/s400/IMG_6576.JPG" width="400" /></a>Summer brings the BBC Proms, and as we have experienced, you can never be too young to feel involved in them. In Summer 2016 Culturebaby and I attended the amazing Ten Pieces II Prom; a fantastic celebration of a set of
iconic classical pieces performed for and with school children.
Building on 2015's huge 10 Pieces success, this year's <a href="http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/proms/proms-2016/prom-10-ten-pieces-i/">Ten Pieces II</a> was aimed at early secondary school children, combining dance,
animation and a plethora of musical offerings. However it was pitched,
it suited the
pre-schooler just as well and Culturebaby was completely
bowled over from the moment the huge organ began with Bach's (slightly
unnerving) Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. She watched open
mouthed the organ thundering out its Fugue, and the enormous choir of
children performing the epic Day of Judgement from Verdi's Requiem.
However, since the concert it is the Ride of the Valkyries that has been
requested over and over again, even a year on, by both children. (<a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2016/08/ten-pieces-ii-proms-for-kids-or-day-my.html">You can read my full review here</a>).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7VT2AQUrKjDvq0Q_Z1Ltl_qMnU3bCWamrpgICECxoCpxrjcv3ktCnx84jSIa0HKqzNBn1Lf0RUJ-FZ9WGuxOEW2zI46UGm-ox5AukBhbUXf0B7exl1UaTcFcIIZWGVXCbk19k2SvAHLg/s1600/CBeebies+Prom_CR_BBC+Guy+Levy_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7VT2AQUrKjDvq0Q_Z1Ltl_qMnU3bCWamrpgICECxoCpxrjcv3ktCnx84jSIa0HKqzNBn1Lf0RUJ-FZ9WGuxOEW2zI46UGm-ox5AukBhbUXf0B7exl1UaTcFcIIZWGVXCbk19k2SvAHLg/s320/CBeebies+Prom_CR_BBC+Guy+Levy_4.jpg" width="320" /></a>Combined with the thunderously joyful CBeebies Prom towards the end of the summer, we couldn't have hoped for a better introduction to the Proms for the girls. Hugely accessible, and perhaps appealling to a much wider demographic than the Proms might traditionally expect, the CBeebies Prom was hosted by and featured a gaggle of presenters and characters from the BBC channel. Drummers moved through the audience and Clangers took a turn at conducting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhwbqFqMxK7eYC8XVN3cVDkSaftZ2DUXUe5qh8tTWkVsYTqpT4A388hn93Xc9bm66BofqsDHRYrppbuBYr6wgEBvZV6sQDJTb5bAJD67Zih4-Lm_XtMzXh17GpaC1yXZ7dQyfamSvHQ4c/s1600/CBeebies+Prom_CR_BBC+Guy+Levy_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhwbqFqMxK7eYC8XVN3cVDkSaftZ2DUXUe5qh8tTWkVsYTqpT4A388hn93Xc9bm66BofqsDHRYrppbuBYr6wgEBvZV6sQDJTb5bAJD67Zih4-Lm_XtMzXh17GpaC1yXZ7dQyfamSvHQ4c/s320/CBeebies+Prom_CR_BBC+Guy+Levy_6.jpg" width="320" /></a> Along with Andy Day, Mr Bloom, Swashbuckling Pirates<b> </b>and other familiar household names for children everywhere, the young audience was taken on an adventure through space and time, weaving storytelling through a selection of classical favourites. We encountered (of course) dinosaurs and met Will Shakespeare. Short and hugely accessible the whole experience was an excellent idea - we were even treated to the bagpipes. It was, however, the Proms Extra in the nearby Imprerial College Union that provided the icing on this theatrical cake and turned the whole event into an immersive family day out. The children had the opportunity to meet Clangers and Muppets, create home-made musical instruments, do craft activities and best of all, take part in a dance class for all the family. If this perfomance features again in this year's Proms programme I'd thoroughly recommend it to even the youngest of toddlers.<br />
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In no way do I exaggerate when I call these concert experiences life changing. They exist for long periods in little memories and conversations and provide no end of play ideas, and although we have already glimpsed their creative legacy, I have no doubt that their ultimate impact will be enduring.<br />
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<i>Disclamer: We received tickets to each of the performances for the purposes of review. The photographs for the Great Orchestral adventure were courtesy of the Albert Hall and the CBeebies Proms photographs were courtesy of the BBC and Guy Levy (copyright).</i> </div>
MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-3050040719231750022017-10-20T22:32:00.000+01:002017-10-20T22:34:59.008+01:00Around the World in 80 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uAKJ4m8ZmbxV5byoa9f4nA8_QYBYr0kAT9rkltDivjYA2DpZ9uBTxniZX5_Hw2CqN1siXE0crS4NLTO2KiqD2Ry3XU9k5IC2PwwTTWZqBoFoFddrvRgYB2ZurxR860Ms9HdkXN0Y10uy/s1600/80Days_8505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uAKJ4m8ZmbxV5byoa9f4nA8_QYBYr0kAT9rkltDivjYA2DpZ9uBTxniZX5_Hw2CqN1siXE0crS4NLTO2KiqD2Ry3XU9k5IC2PwwTTWZqBoFoFddrvRgYB2ZurxR860Ms9HdkXN0Y10uy/s640/80Days_8505.jpg" width="426" /></a>The girls and I see quite a bit of children's theatre and we enjoy much of it, but it is rarer to encounter a family show quite so excellently devised and executed as The New Vic Theatre’s celebrated production of Jules Verne’s <i>Around The World in Eighty Days</i>. At our performance children and adults alike became so thoroughly engaged with this interactive show that they chuckled, booed, sang and delivered standing ovations for the brilliant cast. It was a rip-roaring, genuinely funny, adventure with some clever use of props and an exceedingly dextrous set of performers, not least the simply brilliant Michael Hugo as Passepartout. My three year old has been talking about him all day.</div>
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This story is known to many of us, possibly through the eyes of the fabulous 1980s cartoon featuring Willy Fogg and his troupe of animated animals marching round the globe to an ear-worm inducing sound track. I've bought the DVD for the girls and we've been indulging together. We also have the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Usborne-Guided-Reading-Packs-Around/dp/0746091044">Usborne young reading series</a> adaptation, which is abridged in a really accessible way and illustrated throughout. I'm pretty certain my children have learned more world geography from the travels of Fogg than from any other source.<br />
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So we begin our journey in Victorian London with the rather OCD but fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg who spends his days in a well ordered routine of (rather tedious) newspaper-reading and whist-playing opulence. Then in a fit of frivolous abandon, he wagers his life’s fortune on the idea that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. Passepartout, his talented valet, and Fogg voyage from London through Europe and Egypt, to India and the Far East, and on to the Wild West in a race against the clock. They manage to rescue a princess from the clutches of death along the way, and are chased rather incompetently by an inspector with a poor attention to criminal detail who is convinced that Fogg is fleeing with the spoils of a robbery of the Bank of England. This story has it all.<br />
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Reviews note that an ensemble cast of just 8 "play over 125 characters in an imaginative and physically inventive high-spirited escapade including six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant!" Performers morph from British to French to Italian and Indian travellers, clearly recognisable through the simple and clever use of props and gestures. They dance and perform acrobatics, transport us on tempestuous seas and through the jungle using simple and effective techniques. The sets are lovely and the joy was contagious. It was obvious that the performers were having quite as much fun with each other as we were watching them. We simply couldn't recommend this one more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIIQ6DcdgTXIdsuq9X5-6xVX0mGUZnqVzEZwSl2-_lG3I49xstkDu3RExetyHB4JuYsNjLmxQ5h76R4aTsLKymAju4plYxe9I63gIu3hqgfFUUfBHuJ-RgxITidU-gJl2l4muOx_6t_c6/s1600/80Days_6498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIIQ6DcdgTXIdsuq9X5-6xVX0mGUZnqVzEZwSl2-_lG3I49xstkDu3RExetyHB4JuYsNjLmxQ5h76R4aTsLKymAju4plYxe9I63gIu3hqgfFUUfBHuJ-RgxITidU-gJl2l4muOx_6t_c6/s640/80Days_6498.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
Adapted by Laura Eason and directed by Theresa Heskins, the show first premiered at the New Vic Theatre in 2013 followed by a successful season at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester in 2014. It has been nominated for the UK Theatre Awards ‘Best New Production’ and the Manchester Theatre Awards ‘Best Show for Children and Families’. Whilst the show recommends the performance (probably due to its length and some scenes of jeopardy) to over 7 year olds, my almost four and just six year olds adored it.<br />
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Around The World in Eighty Days will be at the Rose Theatre Kingston from Tue 17 Oct – Sun 22 Oct. Tickets cost from £15 and are available online, <a href="http://w.rosetheatrekingston.org/">www.rosetheatrekingston.org</a>, by phone, 020 8174 0090, or from the Box Office. It will then be touring other locations around the country - <a href="http://www.80dayslive.com/tickets-and-tour/">see here</a> for listings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcDpbrzjenCeJxKDgcnbRoZ43S7TTY_ZVxJU-uZy06PoZ5nCMXXVxxoF5CNTT_Qrlv6C1klV_oXzIIf9LkrQbkE25Y4SKKfwSM_oCqOQOj-m74fXpTVQeROjCRV0IBKWxtz0FKj42NTyi/s1600/80Days_6205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcDpbrzjenCeJxKDgcnbRoZ43S7TTY_ZVxJU-uZy06PoZ5nCMXXVxxoF5CNTT_Qrlv6C1klV_oXzIIf9LkrQbkE25Y4SKKfwSM_oCqOQOj-m74fXpTVQeROjCRV0IBKWxtz0FKj42NTyi/s640/80Days_6205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Disclaimer: We received press tickets in exchange for an honest review from the Rose Theatre in Kingston. All views as always are our own. Covering this show was an absolute pleasure. We are also very grateful to Robert Day who took these excellent photographs and made them available for the purposes of review.</i></div>
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<b></b>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-34489593326827585492017-10-09T10:40:00.000+01:002017-10-09T10:43:12.388+01:00Swallows and Amazons Forever<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjryCi0uXCynMmZamPrBgBtihUWaCNHoDmY1uvNFrKBwAubNxAZ6sZu0yYUHLWNuibwteEMtTCeg6-9SYZzSNqgxUvLGl3k65wSmVy0wTfZhRbCWWgC9xAEMqIsSs1rJK5eKBH5rrH6KM/s1600/153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjryCi0uXCynMmZamPrBgBtihUWaCNHoDmY1uvNFrKBwAubNxAZ6sZu0yYUHLWNuibwteEMtTCeg6-9SYZzSNqgxUvLGl3k65wSmVy0wTfZhRbCWWgC9xAEMqIsSs1rJK5eKBH5rrH6KM/s400/153.JPG" width="298" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Five years ago I wrote about the experience of <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2012/06/nature-baby.html">taking a baby to the Lake District</a>. We go annually and some years the hills and meres are flooded with glorious light. Some years they are simply flooded. At present we tend to holiday in England, and whilst we've loved recent trips to Dorset, Norfolk and Kent, it is to the Lake District with its tempestuous weather and gloriously vibrant natural highs and lows that our spirits belong. Rightly, this summer it was inscribed as a world heritage site. There is no place like it. And it is here that we come closest to our dream of offering our little ladies the sort of authentic childhood that will allow them to feel truly free. The old-school, dam-building, boat-sailing, hill-climbing, nature-loving,
camp-building natural education.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX_qe0Ztu6yjA-fKuLtUEdsypEO7RBgP2OC3zgUhI79uhijLLpi5Tof5QoTA-CKFPRsVVUplkbeyzbdsEFjZg9AGDiIz_nMxyXgYClhXOTgv_Gfj31RTTNZ7HXhWiNn0X7im-lXRcoNdO/s1600/blogger-image--856653264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX_qe0Ztu6yjA-fKuLtUEdsypEO7RBgP2OC3zgUhI79uhijLLpi5Tof5QoTA-CKFPRsVVUplkbeyzbdsEFjZg9AGDiIz_nMxyXgYClhXOTgv_Gfj31RTTNZ7HXhWiNn0X7im-lXRcoNdO/s400/blogger-image--856653264.jpg" width="400" /></a>Culture-Grandad's favourite
childhood book was Arthur Ransome's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Swallows-And-Amazons-Arthur-Ransome/dp/0099427338/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340661675&sr=8-1">Swallows and Amazons</a>,
set around Coniston. I loved the '70's film as a child too and from the age of two Culturetot in particular fell completely and, perhaps unexpectedly for her age, in love with it. Likewise, with the advent of the new film, Culturebaby (now of course no longer that - a rapidly growing nearly six year old) has busily been trying to institute a Wildcat Island in her own school playground. This morning, bleary eyed, she arrived in our bedroom clutching Ransome's sequel Swallowdale. I fear I shall be bulk-buying the DVD as birthday gifts for her classmates. </div>
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Last year we hired a boat and channelled Swallow. This year we tracked down a holy grail for Ransome Fans - <a href="http://www.bankground.com/">Bank Ground Farm</a> - the farmhouse where the children first plotted their adventures and from whose boathouse Swallow was first launched in the 1970s adaptation.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkucDfKhMMKLTLTw85SrW9bKWxzmMOtO4NOqCt9_k8tqgd7b7qNgrzzjX79OgxoMpsMWZwDHIbKfhxmhrAl5fSCgsfOBBNSjyef8rFXGru-gTIuPW8LZcPEieKFld23UGYge_gE7deYHW/s1600/blogger-image-750123789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkucDfKhMMKLTLTw85SrW9bKWxzmMOtO4NOqCt9_k8tqgd7b7qNgrzzjX79OgxoMpsMWZwDHIbKfhxmhrAl5fSCgsfOBBNSjyef8rFXGru-gTIuPW8LZcPEieKFld23UGYge_gE7deYHW/s400/blogger-image-750123789.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3yESpWvPK93uJOa_mAEaXNMTxJ-aniwMLgzak0dnK8OKal2fwYFJa86oDZIOO2ZvpLz8kv0DT61XeH4ttOk2Wb5iFx4tDgcGBd5Z9awiwnR5KouRtUk4-7_rZaO_3vhqeROnuYvAN-A2/s1600/blogger-image-194339309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3yESpWvPK93uJOa_mAEaXNMTxJ-aniwMLgzak0dnK8OKal2fwYFJa86oDZIOO2ZvpLz8kv0DT61XeH4ttOk2Wb5iFx4tDgcGBd5Z9awiwnR5KouRtUk4-7_rZaO_3vhqeROnuYvAN-A2/s1600/blogger-image-194339309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3yESpWvPK93uJOa_mAEaXNMTxJ-aniwMLgzak0dnK8OKal2fwYFJa86oDZIOO2ZvpLz8kv0DT61XeH4ttOk2Wb5iFx4tDgcGBd5Z9awiwnR5KouRtUk4-7_rZaO_3vhqeROnuYvAN-A2/s200/blogger-image-194339309.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JILtNWhuLGj1sAZORoqWuFy5KtmKy1nAbW0m8mJ0RMRP0itnP8Rjzm7CUeZY9oJrSJt5vS8O4A2qNaTU6Fp7dTtVYvGZq6HTXj7mdFGVpoAz6Yy1M3LrrULmlrIa6DRTtPxexAQdH7kV/s1600/blogger-image-1889232576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
We also visited Blackwell near Bowness (the town featuring as Rio for the eagle eyed). Selfishly I adore this exquisite <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JILtNWhuLGj1sAZORoqWuFy5KtmKy1nAbW0m8mJ0RMRP0itnP8Rjzm7CUeZY9oJrSJt5vS8O4A2qNaTU6Fp7dTtVYvGZq6HTXj7mdFGVpoAz6Yy1M3LrrULmlrIa6DRTtPxexAQdH7kV/s1600/blogger-image-1889232576.jpg"></a>arts and crafts building and visit annually, but this year we were all delighted to discover that it was running an exhibition about Swallows and Amazons featuring props from the latest film and objects from the Ransome archive (borrowed from Blackwell’s sister museum, the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry in Kendal), a semaphore trail and themed arts and crafts activities. A friend also took part this year in a <a href="http://www.jointadventures.co.uk/project/wild-cat-island/">Wild Cat Island Adventure</a>. This is definitely one for next year's list.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JILtNWhuLGj1sAZORoqWuFy5KtmKy1nAbW0m8mJ0RMRP0itnP8Rjzm7CUeZY9oJrSJt5vS8O4A2qNaTU6Fp7dTtVYvGZq6HTXj7mdFGVpoAz6Yy1M3LrrULmlrIa6DRTtPxexAQdH7kV/s1600/blogger-image-1889232576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgr_dWhUsfukJd5Vgon45qbmPlLD2iW1jVoQSE1RTcBkkKisWnGh6wXQ5_JBKDkvbBSJ1VA_dhcsiUNbgeRusWCGtLPLBB6fbQC-u39s3IChGct0hWfcyeBTw-CJu4F4RYt6llW6vfrjx/s640/blogger-image--1762925374.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JILtNWhuLGj1sAZORoqWuFy5KtmKy1nAbW0m8mJ0RMRP0itnP8Rjzm7CUeZY9oJrSJt5vS8O4A2qNaTU6Fp7dTtVYvGZq6HTXj7mdFGVpoAz6Yy1M3LrrULmlrIa6DRTtPxexAQdH7kV/s1600/blogger-image-1889232576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JILtNWhuLGj1sAZORoqWuFy5KtmKy1nAbW0m8mJ0RMRP0itnP8Rjzm7CUeZY9oJrSJt5vS8O4A2qNaTU6Fp7dTtVYvGZq6HTXj7mdFGVpoAz6Yy1M3LrrULmlrIa6DRTtPxexAQdH7kV/s200/blogger-image-1889232576.jpg" width="150" /></a>In addition to our specific Ransome-themed adventures we've also been taking the time to live more like the children whilst we've been in the Lakes. We've donned our wellies and explored in all weathers, bathed in rivers (ok not me but the rest of the rabble did), set out on long walks, swung on rope swings, built dams and dens and generally taken the time to stop and look at nature.<br />
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Three walks I'd particularly recommend with little ones no longer in back packs are:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln8o1W03kuIytnqMZkq6GO_nxVscWmJmN32jYIDR2DjUwOVONX0om5Ew5eC0frMLtN3gLjTcg25LeatrTpOBN4hXeGXcBEsOvvNHyJnovunxPFCZIDDQTvC9XVkeZvAO2httwXmjkD4eK/s1600/blogger-image--1293006878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln8o1W03kuIytnqMZkq6GO_nxVscWmJmN32jYIDR2DjUwOVONX0om5Ew5eC0frMLtN3gLjTcg25LeatrTpOBN4hXeGXcBEsOvvNHyJnovunxPFCZIDDQTvC9XVkeZvAO2httwXmjkD4eK/s320/blogger-image--1293006878.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnTI-Ui5e57wUuFm4jUC1oytC-h9IQStA2M3ulfJh4Dpb9QBRX7VnuwrHAswRBl3sFUhaNf18_ZgZgapHI9yTZKcqk4TCOfZUfbzK_JE5pmDvFHLJcuHMYbCE2tR3oqwuOWUY8hlyVq-X/s1600/blogger-image-1370082876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>1. Walk from Elterwater to Ambleside (or vice versa) and do the return trip on the bus. It is around 4.2 miles and with some short exceptions, it is predominantly flat. The girls had the additional incentive of a trip to the lovely cinema in Ambleside as a reward for their efforts. The route takes you past Elterwater, a waterfall on the River Brathay and near a Roman Fort outside of Ambleside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6_jO-MFtj9CuQ2R98b5mvq8170mX9ZTeQEPaEFJSvr4OVhVP50B8trPj9POmIYlgtmTTkpv0jFLQgeCYUrD3LlY1WYsdqIPZIVkJsEZN6l76aZnI2YFcF7rpDuOQvAC-FYqR56BRt5M/s1600/223.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6_jO-MFtj9CuQ2R98b5mvq8170mX9ZTeQEPaEFJSvr4OVhVP50B8trPj9POmIYlgtmTTkpv0jFLQgeCYUrD3LlY1WYsdqIPZIVkJsEZN6l76aZnI2YFcF7rpDuOQvAC-FYqR56BRt5M/s400/223.JPG" width="400" /></a>2. Pick up a<a href="http://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/cruisedetail.php?id=8"> Windermere Cruises Walkers' Ticket</a> and follow a part-cruise and part-walking <a href="http://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/map.php">route</a> from Ambleside. Depending which way you choose, this begins with a ferry ride across to <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle/">Wray Castle</a>,
run by the National Trust. This Victorian mock-gothic building, complete with fake
arrowslits, has been set up as a playground for children (of all ages) with dressing-up and games, a Peter Rabbit imaginative play experience, castle building and a great outdoor adventure playground. The Castle also has
stunning views over Windermere and a much needed tea shop for this side of the Lake.<br />
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From here you walk the 4 miles <a href="http://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/downloads/walks/WLC_Walk_6.pdf">to the Ferry House</a>.
This is a pretty gentle stroll and many also follow a similar route with bicycles. You can hire bikes and trailers from Lower Wray Campsite. We did this last year and it was an enduring enjoyable memory for the girls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oMOccqD3SR0N79HreWNG1kZ7yRhenAtyBB0dLXBeaKgxUZ6I90RintOR6hI36ymxNUcHyAYwxfli6M1cqvRFq5HCmcQOS6-D23Tf0I431MSMkeSuv8PPzALI6EOWlGnJFDnwtPe2casM/s1600/blogger-image--93139332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oMOccqD3SR0N79HreWNG1kZ7yRhenAtyBB0dLXBeaKgxUZ6I90RintOR6hI36ymxNUcHyAYwxfli6M1cqvRFq5HCmcQOS6-D23Tf0I431MSMkeSuv8PPzALI6EOWlGnJFDnwtPe2casM/s320/blogger-image--93139332.jpg" width="320" /></a>3. A favourite ramble is the walking route up the Langdale Pikes. The walk is quite hard work,
with sections that need to be scrambled up, but both children managed it well. Compared to some of the more lengthy walks, this one has a clear target (the tarn), which kept them motivated. This walk really has it all - a river and sections of waterfall, a
good climb,
stunning views all the way up, and a tarn half way up the mountain which transports you
right to Middleearth (you half expect to stumble across the door to
the mines of Moria round the corner). For the pre-history buffs amongst you it is also a hugely
important heritage site: the <a href="http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=6924">Langdale Axe Factory</a>. In the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neolithic">Neolithic</a>
period, the 'new stone age' (from 10,000 years ago), people were
beginning to learn to farm and stone tools were needed to exploit the
land or clear areas of forest. Early Cumbrians mined the hard greenstone
in the remote volcanic rocks of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langdale_axe_industry"> Langdale</a> to produce <a href="http://www.geog.port.ac.uk/webmap/thelakes/html/lgaz/lk00337.htm">axes,</a>
and the evidence can still be found today (though despite being an
archaeologist I have sadly never yet spotted an axe as I've treked the
pikes). It is unclear whether these particular axes were used for work
or whether they had a more ritual significance (they seem at least to
have been <a href="http://esmeraldamac.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/cumbrias-first-export-langdale-axes/">exported out of Cumbria</a>),
but if the latter, it does make sense to me. You can clearly see as you
gaze from the mountains across the panorama of the heart of the Lakes
below, that this is truly an extraordinary, even other-worldy place. The
climb back down always seems a little longer, but there's the promise of a cuppa or icecream at the bottom. The National Trust owns <a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b15cb53c-bdf5-11e1-83ad-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1yqLq0zF1">The Sticklebarn pub</a> at the base of the pikes. It's friendly and you know your money goes towards caring for the local environment.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDOJFC8ql8rXIFcele7PMlUy-huQ8uVP27Z_GFVhtzkvLDfd9w6Fg8MVCmy2isFogqBBSd23EcSDjtSBTiiQ4w7JW_9ZWwIXY8hceco8vcH7mNHK_a18u2QjaQuuUFc3i2W8tfxmHP4pY/s640/blogger-image-1942773344.jpg" /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkAJg21Ea8OsHRpoNTxKc7bXoSydJ1B7sb7ujea_9xCciskB9MZOXNEI5q6k5CxVEJtkZ9rcInwqQXa8LHK4kyRySS277MqM8KAYbZaoapopiRbG6ucTPj5-FRjc6Nn8Adcs_lZ21bFEi/s640/blogger-image--399473245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkAJg21Ea8OsHRpoNTxKc7bXoSydJ1B7sb7ujea_9xCciskB9MZOXNEI5q6k5CxVEJtkZ9rcInwqQXa8LHK4kyRySS277MqM8KAYbZaoapopiRbG6ucTPj5-FRjc6Nn8Adcs_lZ21bFEi/s400/blogger-image--399473245.jpg" width="400" /></a>This year we prepared for the Lakes with a back-pack of relevant reading material. We read some Beatrix Potter and about the Stone Age before we went, and took Ransome's Swallows and Amazons with us for bedtime. However, for our walks we wanted to observe as we went and took an explorers kits, complete with binoculars, torch, insect observation pot, tape measure and set of interactive books. For the last couple of years Culturebaby has loved the Usborne spotter guides. We have a couple of vintage ones and some of their new series. We included Wild Flowers, Country Walks and an Insect Sticker Book in our pack, along with a guide to trees. Both Nosy Crow and The National Trust, and Walker Books, have each brought out their own guides to help children learn, experience and really look at nature around them. First up is the excellent accompanying book for the National Trust's initiative to get children to have a more outdoorsy natural childhood: <b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50-things-to-do">50 Things to Do Before You're 11 3/4</a>. </i></b>This is a brilliant idea and the accompanying book allows children to work out what sort of explorer they are (and meet associated characters that journey with them - which is always a winning formula). For each activity achieved from blackberry picking to cycling, climbing a tree to growing butterflies, the child has a space to record the date, any notes and gain a sticker. This was the most used of our guides this year as it can be easily completed on the go. Recently published to accompany this is the <i>Go Wild in the Woods</i> adventure guide. With great illustrations and full of facts it details how to get along in nature. The children are particularly taken with the sections on which vegetation makes good toilet paper and how to determine which animal has been in the area from their tracks and poo. They also received an <i>Out and About Night Explorer </i>set with torch, backpack, measuring equipment and book which covers everything from nocturnal animals and plants to spot to star charts. It's an exciting package and makes an excellent present. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjLGohLD-KpGTBSLLM9ALQRPY2A6otNwzftqN6HQXa8LDXLoXgCEovmPKpDEzSzry0BOP0P2V4dyh0Bw4DsIQfrFG2ymTXL_6ZgQyg4OgMqKcMDwiOH577TlEbAHEcHHPNUHtau0newF9/s1600/blogger-image--763590133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjLGohLD-KpGTBSLLM9ALQRPY2A6otNwzftqN6HQXa8LDXLoXgCEovmPKpDEzSzry0BOP0P2V4dyh0Bw4DsIQfrFG2ymTXL_6ZgQyg4OgMqKcMDwiOH577TlEbAHEcHHPNUHtau0newF9/s320/blogger-image--763590133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Walker Books' version is similar in intent but different and complementary in execution. The books are based on the classic <i>We're Going on A Bear Hunt</i>, and they include a beautifully illustrated guide to what you may find in nature (this is great and covers topics as wide as the water cycle and weather to rock composition) and a project book based on each of the challenges the children in the classic book face. Little scientists are invited to measure rainfall and observe cloud formations, and there are activities for every season. One parent wondered whether the connection to the childhood classic alongside more advanced scientific content might put off a school child, but I think it would depend on the individual. Culturebaby is rather nostalgic and the theme and well known characters actually captured her interest.<br />
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I've found having little ones, rather than proving restrictive, has immersed me in nature more than I may have otherwise been. They want to splash in puddles and ride their bikes in the rain, snow is something to be sought out, autumn leaves are a joy and the first flowers of spring are anticipated and observed. They want to know the names of plants and I've had to reacquaint myself with the long forgotten names of scents. And everywhere I must slow down to the pace of miniature wellington boots. I need these guides as much as the children and the bonding activities they contain will hopefully provide for the children treasured memories like my own, of a childhood spent under the elements.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We received copies of the new Walker and Nosy Crow books for review purposes. All other materials are our own, as are all opinions.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-68532394334157185792017-09-18T10:29:00.002+01:002017-10-09T10:44:39.145+01:00The Night Pirates <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwfluFtG9iHDChVoeBxc4Xkhg5T4627opHryK00GDbkgoqg73b8Fo75WAaxlGm7TPwudPk-wIm8tCsPJ8suRoNVY12w8bId8caDmyGebvcCEL0Dz4daPRdNEKUUOj7TlCk2B2mpDXrWwG/s1600/Boy+and+Cat+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwfluFtG9iHDChVoeBxc4Xkhg5T4627opHryK00GDbkgoqg73b8Fo75WAaxlGm7TPwudPk-wIm8tCsPJ8suRoNVY12w8bId8caDmyGebvcCEL0Dz4daPRdNEKUUOj7TlCk2B2mpDXrWwG/s400/Boy+and+Cat+Image.jpg" width="275" /></a>We've recently been invited to review a range of children's performances at one of our local theatres - The Rose in Kingston. It's a lovely child-friendly theatre with a children's area, cafe and programme packed full of family performances. Founded by Sir Peter Hall, and modelled on the original Elizabethan
Rose Theatre on London’s Bankside, Rose Theatre Kingston is the largest
producing theatre in South West London.We feel very lucky to live so near.<br />
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Last weekend the girls and I headed over to see The Night Pirates, based on the children's picture book by Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright.<br />
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Surprisingly for a family of bookworms, this isn't a story we had encountered, but for a pair of little ladies living every day in their imaginations on board the Swallow, battling the Amazons for Wildcat Island, this was a perfect choice. Delightfully it was not only a jolly good piratey story, complete with an excellent message for little women and for the boys around them, but it was also a energetic and engaging musical adventure. The girls declared it a triumph. Still chatting about it two days later, three year old Culturetot and I wrote up her own review in her Today Book:<br />
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The girls were particularly pleased that Tom, the little boy hero of the piece, was invited to join a gang of <u>little girl</u> pirates on their
adventure across the high seas. Delightfully inclusive, the crew didn't question his gender but only his sense of adventure and justice. Determined to set the world to rights, recapture stolen treasure from a rabble of silly grown-up pirates, and return it to Tom's home town, the crew set off to an island across the seas on a ship shaped like a house. Using energy and wits (of course) they save the day.<br />
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As Charlotte Cooper, a cast member and one of the little girl pirates herself noted in an interview, "The fact that it is noteworthy that these pirates are girls, proves we
have a long way to go before gender equality is truly realised. I think
it is superb that the pirates in this story are female. They are the
sort of rolemodels I would have loved as a child- strong, fun,
adventurous AND female! The significance should only be in that they are
a reminder that gender should not be a barrier to anything." Absolutely.</div>
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Particularly satisfying was the encouragement at the end of the tale for the every child in the audience to become author and storyteller of their own adventures. The story never need end as we exit the theatre, or remain static while we close the book, but it can continue in our own imaginations. Each child was invited to write the sequel at home - where might Tom's next adventure with his new friends take him?<br />
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<i>Touring Dates of The Night Pirates can be found <a href="http://www.nickbrooke.com/childrens-theatre/the-night-pirates/performance-info">here.</a></i><br />
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<i>Family Show listings at the Rose in Kingston are <a href="https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/family">here</a>. We'll be covering more in the coming weeks.</i><br />
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<i>For some inspiring reading for your little girl pirates (as well as the boys in the crew) see our post here on <b><a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2017/07/the-essential-mighty-girls-picture-book.html"><u>an essential library for mighty girls</u></a></b>. And frankly there's also no better place to start than Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons and its TV and Film adaptations.</i><br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We are delighted to be local reviewers for the Rose Theatre, and do so in exchange for the chance to view the performances. All reviews and views are entirely our own. Performance photographs were provided by the Rose Theatre. Child's review was by Culturetot.</i>MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-64141311494386560572017-07-09T00:51:00.002+01:002017-07-14T13:25:04.607+01:00The Essential Mighty Girl's Picture Book Library<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ASuffragettes%2C_England%2C_1908.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="By Not given [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Suffragettes, England, 1908" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Suffragettes%2C_England%2C_1908.JPG" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suffragettes, Manchester, 1908 from WikiCommons</td></tr>
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Yesterday in a local shop Culturebaby (now five) pointed to a greetings card featuring two defiant-looking young women from the early 1920s wearing purple, white and green. She immediately declared their status as 'Suffragettes'. Whilst the sisterhood of political emancipation had witnessed huge strides by this point, and this pair were not officially clad as suffragettes, my mighty little woman catalysed a discussion between impressed strangers, each delighted that a five year old knew this essential history. And a hundred years later, the battle is not yet won. <a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2014/05/well-done-sister-suffragette.html">Each election</a> we don our literal or metaphorical colours, not those of transient party politics, but the eternal symbolism of these brave warriors of equality. With this in mind, I've spent a few years amassing a library of essential reads for my little women. The list could be longer, and no doubt I'll update it regularly, but this pile of inspiration gives plenty for every young girl, and indeed the men in their lives, to ponder and draw on for every eventuality. From the bookish to the brave, the scientific to the sporty, from political pioneers to the conscientiously kind, this selection showcases a host of role models and the brilliance of writing and illustration out there for the very young. There's even the odd princess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rmd3nRwPq7CNp9fIyeV9MYv-WhL1BZtGG3CWJgjUHnMILWJ1UHgTXKkloXbU0vH7Z0Wak9cgq9CqNGrYDtHh07u1oiRPxPRT1u1Szrrzm6Bkb2dFeIiJaTgQjmY9c6fQf_AaK4Yc20N-/s1600/Lottie+solves+a+mystery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rmd3nRwPq7CNp9fIyeV9MYv-WhL1BZtGG3CWJgjUHnMILWJ1UHgTXKkloXbU0vH7Z0Wak9cgq9CqNGrYDtHh07u1oiRPxPRT1u1Szrrzm6Bkb2dFeIiJaTgQjmY9c6fQf_AaK4Yc20N-/s320/Lottie+solves+a+mystery.jpg" width="208" /></a><b><i> 1. Lottie Solves a Mystery- Lucie Braveheart (Penguin)</i></b><br />
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The inspiration for this post came from the publication of a new picture book series for girls from Puffin, featuring Lottie of the well known toy brand. I was delighted to find that this first story is replete with positive female role models and has a healthy focus on nature, adventure and friendship. It's a breath of fresh air (literally) and echoes the idea behind the dolls - inclusive, ethnically diverse, age appropriate, and based on the scientific proportions of a nine year old child. The vision from Arklu was that these dolls might empower children to be themselves, to be imaginative, adventurous and have fun doing what they enjoy. To date they have won over 35 international toy awards. In this story Lottie finds a suitcase belonging to her Great Aunt, an explorer. Amongst the fascinating items she uncovers a notebook with photographs and fieldnotes. Following a chat about this fabulous ancestor with her mother, Lottie and her friends are inspired to become wild beast explorers themselves and, tracking a set of footprints, set out to find the Beast of Branksea.<br />
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<b>2. </b><i><b>Little People Big Dreams (Frances Lincoln)</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswdIs6zY45pGGQCLWwZ5-ble26gGT2Rc8HIxvarh9fsr8WirSLTjPAgPBJR9Mon2IX1YbPHLDvN1R1PKyG7PtFA7JPNlboa5h_RMjOVcQy8sXE3j6GE1137WJAsuuxbHmhqQ6-zn_zfzf/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswdIs6zY45pGGQCLWwZ5-ble26gGT2Rc8HIxvarh9fsr8WirSLTjPAgPBJR9Mon2IX1YbPHLDvN1R1PKyG7PtFA7JPNlboa5h_RMjOVcQy8sXE3j6GE1137WJAsuuxbHmhqQ6-zn_zfzf/s320/IMG_2646.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWCa2AsqjvsG58qoGJmVe5uECXoRznAUFl8F-fUBFjcf9sv1Zi8SoBKLUEoMeF0OgBgNA0rMOqBlAtqg-9DtyVRTQ4LTSWVaYc-L_woOZ7tt4u_Qnrc-9bqe-DRLo9e0TCUIeNwkH3x3K/s1600/IMG_6026.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWCa2AsqjvsG58qoGJmVe5uECXoRznAUFl8F-fUBFjcf9sv1Zi8SoBKLUEoMeF0OgBgNA0rMOqBlAtqg-9DtyVRTQ4LTSWVaYc-L_woOZ7tt4u_Qnrc-9bqe-DRLo9e0TCUIeNwkH3x3K/s320/IMG_6026.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
This exquisite set of books are some of the most inspiring and beautifully designed titles we own. Bound for posterity and the brain-child of one of our favourite publishers Frances Lincoln, I've swiftly become an evangelist for this series which is growing all the time. The vision for these books, created by a selection of different authors and illustrators each with their own distinctive and scrumptious style, is that young children can easily, through these simple and engaging biographies, discover the lives of outstanding people. From
designers and artists to scientists, activists and authors, every featured mighty woman went on (often despite the odds) to achieve
incredible things. Each had a dream and a passion and they followed it. The first book, a staple favourite in our household, follows Coco Chanel, from her early life in an
orphanage – where she is a genius with needle and thread – to her time
as a cabaret singer, hat maker and, eventually, international fashion
designer. Each miniature biography comes with
extra facts about each inspiring woman at the back. The girls love the photographs and timelines. They also include motos that the women themselves believed. For Coco Chanel it was "To be irreplacable one must always be different", for Amelia Earhart it was "If you want to do something, do it. You never know how far you will get". For Maya Angelou, with her difficult journey of overcoming extreme violence and racial prejudice, but culminating in her delivery of her poem at the inaugaration of President Clinton, it was a reminder to "lift up our hearts" - "there is nothing I can't be". For Frida Kahlo, surviving a terrible accident in her youth and channeling her fight for survival into her now world famous art, it was "Live Life". Finally in our set, the brilliant young woman Marie Curie who vowed to herself she would be a scientist not a princess and moved countries and learned a new language in order to be able to gain a degree, discovered elements that have been used to save so many people. She trained other women and advised every new student that "in life there is nothing to be afraid of, only many things to learn, and many ways to help those in need."Amen Marie.<br />
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3. <i><b>Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo (Penguin)</b></i><br />
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Next up, and rightly so, is the most highly funded original book in the history of crowdfunding. Raising over a million dollars on Kickstarter and Indiegogo, this stunningly illustrated title features short biographies of 100 extraordinary women from around the world from rappers and gymnasts, to explorers and monarchs, Hadid to the Brontes - success stories spanning time and in every field imaginable. It is easy to dip into for an appropriate tale. Before swimming a couple of weeks ago the girls and I enjoyed the inspiring journey of Yusra Mardini, the young Syrian refugee who pushed a boat of people for three hours to safety and later swam in the Rio Olympics. We've already bought this as a present for some of the young women we love and it is going to our Goddaughter too. The diversity that the book encapsulates so well, also weaves through its beautiful design. The women are not always those we might expect, which is refereshing, and each story is accompanied by a full page portrait produced by one of 60 female artists. And it is just that. A work of art. As the authors themselves note - it's the book they wish they had when they were growing up, and it has been so successful the second in the series has been announced.</div>
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<i><b>4. Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst (Bloomsbury)</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyW-XufD9myhzrAkU0U8Z0P_ON12jfz3zJRxWV4BBmBEGPuo5q0kWKbparUdVTshzTnK7ial0tv276Po9tSWoHKGplPiAWL-fv8C1EXFjgVSn4neZ9UQRIZub9B9UYrtU9EysobHU6XKc/s1600/IMG_6024.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyW-XufD9myhzrAkU0U8Z0P_ON12jfz3zJRxWV4BBmBEGPuo5q0kWKbparUdVTshzTnK7ial0tv276Po9tSWoHKGplPiAWL-fv8C1EXFjgVSn4neZ9UQRIZub9B9UYrtU9EysobHU6XKc/s320/IMG_6024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A second collated biography recommendation for slightly older readers is cute, compact and cartoon-like. The paperback is cheap and portable, making it a great present for classmates. Taking thirteen pioneering women who changed the way we think, challenged social norms and fought for their passions, Kate Pankhurst (descendant of the indomitable Emmeline) looks at how and why these women became so great. Full of facts and personality, quotations and speech bubbles, this mildly irreverent and quirky book also showcases that kindness as well as courage and self belief can never be underrated.<br />
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<i><b>5. Emily Davison by Izzi Howell (Wayland)</b></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Funeral of Emily Davison</td></tr>
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A couple of weeks ago in the library we discovered a series of factual books about great characters from Wayland books' Fact Cat Series. Culturebaby found them intriguing and accessible with their simple text, photographs and source materials, fact boxes and, frankly, exciting content. She devoured the biography of Emily Davison - her fight for the vote and her tragic end.<br />
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<b><i>6. Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by Julie Morstad (Chronicle Books)</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYoxGAzDODJrbBt6zC8mLbiE1EILQb6gFDyWS4XnAAakiySxnKY1JkIzeQSupSw1JBN8mvDvLBDY1mUJeqorE6q0Q8Zc5OfBDGs81j1ap7l6_lN5JMk7SV3UkBanXm5Txe0dsgkdBeYPY/s1600/image3.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYoxGAzDODJrbBt6zC8mLbiE1EILQb6gFDyWS4XnAAakiySxnKY1JkIzeQSupSw1JBN8mvDvLBDY1mUJeqorE6q0Q8Zc5OfBDGs81j1ap7l6_lN5JMk7SV3UkBanXm5Txe0dsgkdBeYPY/s400/image3.JPG" width="400" /></a>Next in our set of brilliant biographies<b><i> </i></b>is the poetic and exquisitely illustrated story of the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova. Chronicle books feel and look beautiful and this title has echoes of the Little People Big Dreams series above. The Culturebabies love their ballet classes and regularly turn our days into a musical. Anna's story of a poor girl with an unwaivering dream to dance captures that first moment of falling in love with your life's vocation. Jumping in a sleigh one evening and taking Anna to the Mariinsky theatre her mother prophesied "you are going to enter fairyland" and as Tchaikovsky begins and Sleeping Beauty opens her eyes "...so does Anna. Her feet wake up! Her skin prickles. There is a song suddenly inside her. Now Anna cannot sleep. Or sit still ever...." Anna works and waits, waits and works until she is accepted into the ballet school, and then... her Swan takes flight.<br />
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She was born for this. However, Anna never forgets her roots and feels acutely for those who have never heard the music. So she travels, she meets people, performs in odd places, and devotes her life to the dance. She shared her gifts with the poor as well as the rich. She inspired people wherever she went as she believed that ballet had changed her life and felt it could do the same for others.<br />
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<i><b>7. Georgia's Bones by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Bethanne Andersen (Eerdmans)</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxirHRgcBBDjGn0cMJX6rVr6eAKjgVZDrdIxxyCVKJuIo7r85wBhyMMeo-P1cQs7LJR0YNFpLA416FktvE1Nqw1YuuZHc3JkEpg-5u2jo43vZBsCgzKGUKCbKWLBA2kqmBVvDswE0VWO3S/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxirHRgcBBDjGn0cMJX6rVr6eAKjgVZDrdIxxyCVKJuIo7r85wBhyMMeo-P1cQs7LJR0YNFpLA416FktvE1Nqw1YuuZHc3JkEpg-5u2jo43vZBsCgzKGUKCbKWLBA2kqmBVvDswE0VWO3S/s200/IMG_0378.JPG" width="150" /></a>I bought this beautiful picture book about the artist Georgia O'Keeffe to accompany the Tate Modern's exhibition late last year. We often associate Georgia with her series of flower paintings, but this picture book explores the inspiration behind her love of nature and her interest in collecting objects - sticks, stones, flowers and bones. Culturebaby, who had recently been on a mudlarking trip to Tower Beach that had utterly inspired her, (displaying her shoe-box of antiquities to anyone who visited), and seeing a kindred spirit in the young artist, declared "she's me!". Georgia grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and, answering those who teased her for her interest in shapes and sizes, said that "someday I'm going to be an artist"; and that is what she became. This sumptuously illustrated story charts her childhood where "shapes often drifted in and out of Georgia's mind" all the way to New York, whose forms she also captured. Then on to New Mexico with its rolling colours and desert full of bones, which she collected, cleaned and incorporated into her art. This book, as its author notes, was inspired by Georgia's "commitment to life as an artist at a time when few women were taken seriously as artists". She was a pioneer. <br />
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<i><b>8. The Fossil Girl: Mary Anning's Dinosaur Discovery by Catherine Brighton (Frances Lincoln)</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TrIU2s4HjJwwwP93VStmSKO4-5h-r0wkXiMD48xt3zyCl4mePvqNsHGnZU8DwID-_NmNgi8R18DZjN-MxvG8p4hXKwc5xD_W5bGAwI3ZEj_OEEZbHD0xdJ9rC4SwCgBQ60j-IkKszLCV/s1600/IMG_4488.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TrIU2s4HjJwwwP93VStmSKO4-5h-r0wkXiMD48xt3zyCl4mePvqNsHGnZU8DwID-_NmNgi8R18DZjN-MxvG8p4hXKwc5xD_W5bGAwI3ZEj_OEEZbHD0xdJ9rC4SwCgBQ60j-IkKszLCV/s320/IMG_4488.JPG" width="256" /></a>A perfect companion to the last item is a favourite with the girls, the story of the Regency period scientific pioneer Mary Anning told in cartoon form. We recently went on a trip to Lyme Regis where Mary lived as a child and where she found her first Ichthyosaur in 1810, a discovery which changed science forever. Mary lived at a time when scientists were working on a new idea that evolution was the answer to the plethora of discoveries of ancient lifeforms, a theory which was shocking to some as it wasn't featured in the Bible. Mary also lived at a time when it was mainly men who worked in fields such as these, and rich men at that. Coming from a poor family, Mary and her brother collected fossils to sell in their shop, and following a storm and flood that wrecked their home, with a new urgency and vigour, she sought items that would impress. She couldn't have imagined the scale and importance of her consequent find of the first whole Icthyosaur - now in the Natural History Museum, or the others that followed. Captivated, Mary devoted the rest of her life to the study and collection of this pioneering area of science and as my little ladies scrambled over rocks discovering ancient ammonite after ancient ammonite, they too (and I with them) experienced that utter thrill of the discovery of the ancient and precious.<br />
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<b><i>9. Speed Bonnie Boat Illustrated by Alfredo Belli (Picture Kelpies)</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8LuxzcV0AAaZuk.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="media-image" data-height="1536" data-width="2048" height="240" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8LuxzcV0AAaZuk.jpg:large" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a> The girls love to finish every bedtime story session off with some song, and they particularly love illustrated traditional ballads. I discovered this brilliant picture book earlier this year, which combines the Skye Boat Song with a story inspired by the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie from the Battle of Culloden, supported by the brave young Flora MacDonald and her loyal family. Flora's spirit and courage became legendary and there are memorials both to the Prince but also to Flora throughout Scotland. "Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep watch by your weary head." They also paricularly like that we have MacDonald ancestry.<br />
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<i><b>10. I am a Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers, Illustrated by Sam Winston (Walker Books)</b></i><br />
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Before I move on to a set of fiction books with positive messages for young women, I'd like to dwell on the stunning recent addition to the treasured shelf from much-loved author Oliver Jeffers. Peppered with real quotations and featuring many of the authors' favourites this unique meditation on the rewards of reading and sharing
stories, takes us on a lyrical journey into the wonderland that is the written word. "<i>I am a Child of Books. I come from a world of stories, And upon my imagination, I float." </i> A little girl sails her raft "across a sea of words" to arrive
at the house of a small boy. There she invites him to come away with
her on an adventure. Guided by his new friend, the boy unlocks his
imagination and a lifetime of magic lies ahead of him…Some people have forgotten the joy of reading, perhaps some have never discovered it, but this is a joy to be shared "for this is our world we've made from stories, our house is a home of invention, where anyone at all can come. For imagination is free." It's an inspiring read for all children. Being bookish is cool.<br />
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<b>THE FICTION LIST</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2sjHAekk1DWG_R3srFkeop4o9KeAIbaR4sDsRSoV32kjsvU9ckSZuJagchC9pKE4XEElKzXukjC3KmHl-KPiOR4JdhnAdtwQbfDGQ3WuCumhosV_xgkoznRbFHZGmi1upVn93pMU0XLq/s1600/IMG_6025.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2sjHAekk1DWG_R3srFkeop4o9KeAIbaR4sDsRSoV32kjsvU9ckSZuJagchC9pKE4XEElKzXukjC3KmHl-KPiOR4JdhnAdtwQbfDGQ3WuCumhosV_xgkoznRbFHZGmi1upVn93pMU0XLq/s400/IMG_6025.JPG" width="400" /></a>Next I plan on whizzing more quickly through a set of stories that have positive messages for all children, both more generally and also specifically in relation to being a young woman. I've selected them for their empowering messages, inspiring heroines, often counter-cultural messages, and not least because they are excellent reads. So here's the fiction list:<br />
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<i><b>1. Oh the Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss (Harper Collins)</b></i><br />
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Chosen for: its message that you can be whoever you want to be. You don't have to wait for life to pass you by - sieze it! At times you will be alone, stuck in the mire, confused or tired, but "Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." We can forgive Dr Seuss the 'guy' and insert girl. This was a gift for Culturebaby at Christmas from her Montessori nursery and it was recited at the naming of a friend's child. It was an excellent message to tackle anything life has in store - get on your way.<br />
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<i><b>2. Zog, and Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson and Illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Scholastic)</b></i><br />
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Chosen for: its brilliant heroine, Pearl, a princess who is determined to be a doctor. In the first title she supports a young dragon through his challenging and demoralising training to be fierce, nursing his friends and refusing to be rescued by a prince and return to "prancing round the palace in a silly dress." Surprisingly she finds her soul-mate behind the rescuer's visor and both head off with Zog their friend, as flying doctors. When they return in the sequel, successful doctors, expert in their fields, the challenge to overcome is her own Uncle, the King, and his misplaced idea that princesses can't be doctors. Determination and skill triumph and he is convinced. An important message, that no-one, whoever they are, should dampen our dreams.<br />
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<i><b>3. Sir Lilypad, a tall tale of a small frog by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie (Simon and Schuster)</b></i><br />
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Chosen: with it's prequel <i>The Worst Princess </i>for its swashbuckling female; another royal rebel who refuses to be saved, but equally understands the importance for her attempted rescuer of belonging, friendship and dignity. This book is funny and has great illustrations but it also has the important message that standing up for the weak and having no tolerance for bullying is hugely important for those in positions of leadership.<br />
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<b><i>4. Jill and the Dragon, and Jill and the Lion by Lesley Barnes (Tate)</i></b><br />
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Chosen for: its eponymous heroine, her attitude to those who feel lost and out of place and her quest to bring out the best in them and help them to find their dignity and true place in life. Tate books are consistently unique and stunning, and this pair from award-winning illustrator Lesley Barnes are no exception. Uniquely shaped and exquisitely designed, these titles leap off the shelf. Tate describes Jill as "a feisty, independent-minded new character", who reminds us that everyone has a talent, however well hidden, and that it is a special person that can help others to uncover it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbRYb4fry6sZmXurfaExQpx8esSXFd9ARUS7slRSOU3DhkFI7VcZnibmug93kChVHqIfeau5M4tB-tY7Fw4atcmUNdknibGr7E-01-pD8SQ0O7FJ-9Ky25eDAtWRxCD1wsjj9_ivj1vhc/s1600/blogger-image--719400687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbRYb4fry6sZmXurfaExQpx8esSXFd9ARUS7slRSOU3DhkFI7VcZnibmug93kChVHqIfeau5M4tB-tY7Fw4atcmUNdknibGr7E-01-pD8SQ0O7FJ-9Ky25eDAtWRxCD1wsjj9_ivj1vhc/s320/blogger-image--719400687.jpg" width="240" /></a><i><b>5. The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Harper Collins, abridged version illustrated by Christian Birmingham)</b></i><br />
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Chosen for: Lucy: the pure of heart, the valliant, always faithful and whose belief in Aslan returns her to Narnia again and again. Her heart enables her to see the king, when others are no longer able, and her consistent honesty reveals to us the nature of true faith. Culturebaby has long been a resident of the land beyond the wardrobe, and at three, this
beautifully illustrated Harper Collins version of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Witch-Wardrobe-Picture-Chronicles-Narnia/dp/0001857010">The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe</a>, </i>was a perfect way in to the classic for her (which we are now reading in its original form). "Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a
king or queen..."<i><b> </b></i><br />
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<i><b>6. Ada Twist Scientist, and Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts (Abrams)</b></i><br />
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Chosen for: its mould-breaking young scientific women who encourage us to stand and cheer at each perfect failure,
get up and try again. The mighty girls masterpiece <a href="https://www.andreabeaty.com/rosie-revere-engineer.html"><i>Rosie Revere Engineer</i></a> features a girl who loves making
things; gadgets and gizmos and machines for doing wonderful things. She
hides them under her bed where no one can see. She was once unabashed
but, after she created a wonderful gift for a favourite relative who
laughed at her offering, she lost her confidence to share her
inventions. Then one day she heard the dream of her great great aunt
(herself once an engineer) to finally fly and set herself the task to
create a flying machine and propel the old lady into flight. With the
wisdom and support of this wonderful old lady Rosie discovers that true
failure can come only if you quit. Then comes Ada Twist, a scientific genius who needs to know 'Why'? I particularly love this title because her parents believe in her, allow her to experiment and learn and, although they become frustrated, they too recognise they are on a journey. They learned to truly support her passions - figuring it out as they went along. "...because that's what you do when your kid has a passion and a heart that is true. They re-made their world - now they're all in the act of helping young Ada sort fiction from fact." It's as much a book for the parents of exceptional and inquisitive young women, and the rhyming text and fabulous illustrations are a hit with everyone.<br />
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<i><b>7. Sleeping Beauty: A mid-century fairy tale by David Roberts and Lynn Roberts-Maloney (Pavilion)</b></i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghG1MlhyZPO7ThVtnjo_YFjuUsMqjgU8gH5Tl2yUzFoiX2QQK_NLYI9wHbduc2z3TIwwMC1LIS3B1tOrqwjFKeDltLHBJHaI_BOLPznERKDjmIRuHQ0nEmRIm8KRi10_4W-sbfuaah9ook/s1600/IMG_2441.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghG1MlhyZPO7ThVtnjo_YFjuUsMqjgU8gH5Tl2yUzFoiX2QQK_NLYI9wHbduc2z3TIwwMC1LIS3B1tOrqwjFKeDltLHBJHaI_BOLPznERKDjmIRuHQ0nEmRIm8KRi10_4W-sbfuaah9ook/s320/IMG_2441.JPG" width="320" /></a>Chosen for: its quirky brilliance and beautiful period illustrations, re-inventing
a classic tale in mid-century style and with a refreshing feminist twist. Beginning in
1930's at a Christening, and stretching to the 1950s for the 16th
birthday, Sleeping Beauty (Annabel), carefully protected
from needles by her adoring aunts, pricks her finger on the
stylus of a record player - a gift from the evil Morwenna. Annabel had dreamt of seeing the future and her wish unexpectedly comes true as her rescuer, 1000 years into the future, is no prince, but a girl named Zoe who has a passion
from the past and scours the library for evidence of why a giant
thorn-tree is found amidst a futuristic high-rise landscape. The aunts
equally take on a delightful role as protectors who ultimately sacrifice
themselves for their beloved ward. It's a great re-telling anyway, but
the period details confirm this picture book offering as a 20th Century
historical tour de force. There are three others in our collection - an Art Deco Cinderella, a 1970s Rapunzel, and a male Red Riding Hood, 'Little Red' from the 18th Century. They are all brilliant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7liCcCEBALXpBJ6QzfmYx9P39l1Qvt_qgkf5U0nuhEaa5xfMqxG4RfH_V08LDb3CAOGiqq2Q2Yp-_M8ybNgUcIL1jlWzGZcuSs_3IRZkiDIYnENY5R-RW7bzZw6xYAWT2FPyPXg4dx5Ry/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7liCcCEBALXpBJ6QzfmYx9P39l1Qvt_qgkf5U0nuhEaa5xfMqxG4RfH_V08LDb3CAOGiqq2Q2Yp-_M8ybNgUcIL1jlWzGZcuSs_3IRZkiDIYnENY5R-RW7bzZw6xYAWT2FPyPXg4dx5Ry/s400/IMG_3670.JPG" width="400" /></a><i><b>8. Daisy Saves the Day by Shirley Hughes (Walker Books)</b></i><br />
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Chosen for: its glorious historical illustrations from the ingenius and talented Shirley Hughes and an encouraging tale that with loyalty and dedication anyone can change their own circumstances. Daisy comes from a poor family and, forced to leave school and the books she loves, she must work as a scullery maid in a large house with stern employers. It's work she doesn't enjoy, and isn't brilliant at either, but she works hard and is allowed books to read in her spare time. Books take away her loneliness and give her a challenge and hope. Despite a number of disasters Daisy, through her quick thinking, is able to save the household from a fire, and in saving the day she is rewarded with her greatest dream - a place at a school.<br />
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<i><b>9. The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin by Abie Longstaff and Lauren Beard (Picture Corgi)</b></i><br />
Chosen for: their lighthearted and enjoyable tales about a creative and strong young woman. The author Abie Longstaff, has aimed with this series to demonstrate that fashion and fun can be combined with courage, quick thinking and self-determination. Her series of ten books subverts traditional fairytales and creates a Fairy
Land where princes work, women don’t necessarily choose marriage ahead of
their careers and the justice system is more focused on rehabilitation than punishment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoysRmsbq0u3UqmuvCZ4HnKcsPDzYfvSn0Pxcu-DyAy7m5AS5i5KK-h3uTyvLO8tIHxQS-BXtOVQkZSM9xLrYU9JCJpgJhMaMPtAK7OvOspIbmeQgsvUP1y08_8f-ugCa1O24nbwZceA/s1600/blogger-image--1711730467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoysRmsbq0u3UqmuvCZ4HnKcsPDzYfvSn0Pxcu-DyAy7m5AS5i5KK-h3uTyvLO8tIHxQS-BXtOVQkZSM9xLrYU9JCJpgJhMaMPtAK7OvOspIbmeQgsvUP1y08_8f-ugCa1O24nbwZceA/s320/blogger-image--1711730467.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><b>10. Olivia (and sequels) by Ian Falconer (Simon and Schuster)</b></i><br />
Chosen for: their glorious turns of phrase, delightfully educational content and sage message behind
the mirth. Olivia is a piglet.
She's also a toddler. Fiercely independent and in danger of wearing out
the naughty step, Olivia's exploits in the pursuit of individuality
cannot fail to make even the most despairing parent chuckle. When Olivia decorates her bedroom wall with splodges of black
and red paint, this is no graffiti, but an experiment emulating
Pollock. In Olivia and the Fairy Princess, we are presented with
Olivia's incandescnce at the sole aspiration of her peers to be pink
tutu-clad princesses in need of rescue. She presents alternatives,
explores stark modern dance, and considers a future as a reporter
exposing corporate malfeasance. These books are utterly brilliant. Buy
them immediately.<br />
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<i><b>11. Merryn's Journey (Song of the Deep) by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Brian Hastings</span></span>; illustrated by
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow"><span itemprop="name">Tony Mora</span></a></span>
&
</b></i><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow"><span itemprop="name"><i><b>Alexis Seabrook (Sterling)</b></i></span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhBljhNJ7wuRLt1l5ZBxmkkq0mLULmf45cBtvLvv68PdNC6vxRcHm6CHmRwFEryiL0pEiO6thMs9zNmVJMwHUn6hdabhfX-ZHw5sJFkosKb4Vt3Ah81UVpZKPmPsKEfHYK-PDpXIYnrwR/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhBljhNJ7wuRLt1l5ZBxmkkq0mLULmf45cBtvLvv68PdNC6vxRcHm6CHmRwFEryiL0pEiO6thMs9zNmVJMwHUn6hdabhfX-ZHw5sJFkosKb4Vt3Ah81UVpZKPmPsKEfHYK-PDpXIYnrwR/s320/IMG_5493.JPG" width="240" /></a>Chosen for: the heartwarming father and daughter relationship, gorgeous illustrations, and brave female role model. Originally a video game, creator Hastings has turned the adventure into a book about a young girl who lives alone with her fisherman father. Each day he heads out to sea to catch fish while Merryn tends her garden, and every night he comes home and sings to her about a mysterious world that lies below the waves. Then one day he doesn't return, and Merryn, recalling his dangerous realm of serpents, merrows, monsters, and a sunken city made of gold, sets out to rescue the one she loves. Clever Merryn constructs a vessel and heads off on a strange and beautiful adventure where her kindness and care for others, however terrifying, ultimately reflect back to her in her moment of need.<br />
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<i><b>You may also like:</b></i><br />
<i><b><a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2016/03/books-to-change-childrens-thinking.html">Books to Change Children's Thinking </a></b></i><br />
<i><b><a href="http://www.culture-baby.net/2016/04/earth-day-green-reads-for-children.html">Green Reads for Children</a></b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTuZp-xBqDDwAbPBM1jrgXlVQCvhZVdGsRlMTO2_cXawXQ1DRWKl94VAvgfP838ShtV6bjif1bdR8TYFI2RyaAzcdoWEdvyPnz2qnHGecVohk3aoERME-K4hpmxKmhm1j08qQvdyOmFI9/s1600/AutumnLeaves-Box-Doll.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTuZp-xBqDDwAbPBM1jrgXlVQCvhZVdGsRlMTO2_cXawXQ1DRWKl94VAvgfP838ShtV6bjif1bdR8TYFI2RyaAzcdoWEdvyPnz2qnHGecVohk3aoERME-K4hpmxKmhm1j08qQvdyOmFI9/s200/AutumnLeaves-Box-Doll.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTv0FsMbb3IMmpaQ7Bpx8ctPTZ6lR0E3pkr_XihX8OuLYrvAizuU5EptUq3wm5jHM6IUSpuKzVNodXwDzlZAisRDDzYG7H0JEvHFzyte3Mg5jqm4sT-D_NV5MziHCf7rOC6lSpavfaD1B/s1600/Lottie+Stargazer+jacket+image.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1243" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTv0FsMbb3IMmpaQ7Bpx8ctPTZ6lR0E3pkr_XihX8OuLYrvAizuU5EptUq3wm5jHM6IUSpuKzVNodXwDzlZAisRDDzYG7H0JEvHFzyte3Mg5jqm4sT-D_NV5MziHCf7rOC6lSpavfaD1B/s200/Lottie+Stargazer+jacket+image.jpg" width="155" /></a>I'm delighted to say that Penguin and Arklu have offered my readers an exclusive and exciting competition to win one of<br />
• 1x copy of Stargazer Dress-up Sticker Book, Lottie Solves a Mystery,
and a <a href="https://uk.lottie.com/products/autumn-leaves-lottie-doll">Lottie Autumn Leaves Doll </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGQHtt1ttfoHlwpqO-kYvKNHz9yHDiWy3WME1sn2ejDAsF5sU8ZwIOm_l-nLHc8ThyphenhyphenX3ZzAstdeu5-_7k0dvBrrFAxYPTvcnG4q1eh3dGgSXR75gRnHgwC3Gy29vPmUF2_E4cLDN4d118/s1600/Kite-Flyer-Finn-Lottie-doll-1_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGQHtt1ttfoHlwpqO-kYvKNHz9yHDiWy3WME1sn2ejDAsF5sU8ZwIOm_l-nLHc8ThyphenhyphenX3ZzAstdeu5-_7k0dvBrrFAxYPTvcnG4q1eh3dGgSXR75gRnHgwC3Gy29vPmUF2_E4cLDN4d118/s200/Kite-Flyer-Finn-Lottie-doll-1_.jpg" width="200" /></a>• 1x copy of Stargazer Dress-up Sticker Book, Lottie Solves a Mystery,
and a <a href="https://uk.lottie.com/products/kite-flyer-finn-boy-doll">Finn Kite Flyer Doll </a><br />
Plus a couple more copies of the books for the runners-up. <br />
<u><b>To be in with a chance to win please tell us what you'd add to our Mighty Girl Booklist in the comments below and then enter using the Rafflecopter. </b></u><br />
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<i>Disclaimer: Whilst we already own a good proportion of these books, several have been sent to us over the last couple of years for the purposes of review. However, the selection in this post represents what I believe to be the very best of everything we have received and own on the topic. Many thanks to Picture Corgi, Walker Books, Pavilion, Abrams, Tate, Simon and Schuster, Penguin and Frances Lincoln for copies of some of these titles. Huge thank to Lottie, Penguin and Arklu for their brilliant competition prizes.</i><br />
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MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-65661798771267397442017-07-01T23:27:00.000+01:002017-07-01T23:27:12.282+01:00My First Ballet: Cinderella<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the second year, the girls and I returned to the Peacock Theatre in London to see the young and talented dancers from the English National Ballet School perform for the tiniest aspiring ballerinas. Now in its sixth year, the <a href="https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/my-first-ballet-cinderella/">My First Ballet</a> series features a classical ballet, specially shortened, adapted, and cleverly narrated<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> to suit children as young as three. </span><br />
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Marina Minguez as the Fairy Godmother (c) Photography by ASH</h4>
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Maria Isabel Trabalon Sanjuan and Jeong Eun Park as the Stepsisters (c) Photography by ASH</h4>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Although arguably the music of Cinderella, a Prokofiev classic, is a little less memorable than Sleeping Beauty (last year's lovely production), the rags to riches tale is firmly fixed in the fairytale canon and lent itself very well to this adaptation. The narrator, now older, takes us on a journey back in time to a story from her youth and we meet the young Cinderella through the older Queen's eyes. This year's story had a real element of humour and the stepsisters, full of character, stole the show. </span><br />
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Remi Nakano as Cinderella and Yuki Nakaaki as The Prince © Laurent Liotardo </h4>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One of the best elements of the My First Ballet productions are the interweaving of narration and dance. Carefully and intentionally, the dancers illustrate that many of the ballet moves that we might usually miss with the whirl of limbs and chiffon have specific meanings. These are deliberately emphasised throughout and outlined in the well designed programme. Miniature audience members are invited to spot certain gestures and specific moves throughout the ballet. At crucial junctures time is slowed so we don't miss a crucial exchange. I'm always learning something new alongside my little women and enjoy these productions just as much as they do.</span><br />
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Remi Nakano as Cinderella and Yuki Nakaaki as The Prince © Laurent Liotardo </h4>
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Marina Minguez as the Fairy Godmother </h4>
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& Mar Bonet Sans as Cinderella (c) Photography by ASH</h4>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This
unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English
National Ballet School is always particularly exciting for Culturebaby as we are lucky enough to be able to attend ENB's Junior ballet school. T</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">hese brilliant dancers therefore demonstrate in a connected and tangible way what is possible for the very youngest of students</span>.
The classes, run by highly trained professionals and
featuring a real pianist, come highly recommended. No auditions are necessary but the quality of teaching is excellent. We are heading over to Chelsea tomorrow to take part in the annual performance for the Juniors, which last year was hugely impressive. It's a class worth travelling to. </span> <br />
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Remi Nakano as Cinderella © Laurent Liotardo</h4>
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ENB has worked with Widgit to produce resources that can be easily used by the young but also by those with learning difficulties or disabilities. The <em>My First Ballet: Cinderella</em> Symbol Resources are designed for use before, during and after performances. You can download these here at the links below. Some of these flashcards in particular are brilliantly useful and I'll be producing a set for the girls soon:<br />
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<li><a href="https://www.ballet.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/My-First-Ballet-Cinderella-Plot-Summary.pdf"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Plot Summary</span></a></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ballet.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/My-First-Ballet-Cinderella-Going-to-the-Theatre.pdf">Going to the Theatre</a></span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ballet.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/My-First-Ballet-Cinderella-Flashcards-and-Quizzes-Pack.pdf">Flash cards and Quizzes</a></span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ballet.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/My-First-Ballet-Cinderella-Character-Sheets.pdf">Character sheets</a></span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ballet.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/My-First-Ballet-Cinderella-Ballet-People.pdf">Ballet people</a></span></li>
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Remi Nakano as Cinderella © Laurent Liotardo</h4>
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Another great accompaniment to the performance is James Mayhew's beautifully illustrated picture book <a href="http://www.jamesmayhew.co.uk/books/ella-bella"><i>Ella Bella and Cinderella</i></a>. It is part of the ingenious series where the little ballerina Ella is transported, with the aid of a magical musical box, into a series of ballets; supporting the characters and saving the plot.<br /><br />Although the ENB school dancers have finished their run for the year, performances continue over the summer at two locations. For further details and booking information see the website at <a href="http://www.ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet">www.ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet</a><br />
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Anita Wolleb as the Fairy Godmother © Laurent Liotardo</h4>
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The Peacock, London<br />18 – 23 July 2017 <br />Box Office: 020 7863 8000<br />Tickets: £10 - £25 <br /><br /> Manchester Opera House<br />
26 –30 July 2017<br />Box Office: <br />0844 871 3018<br />Tickets: £11.50 - £29.40<br /><br />
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<i>Disclaimer: We received press tickets for the purposes of review from English National Ballet. All views are, as always, our own. Photographs are courtesy of ENB and the specified photographers - with thanks.</i><br />
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MuseumMummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099221147800618699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334806530171049790.post-91780672727715109502017-05-29T21:58:00.002+01:002017-05-29T22:04:05.187+01:00It doesn't happen every day, that a Tiger comes around to play...<br />
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It doesn't happen every day that a Tiger comes around to play...<br />
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Sometimes it is the longeivity of a memory, months and months on, that points to the success of a childhood experience. As we ambled past the poster outside Richmond Theatre for the 2017 tour, the girls started to sing the theme and to talk about their memories of visiting Cadogan Hall last summer to watch the performance - requesting to book again this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJosgV5Erth5yZRu95hgGXfPOrXUI74Vjg1TEfZSX4seov935YfmsPeUtCjcyp6ZAqq7vyfbMLOZp_9ykCtnoTtMzID0M5mhHwGyDC5FvX8O10AIglaeIXPUevqDUXInUHXDSSCLQRftx4/s640/blogger-image--734754079.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJosgV5Erth5yZRu95hgGXfPOrXUI74Vjg1TEfZSX4seov935YfmsPeUtCjcyp6ZAqq7vyfbMLOZp_9ykCtnoTtMzID0M5mhHwGyDC5FvX8O10AIglaeIXPUevqDUXInUHXDSSCLQRftx4/s400/blogger-image--734754079.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzO08UTTEb5lV92iM8ieVyW-g5Bh4IVy2vm5aulklfO1RIWkIklwSxnYyJdw7WrYBUVkVXgPscp3WJxJVXCVMgKaKgMFm_n7DDrV68KovoNIZPNvPOQqz9b4Vw_Dyt6H4ZAn0kmFJJtMgm/s640/blogger-image-1326644580.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzO08UTTEb5lV92iM8ieVyW-g5Bh4IVy2vm5aulklfO1RIWkIklwSxnYyJdw7WrYBUVkVXgPscp3WJxJVXCVMgKaKgMFm_n7DDrV68KovoNIZPNvPOQqz9b4Vw_Dyt6H4ZAn0kmFJJtMgm/s320/blogger-image-1326644580.jpg" width="240" /></a>We have seen so much wonderful theatre over the last few years, but there is little better than seeing much loved characters come alive on stage. Judith Kerr's 50 year old classic seems to hold an enduring fascination for children, with a formula and illustrative style so successful, that I can imagine few children would fail to recount the tale.<br />
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Its genesis is equally interesting. Judith used to enjoy trips to the library with her young daughter Tacy, but reported her ongoing disppointment that there was very little for children between "here is a horse" and long and dull stories with unfamiliar words (happily due to the legacy of these intrepid early picture book pioneers this problem no longer exists). Kerr noted that it seemed extraordinary that there were so few books with proper stories in simple words that a two year old could understand.<br />
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Keeping themselves occupied with trips to the zoo whilst her husband was away filming, and meanwhile hoping for visitors and "that something would happen", between mother and daughter the story of a Tiger who came calling at the house was born. It was Tacy's favourite and soon it was retold by heart. Later her son also loved the story, but it wasn't until both children were at school and work was able to resume in earnest that Judith finally started to turn it into a picture book.<br />
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On the advice of a friend from Central St Martins (art school) she experimented with inks to give a layering and richness, and she observed and sketched tigers live at the Zoo. She based the book on her own kitchen and on Tom (her husband), Tacy and herself. Following some re-working with the editor (and Tacy being re-christened Sophie) - though it seems Judith won the battle on the Tiger (improbably) drinking all the water in the tap (her son's favourite) - it was published to encouraging reviews in 1968. Little could she have known its consequent impact.<br />
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I was perhaps surprised that such a simple tale could be turned into a 55 minute musical but Olivier Award Winner David Wood OBE, a leading writer and director of plays and musicals for children, has done so successfully. With genuinely memorable tunes and humour, the stage show also retains much of the magic of the classic book with its '60s decoration, clothes and routine - and crucially the original story.<br />
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In the gorgeous book "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2013/jun/14/judith-kerr-celebration-90th-birthday">Creatures</a>", Kerr's autobiography, she describes the approach from producer Nick Brooke, who wanted to turn the three minute book into a one hour play... "At first I just thought it was ridiculous, but then I thought, why not, and made an appointment to go and see him. He was clearly very professional, and totally serious...." After a further tea and discussion with David Wood, she agreed to give it a go. At a visit to an early rehearsal Kerr notes that she was "brought up short by the set, which looked exactly like the drawing in the book. There were two young actresses playing Sophie and her mother, and a very good young actor called Alan Atkins playing the tiger, the father and three other characters, and the whole thing just felt effortlessly right." It opened to immediate success at the Bloomsbury in 2011 and was later nominated for an Olivier Award.<br />
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As Kerr herself observes<br />
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"It is oddly moving to see a theatre full of three year olds spellbound by this singing and dancing version of a bedtime story I once told my little daughter so many years ago." </blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgzmguTs3jjnLY0tw5_LJYUHGEKheedF3Kw0YDPhj3wkLf5c4qL7vfKL8XHAPJVHiebpCxiuA6XEuyr_UJg9yqydqMEQzH0R5AlXt7EzCSPjnzKpwGdhEj7YSOO0NFjxN-HOlBeVMTmP0/s1600/20160805-IMG_5141-2_RT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgzmguTs3jjnLY0tw5_LJYUHGEKheedF3Kw0YDPhj3wkLf5c4qL7vfKL8XHAPJVHiebpCxiuA6XEuyr_UJg9yqydqMEQzH0R5AlXt7EzCSPjnzKpwGdhEj7YSOO0NFjxN-HOlBeVMTmP0/s400/20160805-IMG_5141-2_RT.jpg" width="266" /></a> In the words of The Times "It's the Cat's Miaow", as is Kerr, who with her family fleed the
rising Nazi party in Germany due to her writer father's liberal,
anti-Hitler work. Whilst Tiger is no work of political criticism (though some have argued it is), it has demonstrably endowed many a young mind with a love for the arts and literature. As writer Ann Patchett notes: “Reading fiction not only develops our imagination and creativity, it gives us the skills to be alone. It gives us the ability to feel empathy for people we've never met, living lives we couldn't possibly experience for ourselves, because the book puts us inside the character's skin.” With training such as this for all of our children, 80 years on from Kerr's experience, the forces of bigotry and intolerence would have a far tougher fight ahead.<br />
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This year's tour details can be found <a href="http://tigerstealive.com/tour/"><u><b>here:</b></u></a><br />
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<i>Dislaimer: We received tickets to the performance in exchange for an honest review. We are very grateful to Cadogan Hall for the opportunity. You can view their fantastic programme of family events<a href="https://www.cadoganhall.com/whats-on/?categories%5B0%5D=12"> <u><b>here.</b></u></a></i><br />
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