After almost three years, over 200 posts and around 33,000 site visits, this is going to be my last post on the WEJS book blog. I'm moving to a new school after Easter, so will be starting something similar there.
Hopefully this won't be the end of the blog though, as reading is such a big part of life at West Earlham Junior School. It would be great to see it continue, and find out about all the books that people have read and all the authors that have visited.
Thank you for all the fantastic comments and, most of all, thank you for reading!
Mr Biddle
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
Operation Code-Cracker by John Townsend
My name is Tyler and I am the official reviewer of John Townsend books at my school. as he is one of my favourite authors. I got Operation Code-Cracker to read over half-term and here is my review.
Firstly, I love the cover. It's really cool and shows there's going to be lots of action.
The story is very exciting. It's about a boy called Max and a mysterious group who are called the Silver Scorpions. Max ends up being a spy and getting into lots of trouble. Luckily he is really good at solving puzzles and this helps him. One of the things I like about John Townsend is how he puts puzzles and riddles into his books, although there were some in this one that I found too tricky to work out. But I did understand them when I saw the answers!
There is a very good surprise near the end and something happens that you just don't expect. Well I didn't expect it, so I don't think other people will. If you like exciting books full of action and puzzles then you should read this one. It is going in to our school library next week. I think lots of people will defnitely want to borrow it when they read this review.
9.2 out of 10
Firstly, I love the cover. It's really cool and shows there's going to be lots of action.
The story is very exciting. It's about a boy called Max and a mysterious group who are called the Silver Scorpions. Max ends up being a spy and getting into lots of trouble. Luckily he is really good at solving puzzles and this helps him. One of the things I like about John Townsend is how he puts puzzles and riddles into his books, although there were some in this one that I found too tricky to work out. But I did understand them when I saw the answers!
There is a very good surprise near the end and something happens that you just don't expect. Well I didn't expect it, so I don't think other people will. If you like exciting books full of action and puzzles then you should read this one. It is going in to our school library next week. I think lots of people will defnitely want to borrow it when they read this review.
9.2 out of 10
Choosing Crumble by Michael Rosen
The book I am reviewing is called Choosing Crumble by Michael Rosen. The pictures are quite plain but are very funny and they help tell the story.
The book is about Terri-Lee and her mum who go to a pet shop because they want a dog. They meet a dog called Apple Crumble, who isn't like any other dog because this dog can talk. He asks Terri-Lee some questions to see if she is good enough to become his owner.
I shared this book with my mum and dad, and we gave it nine out of ten because it is very funny indeed.
Review by Hollie, 4JB.
The book is about Terri-Lee and her mum who go to a pet shop because they want a dog. They meet a dog called Apple Crumble, who isn't like any other dog because this dog can talk. He asks Terri-Lee some questions to see if she is good enough to become his owner.
I shared this book with my mum and dad, and we gave it nine out of ten because it is very funny indeed.
Review by Hollie, 4JB.
Tuesday, 27 January 2015
4JB's choice as the next Children's Laureate
Today we talked about who we would like to take over from Malorie Blackman when she leaves her post as Children's Laureate in June. There were lots of great authors and poets nominated,so we decided to have a class vote. Here are our results:
Philip Pullman 7
Francesca Simon 4
Darren Shan 3
Jonathan Meres 10
David Walliams 6
Helena Pielichaty 4
Cressida Cowell 5
Liz Pichon 5
Neil Gaiman 11
Jackie Morris 5
Brian Moses 5
Other suggestions
CS Lewis
Eva Ibbotson
Enid Blyton
In the end, Neil Gaiman won by just one vote. Do you agree with our choice?
Philip Pullman 7
Francesca Simon 4
Darren Shan 3
Jonathan Meres 10
David Walliams 6
Helena Pielichaty 4
Cressida Cowell 5
Liz Pichon 5
Neil Gaiman 11
Jackie Morris 5
Brian Moses 5
Other suggestions
CS Lewis
Eva Ibbotson
Enid Blyton
In the end, Neil Gaiman won by just one vote. Do you agree with our choice?
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
Patron of Reading video
Sunday, 4 January 2015
Friday, 12 December 2014
4JB class books
Here is a list of all the class books we have read since September, in the order that we read them.
Fortunately The Milk by Neil Gaiman
Koala Calamity by Jonathan Meres
You Wait Until I’m Older Than You by Michael Rosen
Diary Of A Killer Cat by Anne Fine
Cloudbusting by Malorie Blackman
The Busker by Paul Jennings
Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers by John Dougherty
Next we are reading Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
Harald Hardnut by Tony Bradman
Harald Hardnut by Tony Bradman
I reviewed this book because we are learning about the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings in our topic. Harald Hardnut was a Viking king who came over to invade England about a thousand years ago. He was really tough and enjoyed fighting. He had two friends called Ulf and Haldor who both tried to calm him down. Did you know that Harald was killed in a battle against King Harold, who was then killed by William the Conqueror? There were a lot of battles in those days.
This is a really fun book to read. I learned a lot of history and a lot about how much fighting kings used to like doing. It's quite short so it's great if you are in a bit of a hurry to go out. I think the author must have enjoyed finding out about Harald and then turning it into a great story. This book gets 9.3 out of 10.
I reviewed this book because we are learning about the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings in our topic. Harald Hardnut was a Viking king who came over to invade England about a thousand years ago. He was really tough and enjoyed fighting. He had two friends called Ulf and Haldor who both tried to calm him down. Did you know that Harald was killed in a battle against King Harold, who was then killed by William the Conqueror? There were a lot of battles in those days.
This is a really fun book to read. I learned a lot of history and a lot about how much fighting kings used to like doing. It's quite short so it's great if you are in a bit of a hurry to go out. I think the author must have enjoyed finding out about Harald and then turning it into a great story. This book gets 9.3 out of 10.
Review by Tyler.
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Year 4 reviews
John Townsend is one of our favourite authors at WEJS (especially the Barney books), and we always
like it when he has a new book out. Dylan, from Year Four, has reviewed two of his latest ones. Jack has reviewed The Busker by Paul Jennings.
Terror of the Swamp by John Townsend
Beware! Enormous reptiles included. There are lots of words that ran through my head when I was trying to describe this book. They were: petrifying, thrilling, mysterious and chilling. I really loved this book about a boy and his dad in the jungle. They had to face a lot of dangers and work as a team to survive. It has short chapters and doesn't take long to read. You will really enjoy this book if you like reading scary books, snakes or mysteries. I enjoyed this so much that I asked Mr Biddle if John Townsend can be our focus author next term.
(Mr Biddle's review: I liked this too! Straight into the action halfway down page one, and it doesn't let up until the end. Highly recommended for less enthusiastic readers in Year 4/5.)
Flashback by John Townsend
I read this the night after I read Terror of the Swamp. I enjoyed it but there wasn't as much action as in the other book. It's about a boy called Bernard. When he was younger, he did something really bad. Probably you couldn't do anything worse. But he did it for a good reason. He spends his whole life feeling guilty about what he has done until the right at the end. I can't really say anymore without spoiling it. But I will say if you like books about the war, and you like books that you can read quickly, then try this. You might be pleased that you did.
Terror of the Swamp by John Townsend
Beware! Enormous reptiles included. There are lots of words that ran through my head when I was trying to describe this book. They were: petrifying, thrilling, mysterious and chilling. I really loved this book about a boy and his dad in the jungle. They had to face a lot of dangers and work as a team to survive. It has short chapters and doesn't take long to read. You will really enjoy this book if you like reading scary books, snakes or mysteries. I enjoyed this so much that I asked Mr Biddle if John Townsend can be our focus author next term.
(Mr Biddle's review: I liked this too! Straight into the action halfway down page one, and it doesn't let up until the end. Highly recommended for less enthusiastic readers in Year 4/5.)
Flashback by John Townsend
I read this the night after I read Terror of the Swamp. I enjoyed it but there wasn't as much action as in the other book. It's about a boy called Bernard. When he was younger, he did something really bad. Probably you couldn't do anything worse. But he did it for a good reason. He spends his whole life feeling guilty about what he has done until the right at the end. I can't really say anymore without spoiling it. But I will say if you like books about the war, and you like books that you can read quickly, then try this. You might be pleased that you did.
The Busker by Paul Jennings
This is one of the stories in Weirdest Stories by Paul Jennings. I'm enjoying it but I think the dog is going to die. Paul Jennings has written hundreds of stories, all with a twist, and they are enjoyed all over the world. I recommend this book to people who like books that makes them have lots of emotions, including happy and sad.
Saturday, 29 November 2014
Friday, 28 November 2014
Ten word book reviews
Writing a book review in ten words is not as easy as you think!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Funny, sad. Poor boy. Golden Ticket. Brilliant book! Oompa Loompas.
The Busker by Paul Jennings
Emotional, inspiring. Animal cruelty. Traumatising. Touching. Sad. Awesome. Happy ending.
Koala Calamity by Jonathan Meres
Funny. Amazing. Rescue missing sister. Laughing lots! Hilarious. Dude, Bro.
Spy Dog by Andrew Cope
Awesome. Evil criminals. Funny! Amazing animals. Bike riding.
Elmer and the Hippos by David McKee
Book was fun. Good words. Great pictures. Imaginative. Very enjoyable.
Stitch Head by Guy Bass
Rising from the dead. Horror. Laboratory. Imagination. Little boy. Urrghh!
Beast Quest by Adam Blade
Boy knight. Fights a dragon. Scary ending and shocking. Wow!
Horrid Henry's Royal Riot by Alexia
Rude. Moody Margaret. Annoying little brother. Funny and naughty. Unfair.
The Complete Adventures of Charlie and Mr Willy Wonka by Roald Dahl
Chocolatey. Mouth-watering. Description. Imaginative writer. Factory. Tickets. Wonderful story. Elevator.
Poetry is not Pants by Craig Bradley
Cool. Lots of emotions. Wonderful poetry. Some funny, some sad.
Survival Squad: Out of Bounds by Jonathan Rock
Inspiring. Interesting survival facts. Amazing ending. Traumatic. Encouraging and supporting.
Dirty Bertie: Smash by David Roberts and Alan Macdonald
Dirty Bertie wins a prize. His friend wins a prize.
The Bewilderbats by Tom Blofeld
Really scary, funny, spooky. Lots of bats! Silly. Adventurous. Wonderful.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Funny, sad. Poor boy. Golden Ticket. Brilliant book! Oompa Loompas.
The Busker by Paul Jennings
Emotional, inspiring. Animal cruelty. Traumatising. Touching. Sad. Awesome. Happy ending.
Koala Calamity by Jonathan Meres
Funny. Amazing. Rescue missing sister. Laughing lots! Hilarious. Dude, Bro.
Spy Dog by Andrew Cope
Awesome. Evil criminals. Funny! Amazing animals. Bike riding.
Elmer and the Hippos by David McKee
Book was fun. Good words. Great pictures. Imaginative. Very enjoyable.
Stitch Head by Guy Bass
Rising from the dead. Horror. Laboratory. Imagination. Little boy. Urrghh!
Beast Quest by Adam Blade
Boy knight. Fights a dragon. Scary ending and shocking. Wow!
Horrid Henry's Royal Riot by Alexia
Rude. Moody Margaret. Annoying little brother. Funny and naughty. Unfair.
The Complete Adventures of Charlie and Mr Willy Wonka by Roald Dahl
Chocolatey. Mouth-watering. Description. Imaginative writer. Factory. Tickets. Wonderful story. Elevator.
Poetry is not Pants by Craig Bradley
Cool. Lots of emotions. Wonderful poetry. Some funny, some sad.
Survival Squad: Out of Bounds by Jonathan Rock
Inspiring. Interesting survival facts. Amazing ending. Traumatic. Encouraging and supporting.
Dirty Bertie: Smash by David Roberts and Alan Macdonald
Dirty Bertie wins a prize. His friend wins a prize.
The Bewilderbats by Tom Blofeld
Really scary, funny, spooky. Lots of bats! Silly. Adventurous. Wonderful.
4JB audio book reviews by Bailey, Jack, Maddie, Reuben and Oliver
Books Reviewed
Horrid Henry's Nightmare by Francesca Simon
Fortunately The Milk by Neil Gaiman
Harald Hardnut by Tony Bradman
The Abominators by JL Smith
Survival Squad: Out Of Bounds by Jonathan Rock
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
The Monster Snowman by Gillian Cross
Jack, Ryan and Sam have built the biggest, scariest snowman in the world. Jack thinks it will be funny to give the snowman a phone. Later that night, they receive a strange text which says 'Come out and play with me'. Surely it can't be from the snowman? Or can it?
This book is a lovely book to give to people who like scary books. It terrified me at the end but I can't tell you why. Do you like being scared? If you do, then you must read this book. I have asked the school library to get some more books by Gillian Cross as she writes very scary (but not too scary) books for children.
by Rose
This book is a lovely book to give to people who like scary books. It terrified me at the end but I can't tell you why. Do you like being scared? If you do, then you must read this book. I have asked the school library to get some more books by Gillian Cross as she writes very scary (but not too scary) books for children.
by Rose
Thursday, 13 November 2014
Creative Writing by Gervase Phinn
This is a wonderful poem by Gervase Phinn. You can find out more about him and his books at http://www.gervase-phinn.com.
My story on Monday began:
Mountainous seas crashed on the cliffs,
And the desolate land grew wetter ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Remember the capital letter!
My poem on Tuesday began:
Red tongues of fire,
Licked higher and higher
From smoking Etna's top ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Where is your full stop?
My story on Wednesday began:
Through the lonely, pine-scented wood
There twists a hidden path ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Start a paragraph!
My poem on Thursday began:
The trembling child,
Eyes dark and wild,
Frozen midst the fighting ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Take care - untidy writing!
My story on Friday began:
The boxer bruised and bloody lay,
His eye half closed and swollen ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Use a semi-colon!
Next Monday my story will begin:
Once upon a time...
My story on Monday began:
Mountainous seas crashed on the cliffs,
And the desolate land grew wetter ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Remember the capital letter!
My poem on Tuesday began:
Red tongues of fire,
Licked higher and higher
From smoking Etna's top ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Where is your full stop?
My story on Wednesday began:
Through the lonely, pine-scented wood
There twists a hidden path ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Start a paragraph!
My poem on Thursday began:
The trembling child,
Eyes dark and wild,
Frozen midst the fighting ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Take care - untidy writing!
My story on Friday began:
The boxer bruised and bloody lay,
His eye half closed and swollen ...
The teacher wrote a little note: Use a semi-colon!
Next Monday my story will begin:
Once upon a time...
Saturday, 8 November 2014
2015 Annuals
We have been looking at some 2015 annuals. Here are our reviews. More are coming soon!
Jacqueline Wilson annual
This annual is fabulous. It's creative as well. She writes wonderful, funny books. She sits by herself to write her stories, which is a bit like me, but I don't get mine published. She si a very kind lady. Jacquelines Wilson loves finding memories of her family and friends and putting them into her stories. You should definitely buy this annual if you like any of her books.
Maddie
Match annual
I think that the Match annual is good because it tells you lots of facts. One of the facts is that Man United and Wales legend Ryan Giggs was Gareth Bale's hero when he was growing up. The book is good because it has pictures of footballers with some information about them. I was mainly interested in page 14 and 15 because it tells you all about the injuries that Gareth Bale has had in his career. Gareth Bale is a terrific player, and there is a picture of him and his wife. In the book, Cristiano Ronaldo is in a cartoon and he is playing bowling. It tells you what the score will be in the next game.
Bailey
Star Wars annual
This books is for people who like puzzles and mazes. It also tells you useful information about all of the movies and about the new on which is out next year.
Lennon
Jacqueline Wilson annual
This annual is fabulous. It's creative as well. She writes wonderful, funny books. She sits by herself to write her stories, which is a bit like me, but I don't get mine published. She si a very kind lady. Jacquelines Wilson loves finding memories of her family and friends and putting them into her stories. You should definitely buy this annual if you like any of her books.
Maddie
Match annual
I think that the Match annual is good because it tells you lots of facts. One of the facts is that Man United and Wales legend Ryan Giggs was Gareth Bale's hero when he was growing up. The book is good because it has pictures of footballers with some information about them. I was mainly interested in page 14 and 15 because it tells you all about the injuries that Gareth Bale has had in his career. Gareth Bale is a terrific player, and there is a picture of him and his wife. In the book, Cristiano Ronaldo is in a cartoon and he is playing bowling. It tells you what the score will be in the next game.
Bailey
Star Wars annual
This books is for people who like puzzles and mazes. It also tells you useful information about all of the movies and about the new on which is out next year.
Lennon
Friday, 7 November 2014
Thursday, 23 October 2014
Year 4 Author Quiz
Do you know the name of the author who wrote each of these books? List
your answers below. You can use the local library or the internet to
help you! There will be a fantastic prize for the winning entry.
1. Zeus On The Loose
2. The Longest Whale Song
3. Kensuke's Kingdom
4. You're A Bad Man, Mr Gum!
5. The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
6. The Iron Man
7. Young Werewolf
8. Bill's New Frock
9. Danny, The Champion Of The World
10. Angela Sprocket's Pockets
11. Demon Dentist
12. My Uncle Is A Hunkle, Says Clarice Bean
13. Koala Calamity
14. Fortunately The Milk
15. Five On A Treasure Island
Tie-break question: What country is our Patron of Reading, John Dougherty from?
1. Zeus On The Loose
2. The Longest Whale Song
3. Kensuke's Kingdom
4. You're A Bad Man, Mr Gum!
5. The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
6. The Iron Man
7. Young Werewolf
8. Bill's New Frock
9. Danny, The Champion Of The World
10. Angela Sprocket's Pockets
11. Demon Dentist
12. My Uncle Is A Hunkle, Says Clarice Bean
13. Koala Calamity
14. Fortunately The Milk
15. Five On A Treasure Island
Tie-break question: What country is our Patron of Reading, John Dougherty from?
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