That was the week that was: early May 14

We’re into May. It’s a strange time of year in school circles – feels like pretty much every week has a different pattern. Occasional days here; school productions there (not yet for Junior Reader, but the school got to watch the final year classes going through their paces). Junior Reader has become interested in birds …

Friday phrases: though his shoes were far too tight

I am thinking of the Lion Book of Humorous Verse again. I am tempted to include some more Hilaire Belloc, but I feel it only fair to devote a few lines to Edward Lear. Lear’s work received several mentions in the book, and I know it had an impact on me. Some of it, I …

Friday phrases: and his ball and his teddy

Over at Lit Kid, I wrote a while ago about the impact of recurring phrases – the ones you know are coming, the ones you are longing to hear. Some authors do far more. They weave a pattern of repeating words and sounds that is inseparable from the story itself. They are the basis of …