Atlas of Adventures

Author: Rachel Williams

Illustrator: Lucy Letherland

Age: KS2

UKLA Book Awards 7-11 category shortlist 2016

This is a wonderful non-fiction resource that could enhance lessons across the curriculum. The vivid images throughout the book are really engaging and will prompt discussion within a class, along with the facts.

Contains most features of standard non-fiction texts, excluding a glossary, so you could use this to teach children about non-fiction texts and how to use them effectively. For example using an index or a contents page for specific information.

EAL opportunities: Children could find the country they originate from, share their heritage with others. Children can research these countries together and develop an understanding of the world, different cultures and lifestyles.

With English, children could produce holiday brochures and leaflets for different destinations around the world. The book could also be used to focus on persuasive writing, as there are lots of strong adjectives in the paragraphs that provide an introduction to each place. Children could write about the characters that appear, for example a story of an adventure or a diary entry.

Book is so varied and accessible, with limitless opportunities for lessons across the curriculum.

Art: Paper-mache globe, landscapes, copy illustrations in range of media to develop skills, make things (e.g. design a gondola).

PE: Sports/activities from around the world.

Science: Learn about animals from around the world, weather, seasons, plants.

Design and technology: Design your own fairground (links to the ride a roller-coaster in Chicago).

Geography: Develop skills using maps, recognition of flags, positioning of continents and countries, locating places, learn how to use an atlas.

Languages: Learn more about the country, develop vocabulary by using facts and images, learn about culture and landmarks.