The true story of a stubborn old horse sent to France in WW1 and his friendship with Bert, a yeomanry soldier of the Leicestershire Regiment. Songster was a chestnut gelding, too short and too old to be picked for war - but he was picked anyway. Songster was also stubborn – and his stubbornness helped him survive the war. Unusually for an ordinary soldier’s mount, Songster was allowed to return home to England. Bert survived, too, and by good luck the pair were reunited. Back in their hometown, Songster went to live on a local farm, where he earned his keep and never lost his quirkiness. One time he ran off to join ‘the Regiment’ when he saw them passing by the farm. Another time, he climbed the stairs of a local pub to have a pint of beer with Bert. Songster became a minor celebrity in his hometown and lived to the grand old age of forty, dying peacefully on the farm surrounded by regimental pals. This story of enduring friendship between a young yeomanry soldier and the horse he met in August 1914 is woven with historical facts about World War One, simply and sensitively told so that children will understand about the historical event and why Songster - and Bert - were so fortunate in making it back home. The illustrations include pictures of animals and birds for the children to spot as the story is told. Understanding of the text is supported by literacy activities suitable for KS1 pupils but which could easily be adapted for Years 3 to 6. The pack includes: • The illustrated story of ‘Songster – Loughborough’s Own War Horse’ in pdf form, both with text and without • Suggestions and some resources for lesson activities • Colouring sheets • A word search • A reading game • Powerpoints on the topic of ‘Remembrance’ and ‘Animals at War’ (see tes.com for free lesson ideas in relation to these powerpoints) • Instructions for a craft activity for making remembrance poppies ‘I have used this lovely little book to read to the children in Forest School as they made their own wooden memorial crosses to commemorate Armistice Day.’ ‘A lovely and really interesting story, written so simply and clearly. The illustrator did the story proud - lovely illustrations!’ - RR

Prince Rama of Ayodhya is his father’s favourite son and due to take the throne when King Dasharatha retires. But in an act of trickery by his stepmother, Rama is banished to forests far-away and must not return for 14 years. His beautiful wife Sita and brave brother Bharata choose to go with him, and so begin their adventures as they travel through the forests, battling with the demons who live there and trying to make themselves a safe home. Rama and Sita – the story of Diwali is re-telling of a tale told in the ancient Sanskrit poem ‘The Ramayana’ and an excellent educational resource to support the study of the Festival of Diwali. Understanding of the text is supported by literacy activities suitable for KS1 pupils but which could easily be adapted for Years 3 to 6. The pack includes: • The illustrated story of ‘Rama and Sita – the Story of Diwali’ in pdf form, both with text and without, for printing or viewing on an IWB • Suggestions and some resources for literacy activities • Colouring sheets • A word search • A reading game • A topic plan of Diwali ideas covering most aspects of the primary curriculum ‘I can’t think of a more child-friendly account and the illustrations are clear, witty, imaginative and fun. I thoroughly recommend this book!’ Jamila Gavin (Coram Boy, Grandpa Chatterji, Kamla and Kate) ‘An excellent bright, beautiful book that shows and tells the story of Rama and Sita very well.’ Pippa Goodhart ((You Choose, Just Imagine, Winnie the Witch) ‘A wonderful reworking of the Hindu Diwali story, with the input of real school pupils. Informative, easy to read and delightful to look at - we need more books like this so that all of our children can see their cultures reflected!’ Bali Rai ‘I used the book with my class whilst studying Diwali. The children were hooked and loved every page.’ Jo T, primary teacher. Paperback copies of the story can be bought on Amazon.

A re-telling of the folk tale of a fox who tricks a crocodile into choosing the inedible part of plants which they grew together. The resources are: Powerpoints of the story in both English and Bengali, a story grid for pupils to use to re-tell the story a planning sheet for pupils to plan a story using the same theme a reading game for small group work a whole-class inferential reading/paired talk activity which makes provision for Bengali-speaking pupils to be ‘class experts’ during the session and supports understanding that folk tales are told in all languages and cultures. The story can be used as part of topic on growing, and fruit and vegetables. Foundation Stage Year 1 and Year 2 objectives • Children use a range of strategies to explore their understanding of traditional stories, looking at characters, plot and events. • Visual literacy is incorporated and children can identify different ways in which traditional tales can be told and express preferences. Year 2 Narrative Unit 2 – Traditional stories Children can work towards their own written version of a traditional narrative, Read and compare alternative versions of traditional stories. Discuss opposing characters from the narrative. Discuss and compose dialogue for different characters. Plan an alternative traditional story. Write a short alternative traditional story using connectives to indicate time and tension. Year 2, Term 2: T3 compare story themes; T4 predict story endings/incidents; T5 discuss and compare story settings; T6 identify and describe characters; T7 prepare and retell stories; T13 use story settings from reading. (1998 Curriculum) Speaking • Tell real and imagined stories using the conventions of familiar story language Listening and responding • Respond to presentations by describing characters, repeating some highlights and commenting constructively Understanding and interpreting texts • Draw together ideas and information from across a whole text, using simple signposts in the text • Give some reasons why things happen and or characters change

A matching game for individuals or pairs of children based on the book ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’ book by Bill Martin, Jr, and illustrated by Eric Carle. Includes colouring sheets and worksheets for children to practise writing ‘what I can see!’ Suitable for EYFS or KS1.