World Book Day 2023: Friday 3rd March
This year, our chosen text for World Book Day is The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear.
‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ was first published in Lear’s 1871 collection Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany, and Alphabets. The poem, in summary, tells of the love between the owl and the pussycat and their subsequent marriage – with the turkey presiding over the wedding. They obtain the wedding ring from a pig, who sells them his for a shilling.
In 1995, it was voted Britain’s 45th favourite poem and in 2014, it was voted the nation’s favourite childhood poem.
Using various editions, the children will be introduced to this fantastical romp – which can be enjoyed on many different levels – appreciating the delicious use of language, rhyme and imagery.
At Sherington, we choose to focus on one text as we believe that the rationale for the day is to highlight the joy of being fully-immersed in a quality piece of literature. We utilise the power of the text to increase engagement and raise attainment, whilst introducing the children to a range of diverse narratives. Using a
single stimulus enables a progressive approach to learning and a shared ethos.
From Monday 27th February, the children will start to explore the poem through a variety of pre-planned tasks – culminating in writing nonsense verse.
On Friday 3rd March, all will dress up as anything linking with the poem. Every year, the children’s costumes become more and more creative, and we hope that this year proves to be the best yet. Alongside a costume parade, the children will take part in a carousel of activities.