• [slideshow] I went for a walk with my son and daughter yesterday, down along the banks of the River Wye. There is a wonderful old Willow tree that must have been hit by lightning or something. Two sides have split apart, leaving the centre of the tree with a burned out hollow that you could climb through if you were small enough.

    My daughter Dorothy, a great fan of Narnia and all things alter Univers-ey and Lord of the Rings, was dared to climb through, and so she did.

    She has been though the heart of a willow and reports that nothing has changed in the universe on the other side except maybe coffee tastes different with the new kettle!

  • Super Hero is one of my favourite stories. It’s a real Father’s Day/ Dad’s and Lads kind of book. Dad is just too busy getting on with things, that he shuts his son out of his shallow life. When he realises what he is doing, he sees the light and has an amazing day with his son, rebuilding their relationship. It doesn’t take much, just a bit of time and effort.

    Get then, learn to read and share this great story with Dad. Now available on iPad so you can follow along. It contains a quiz and video drawing lesson like this one too! What more could you want to give on Father’s Day? Another pair of comedy socks that won’t ever get worn?

  • [slideshow]I had a fantastic day yesterday, and I think the children and teachers who attended the Gloucester Schools Partnership Pupil Voice Conference did too. We opened with talks from The Olympic Swimming Champion, Sharron Davies and Singer, Jono McNiel and myself, outlining the twists and turns that brought us to the current point in our careers. Sharon Davies awed us all by showing how long her arms are. She clasped her hands behind her back and wriggled them around her head so that the ended up in front of her. One girl in the audience could do the same. Apparently, apart from being a good party trick, it is a sign of a potentially good swimmer. Long arms are a physical advantage in swimming.

    Then the children went off in groups to give their own presentations based on their aspirations and how they imagine themselves in 2020. It was wonderful to see that the children’s characters really suited some of their choices. Knowing what you are good at and what suits you best is a real bonus in life – I’m still frustrated and searching for the one thing I’m really good at!

    After lunch we let balloons off into a lowering, windy sky. Each balloon carried aloft the wishes of the person who released it. (One teacher was heard to say, “I hope those balloons don’t drift off to sea and strangle an hundred turtles!”)

    Then While other children learned about karate and cake decorating and singing, I led an illustration session based on my Viking Vik Books. My children were aged from reception to year six, so it was quite a wide spread. Even though some claimed they couldn’t draw, everyone did beautiful drawings – as I know all children and adults can do if they just sit down and have a go.

    The Gloucester Schools Partnership is a wonderful idea, About forty schools belong. They meet up to share expertise within the group for professional development and organise group meeting days like yesterdays. There is another similar group in the country. I think it’s a really good idea.

    I felt really energised at the end of the day. Talking to teachers, I felt that the new, creative curriculum is starting to ease up the stultifying effects of the Literacy Hour and give more freedom and inspiration back to teachers. Just as things have started to move in a positive direction, I truly hope the new Government are not going to take us back to Victorian basics again.

    Thanks to Kevin Rowe, Melanie Newnham and everyone else who worked so hard to make it such a really great day.