Coming Soon.....

At the Bodmin Bookworm we are busy preparing to launch a new countywide young person's writing and reading project called "Kernow Ink". We hope to launch/promote Kernow Ink at the new North Cornwall Children's Literature Festival. But we need your help!!!

The North Cornwall Children's Literature Festival will be held on the 15/16/17 February 2010 (during half term). There will be plenty of fun workshops, activities, performances, stalls and famous author visits.

So far the organisers are stuck: they have no name for the festival. PLEASE HELP!!

Please write to bodminbookworm@aol.com with any suggestions of what the festival could be called. If you're really creative you may also like to come up with a one line slogan or strap line that could be used on publicity material.

A little about Kernow Ink:
Kernow Ink will have a professionally designed fun and interactive website. Each person can set up their own club membership that will enable them to have a profile page (including no confidential personal info) that amongst other things will detail what they've been writing, reading and commenting on. Other web pages will include author tips & interviews, regular updates and the latest news including competitions. There will be specially tailored sections for different age groups and plenty of opportunity for engaging in a creative community. There is the chance for writers, authors, song writers, play/film/radio/comedy script writers, poets and keen bookworms to contribute.

Over the next few months there we will be more calls for help with the literature festival and Kernow Ink. We'll be needing creative and enthusiastic people to help with things like testing the new website out. So please watch this space. If you're not already signed up to the bodminbookworm email newsletter please send us an email asking to be signed up. It is the best way to keep in touch with the latest news, opportunities and future competitions.

During the development of Kernow Ink the Bodmin Bookworm is still open to publish your writing on any subject. Just email your writing, along with your age, year and school to bodminbookworm@aol.com .

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OCTOBER

This October there is no set theme. You are free to write whatever inspires you.

But we'd like you to think creatively about writing.

On 16th October it is 'Everybody Writes Day'. This is a day when many schools have a day completely focused on fun writing activities. Maybe you could encourage your school to do the same. On the Everybody Writes website there are many examples of young people and schools finding new ways of writing.

Here are some ideas:

• Try writing with something other than a pen or computer. For instance try writing with paint, string, quill, cut out newspaper words, chalk......
• Try writing on something other than paper or computer. Examples could include pavement/playground chalk writing (but gain a teacher/parent's permission), fabric, tiles, toilet roll, flags.....

***Remember you can always send us a JPEG or GIF photo image of your finished writing project. Ask an adult for help if you're unsure how to do this.***

Consider that writing isn't just about creating stories and poems. It can be:

• Instructions, signs or messages
• Word art & collages
• Songs
• Films/Theatre/Radio scripts
• Jokes
• Poems, Limericks, Haiku
• Journal/Diary
• Letters
• News reports
• Reviews and lots more.......

Whatever you're inspired to write and create please share it with us by sending to bodminbookworm@aol.com .

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September: Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl wrote many children’s stories and poems that have not only been published as books but also adapted into plays and films.

This month’s theme involves writing inspired by Roald Dahl.

To give you an idea read the following:
Roald Dahl’s children’s writing includes........

• Funny stories & characters, including fabulous child heroes.
• Gruesome detail – every horrible smell, sight and bad habits
• Larger than life characters with big personalities & memorable physical descriptions
• Frank honest storytelling: Dahl never holds back from telling the reader about scary or nasty things. He never talks down to children but instead treats them as the intelligent people they are.
• Made up foods
• Made up words
• Inventions & recipes
• Fantastical imaginative places, people & objects
• Triumph: He championed the poor, victimised, bullied etc...
• Friendship, loyalty and kindness
• Brave and intelligent heroes on fabulous but difficult adventures that are often scary
• Heroes that overcome personal disadvantages and nasty villains
• Imaginative character names
• Honest, frank, unflinching writing
• Villains that hate & are cruel to children and animals. But who are taught a lesson in the end.
  

Some Examples:

Roald Dahl’s witches are not like in fairy tales. Instead they disguise themselves as lovely ladies with a secret passion for squelching children. The book’s introduction reads like a warning and the heroes are a boy and his grandmother who must save children from the High Witch’s devilish plan. This story is full of scary and gruesome descriptions and funny moments.

In many of Dahl’s stories the caregivers (e.g. parents or pet owners) are mean and horrible. George’s grandmother is cruel and disgusting. George tries to create a concoction to cure his Grandmother’s nastiness.

Matilda’s parents consist of a Dad described as a ‘Mean crooked crook’ and a stupid mother who thinks Matilda should watch more TV and read fewer books.

James lives with two mean aunts ‘Sponge’ and ‘Spiker’. James receives a magic bag from a mysterious man but drops it underneath their peach tree. Later a peach begins to grow to gigantic proportions and a whole adventure begins.

The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is different to his fellow giants. The ‘Bloodbottler’ and ‘Fleshlumpeater’ giants are big bad giants who like to gobble up children. The BFG befriends orphan Sophie and introduces her to his world of imagination and magic. The BFG uses his own special words and eats/drinks strange things. His job is to catch dreams and blow them into children’s bedrooms. The BFG and Sophie are on a mission to save the world’s children from the evil giants.

In the Magic Finger the heroine finds that when she gets angry her magic finger can cause havoc. Disliking her neighbours love of hunting, in a temper she points her magic finger at them and they end up transformed into birds.

In Fantastic Mr Fox, Mr Fox outwits the nasty farmers ‘Boggis, Bunce & Bean’. There is great humour in the animal being cleverer than the farmers.

In ‘Revolting Rhymes’ Roald Dahl retells well known fairy tales in his own unique way so that we have Red Riding Hood pulling a pistol from her knickers and talking with an attitude never seen in the original telling. If you haven’t read these, whatever age you are, you must! I dare you not to be laughing out loud!!!

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There are many more Roald Dahl stories, books, plays and films to explore. Check out the EXTRA page for more ideas. Also for more info, fun and games visit www.roalddahlday.info & the other Roald Dahl sites linked from this one.

We look forward to reading your writing either about Roald Dahl and his writing or your own original ideas inspired by his love of witty imaginative stories.

Send your writing to Bodminbookworm@aol.com

AUGUST: "QUEST SEEKERS"

What is a quest?
Dictionary definition: “a long or arduous search for something” (The New Oxford Dictionary of English 1998)

Who goes on a quest?

• Real life quest seekers may include scientists, archaelogists and famous explorers like Christopher Columbus who discovered America.



• There are also plenty of fictional quests in fantasy fiction books. Think of Harry Potter looking for the Horcruxes or Indiana Jones looking for the Holy Grail. Many myths and legends are also based on a quest.



• Characters in books are often heroes like knights, super heroes, characters with special powers or ordinary people in an extraordinary situation.

What may a quest seeker be searching for?

• A quest seeker may be trying to find a magical object, rescue a person, discover knowledge, a cure for an illness, a place or a creature.

The Summer Library Challenge has its own characters and story that you may like to use.

The Quest Seeker's characters:

(please note: the characters do not normally have blue faces but we're having a little technical difficulty. For clearer pictures visit the Quest Seeker's website & your local library)

• Louis: Age 5. Likes - martial arts, animals, stories. Dislikes – animal cruelty.



• Raj: Age 11. Likes – reading and extreme sports. Dislikes – bullies.



• Belle: Age 10. Likes – making music and books. Dislikes – litter bugs.



• Flic, the feisty fairy: Age 134 fairy years. Likes – rough and tumble and bright lights. Dislikes anything pink.



• Magical creatures: Firebird, Drax the dragon & the Giant.



• Gatekeeper: Cadmus: challenges quest seekers to bring back the golden book. On the Quest Seekers reading challenge we are told that Cadmus’ age is unknown, that he likes his cat Ferdinand & dislikes pickled onions.

There are 3 stages for the Quest Seekers to complete on their challenge to bring back the Golden Book. These are:

• Firebird Rising



• Mountain Mission



• Dragon's Lair

Whether you want to use the Quest Seeker's characters & creatures or create your own consider the following:

• Their... likes/dislikes; good/bad habits; strengths/weaknesses; friends & family; home; what they look like; age; dress sense etcetra....



• If using the quest seeker's characters consider the names they've been given, look at their pictures & details on the Quest Seekers Website. For instance Cadmus is a gatekeeper - what do you think that being a gatekeeper may involve?



• Magical creatures - what are their powers, how do they look, where do they live? Are they good/bad, dangerous or helpful?


• Drax the dragon appears in the third stage Dragon's Lair. The Giant appears on the second stage - Mountain Mission & the first stage is the domain of the Firebird. Think about what being a giant, firebird or dragon may mean. Example: is your giant like the BFG or does he eat children? Does your dragon breathe fire or fly?

Whether you create your own quest story or follow the Quest Seeker's three stage challenge, consider the following:

• What dangers and challenges will be faced?



• Who and what will be met on the quest? Who will help you?



• What is your quest? What do you seek?


• The Quest Seeker's characters are trying to find the Golden Book. 'Golden' suggest that it may be precious, perhaps powerful. Describe the thing you seek. Where do you find it? Who does it belong to?



• Think of the stages & their names. Example: Firebird rising - what does the word fire mean to you (warmth/danger/powerful/consuming)? What is a firebird? What will this stage look like? Mountain Mission - the word 'mountain' may suggest a difficult climb, a challenge, awesome scenery. Whereabouts does the giant appear on this stage. Dragon's Lair - what does Drax's lair look like? What does it smell like? What challenges will be faced on this final stage?



• If creating your own quest try using all the five senses to describe the stages of your journey & decide what/who you will encounter at each stage.

· Visit http://www.questseekers.org.uk/ to learn more about the quest seekers.

· Have you read any books about Quests? If so tell us about them.

· Have you watched any films that are based on a quest? Write about them.

· If you are doing the library Quest Seekers reading challenge: what books are you reading? Why did you choose them? Write and tell us what you’re reading. Which books did you like or dislike and why? Who are your favourite characters and why?

Send all your writing to bodminbookworm@aol.com
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JULY: MUSIC

July’s theme is ‘MUSIC’

Whether we're singing, dancing, listening to our MP3 tracks, watching a film or in a shop – music plays a large part in our everyday lives.

• What kind of music do you like? Example: rock, blues, classical, pop etc.
  

Music can tell its own story and be used to enhance the story being told.

In a film music can help create a mood. Example: a romance will be enhanced with moving, romantic songs. It can also set a scene. Example: a film whose story is set in the 1960s will be enhanced by a soundtrack of music from that era. Music is also used in TV adverts, dramas and documentaries in similar ways.

• Watch a film (or TV programme) & pay attention to the music - how does it affect your viewing of the film/programme?
• Have you got a favourite movie soundtrack (e.g. Mamma Mia) or a TV theme tune (e.g. Eastenders theme tune) that you enjoy? Write and tell us why you like it.
  

Music’s role in telling a story is especially obvious in musical theatre.

• Have you been to see any musicals? Examples: Mary Poppins, Sound of Music or Grease. Write and tell us what you liked/disliked.
• Have you taken part in a school production that involved singing/music? Write about these experiences.
  

Are you part of a school choir, band, orchestra or musical theatre group?

• Write about your experience of performing, review a concert you have attended or even write your own song/play.
  

Famous musicians, bands & singers have their own interesting stories to tell.

• Try writing about: famous musicians in history such as Beethoven or The Beatles. Or write about your current favourite band/singer.
• Use your imagination to write about a fictional musician/singer/band. Maybe you could imagine what it would be like if you were a famous musician.
  

Every country has a National Anthem – a song that is unique to their country. This anthem is often used at international sporting events and played on the winner’s podium.

The English national anthem starts like this:

God save our gracious Queen,

Long live our noble Queen,

God save the Queen!

Send her victorious,

Happy and glorious,

Long to reign over us;

God save the Queen!

You could try to write an anthem for your school or write a new football supporters song.

Writers often use music: to create an atmosphere in which to write, set a scene, for inspiration or to relax and get in the right mood. Some prefer to listen to music without lyrics and others are inspired by the lyrics of their favourite bands.

• Try writing whilst listening to different songs/tunes. Try changing the sort of music and see how it affects your writing.

Song writers create lyrics that compliment a melody.

• Why not try & write lyrics to a piece of music you like listening to. Email us your writing & let us know what music you were listening to whilst you wrote.
• Maybe you could write a review of a song/melody. Consider the following: How does the music make you feel? What kind of rhythm does it have (fast/slow etc.)? Is the music sad or happy? What do you think of the lyrics? What story is being told?

The theme of ‘MUSIC’ can inspire many writing ideas. We look forward to reading your writing! Send all your music inspired writing to bodminbookworm@aol.com .

JUNE: OTHER WORLDS

Our imagination can take us to other worlds anytime we decide to read a book, write a story or simply daydream.

Modern affordable telescopes mean that anyone can look through a telescope, look into space and examine other worlds.

Scientists & astronomers have for a long time been exploring space. They’ve mapped our universe full of other planetary worlds and are trying to explore further into space. Astronauts push the boundaries of space travel so that one day we may be able to travel to other worlds ourselves.

Scientists and government organisations search for alien life forms and other worlds that can support life.

Aliens and other worlds are the basis for many sci-fi/ fantasy books, films and TV programmes.


Fiction has created worlds in parallel universes as well as secret & hidden worlds that can be reached through our own.

Think of the wardrobe that leads to Narnia & the magical world of Harry Potter kept secret from muggles.

We also use the word ‘world’ in the sense of ‘the world of....’ Example: the world of music, the world of the rich and famous etc...... So in this way another world can be life outside of your personal experience. For instance the underwater world that exists out of sight under our seas and oceans.

Whether you want to write about the celebrity world, create a new alien world, imagine you’re an astronaut or write about your astronomy hobby – the theme of “other worlds” holds lots of possibilities.

What does the theme of ‘other worlds’ inspire you to write about?

We’d love to read your writing.

Please email your writing to bodminbookworm@aol.com
(Don’t forget to include your name, age, class/year & school)

MAY: CELEBRATIONS & FESTIVALS

People like to celebrate things that are important to them. Some celebrations are individual celebrations e.g. Birthdays and others are shared by large social groups e.g. Christmas.
At the top of this page you will see a list of possible celebrations and festivals.

When writing about a festival or/and celebration you may like to consider the following:



Customs/Traditions/Rituals:

Many celebrations and festivals contain expected activities.

Examples:

• At a wedding it is traditional for the bride to carry a bouquet of flowers and for the best man to give a speech at the wedding reception.
  
• At a christening the priest will wet the baby with water from the font.
  
• A big part of many celebrations involves people taking photographs or film of the events and people involved to act as a keepsake and record.
  

Food & drink:

Celebrations and festivals often involve certain foods and drinks.

Examples:

• 
  

On a person’s Birthday it is usual to have a Birthday cake with candles to blow out.

At a Harvest Festival people often bring offerings of fruit, vegetables and bread.

At many celebrations people toast the honoured person/people with a glass of champagne.

Costumes & dress code:

Many celebrations and festivals require people to dress a certain way.

Examples:

• At a Halloween party people dress up as ghosts, skeletons, witches and wizards.
• At a wedding it is usual for all guests to be dressed smartly. The bride and bridesmaids will often have elaborate dresses and the groom will wear a suit. (Although this is not true for all weddings)
• A historical festival may see everyone dress in historical costumes.
• At a University graduation the graduates wear special caps and gowns.
  

Decorations:

Most celebrations and festivals use decorations.

Examples:

• A Birthday party often has balloons & banners.
  
• A May Day celebration may include flags and flowers. Posters may be put up to advertise the event.
  
• At Christmas we decorate trees and rooms with colourful ornaments.
  
• Certain symbols are often used in decorations such as a cross being used in Christian festivals.

Awards & competitions:

Some festivals and celebrations include competitions and the presentation of awards. A celebration of achievement may involve a ceremony where a medal, certificate or trophy is given.

Examples:

• When a person retires from a job a party may be held and the person may be presented with an engraved tankard.
  
• A student who has worked particularly hard at school may be awarded a certificate at an end of term party.
  
• A flower festival may have a competition for the best flower arrangement.
  
• A horticultural festival may include a prize for the largest vegetable in a category.
  
  
  Music:

Music frequently plays a part in celebrations and festivals.

Examples:

• At a Birthday party people will sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the person whose Birthday it is.
  
• At ‘obby ‘oss day in Padstow there are traditional songs.
  
• At Christmas we sing Christmas songs and carols at school, church and community events.
  
• All around the country, especially in the Summer, festivals are held to celebrate music. This music may be popular music (e.g. Glastonbury) or classical (e.g. proms in the park).
• There may be local summer fetes in honour of summer that feature a brass band or school rock group.
  

Dance:

Dancing often plays a part in celebrations and festivals.

Examples:

• May Day celebrations and festivals traditionally include dancing around a Maypole.
  
• Parties will often include dancing to a disco or live music.
  
• At a wedding it is customary for the bride and groom to have the first dance at their wedding reception.
  

Gifts & cards:

To commemorate a celebration gifts and greetings cards are sometimes given.

Examples:

• At Christmas we give friends and family presents and cards.
  
• If someone has moved into a new home they may hold a house warming celebration. In this case we may take them a ‘New Home’ card and perhaps a plant or bottle of wine.
  
• It is common to receive chocolate eggs as an Easter gift.
  
  

Displays/Exhibitions/Processions:

Special displays and presentations are often organised to enhance a celebratory event.

Examples:

• A town’s summer celebration may include a procession with floats. Each float may be decorated to reflect a certain theme e.g. the local playschool may decide to make their float look like a ship and then all dress up as pirates.
  
• On New Year’s Eve part of the festivities often include fireworks.
  
• A celebration of achievement may include a display of someone’s work or a film of their life.
  
• Festivals sometimes include a marching band or dancers that will proceed through the streets of the town/city.
  
  
  
  

Entertainment:

Some celebrations and festivals include organised entertainment.

Examples:

• A children’s party may include a clown or magician.
  
• A festival may have a stall with a face painter or balloon artist to help keep children entertained.
  
• A band or orchestra may entertain people at parties and events.
  
• At a school celebration the drama club may perform a sketch.
  

Perhaps you may like to write about a special celebration you were part of.

Or maybe you’d like to imagine what your ideal Birthday celebration would include.

If you’re writing a story, perhaps it can be set at a festival or celebration.

Remember to consider all the sights, sounds, smells and tastes involved.

Did you eat too much Birthday cake or feel really hungry when you smelt the onions frying on the hotdog stand?

What were the feelings surrounding the celebrations? E.g. excitement or anxiety.
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We look forward to reading your writing.

Send your writing to bodminbookworm@aol.com .