Author Archives: Read with Julia

Just keep it simple

I believe Quentin Blake’s ‘Mrs Armitage on Wheels’ has some valuable lessons to teach us…

Cast your bread upon the waters…

I was reminded of this bible verse at our dear friend, John Britton’s funeral on 13th February 2025 at Margam Crematorium in Wales. His pastor, who was leading the service, shared a story from his final visit to see John in Penarth’s hospice. During their time together, he had asked for advice and John hadContinue reading “Cast your bread upon the waters…”

Wait a minute, Mr Postman!

As a subscriber to the Children’s Poetry Summit, I enjoy receiving regular introductions to poets through their blog. Last week, children’s poet and author, A. F. Harrold, shared his happy habit of sending poetry postcards. As I began reading the article, my heart sank when I saw, ‘I know the age of the letter isContinue reading “Wait a minute, Mr Postman!”

The Treasure of a Lively Inquiring Mind

I enjoy reading biographies best of all. I recently read Volume 1 of Iain Murray’s biography of Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Murray describes ‘the Doctor’ as a prolific reader and records Lloyd-Jones speaking about the motivation behind his reading: ‘”I have always believed,” he once said, “that the business of reading is to make oneContinue reading “The Treasure of a Lively Inquiring Mind”

‘The Whales’ Song’ by Dyan Sheldon and Gary Blythe

Have you experienced the poignant power of picturebooks? Can I give you a window into my world? Are you sitting comfortably?

Online Teaching in Alternative Provision

I am currently working for an Alternative Provision agency on a zero hour contract. I teach children and young people who are unable to manage the demands of mainstream schools. Most of the sessions are online, some of the children and young people have received funding from their local authority for 5 hours of onlineContinue reading “Online Teaching in Alternative Provision”