On Monday 15th September, I was delighted to give a screen-free assembly at Ledbury Primary School to celebrate International Dot Day. I wore my dotty dress for the occasion, which I found in a local charity shop (it was originally from Boden, don’t you know, AND it has pockets). I took a bag with me,Continue reading “International Dot Day 2025 at Ledbury Primary School”
Author Archives: Read with Julia
I’m with you, Floppy
I was overjoyed to find a 50p Floppy favourite in the Acorn’s charity shop last Saturday. I couldn’t hold back my delight and, before I knew it, I was reading page 30 aloud to Dave at the counter. My 3 children loved the Biff, Chip and Kipper stories. When my youngest started bringing them homeContinue reading “I’m with you, Floppy”
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!”
Fight the good fight
When my last headteacher asked me why I had decided to decline the invitation to reapply for my job in 2022, I respectfully told her, “I have some fight left, but not for this.”
‘Theirs not to make reply/ Theirs not to reason why…’
I inwardly wince when I hear the phrase ‘it is what it is’. Its unquestioning use in schools is the reason I dislike it so intensely. Let me give you an example…
“I’m bored, Mummy.”
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?
Read with Julia 