Read with Julia

International Dot Day 2025 at Ledbury Primary School

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).

The welcome greeting in the foyer of Ledbury Primary School

I took a bag with me, which I had received as a gift from Hayden and the Gardiner family when he moved on from my reception class at Ledbury Primary School in July 2022. In my bag, I carried a selection of books, including a poetry book, a picturebook and a children’s hymn book.

I’m with you, Floppy

‘Superdog’ by Roderick Hunt and Alex Brychta Oxford Reading Tree Stage 9

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 home from school, his older sisters would raid his book bag so they could read them again.

I’d like to pass on a heartfelt thank you to whoever preserved this wonderful Oxford Reading Tree book. Many ended up in the skip when the books didn’t fit in with the latest phonics fashion. Those who had to slog their way through the reading scheme year after year after year were only too glad to see them go, but let me share with you the joy I still find in these pages…

Just keep it simple

I went to stay with my mum in Liverpool during the May half-term. We talked – a lot. One of our conversations was about my YouTube channel and the videos I’d been quietly creating and posting in the hope of encouraging families to read together and to help adults support children in learning to read and write. My mum was an infant teacher for all of her working life. She had watched a few of my videos and, when I asked if she had any advice for me, she replied,

“Just keep it simple.”

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 had encouraged him with these words:

“Cast your bread upon the waters…”

_{^{Ecclesiastes 11:1}}

John Britton (20th July 1941 – 9th January 2025)

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 is dead and gone, but…‘

“Oh no, A.H. Harrold!” I gasped, “Oh no, it isn’t! It really isn’t!“

The reply I wrote last week to my eight year old penpal.
(My ‘office’ = Emma’s old bedroom!)

Let me tell you about the seeds I’ve been sowing for a letter-writing revival…

‘”I have always believed,” he once said, “that the business of reading is to make one think, to stimulate…”‘

I couldn’t agree more.

‘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?

International Dot Day 2025 at Ledbury Primary School

I’m with you, Floppy

Just keep it simple

Cast your bread upon the waters…

Wait a minute, Mr Postman!

Fight the good fight

‘Theirs not to make reply/ Theirs not to reason why…’

“I’m bored, Mummy.”

The Treasure of a Lively Inquiring Mind

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