The Storybarn Selects… From The Reader Bookshelf

Written by Lily Kehoe, 24th June 2024

The Reader Bookshelf 2024 is here. A carefully curated collection of literature for adults and children, exploring a different theme each year, this year’s theme ‘Wonder’ is about being bold, being curious and being open. Staff and volunteers around the country have selected 12 titles for children which explore what 'Wonder' means to them.

This month, Storybarn Creative Manager, Martyna, shares her thoughts on Alive Again by Ahmadreza Ahmadi.

Alive Again introduces us to the world of Iranian poet and children’s story teller, Ahmadreza Ahmadi. Judging by the length of this book, the story seems, at first, quite simple, and yet readers are left quite puzzled. So much within this story is left unexplained.

As readers of this story, we are made to read between the lines if we are to enter Ahmadi's wonderous world. The gaps within the narrative give space and create an opportunity for your child to let their imagination soar.

‘When there is no rain’ a little boy wonders, ‘Does the word ‘rain’ die, so that it can never be rain again?’

The children join the main character on a philosophical journey. Due to its simplicity, this story is perfect for one to one reading with your child, or with a class to open conversations about hope and the cyclical nature of life. This fantastic book is also a great pick for students for whom English is a second language. Alive Again is a joyful exploration of language and is filled with many layers, textures and colours. The use of simple materials and collage that make up the illustrations inspires its reader to make similar artwork at home. The depth and the vibrancy of this story meant it had to be one of our choices on The Reader Bookshelf 2024 and we have so much fun reading it to the children that visit us in The Storybarn. We hope that you’ll read it and love it as much as we do.

Stay tuned, The Reader Bookshelf will come to life in a special programme of events at Calderstones, including outdoor, craft, heritage and wellbeing events, and of course, Shared Reading.