Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a lovely break from school, and get time to enjoy some books.

I love this library's Christmas tree! 

A project for next year, librarians? ;-)

New library books!

Thanks to the School Council deciding to spend lots of money on books, there'll be some new additions to both the fiction and non-fiction libraries. Over the next few days, the librarians will be stocking the shelves in the fiction library with books suitable for light blue and dark blue reading levels. 

So look out for:

• Graphic novels based on stories by Charles Dickens

• Omnibus editions of books by Jacqueline Wilson

• Loads of adventure books

• A series of stories by Hilary McKay: Meet Charlie, he's trouble!

• Joke books

• Football stories

... and loads more!

Let us know what you think. If you enjoyed one of our new books, write us a review for the blog, won't you?

Thank you!

A huge 'thank you' to the team of librarians, who spend many of their break-times putting books in order and keeping everything tidy. I know some of them have plans for book quizzes too, so keep an eye on the blog!

"Rameses' Revenge," by Brooke

This is the winning story from the Rowan Class story-writing competition: 

Rameses' Revenge

by Brooke

Once upon a time there was a princess, her name was Cleo. She lived in Egypt during the time of the pharaohs. Her dad was called King Khufu, he spent most of his time building the biggest pyramid ever. Cleo's friend is called Rafiki. Cleo's dad said, 'Don't ever go to the Valley of Kings because frightening things happen in there.'
'OK,' she said.
But at night, they crept out of the palace and went to the Valley of the Kings where Ra's tomb was.
'Are you OK, Rafiki?' Cleo said in a shaky voice.
'Yes, I think.' 
'OK, if you say so.'
In the Valley of the Kings, they couldn't see anything until...
'Who dares to wake up Rameses?'
'AAAAA!!!! What was that?'
'I don't know, it sounds like Ra,' they said quickly.
'I'm not Rarrrrr...'
'Don't look round,' said Rafiki.
'Why?' said Cleo.
'Just don't.'
'AAAAA!!!' screamed Cleo. 'It's a mummy.'
'I know, run in there.' 
'OK, Rafiki.'
So they ran into another room in the Valley of Kings.
'I'm glad we are here.'
'Yes, I know.'
'Wait, what's that thing glowing?'
'I don't know, it's fire?'
'Wait a minute, no it's not,' said Cleo.
'It's a magic staff, with an emerald on top.' 
'You're right, it is,' said Rafiki. 'Pick it up.'
'OK,' said Cleo.
Then it started glowing and glowing. It went mad.
'Do you think it wants us to follow it?'
'Yes, yes, yes, do it now,' said Rafiki.
'OK.'
So they followed the glowing. It led right on to the top of the Valley of the Kings.
'Phew, I'm glad we are safe, this staff comes in handy. I'm amazed. We should keep it and hide it from my dad.'
'That sounds like a bad idea, Cleo, really!!'
'OK, well, I'll have to think of another idea myself then,' Cleo said.
'Uuuuu, I'm back, it's Rameses. Ha, ha, haa...'
'It's Rameses the mummy. Run, follow the glow!'
'OK, Cleo, I understand.'
'Oh no, it's getting light. What is Dad going to say?'
'I don't know, but he'll be very cross.'
'We better hurry, to get Rameses back in the tomb.'
'Anyway, if we see inside Ra's tomb, we will get cursed and bad things will happen.'
So they tried and tried to get him in the tomb, but couldn't. So they quickly went back in to find something, but still couldn't find anything. So they got the staff and hit Rameses with it and shut him up in the tomb again. So they told Cleo's dad about what happened and promised never to go in it again from that day. One more thing, Rameses said he'll come back for revenge!!!!

Well done, Brooke, for winning the competition!

"Ewan Pleasant and the Evil Mummy," by Ewan

Here's Ewan's story for the Rowan Class competition:

Ewan Pleasant and the Evil Mummy

Ewan Pleasant was waiting for a mystery and while he was reading the newspaper, he saw somebody had opened a tomb with an evil assassin mummy that only killed at night. His name was Exedeow and he lived in Egypt. So Ewan Pleasant set off to Egypt. One month later, he was at Egypt and the sun was going down and he hid and he made a plan how to catch and what to do after. The he heard a scream. Somebody had just been murdered, now the game was on! The next day, Ewan Pleasant set off to go and find Excedeow, then he got kicked and standing there was Excedeow, and Ewan Pleasant used his lightning to fight Excedeow, and Ewan Pleasant  knocked Excedeow then he realized that it was a human! He knew that anyone that got attacked by Excedewo that he would put a chip on you. Something funny was going on here, so Ewan Pleasant set off home again. When he got home, he thought of a way to stop the evil assassin called Excedeow!

He heard seven more screams until he thought of a brilliant plan to stop Excedeow. He asked a man to stand there, then suddenly Excedeow appeared and Ewan Pleasant jumped down and got his lightning out. Somebody put the tomb behind Ewan Pleasant and Excedeow charged at him and he just moved to the side and Excedeow got trapped in the tomb and they had a big party. They did music, dancing, feasting and games. The food was delicious and it was lots of fun!!!

Next time: the winning story, "Rameses' Revenge!"

"The Missing Diamonds," by Grace

Here is Grace's entry to the Rowan Class story competition. I've scanned it, as she made good use of fonts to create her story. 

Stories by Anouk and Maddie.

We've just finished a short-story competition in Rowan Class. Students were asked for a crime story set in Egypt. Here are entries from Anouk and Maddie. 

The Mystery

by Anouk

Hi, we're in Egypt. I'll tell you my name and my trusty sidekick's name soon. "Oh no, someone is cursing all the animals, I'm glad you're okay..." I looked at my dog and I shouted, "Buddy!... No! I have to save him." A tear dropped from my eye. "Don't worry Buddy." I found the person who was cursing the animals and I stopped him and all the animals woke up. I rushed to Buddy, but Buddy was playing a trick on me. Buddy was okay. So me and Buddy went back to the pyramid and ever since that happened everything was cool. Right, now I'll tell you my name. My name is Cleo and as you guessed it, Buddy is my trusty sidekick. Now we're all happy, I'll tell you how I found the person who was cursing all the animals. This strange man had a bag. The bag was glowing, it had special powers so he could curse animals, but luckily I've seen him before, so I stopped him by taking his bag of powers. 

The Stolen Pyramid

by Maddie

Once a long time ago, Cleodenile, the queen of the Egyptians, took a walk through the desert looking at all her beautiful pyramids, but her most beautiful one of all was gone.

"Aaaagggghhh!!!" she cried.

All of her guards came rushing to her.

"What is it, your majesty?" said one of her guards softly.

"My pyramid's gone, the beautiful one," she cried.

All the guards looked where the pyramid was. "It is gone," said the guards...

Next time: stories by Grace and Ewan. 

Opal Plumstead by Jacqueline Wilson

Thanks to the librarians for telling me that the new Jacqueline Wilson book is out. Set just before the First World War, it's about the Suffragettes. Follow this link to Jacqueline Wilson's website and find out more! 

'Mystery of the missing car' by Oli C.

Mystery of the missing car

by Oli C.

'The blue what?' asked Mike. 'Lizard?'

'No, it's salamander!!' shouted Kelly angrily. Mike never listened to her and was always getting things wrong! 'Should we go and see it?' 'Ok,' agreed Mike. 'When shall we?' 'Tomorrow,' said Kelly, 'I've got nothing to do then.' 'All right then,' agreed Mike. The next day, Mike grabbed his bike and raced off towards the wheel power test track where Kelly was meeting him. 'How are we gonna get in Kel?' he asked. Kelly answered 'I know this sounds awkward but... I know one of the workers and... he's over there.' Then she peered closer. 'Hey? That's 10000% not him.' 'Er...Kel? I think he's over here,' said Mike. Kelly suddenly shouted 'I knew that, you idiot!!!!' 'Sure you did... not,' muttered Mike under his breath. They went in at last and as soon as they did, Mike shouted 'Whoa, sooo cooool,' as he saw the salamander roar past on the track. 'Awesome, isn't it?' said Kelly, grinning. Mike nodded. 'Agreed!' The next day, Mike woke on Kelly's dog, Span!!? 'Wha...wha...?' stammered Mike. 'I thought I went to sleep at home!' 'No, you fell asleep here!!' 'I was just asking,' muttered Mike under his breath. 'Sorry,' replied Kelly. 'Anyway, where's the car?!' asked Mike uncertainly. 'I didn't notice!' worried Kelly alarmed. She knew it was there yesterday! 'Who could have stolen it?' 'Uh-oh,' said Mike. 'I feel an investigation coming on!'

To be continued....

'Dimension Dilemmas: Australia' (part four)

Brownness ('cos of the milk). Then total blackness, and they returned to reality, once again. 

Martine was dazed, and wondering where she was. She looked up, and realized she was in Carhays beach, the one she and J and H had visited. She had got washed up on the shore, and was lying face flat on the sand. Coffee was a bit shaken, but otherwise fine, and Martine was happy to see J and H lying next to her, with their eyes closed. Just then, Julia awoke, staring at Martine. 'Where are we?' she asked, thoughtfully. (By the way, Harold was still out cold.) 'We got washed up on Carhays beach,' replied Martine. They woke Harold up, and told him where he was, then they walked back to the hostel. Martine's turn to cook She cooked a quick microwave pizza then off they went to bed. Martine washed, dressed, and put Coffee in his cot. The she was out like a light. (By the way, they had discussed how they were going to the biggest water park in Australia before they go home.) She dreamed of going down slides, and tunnels, and playing water polo, and all of that. Aaaahhh, what happy memories she would have... zzz...zzzzzzz...zz.....

Martine had packed her swimming costume (plain black, not girly) and towel. So had Julia. Harold said he had to have goggles so he doesn't get the chlorine in his eyes.

They caught the bus there and got changed in the changing rooms. Then they ran out, excited, to a really big slide. It was really like Australia. The slides had Australian Aborigine art painted on them, and there was one Australian themed, where you twist and turn, then you fall into a big open space of brown water, like a waterhole. Then you got tipped into icy water at the bottom. They went on loads of other slides, until it was time to go home. Well, back to the hostel. They got dry, then caught a taxi back home. They were really worn out. It was Harold's turn to cook. He cooked a lovely homemade pea and ham soup, in the soup-maker. Mmmm. Then to bed.

Martine was so tired, she couldn't even be bothered to dress in her onesie. She fell into a deep, deep sleep. Coffee, if you're wondering, has been asleep the whole day, the lazy pig.

A few months later:

Byeeeee! Martine waved one last time to J and H as she walked up the steps into the aeroplane. 10 minutes later, RRrrrooooaaarrrRRRGgggh! roared the aeroplane, for the last time, thankfully. Just so you know, this story is ending now, so I'd want you to know that Martine got home safely.

The End. 

'Dimension Dilemmas: Australia' (part three)

Martine was floating on something brown. She took a sip. Mmmm, chocolate milk. Chocolate milk? Had she died and gone to chocolaty heaven? But then she realized she was in a well. A well filled with chocolate milk instead of water, for some reason. She noticed Julia dragging Harold across the well towards her. He had fainted at the sight of sharks. Luckily, Coffee was safe. And it was also very lucky that the pocket Coffee was in was zipped up, so he didn't get wet, or drown, for that matter. Martine and Julia clambered out, and Harold had finally woken up. They walked around, and took in the landscape. There were gummy trees, and marshmallow houses, and candyfloss for grass. But the weirdest thing was the people. There was gummy bear and jelly baby people, all running about in a panic. 

Martine stopped one and asked: 'Where are we?' The gummy bear replied, 'You're in Candyland, the world of candy and marshmallows.' 
'How did we get here?' asked Julia, suspiciously. 
'Probably the portal in the well. You got here by jumping in the sea, am I correct?' questioned the gummy bear. 'Oh, and by the way, my name's Gerald,' said the gummy bear.
'Hi Gerald, and yes, we did accidentally jump into the sea. But there's one more question I need to ask you, and that's why is everyone running about in a panic?' said Harold, wonderingly. 
'Mr Marshmallow. He's evil and he's trying to take over Candyland with his evil minions to turn it into a pink unicorn balloon making factory! I know, evil, right!?' said Gerald, speaking quieter after every word. 
'Eerrr, yeah, maybe?' said Martine, uncertainly. She didn't know why someone evil wanted to turn Candyland into that. She was expecting an evil secret lab, or something like that. 
'Oh, and one last thing,' said Gerald. 'Do not, under any circumstances, eat the candy. It hypnotises you into being one of Mr Marshmallow's evil minions where he can control whatever you do. Simples,' he added. And with that, he walked off.

'Ok, I have a plan,' said Martine, seriously. 'To save the town, of course,' added Martine. 'Ok, back to business, you see that marching group of evil minions over there?' She pointed, and J and H nodded. 'We blend in with them, into MM's (Mr Marshmallow) secret base. There, we get our hands on his machine that controls the minions. We tell them to bit MM's head off (I know, pretty gruesome, but he's only a marshmallow, so what harm will that do?) then we break the machine, freeing the minions, then we get home through the well! Great plan, right, guys!' said Martine, pleased with herself. 'Great!' smiled Julia.
'Sounds awesome!!' followed Harold. So off they went towards the marching minions...

They managed to blend in just fine, apart from the fact that they weren't candy. The minions led down into a side alley, right in between two big toffee towers. Then they went down a slope and underground. There was no trespassers in the base because there was a big sign saying 'Danger of death' and 'Keep out'. And for good measure, a skull and crossbones picture. Anyway, they walked into the dark tunnel below...

There was metal machines everywhere that do things like make pink unicorn balloons. Learning how to make beef stew (that wasn't a machine, it was just one of the recipes in MM's recipe book). Minion Multiplier (it makes clone minions). And, last of all, the one Martine needed for her plan. The computer controlling the minions. 

Suddenly, they saw the Mr Evil Marshmallow walk out of... walk out of... the toilet. Hee hee hee! You readers are probably giggling now. But that was it. Everyone heard a flush and then MM walked out with a piece of tissue paper stuck to his foot. LOL. While everyone was laughing, Martine snuck over to the computer, and typed in 'EAT MM'. Commotion! That was the only word for it. The minions ran at MM like ravenous sharks (remember the sharks?). Harold secretly envied MM's handiwork with his computer he'd built designed to control. But then, sadly, Martine got a jack hammer out of the 'machine that gives you anything' (quite handy, really) and smashed the computer to pieces, freeing the minions. After, of course, the minions had eaten MM. Then all was happy. There was hugging jelly babies and gummy bears cheering. Everyone ran out of the base and spread the news. 

Now all we need to do is get home, thought Martine to herself, as the three friends (four, including Coffee) walked out of the base. 'Well done, Mart,' said Harold. 'That was epic,' added Julia, impressed.

'Great, but we need to get home now,' answered Marine, in serious mode again. So they went to the well, and hurriedly jumped in....

Next time: the final installment. Will Martine 

get home safely?

'Dimension Dilemmas: Australia' (part two)

The next day, Martine got up early and listened to the gum birds tweeting. She knew what they were going to do today. Have a tour of the city of Sydney and the beach closest to the hostel. Hopefully with J and H, seeing as they only got here a day earlier than Martine herself. She also had to introduce them to Coffee, too. Whoop! Whoop!

It looked like Martine was the first one up. She cooked everyone a fried egg and bacon in a bun. That was her speciality with cooking. They needed energy too. A few minutes after Martine had cooked breakfast, Julia and Harold came down, bright and awake, as usual. They both saw Coffee on the table and gasped. 'Let me introduce you to Coffee, my pet teacup pig.' J and H were both lost for words to start with. 'He is a wee fella,' said Julia, 'but very cute. I hope he likes me.' Harold had his mouth open. Finally, he said: 'I've always wanted a pet. Now I've kind of got one.' Coffee oinked happily. Then after everyone had eaten, they set off for the tour of Sydney.

'Wooww!' said Martine, as she stared out of the taxi window as they drove through the city. They all looked at the buildings towering above them. Harold stared at the bright lights of the ads on all of the shop windows. One shop was selling perfume called 'Australian Mist'. They were all like the 'Clarks' and 'Next' and 'Marks and Spencer' shops, but just with Australian names. It was incredible. But next was the beach. 

It was a dream beach. White sand, all soft like satin, with turquoise water in the shallows, followed by deep blue. There was even a beach cafe, and you see, high up on the cliffs, big glass houses, safe from all the waves far, far down below. They went to the beach cafe and ordered 3 slushies, and then sat on deckchairs on the sand. They soon got bored and decided to get some food in the city, avoiding most of the fast food places, especially KFK (Kentucky Fried Kangaroo). I know, disgusting. Eventually they settled at McDonalds, where kangaroo wasn't on the menu. Then they did one of Martine's dreams. They drove a jeep over the Australian plains. They got in a taxi, who drove them to this place where they hired someone to drive the jeep. They got in the jeep, and they were off! When you drive a couple of miles out of Sydney's city centre, you find all the Australian plains that last for miles.

Soon after, they got out of the jeep and explored for a bit. Then, behind a big bush, they saw a few kangaroos eating. 'Guys, come and look at this!' whispered Martine.

Everyone took pictures on their cameras. Then they saw a herd of giraffes on the horizon, and got the jeep to drive them there. They slowed down near them and stopped. They also saw a bit water hollow that the giraffes were grazing at. They also saw some zebras, lapping up the water, and an elephant, washing itself by gathering water in its trunk, then spraying it all over itself. They took loads of photos. It was the coolest thing Martine had ever seen. Martine then saw, out of the corner of her eye, danger. All the animals scattered. Two alligators were gliding slowly towards them. She managed to snap a few shots, and then shout 'Run!'. They just got away in the jeep. When they got back to the hostel, Julia made everyone a pizza for dinner, then Martine told everyone to go to sleep early, because she had a surprise for them in the morning. (They were going to see the great white sharks in a speed boat!) 'Night, Coffee,' said Martine, yawning. 'I hope you like great whites,' she added in, otherwise you're in trouble.

Everyone was ready on the boat. Well, nearly everyone. Harold was struggling to step on, of course. Then, Julia yanked his arm up into the boat. Martine started the engine and they went off in the direction of a sign that said 'Shark Bay'. Apparently, it was the area where all the sharks hung out. They waited. It was creepily silent. Suddenly, there was commotion! Tails flapping, water spraying everywhere. The sharks must have been waiting to strike under their boat. Then, out of the corner of her eye, Martine saw something heart-stopping. A big shark, jumping aboard the boat, its big jaws open, ready for the kill... 'Jumpaboard!' yelled Martine, as the shark came flying towards them. Everyone jumped. Then it was darkness as they plunged down into the dark depths of Shark Bay....

Next time: Will Martine and her

friends get away?

'Dimension Dilemmas: Australia!' (Part One) By Ellie

Here's first part of the winning entry for the Elm Class story-writing competition, by Ellie:

Dimension Dilemmas: Australia!

Martine had her hands over her ears and she was sucking a toffee frantically. Martine hated planes. Coffee, Martine's tiny, hazel teacup pig, had his trotters over his ears too, until Martine stuck some earplugs in. Anyway, you're probably wondering how a pig came to be on the plane. It was so tiny that Marine could just slip him in her pocket unseen. She had to have him with her. In fact, she couldn't go anywhere without him. Back to Martine. I haven't actually told you yet how Martine came to be on a taking off plane, now high in the sky. Let me explain.

Martine is 19 years old and has just finished school, so she's going to Australia for a couple of months. She has flaming red hair, bright emerald eyes, and is a total tomboy! She loves football, has a pet pig, and is very artistic. She's cheeky, funny and sporty. Including the fact that she's the fastest runner.

Anyway, I think you get the gist. Now back to Coffee.

He's tiny, and hazel brown. The funny thing about him is, everything's brown on him. Except his nose, of course. In fact, his nose is bright pink. 

By this point on the journey, Martine and Coffee were both fast asleep. This is a good chance to tell you the joke of why Coffee is called Coffee! Tea and coffee are similar drinks. So they called a teacup pig Coffee. Get it?!

Many hours later...

RooooOOOooaaaRRRgh!!! The deafening roar of the plane landing finally died down. They were in Australia.

The two friends hired a taxi to the hostel they were going to stay in. When they got there they were amazed. It was a total dump. I can't imagine anyone staying here, she thought, disappointedly. It had looked a lot better when Martine saw it online. 

They actually got out of the taxi, despite the fact that the taxi driver was dropping them off at the worst hostel in Australia. 'Good luck, kiddo,' said the taxi driver, as Martine shut the taxi door. Great. Well, looking on the bright side, at least she wasn't staying there very often, hopefully. I'm gonna need a lot of luck, she thought to herself again, sighing. She walked to the hostel door lazily. This was her house for a few months.

The kitchen wasn't as bad as she'd expected it to be, considering everyone in the hostel used it. There was a big wooden table in the middle of the room, one side of it was a small marble kitchen cabinet with chairs that you could twirl round and round. There was also all the regular items you get in a kitchen. Lots of pots and pans hanging from hooks on the ceiling. There was a little cupboard in the corner with cups and plates and cutlery in. Ovens and microwaves and bits and bobs were everywhere, making it quite cosy, really. But the rubbish thing was, there wasn't any air conditioning, so it was very hot and stuffy. She went to her room and the first thing that came to her mind was: cosy. Martine loved cosy. 

She unpacked all of her stuff, washed, dressed, then off to bed for her. Aaahhh! Rest at last!

Morning! Martine reached for her old teddy, Mr Snufflepeeps. Weird name for a teddy, if you ask me, but there you have it. But, then she realized. It all came flooding back to her. Australia. Planes. Dumpy hostels. And she forgot to bring Mr Snufflepeeps! Tears overcame her, and she found herself weeping all over the mattress. She realized how much she missed her parents, and her friends back home. She got up anyway, because she was on the best holiday of her life, she hoped. She got dressed, and then remembered Coffee. But she saw him fast asleep in his little piggy cot she'd made for him. You see, Coffee hasn't had much said about him in this story yet, and that's because from the moment he was on the plane to the moment he was now laying there in this cot, he had been out like a light. Now Martine woke him up, he is still taking in his surroundings.

Now, downstairs for breakfast, I wonder who I'll meet, Martine thought, excitedly. Martine was actually quite surprised. A boy and a girl, who looked about the same age as Martine, were sitting on the twizzly chairs, twizzling their chairs madly, and laughing hysterically. Martine didn't even think the noticed her as she walked in and got herself a glass of orange juice. She sat there quietly, watching them, sipping her juice thirstily. Finally, they spotted her sitting there staring at them. 

'Hi!' piped up the girl, brightly. 'I'm Julia and this is Harold!' she said with a beaming smile on her face. There was something about Julia and Harold's appearance that caught Martine's eye. Something that told her they were all going to be best friends. Harold was really nerdy, with big, thick, round specs and braces and mounds of freckles all over and everywhere. On top of all that, he had blonde white curly hair, which looked cute on him. Whereas Julia was wearing cowboy clothes, a big black cowgirl boots, with a white, frayed jacket and a big leather belt, with a big buckle on. She also had a cowboy hat on. Basically, she was mousy haired, and a cowgirl. 

Martine later found out that Harold wanted to be a scientist and a mathematician, and Julia was smart, funny, imaginative, and is especially good at reading, writing and spelling. Basically, English. 

Anyway, back to J and H (Julia and Harold). 'We wondered why that ole taxi man came drivin' down here,' she said, wonderingly.

'I came here last night, from Cornwall, in England,' replied Martine, shyly.

'I came here from the desert place, somewhere, and he came from London,' said Julia, pointing to Harold. 'We got here same day, same time, and were instant friends!' she said, happily. It was as if Harold couldn't speak for himself. Suddenly, Harold put in:

'I was wondering, uuhh, if we could all three be friends,' said Harold, quietly. 'Because I haven't got very many friends back in London, and you look like an interesting young lady.' 

Martine was suddenly perked up by his input. 'Of course we can be friends! You both look like very interesting people too!' And that was it. Friends for life. They did everything together. 

Next time: find out more about what 

Martine and Coffee get up to in Australia! 

"Australia Hassle" by Oliver S.

This is Oli's entry for the Elm Class story-writing competition: 

Australia Hassle

Once there was a family. Their names were Ollie, who was 6 and loved football. Harry was 8 and loved cars. Lucy was 12 and addicted to make-up. And remembering John and Katherine (Mum and Dad). And last of all baby Mac who was 6 months old. 

'Where shall we go today?' asked Mum.

'The make-up shop!' screamed Lucy.

'The car museum!' shouted Harry, as well.

'The football stadium,' said Ollie.

'I'd quite like to go to the Australian Tennis Open,' said John. Well they did live in Australia.

'Then the tennis it is,' said Katherine, so that is where they went.

Three hours later when all the kids were saying, 'Are we nearly there yet?' Harry needed a wee. 

'Typical Harry can't you hold on for another five minutes? You are 8 years old.'

'No, Mum, I can't. Plus, I don't just need a wee.'

'Carry on driving, Honey.'

Five minutes later.

'We're here!'

'Yes, I can finally go and do my business,' said Harry. 

Once they got to the ticket booth they had sold out.

'Can my son just use the loo?'

'Sorry,' said the man, 'only for use of spectators.'

'Harry, just go in that bush over there.'

Three hours later (at home).

'Outside everyone, BBQ's ready!'

'Dad, we're already outside,' said Ollie.

'Ah yes. Lunch! Who wants a burger?' John's burgers always got mouldy somehow or burnt. 'Lucy, burger?'

'You're joking Dad, right?' replied Lucy.

'No!' said John.

'Ahhhhhh,' screamed Katherine. 'Fire!'

'Call the fire brigade!' shouted Ollie.

'What fire brigade?' asked Lucy. In the area that they were in there was no fire brigade.

'I've got the hose,' shouted Katherine. As soon as the water came, the fire was out. 'For goodness sake, how many times do we have to tell you? Don't leave the BBQ running!'

'You've only told me three times, and one of them was your fault.' 

'How?' asked Katherine.

'Stop arguing!' shouted Lucy. Everybody stared at her. Ding-dong went the doorbell.

'Hello, can I help you?'

'We're the Australian Animal Keepers, can we have a word?'

'Sure,' said Katherine, while wondering who and what these people wanted. In the sitting room the men were waiting for Katherine. 'This had better not be sad,' thought Katherine.

'So,' started the man in brown, 'do you have any pets?'

'No,' answered Katherine, 'but we are getting one.'

'Do you mind giving it to us for the next six weeks?'

'Why?' asked Katherine.

'There is someone killing all the animals in the land and we must stop them.'

'Ok then.' So that is what happened. Of course, the kids had no idea that the dog was going.

'What do we do now?' asked Katherine.

'I guess we tell them,' replied John.

So later that day at dinner, roasted kangaroo, the kids asked, 'When is the dog coming?'

'Six weeks,' replied Katherine, trying to hide the fact that the men had asked for it. Lucy looked at her mum with the look that said, 'Really!'

'What?' asked Katherine, doing surprisingly well to keep it undiscovered. Everyone carried on eating. 

That night, just after Ollie had gone to bed, the news came on. It was talking about the animal killer. It was getting out of hand. The killer's favourite time was night. This terrified everyone. Nobody wanted to go to bed that night. Obviously Ollie was fast asleep.

Later that morning, everyone woke up hoping someone wasn't standing next to their bed holding a dead animal in their hands. 

'Breakfast!' shouted John. Knock, knock, knock came the door. Nobody dared answer. Ding-dong, carried on the door. 

'I'll answer it,' said John, in a gloomy voice.

'Hello,' said the killer. It was John's sister Charlie.

'You!' said John, looking like they had swapped jobs and he was about to kill her. She was in handcuffs with the police at her back. 

'It's over,' said the police. 'Arrested for life.' 

Over at the police station she was making herself at home, but the rest of the family were thinking about the next day. 

-------------------------------------------------

Next time: the competition winner by Ellie. 

"Frank" by Chris

This is another entry from the Elm Class story competition.

Frank

Chapter 1 - Old Hicklebottom

The wind whistled through the air as the sun went down on Old Hicklebottom Farm. Frank was playing with his play revolver while his mum, Maddie, was inside the little hovel cleaning up. The wind howled once more and Maddie knew something was up. 'It never howls more than once at sunset,' she thought. 'It's a sign of bad luck.' At that exact moment, a flock of birds scurried from behind a hill. 'Get down to the cellar now Frank,' said Maddie cautiously eyeing the hill. 'Yes ma.' KAPOW! Around a dozen men, on horseback, armed with pistols, came riding from behind the hill. 'What's that noise mama?' enquired Frank quietly but worriedly. 'Don't worry, sweetie it's only... gguuunffirre,' she tried to say confidently, but deep down she knew that she was frightened and had hairs sticking up on end. BANG! 'Take everything useful, loot the food, then burn it down,' shouted a masculine voice. 'Quick, down the trapdoor,' said a majestically mysterious voice, which was coming from behind them. Instantly they swiveled their bodies around and there was a man there. Maddie suddenly got a rifle, loaded, aiming at the man. 'Don't move or you'll be in fairyland,' said Maddie with a sense of humour. 'My name is Otto and I come in peace,' Otto said calmly. 'Also we should move otherwise our heads will be burnt by fire,' once again, said calmly. Otto opened a rainbow coloured trapdoor. BANG! Maddie had pulled the trigger on the rifle. Otto disappeared. 'Did I tell you I can teleport?' he laughed from behind them. 'C'mon then down the trapdoor,' he said as he descended down it. Speechless and ammo-less, Maddie and Frank followed silently.

Chapter 2 - Mankata

'Where are we going ma?' asked Frank. 'Mankata,' answered Otto. 'Where is that?' asked Maddie. 'Near the Outback,' replied Otto. 'What time will we arrive?' enquired Frank. 'Around 17:00,' said Otto, now getting a little impatient. 'Quiet,' hissed Otto suddenly. Footsteps could be heard above them and they said, 'That farm in Old Hicklebottom was a great place to raid, had everything.' Noisily the raiders stumbled along for a minute straight. Under the ground, the trio stood silently for a minute straight. 'I think they've gone,' whispered Otto. 'Hey, is someone down there?' said a male voice from the surface. 'RUN!!!' POW POW POW. As the trio ran away bullets came slicing through the earth. 'AHHHHH.' The scream was horrifying. Frank and Maddie turned around right away. 'Keep going... NOW,' said Otto. Suddenly, another bullet came down but this one silenced Otto. 'I got him!' shouted the raider. Then he ran away. 'We can't leave him like this,' said Maddie sadly. 'C'mon lets bury him... give him some respect.' 

Chapter 3 - The Armies Calling

A few hours later Maddie and Frank found a fork in the tunnel. 'Left or right mama?' whispered Frank. Maddie didn't say anything but went left unknowingly. 

As the next day dawned, the birds were singing and tweeting away. Frank was still asleep as was Maddie. Suddenly, they both woke up at the sound of a masculine army voice. 'Only 12 more hours to go soldiers,' shouted a man from above. 'Quick Frank, run!' A few seconds later, Frank must've been at the speed of light. Dragging a 9 stone woman was hard heavy work for a 10 year old. 'Slow down, Frank,' said Maddie, with a face full of dust. 'Look mama, light,' Frank half-shouted. Frank had just got the Earths surface and was questioned by an army officer. 'Name?' he shouted in an instant. 'Maddie and Frank Latingo, married to head of The Official Army,' said Maddie like a royal. 'Sorry for wasting your time, ma'am,' he said humbly. She smiled, waved her hand and walked away.

After they had passed security they went to see Mr Latingo. They burst in through the doors and shouted, 'We need help from the army attack some raiders that raided our farm!' 'Why?' he enquired. 'Because they just ruined our future,' said Frank forcefully, holding up his toy revolver. Mr Latingo didn't know that the pistol was a toy. 'Very well, then, I shall recall Australia's Armies.'

Chapter 4 - The fight in the Outback

'Send the scouts to recall the army then return with them to me,' Mr Latingo said, 'then I shall need to chat with you all.'

'Where shall we go mama?' asked Frank. 'Somewhere that I shall be able to command the troops,' she said quietly. 'Your troops are ready for battle, destroy the enemy at all costs... good luck,' intervened a voice. 'I am Co-captain Wilkinson,' he said. 'Fred Wilkinson.' 'Let's roll out.' 

The next day they located the camp of the raiders. 'We should win by a breeze,' said Fred humiliatingly. 'On the count to 3 we shall charge!'

'1'

'2'

'3' 'CHARGE!' Fred screamed. 'AHHHHHRRR,' the soldiers screamed. A few of the soldiers got ahead of the others, cocked the rifles, turned around and fired at... THE AUSTRALIANS?!? 'The army has mutinied mama!' said Frank worriedly. It was now even-Stevens: the raiders and a third of the army against two thirds of the the army. Blood everywhere... screams everywhere... men falling everywhere. After a while the battle field was completely silent. Frank, Maddie and Wilkinson also on the other side of the field there was... MR LATINGO!?! BANG! Wilkinson fell flat on the floor. BANG! Maddie had gone as well. MAMA! Frank shrieked. Mr Latingo approached Frank. 'That stupid toy pistol of yours, don't do anything silly or you'll be sent to fairyland with your mother.' Frank was determined to kill him. He cocked his pistol and aimed. 'Go on, shoot me!' shouted Mr Latingo with a laugh. BANG!

Mr Latingo fell on the floor,

Mr Latingo lived no more,

Frank's bullet had hit the head,

But Mr Latingo is truly dead,

Mr Latingo always doubted Frank,

But Frank is also one to thank,

Although this story wasn't long,

It was written by Christopher Long.  

---------------------------------------------

Thanks for your story, Chris. Next time: "Australia Hassle" by Oli. 

(Photo courtesy of: http://free-photos.co)

"Wild friends" by Chloe

We recently had a story-writing competition in Elm Class, with a prize of a paperback by Bear Grylls. There was one rule: the story had to be set in Australia; apart from that, it was up to the writer! We had four entries, all of which will be published on here. 

This is from one of our runners-up, Chloe.

Wild friends

"Did you see Home and Away last night?" asked Sheila. Lily smiled. "Classic episode! she replied. Sheila was Lily's best friend since she moved to Australia. However, she still missed her old friends from England. "Yes, it was awesome!" Sally interrupted. "Hey Sheila, I've got two tickets to a gig, wanna come?" "Sure!" she said. Lily stared at Sally, waiting for her to say something. "Oh, sorry Lily, you can't come, I've only got one extra ticket," Sally said. Lily stared at her feet. "It's ok, I've got something on tonight anyway," she mumbled. Lily hated Sally. Sally hated Lily. Sally was Sheila's second best friend and Lily's best enemy. 

"CLASS DISMISSED!" Lily walked home from school, the teacher's voice still ringing in her head. She thought about her homework: write about your dream pet. She sat on a bench and started. A fluff ball of smoky grey fur, a face so cute that you're spellbound, an amazing tree climber. "A koala," she said, and glanced into the Australian sunset. "That's my dream pet." "That's my dream pathetic pet more like!" laughed Sally who emerged from behind a tree. "You're such a baby Lily!" "I'm not the one listening to other people's conversations!" Lily said angrily. "Where's the conversation then?" asked Sally, who pretended to look under the bench. Lily was red with fury. "Arrrrr, is Lily a bit angwy?" Sally said in a stupid baby voice. "Whatever," said Lily, who continued to write her work out. "Whatever," Sally mimicked. "What are you writing anyway?" she asked, snatching Lily's work. "Hey, give that back!" Lily cried. Sally ripped it. "Oops." Lily glared at Sally. She ripped it again. "Like I said; pathetic!" She laughed, as she dropped it behind her. Lily walked away as Sally smirked. "So, when you starting your homework then?" she called. Lily ignored her.

She made it home. "Home sweet home," she sighed. The door opened to the same old sight; her younger brother (Lee)'s toys lying around everywhere. "Hello sweetie!" called her mum from the kitchen. "How about a sandwich?" "No thanks mum!" Lily called back. "I'm going into the garden." "Ok, be careful," her mum said, while examining the green slimy substance on the wall. "Lee, I told you not to put slime on the walls!" she shouted to him, as he was upstairs playing with his friends. "Sorry!" he called back. He wasn't. He never was. Lily traveled into the garden to hear rustling from in a bush. She peeped inside...

The bush revealed a koala that fitted the description Lily though of on the bench. Lily was startled. It was trying to climb up the fence, but its hind leg looked broken. Lily knew something was wrong. Quickly, she rushed it inside. "What's wrong Lily?" asked her mum. Uh oh, Lily thought. "I just... forgot my ... homework book!" she said. "Ok honey start it now if it is due in tomorrow." Lily helped the little koala, giving it food secretly, rushing home early to find it. And of course, the hardest of all, the big one (you get the idea!) hiding him from everyone else. 

It was all going to plan... until her mum went to tidy her room... "What's all this rubbish?" she asked herself, holding up a tatty bunny toy. She tossed it into a bin bag and carried on looking around for things to go. She looked under the bed. There were lots of board games with the pieces missing, so she dumped them away too. Amongst these, she saw a grey fluffy ball at the back of the bed. "I can't reach that," she sighed, and continued looking for stuff. You see, Lily SOMEHOW taught the koala to sleep in a ball so at least it wouldn't look like a wild animal at first sight. Lily came home from school only hours later. She was welcomed by her mum. "I tidied your room today, Lily, it was in a right state!" her mum said. "Oh no!" she cried. "What?" "Oh... ok mum!" Lily said and she rushed upstairs. The koala was nowhere to be seen. She looked everywhere in her room, but it wasn't there. Lily sat on her bed, head in hands. She heard something. She looked up. Then she saw it. Out on her window sill, it stared back at her. The koala. Lily breathed a sigh of relief. The koala bounded up to her, and pressed its head into her cupped hands. It was like it was saying everything was all right. "That was the closest call so far!" laughed Lily. And it was. Right up to the point everyone found out it was there...

Lee, Lily's little brother was allergic to koalas, but he liked snooping around in Lily's room. One day, he was looking for his barrel of slime (really another excuse to be in Lily's room) when he stared to sneeze. "Mum! A koala has been in Lily's room!" he shouted. "What?" gasped their mum. "What?" gasped Lily. They both rushed upstairs. "Look, fur's on the bed over there." "So there is!" laughed her mum wearily. "Do you feel ok Lily?" "Look mum, there is no koala in my room and there never will be!" Lily reassured her mum. At Lily's voice, the koala sprinted out of the wardrobe to Lily. He looked at everyone else. "Right, never," their mum said. Lee started sneezing again. "Quickly, downstairs Lee," she cried. He rushed out of the room. "Lily," she breathed. "Mum, please can I keep him, please?" Lily asked, desperate for an answer. "Your brother's allergic to them!" her mum shouted. "Well, he can stay out of my room then! He shouldn't be in here anyway," she replied. "No," her mum said sternly. "You can't keep it; think about the diseases it could give you. Why did you bring it in anyway?" "Its leg was broken," Lily said quietly. "We were learning about animals' bodies in school so I could help him." "Ok," her mum said calmly. "He can live in our back garden, but no house guests please." "Yes!" Lily cried. "Thank you, thank you and thank you!" Lily hugged her mum. "No house guests please," her mum repeated. "Ok!" Lily tried to hold in her excitement. She took the koala outside, and so after that, the koala lived in the garden. And it was very, very happy to have such a good friend like Lily.

And I hear you ask: "How do I know all this?" Well... I'm the koala!

-------

Thank you for your story, Chloe. Next time: "Frank" by Chris.

Favourite authors?

We're going to have a display board in the ICT room which will feature your favourite authors. We thought we'd start with Roald Dahl and Jacqueline Wilson.

Any suggestions for future displays? Either let us know as a comment to this post, or speak to the librarians. 

Thank you!

New librarians

Welcome back to school!

We have some new librarians; they are Darcy, Jake, Ella J, Ella Bea and Jaime, all from Elm Class. They can help you find books you're looking for, or recommend something if you're stuck for what to read. 

They have some good ideas for the blog, so look out for quizzes and chances to win books. They're also on the lookout for short stories, poems and comic strips to publish, so if you've got something you'd like to see on the blog, hand it to any of the librarians or to Mrs Eyres.

If you're going to London...

If you're going to London during the school holidays, keep a look out for the new book benches. Featuring favourite books and characters, they're dotted around all around the city. This website - http://www.booksabouttown.org.uk/ - gives you maps and more information. 

Here are a couple of the benches: 

Do you recognise the books they're from?

We need your work for the blog!

Would you like to see your work on the blog? We're looking for short stories, book reviews, poems, quizzes and jokes that we can put on here for everyone to read. If you like art, we can publish your comic strips or pictures of story characters.

If you have some work you'd like to share, give it to Darcy (Elm Class) or Mrs Dale or Mrs Eyres, and we'll add it to our blog.

(By the way, please make sure it's your own work - for copyright reasons, we can't publish something that belongs to someone else, or has been copied from a book.)

Thank you!

'Why do spiders live everywhere?' by Oli C.

Why do spiders live everywhere?

Once upon a time there lived a boy. One day, he had a spider on his leg and he threw it off. It landed in a cave and had lots of babies. He got them together and said, 'Move out into the world.'

And that's how spiders live everywhere. 

by Oli C. 

'Not a reading club'

A big 'thank you' to everyone who came to the after-school club, 'Not a reading club'. It's now finished for the year, but we're hoping to start again after Christmas, when we'll send new letters out. If you've got ideas for activities you'd like to try next year, let us know!

From Mrs Dale and Mrs Eyres