Stories, Time and Again: A Program Guide for Schools and Libraries

Citation

Ray, S. (2007), "Stories, Time and Again: A Program Guide for Schools and Libraries", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 3, pp. 256-257. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710736109

The introduction to Time and Again tells us that Albert Einstein and Scheherazade, although they have little else in common, both believed in the value of stories and that stories are as important today as they have ever been. It then goes on to describe ten programmes that can be carried out in libraries or schools with primary school children. For libraries, it assumes that most programmes will be used on a one‐off basis; for schools, programmes that can be linked to the curriculum and spread over three or four weeks in fifteen sessions, are usually suggested. But the ideas can, of course, be used flexibly to suit the occasion and some of them are suitable for use in both school and public libraries.

The publication details of all the books mentioned are American, but many of the titles are available in Britain and a librarian should be able to find suitable alternatives in most English‐speaking countries. There are ideas for creative writing and drama and clear drawings of artefacts that can be made, such as armbands and collars for the programme on Egyptian mythology. There are comprehensive lists of materials needed and information about relevant food that can be provided (usually by public libraries rather than by schools, I observe).

So what are the topics, apart from Egyptian mythology? The content of programmes such as the Middle Ages, Tropical rain forests, Animals Down Under can easily be guessed. Brains and Bravery is about the weak overcoming the strong and uses a selection of folk tales to show how apparently weak heroes and heroines can be brave and use their brains to outwit stronger enemies. What's Your Story includes showing children how to find out about authors and illustrators (not by writing to them as in the bad old days but using printed resources and the internet – much more exciting), quiz questions about books and how to organise author visits. Child's Play is about creative drama and story theatre, the latter term being used to describe children miming or speaking very simple dialogue while the story is read aloud – suggests the latter is much more fun for most children as they do not have to “learn” the words and can enjoy themselves without the thought of a public performance looming ahead.

Fantasy Worlds begins with a long, although necessarily selective, list of books. Practical work includes the creation of a fantasy wall mural, writing book blurbs, responding to a poem called “Wishingly on Stars” (printed so that it can be photocopied for classroom use), helping children to write their own stories and questions for quizzes. In the Know: Manners for Kids, which usefully includes the subtopic of bullies and bullying, describes games, role‐playing exercises, tips on writing invitations and thank you letters and a short play, all aiming to make life pleasanter for everyone. The final programme, Friends Good and True, continues the theme of showing respect for others and making the world a better place for everyone.

Stories, Time and Again is a useful and stimulating book with ideas and practical information that can be adapted to local needs and circumstances. It is, however, important to remember that it is produced primarily for the American market and that the programme, Welcome to the Middle Ages, for example, may be approaching the subject from a viewpoint rather different from the one you would adopt in other English‐speaking countries. Although the familiar ingredients are there, it also includes instructions for making a Punch and Judy theatre and the text of a Punch and Judy play – not something one usually associates with the Middle Ages! Similarly, Australian librarians may find that Animals Down Under is not really appropriate for their needs. If your library runs an ambitious programme of activities for children up to the age of about eleven, this could be a good book for you.