What I’m reading

The Tent, the Bucket and Me

By Emma Kennedy

The word “tent” conjures up a variety of images. For me, this book and that word are reminiscent of my childhood spent in tents and vans with my parents and younger sister, a situation shared by the main character of this memoir. Anyone who has ever been camping - before the luxury days of Winnebagos - will recoil in horror to at least one of the experiences mentioned, such as the night spent straddling tent pegs to prevent the whole thing blowing away. So far this has been a humorous and poignant reminder of the highs and lows of family camping.

The book I loved as a child

A Bear Called Paddington

By Michael Bond

At a time when I loved all things cute and cuddly, it was Paddington Bear and his escapades that stood out for me and inspired a love of comedy that has lasted all my life. His mischief and seemingly unending ability to get into scrapes is what made me laugh as a child, and incidentally what I now see in my class and own children. It was, and still is, a very heart-warming story that is rather sweetly old-fashioned in style, and funny with it. It is perfect for children, both then and now. In my opinion, a classic.

Read this before you die

Tuesdays with Morrie

By Mitch Albom

This is a book that is perhaps most moving to teachers but would stir even the most hard-hearted of people to shed a tear or two. Tuesdays with Morrie examines a friendship between a professor and his former student that forms after the two regain contact with one another after 16 years apart. Not only does it illustrate the importance of seeking and maintaining contact with those who matter, it also reminds us of the positive influence that we can have over a person’s present and future. An uplifting, inspiring and hopeful novel that reminds me of all the perks of being a teacher.