Library update: connecting through books

by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian

While reading is often a solitary experience, the thoughts and ideas sparked by a book take on a life far beyond its pages. As demonstrated in the Library during the summer term, books have a wonderful way of bringing people together.

Illustration Collaboration

Putney's shadowing group of Year 6 and Year 8 students for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration (pictured below) has cast its vote. They read, discussed and assessed the shortlisted books before selecting their favourite to win the Shadowers' Award.

Initially, the graphic novel adaptation of the classic Lord of the Flies stood out as the group's frontrunner because of its powerful storyline. However, as they examined the illustrations in all eight shortlisted books more closely, they uncovered intriguing details and visual clues that ultimately changed their minds. Wiggling Words explores how a dyslexic child experiences written language – confusing at first but gradually revealing how letters can be transformed into ideas. The Playdate initially appears to tell a simple story of a child visiting a friend's house, but a closer look at the illustrations reveals a very different and more complex narrative.

The national winners of the Carnegie Medal for Illustration and the Shadowers' Choice Award were announced on 23 June. Our students' discussions reflected the final results in different ways. Wiggling Words went on to win the Carnegie Medal for Illustration, while Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel was voted the winner of the Shadowers' Choice Award by shadowing groups across the country.

The main purpose of this partnership between the Junior and Senior Schools is not to predict or endorse the eventual winner but to explore stories through images and share ideas and interpretations. This is something the students excelled at throughout the process.

Book Bunting

The Library joined in the Diversity Week celebrations with a book bunting art activity, inviting students to reimagine the cover of a book exploring themes of diversity and identity (image below). Students had access to card in a range of colours, our finest coloured pens and pencils and an abundance of glitter and shiny gemstones. They certainly made the most of these materials, and we now have an eye-catching collection of book covers that is drawing readers in.

Book Buddies

Year 7 students have put a great deal of thought and care into preparing a warm welcome for next year's new cohort. Through the sharing of a favourite book, new pupils will begin building a connection with their Year 8 buddy before the new school year even starts. The Library staff were so impressed by the commitment this year's cohort showed in choosing a book they were most eager to share. Some students even reserved books that were on loan, hoping they would be returned in time for the book-wrapping session. 

Each student wrote a personal welcome letter and tucked it inside the book they had chosen to share. The books were then carefully wrapped, with only a brief description on the outside to tempt their new owner (see image below). The surprise book and friendly letter inside will help our new students feel welcome, excited and ready to begin their journey at Putney.

Time Travelling with Author Amelia Tait

Year 7 were in for a real treat when author Amelia Tait (pictured below) visited PHS to talk about her debut novel, Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller. Every New Year's Day, the book's main character, Lily Tripp, wakes up in an entirely different century. While this is often hard work for Lily, it is hugely entertaining for the reader.

It was a wonderful event, full of quirky historical facts and the sharing of embarrassing diary entries. The audience was intrigued to learn that people wore spot stickers 400 years ago and that Victorian women applied make-up with a hare's foot.

The students were captivated by Amelia's lifelong dream of becoming an author and thoroughly enjoyed the interactive elements and opportunities to share their ideas. They were given tips on how to keep up with writing a diary and were encouraged never to throw their diaries away – one day, those memories might inspire a future book.