Surbiton Scribbler - Summer '21

THE
SURBITON
SCRIBBLER

SUMMER 2021

I am so excited to see this whole school celebration
of the written word. I love reading and writing and
think they are the key to opening every door of
opportunity. English helps us to understand the
world; how to learn new things; paint pictures in our
mind; communicate with others; get whisked away
to a whole new world. I am so proud of the quality of
what you all write and read at this school, and of the
progress you all make during your time here. So sit
back, enjoy seeing the amazing writing and reading
that is celebrated in this journal and be proud of
what you have all achieved. Be inspired!

Ms Stewart

READING WRITING
Library News
Animal Antics 4-5 Reception - Rainforest Writing 20-21
A Sense of Adventure 22-23
War Stories 6-9 Year 1 - Fairy Tale stories 24-27
A Spark of Magic
Inspirational Lives 10-11 Year 2 - Fairy Tale descriptions 28-31
Picture Books 12-13 Message in a Bottle 32-35
The Tunnel 36-39
Fun and Games
14-15 Year 3 - Disaster Stories 40-43
The Golden Umbrella 44-47

16-17 Year 4 - Dragon Poems
18 Arlo
19
Year 5 - Legends of the Forest
The Shipwreck
The Storm

Year 6 - War Poems
The Island

Writing Competition Winners

p Picture Books
6-9 Most suitable for 6-9 year olds

10+ Themes are most suitable for 10+ year olds

What's new in the Library?

6-9 6-9 6-9 6-9

We have more than 300 p p
new books in the Library!

p pp

p pp

p

Come and
find a new
adventure!

p The Butterfly Lion
by Michael Morpurgo
Harry and the
Dinosaurs Go Wild The Butterfly Lion is so
inspiring as well as
by Ian Whybrow gripping and adventurous. It
This story is about tells the story of Bertie who
how Harry tried to found the white lion as a cub
save the endangered animals. while he was living in Africa.
My favourite part is how a small However, when Bertie gets
thought by Harry made such a big older, his parents send him to
difference. boarding school and the white
Both children and lion is sent to join a circus. The
grown-ups will love book tells the story of how
this story! they come back together.
Aanya G - RecP The story is so heart-
warming and the book is so
p interesting, you will never
want to put it down. I would
Hot Dog recommend this book to
by Anne Cottringer & anyone who loves animals and
Katherine Walker adventures.

This book is about three funny stray Asha W - 5F
dogs who like to run around exploring
the city. Hot Dog, Mooch and Pooch enjoy
their freedom and also some delicious
meatballs from Mrs Fortini until one day,
the dog-catcher comes around and the
three friends find themselves in trouble...

Madelena L - 2B

Asha and the Spirit Bird 6-9
by Jasbinder Bilan
The Abandoned Puppy
Asha lives on the family farm with her by Holly Webb
mother in India.
Her father is away working in the city, This is an exciting
and when the money he sends stops story about a girl
suddenly, a wicked aunt arrives. She is puppy called Cookie
determined to seize their house – and who is left on the
the treasure rumoured to be hidden doorstep of an animal
on the land. Guided by a majestic bird shelter with her two
which she believes to be the spirit of brothers. Zoe and her
her grandmother, Asha and her best grandma look after the
puppies. Zoe really wants to
friend Jeevan embark keep Cookie, but she knows
on a journey to the city, she is not really allowed to
across the Himalayas, have a pet yet...
to find her father and
save her home … Amelia S
2W

6-9 Fantastic Mr Fox

by Roald Dahl

This book is about three mean farmers
who want to kill Mr Fox and his family. It is
a very funny and exciting book.
I loved this book so much! My favourite
part was when the animals stole masses
of food from Bunce's giant storehouse.

I would recommend this book to everyone
in Key Stage 1. I give this book 5 stars!

Ellie J - 1E

Into the Jungle Jennie
by Katherine Rundell by Paul Gallico

Enchanting This is the story of a
short stories young boy, Peter,
exploring the who is knocked
world of The down by a car. To
Jungle Book. his astonishment,
when he recovers,
Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright he is not a young
edited by Fiona Waters boy, but a cat!

An animal Varjak Paw
poem for by S.F. Said
every day
of the year. A young cat, Varjak
Paw, must use the
mystical martial art,
'The Way' to survive in
a city full of dangerous
dogs, cat gangs and,
strangest of all, the
mysterious Vanishings.

Claude in the City Rex the Rhinoceros Beetle
by M.G. Leonard
by Alex T. Smith
p When danger
6-9 Loveable dog, Claude,
decides to go to the strikes, will
city for the very first humble beetle,
time. Everything seems Rex, be able to
normal until... Claude save the day?
accidentally foils a
robbery and becomes
the local hero!

Amazing Animal Heroes Lost Species
by Mike Unwin by Jess French

True stories p Meet 35 extinct
of amazing
animals who species and
saved the discover how
day. these creatures
came under
threat.

Kaleidoscope of Creatures The Great Barrier Reef
by Cath Ard
by Dr Helen Scales
p Meet animals of
p Learn all about the
every colour of
the rainbow and captivating ecosystem
find out why they of the reef, how it came
are the colours to be and what we can
and patterns all do to help ensure
they are. that it will be around
for future generations.

QtUimIZe Can you answer these animal quiz questions?

Answers on Page 19

1. In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis, what is the lion's name?

2. Which animal does Alice in Wonderland follow down a hole in the ground?

3. What is the name of the mischievous brother of Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail?

4. Which bear from deepest, darkest Peru keeps his sandwiches under his hat?

5. What is the name of the four-legged member of The Famous Five?

The Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant
This is the most compelling, joyous, tear-jerking and delightful book I
have ever read! It is about a perilous journey to France after the First
World War. Two children decide to search for the family they've lost.
For Ben - his brother and for Lotti, her French Grandmére. They
inspire each other to make the journey across the English Channel to
France in a narrowboat - the Sparrowhawk. Full of adventure and
excitement - you won't be able to put this book down!

Mayako D - 6S

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell Maia B - 1N
A bad man called Victor Sorrotore steals Vita's grandfather's house
and then begins searching for the family emerald. Vita and her friends
join forces to fight against him.
I loved how the story was balanced so that Vita and Sorrotore outwit
each other at different times so you aren't sure who will win in the
end.
I learnt that if you try and try again, you might get your own way and
you have to work as a team to win!

6-9 Pugs of the Frozen North by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

6-9 When True Winter comes, it’s time for the Great Northern Race! The
best sled teams in the world must reach a mysterious man called the
More Snowfather. He will grant one wish to the winners. Young racers Sika
Adventure and Shen want to win more than anything. But they don’t have big
Stories for sled dogs—all they have is sixty-six yappy, yippy puppy pugs.
6-9 year
Can this unlikely team make their dreams come true?
olds...

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
Reviewed by Mrs Morrod

‘Lyra and her daemon moved through the darkening hall…portraits
of former Masters hung high up in the gloom along the walls’. I was
gripped almost viscerally from the very first line, like a fish on an
inescapable hook. We know nothing of Lyra in this opening, simply
that she has a daemon (‘a what?’) and that they are creeping as
quietly as they can, to break into the Retiring Room at the back of
the shadowy Hall, lit only by candles that sparkle against the
darkness. What goes on in this room? Lyra has watched the Fellows
trundle off and close the heavy oak door behind them, black
academic robes flapping behind them like the wings of a cloud of
bats.

I had often wondered this exact thing myself, sat underneath the pictures of former
masters of my own college, peering at my dinner on a plate lit only by a candle. This
was before Hogwarts, before twinkly-eyed old Prof Dumbledore came into my world.
Lyra was daring – her daemon was not – and I felt her shock at discovering a murder
attempt taking place in her Oxford college almost as strongly as she did – such is the
majestic pull of Philip Pullman’s writing. Winning a slew of children’s and adult
literature prizes, His Dark Materials trilogy was voted into 3rd place of ALL British
fiction, not just children’s fiction.

I went on to discover worlds so close to and yet not completely like our own, peopled
by a host of memorable characters: proud and powerful witches, who would fight to
the death for Lyra; the terrifyingly righteous and menacing Magisterium; the beautiful
but ferocious snow leopard daemon, Selmaria; heroic angels armed with burning
swords; and the mighty, protective and wholly fiersome Iorek Byrnysson, an armoured
panzerbyorn. So entranced was I – I still am – by this last character, that I followed
Lyra’s footsteps to Svalbard to see the polar bears for myself and take her journey
step by seasick step to the frozen North.

I challenge you to read just the first page and not want to go on reading. Find a comfy
place and settle in for the ride of your life. That this is the work of the greatest living
British children’s writer is without doubt. The only real question is: what would your
daemon be in Lyra’s world?

Loved
Northern
Lights?
Now try
these...

WAR STORIES

Incredible Tales of Bravery and Adventure

Blitzcat by Robert Westall

This book follows the story of Lord Gort, a black cat owned by a pilot in
World War 2 who goes off on an amazing adventure.
During her incredible journey, Lord Gort is bombed and is temporarily blind
and deaf. She goes through so much before finally reaching her home once
more.
This book is filled with gripping action and so many different emotions.

Moira K - 6S

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian 10+

William Beech, a boy of 9 years old, is evacuated to a tiny English village in
the countryside just before the outbreak of World War 2. A lonely and
deprived child, he finds himself living with the gruff, reclusive old widower,
Thomas Oakley.
This amazing book clearly shows what life would have been like for an
evacuee during the war.

Freya T - 6S

Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
An exciting fantasy adventure set during World War 2.

Sometimes at the darkest hour, hope shines the brightest...
When Col's childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a
world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians -
a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight - Col must
race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister. But there are darker
forces at work, even than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the
terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness
down over everything.

10+ War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Reviewed by Mrs Burlton

I have loved every book that I have ever read by Michael Morourgo, but
War Horse is my favourite.
War Horse is the harrowing story of a loyal farm horse who ends up
being sent to France to experience the horrors of the front line during
the First World War. To me it is a story of hope, love and devotion. I defy
you not to cry! It is also a page turner and you will gallop through it,
wanting to find out what happens next!
A brilliant book which will captivate you from start to finish.

You may be lucky enough to watch the film or even visit the theatre to
watch an adaption of the book, but reading it is best!

(Recommended for readers over 10 years old)

More
Incredible

War
Stories ...

Mohinder's War Letters from the The Skylark's War The Umbrella Mouse
Bali Rai Lighthouse
Emma Carroll Hilary McKay Anna Fargher

p 6-9 p

Stories

Stone Age Romans Celts Anglo-Saxons Medieval from
6-9 10+ other times
6-9 10+

in history...

Tudors Stuarts Victorians Suffragettes Windrush

Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend

Morrigan Crow has been cursed and is destined to die on her
eleventh birthday. But, as the clock strikes midnight, she is whisked
away by a mysterious man called Julian North and taken away to the
city of Nevermoor. Here she is invited to join the Wundrous Society.
Everything will be fine if only she can pass four impossible trials, using
an exceptional talent, which she doesn't have...

Melina CR - 6S

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

Marinka dreams of a normal life, where she can make friends. But she
is unhappy. Her house has chicken legs and will not stay in one place
long enough for her to make friends.
Marinka's grandmother is Baba Yaga, who guides the dead, showing
them their way until they float into the sky. Marinka longs to change
her life and sets out to break free from her grandmother, but her
house has other ideas...

Sadie L - 4H

A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer

Fourteen year old Brystal Evergreen knew she was different, but
when she stumbles across a secret section of the library, she
discovers that she is a fairy, capable of magic. Soon, Brystal gets
whisked away to a correctional facility where, with the help of
Madame Weatherberry, she is recruited into a school of magic.
When her teacher does not return from an important mission, it is
up to Brystal and her friends to save the day.

Kate S - 6S

Magical Kingdom of Birds by Anne Booth 6-9

When Maya receives a special colouring book - The Magical
Kingdom of Birds - she is transported to a beautiful realm filled with
magnificent birds and their fairy friends. But the kingdom is in
trouble - evil Lord Astor has a plan to capture and cage the tiniest
residents, the hummingbirds - and as Keeper of the Book it's up to
Maya to protect them.
The first in a series - packed full of beautiful illustrations.

p The Magic Paintbrush by Julia Donaldson

With her magic paintbrush, Shen can paint steaming pots full of
fish and oysters to feed the hungry people in her village, but when
the evil emperor hears of her gift he commands Shen to paint gold
for him instead. She is determined to keep her promise to paint
only for the poor, but how can she match the emperor's mighty
power?

6-9 The Worst Witch Isadora Moon
Jill Murphy Harriet Muncaster
More
Magical The Moonshine Araminta Spook The Boy who Grew
Stories for Dragon Angie Sage Dragons
6-9 year
Cornelia Funke Andy Shepherd
olds...

The Wizards of Once A Pinch of Magic Loved
Cressida Cowell Michelle Harrison Harry
Potter?
Charmed Life Amari and the Night The House at the Now try
Diana Wynne Jones Brothers Edge of Magic these...
Amy Sparkes
B.B. Alston

Inspirational Lives

STORIES TO MAKE YOU STOP AND THINK

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
This book is about a disabled girl called Melody. Although she cannot
walk or talk she has a huge mind and this book is all about her
experiences and her life.
My favourite character is Melody because she is so smart, even
though the doctors don't realise this. At one point, they ask her to
stack some blocks according to their size. She knows how to do it but
cannot show them because she cannot move. However, she is
determined not to let this stop her.

Maya S - 5F

The Boy at the Back of the Classroom by Onjali Q. Rauf
This is a book about a boy called Ahmet who is a refugee and has
escaped from Syria where a terrible war is happening. Ahmet has
joined a new school but doesn't understand much English. While
some children bully the new boy, a group of friends help to make
him feel welcome.
This is an inspirational book because it shows that you can do
anything if you have your friends around you.

Priya W - 5J

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Reviewed by Mrs Bedford

This book, and the rest of its series, was a huge part of my
childhood, setting me off down a lifelong path of books based on
true stories. This is the story of a little girl called Laura Ingalls who,
with her family, moved halfway across America in the back of a
wagon, in order to find new, unsettled land to build a house on,
land that had previously been occupied by native American Indians.
Their adventures along the way inspired me; I could never decide if I wanted to be the
naughty and curious Laura with her messy brown hair, or her prettily perfect sister
Mary with her long golden locks. I was utterly fascinated by how simply a family could
live; making and building everything themselves without the use of technology,
electricity, communication; all things we completely take for granted nowadays. I didn’t
just read these books, I devoured them, even calling my parents ‘Ma’ and ‘Pa’ for a
while. If you like reading and learning about the past you will love following Laura on
her adventures across the prairies of America and the people she meets along the way.

Malala by Malala Yousafzai
The book is a true story about a girl called Malala in Pakistan who
fights for peace. She believes what she believes and nobody is
changing that. She fights for education. When she was younger, girls
were banned from having an education, and she didn’t believe or
think that this was right. The Taliban were an army who were making
up unnecessary rules and laws and had told citizens of Pakistan that
girls weren’t aloud to go to school and that women couldn’t go
outside without being accompanied by a husband or other man.
The Taliban shot Malala for speaking out and doing campaigns on education. She was
sent to a hospital in Birmingham where she had to have lots of help with her health.
However, she recovered and ended up studying at Oxford University.

Clara P - 5F

Extraordinary Women

6-9 6-9

A PTihctouurseanisd Worth p
a Words

p

A beautiful bird, four An uplifting, universal story of
friends and a plan that new experiences, the
goes very, very wrong...
unbreakable bond shared by
p siblings and of being proud of

who you are.

p

Lift the spectacular spiral
pop-up to reveal a whole
host of magnificent animals

in their homes.

Mouse wishes he could roar
like Lion. But, as he discovers,

even the biggest, bossiest
people are scared sometimes.

Fun and Games!

ALICE
CINDERELLA

ELMER
HARRY POTTER

MATILDA
MOG

PADDINGTON
PETER PAN
POOH BEAR

SNOW WHITE
THE BFG

THE GRUFFALO

Can you
use the
emoji clues
to guess
the titles
of these
children's
books?

ANSWERS:
(p.9 Animal quiz) 1.Aslan 2.Rabbit 3.Peter Rabbit 4.Paddington 5.Timmy
(Emoji Quiz): 1.Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 2.James and the Giant Peach
3.The Rainbow Fish 4.The Tiger who Came to Tea 5.The Cat in the Hat
6.The Very Hungry Caterpillar 7.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 8.Charlotte's Web
9.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 10.We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Amelia T, RecP
Seol J, RecP

Zoya H, RecC
Maya S, RecP

Once upon a time, a little girl called Goldilocks was
walking through the wood. She could see the blue sky
and the tall, green trees. She could feel the fresh air
blowing in her face. She could hear the trees rustling in
her ears. She could smell the lovely pink and blue
flowers and they smelled like honey.

Matilda J - 1N

Goldilocks walked towards the small, wooden cottage
and pushed the creaky door open. She could see three
bowls of warm, delicious porridge. She tried the first
bowl. It was too cold! Next, she tried the medium bowl.
"Too hot!" she said. She tried the small bowl. "Just right!"
she said.

Elizabeth T - 1E

When the three bears got home, they all noticed
something wasn't quite right. Daddy Bear saw that the
porridge had been eaten. Mummy Bear noticed that the
chairs had been sat in and that Baby Bear's chair was
broken. Baby Bear saw that a little girl was snoring in his
bed. They felt outraged and Goldilocks felt worried and
terrified. She jumped out of the window and was never
seen again.

Ellen M - 1N

Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. They went
out of their Mummy's house because they each wanted to
build nice little houses of their own. They had a pleasant
walk through the woods, smelling the beautiful flowers and
the fresh air. Searching the woods for building materials,
they found long, dry, yellow straw, some hard, wooden
sticks and some red building bricks from an old cottage.

Abigail D - 1E

The third pig was the cleverest of the three. He built his
house of strong, sturdy bricks. One day, the big, bad wolf
came along to the straw house. He knocked loudly on the
door and shouted in a fierce voice, "LET ME IN!" The little pig
was frightened and ran as fast as he could to his brother's
stick house. Suddenly, they heard sneaky footsteps outside.
The pigs were terrified and tiptoed silently out of the house.

Ellie Y - 1N

Out of nowhere, the wolf appeared. The wolf thundered, "I
will get you!" and he climbed up to the roof. But the big pig
had an amazing idea. She boiled steaming water on a fire
under the chimney. They could hear the wolf huffing and
puffing down the chimney. He landed with a plop in the
boiling water. He felt miserable because he hadn't got his
dinner. The pigs could hear the wolf howling his head off.
The wolf could see the pigs coming towards him. The wolf
said he was sorry and wanted to be friends.

Maia B - 1N

Fairy Tales

Poor Gretel just wanted to go home. For days and
nights, they searched for food.

That night, the evil witch glared into the boiling hot,
black oven. As quick as a flash, Gretel shoved the old
hag into the burning oven. She rushed to get the shiny
key to free her clever brother.

Ishani C - 2B

The evil witch fell with a creak, hitting her head and
her body. Hansel laughed heartily. Gretel smiled and
then began to cry happy tears. She grabbed the key
and set her brother free. "Hooray!" cried Hansel.

Lana AH - 2W

The flaming, bright candles were sitting on the messy
table. Large, silver pots and pans hung from the black
pipes overhead. They jangled together making a really
loud noise. A gigantic, burning fire lit up the kitchen.

Hana AK - 2B

Delicious smells filled the old, warm room. Delicious
cakes were standing lonely, sadly waiting for someone
to come along and eat them. Old, white candles were
gazing longingly at the happy fire dancing.

Anna S - 2B

In the deep dark distance I heard twigs go snap, snap,
snap, I felt damp, cold and grey.

Suddenly, I wanted to run away because I was so scared
but I was so frightened that I couldn't even move my
body! I looked around and saw dark and gnarly trees, little
bugs crawling and black crows. I tried to shout for help
but no sound came out, I just heard old crows squealing.
"What am I going to do?" I mumbled.

Ava K - 2W

In front of me, I saw a tree full of emerald green leaves
surrounded by a dazzling carpet of flowers. A dusty
winding road stretched like a ribbon into the distance.
Over my head, the sun was blazing like a hot ball of fire.

Charlotte S - 2B

Once upon a time, there was a kind, young boy who was
called Cinderpeter. He was miserable and lonely because
his evil stepmother had locked him away in a dark,
gloomy cellar which was full of spider webs and rats
scuttling around.

Cinderpeter wore scruffy, ripped clothes and tattered
trousers which looked like rags. His hair was matted, dirty
and brown.

Each day, salty tears rolled down Cinderpeter's freckled
face like rain because he was so angry with his life. His
sore hands ached because his evil stepmother forced
him to clean all the rusty pots and pans every night and
demanded that he clean the ashes in the sooty fireplace.

Amelia S- 2B

Message in a Bottle

Lotty lived near the beach with her mum and dad. She
had been living on the sandy coast for five years. Lotty was
twelve years old.

One day, Lotty said, "Can I go out to play?" Mum said yes
so Lotty moved her chocolate brown hair out of her
shimmering blue eyes and ran down to the hot, golden
beach.

When she got there, she found a mysterious tunnel. It
was dark, but Lotty was not scared. She was not afraid of
the dark, so she stepped into the spooky tunnel and at the
end she saw the shimmering blue ocean.

On the shore, she found a bottle bobbing around so she
picked it up and inside she found a letter. First, she read
who it was from. It was from her parents!

She was really worried so she ran back to her little house
and slammed the door. All was quiet and she saw her
mum sitting on the couch with a purple blanket and saw a
beautiful baby.

"Meet your new sister," Mum said. Lotty was crying with
happiness. She was not expecting a baby. She thought it
would just be her and mum and dad.

Lotty said, "Why did you not tell me?"
"We wanted it to be a surprise," they said.
Lotty went and hugged her mum. She had a big smile on
her face.

Juliette F - 2B

As Rose bravely crawled through the dark, gloomy
tunnel with bugs crawling across her back, she yelled,
"Jack!" But all she heard was a faint echo.
"Jack...Jack...Jack..."

A few tears fell down her sad face. She dragged
herself slowly across the sticky cobwebs and squelchy
moss. She stopped suddenly as her hand splashed into
a puddle of freezing cold water, right in front of her.
Drip, drip, drip went the puddle.

A few minutes later, she thought she saw Jack, but it
was just her own shadow on the walls. Frozen in terror,
she felt around and gasped as something sliced
through her finger. A bat with leathery wings swished
right past her face.

Gloomily, the dark wrapped around her as her heart
fearfully pumped.

Anna L - 2W

DISASTER STORIES

Extract from 'Escape from Catania'
Liya S- 3D

As the glowing, golden sun slowly rose above the rippling sea,
its crimson fire-like trail spread across the city of Catania
below. The dawn silence was broken as tired yawns filled the
deserted streets, and the usual babble of excited, happy talk
began.

Two young friends, Lavender and Zabini, walked slowly across
the shore, warm sand crunching under their bare feet and cool,
sparkling water lapping noisily on the shimmering sands.
Coming to the end of the beach, they stood, warmth spreading
across their outstretched hands as the emerald slopes of Mount
Etna towered proudly above the noisy city.

Crash! The ground shook.
"Ouch!" Lavender yelped, her face tinged with ghastly green.
There was a crack like a gun going off and suddenly she found
herself sprawled on the floor.
"Lavender!" Zabini skidded to a halt beside her. A livid bruise
was rising around his eye. The children looked up, horrified, as
Catania was drowned in darkness.

Thick, deadly smoke circled the terrified city, hissing and
spitting angrily. A mighty, powerful pyroclastic surge cascaded
through the city walls, its grey ash clouds trailing behind it. The
people of the city froze in terror.

Mouths hanging open, Lavender and Zabini gasped and
gagged, choking on the ash. Zabini nervously nudged Lavender.
She responded to him with a look of pure horror...

Extract from 'Escape from Herculaneum'
Sophia S - 3D

It was the day after the festival of Vulcanalia and many
people were still enjoying their holiday in the Bay of Naples. In
Herculaneum, Octavia, Magnus and Cassia ran and skipped
happily over to the shoreline as their parents, Augusta and
Julius, watched them stop and catch crabs. Stretching as far as
the eye could see, the beach was beautiful, sparkling and
shimmering in the glittering summer sun.

Pausing for a moment, Octavia stood up to listen carefully to
the shrieking seagulls, whooshing waves and bobbing boats.
Was it a trick of her imagination, or were the seagulls flying
away from the shoreline?

Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a thick
cloud of ash drifting up into the sky. The sea was now a dusky
black and the waves were chopping and churning and crashing
against the crab pots like an angry, aggressive sea monster.

Her father was already in the dangerous water, swimming.
Waving her arms frantically, Octavia called out in a quavering
voice, "Father! Quickly! The sky! The sea! Get out..." But before
she could finish her sentence, she heard a mighty roar as the
mountain above them violently erupted, flames twisting and
turning towards the heavens, enveloping everything in a thick
cloud of silver ash.

Cassia and Magnus dived under their mother's ash-covered
cloak. The ferocious, deafening sound of the eruption swirled
around them like a monstrous, caged lion, roaring.

In one heart-stopping moment, Octavia peered out at the
deserted, murky sea. She could no longer see her father. Had he
been swept under a huge wave? Was he dead?

In the distance, endless streams of molten liquid surged down
the mountain slopes. Time was running out. Octavia knew she
had to muster up her courage and find her father...

The Golden Umbrella

Miserably, the people of New Malden trudged around
with nothing to do. The colour had drained from their
faces, the happiness gone from their hearts as rain poured
down from the sky.

Sarah could not think. Her sisters were grumbling and
her parents were irritable. She had to get outside. Wearily,
she pulled on her wellies and started stomping along the
road through the woods, the towering trees' gnarled
fingers groping at her arms.

Suddenly, a bright, shining object floated down from the
sky. Sarah blinked. Carefully, she clutched the umbrella,
wondering, "What is going on? This can't really be
happening, can it?" She stopped. Something strange was
happening inside her like a light bulb had been switched
on. She knew what she must do. "I am the only one who
has any happiness left," she said to herself as her coat
glowed yellow and her grey skin returned to its normal
colour. "I must spread this joy."

Purposefully, Sarah veered off the path into the
dangerous wilderness. After only five minutes, she
stopped. In front of her was a dark, gloomy figure. It looked
like a ghost, yet managed to reach out and scratch at her
leg.

"I am Darkness," he croaked in a hoarse voice. "You have
finally arrived. You hold my only fear: light."

Sarah gasped. "I won't hurt you unless you refuse to
hand over the umbrella," he continued.

Instinct told Sarah not to obey. "No!" she protested.
"GIVE ME THE UMBRELLA!" roared the spirit.
The determined girl stood her ground. She braced
herself. All of a sudden, an angry lightning bolt flashed
towards her. Calmly, Sarah held out the umbrella. The spell
bounced back! It was as if someone was telling her what to
do.
"Light! Bright! Yellow! Fun! Laughter! Joy!" she blurted out.
Miraculously, Darkness began to melt. He was soon on his
knees, begging for mercy. Exhausted, the spirit lay down
on the floor, defeated.
Children in the local parks were the first to feel it. Then
people in houses, then the people in the wild, like Sarah. It
began with the trees. Like a snake of light, colour was
restored. People all around New Malden felt a glow in their
hearts. Life was back to normal...except for the weather.

Sarah looked up and saw the gloomy, grey sky.
Something had to be done. All of a sudden, the precious
umbrella twitched in her hands. She held on tighter, but
the wriggling just grew more and more urgent. Sarah had
no choice but to let go. As soon as she did, something
unbelievable happened. A stream of light soared up into
the clouds, then stopped. Sarah trembled with worry but
she had no need. The umbrella was the sun! The sky
turned its lovely shade of blue once more, and happiness
was restored to New Malden.

Corinna HP - 3M

The Dragon Isle
Holly W - 4K

Mist covers the secrets of this isle.
No one knows what whispers.
Trees reach up into the sky, crying for the light.
Not a noise is heard.
Birds run, frightened, from bloodthirsty dragons.
No one knows about these terrors.

The dragon swoops down to grip its prey from below.
Howling deer cry as the dragon clutches their skin.
Whoosh
Whoosh
Winds salute the trees as they rush by.

Dark Secret
Anna B - 4H

Misty mountains cover the sky
White birds swoop gracefully higher and higher
While shadowy beasts look out for their prey.
Dark trees stretch their deadly fingers
Rocks like rotten teeth
Secrets hide in the dark trees,
Sliding their branches up into the sky.

Why did he come here,
His black steed lurking beside him?
What can he see? Who can he see?

Dark secrets lurk.
Only the lonely figure knows
What secrets are hiding.

Darkness
Amber J - 4K

My heart aches, my only company.
The glowering trees give penetrating stares.
Shadows, numberless, mysteriously moving.
I hear a noise, but all I see is the misty mountain's menacing glare.
Looming above, strange creatures swoop,
Their history not yet uncovered.
I stare out into the bleak, desolate forest. I feel an urge to discover.
A winged beast lands beside me,
Baring its teeth, with outstretched claws.
Mist gathers, huddling around me as if to block me from moving.
Suddenly, the creature stops and once more closes its jaws.
I turn to see what made him stop.
I am too late.
An icy hand descends upon me.
Blackness...

Foggy Forest
Sophia H - 4K

I walk into the foggy forest Mysterious birds
So deserted and dull Like rips in the sky
So gloomy and murky Vivid bright white

Jagged rocks stick up Towering above me
Sporadically, like rotten teeth I see the lonely mountain
So isolated and heartbroken Searching for a friend

Dark, shadowy branches I hate this place
Like witches' bony fingers It makes me shiver
So thin and tall I am not surprised
that nobody is here.

Arlo

Dust cluttered the nursery cupboard like a new blanket
of snow. The toy dog sat, shivering with longing, wondering
how long it would be before he would be the one to be
chosen to come out of the cupboard.

Eight months ago, when Maddie had been born, he had
been given a name. But that was now forgotten. Now,
every day Nanny would come to get the plush doll for
Maddie. When Maddie had started to crawl a month ago,
the toy dog's hopes rose higher, sure that she would crawl
to him. But, when noon rolled around each day, they fell
within a heartbeat. Each day, when the doll came back to
the cupboard, she boasted that he would NEVER be
chosen. Each day, his heart sank rapidly as he wondered if
this was true.

As summer came, Maddie turned one. Nanny came to
get all the toys, but the dog was left in the corner. Maddie,
however, could toddle now and went in with Nanny and
grabbed the toy dog. His old leather mouth formed the
biggest smile.

"Arlo!" giggled Maddie. The dog's heart jumped over the
moon. His name was Arlo! He remembered! And, even
better, he was loved again.

From dawn to dusk, Maddie and Arlo played in the warm,
sunlit garden. At night, they fell asleep, snuggled up in
Maddie's cot.

As the warm summer sun peered through the curtains
one morning, Maddie and Arlo were woken. As usual,
Nanny came to get them dressed. Maddie liked to put
Arlo's collar on and usually Nanny helped. But today, when
Nanny left the room, Maddie tried to do it by herself.

Nanny came back to find tears and shouts. Arlo's front
leg had been ripped off while Maddie tried to put his collar
on him. Nanny rushed in and promised Maddie she would
sew it back. Arlo was placed in the toy cupboard.

Hours went past - or was it days? Where was Nanny?
Arlo's ears stuck to the doors as he heard her come to get
the plush doll instead. A tear fell from Arlo's eyes. He had
hoped Maddie would want HIM instead! She was loyal to
him...wasn't she?

He whimpered quietly until a sudden sparkle caught his
attention. It was a bone! Strange sounds formed into these
words:

"Make all your misery stop,
for I shall grant you two wishes.
Make Maddie love you lots
and let's heal all those stitches.
3...2...1... Your wishes are granted!"
Arlo looked down. He had real padded paws! A wet nose!
A fluffy wagging tail! He was REAL!
He snuffled and padded his way out of the cupboard as
Maddie squealed in delight and rushed over to hug
him...her real dog: Arlo.

Bess M - 4H

The Forest

Entering the vibrant forest, a kaleidoscope of colours caught
his eye. Everywhere he looked, there was something
entrancing, something glorious. There was an air of magic
enveloping him. Autumn had filled the forest with russet
leaves. Ivy climbed up the bark, circling like a squirrel, rapidly
growing.

The sun broke through the dense forest, determined to
light it up. Suddenly, something reflected the sunlight so
brightly that he had to shield his eyes. A carpet of luscious
moss led the way, inviting him towards a treasure unlike any
other.

As he edged forward, the fallen leaves crackled beneath his
feet like a log snapping in a blazing fire. Tentatively, a nervous
deer peered around a tree, unsure what to expect.

Nala C- 5F

As she entered the neverending forest, a figure darted
across the tranquil grass. Looking overhead, she saw an eagle
elegantly soaring above. A sweet aroma lingered where she
walked and vivid rays of the sun kissed her face as she danced
along with the gentle wind.

All around her, viridescent trees swayed, whispering to one
another, moss climbing to the top of their branches.
Dandelion sparks shot up like fireworks as the warm wind
whistled through the outstretched branches.

Siri H- 5F

Over the steep, steep hill, the luxurious emerald green
forest loomed above the town. Birds fluttered excitedly
around as if they too had only just arrived and were basking in
its wonder.

The sun was beating down on the flowers, making them
bloom and glow in the light. It was a sight to make anyone
gasp. Deer pranced through the meadows, stepping carefully
through the clumps of daisies and roses. Birds swooped
daintily, chirping gently, accompanied by the gentle swish of
leaves twirling to the floor. Paradise.

Elissa R - 5J

As she skipped along the rough, stony pathway, the girl felt
a wave of excitement crash over her. She heard a thud and
looked around. Nobody was there. She walked on further.

Trees whispered in the wind as the sun's rays gleamed
through the viridescent leaves. She smelt the sweet scent of
flowers as they waved pleasantly at her. Beautiful, magnificent
birds flapped their wings, twittering madly. Looming over her
was the tallest tree she had ever seen, with droplets glistening
on its leaves.

Slowly and steadily, the girl walked on, hesitating in case she
missed anything around her. A glimpse of silver made her
stop. She turned. Standing in a glade, just through the trees,
she saw... a unicorn.

Shivering with excitement, scarcely daring to breathe, the girl
slowly stretched out her hand. Could it be true? Could it be
that she had discovered the truth about the legend of the
unicorn?

Chloe B- 5J

The Shipwreck

The ship tossed and turned in the eye of the storm. I
heard a shrill scream and then realised it was me.

"Captain!" The sailors' voices echoed through the ship. All
around me, I saw fingers of lightning, colossal waves and
frantic running.

Frightened for my life and my fellow sailors, I clung to the
rope with all my might and ran, ducking beneath the
painful needles of rain. What could I do? The captain was
nowhere to be seen which left me in charge...

"Crew! To me!" I bellowed.
Reaching for the sail, I caught sight of the blind lightning.
BANG! The ship rolled from side to side and I knew I had to
think of others first. My heart beating as loud as a drum, I
struck an emergency flare, creating an orange flicker in the
air. I watched it soar upward with a heavy heart. Too little,
too late I told myself.
The pulse throbbing through my head grew louder and
louder. Suddenly, a huge wave picked the boat up. Above
us, an ominous moon grinned devilishly. Barrels rolled,
white foam sprayed and moss-green water hissed.
Sailors came rushing up, their faces blank with fright.
Rapidly, I emptied the floating barrels of their cargo and
gave each sailor one. Taking a deep breath, I rolled out of
the boat into the raging tumult of the sea.
Would this living nightmare ever end?

Talitha K - 5J

The Storm

The barnacles beneath me clung on hard as the waves
crashed against my old, crooked body. The crew trudged
on, miserable. Gazing up to the sky, I could sense a storm
brewing. I set off from the harbour; the treacherous
journey had begun.

Night fell. The fierce waves gushed towards me, fighting
back while I pushed forward. Lightning rained down like
knives, ripping my outstretched masts. I shivered with
fear... Could this be my last journey?

Suddenly, lightning hit the sea-bed, making it churn with
anger, covering every sign of life under its blanket of sand.
The sky's gloomy, grey clouds glared down at me.

Bitter salt forced its way between my cracks, seeping and
weeping into my hold. I felt heavy and weak. What was
happening? The cries and shouts of the crew above
echoed around me.

Monstrous waves battered hard against me, forcing my
body to become unstable. CRACK! My great mast crashed
down through the ocean's skin. The water shook and
shuddered as the mast fell down, down, down, out of sight.

Desperately, they tried to steer me away from the eye of
the storm but I could go no further. The current gripped
me tightly. I could not escape the grasp of the ocean...
What would happen to me?

Florence C - 5F

GOODBYE FOR
THE MOMENT

At night, we left while the moon was high,
Riding across the rusty tracks.
The only thing was you in my mind,
I thought of you smiling at the back,
Waving your hand to say goodbye.
I remembered, before going to bed,
Hearing your sweet lullaby.
Not being able to say thank you is my only regret.
You promised to stay beside me forever,
A promise I held deep in my heart.
I hope that when we meet again
We can smile and laugh,
Just like I remember.

And even now, as we are apart,
I'll never forget you, until we meet again.
"Goodbye for the moment!" I cry once more.

Sonia J - 6P

Goodbye for the moment,
But the time will come,
When we beat the opponent,
And we will have won.

I will take my ink, pen and paper
to write to you all,
And by the time I come home,
though I may seem tall,
Remember that I love you,
Through, through and through.

Jade H, 6P

The train chugs into the station,
It's now time to go
Why I have to leave,
Nobody knows.
Pack your little suitcase,
Fill it to the brim,
Memories of home and love,
All contained within.

So pack your little suitcase,
For now it's time to go.
Your little suitcase
Is a precious piece of home.

Naomi S, 6P

The Island

There weren't always three islands. Arden had once been
a place of harmony, where people and animals lived
together. But times change.

I was already rather old when the Great Split took place:
my scales, though still a blinding gleam of aquamarine,
were very slowly losing their shine; my feet no longer
pushed me through the water like a blade through snow;
I had to preserve my strength carefully.

The sky was grey and dull, not its usual periwinkle. I
should have taken that as an omen - that this day would
not be like the others. I circled round the luscious green
island of Arden. It was draped in colour, ready for
tonight's festival. Already, I could hear the humans
singing and, judging by the racket, some of the animals
had joined in too.

Without warning, their tuneless singing halted, replaced
by an ominous crack. What could that possibly be?
Perturbed, I shook my head, trying to tell myself that it
was nothing. I carried on my patrol, now fully awake and
alert, watching out for anything else suspicious.

Around late afternoon, I finished my patrol and, although

still pondering what that noise could be, it was no longer
a priority. Now, I decided, it was time for a hearty meal.
Competitively, the fish of the island offered up their
wares, each trying to outdo the rest. The result was an
ambrosial platter that was only fitting for a Guardian of
Arden: me.

Ten minutes later, the plate was clear and my stomach
was a balloon threatening to burst. Curling up my coils, I
lay down my head for a peaceful nap.

CRACK! BOOM!
I careered out of my cave in surprise, terrified of what I
might see.

Arden now had two clean cracks running straight through
it. Huge, grey, lifeless blocks protruded out through the
earth of the widest crack, and distorted machines were
pushing the land away into new territory.

Arden was split into three: The Hollow, The Door and
Nedra.

Furthermore, I, the Great Dragon, the Guardian and
Protector of Arden, had stood by and let it happen.

Juno P - 6P

At the height of Lockdown, an unexpected
snowfall at Hinchley Wood inspired the
following writing competition winners:

The snow was glistening

The sky was dark

The moon sat upon the dismal clouds

The plants were packages of hope

covered by aAfiedmlddelmaanlisictshteloedlybthbiteliozfzfoaobrtods.dteyptsext
The playing

trampling over the emerald green grass,

it missed the bottle green uniform and

most of all it missed the children fighting

for the ball in desperation to obtain a

goal.

The footpath was smothered in snow.

And as we speak, somewhere in this
wonderous world this is happening
again and again and again.

Clara P - 5F

The snow settles on the silent wood.
In the forest there is no sound:
The birds aren't flying in the air,
Not near the quiet Hinchley grounds.

There are no children playing sports,
They have all gone away.
There are no teachers either,
The snow is here to stay.

Silence lingers here now,

The sAqdudirraellsittalreebaistleoefpb, ody text

The badgers are not stirring,
The clouds as white as sheep.

The frost is stuck up on the trees,
The ice surrounds the house.
No movement in this place,
Still and silent as a mouse.

No whisper in the wind,
It's silent as can be.
You cannot hear a single sound,
Oh noise, rescue me!

Iyla S - 4K

Menacing silence swarms in as the snow begins to fall.
I cy breezes flood Hinchley Wood and start to drain

happy memories.

S olemn trees start to weep as the last of their leaves
abandon them.

S adness enters the bitter air that grieves over
happiness lost.

I n the lifeless wood, frightened animals hide away.

N obody interrupts the sickening silence of the bare
wood that once was filled with joyful girls.

G listening in the moonlight, the frozen lake lies still and
lonely, waiting for someone to break the silence.

Y ells echo as fun memories of the past.
O h, how happy memories surround our beloved

Hinchley Wood that we love with all of our hearts!

U nder all of the crisp snow lies a hope that the laughter
of girls will soon return.
Mia VA - 4H

One Thing Missing

Untouched, icy snow blankets the path,
But there is one thing missing:
Pupils' friendly footprints are missing.
Where are those eager faces,
Ready to score a goal, win a race?

Trees big and small,
Meeting to form an archway,
To shelter those joyful students.
Waiting for the sound of skipping
feet padding happily along the path.

But nonAedcdomaelsit.tle bit of body text

Acres of land, waiting to be trodden on,
Frosty snow covering sloping roofs.
Icicles hanging, water dripping
Drip, drip, drip.
But still, one thing is missing.

Balls waiting to be kicked,
Beanbags waiting to be thrown.
But still, one thing is missing.

Everything waiting,
But no joyful students,
No skipping feet padding up the snowy path...
Yet...

Maya P - 4K

Invitation

If you are a dreamer,
come in,
If you are a dreamer,
a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er,
a magic bean-buyer...
If you're a pretender,
come sit by my fire
For we have some
flax-golden tales to spin.

Come in!
Come in!

Shel Silverstein