‘Rats with brains. Rats who can think. Rats who don’t turn and run. Rats who aren’t afraid of dark or fire or noises or traps or poison.’ A Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents takes the idea of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and flips it on its head. … Read more
Five Limbs, Five Facts: Red howler monkeys live across South America in rainforests, deciduous woodlands and mangrove swamps. These New World monkeys (monkeys that live in North and South America) live for around 18 years. Unlike humans, red howlers frown when happy and smile when upset. Like some other monkeys, red howlers have a prehensile … Read more
The only children’s book by Robert Browning, The Pied Piper of Hamelin is illustrated by Kate Greenaway. Compared to the tale’s original recording, Browning’s narrative poem was written fairly recently: the legend first appeared in a church window around 1300 AD and this version of the story was written in 1842. The Pied Piper of … Read more
General Facts: Red kites, Milvus milvus, can be found in woodland, grassland and heathland. Despite being apex predators and being at the top of the food chain, red kites feed on scavenged carrion, invertebrates and small mammals. While buzzards have a wingspan of 109-140cm, red kites have a wingspan of around 185cm. They also weigh … Read more
‘The next moment the big motor cruiser was round the bend, bearing down on them, towering above them…’ The fifth in the Swallows and Amazons series, Coot Club is by Arthur Ransome. This book includes sailing terms but provides definitions. Coot Club also includes two maps: one for the Northern rivers of the Norfolk Broads … Read more
Are you looking for a new hobby? You should try fictional reading. If you want a good way to relax, reading is perfect. A story can transport your mind to a different world, where your worries vanish. You don’t have to, but I find reading even more relaxing with classical music on in the background. … Read more
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is easily my favourite film. This if the fourth film based on the seven-book series by J.K. Rowling. One feature of this film I enjoyed was the powerful character of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, two schools for witches and wizards. Beauxbatons have a graceful personality, arriving at Hogwarts in … Read more
Yesterday, we went on a walk that guided us through southern Clumber. Our starting point was the grand clocktower that was equipped with golden hands and Roman numerals. This tower was directly above an archway, adding to its majesty. From here, we followed the lake towards Clumber Bridge, passing the stone Clumber Grotto and brick … Read more
Today, we completed one of several walks around Clumber Park, The Bluebell Woods of Clumber. Our journey began walking through Hardwick Village until we reached a war memorial. Here, we entered a woodland of old oaks. As we neared the younger wood, the path was forged by bluebells. Leaving the woodland behind, we followed a … Read more
Midday, Dusk and Midnight,The forms of Lycanroc, the Wolf Pokémon. Midday, a mushroom taupe,A mane of white fur and stone blades.A mighty howl and bushy tail.Rock Slide and Accelerock. Dusk, a perfect orange,A mane of white fur and a pointed stone arc.Emerald-green eyes and a Midday Tail.Accelerock and stone edge. Midnight, a dark crimson biped,A … Read more