FArTHER

Product Information

This illustration would be perfect for discussing with a class at the time of remembrance day and why it is we wear poppies in a very sensitive way. It could be used as a starting point for pieces of writing, either following on the story or by taking an image and creating a different story.

I think this is a great discussion piece if you want some higher level questioning in your classroom. Close inspection of the text and illustrations provides subtle links to World War One and ancient Greece, in particular the story of Icarus, as well as strong links to the DT curriculum. After reading the book I felt that the word 'farther' was perhaps used to mirror the father's desire to escape and be free, as well as the fact that he actually does leave when he goes to war.

It is beautifully designed with a wealth of detail, conveying dark emotions, storms of war and weather, and a powerful sense of loss and bereavement. Much later, the boy, now a young man finds himself drawn once more to his father's drawings and failed experiments.

I really like that this books pulls in a new theory of passes dreams back and forth and it makes for a beautifully articulated tale of a father and son. Poetic prose woven between beautifully intricate pictures makes this an irresistible, thought provoking read. A sumptuous and eye-catching book from the outside, which doesn't disappoint when opened to reveal a stunningly illustrated and very touching story. I would recommend this book for year 4 literacy classes and I would say it would be an excellent text to use in a creative writing class. While I enjoyed reading it myself, I have bought it to share with the children I teach in upper Key Stage 2.The father is far from perfect and gets swept up in his dreams, and even forgets about his son at times.