An illustrated chapter book is a longer fictional text with illustrations to support and develop understanding.

Form is the way that a text can be presented.

A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

Developing an understanding of 'Varjak Paw' through rich discussions

English

Developing responses to 'Varjak Paw' through rich discussions

In Varjak Paw: book club’, pupils explored a linear narrative plot. In ’El Deafo: book club’, pupils will explore a graphic novel text and develop their understanding of plot in another form.

In  ’Swallow's Kiss: book club’, pupils discussed characterisation and themes. In ’Varjak Paw: book club’, pupils will develop this knowledge and deepen their understanding of the range of ways characters and themes can be conveyed.

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the illustrated chapter book 'Varjak Paw'. They will share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of hope, identity and self-discovery. Finally, pupils will engage in rich discussions, making connections and recommendations.

'Varjak Paw': book club

a longer fictional text with illustrations

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

Match the following keywords with their definitions.

caring about someone and helping each other out

not being the same as someone or something else

sticking by someone's side and being there for them no matter what

Match the theme with its most suitable definition.

Varjak climbs the tree and heads off on a dangerous journey to the city

Varjak meets Tam and Holly who feel sorry for him

Varjak frees the cats captured by the Gentlemen

Order the following events in the order that they occur in the text.

frequent illustrations throughout the text

Which of the following are features of an illustrated chapter book?

True or False? Illustrations have to always show what is written by the author.

a person responsible for crafting the words that make up a text

a person responsible for creating the pictures or artwork that make up a text

a person who translates a text from one language into another

True or False? Illustrated chapter books contain both words and illustrations.

Which of these are features of fiction texts?

Developing an understanding of 'Varjak Paw' through rich discussions

Lesson outcome