Valerie Bloom

writer and performance poet

Ashlyn performs “Pet Shop”!

We loved this video of 11-year-old Ashlyn Tombs from Zimbabwe performing “Pet Shop” with great style and energy for her National Eisteddfod! “Pet Shop” is one of the poems included in Jaws and Claws and Things with Wings and we’re delighted that Ashlyn chose to recite it for her entry. Well done, Ashlyn and good luck! Reproduced with permission.

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Rhymes and Rhythms in Bonny Scotland

On 27 November I had the privilege of working with Roger McGough on a BBC Scotland live recording, Rhymes and Rhythms. We had a brilliant time sharing our poetry with an enthusiastic audience of 5-7 year-old pupils, and the organisers, the Scottish Book Trust have created a set of learning resources for teachers. These are available on their website free of charge; and I’ve linked to a couple below.

Wishing everyone a peaceful run-up to the end-of-year break!

Learning resources

Watch the event

Clips from the event (via the BBC Scotland Learning website)

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