Guo Yue and Clare Farrow Workshop
The Children’s Bookshow allocates four free workshops for schools who attend a related theatre performance.
In their workshop, Yue and Clare talk to the children about the story of Little Leap Forward (the characters, the illustrations, the events that happen and the choices that the characters make), the real history that inspired it (the Cultural Revolution in China, which began in 1966), and they also ask children to think about the themes of the story (nature, loss of freedom, friendship, love, compassion, creativity) in relation to their own lives and dreams. The children participate actively in terms of reading passages out loud, making their own kites (cutting, drawing, writing), learning to write ‘Kite’ in Chinese, and dressing up in Chinese costumes from the 1960s. So there is a balance between learning and doing.
- Suitable for:
- Years 4, 5 and 6
It was an incredible way to learn about history – to have someone who actually lived through the time who could share not only what happened but also how it affected people. It was really inspiring for the children to see such a talented author and musician. Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience. We feel extremely privileged to have had Guo Yue and Clare Farrow in our school.
What you need to know
- Length of workshop:
- Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
- Location of workshop:
- We will come to your school
- Number of children:
- Workshops are for a class of 30 children
- Suitable for:
- Years 4, 5 and 6
Please note, a teacher must be present throughout the workshop
Materials needed
- Flipchart or whiteboard
- Pens and paper for the children
Book a related theatre performance to be eligible for one of four free workshops
This workshop is allocated to a school attending a specific theatre performance with 30 or more children; visit the performance page to find out more and book:
Are these performances not in your area? See a list of all our events
About Clare Farrow & Guo Yue
Guo Yue was born in 1958 in Beijing, China. One of six children, and the son of a violinist, he grew up in a traditional courtyard. In 1982 he came to study the silver flute at the Guildhall School of Music, London. As a musician, Yue has travelled extensively, making recordings and playing on film soundtracks (including The Last Emperor).
Clare Farrow, a freelance arts writer, met Yue in 1994. Their first book Music, Food and Love was published in 2006. Little Leap Forward is their first book for children. Clare has curated the exhibition Childhood Recollections: Memory in Design on the theme of childhood, which was shown at the Roca London Gallery in 2015, and most recently, Timber Rising: Vertical Visions for the Cities of Tomorrow.
Previous workshops with Clare Farrow & Guo Yue
On the day
- Please inform your school receptionist that our artist will be arriving so they can be welcomed warmly.
- A teacher must be present throughout the workshop.
- Make sure that all the materials that our artist has requested are ready and available.
- Please let us know if any of the children have particular requirements, and ensure that their normal carer is present.
- The offer of a cup of tea is often greatly appreciated!
Have any questions? Get in touch
Your contact for this performance is Jo Daley, she will be happy to answer any queries you have:
- jodaley@thechildrensbookshow.com
- Phone
- 07769 216493