Books and reading - foundation

Teacher and pupil

Designed to nurture a love of reading from the very start, our workshops transform beloved books and early literacy topics into magical, movement-filled adventures. Through drama, music, storytelling and imaginative play, young children step inside the world of familiar stories and characters, exploring tales like The Gruffalo, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Dear Zoo, and more.

Led by DBS-checked professionals and aligned with the EYFS framework, each one-hour session helps children develop communication, listening and language skills while building confidence and creativity through joyful, book-based play.

Please email [email protected] for the full list of books we focus on but here is a snapshot of our most popular!

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JULIA DONALDSON STORIES
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THE TIGER THAT CAME TO TEA
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THE GRUFFALO
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THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
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THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN
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JACK & THE BEANSTALK
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THREE BILLY GOAT'S GRUFF
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LAURA'S STAR

Julia Donaldson stories

around the world in text

Soar through the skies on a magical broomstick in this interactive storytelling adventure inspired by the beloved books of Julia Donaldson! Children will meet iconic characters like the Gruffalo, Zog and Tiddler as they journey through jungles, oceans and deep dark woods.

With drama, song, imaginative play and a whole lot of fun, this workshop brings favourite stories to life in the most theatrical way. Perfect for sparking a love of books and building early communication skills. Children will:

  • Join a magical adventure led by the Witch from Room on the Broom
  • Meet and become characters from Julia Donaldson's most loved stories
  • Use their imaginations to create wild stories, just like Tiddler the fish
  • Join in original songs and playful movement games to build confidence and collaboration

Learning objectives:

  • Develop confidence in storytelling, performance, and imaginative roleplay
  • Build listening and turn-taking skills through structured drama games
  • Explore familiar book characters through movement, voice and song

Curriculum links:

  • EYFS & KS1 English: Storytelling, sequencing, listening & speaking
  • PSHE: Empathy, collaboration and expressing feelings
  • Drama & Music: Roleplay, rhythm, character movement, group song

To find out how to book, click here.

The tiger who came to tea by Judith Kerr

pre historic britain

Step into the cosy kitchen from Judith Kerr's classic tale in this delightful and imaginative drama workshop! Children help Sophie?s mummy prepare a delicious tea party, but who could be at the door?

With games, roleplay and a very hungry tiger, this workshop is packed with giggles, surprises and storytelling magic. Through interactive drama, children will:

  • Pretend to bake cakes, make sandwiches and set the table for tea
  • React and improvise as the unexpected guest arrives at the door
  • Create imaginative "silly sandwiches" and act out key scenes from the story
  • Practice using expressive voice and movement as they become tigers, bakers and dinner guests

Learning objectives:

  • Build confidence in storytelling, characterisation and improvisation
  • Develop turn-taking, listening and expressive language skills
  • Engage in imaginative play to retell and reimagine a familiar story

Curriculum links:

  • EYFS & KS1 English: Spoken language, sequencing, storytelling
  • PSHE: Empathy, turn-taking, manners and imaginative problem-solving
  • Drama: Roleplay, character response, voice and physical expression

To find out how to book, click here.

The Gruffalo

black history

Deep in the deep dark wood, a brave little mouse is off on a clever adventure, can your class come too? Led by a friendly Park Ranger, children will journey through the forest, meet talking animals and even come face to face with a Gruffalo!

This joyful, physical workshop brings Julia Donaldson's classic tale to life with song, character play, and interactive storytelling. Perfect for building confidence and imagination in younger learners. Children will:

  • Join a guided woodland adventure with the Park Ranger and help search for the Gruffalo
  • Act out woodland animals using Character Commands (Mouse, Snake, Owl, Fox, Gruffalo!)
  • Re-enact emotional moments in the story using movement and expression
  • Sing and perform the Gruffalo Song, ending with a dramatic Gruffalo chase!

Learning objectives:

  • Develop role-play and storytelling skills through structured improvisation
  • Express emotions and reactions through voice, movement and facial expression
  • Collaborate as a group to explore characters, setting and sequence

Curriculum links:

  • English (EYFS/KS1): Developing language and communication through storytelling and drama
  • PSHE: Building confidence, teamwork, and emotional expression
  • Drama: Exploring character, voice, and movement in performance

To find out how to book, click here.

The very hungry caterpillar

Toys

A magical, movement-filled workshop based on the beloved story by Eric Carle. Children join a storyteller on a colourful adventure through the life of a very hungry caterpillar. Along the way, they transform into tiny eggs, wriggling caterpillars, cosy cocoons and beautiful butterflies.

Packed with music, character roleplay and imaginative games, this is a joyful introduction to minibeasts and storytelling. Through interactive drama, children will:

  • Travel through the lifecycle of a butterfly using movement and roleplay
  • Explore symmetry through mirror work as butterfly wings
  • Use drama games to reinforce sequencing, days of the week and food types
  • Participate in group storytelling and imaginative play

Learning objectives:

  • To understand and sequence the lifecycle of a butterfly
  • To explore symmetrical movement through drama and partner work
  • To recall and retell key parts of a story through performance

Curriculum links:

  • KS1 Science- Animals, including humans; Lifecycles and Minibeasts
  • KS1 English- Story sequencing, retelling, vocabulary development
  • EYFS/KS1 Drama & PSHE- Communication, teamwork, listening and responding

To find out how to book, click here.

The smartest giant in town

Great Fire

Join our storyteller from Once Upon a Time Land and step into a world where kindness is king and giants give away their socks! This magical workshop brings the story of George the Giant to life through movement, song, role-play and interactive storytelling.

Children help the Giant shop for smart clothes, meet animal friends in need, and discover the joy of giving. They will:

  • Travel to 'Once Upon a Time Land' and meet the Smartest Giant in Town
  • Become animals from the story using movement, sound, and emotion
  • Help solve problems creatively through teamwork and imaginative play
  • Learn and perform a fun, rhythmic 'Giant Rap'

Learning objectives:

  • Explore emotions and empathy through story-based role-play
  • Practise expressive movement, voice and characterisation
  • Understand the theme of kindness and helping others

Curriculum links:

  • EYFS & KS1 PSHE -Friendship, emotions, empathy, kindness
  • KS1 English- Speaking & listening, storytelling, rhyme
  • KS1 Drama- Character work, improvisation, performance

To find out how to book, click here.

Jack & the beanstalk

School teacher

Climb up into a magical world of giants, golden geese, and silly sandwiches in this lively reimagining of a classic fairy tale.

With music, movement, role-play and rich storytelling, children become part of Jack's epic adventure, helping him climb the beanstalk, sneak past the giant and discover treasures beyond their wildest dreams! Through interactive drama, children will:

  • Learn and perform character commands for Jack, Daisy the Cow, the Giant and more
  • Play imaginative movement games like Beans and the Giant's Toyshop
  • Create a growing beanstalk using their bodies and teamwork
  • Sing themed songs and invent their own 'silly sandwiches' to trick the Giant

Learning objectives:

  • Explore traditional storytelling through voice, gesture and movement
  • Develop confidence, coordination and creativity through role-play
  • Practise turn-taking, listening, and group performance skills

Curriculum links:

  • KS1 English: Traditional Tales, Drama and Speaking & Listening
  • PSHE: Problem solving, empathy, safety and friendship
  • EYFS Communication & Language: Speaking, Understanding and Imaginative Play

To find out how to book, click here.

Three billy goat's gruff

ww1

Join our bold storyteller on a trip-trapping adventure into the classic fairy tale Three Billy Goats Gruff. This highly interactive drama workshop takes EYFS children on a journey full of trolls, bridges, bubbling rivers and clever goats!

With character commands, vocal games, physical storytelling and even a troll rap, children will laugh, leap and learn as they find their way to the green, green grass. Through interactive drama, children will:

  • Take part in imaginative roleplay as goats, trolls, bridges, and even clouds
  • Practise movement and coordination through action songs and assault courses
  • Develop vocal confidence by tricking the troll with disguised voices
  • Create their own ideas and solutions to overcome obstacles in the story

Learning objectives:

  • To retell and sequence a familiar traditional tale through movement and roleplay
  • To explore feelings and decision-making in characters using vocal and physical expression
  • To participate in collaborative games that build confidence, focus and storytelling skills

Curriculum links:

  • EYFS Communication & Language: Retelling and responding to familiar stories
  • EYFS Physical Development: Movement and gross motor skills through drama games
  • EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional Development: Building confidence, turn-taking and empathy

To find out how to book, click here.

Laura's Star

Teacher and pupil

Step into a sparkly story world where stars fall from the sky and friendships light up the night! In this magical drama workshop inspired by Laura's Star by Klaus Baumgart, children help Laura care for a fallen star, explore their emotions, and learn what it means to be a true friend.

Through imaginative play, music and movement, we explore themes of kindness, bravery, and letting go. Children will:

  • Embark on a storytelling adventure led by a colourful Storyteller
  • Explore emotions through movement and character-based games
  • Join Laura on an imaginative journey to find her missing star
  • Celebrate kindness and friendship with music, dance and drama

Learning objectives:

  • Develop confidence in expressing emotions through movement and voice
  • Explore empathy and the concept of friendship
  • Work collaboratively to solve problems and tell a shared story

Curriculum links:

  • EYFS Expressive Arts & Design: Being imaginative and expressive
  • EYFS PSED: Building relationships; managing feelings and behaviour
  • English & Drama: Listening, responding and participating in storytelling

To find out how to book, click here.