Award-winning children’s book illustrator Jane Ray visited Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Battersea on Friday, February 24th.

The visit was part of a project called “Reading the Way” run by the not-for-profit organisation Outside In World.

The project involves using accessible and inclusive books from around the world and UK authors/illustrators to inspire discussion, activity and good practice in the UK.

The children were introduced to illustrator Jane Ray, and in particular her book Zeraffa Giraffa. 

Zeraffa Giraffa is a picture book, published by Frances Lincoln and written by Diane Hoffmeyr, based on the true story of a giraffe who was sent from Egypt as a present to the King of France. 

Inspired by the book, the children have now spent six weeks using it as a basis for a vast range of giraffe-related activities. They also used a collection of accessible and inclusive books identified by Outside In World (OIW) to help explore different ways of making Zeraffa accessible to different audiences.

The activity included non-fiction report writing (learning about giraffes and their habitat), writing instructions for transporting giraffes, creating their own stories, making puppets, masks and using props.  

Jane Ray and OIW’s Alexandra Strick spent a morning discussing the project with the children, hearing their stories and admiring their creations.

The school also made a version of the book supported by symbols, making the book more accessible for those with communication difficulties. The children also held an assembly on the book and made two giant giraffes, including a grown-up Zeraffa and a ‘baby’ Zeraffa (in background in photo).

Article supplied by Alexandra Strick