World Book Day is almost here, and maybe you are looking for ideas and inspiration for a World Book Day theme. Have you thought about a mining theme for World Book Day? We have compiled a list of children’s books with a mining theme if you are looking for some inspiration.
1. The Last Coal Miner by Alfie Joey – Alfie Joey is a well-loved comedian, artist and DJ in the North East of England, but did you know he was also a children’s author? Thornley raised Alfie, brought the story of coal mining to life for children ages 7-11 and reflects on the history and heritage that shaped communities forever. You can purchase The Last Coal Miner through Alfie’s website by clicking here. (if you reference you saw this post, Alfie will sign the copy for you).
We were delighted to welcome Alfie to Redhills in 2021 as part of the Bright Ideas Gathering; you can see his video below:
2. Polonius the Pit Pony by Richard O’Neill – This story is based on a real-life experience of the pit at Langley Park in the 1960s. When Polonius the pit pony escapes from the coal mine he’s worked in all his life, he joins a family of Travelers. Although he enjoys the freedom and the fresh air that their lifestyle offers, he wishes he could give something back to the family in return. When the chance arrives for him to do something to help, he rises to the challenge and uses his intelligence and skills to save the day. For readers aged between 4 and 7. Polonius the Pit Pony is the Little Read 2022 for Durham Book Festival, of which there was a family reading workshop with Christina Castling at Bishop Town Hall on Sat 25 Feb 2023.
3. Out of the Deeps by Anne Laurel Carter – A book with an international perspective, Savino had to quit school when he was twelve to work and help his family. In Out of the Deeps, Savino spends his first day at the mine working alongside his father and Nelson, his father’s pit pony. When Savino’s headlamp goes out deep into the coal mine, Nelson leads Savino out of danger. In 1944 the miners received their first paid holiday and insisted that their pit ponies receive a week’s holiday too. In Out of the Deeps, Anne Laurel Carter captures a boy’s first day at work in the mines and a special pit pony’s first glimpse of daylight.