It's Only Pretend
Oliver really wants to play a princess in Ariana’s story. He stops, confused, when some of the other boys laugh. But when Noah, the new boy, refuses to take any notice of the laughter, Oliver discovers that there is another way...
This beautifully illustrated story book explores a common situation that arises for children and teachers taking part in Helicopter Stories and allows the children to explore their feelings in a sensitive and supportive environment. The story is accompanied by teacher’s notes on how to use the book with young children along with questions and discussion prompts that can be incorporated into the curriculum.
In a class where Helicopter Stories take place on a regular basis, It’s Only Pretend explores issues around gender that might come up in story acting. It is part of the Helicopter Stories Tale series, a valuable and visually captivating resource for all Early Years educators using storytelling and story acting with their children.
Trisha Lee is a writer, theatre director and storyteller. She was the first to pioneer Helicopter Stories in the UK and she founded the theatre and education company MakeBelieve Arts in 2002.
Amie Taylor is a writer and artist. She founded her shadow puppetry and illustration company ‘The Shadow Makers’ in 2013 and now delivers workshops and projects in creating shadow work and illustration.