World Book Day by Adrian Scerri
Libraries are notorious for austere silence. There might be the occasional whisper of students peering over busy pages. But one does not expect the whoop whoop of little Indians or a lion’s roar.
But that is exactly how World Book Day celebrations began at St. Patrick’s. The venue: the school library with its jungle theme. The stars of the show: definitely Year 6 and their two coaches, Ms Susanna Callus and Ms Dorothy Singh.
The day started with Ms Singh giving us useful information about books, the kind of information that one finds in the first pages and which we adults skip impatiently – unless we need to quote the book.
Then year 6 hopped in and gave us a rendition of various old English nursery rhymes. Ms Singh, who animated the show, added an anthropological twist if you will, by telling us of the origins of some of the rhymes.
They stopped for a costume change but the show didn’t. Form 2 stepped in with stories they had written for the occasion. I must say that there were glints in adults’ eyes for the stories very often mirrored the boys’ turbulent lives, and for us who know them, their clumsy words were more eloquent than polished verse. Form 1 then treated us to some book reviews seen from children’s eyes. Some of the audience were then lucky enough to be called and interviewed on their own favourite books. Interestingly, this sparked off a discussion later on how difficult it is to choose a favourite book.
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Next, a mini tribute to George Bernard Shaw with an abridged version of Androcles and the Lion. Johann Muscat, in jacket and tie, narrated. Aiden Bouvet, was the cruel tyrant, complete in flowing robes of state. As befits all tyrants, he was well protected by a heavily armoured guard in the shape of Daniel Schembri. Androcles was tiny Randall in a white tunic. The lion, in full costume and painted face, was Roderick Said, with full sound effects (the same boy who had the staff peering out of windows for a non-existing police car).
But the highlight of the show was yet to come. Year 6 had also written their own books, spun and weaved on computer software, with illustrations and background music. With their own limited vocabulary, the boys managed to produce a story with a plot. There was the lonely boy who sought, and found a family to look after him. We had the king who despised rich women and marries the poor maid. There were two Westerns; the lone cowboy who becomes the best of his kind and the Indian chief who must protect his tribe from drought and wolves. We also had the true story of a walk in the park with the dog that turned into a very wet adventure as the dog decided to go duck-hunting. The truth can be vouched by those who were present at San Anton gardens on that fateful day!
The event came to an end with a little quiz and treats for the audience. Later, I attended the Year 6 cast party, proud to be part of a team that has achieved so much. For one way or another, all the school staff is involved.
One might wonder what the fuss is about. Well, let’s put it bluntly. The children in question came to St Patrick’s barely able to read. To think of one day hearing them reading in English was a dream. To actually hear them read their own work is a miracle.
