Helen Wheeler – författare

A small, grey mouse called Gwinnie lives in a meadow in a house built by her mum and dad, Billy and Bel. Bel is unwell and away in hospital so Billy keeps Gwinnie’s spirits up with plenty of activity and fun. One day Gwinnie wonders why she can’t fly like birds do and Billy suggests they go into the workshop where they make a magnificent aeroplane. Finally, they paint it Gwinnie’s favourite colour – a gorgeous red.But the plane has no engine. It won’t be dirty, noisy or smelly but how will it fly? All they need are their flying clothes and plenty of imagination. · Gwinnie’s friend, Mustardseed, a fairy from nearby buttercup meadow, turns up and they all take off to a faraway land. There they meet another friend, Zinnie the Witch, as she whizzes through the sky. They round off the day by having tea together at Gwinnie’s house, then Mustardseed and Zinnie fly off into the night. Gwinnie is sad to see them go but looks forward to the next day when she will send mum pictures and a letter describing the wonderful time they all had.

Getting parents involved in the learning of their young children in early years settings is critical: children learn from everything they experience, wherever they are and whoever they are with. The greater the continuity between home and setting, and the richer the learning environment in both, the more children will benefit.This full-colour book provides accessible guidance for practitioners, explaining why parents need to be involved, what can prevent parental involvement, how to build respectful relationships, and how to ensure that involvement is a two-way process. It features practice examples for working with children and their families and provides ideas for those embarking upon new projects.