Voices in the Park

We've been reading Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne this week, and doing some drama and writing linked to the book.

Here's Anthony Browne himself:

We've looked at how Anthony Browne's drawings of places are often metaphors for people and their feelings. For instance in these two illustrations:

On the left, dad and Smudge are going to the park; on the right they're coming back. Here's some examples of what we wrote about the change:

He had been exhausted, but now he was exultant! Smudge had been joyful with her dad. What had been sad paintings were now alive and in love! What had been a lamppost was now a glorious flower. What had been dark windows were now colourful, different-shaped windows. What had been a poor beggar dressed as Santa was now a brilliant ballet dancer.

Pablo

He had been gloomy, but now he was blissful! Smudge had made him happy by telling him jokes. What had been a lamppost was now a flower.

Ryan

He had been gloomy, but now he was on top of the world! Smudge had cheered him up because she had noticed that he was depressed. What had been paintings were now dancing, laughing people. What had been a lamppost was now an exotic white flower. What had been limp, lifeless trees were now healthy and sturdy, with small, bright flowers (or lights). What had been dull, grey flats were now sleek, clean apartments. Instead of a broken heart, a little reddish heart was painted on the wall. Instead of sad, poor people, the street was filled with cheerful chuckling citizens!

Mimi

He had been miserable, but now he was joyful. Smudge had told him jokes. The street was joyful and happy. It was clean now. Santa had all of the things he wanted. The paintings were smiling and had come out of their pictures now. They were dancing. What had been a lamppost was now a flower. What had been a broken heart was now whole. The puddle of tears was gone. Santa was dancing ballet and the paintings were dancing tango. The trees were happy and had leaves coming.

Clara

He had been dragged down with gloom, but now he was blissful. Smudge had been talking to Charles and had told him all about it. Instead of lamppost, a giant flower sprouted up. The branches of the trees were standing as straight as the Queen now.

Maia

He had been bored, but now he was joyful. Smudge had told him rhymes. Smudge had been talking happily with him. Dad was smiling and the whole street seemed to be smiling too! The trees had lights now. They were happy.

Fernando

He had been miserable, but now he was exultant. Smudge had made dad the happiest man in the world! In the town all was covered with bright colours. The lamppost was in flower. King Kong was smiling at the top of the building. Father Christmas was ballet dancing. The Mona Lisa was dancing with the Laughing Cavalier. The trees were not falling down any more. There was no rubbish all over the floor. The heart was filled up.

Gustavo

He had been feeling down, but now he was feeling up! What had been a broken heart was now a love heart. Smudge had told him jokes. What had been bent trees were now sprouting trees. What had been a gloomy building was now colourful. What had been a sorrowful lamppost was now a sprouting flower.

What had been a miserable town was now amazing!

Penny

He had been grim, but now he was exultant! Smudge had been happy, yet she had been sad that her dad was gloomy. She had spoke to him to make him blissful. It was night time, yet it was a lot happier.

Jacques