The Note in the Library Book

Reading together

This story is designed for shared reading in Year 3. It is not a formally assessed independent reading level. An adult can model fluent reading, revisit sentences and invite children to join in. Read at the child’s pace. Children can listen, point, gesture, sign or join in with familiar words. Joining in is optional.

Before reading

Look at the title and cover. Introduce the characters and setting. Explore these five words with pictures, actions and familiar examples: harbour, crooked, caption, folder, deliberately. Invite a prediction about what might happen.

During reading

Use Talk Together for a prompt on each page. Pause to compare what characters say with what they might feel. Invite predictions, look for evidence in the words and pictures, then read on to check. Notice how dialogue, small actions and humour reveal character.

After reading

Retell the mystery using the note, photograph and finished harbour as your three clues. Explain what each clue revealed and why Hana recorded the names at the end. Discuss who helped and how the characters might feel. Accept different personal responses.

Narrative map

Character

Hana and Theo, librarian Ms Bell and Mr Carter.

Setting

A library over several visits.

Problem

A mysterious note refers to an unfinished harbour.

First attempt

The children inspect the sketch but cannot identify its writer.

New action

Photographs lead them to Mr Carter, and they make a new display together.

Resolution and ending

The harbour is finished, with a new note recording everyone’s names.

Activities with an adult

The eleven separate question cards include recall, word meaning, feelings, simple “why” questions and discussion. Read the questions and choices aloud and offer picture support. Explore five vocabulary words, build them from movable letters and order three story pictures. Invite children to say the word, notice its letters and build it; offer letter and sound support where needed. Mouse dragging, finger dragging, tap controls and keyboard controls are available. Use the light green and red feedback as a chance to look at the story again.

Choose a few activities at a time, according to the child’s interest. Use large play blocks, drawings or gestures to act out the story together.