It’s been an interesting and entertaining journey so far on children’s hour. I had hoped that by giving children a platform during these times of a global pandemic, it might help them to connect with each other and the people in their lives. As far as what was sent in, I had no idea what to expect. I am delighted to see wildlife feature, among other things.
As a fiction writer, I spend much of my time thinking about different perspectives. In building characters, worlds, and cultures, viewpoint and empathy are everything.
Perspectives…
Today’s entry by Jacob puts a clever spin on things.
Imagine it, a sunny day, a sandy beach, but, like a scene from Jaws, something lurks beneath the waves.
Firstly, we have the shark’s perspective, looking out from the sea for an unsuspecting victim. Then we have a newspaper article, warning holiday makers of the pending danger. But will they listen?
Shark!!
By Jacob Stiles, age 10, from Cardiff, Wales, UK
The shark says:
“There I am, basking in the sun, watching the people take off their clothes. I seem to take no notice. I wait and wait. You’ll think I’m asleep. Then if you come too near, I throw my body about and you can see my enormous black back and my spectacular white stomach and you’ll encounter my menacing bite!”
Local newspaper reads:
“Today, a treacherous shark was spotted scouring the beach of Barry, and bit a child. The police showed up and they captured the shark and the boy is safe. It waits until you’re undressed. He seems to take no notice, as if he were asleep. After this warning, you’ll stay away from this treacherous fish!”
Jacob’s list of words to describe a shark: threatening, treacherous, savage, wild, vicious and territorial.
Thank you Jacob for sharing your very interesting story, and your wonderful picture. I had no idea that the town of Barry on the south coast of Wales was such a dangerous place – yikes!!
