About 'Orion: a story of courage and bravery'
R J Frazer wrote the story of Orion: a story of courage and bravery while teaching in a classroom of children aged 8 - 9. Originally written as the model text in the genre of fables, Orion was known as the "Baby Owl" who learned how to fly the nest.
With the National Curriculum for English in mind, the story uses all expected literary devices that a Year 4 pupil will be learning about such as similes, metaphor, personification and fronted adverbials.
While the "Baby Owl" was a hit in class, leading to some excellent fables from the children themselves, R J Frazer went on to illustrate the book so he could share the tale with others in and out of a school setting.
When it came to publishing, the main character received the name "Orion" due to his ability to hunt, a trait that was shared with the constellation "Orion the Hunter". This link to the constellations pathed the way for other fables to join the series.
Orion
Book 1 -
Orion: A Story of courage and bravery
Orion is a happy little owl who lives with his big brother and small sister. The family are kept fed and warm by brave, strong and cunning Mother owl.
One day, Mother owl stops returning to the nest and nervous Orion is met with his first problem – surviving on his own. It’s a big, scary world when you’re not so sure you’re grown-up enough.
Will he find the courage to leave the nest?
Arctos
Book 2 -
Arctos: A story of respect and responsibility
Arctos is a little bear who spends his first winter alone – this should mean that he is all grown-up and responsible, and can look after himself.
But he keeps putting off the jobs he really doesn’t feel like doing and disrespecting his neighbour, who is only trying to help him. When autumn turns into winter, he realises he’s made a big mistake.
Will he make it through the harsh winter?
Vix
Book 3 -
Vix: A story of truth and honesty
Vix is a very happy fox. She should have everything that she wants but, as the nights get colder, she needs to find a way to keep herself warm.
The city is dangerous for foxes and she has been told not to leave the safety of the park.
What should Vix do to stay warm?
Sammy
Book 4 -
Sammy: A story of determination and resilience
Sammy the squirrel is very smart; he can always remember where he leaves his caches. Sammy always keeps his food stores topped up with seeds and nuts.
But on this particular day, Sammy finds one of his hiding spots bare. Searching all over the woods, he becomes more and more hungry.
What will Sammy do about finding more food?