Yes – the programme and resources have been developed in consultation with a SEND music education specialist. The video learning resources and concert film will include British Sign Language interpretation, optional subtitles, and accompanying Boardmaker resources. I was saddened to read that there has been ‘a spate of attempts around the world to remove titles depicting gay or transgender characters from library shelves’ (The Guardian, January 2019). Why do you think children’s books that explore the lives of gay and transgender characters and present a variety of relationships are still so important? The endpapers provide fox facts and all the places of interest along the route. This wonderful illustration posed quite a challenge for illustrator, James Mayhew, as he painstakingly recreated each side street and landmark to accurately represent the bus route from Islington to Hyde Park. Fans of Mayhew’s hugely successful and utterly delightful Katie books (including Katie In Londonand Katie’s London Christmas) will be delighted with this new journey through the capital. Unfortunately, the programme is only open to schools. We would encourage you to share the programme with your child’s teacher/school and ask them to consider registering. Lucy Drever will host two live sessions online in advance of the concert! Expect fun and games, links to the resources, what to expect from the concert and some special RSNO guests.

This year, the programme is going digital! Join us for Gaspard’s Foxtrot– a digital concert experience featuring the popular children’s book character, Gaspard the Fox. Narrated by author Zeb Soanes and presented by animateur Lucy Drever, the orchestral tale follows Gaspard accidentally boarding a bus to London and exploring the sights, sounds and smells of the city before trying to find his way home. What is it like seeing your story illustrated with such beautiful, warm artwork by James Mayhew? What was your working relationship like? What do you think James’s illustrations add to the story? This session is repeated – you do not need to attend both.) Gaspard’s Foxtrot in Concert release: Monday 10May Gaspard remains a ‘he’ in the series of books, and in the first one, we follow in Gaspard as he embarks on his first adventure, meeting neighbourhood cat Peter (aka Fluffy – to his horror) and Finty, the feisty escapee dog, on her way. He discovers the delights of leftovers from a festival on the canal, and glows in the friendship offered by other local animals who, contrary to popular belief, don’t really seem to mind foxes all that much. It is easy to see why, in James Mayhew’s sensitive and delightful illustrations, which capture Gaspard’s unique personality so well. Who could not fall in love with such a beautiful fox? The National Schools Concert Programme is developed in line with the Curriculum for Excellence and aims to benefit pupils and teachers by:

Do you think Gaspard and his friends will return in a sequel? Do you think your childhood tortoise, Fred, might make an appearance? James used a deliberately limited colour palate for his illustrations so there are lots of reds and oranges. ‘The kind man on the bicycle’ cared for Gaspard when he was poorly, so Gaspard trusts him – inspired by my first encounter with the real Gaspard who had a bad leg. I agree that his use of colour helps to suggest an emotional connection between the two characters. I was reluctant, at first, to put a representation of my relationship with the real Gaspard in the book but it forms a link, for this first story at least, between the real fox that many people followed online and the storybook Gaspard and his animal friends. Equipping teachers with the skills and increased knowledge that they need to confidently deliver music in the classroom. Allowing children to develop skills and techniques that are relevant to specific art forms and across the four expressive arts capacities. Enhancing and enriching children’s learning through partnerships with professional arts companies, creative adults, and cultural organisations.

As with the first two Gaspard adventures, this story centres around a real community event – this time an open-air concert at Hyde Park. Gaspard the fox walks with her friend Finty the dog to the bus stop and when Finty’s owner drops her scarf, Gaspard instinctively catches it and hops on board to return the lost garment. Thus he ends up on the number 38 travelling through central London, admiring the sights and disembarking at Hyde Park for the climatic concert.Everything I write for the BBC is written to be read aloud on the radio and so, quite unconsciously, I think I selected words for this book that are pleasurable to say and many adults have said how much they enjoy reading it to children. It is perhaps a bit challenging in places for a very young child to read for themselves; Peter the Cat, for example, uses quite sophisticated language – but I think that is a good thing and I’m grateful to my wonderful publisher, Graffeg, for allowing me ‘Lepidoptery’! I learned a lot of vocabulary reading for myself when I was younger. You feel empowered as a child with exactly the right word for something. CookieYes sets this cookie to record the default button state of the corresponding category and the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.

I found the part of the story, where Gaspard is peering into his friend’s window, watching the two men laugh together, very uplifting. It’s lovely to have gay characters in a children’s story who ‘just are’ and whose relationship isn’t made into a big deal. How important was it to you to include this scene? Charlotte’s Web comes instantly to mind from my childhood reading; where a spider saves a pig from being killed by weaving inspirational messages into her web above the pig-sty. It’s a beautiful story. Join us for the musical version of the much-loved modern classics, narrated by the author with beautiful live illustrations. James makes all his illustrations with traditional tools, mainly using pen and ink, and watercolours. He created his own new shade of ink especially for teh Gaspard the Fox books, which he calls ‘Gaspard Red’. Children’s publishing follows trends and the current one seems focused on encouraging children to be themselves, to celebrate their uniqueness, and to own their differences. This is admirable and desirable but sometimes, after the umpteenth title declaring the same message, it is a treat and a privilege to read a book that focuses on more traditional approaches to storytelling – ie actually telling a story! And this is where Zeb Soanes’ and James Mayhew’s gorgeous picture book, Gaspard the Fox, comes in.He is also the creator of the Katie art books and Ella Bella Ballerina series. He has worked with many orchestras and musicians including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, painting illustrations live on stage to performances of classical music, including The Firebird, Scheherazade and Pictures at an Exhibition. Ensuring that pupils can benefit from the positive holistic impact on learning and engagement that musical education can bring. Without giving too much away, can you tell us a bit more about Gaspard the Fox and what inspired this story? The programme is only open to schools in Scotland due to licensing. If you teach at a Scottish school but are currently based outside Scotland, you are welcome to register for the programme providing the details of the school at which you teach. I have been a huge devotee of James Mayhew’s books for children for a while now – his Katieseries and Koshka’s Tales, for example, have delighted the children I have shared them with. James’ art style is infused with warmth, love and light and during these times, when we feel rather deprived of comfort, I can think of nothing better than to immerse myself in his welcoming illustrations. There is something infinitely reassuring about his pictures – they manage to capture characters and life at its best, while retaining their unique quality. For me, he is one of the best illustrators we have nowadays.

Before starting to read the story, look at the cover image together and talk about where this story takes place and what might happen to the fox. Read the story aloud to your child pausing to talk about what is happening in the story or pictures or any unfamiliar words. Join in Providing opportunities for children to deepen their understanding of culture in Scotland and the wider world.Gaspard’s foxtrotis an artistic and musical joy of a picture book, created by two of the nicest people you are ever likely to meet. To truly indulge in this story it must be heard read aloud by the dulcet tones of author Zeb Soanes (who you may recognise from BBC Radio 4) and the ultimate experience would of course be attendance at one of the live orchestral performances with Jonathan Dove, which will happen as soon as permitted. Digital concert films, to watch in the classroom, in multiple languages including British Sign Language, Gaelic, French, Polish, Chinese, Urdu, Romanian and Arabic.