1. Examine the layout of this extract. How does it differ from others in this book? 2. Examine the artwork and read the chapter titles. What do you think the extract will be about?
Cloud Busting MalorieBlackman Chapter one: Mr Mackie Said
Mr Mackie said, ‘Write a poem About Someone near to you, Dear to you. A pet, A family member, A friend.’ Funny, I thought, How pets come first. ‘That’s your homework,’ Said Mr Mackie. And the whole class groaned. Except me. ‘But poems are hard, sir!’ ‘Poems are boring!’ ‘Poems are for old people.’ ‘Poems are for boring, old people.’ ‘No one reads poetry – Unless their teacher makes them.’ ‘No one likes poetry except Poets – Or those who don’t have a life.’ And Mr Mackie said, ‘ENOUGH!’