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Written specifically to help children conceptualise everything they have experienced during the pandemic. Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party is the first in the series written by the author (and primary school teacher), Banji Alexander.
As the lockdown measures were introduced in March 2020, social media was awash with all the things that we were missing out on. From the everyday basics of being able to pop to the shop, going out to work and school etc. There was also those who were going to celebrate birthday’s anniversaries and milestones whilst we were to be locked away from the world.
Lockdown birthdays
Whilst we had empathy for these people, there was a small part of us thankful for the children’s birthday’s being later in the year. With the expectation that life in lockdown will be a thing of the past by the time we reached November, however, this was not the case. A second lockdown was set in motion for November 5th – Roo’s birthday and would continue through to the beginning of December. Managing to capture all three children’s birthdays within Lockdown 2.0 – whilst we now had a first-hand account of what it was like to celebrate a milestone in lockdown it was still difficult for the children to understand.
Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party by Banji Alexander
The COVID-19 pandemic has given children a window into a world they had never seen before or been exposed to. Finally, a vocabulary-rich, fictional text, written specifically to help children conceptualise everything they have experienced during the pandemic. Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party is the first in the series written by the author (and primary school teacher), Banji Alexander.
A fictional tale for children aged 7-12, encapsulating the uncertainty and novelty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Told through the eyes of young Reggie, whose birthday happens to fall during lockdown! With his eighth birthday just around the corner, the very thought of having to celebrate his special day during lockdown sends poor Reggie into a meltdown.
Why you should read Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party
A tale with the interwoven themes of reliance and kindness, Banji Alexander has written a book that can be enjoyed by all members of the family. A story that everyone can relate to, Alexander’s mastery of the English language and rich vocabulary, coupled with colourful illustrations on every page, brings the story to life, leaving all readers, regardless of age, captivated and totally absorbed.
Our thoughts on Lockdown Looms
The lockdown was one of those uncertain times for us all, with both adults and children having to attempt to make sense of the changing world around them. Lives, as we knew it was turned upside down and new ways of living our day to day lives, were needed to be adjusted to. Thrown into this mix was all the parts of our lives that we desperately didn’t want to lose within the pandemic, such as celebrating birthdays.
The Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party helps to give tweens insight into life in the pandemic and the thoughts and feelings of someone of a similar age. Helping them understand that they aren’t alone in feeling upset, cheated and overwhelmed by everything.
Tigger really enjoyed this book and it was one that we read together, discussing the different parts of the life in lockdown that were covered such as pasta and toilet paper and homeschooling. A beautiful book and a fantastic conversation starter between parents and children as well as a chance to reflect on the pandemic and all the challenges we have overcome.
Where can you buy Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party?
Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party is available to buy from Amazon in Paperback Edition and is the first in the series.
About the author: Banji Alexander
Banji Alexander is an exciting new author, bursting onto the scene with his debut book, ‘Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party‘. An International Politics BSc graduate and University College London/Institute of Education trained/qualified teacher, his arrival into the world of literature promises to be one full of adventure, laughter, and linguistic prowess. As a former teacher within higher education and primary school practitioner, Alexander knows his audience well.
