THE
P RTAL
December 2018
Page 19
Mr Pugin
by James and Suzanne Robinson
Review by Libby Crane, a Primary School teacher
in a Birmingham Catholic School
T
o start, the front cover to this book is very eye catching in the Old English/Gothic style drawing
and lettering. I especially like how Pugin is central to the cover, with paper and pen in his hand, with
many of his creations in the background. This would immediately catch the children’s imagination to think
what he might have done and why all these buildings are behind him. This would be a great way to get
children to think about how the front of a book conveys what it will be about and they would be able to make
educated guesses. Also it can eradicate any misconceptions about Pugin, especially that he was the designer
of these buildings and drew his designs rather than him being the physical builder and using ICT methods
like people do today.
Throughout the book I enjoy the
use of the Gothic style as it was
clearly close to Pugin’s heart and
would really allow the children to
understand what that meant as it is
integrated into every page.
This book is aimed at children
aged between 7-9 with adult
support and 9 plus for more able
readers. The language used is very
accessible for older children but
still has the occasional challenging
phrase or word for them to
encounter which will stretch
their knowledge and vocabulary.
Regarding the language, the
use of similes, metaphors and
personification enables the sentences to make more
sense to readers who may not understand. Instead
of just reading ‘Pugin had new ideas’ the author has
written that Pugin was ‘brimming over with the energy
of a volcano and fizzing with new ideas’ which makes
the sentence more exciting and relatable.
In relation to the Catholic faith, especially in
Birmingham, this text really does bring the faith to
life and the children will understand the importance
of the name Pugin. When St Chad’s Cathedral, Oscott
College and Alton Towers are mentioned, for the
children in Birmingham especially, they will be able to
relate to those places and some remember what they
look like therefore enabling them to understand the
Gothic style and impact this one man had.
England and also specific saints
such as St Augustine. This gives
the reader even more information
surrounding the Catholic faith
and will enrich their knowledge
further.
Bringing this text into the
classroom would bring with it
many different opportunities to
support a broad and balanced
curriculum. Firstly, the Gothic
style, which could be related to
History, Geography and Art, can
be easily taught with support
from this text. With the constant
integration of the Gothic theme
running throughout the book it
will allow the children to explore it deeply. This could
be done purely with the front and back cover, lettering
within the text and of course each detailed picture
with the beautiful Gothic surroundings. The use of
coat of arms and special objects appearing throughout
the book also give children the experience of how
important these parts of art were.
This text could also be used to support Catholic
teachings within school linking to the Gospel Virtues
of how Pugin was compassionate and loving to all,
individual saints, vocations and so much more.
Another great way this text could be used within
schools would to be for comparisons, either with
modern architects, modern buildings or for how
technology has evolved to using things that Pugin
I like how some other parts of the Catholic church would never have imagined, for example, 3D
are mentioned, such as the history of Catholics in printers.