Turn weird facts into stories with Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Launch an unforgettable virtual author visit through a dynamic podcast episode with Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Cottrell-Boyce introduces the weird realities behind his novel Noah’s Gold, and reveals how true details can drive adventure and humour. Children discover that reality can be stranger than fiction, and this insight powers the entire unit.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce also questions our dependence on devices, and his ideas encourage curiosity, scepticism, and imagination. Carefully selected podcast extracts guide each stage, and supporting resources include fact cards, planning sheets, and working wall prompts.

Teaching overview

This four-session sequence builds storytelling skills step by step. First, pupils investigate weird and wonderful facts. They discuss favourites and generate story possibilities.

Next, children choose one fact and expand it creatively. They brainstorm events, problems, and outcomes. Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s advice encourages quantity of ideas before quality. Pupils share concepts aloud to test narrative potential.

Session three focuses on plotting. Learners design clear story structures with conflict and resolution. They analyse a key extract to see how Cottrell-Boyce uses humour, and they plan where humour will appear in their own narratives.

The final session develops editing skills. Children exchange feedback with partners and refine drafts. They rewrite sections to strengthen clarity, pace, and impact. A working wall showcases progress and celebrates improvement.