Programme Outline
What’s So Good About Dick King-Smith? consists of two programmes which concentrate on King-Smith’s animal stories. They feature Dick talking about his life and work, and include illustrated readings from some of his animal stories. These programmes are a valuable resource for classes studying the books of Dick King-Smith and other anthropomorphic stories.
Each programme is set on location in or around Dick’s home in Gloucestershire. We see him in his study, in his garden and on walks in the surrounding countryside, which he has known since childhood. Through gentle and open conversation, he describes his life as a soldier, farmer, factory worker and teacher. He explains how he started writing and where his ideas come from.
Extracts from his books are read with accompanying animation or as part of mini-dramatisations. These extracts not only whet the appetite for more of the story, but also explore how Dick develops original ideas in order to entertain his audience.
The two cheeky field mice that link the scenes are used to comment, highlight and clarify aspects such as anthropomorphism. The points they make flag up possible discussion topics for during or after viewing. The animals’ humorous interaction often refers to the memorable animal characters that Dick has created over the years, such as Babe, Saddlebottom, Daggie Dogfoot and the Hodgeheg.
In this first programme we learn about the man and his life’s journey leading to success as a children’s author and the publication of over 110 books. Dick talks freely about the inspiration for many of his most popular titles, the process he goes through to draft and write a new story, and the writing routine he undertakes each day.
