Oliver really wants to play a princess in Ariana's story. He stops, confused, when some of the other boys laugh. But when Noah, the new boy, refuses to take any notice of the laughter, Oliver discovers that there is another way...

This beautifully illustrated story book explores a common situation that arises for children and teachers taking part in Helicopter Stories and allows the children to explore their feelings in a sensitive and supportive environment. The story is accompanied by teacher's notes on how to use the book with young children along with questions and discussion prompts that can be incorporated into the curriculum.

In a class where Helicopter Stories take place on a regular basis, It's Only Pretend explores issues around gender that might come up in story acting. It is part of the Helicopter Stories Tale series, a valuable and visually captivating resource for all Early Years educators using storytelling and story acting with their children.

Trisha Lee is a writer, theatre director and storyteller. She founded the theatre and education company MakeBelieve Arts in 2002. Trisha pioneered Helicopter Stories in the UK. She spent time in Vivian Gussin Paley's Chicago classroom, and through her friendship with Paley was invited to write Princesses, Dragon's and Helicopter Stories, a how to on Vivian's storytelling and story acting approach. Trisha completed an MA in Writing for Children at Bath Spa University and over the past four years has been developing her skills as a storyteller. In 2019 she launched The Poetry Basket, an online teaching resource, where teachers can learn words and actions to 36 poems, and share these with their children.

Amie Taylor is a writer and artist. She founded her shadow puppetry and illustration company 'The Shadow Makers' in 2013, and delivers workshops and projects in creating shadow work and illustration. She has also delivered many shadow puppetry projects with outside partners, including The Barbican, Emergency Exit Arts and Fun Palaces. As a visual artist, she works with silhouettes and a range of light sources - her most recent work was a lockdown windows project in which she used artificial light from inside houses to light shadow images.

Not needed.