Joshua Ferdinand, a former primary teacher, and current lecturer, has a diverse background in education, emergency healthcare, and the arts. His book, The Last Words of Albion takes the reader on a journey through Britain's history, and into a hopeful future, told through haiku.

Here Joshua tells us more about his book, why he was inspired to write it, and how he hopes it wilil be a useful additon to a classroom. Scroll down to download resources and activity ideas linked to the haiku and themes in The Last Words of Albion.

Q. Your book, The Last Words of Albion is an exploration of Britain's past through haiku. Tell us what a haiku is and why you chose this style of verse to tell your story.

A. In a world of limited time and many things competing for our time and attention it was important for me to use something impactful and short-form. I encourage short-form essays at an academic level and haiku was a great opportunity to practice perfect prose through poetry. While I use imperfect haikus as not each poem highlights a juxtaposition, collectively they represent progress with planetary science. 

Q. The book has a strong ecological theme - what message do you hope readers will take away?

A. At each epoch of our civilisation we’ve developed but at what cost? It’s an opportunity to reflect on what is valued most, it opens the debate on our treatment of animals, each other and the planet and leaves you with hopeful optimism that when we’re all said and done that the planet will go on. 

Q. How do you hope your book will enrich history lessons?

A. In order to keep it brief there are only selected moments from British history. I hope that people will recognise that canaries were still used in mines until 1996 in Britain. 

Q. Tell us more about you. What is your background and how have you become involved in education and supporting literacy development?

A. I first started teaching in primary education in 2013, I loved working with the curious minds of kids. The natural wonder they express when wanting to understand the world around them is beautiful, inspiring and a great fun! The ability for critical thought and openness can be greater in a child aged 10 than some adults, many primary school teachers work incredibly hard to deliver the best possible education to their year group. For me having access to great teaching resources is crucial and there is a wealth of good resources to help support teaching but it's also important to continue that journey at home and hopefully The Last Words of Albion can be part of that precious family time. 

Q. You mention that you are a passionate storyteller. Do you perform and if so, where can we find you?

A. I am known to occasionally perform, from acting in small roles in small art house productions to spoken word poetry at festivals. You’ll also be able to see me at the Royal Society of Art poetry open mic nights at RSA house whenever I'm in London. 

Q. The book is illustrated in watercolour throughout by Arwa Ali. How did you work together on the book, and how important are the illustrations to the storytelling?

A. Arwa worked with me to create beautiful watercolour illustrations to accompany my poems when I was at University studying. I thought this is an important step to add visual imagery to the words for greater impact and enjoyment for young readers and parents alike. 

Q. How did you choose the title - The Last Words of Albion?

A. Albion is an old name for Britain with core links to Scotland. I titled this the last words as it marked the end of the Elizabethan age and the outlook for Britain on an international stage has been getting lower every year. As The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have ticked the doomsday clock closer to midnight this year I believe the theme of the last words would resonate with many countries. 

Q. London is a key character in your story. Do you have a favourite place to visit in London, and can you share a secret about the city with us?

A. As a Brit I have a soft spot for London. I love visiting Greenwich where I did my first degree. The park in Greenwich is beautiful and if you go up to the observatory you’ll be able to look over the whole city and see major landmarks. 

Click here to access the Classroom Resources for The Last Words of Albion by Joshua Ferdinand

@JTFerdinand