Tumbling Genie!

Steven Lenton’s new series, ‘Genie and Teeny’, are fabulously funny and engaging books, full of Steven’s captivating illustrations.

In these books, Grant the Genie often gets into scrapes as his magic does not always go according to plan. This activity allows children to make their own Grant who tumbles his way into-and out of- trouble! I have made various versions of this simple toy with many children (including my own!) over the years and it is always well received.

To make a tumbling Grant, you will need a piece of thin card, scissors, a pencil, glue, some colouring pencils or pens and most importantly, two marbles. You will also need a copy of the template and a picture of Grant to copy. There is a ‘Draw-along-a-Lenton’ episode teaching you how to do just that on YouTube as well as instructions at the end of the book!

Copy the template and draw a picture of Grant on it as shown. As the toy tumbles head over heels, both the back and front will be shown so it important that the picture continues all the way around the space.

Now, carefully cut around the outside edge of the template and then fold along the dotted lines. Colour Grant and his tea pot and add some decoration to the edges. I have added stars, but you could put anything!

Fold the net around and stick on to the two side tabs to make a little pocket. Put the two marbles inside and glue down the final flap to close the toy. Now your genie is ready to tumble!

Not only are these simple toys great fun to play with and race (you could make a Grant and a Teeny!), they also offer lots of opportunities for scientific investigation. First, you can discuss how the toy works before experimenting with and adapting the design.

Try experimenting with tumbling Grant on different surfaces- which materials work the best? Can you find out/ explain why this happens? Try varying the angle of the slope. What angle works best? What happens if you add more marbles/ less marbles? Endless fun for both home and school!

The first two ‘Genie and Teeny’ books are out now with book three coming soon!

Thanks to Steven for allowing me to copy his picture of Grant the Genie. You can find more activities linked to this series on Steven’s website.