NOT the dance moves, but rather the Latin language has seen a dramatic rise in popularity since the publication of Minimus: Starting out in Latin by Barbara Bell.

The former teacher at Bristol Grammar school in England has revived and enlivened the teaching of Latin in British primary schools. With the imminent release of the epic Ridley Scott film Gladiator, it seems an interest in all things Roman is on the horizon.

Bell's book about a mouse living near Hadrian's Wall has a lively cartoon style which is helping to interest seven- to 10-year-olds in the "dead" language. Teachers in US schools are also clamouring to get copies of the book.

Bell wrote it because, she says, she felt Latin is a great help to children in understanding English grammar and other languages. "Knowing Latin gives a wonderful general language awareness that is ideal when children come on to learn other languages like German, Spanish and Italian."

Compiled by Janet Stafford from international publications