Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Don’t Do It, Doug
Doug is a hamster of insatiable curiosity and a penchant for trouble. From shaking cans of fizzy drink to raiding a hive for honey, he impulsively does things which other people would think twice about. Can he change his ways?
‘Don’t Do It, Doug’ is another wonderful story from Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie.
Acting without thinking is something which we are all guilty of from time to time. Snaccidents relating to chocolate and buying piles of books are things happen all too often in my life! Little children are often impulsive for a wide range of developmental reasons and this lovely story offers a humorous, non-judgemental way of opening conversations around considering consequences.
The bold, colourful illustrations are just wonderful! full of humour and offering plenty to linger over and discuss, they work perfectly with the minimal, chatty text which charts Doug’s many disasters. Diverting Doug with lots of activity works for a while, but the reader is left wondering whether he will make the right decision at the end of book, encouraging children to predict and explore the different scenarios which might ensue!
The book could also be used to inspire lots of lovely creative work from role play to ‘jumping’ Dougs and other art projects to science experiments! Perfect for school and home!
Don’t Do It, Doug
Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838919856
You can read my review of ‘Hank Goes Honk’ here and ‘Hank Meets Frank’ here
The Good Deed Dogs
Bodger, Billy and Betty are very good dogs who love to help people. Unfortunately, things do not always go according to plan and they seem to end up causing chaos! Feeling dejected, the hapless trio are on their way home when a loud scream attracts their attention and Bodger, Billy and Betty leap into action.
These delightful dogs with the very best of intentions are absolutely adorable and ‘The Good Deed Dogs’ will quickly become a firm favourite at home and at school!
The text is perfect, building each situation with repetitive phrases leading to ‘CALAMITY!’ which will soon have listeners joining in. Little ones will enjoy predicting what will happen next as the canine pals cause mayhem and the story might help them understand why it can be important to think before you act- or ask people whether they need help. The dogs are kind and willing, but they don’t quite get it right!
As with any book by Emma Chichester Clark, the illustrations are just wonderful, full of life and energy. The dogs’ emotions from their boundless enthusiasm to their confusion and disappointment when things go wrong are all brilliantly captured, allowing readers to empathise with the situations they find themselves in. Happily, the dogs manage to do a good deed by saving the little girl’s cat…although they haven’t quite learned their lesson when it comes to causing chaos!
One of the dogs is very like Plum Dog, star of some of Emma’s previous books which show just how well she understands the doggie mind! A lovely, lovely book!
The Good Deed Dogs
Emma Chichester Clark
Walker ISBN: 978-1529523843
When the Mountain Wakes
In a blend of picture book and graphic novel, ‘When the Mountain Wakes’ follows the story of a mountain, who has been asleep for many years as the world changed around it. When the mountain wakes, it is to the sound of silence and the mountain feels lonely. Having set out in search of a song to lull it back to sleep, the mountain searches for a thousand years with no luck until it stumbles across a beautiful flower which it decides to take home with it. And life begins to sing once more.
‘When the Mountain Wakes’ is a lovely story, bursting with hope for the future and celebrating the power of nature.
The book offers so much to think about, wonder at and discuss, making it perfect for sharing and enjoying again and again. The text is simple and direct yet has a lilting, almost poetic quality which makes it a joy to read aloud. Personifying the mountain allows children to empathise with its loneliness as it travels across desolate landscapes in its desire to hear the sounds of nature once more.
The comic strip sections allow for the passing of time to be condensed, offering powerful visual storytelling, including the impact of the discovery of the flower and the subsequent rewilding which leads to the mountain becoming drowsy once more. Unlike many stories which carry a message about the environmental impact of humans on the planet, this one offers an overwhelmingly hopeful ‘wake up call’ in which taking action is seen to have such positive results.
There are so many ways in which this wonderful story could spark creative work that it is a must have for all teachers!
When the Mountain Wakes
Matt Shanks
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398557123
Isla and the Sky
As Sky’s mood changes, so does she and Isla tries to capture all her different moods and beautiful colours. But not everyone likes it when Sky is not bright and sunny so she decides to stay that way all the time. With no rain, the landscape begins to suffer and so does Sky until Isla manages to convince her that she is loved in every mood and every colour.
‘Isla and the Sky’ is an absolutely delightful book which celebrates the joy of art and is perfect for starting conversations about emotions and being true to yourself.
Sky is so keen to please others that when she hears people moaning about her being rainy or dull, she tries to hide her true self and act in a bright, sunny way all the time. Isla, as an artist, loves all Sky’s different moods and sees her changes as interesting and inspiring, valuing Sky however she is feeling. So many people hide themselves and put on a front to disguise how they are feeling or to make others happy and this story is perfect for exploring this, encouraging children to engage with all their emotions and accept that these are natural, not something to be ashamed of.
The illustrations are just lovely! Children are sure to empathise with Sky and may well enjoy illustrating their own- or others- emotions in this way. Isla’s compassion and understanding of Sky’s moods is also beautifully captured. Excellent for sharing at home or at school, ‘Isla and the Sky’ is a real gem.
Isla and the Sky
Greg Stobbs
OUP ISBN: 978-1382069809
You can read my review of ‘Cloud Boy’ here.
Our Dreams
‘Our Dreams’ is a stunning picture book which is perfect for sharing at bedtime. Soothing text is accompanied by dreamy watercolour artwork, featuring sleepy creatures from cuddling pandas to snuggling sloths.
Rich purples with tinges of pink evoke evening skies creating a wonderfully calm feeling on every page. Children will enjoy naming all the animals shown peacefully sleeping and are sure to notice the creeping caterpillar which makes its way across several pages unheeded by all the slumbering creatures until it creates a cocoon on a branch and later emerges. A gatefold opens to reveal all the animals as the moths fly away.
The reassuring text encourages the idea that dreams are imaginative adventures, ‘a pile of stories’, to be enjoyed whilst they last, creating a positive atmosphere for bedtimes full of possibilities. A lovely book for sharing- sure to become a bedtime favourite!
Our Dreams
Fatima Ordinola
Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270393
You can read my review of ‘Our Love’ here.
The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians
At Sleepy Creek Library, Rida loves helping her grandfather find the ‘perfectly perfect book’ for everyone. She makes lists of all the requests and gives them to Grandad who, after everyone has gone home, visits the Land of Books to collect them all. However, when Arun requests a book which no one has ever been able to catch, Grandad is forced to admit defeat, but Rida is determined to help…
‘The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians’ is an absolutely delightful read from start to finish. It celebrates the wonder and importance of libraries and the joy of finding the perfect book for everyone.
Energetic, wonderfully detailed illustrations accompany Grandad and Rida’s amazing adventures in the Land of Books as they track down the right book for every reader, showing the lengths librarians will go to to get the job done! Children could have great fun creating their own maps of the Land of Books, deciding where different books might be found and creating their own adventures for Rida and Grandad!
Arun’s joy as he curls up to read his ‘perfectly perfect’ book captures the blissful feeling of finding the right read- a feeling readers of this book are sure to get! The story would make an excellent one to share with a class, encouraging discussions about all sorts of favourite books (or other things to read!), but inspiring their imaginations to run riot in book-ish adventures as well. The final little joke is also a reminder to never judge a book by its cover!
A perfectly perfect story!
The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians
Donna David, illustrated by Victoria Stebleva
OUP ISBN: 978-1382063913
Published on the 5th February 2026
This Little Bunny
Bright and colourful, This Little Bunny attracted 6-month-old Esme's attention immediately. The fluffy bunny on the cover was carefully explored by her little fingers as she obviously enjoyed the texture of the fur. She was able to grasp the edge of the thick card pages and move them to and fro, but the biggest hit was playing peek-a-boo with the bunny hiding under the felt bush on the last page. This stood up to a surprising amount of tugging and chewing, retaining its shape and showing no sign of coming detached from the book!
Offering a range of sensory experiences for little fingers, This Little Bunny is a delightful book to share with little ones, developing with them as they grow from first experiences of touch and story to a greater understanding of the differences between the textures. Durable and appealing, this is a book which can be enjoyed again and again - it includes a QR code to scan so the story can be listened to as well.
This Little Bunny
Ingela P Arrhenius
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805137092
The Treasure Seekers
Martha is grieving after the death of her beloved grandfather. She blames the villagers for his death, believing they abandoned him and treated him unfairly. So when Stanley, a local lad, comes to appeal to her for help finding the stained-glass window which her grandfather had removed from the church to ensure its preservation, Martha refuses. Stanley is sure that the window will help the village to recover from the wounds of war and the deadly flu which is spreading from house to house. Wrapped in her own grief, Martha knows nothing of this, but when Stanley becomes ill, she knows she must act to help him.
Set in the aftermath of WWI, ‘The Treasure Seekers’ is a beautifully told verse novel. Perfect for history lovers, it offers a glimpse of life after this devastating conflict at a time of great social change and uncertainty.
Devastated by the death of her grandfather and the destruction of his home, Highbridge Manor, Martha is absorbed by her own grief, which is exacerbated by her father becoming withdrawn and her mother accusing her of ‘wallowing’ in her feelings. Approached by Stanley for help, she is immediately hostile. Through showing how little she knows about the lives of those in the village, about the losses they have suffered and the dangers they are now facing from the Spanish lady, the flu epidemic, the reader learns much about the hardships encountered by people following the Great War and the changes in attitudes to class and social ‘positions’. As the story progresses, Martha becomes a far more likeable, far more interesting character as she comes to see the world differently, empathising with and understanding others.
The use of verse for telling this story is really powerful, framing waves of emotion and heightening their impact and creating very unique voices for Martha and Stanley as the narrative moves from one to the other. Although each is struggling with grief which they deal with in a very different ways, each shows bravery and determination, learning to put aside their differences and work together.
Perfect for enriching the curriculum and broadening understanding of this period of history, ‘The Treasure Seekers’ is a must have for classrooms and homes alike.
The Treasure Seekers
Cathy Faulkner
Firefly ISBN: 978-1915444929
Publishing 5th February 2026
Gaslit
When a migraine cancels Ella’s New Year’s Eve plans, she agrees to babysit for her younger cousin, Joey. Arriving at her aunt’s house, she is horrified to find the family unconscious and strives to save them. An investigation discovers that there had been a gas leak, leading to the death of her aunt, but Ella is convinced that there might be more to it than that. However, having recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour, she is worried that her paranoia must just be a side effect of her illness, leaving her unsure who to trust and what to believe…
Once started, must be finished, ‘Gaslit’ certainly is a compelling and absorbing read. Full of twists and turns, it is a story which takes you by surprise again and again!
Fiercely independent and fearing that others will treat her differently, Ella is determined to keep her diagnosis a secret from as many people as possible which has isolated her from most of her friends. As she and her older cousin, Chris, start to investigate, Ella finds herself questioning herself, her perceptions and her grasp on reality, leading the reader constantly unsettled as the story shifts and shifts again. It is a tense, disquieting read as Ella constantly doubts herself, re-evaluating her memories and experiences, but one which is very cleverly handled, offering a layered and satisfying read.
As ever with a story like this, it is impossible to offer a full review without ruining the plot for anyone who hasn’t read the book. All I can say is that it is a cracking read which keeps you guessing (clever use of title!) - and hoping- right to the last page.
Gaslit
Megan Davidhizar
Harper Fire ISBN: 978-0008617035
The Not-So Great Escape
Hedley Ambrose has become extremely cautious since the crash which changed his life for ever. His grief stricken father has retreated to his bed and Hedley now attends the Bridlebank Therapy Activities Centre each weekend, where his room mate, Aiden, constantly mistreats him. Keen to encourage both boys out of themselves, Hedley’s support worker, Nic, decides they would benefit from working at the local petting zoo, home to an alpaca named Duke. When Aiden decides to steal Duke, Hedley, fearing he will be blamed for the crime, along with his little sister, Lilly, find themselves on a quest to take Duke to a rescue centre which becomes increasingly chaotic and out of control until Hedley finds he must face the truth that he has been running from all along.
Oh my word- ‘The Not-So Great Escape’ is an incredible story which packs a huge emotional punch!
As the story begins, readers are aware that Hedley has experienced a traumatic loss which has left him hugely vulnerable whilst also trying to care for his father. He is such a lovely boy whose big heart and gentle nature make him incredibly appealing and easy to empathise with. He worries endlessly about the possible consequences of every scenario and accepts Aiden’s relentless bullying as part of his life. Caught up in a series of events over which he has no control, Hedley is forced to take risks and the relationship between the two boys gradually shifts and an understanding develops between them allowing the reader to see Aiden in a different light, encouraging empathy and understanding of how he behaves, whilst recognising he has made some very poor choices along the way.
In many places the book reads like a slap-stick comedy as the children and Duke lurch from one crazy situation to another with the ‘Alpaca Bandit’ growing in fame and attracting media attention, their exploits leaving a trail of chaos and destruction behind them, making it a very entertaining read. However, although there are some inklings along the way, the ending is a real shocker, deeply poignant, expressing raw emotion. It is beautifully handled, but teachers or other adults suggesting this for young children should be aware of the emotional impact this might have on them.
Quite outstanding!
The Not-So Great Escape
Emma Green
Usborne ISBN: 978-1836045663
Escape from the Child Snatchers
Having left India on a quest to find Humza’s missing brother, Dani, Humza and his friend, Ranj, find themselves in London. Overwhelmed by the chaotic, loud city, they are delighted to meet Basil Brookes, who is not only kind to them, but speaks Hindi. However, when he takes them to an inn, they are warned by Daisy, the innkeeper’s daughter that Basil Brookes is not the kindly gentleman he appears, but a child snatcher, responsible for the disappearance of Daisy’s friend, Amina, amongst others. With Daisy’s help they escape, but how long with they be able to evade his clutches and will they ever find Dani?
‘Escape from the Child Snatchers’ is pacy adventure story, full of drama and tension.
Navigating Victorian London, Humza and Ranj are exposed to both the kindness of Daisy and her father as well as the residents of the Stranger’s Home and the callous cruelty of the exploitative Brookes and his henchmen. Fortunately for all concerned, good triumphs over evil in end with (spoiler alert!) the children all being saved, Brookes getting his comeuppance and Dani being reunited with his family; however, it offers an insight into experiences of life in Victorian London, sharing stories which children might not otherwise be exposed to. Sufiya Ahmed’s note at the end references some of the stories she discovered whilst researching the book and I think it would have been an excellent idea to include additional reading both for children curious to learn more, but also for teachers (or other adults) keen to explore this further. It has certainly sparked my interest, leading me to discover more about the ‘Stranger’s Home’. (If Sufiya Ahmed reads my review, I would be really grateful to know where I could learn more so I can share this with colleagues!)
Humza and Ranj are very engaging characters whose friendship is heart warming, making it easy to empathise with their experiences and cheer them on every step of the way. The story would make a very engaging class story with plenty to discuss and explore.
Escape from the Child Snatchers
Sufiya Ahmed
Andersen ISBN: 978-1839136511
Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Birds
One of the joys of being known as a book lover is being able to 'borrow' other peoples' children to share stories with! My new little neighbour, Esme, is now six months old, bright and into everything so Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Birds was a perfect choice!
Esme reached for the book with great enthusiasm and although her little fingers were too small as yet to manipulate the sliders and wheels, her fingers were twitching alongside mine as we made them move. She particularly enjoyed the ostrich sliding in and out, giggling in delight.
The book's sturdy construction stood up to being dropped on the floor and explored by mouth and is sure to survive repeated readings over the next few months as she comes to appreciate the rhyming text and the facts about birds included.
Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Birds
Anne-Kathrin Behl
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805134985
The New Famous Five: Five and the Smuggler’s Code
When Maddy, Fran, Tom and Gilbert, the dog, arrive at Kirrin Cottage to stay with Professor George, their father’s cousin, they quickly realise that she is missing. Following a trail of clues, they are led to Smuggler’s Top, an ancient house with secret passages, which is now the home of a villain who must be stopped.
I was the BIGGEST ‘Famous Five’ fan as a child, proudly owning all 21 books, some of which had belonged to my mother when she was young. Despite, even as a child, being uncomfortable with some of the content, these stories offered the escapism of an excellent adventure, leaving me with fond memories of reading them and sharing this enthusiasm with my friends. As a result, I have always been reluctant to read ‘new’ stories or adaptations of the originals. However, it feels as if ‘Five and The Smuggler’s Code’ has been written by someone who understands the originals and has captured their spirit!
This second adventure for the New Famous Five bursts with nods to the original stories, including characters, locations- and food! Alf, who used to look after Timmy for George before she was allowed to keep him at home, is now looking after her new dog, Bobs, whilst she (George) is away. The children are Dick, one of the original Five’s, grandchildren and he makes an appearance towards the end of the book. Anne, also of the Famous Five, features in this story. For those who have read the originals, her treatment is really interesting. Now a detective, she is no longer the timid, girly ‘homemaker’ of Blyton’s stories, although she still makes sure everyone is well fed- ‘clearly, she hadn’t changed completely from the little girl who’d arranged picnics for the others so long ago’! In fact, she calmly states, ‘I'm used to be underestimated…It’s been happening my whole life’ – something sure to make original readers smile with delight!
However, the story holds up well as an adventure in its own right with plenty of action, peril twists and turns, leading to the New Famous Five coming out on top just like their predecessors. A flashback to 55 years earlier ties this adventure to one had by the Famous Five- ‘Five Go to Smuggler’s Top’, the fourth story Enid Blyton wrote about them. Here, Chris Smith makes an effort to use more Blyton-esque language, contrasting with the modern day usage in the rest of the book.
Thoroughly enjoyable!
The New Famous Five: Five and the Smuggler’s Code
Chris Smith (inspired by Enid Blyton), illustrated by James Lancett
Hodder ISBN: 978-1444978759
The Map of Me
When a little girl moves home, everything feels strange and unfamiliar. With her mother’s help, she creates a map of the new area, but some important things are still missing so she makes the map bigger. Soon, her new friends get involved, making everyone feel closer and more connected and, even when bad things happen, mapping things out helps her find her place in the world.
Some stories are so beautifully told that they speak directly to you- and ‘The Map of Me’ is one of them. It is so gently and carefully told, making it perfect to share simply as a lovely story, but something which could be used to support children (or indeed adults) in a number of different situations.
Creating a map helps the little girl to feel she has taken control of her space- made sense of her world- allowing her to not only familiarise herself with her new environment, but to connect with those who are no longer near to her. Her friends, in turn, make their own connections and broaden the map to include people, places and things which are important to them. The story is sure to encourage children to create their own maps with family or friends, developing their sense of the world around them and those in it.
Using maps to create a picture of the past and, in this case, helping the little girl to cope with feelings of grief and loss is so sensitively and thoughtfully presented. It also enables children to develop their sense of the lives of others, expanding their view beyond the ‘lens of self’ stage and developing empathy and understanding. Creating these ‘life maps’ is a lovely idea and something which might develop cross generational bonds. The little girl and her friends also use this as inspiration for investigating the history of their local area.
The idea of ‘mapping the future’ is also explored, helping children to envisage what might change as well as their aspirations and hopes. Some ideas for creating these are included at the end of the book. The illustrations throughout are delightful, offering plenty of ideas for presenting and developing different types of maps and making connections.
I could waffle on and on about the many things I love about this one and the many ways in which I think it could be used and enjoyed, but will stop and simply recommend that everyone gets themselves a copy! It’s very special.
The Map of Me
Nicola Davies, illustrated by Olga Shtonda
Templar ISBN: 978-1835871782
Clem Fetale Has Been Upstaged
Clem Fatale and her best friend Gilbert are on their way to see the Wade Sisters perform at the London Palladium when they find themselves waylaid. Betty Wade- one of the singing sisters- has disappeared and her brother, Eddy, and sister, Judy, want to hire them to find her…
If ever there was a fast-paced romp of an adventure, this is it! So much happens as Clem and Gilbert follow the clues and set off in search of Betty Wade, facing everything from dodgy geezers and the darker side of the entertainment industry to the glitz and glamour of the Ritz as they investigate.
The story is peppered with plenty of humour which helps to alleviate the tension as the plot hurtles towards its surprising and satisfying conclusion. Black and white illustrations throughout add to the drama of the story and the wonderful friendship between George and Clem emerges stronger than ever despite Clem’s worries about losing George to his new life at school. This would make an excellent class story with plenty to enjoy!
Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged
Eve Wersocki-Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788957625
The Big-Time Boogie-Woogie Animal Band
When a one-band dog meets up with a fiddle playing fox, they start a Boogie-Woogie Animal Band. As more and more animals join, the band gets bigger and bigger until they realise that there is one band member missing…
Out in paperback on the 15th, ‘Boogie-Woogie Animal Band’ is another treat of a read from the amazing Giles Andreae.
Brilliant bouncy text introduces children to a wonderful range of musical instruments played by an incredible range of animals. Fantastic for reading aloud, there is a top-tapping quality to the story which is instantly engaging and perfect for encouraging little ones to join in. The final illustration encourages the reader to join the band as the star player- the singer- which is sure to result in some wonderful warbling!
The illustrations are just lovely, full of colour, energy and detail. As the animals are their instruments are introduced, readers will enjoy counting along as the band grows in size. As well as being a great introduction to different musical instruments and animals, the book highlights the joy of collaborative music making and teamwork. Perfect for inspiring musical and craft activities, ‘The Big-Time Boogie-Woogie Animal Band’ is a brilliant addition to bookshelves at home and at school!
The Big-Time Boogie-Woogie Animal Band
Giles Andreae, illustrated by Nick East
Hachette ISBN: 978-1408370384
Boss of the Underworld: Shirley vs the Huge Beast
When Shirley’s best friend, George, is kidnapped and taken to the underworld by a large mole, she sets off to save him. Having been created ‘temporary’ Queen of the Under-Underworld by the true queen, Shirley must travel across this land, accompanied by Peels, servant to the queen, to defeat a huge giant which has been terrorising the land and rescue George.
Completely bonkers and endlessly entertaining, ‘Shirley vs the Huge Beast’ is as imaginative as it is funny! On her quest to rescue George, she and Peels face- and survive- a catalogue of nightmarish disasters worthy of Indiana Jones. Visual humour combines brilliantly with witty lines, offering a very pacy and satisfying read.
For anyone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, a summary sets the scene, leading straight into the action. Teamwork wins the day and Shirley once again shows herself to be loyal, determined and brave. The book ends with a ‘spot the difference’ and a find ten ‘pesky fare dodgers’! Children will enjoy reading this one again and again, noticing more details and appreciating more of the humour with each re-read!
Boss of the Underworld: Shirley vs the Huge Beast
Tor Freeman
Hachette ISBN: 978-1444976410
Grandad’s World
During the summer holidays, Jack leaves his home in the city and goes to visit his grandfather in the countryside. There is so much to see and do in his cottage by the woods where they watch the wildlife and walk together by the river. But, one night, their peace is shattered by a van dumping rubbish in Grandad’s special pond. Jack and Grandad quickly set to work, joined by the rest of the community to restore the pond to its former beauty for everyone to enjoy and make it safe for the wildlife which lives there.
‘Grandad’s World’ is such a beautiful book! Gorgeous illustrations and gentle text combine perfectly to create a deeply poignant celebration of the special connection between grandparent and grandchild and the beauties of the natural world.
I was lucky enough to spend many days during holidays with my grandparents and have treasured memories of sewing, cooking and making with my Grandma. This book captures the special bond which can form between generations beautifully, offering a different way of spending time- a more relaxed, calmer, technology free approach to life. For Jack and his grandfather, their bond develops through spending time outdoors, both in nature and tending Grandad’s chickens. A sense of timelessness permeates the story as Grandad shares how his father and grandfather looked after the pond and Jack hopes that one day it might be his turn to do so.
When nature is threatened by the callous actions of anonymous fly-tippers, the story shows the power of individuals and communities to make a difference on a very local and immediate level, working together to keep the creatures who live in, and around, the pond safe. There is no great call to action here- just a simple, direct message of leading by example.
The illustrations are every bit as stunning as might be expected from Michael Foreman. Beautiful watercolours add to the charm of the story, offering readers a mini work of art on every page. This is a story to be shared and enjoyed again and again at home or at school.
Grandad’s World
Michael Foreman
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702323119
Bedtime for Little Digger
Although it’s bedtime, Little Digger is too busy with things to do to go to sleep just yet…
The soothing rhythmic, rhyming text of ‘Bedtime for Little Digger’ is just perfect for calming little ones down and snuggling up ready to sleep. Little Digger is really excited and busy, not ready for bed, a situation many parents will be very familiar with, but the story gently, but firmly reminds him that everyone needs their sleep so that they can be ready for new adventures on the following day.
Little ones will enjoy identifying the different types of vehicles as the book progresses. The illustrations add much to story with the colours moving from bright star filled skies as the sun goes down to the rich purples and blues of night time. Although perfect as part of a soothing bedtime read, there is so much to spot and enjoy in each picture. We loved following the antics of all the little bunnies and counting the sheep as well as talking about what loads the different trucks were transporting.
An absolutely delightful book, sure to become a bedtime favourite!
Bedtime for Little Digger
Smriti Halls, illustrated by Sue Hendra
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398538863
Postman Planet
Planet Orderon might be grey and boring, but it is essential to the smooth running of the galaxy as it is where all the boring jobs are done. Organising the postal service is something that is taken very seriously and when a tricky mission comes along, only Postman Planet is considered for the job! However, Postman Planet is hiding a very big secret…he is only 9 years old. Despite this, he and his new assistant, Stamp, must make an important delivery to save the Planet of Fluffy Unicorns.
‘Postman Planet’ fizzes with fun and energy from the very first page! Packed with highly entertaining, comical illustrations, the story romps along at a lively pace, perfect for engaging reluctant and keen readers alike!
The use of short chapters allows the reader to move through the action quickly and keep track as the story moves around, giving additional information about events and characters. Although full of quirky humour, the importance of teamwork and friendship is also celebrated. ‘Postman Planet’ would make a great bedtime story, making a special, shared experience to remember!
Postman Planet
Ben Davis, illustrated by Yasmin Sheikh
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398545953