Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow

Jasper and Scruff are very excited about the ‘Reach Fur the Stars’ talent contest. Scruff plans to appear as ‘Scruff the Sensational’ and hopes Jasper will join him in his magic act. Jasper, however, has different, more refined, plans. The Sophisticats are also determined to get their paws on the Grand Prize and it soon becomes clear that something suspicious is going on. Can Jasper and Scruff team up to save the show?

This is the third adventure for Jasper and Scruff and their very endearing friendship that proves opposites attract. Scruff is full of boundless enthusiasm enthusiasm, throwing himself into everything he does. Jasper is far more cautious, considering his appearance and what others might think of him. But their friendship endures- Scruff never holds a grudge and Jasper can’t help but love his messy pal! When Scruff wins a place in the final, he is quick to include Jasper and so they are both ready to foil the dastardly deeds that are spoiling each performance, but one.

The story is generously illustrated with fun, colourful pictures throughout and the story is full of humour. It would make an excellent read aloud, but is also perfect for newly independent readers with an achievable amount of text on each page and plenty of interesting vocabulary. There is plenty to engage with in the story as well. Children would enjoy learning some magic tricks (perhaps not sawing each other in half!) or putting on a talent show of their own. Making experimental milk shakes (maybe not salty vanilla!) would also be great fun!

Full of fabulous illustrations, ‘Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow’ is another magical adventure for this loveable duo!

Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow

Nicola Colton

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788952545

Jasper and Scruff

Jasper the cat has everything he could want- a lovely home in a fancy apartment building, a fabulous collection of patterned bow ties and a library of books arranged by colour. But what he really wants is to be a member of… the Sophisticats, a society of exceptional felines. When they accept his invitation to a dinner party, he is thrilled and knows this is his chance to impress them. However, when out shopping for the party, Jasper bumps into Scruff, a boisterous, drooling puppy who follows him home. As a result, Jasper’s carefully prepared evening does not go according to plan, but everything turns out for the best in the end.

This is a delightful, heart warming story about the importance of real friends. For all their self importance and supposed airs and graces, The Sophisticats soon show their true colours and it’s clear that the over-enthusiastic, scruffy pup who followed him home is by far the better friend for Jasper. Although Scruff disrupts Jasper’s ‘purr-fect’ life, he actually enriches it beyond measure and his creativity and energy make him just the right kind of friend.

Perfect for newly independent readers, ‘Jasper and Scruff’ is also an excellent story for starting discussions about friendships and what the ‘right’ friends might look like. It reminds us that we should give others a chance and that opposites really can attract. It’s so important to remain open to new experiences- and to new friends!

Full of delightfully quirky illustrations, ‘Jasper and Scruff’ is a delightful book which is bursting with humour and joy.

Jasper and Scruff

Nicola Colton

Stripes ISBN: 978-1788950695

Rabbit and Bear: A Bad King is a Sad Thing

When he tries to eat Rabbit, Wolf is banished to the Dark Woods. However, he is soon replaced by an even greater threat when Icebear arrives, demanding to be made King of the Valley. In spite of Bear’s attempts to be friendly, helpful, nice and kind, the ‘king’ is horrible and treats everyone badly. In desperation, Rabbit turns to Wolf for help and finds his invaluable advice works to send the bad King packing.

The ‘Rabbit and Bear’ books offer wonderful stories, full of wit and wisdom. Once again, a complex issue is presented in a way in which children can really understand and relate to using humour and endearing characters. In this story, Rabbit and Bear find a way to resolve conflict peacefully, bring the community together and find inner strength to face difficult situations.

Icebear is a big bully who uses his size and strength to intimidate and manipulate the other animals into giving him whatever he wants. His cruelty to poor Owl and his causal unkindness to the other animals leave even wise, peace loving Bear stumped and offer plenty for the reader to discuss and think about. Wolf’s advice is also worth considering, ‘Rule yourself WISELY! You can’t just order yourself to do impossible things.’

There is plenty of humour in the story and we laughed out loud when Mole says, ‘I thought this kind of terrible thing only happened in books!’ when Icebear pooped on his head as ‘The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew it was None of his Business’ was a huge favourite when my son was little!

The illustrations are as wonderful as ever. Rabbit has an incredible range of expressions for every occasion and each picture is bursting with details to notice and enjoy! I’m thrilled to see that another adventure for this pair is on its way!

Rabbit and Bear: A Bad King is a Sad Thing

Julian Gough, illustrated by Jim Field

Hodder Children’s ISBN: 978-1444937466

Rabbit and Bear: A Bite in the Night

The latest in this series sees our lovable forest friends facing Progress with a capital P! As Bear is getting ready for her winter sleep, Rabbit is increasingly worried by things that are changing. The river has moved…trees are disappearing…soon, even Bear is close to being slightly worried. Beaver has been at work and Progress is his middle name- nothing is going to get in his way. But Progress is not good for Rabbit- or Mole-or Vole-or Mouse… Although some of the animals might be better off as a result of the changes made in the name of Progress, can they stand by and see their friends suffer?

Told with the usual gentle humour and fabulous illustrations, the ‘Rabbit and Bear’ stories are also wonderful at conveying clear messages and making everyone stop and think. Although change needs to happen and some progress is needed, the cost to the countryside and other people should always be considered. Once Bear’s favourite scratching tree has gone, it cannot be replaced in a hurry- years of nature at work destroyed in an instant. Sometimes, alternatives need to be considered or simply more thought needs to be given to whether ‘Progress’ is really necessary.

The fabulous illustrations are every bit as engaging as in the previous Rabbit and Bear stories and Bear’s expressions are just wonderful! This latest addition to the ‘Rabbit and Bear’ series is a delight.

Rabbit and Bear: A Bite in the Night

Julian Gough, illustrated by Jim Field

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444938180

Rabbit and Bear: Attack of the Snack

This is the third book about the irascible Rabbit and level-headed Bear. In this story, they meet - or are attacked by!- Owl who crash lands near them. Rabbit is predictably outraged at the arrival of this stranger- particularly when he remembers that some owls eat rabbits!

Keen to find a snack, Bear leaves Rabbit to it- something she later regrets as things quickly get out of hand- but everything works out well in the end.

Tolerance and understanding are at the heart of this book. In the middle of all the humour- and this is a very funny book- the story shows the very serious and disturbing issues of how fear and mass hysteria can whip people up to commit unreasonable and unjustified actions. Rabbit becomes increasingly paranoid and his exaggerations increasingly extreme, yet no one but Bear challenges him. As Bear says...

'I don't think you won the argument...I think you just shouted the loudest.'

Being able to laugh at Rabbit's wild accusations makes it easier to start discussions about tolerance and acceptance, about challenging stereotypes - and about the fact that we all make mistakes. No one- not even Rabbit- is perfect and we all need to acknowledge when we get things wrong. 

The book is very entertaining with plenty of toilet humour- possibly a bit too much for my liking- but with the usual educational slant! The things I now know about poo! 

The illustrations are a joy as in each of these stories. Warm tones highlight some of the pictures and there are lots of them throughout the book. Another winner!

Rabbit and Bear: Attack of the Snack

Hodder Children's      ISBN:  978-1444938173

Rabbit and Bear: The Pest in the Nest

This little volume is every bit as delicious as the first!

The illustrations are fabulous, adding to the humour and joy of reading the story. Rabbit continues to be cantankerous, finding fault with all around him. Bear's snoring, Tortoise being there, Woodpecker's tapping- everything makes him angry. It takes the help of his calm and relaxed friend, Bear, to help him stop fighting himself and accept things. 

We all have 'those' days- the ones where nothing seems to go right and everything seems at odds. Today would be one of those days for me! And it really helps on those days to remember that if we can't control everything around us, we can control ourselves and our reactions to things. 

And this is the conclusion Rabbit comes to ...

'I shall stop thinking of it as a Nasty Noise. I shall think of it instead as a nice, friendly reminder that my friend Bear is nearby.'

And suddenly, the sound, without changing at all, made Rabbit feel all warm and happy.

The story is great for discussing our reactions to things- and although it won't change the world -might help children to recognise themselves in Rabbit and while laughing at his antics, take another look at their own!

Bear and Rabbit: The Pest in the Nest

Julian Gough, illustrated by Jim Field

Hodder Children's      ISBN: 978-1444934267

Rabbit and Bear: Rabbit’s Bad Habit

Bear is awoken early from her hibernation and decides that if she can't sleep, she'll make her first-ever snowman. Rabbit has never made a snowman either - and is determined to make one better than Bear's. However, when faced with a hungry fox, Rabbit learns that a friend in need is a friend indeed!

This is a great little book that is quite different, making it an excellent read aloud for children of any age. Humorous and informative, as well as learning about gravity and the workings of a rabbit's digestive system (yes, there are a lot of discussions about poo!), the reader watches as these two very different characters develop a firm friendship as they come to understand and value each other.

Bear is a wonderfully 'glass-half-full' personality. Someone has woken her up and stolen her food- well, it's a beautiful day and she's always wanted to build a snowman! Rabbit, on the other hand, is half-empty- a fairly joyless soul, who hates being a rabbit, thinks life is pretty awful - and is the one who stole Bear's food. The clever character development can be used to give children ideas about how to create their own as, although an excellent read aloud, there is so much more that this book could be used for!

Observation is a key part of scientific enquiry and should there be a school rabbit, then first hand observation of rabbit's bad habits might be possible! Instructional guides on how to look after pet rabbits could be created, illustrated with photographs, annotated drawings etc. 

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful, capturing the creatures' personalities perfectly and using a very simple range of colours. Several spreads could be used to encourage the children to make predicitions, gather vocabulary and develop ideas about character. The children could also make simple origami rabbits and bears and then use these as puppets to re-tell the story or to use as the basis for animations of their own stories based on the original. On Jim Field's website, children can read about how he developed his ideas for illustrating the book and perhaps be inspired to develop their own. http://www.jimfield.co.uk/Rabbit-Bear

The book is also just the right size for little hands. Perfect for both emergent and more confident readers, this is one of those special books that offers so much: humour, good writing, fabulous illustrations and two wonderful, mismatched friends that I hope are going to be at the heart of many tales to come. 

 Rabbit and Bear: Rabbit's Bad Habits

 Julian Gough, illustrated by Jim Field

Hodder Children's Books     ISBN: 978-1444929317

Coming to England-An Inspiring True Story About the Windrush Generation

‘Coming to England’ is the true story of how Baroness Floella Benjamin left Trinidad and came to London as part of the Windrush generation. Having seen an advert in the newspaper, Floella’s Dardie decided to go to England to be a jazz musician, leaving Floella, her siblings and their mother in Trinidad. Their lives continued happily until a year later when Marmie left with her littlest sister and brother to join their father, leaving Floella and her sister Sandra to live with their ‘wicked’ aunt. At last it was their turn to pack and leave with their brothers for England.

First published in the 90s as a novel (I have two copies- both of which have been ‘borrowed’!) and then as a picture book illustrated by Michael Frith, Floella Benjamin’s inspirational story has been re-told for younger children, beautifully illustrated by Diane Ewen. Both pictures and text vividly convey the joy of her early life on the island of Trinidad with her large, lively family, offering much to discuss and find out about.

The children’s journey to England, the mischief they got up to and the worries they had about their new life saw them at last reunited with the rest of their family. The sense of family love is beautifully conveyed, starkly contrasting with the prejudice they faced from Londoners and the changes in circumstance they had to get used to.

Floella’s message is clear- hard work leads to a better life. The child in Trinidad who dreamt of meeting the Queen is shown achieving her dream when receiving an OBE in 2001.

Accessible and interesting autobiographies for younger children are not easily come by and this is a wonderful example to enjoy and share. It might encourage children to ask questions of their parents/ grandparents about their childhood, sharing family stories and history.

I am one of Floella’s ‘Play School Babies’ and so was very excited to meet her at Hay Festival with Jemima and Humpty a couple of years ago. She is every bit as lovely as I always imagined.

Coming to England - An Inspiring True Story About the Windrush Generation

Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Diane Ewen

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529009415

Genie and Teeny Make a Wish

When Grant the Genie is cast out of the Genie World for an accident involving Queen Mizelda, his lamp is damaged and he needs to find somewhere new to live. Having settled into a convenient teapot, Grant meets Teeny, a lost puppy, and the two become best friends. However, they are kidnapped by the very purple-loving and very evil Lavinia Lavender, who has a cunning plan to win the big dancing dog show, beating her old rival. Can a genie who is not very good at making wishes come true save the day?

‘Genie and Teeny Make a Wish’ is the first in a new series which Steven has both written and illustrated. The book is an explosion of the most wonderful pictures, making it instantly appealing. There are even little stars round the right hand side page numbers! The story is written in a chatty, light-hearted tone, often directly appealing to the reader and engaging them with the story. Grant’s magic wishy word is an instant giggle inspirer and will no doubt be adopted by many!

The fact that Grant, a magical being who you would expect to get things right, often makes mistakes is very reassuring and makes a great starting point for discussions around not having to be perfect or live up to impossible expectations. He keeps trying, does his best and everything works out in the end.

There is much fun to be had with the story as well. Children would really enjoy designing Grant a new home in various different containers- a watering can, perhaps, or a kettle - and thinking of hats to add to his collection. There is a page at the beginning of the book for children (or adults!) to list their three (you can’t wish for more wishes so don’t even bother trying) wishes which makes a perfect starting point for perhaps fulfilling some of these and enjoying the idea of others- some wishes should be just for dreaming, I think! As ever, Steven encourages children to have a go at drawing with a step by step guide for drawing Grant at the end of the book and a special page for their picture, encouraging the artist to share their work on social media.

Brilliantly illustrated and full of fun, ‘Genie and Teeny Make a Wish’ is a magical treat, perfect for sharing. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next!.

Genie and Teeny: Make a Wish Steven Lenton

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008408206

Willow Wildthing

Whilst exploring the garden of her new house , Willow meets the Wild Things, a group of children. who invite her to cross the bridge and enter the Wilderness, a place where anything can happen. The Wilderness was once the garden and grounds of an old house that burned down and remains a ‘small patch of green in the grey concrete town’. For the children, the Wilderness is a place where ‘time stretched, rivers ran deep and giant forests grew’… a secret, magical place.

In the first adventure, Willow pursues the Wild Things when they capture her little dog, Sniff. She crosses the bridge and learns that the children need to borrow Sniff to track a monster which has invaded their camp. One of their group, Bear, gave chase when the monster snatched the Wild Thing’s doughnuts and has disappeared. The children hope Sniff can help them find him and so Willow and her faithful dog join them on an adventure to face the swamp monster.

In their second adventure, The Wild Things find another group of children, the Bark Skins, are in the Wilderness. They have taken Mouse, trapping him with the threat of the Ogre Tree, and demanding River Camp- the Wildthings’ base- in return for his freedom. Furious, the Wild Things declare war and decide to train the dragon who lives in the Dragon Gardens to help them defeat the enemy…

In ‘Willow Wildthing and the Shooting Star’, heavy rains have destroyed River Camp. Whilst camping in Raven’s garden, the children see three shooting stars fall into the Wilderness. Determined to find them, the Wild Things set off on another adventure.

The joy of being free to roam the countryside, getting muddy and making camps radiates from these stories. Exploring nature and being part of the great outdoors makes them a breath of fresh air and perfect for inspiring not only a love of reading, but a desire to share in the Wild Things’ outdoor activities. Each book has an activity at the end which is practical and fun for children to try.

There is so much to love about these stories. Sniff is a rescue dog with ‘one eye, wonky teeth and a brave heart’ who no one had wanted, but he is the perfect dog for Willow and is a real hero of these stories. The reader learns much about nature through the stories too. When Willow’s little brother finds a ‘dragon’ in their garden, his parents create a home for it in a tank, but Willow knows it needs to be released and pleads with her parents not to dig up all the overgrown bushes in their garden that form its home. Th threat litter poses to wildlife is also brilliantly highlighted in the third book- so much to think about and discuss.

Willow’s little brother, Freddie, is ill which offers another element to these stories, exploring her feelings about this and the impact that this has on her family. She longs for him to be well enough to join her in her adventures in the Wilderness and the strong bonds of family love shine through the books. This is highlighted by Rebecca Bagley’s wonderful illustrations, themed to the colour of the book’s cover.

These gentle adventures which celebrate the imagination and play, the power of nature and the love of family and friends are a real delight. Perfect for newly independent readers, as Guided Reading texts or for the joy of a shared story, Gill Lewis has worked her magic again!

Willow Wildthing and the Swamp Monster Gill Lewis, illustrated by Rebecca Bagley

OUP ISBN: 978-0192771759

Willow Wildthing and the Dragon’s Egg Gill Lewis, illustrated by Rebecca Bagley

OUP ISBN: 978-0192771766

Willow Wildthing and the Shooting Star Gill Lewis, illustrated by Rebecca Bagley

OUP ISBN: 978-0192771773

The Missing Bookshop

Milly never misses a story time at Minty's Bookshop. The owner, Mrs Minty, might be a bit creaky, but she knows about every book in the world and can always find something for Milly to read. Like Mrs Minty, the bookshop is showing signs of age and Milly worries that it might have to shut. To her horror, she arrives one day to find Minty's Bookshop closed and soon it is for sale. But Milly comes up with a plan. Can she save the bookshop?

This is a delightful story about the importance of stories – and the shops that sell them. The value of Mrs Minty and her shop to the local community who no doubt take her for granted until faced with her loss reminds us all of the independent bookshops we all know and love and the booksellers whose invaluable advice keeps us returning- something to discuss with children in terms of local libraries as well as bookshops!. Milly is a sweet little girl with a warm caring nature who is a pleasure to read about.

Full of lovely colour illustrations, 'The Missing Bookshop' is a heart warming story, perfect for reading aloud and sharing.

The Missing Bookshop Katie Clapham, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788950428

Pizazz and Pizazz vs the New Kid

It’s not easy being a superhero- particularly when your superpower is SO embarrassing. Having to wear the same outfit all the time and not being able to miss school despite having been up all night fighting baddies also make the whole ‘super’ thing a bit of a nuisance. Pizazz’s parents are super-busy and her sister super-annoying, but her aunty Blaze is great for good advice and support.

Having to move and start a new school is also tricky. Her little sister, Red, who is super at everything, is thriving and finds making new friends easy, but not so Pizazz. Red ends up on the school council; Pizazz is given the role of eco-monitor. But when the local park is threatened, Pizazz has a chance to be super…even if it means everyone finding out about her incredibly embarrassing super power!

Sophy Henn has a wonderful way of bringing her characters vividly to life through text and through illustration. For all her super powers, Pizazz is so easy to relate to, overcoming very un-super issues like changing schools, making new friends, trying to fit in and feeling somewhat less super than the rest of your family. The comic strip sections of the story add much to the story in terms of action and fun, making the book doubly appealing to children who enjoy comic book action as well as a great book.

The story is permeated by the gentle humour Sophy is so well known for, but ‘Pizazz’ also has strong messages about the importance of community action and protecting the environment. Friendship, family and self belief are also important factors in the story which would make an excellent read aloud!

Sophy Henn’s super power is writing incredibly accessible, entertaining and brilliantly illustrated books and ‘Pizazz’ is no exception!

Pizazz Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471193989

Pizazz is back! When a new kid called Jett starts at school, Pizazz decides to befriend her as not only does Pizazz know what it’s like to be new somewhere, but Jett is a super. Things go from bad to worse when leader of The Populars, Serena, gets involved and decides there should be a ‘super-off’! What could possibly go wrong?

I love Pizazz. It is so easy to identify with this well intentioned, big hearted, self conscious, clumsy superhero. Constantly comparing herself to others and finding herself wanting, Pizazz had hoped to be Jett’s buddy and save her from the scorn and ridicule frequently heaped on Pizazz by The Populars. Being rejected by a fellow super makes her doubt herself even more and Pizazz feels she has no choice but to take up the super challenge even when she feels sure she will fail.

Ultimately, however, good sense triumphs and Pizazz finally realises that the Serenas of this world can only hurt us if we let them. Sophy’s reassuring and empowering message is bundled up in plenty of eye-rolling, lots of action and heaps of humour, but it shines through loud and clear for anyone who might need to hear it.

Sophy also allows the reader to see things from Jett’s point of view as Pizazz is offered words of advice from her Aunty Blaze, Uncle Titanoooooo (yes, it does have that many ‘o’s!) and her friends. The comic strip sections add so much to the story, making it pacey and accessible and Sophy’s illustrations are always a joy.

I cannot recommend these books highly enough! Sophy Henn truly is ‘Super Sophy’ and hopefully, there will be many adventures for Pizazz to come!

Pizazz vs the New Kid Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471194153