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.
The Dreamies
Whilst you sleep, the Dreamies, tiny, playful creatures who live in the walls of the house, create wonderful dreams, full of colour and fun. However, sometimes they get distracted and dreams can get bigger and out of control, turning into nightmares. But with some imagination, a little practice and a bit of help from the Dreamies, these bad dreams can be chased away.
With top tips from Gemma Coe, a child sleep specialist, parents are sure to find ‘The Dreamies’ a very comforting and reassuring story to share with little ones who are having trouble with nightmares.
The Dreamies are presented as whimsical, fairy-like creatures who bring joy and imagination to dreams. Their special job is depicted as leading children through adventures as they sleep. For children who experience nightmares, it may well be helpful for parents to use the tactics employed by the Dreamies to find ways to take control of their nightmares, imagining something funny or reassuring to alter the path of their dream, helping children to feel safer at night.
The illustrations offer plenty to discuss and enjoy, celebrating the power of the imagination to create vibrant stories and take flights of fancy, making this a lovely story perfect as part of a bedtime routine!
The Dreamies
Iona Campbell
Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1915669806
Published 8th January 2026
Meowy Christmas!
When Tiddles the cat awakes from a sleep, he is horrified to discover that he has managed to nap through the appearance of a tree in his living room. Puzzled by the fact that his humans seem to like this tree, Tiddles decides to investigate…
Anyone who has had a cat will be familiar with the feline frolics in ‘Meowy Christmas!’ as Tiddles causes plenty of kitty chaos.
Lively, action-packed illustrations offer plenty of visual humour as Tiddles explores the tree in the most cat-like way, his insatiable cat-curiosity leading him into one pickle after another. The text offers a cat’s eye view of what’s going on, giving children even more to giggle at as they recognise things which he doesn’t- a jolly little red and white man, the shiny little balls and the winking and blinking little lights which are the final straw for Tiddles!
Adults and children will enjoy predicting what will happen next as the story ends with Tiddles set to ‘investigate’ another sparkly object, but the story is also perfect for helping little ones to understand the potential problems when mixing pets and festive decorations- and it might remind a few older ones too!
Meowy Christmas!
Panos Christodoulou, illustrated by Daniela Stamatiadi, translated by Manos Bonanos
Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270386
A Tree for Everyone
For Jake and his friends, the tree was a magical place where they built a tree house and played marvellous games. But when more children came, angry words and unkind actions destroyed everything …until they realise that they need to resolve their differences to move forward.
‘A Tree for Everyone’ is a delightful, heart-warming story, celebrating the importance of taking and giving second chances as well as the joys of imaginative play.
For Jake, Aiden and Pip, the tree is the perfect place for all their creative play, becoming a pirate ship, a castle, a space rocket…whatever they dream and invent. Their joyful play comes to an end when they feel their space is threatened by the arrival of three more children. Things escalate quickly from Jake and his friends not wanting to share ‘their’ tree to the destruction of the tree house. No longer having such a special shared place, the children drift off to do other things, but when Jake and one of the other children, Lily, gravitate back to the tree, a new understanding and friendship springs up as they apologise to each other. Perfect for sharing at story time, the book promotes ideas of empathy and kindness, showing the tree can very successfully be a shared space, sparking discussions about special places or games and how others can be included. Children are sure to want to share their favourite games, perhaps leading to a class book of ideas.
Vibrant, fun-filled illustrations reflect the joys of creative play with the tree central to their joy. Lily and Jake are surrounded by its greenery as they apologise for their unkind words and deeds. There are many details to notice and enjoy!
A lovely book about friendship and sharing, kindness and creativity.
A Tree for Everyone
Kathy Urban, illustrated by Rosie Butcher
Little Steps ISBN: 978-1915641427
A Song of the Seasons
‘A Song of the Seasons’ follows the lives of a mother bear and her cubs from as they wake from their winter hibernation through the changing seasons of the year. This gentle picture book captures the beauty of each phase of the year, celebrating the wonders of nature.
Perfect for sharing, the story makes an excellent starting point for discussing the changing seasons and how creatures adapt to each. Delicate illustrations frame the lyrical text as the bears slowly wake from their sleep, frolic in the summer sun and prepare for the next winter sleep on the bounty of autumn.
This is a wonderfully calming tale, following the rolling cadence of the year with creatures thriving in their natural setting. It would be excellent for a story time, sparking plenty of discussion and further investigation.
A Song of the Seasons
Yibing Deng
Post Wave ISBN: 878-1836270676
The Turtle Who Turned the Tide
It’s the day of the Grand Hatching and all the animals have gathered to watch the baby turtles make their way to the ocean. Tula and her brother, Tiny, are amongst them and Tula finds herself the favourite to win the race to the water. However, she suddenly realises that Tiny has gone off course. She bravely decides to turn back and find him and when they find themselves facing danger, all the animals unite to save Tula and Tiny and see them safely to the water.
Since ‘The Lion Inside’ Rachel Bright and Jim Field have been delighting readers with gorgeous stories, ringing with positive messages and joy. Like the others, ‘The Turtle Who Turned the Tide’ combines vivid engaging illustrations with a heart-warming story about the power of change and communities working together for good.
The rhyming text is an absolute joy to read aloud, rising and falling with the action of the story. Tula chooses to help her brother above winning the race, showing the importance of kindness. Her example to the other animals inspires them in turn to gather together and rally round when needed, making sure Tula and Tiny escape the jaws of Snake and happily end up in the ocean with the other baby turtles. The element of peril is very well handled with the word ‘but…’ at the bottom of the page hinting that something is going to save the siblings!
The illustrations are just wonderful, helping to immerse the reader in the story. There are many points to pause and linger over the pictures, perhaps discussing them in more detail. Children might wish to discover more about turtles, their hatching and first journey to the sea. They might enjoy making a simple origami model or a felt finger puppet of a turtle and use these to act out the story whilst reading. With older readers, the meaning of ‘turned the tide’ and how this is shown in the story would generate some interesting discussions!
Another triumph from this team!
The Turtle Who Turned the Tide
Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field
Orchard ISBN: 978-1408366448
You can read my review of ‘The Pandas Who Promised’ here, The Koala Who Could here, The Squirrels Who Squabbled here, The Way Home for Wolf here and The Whale Who Wanted More here.
Tiger, It’s Snowing!/ Tiger, Don’t Worry!
Little Mei and her friend, Tiger, are excited because it is snowing. Tiger has never seen snow before and is so keen to explore that he doesn’t notice how cold Mei is getting. When he does, they both head home for a warming bowl of soup and bed.
A lovely story, ‘Tiger, It’s Snowing’ bursts with the childhood joys of exploration and discovery, capturing that sense of wonder. All the fun and excitement of playing in fresh snow is perfectly captured through Tiger’s wide-eyed delight as he and Mei cavort about, tasting and capturing snowflakes. The story also offers the opportunity for gentle discussions about noticing how others are feeling as, in his excitement, Tiger doesn’t listen to Mei when she says she is feeling cold, only noticing that there is a problem when she starts to sneeze.
The illustrations are just delightful, each one worth dwelling on and enjoying. Mei and Tiger stand out against the softly coloured backgrounds and their affection for each other is easy to see. Children will enjoy discussing these scenes, comparing them to their own experiences of snow days! A wonderful spread shows Tiger wrapping Mei in his warm, furry arms once he had realised how cold she is and another captures them creating snow angels!
Warm and wonderful, this is a wonderful story to snuggle up with and share!
Tiger, It’s Snowing
Daishu Ma
Post Wave ISBN: 9781836270355
When Mei and Tiger decide they would like to make tea like the adults, things go very wrong and the two run away to avoid getting into trouble. Eventually, they realise that they need to go home and face the consequences of their actions.
I absolutely love ‘Tiger, Don’t Worry!’. In their enthusiasm, Tiger and Mei unintentionally cause chaos in their attempt to make tea. Little children will immediately empathise with their sense of worry when things go wrong, perhaps able to identify with this situation! The story offers a gentle lesson about the importance of owning up when things go wrong, but also perhaps serves as a reminder to adults that accidents can happen with no ill intent! Tiger and Mei are instantly forgiven by their family and everyone makes tea together.
For many children- and adults- reading this book, making a cup of tea involves a very different process to that shown in the illustrations, making the story an excellent starting point for discussions about where tea comes from!
Tiger and Mei are sure to become firm favourites with young readers!
Tiger, Don’t Worry!
Daishu Ma
Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270164
Firefly
‘Firefly’ is the most gorgeous book. Hinting at the beauty withing, its stunning cover of deepest blue with copper image is very tactile, a theme continued by the thick, creamy pages inside. It even smells wonderful!
Perfect for the darkening days of this time of year, the lyrical verse follows a little girl’s journey through the woods, encouraging her to ‘seek what’s glowing’ to counter the pitfalls and darkness which surrounds her. For those who struggle with dark feelings or who find the long winter nights a difficult time, these words will offer hope and comfort, reminders that all the tiny joyful things in life can combine and give light in the dark- ‘set fears to flight, set night on fire.’
The text is a joy to read aloud, full of vivid imagery and rich vocabulary, accompanied by the most enchanting illustrations. Uplifting and powerful, ‘Firefly’ is a stunning book, one to be shared again and again.
Firefly
Robert Macfarlane, illustrated by Luke Adam Hawker
Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1917044523
The Street Where Santa Lives
When a new neighbour moves in next door, everyone is too busy to notice except a little girl, who immediately spots that he is Father Christmas! Her family try to dissuade her and tell her not to call him Santa, but he doesn’t mind all her questions. When she discovers that he is really good at mending things, the little girl makes him a sign saying ‘Santa’s Work Shop’ and soon all the neighbours are bringing Santa things to mend, with her acting as ‘elf in training’. When the weather turns colder, the little girl is worried when she can’t find her friend and the family discover that he is not feeling well. The little girl quickly rallies support and everyone arrives to take care of their new neighbour.
It might seem a little early to be reading Christmassy books, but ‘The Street Where Santa Lives’ carries a message for the whole year, not just the festive season.
The little girl lives in a busy street where lots of people are hurrying around, focusing on their busy lives, but she notices the new neighbour moving in. Her curiosity leads her to reach out to him, forming a connection between neighbours. Her care for her elderly neighbour leads to her noticing when he is unwell, but also highlights the contribution which people can make if given the opportunity. This is a wonderfully warm cuddle of a story which is perfect for sharing, discussing and enjoying again and again.
The illustrations are simply delightful and full of little details to notice, including a little twist on the last page! Children will enjoy trying to work out whether this really is Santa. His answers to the little girl’s questions do not give the answers she expects- his favourite animal is a rabbit, not a reindeer and his best time of year is spring, not Christmas- and yet he can be seen clutching armfuls of letters, there are plenty of Christmassy items in his workshop and he seems very fond of wearing red tops!
There is so much to enjoy here and the story might encourage families to notice elderly people in their own area and perhaps extend the hand of friendship. As the story says, ‘Magic happens. On my street and yours… You just have to look.’
The Street Where Santa Lives
Harriet Howe, illustrated by Julia Christians
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918576
A Christmas Delivery
Tomas and Lolli are very excited about Christmas- and so are all their dragons! When a tiny ice dragon bursts out of one of the spiky fruits on their dragon-fruit tree, it brings snow with it, transforming the garden into a winter wonderland. But, although fun at first, it soon becomes clear that the snow is going to stop them from delivering their presents on time. However, with a little help from the dragons, everything turns out just right in the end!
This absolutely delightful picture book is set in the wonderful world created by Andy Shepherd in her ‘The Boy Who Grew Dragons’ series. Magical and imaginative, ‘A Christmas Delivery’ is a real festive treat which everyone can enjoy!
The story captures all the excitement of the build up to Christmas as the dragons ‘help’ with the preparations and cause chaos! A wonderfully warm sense of family is captured as the siblings work together to get ready for Christmas with the focus very much on spreading joy rather than the presents which they might receive. They are determined to deliver their gifts to family and friends, sticking together and working as a team to achieve their goal…with a little help from their dragon-y friends! Children will love spotting Father Christmas flying through the sky, aided not by reindeer, but by a dragon!
Children are sure to be inspired to imagine their own dragons, describing them, drawing them and deciding on the skills and attributes which they might have. The language used in the story is lovely, making the book a joy to read aloud and each spread bursts with lively, engaging illustrations which are perfect for lingering over and spotting all the little details.
Sure to become a firm favourite all year long!
A Christmas Delivery
Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sarah Warburton
Templar ISBN: 978-1835874264
How to Find a Yeti
A self-proclaimed yeti expert decides that he is going to find the yeti which he is sure lives in the forest behind his house. Having packed his rucksack and donned his favourite scarf, the little boy and his dog, Milo, set off for the trees. Having searched everywhere, the little boy returns home having concluded that there is NO yeti in the forest…but how has his lost scarf found its way back to his doorstep?
‘How to Find a Yeti’ is an absolutely delightful picture book which will have little ones giggling in delight! In true ‘look behind you’ tradition, they will love pointing out what the little boy just cannot see- that the yeti really is living in the forest.
Story and illustration work in perfect harmony as limited text shares the boy’s thoughts and feelings with the reader whilst the illustrations speak volumes. As he dreams of the fame which will come with his great discovery, the pictures offer so many details to notice and enjoy. Children will particularly enjoy exploring the contents of his rucksack, including a ‘just in case’ pair of pants. I fondly remember how my son used to enjoy packing all the things which he would need for a walk- although a pair of emergency pants was never included!
The real fun of the story starts as the little boy and Milo head for the forest. Sharp eyes will notice a strangely shaped tree on the horizon which hints at things to come. The little boy fails to see what the reader does and he shines his torch into logs and stands on a high snowy ‘hill’ to peer through his binoculars. The amiable yeti makes friends with Milo and is shown to have a big heart as he returns the little boy’s lost scarf which he carefully folds and places on the doorstep, ready to be found the following morning.
As the little boy hunts high and low and looks to left and right, adults might encourage children to join in with these actions, perhaps taking the chance to reinforce directional language or prepositions. They could look in front and behind, under and over, above and below etc perhaps creating their own yeti search maps and developing imaginative play based around the story.
A fun-filled, engaging read, ‘How to Find a Yeti’ also offers so many possibilities for play, art activities and learning!
How to Find a Yeti
Matt Hunt
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805136484
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
Rita longs to become a ballerina. Fuelled by her passion for dance, she practises every day, striving to become the best she can be. However, as she looks at ballet magazines and compares herself to her friends, Rita is filled with self-doubt, feeling that she is the wrong shape to be able to be a ballerina. Comforted by her friend, Wanda, and teacher, Monsieur le Fox, Rita regains her confidence and dances as she has never danced before.
‘The Bear Who Wanted to Dance ‘ is a heart-warming story about following your dreams and encourages having a positive body image.
Dance- particularly ballet- is a hugely competitive industry with many dancers suffering from eating disorders whilst pushing their bodies to the limit so a book which challenges these ideas is, in my opinion, brilliant! I’m not suggesting that one picture book will change the world, but if one little dancer takes courage from it, that can only be a good thing! Rita, like so many children, particularly girls, forgets the fact that she has worked hard and is an excellent dancer as she compares her physical appearance to that of other dancers and does not like what she sees. The reader sees, as Rita does, her large, almost shapeless shadow falling on the ground in front of her surrounded by the elegant, slender outlines of her classmates, cleverly avoiding the use of the harsh words often used to describe larger bodies. No one tries to tell her that she is not large, instead focusing on the facts that she is the right shape for her and is the best dancer, supporting her in a very positive way!
Another thing which I love about this story is that the author shows Rita as having worked hard to improve, dedicating her time and energy to practising. This is not one of those stories which simply tells readers that they can be whatever they want to be with no effort- Rita is good at dancing because she has dedicated time and effort to the art and so deserves her success!
The book would make an excellent story to share both in school and at home, no doubt sparking conversations about feeling positive about your body, working hard to achieve your dreams and being resilient. With delightful illustrations (including ballet positions on the end papers!) which add much to the story, this is a book to inspire and comfort!
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
Stephanie Stansbie, illustrated by Wendy J Warren
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918675
Squirrel and Bird
Squirrel and Bird are very different. Squirrel is really loud, confident and always busy whereas Bird is really quiet, shy and prefers to sit and do nothing. Yes, they are really different…or are they?
This delightful picture book challenges readers to consider how they view others, encouraging the idea that everyone is an individual with many facets to their personality. Having worked in schools all my working life, quick snap generalisations of children as ‘good’, ‘naughty’, ‘cheeky’ etc have always annoyed me as no one should be judged as one dimensional. ‘Squirrel and Bird’ is perfect for challenging this notion!
An unseen narrator introduces Squirrel and Bird, emphasising their difference. Bird is annoyed by these comments and readers will enjoy noticing that the narrator’s commentary is not a true reflection of what they are actually feeling! Eventually, it all gets too much for Bird who demands that the narrator recognises that there is so much more to Squirrel and Bird than they (the narrator) gives them credit for and starts to rewrite the story with a more perceptive commentary!
The illustrations are simple lovely, using muted, sepia tones and are full of details for children to notice and enjoy. Bird’s comments are presented in a flowing, cursive script, allowing readers to differentiate between their thoughts and the narrator’s commentary. The story is both thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable and would make an excellent book to share with any class of any age to encourage discussion about how we see others, how we see ourselves and how we are all a complex mix of different things at different times.
Squirrel and Bird
Laura Baker, illustrated by Stacey Thomas
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917203
Giggling Ghosts!
In a busy town, when it’s quiet after dark, there is a house full of ghosts who are ready to scare! Sneaking and spinning, gliding and booooing are all great fun, but their favourite thing to do is giggle.
Perfect for sharing, ‘Giggling Ghosts’ offers a fun, interactive story time. Bouncy rhyming text encourages children to join in with the little ghosts as they have a great time stretching, tiptoeing, jiggling and wiggling, encouraging everyone to be active and interpret the ghosts movements in their own way.
Although obviously full of ghosts, this is not really a spooky story making it just right for sharing with younger children at Hallowe’en time. The illustrations are lovely, showing ‘cute’ little ghosts surrounded by sparkling dust as they glide around and even the pictures showing them peeking round gravestones are not frightening! Children are sure to quickly identify their own favourite amongst the ghosts and follow its adventure from picture to picture as each seems to have its own personality. They might enjoy thinking up names for each one!
Sweet, gentle and fun, this lovely book would make a wonderful story time and could easily be used to inspire lots of craft activities!
Giggling Ghosts!
Fiz Osborne, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398535084
Victor and the Giant
Victor is enjoying his morning hot chocolate when, suddenly, there is a terrible noise and a horrible shaking, followed by silence. Looking out of his window, he sees an enormous giant, who, having eaten all the city apart from Victor’s building, is now sleeping off his meal. Summoning his courage, Victor sets off to investigate…
‘Victor and the Giant’ is a quirky and imaginative read. In the best fairy tale tradition, our hero, Victor, defeats the giant and restores his mother and the rest of the city. His solution to the giant problem, however, is not violence or outwitting his adversary, but creativity and appealing to the giant’s better nature.
Genial, but hungry, the giant, once woken from his slumber, is moved by Victor’s tears and is happy to rectify the situation in return for a milky hot chocolate. Children will appreciate Victor’s tactics as he wakes the giant by pulling out one of his nose hairs and then tickles his tonsils to get his mother and the city back. The illustrations allow readers to ‘admire’ every hair, lump and bump on the giant’s skin and in his mouth and shows the regurgitated city covered in slime, all of which is sure to make children squeal in delight! Other illustrations emphasise how tiny Victor is in comparison to the giant and children will enjoy spotting his tiny figure as he tries to appeal to his huge adversary.
All ends well as Victor’s mother and the city are returned and the giant satiated. However, the final page leaves the the reader wondering what really happened, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy!
Victor and the Giant
Rafael Yockteng, translated by Elisa Amado
Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1778499841
The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours
Commander Julia and the crew of the Mission Star Drifter have been searching for signs of life in the universe for ten years. It is beginning to feel like a fruitless mission and relations on board ship are becoming a little strained. They decide to visit one last planet and initially, this seems like all the other harsh, lonely, cold planets which they have been to until their dog, Khan, draws their attention to some yellow beings who open the explorers’ eyes to new beauties and new wonders.
‘The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours’ is another beautiful and thought-provoking book from Chloe Savage.
The delicately coloured illustrations burst with beguiling details, making the book a joy to linger over and explore. Cross sectional diagrams of the spaceship allow readers to observe life on board ship whilst other illustrations allow readers to be in on the joke and notice that there is life on this ‘desolate wasteland’ before the crew does. The spaceship itself is oddly human, its ‘face’ reflecting a whole range of emotions as the adventure continues.
The story offers the potential for discussing a whole range of topics, making it a wonderful choice for sharing with a class. Having initially been filled with enthusiasm for their mission, the lack of success leads the crew to become disenchanted with their task; however, ultimately, their patience is rewarded. Relationships between crew members become tense due to their close confinement with little things being blown out of all proportion. Initially, the Star Drifters fail to appreciate the space creatures’ way of life, showing how cultures can misunderstand each other, but eventually, they come to appreciate their world and enjoy simply appreciating how wonderful it is to be alive and enjoy the moment rather than searching for a practical purpose. Plenty to ponder on whilst enjoying this lovely story!
How to Scare a Mouse and Bear
It’s Hallowe’en and Bear is determined to give Mouse a fright. However, no matter what he tried Mouse sees through costume after costume until a mysterious monster knocks on the door…
Bear and Mouse are back for their fourth adventure in ‘How to Scare a Mouse and Bear’ and it is every bit as adorable as the previous titles!
Illustrations start the story before the text kicks in as Mouse is gathering pumpkins and squashes for carving into Hallowe’en lanterns, setting the scene for the spooky season. As Bear announces his intention to scare his friend, Mouse, feisty as ever, declares that he won’t be frightened. Challenge made, Bear appears in a series of Hallowe’en costumes, each mocked by Mouse. The text follows the usual Mouse and Bear book pattern, making it reassuringly familiar and perfect for children to join in with, predicting the rhyming words whilst laughing at Mouse’s responses. Children may well enjoy thinking of other costumes which Bear might try and creating their own responses from Mouse as he appears in them! Readers will delight in the moment where Mouse realises the monster at the door is not Bear and the fact that their scare leaves these two pals cuddled together behind a chair, united once more!
The illustrations are wonderful- big and bold against single colour backgrounds, perfect for little children to focus on and enjoy. The range of expressions on Mouse and Bear’s faces as the story progresses is impressive, offering plenty of moments to pause and wonder how each is feeling at different parts of the story. I have said this before, but I think children would love to make simple glove puppets of Mouse and Bear and use them to re-enact this or any of the stories or to create their own.
I hope there are many more Mouse and Bear books to come!
How to Scare a Mouse and Bear
Ross Collins
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805135012
You can read my review of ‘We Disagree About this Tree’ here.
Unicorn Post
One day, when a little girl is playing in her tree house, a unicorn arrives. Keen to help her new friend, the little girl takes the unicorn to visit places around the town which might make a suitable new home. From the pet shop to the fair, together they explore until, at last, the unicorn finds its perfect forever home.
Simply delightful from start to finish, ‘Unicorn Post’ is a gentle, heart-warming story, perfect for sharing.
Children will love lifting the flaps to explore the leaflets and letters which are found throughout the book, enhancing the story with lots of additional details and humour. These are so delightful that readers are sure to be inspired to create their own little leaflets and letters, perhaps as part of their own book made in this style. The Funfair map includes a key to help identify the different rides and locations whilst the leaflet from the pet shop is full of ‘purrfect’ puns and and ‘cheep’ offers!
The illustrations are gorgeous and the whole book has a rosy glow which adds to the warm feeling of the story. As the little girl tries her best to find the unicorn a home, the relationship between them blossoms until, although happy she has found the perfect place for the unicorn to live, the little girl is deeply saddened to leave her new friend behind, leading to a long walk home with no singing and a grey tinge spreading across the landscape. Fortunately, the perfect happy ending is just round the corner and the new friends are happily reunited!
Although not many people write and post letters these days, this book reminds us how nice it is to receive something so personal! ‘Unicorn Post’ is a real joy!
Unicorn Post
Emma Yarlett
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529525175
You can read my review of ‘Nibbles The Very Hungry Book Monster’ here and ‘Dragon Post’ here.
Hank meets Frank
Hank the goose can be a little bit objectionable- that means bad-mannered and rude- at times. However, he can also be good when he tries which is really important today as his sweet little cousin, Frank, is coming to play. However, cousin Frank might not be as lovely as everyone believes leading to a little cousin-ly rivalry!
Like ‘Hank Goes Honk’, ‘Hank Meets Frank’ is a wonderfully funny story which both children and adults will love to share again and again!
Although Frank might appear sweet and innocent, he is full of mischief and soon starts making trouble for Hank. But Hank ups the ante and soon things get out of control as they try to get one up on each other. The illustrations are bursting with humour and readers will enjoy spotting each prank until the final spread where they are pulled into the action! Whether reading with a class or snuggled up with someone special, the story will have everyone giggling- and perhaps plotting a few pranks of their own.
The story also offers the opportunity for discussing how quickly things can get out of hand if ‘jokes’ are taken to excess! In the end of this book, the devious duo join forces, but these things can often escalate and cause problems.
Colourful, attractive illustrations and comic narration combine to make this a real treat!
Hank Meets Frank
Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918552
You can read my review of Hank Goes Honk here.
Oh Dear, Look What I Got!
A child sets out to the shop in search of a carrot, but finds he has been sold a parrot. ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’, he cries. Off he goes once more in search of a hat…and comes home with a cat! And so the story continues until an unexpected puppy causes chaos. When the doorbell rings, all the shopkeepers are at the door, bearing the items which has been originally requested, leading to an impromptu party!
‘Oh Dear, Look What I Got!’ is a delightful cumulative tale, full of fun and fabulous illustrations.
The bouncy rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud and children will enjoy predicting what comes next as well as joining in with the repeated refrain of ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’ which comes after every mistaken purchase. The illustrations offer little clues - a bear’s clawed paw poking from one bundle, a forked tongue from another- adding to the fun of predicting what is about to appear. The story lends itself to creating additional trips to the shops, with children adding rhymes of their own before joining in with a chorus of ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’!
The illustrations are wonderful! On each journey to the shops, the child (I chose to use ‘he’- no indication is given as to whether it is a boy or girl) is followed by all the previous creatures acquired and there are so many details to notice and enjoy. The story starts and continues on the end papers, offering children the opportunity to continue the tale with their own ideas about what happens next!
Simply delightful!
Oh Dear, Look What I Got!
Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Walker ISBN: 978-1529510898
War Dog
In ‘War Dog’, Tom Palmer tells the true story of Judy, a canine hero of WWII. Known for his carefully researched, thoughtful historical fiction, Judy’s story is presented as a picture book, making it accessible to a younger audience.
Celebrating the courage, loyalty and intelligence of animals who worked alongside service men and women, ‘War Dog’ is a deeply poignant account of Judy’s life as she served on HMS Grasshopper and then was incarcerated as a prisoner of war, sharing the hardships of the crew and bringing them comfort and hope. Forming a special bond with Frank, one of the crew, her devotion to him speaks volumes about the vital role pets play in keeping people happy and healthy- even in the worst circumstances.
Written for a younger audience, the story does not shy away from the fact that Judy was badly treated and that the conditions the prisoners were kept in were harsh and frightening, but presents this in an age appropriate manner. The lovely illustrations support this, bringing Judy’s story to life, showing how she offered comfort, support and loyalty - and was loved in return.
Information at the end of the book offers useful information about Judy and how she was awarded the Dickin Medal as well as the role played by a selection of other animals- who could easily be the focus of future books! One of the many things about Tom Palmer’s skill as a writer of historical fiction is his ability to use great sensitivity and respect when sharing the stories of others, making their stories very ‘real’ for his audience and inspiring them to want to discover more about them. In ‘War Dog’, he has shown that he can do this in picture book form just as well as he does in his novels and is sure to lead younger readers to a love of history just as he does with older ones.
A beautifully written, powerful story- perfect for sharing this- and every- Remembrance Day.
War Dog: The True Story of Judy, hero of WWII
Tom Palmer, illustrated by Carolina Rabei
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702325946
You can read my review of ‘Resist’ here
