Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole

When Torla, the taller-than-average giraffe, is stuck in a deeper-than-average hole, it is up to her smaller-than-average friend, Smorla, to find a way to get her out!

I absolutely loved ‘Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud’ and was so excited when I spotted that another adventure for this loveable duo is on its way! ‘Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole’ is just as brilliant as the first book and I hope that there are many more to come!

As with the last book, the friendship between these two giraffes is at the heart of the story. When Torla falls into the hole and gets stuck, Smorla is determined to help, coming up with different ideas and persisting until Torla is at last free. Not being able to free Torla alone, Smorla first seeks help from others and when that doesn’t work, comes up with an ingenious solution to solve the problem!

The illustrations are a complete joy and add much to the humour of the story. The tall, thin format of the book emphasises the height difference between the two and readers can fold some pages out or up, allowing them to be part of the adventure as the story progresses. The giraffes’ faces show a whole range of emotions through the ups and downs of Torla’s time in the hole, allowing for plenty of exploration of emotions.

There is much repetition of the phrase ‘(something)-than-average’, encouraging children to explore what this means (in simple terms!), perhaps leading to discussions about the joys of being unique and the fact that being different from your friends is absolutely normal! The book really lends itself to a book groups session as there are so many crafty ideas which it inspires as well as being a really fun read!

Can’t wait to see what these two get up to next!

Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole

Kes Gray, illustrated by Chris Jevons

Happy Yak ISBN: ‎ 978-0711288126

Published 3rd July 2025

You can read my review of ‘Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud’ here.

A Mouse Just Ate My House

A naughty little mouse with very sharp teeth is constantly eating…the kitchen, the bathroom, the pest controller. Will anything make it stop?

Fast paced and funny, ‘A Mouse Just Ate my House’ is a riotous romp, perfect for reading aloud!

Many readers will be familiar with Kes Gray’s ‘Oi Frog’ series and his latest story does not disappoint. The lively rhyming text keeps building as the mouse’s eating antics get wilder and wilder until everything is resolved…or is it?!

Cut through sections add extra excitement to the illustrations and children will enjoy peeking through the pages as the mouse chomps its way into the story. They will quickly learn to join in as each possible solution is followed by ‘The mouse just ate my…’ and the story romps on. It’s the sort of story which inspires children to create their own additional scenarios whether in rhyme or not and perhaps illustrate these as well. As the mouse’s meals become more and more unlikely, readers are sure to try trump these ideas with whackier and whackier suggestions.

I would not recommend this as a bedtime read, however, as it will do nothing to lull little ones off to sleep- quite the reverse in fact!

A Mouse Just Ate my House

Kes Gray, illustrated by Sebastien Braun

Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711288034

All the Wonderful Ways to Move

Bursting with energy, ‘All the Wonderful Ways to Move’ is a delightful book which celebrates being active and having fun. A young child, an older lady and a whole host of animal characters dance their way across the pages of the book, encouraging readers to join in the fun!

The rhyming text offers a wonderful background beat to the sequence of movements the text suggests- clapping, stomping, wriggling, stretching and bending- leading to everyone having a thoroughly good time. Repetition of sections will soon have children joining in and, no doubt, quickly learning the sequence, joining in with the words as they perform the actions. Some ‘cool down’ moves are also included before everyone flops at the end.

With an emphasis on taking part. creatures of all shapes and sizes are shown joining in and having fun as they perform this series of moves which can be differentiated to accommodate everyone at a level at which they are comfortable. Using an older adult and showing them as mobile and active is wonderful as this is not something very often seen in children’s books.

The illustrations are great fun and readers are sure to be inspired to create their own routines to share as they quickly learn there are so many wonderful ways to move- and enjoy doing so!

All the Wonderful Ways to Move

Laura Baker, illustrated by Sandra de la Prada

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917227

You can read my review of ‘All the Wonderful Ways to Read’ here.

I’m Going to Make a Friend

A child moves to a new house and is worried about making new friends. How long will it take? What games will they want to play? Will they have their own ideas? In the end, you just have to give it a go!

‘How to Make a Friend’ is a delightful, reassuring book which explores all the emotions it takes to form a friendship.

Text and illustration work beautifully together in this book as the pictures show the child using junk modelling to create a friend, encouraging readers to explore the idea of ‘making a friend’ and what this really means. At times, the robot style creation seems to come to life through the child’s imagination, but reverts to an inanimate form when the child interacts with others. As the child struggles with all the questions filling their head about what they might expect from a friend, the story offers a perfect springboard for discussion and role play to develop and explore these ideas.

The child- never identified as a boy or a girl- does have a constant companion- the cat which follows them around, their expression mirroring the feelings of the child. There are many details in the pictures for readers to discuss and enjoy as they explore the developing friendship. There are plenty of pages to pause on, to discuss what might be happening, what might be said - and what might happen next. The end papers are also worth lingering over- the child (and their cat!) play alone at the beginning, the two children(and the cat!) play together at the end.

A brilliant book for both home and school, ‘I’m Going to Make a Friend’ is just lovely!

I’m Going to Make a Friend

Darren Chetty, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801046602

Elephant Can’t Jump

Elephant is determined to take part in the Big Boing Off competition this year. All the usual contestants, Flea, Frog, Goat and Kangaroo, are taking part and are expert jumpers, but when Elephant tries, she finds she just can’t jump!

However, with some creative thinking, perseverance and a little help from her friends, perhaps Elephant can find a way to jump after all.

‘Elephant Can’t Jump’ is a real ‘feel good’ story, perfect for sharing with little ones, which offers a really positive message about perseverance and determination.

Determined to enter the competition, Elephant is supported by her friends in trying to find a solution to her problem. As each attempt fails, she shows great resilience as her friends come up with creative ways of helping her to achieve her goal. They all keep trying until, together, they have ensured their friend’s success and can all celebrate together!

The story reminds readers that there is no one right way of doing things. Each of the animals has their own approach and techniques for jumping- no one way better than the other- which allow them to experience success. When none of these ways work for Elephant, they simply set about finding a way which suits her and allows her to achieve her goal. Although delighted with herself, Elephant is quick to thank her friends for their help, showing that teamwork, friendship and determination make an excellent combination!

Robert Starling’s colourful illustrations are full of humour, energy and colour, with plenty of details to spot. The book if perfect for sharing at home or at school, offering an excellent starting point for discussions about perseverance and looking for alternative ways of finding a solution! Great fun!

Elephant Can’t Jump

Pip Jones, illustrated by Robert Starling

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471193316

Basil Dreams Big

Basil the bat doesn’t believe that he can fly. Encouraged by his friend, Moth, and the rest of the fruit bats, he tries and tries, but with no luck. However, when as storm threatens Moth, Basil realises that anything is possible.

Told in bouncy, rhyming text, ‘Basil Dreams Big’ is an absolute dream to read aloud, making it perfect for sharing!

Children will empathise with Basil as he struggles to master a new skill. No matter what he does, his efforts seem fruitless, but ultimately, resilience and self-belief enable him to overcome his fears. Supported by friends and family, he struggles to find the courage until his best friend needs him and everything falls into place. Children will relate to his worries and the book makes a perfect starting point for discussions about resilience, determination and not giving up.

Gorgeous illustrations accompany the story and these could also be used with a class- or individual child- to pause the story and explore Basil’s feelings at different points, perhaps using role play or gathering vocabulary. Children might share a personal (realistic!) goal recorded on a ‘Basil’ shape which they are determined to achieve, creating a display to encourage perseverance.

Used alongside other areas of the curriculum, the book might also inspire research into fruit bats. Some of the lovely phrasing used in the story might also be explored- ‘moonlit-kissed world’, ‘dawn-dusted tree’, ‘storm-tumbled skies’- perhaps encouraging children to create their own descriptive words or phrases- even leading to poetry writing!

A really lovely book!

Basil Dreams Big

Lu Fraser, illustrated by Sarah Warburton

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398525832

Published 24th April 2025

The Bear-Shaped Hole

Gerda and Orlo share a wonderful friendship. Kind and wise, Orlo always has time to listen to, and spend time with, young Gerda, but then things change. Gerda notices that Orlo has become slower and less strong. When she asks him what’s wrong, Orlo explains that he is very ill and is going to die. Heartbroken, Gerda is filled with anger and runs away, trying to escape her grief and pain. On her return, Orlo offers a reassuring bear hug, validating her feelings and assuring her that she will feel happiness again. They spend time together, creating memories and when Orlo dies, Gerda grieves, but his wisdom has prepared her for the loss.

Deeply poignant, ‘The Bear-Shaped Hole’ is a wonderful book to support those facing an impending loss. The rhyming text shares the early experiences of Gerda, the bear who offers comfort to Bertle on the loss of his friend, Hertle, in the story, ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’, written by the same team. The story sensitively explores Gerda’s reaction to the news that Orlo is going to die, validating her feelings at each stage, and offering the perfect starting point for conversations around loss. However, the book is also perfect for sharing with anyone, at any time, as it reminds readers of the importance of valuing time with others, living in the moments we have and creating special memories.

As with ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’, the illustrations play a powerful role in sharing Gerda’s story and expressing her feelings. As Gerda flees from Orlo, a spiking, swirl of black trails her; another picture shows this black chaos surrounding her, almost consuming her, brilliantly expressing her feelings in visual form, perhaps helping children to show their emotions in the same way. The love between the two characters is also beautifully captured through their tender looks and joyful memories. Adults guiding children in this situation might suggest that they capture some of the special memories they create using photographs or drawings in the same way that Gerda and Orlo’s are shown in the story.

Those familiar with ‘The Hare- Shaped Hole’ will enjoy spotting some of the characters from that story in the illustrations in this book. Deeply moving, ‘The Bear-Shaped Hole’ is a stunning, comforting and much needed book.

The Bear-Shaped Hole

John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711296602

You can read my review of ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’ here.

My Rice is Best

Shane loves to eat rice and peas and believes it is the BEST FOOD EVER! However, when he takes some to school for his lunch, he soon discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about jollof rice. So- whose rice is best?

‘My Rice is Best’ is an absolute delight! Full of humour, it is perfect for sharing and starting discussions.

Everyone has a favourite food, but this story shows the wonderful versatility of this staple and how it can be enjoyed by different people in different ways, allowing readers to explore cultural diversity. Used in schools, it would be perfect for starting discussions about food, the origin of various dishes, favourite dishes the children enjoy at home…the possibilities are endless! Children might enjoy creating their own stories based on this one, but changing the food- to potatoes, for example, or beans! Exploring the similarities and differences between different families, different cultures, different traditions could lead to food tasting sessions (obviously paying attention to allergies etc!) or community events, embracing new cuisines.

Although Shane and Yinka squabble over which rice is best, when things go wrong, Yinka and the others are all ready to share with Shane, making sure he has plenty of lunch to eat. Friendship is more important than food! The book also captures the close relationship between Shane and his mum as she shares the secret of their special family recipe.

The illustrations are wonderful. Bold, bright and engaging, they add much to the humour and joy of the story. A must have for every class and home!

My Rice is Best

Selina Brown, illustrated by Maxwell A. Oginni

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241635537

Published 8th May 2025

The Old Watering Can

Each day, Grandma carries her two watering cans to her greenhouse. One is brand new; the other is old with a leak. One day, the old watering can apologises for its leak and all the water it loses every day. However, Grandma reassures it, explaining that all the leaked water falls onto seeds she had planted by the path which grow into beautiful flowers which Grandma then shares with her neighbours.

‘The Old Watering Can’ is a lovely, gentle story which shows how imperfections can actually be strengths. At first glance, the old watering can seems useless, no longer fit for purpose, and yet, Grandma has turned its leaking into a positive feature.

Like many of us, the watering can is so focused on its defect that it fails to notice the positive effect which it is having. The story is perfect for drawing attention to all the worthwhile things which we do, but might not notice whilst comparing ourselves to others. This, and Grandma’s kindness to the can and how she views it, are sure to be discussed as a result of sharing the story whether at home or at school. The story might also be used to talk about repurposing or upcycling things to give them a new purpose, perhaps leading to art/ craft activities. Old boots might become planters, for example.

The illustrations are warm and energetic, offering plenty of opportunity for storytelling as they are full of character and detail. The book closes with advice on growing wildflowers and pages to paint Grandma’s garden.

The Old Watering Can

Louise Royston-Smith

Graffeg ISBN: 978-1802587067

Published 21st April 2025

Party Animal

Tortoise has been invited to a party, but he doesn’t really like them and so is not keen to go. He loves his friends, but the thought of them all together all at once is just too much. However, he decides to go for a little while, but when he arrives, there is no one there…

‘Party Animal’ is a gentle, reassuring story, perfect for those who find social situations overwhelming and confusing. Fond as he is of his friends, the thought of a party is too much for him - and there are many children who will empathise with his feelings about this!

Tortoise has many worries about the approaching party. It’s not just the noise and the number of people there, but also feeling under pressure to enjoy the occasion when he knows that he won’t. The pictures on his wall show that in one to one situations, he enjoys close friendships and has fun with his friends. Not all children enjoy the chaos and noise which can be a feature of children’s parties and will empathise with Tortoise’s situation.

However, his friends obviously know him very well and seem to have done everything they can think of to make him feel at ease. The party is being held in his favourite place on his special day - and it turns out it is to celebrate his birthday! The story offers the perfect starting point for reassuring discussions with those who might be nervous about going to a social occasion, but also encourages empathy and understanding in others.

Gorgeous illustrations, full of details children will love to spot, allowing them to anticipate Tortoise’s surprise enhance this lovely story, making it sure to become a firm favourite!

Party Animal

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839132599

Published 1st May 2025

Once Upon a Journey

Percy has rescued a rusting old car and converted it into a ‘sailing car’ which is powered by the wind. He decides to take all his friends on a camping trip to Wildwood Heath. After one of Percy’s fantastic picnics and some fun and games, they think it’s time to settle down for the night. But Percy had forgotten to put the brake on and the car is now in a pond! Luckily, Percy’s friend, Randolph the reindeer, arrives in the morning, just time to give them a hand and they are soon on their way again!

I have a huge soft spot for Percy the Park Keeper! Along with ‘Kipper’, most bedtimes featured these wonderful, stories about the animal-loving park keeper and his friends. Full of gorgeous illustrations and gentle humour, every story is a delight and ‘Once Upon a Journey’ continues this tradition.

In this story, hardworking Percy has left his park and is off on an adventure, taking all his animal friends with him. Children love the gentle humour of these stories- like how Hedgehog is scooped up in a net by Fox so he can join the trip. Although things go wrong, Percy’s calm manner and reassuring presence quickly dispel any fears readers might have.

The illustrations are so beautiful and there is a fold out picture, showing the magic of the night sky about their heads as they settle down for the night. The story would be perfect to share before, or whilst on, a camping trip as it subtly celebrates the joys and beauties of the outdoors and the fun to be found there! Children might also enjoy creating their own wind-powered vehicles like Percy’s car and experimenting with these.

The book ends with everyone setting off on a new adventure in the wind-powered car so perhaps there will be more stories centred around where the car takes them all and what they find there! I hope so… we all need a little Percy magic in our lives!

Once Upon a Journey: A Percy the Park Keeper Story

Nick Butterworth

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008536053

Our Tree

Little Red the squirrel scampers up Tree, declaring that it is all for him; however, Tree gently corrects him, pointing out a teeny-tiny caterpillar eating a leaf. Unhappy about sharing with caterpillar, Little Red is even more annoyed when Tree offers their branches for Swift to rest on. As more and more creatures arrive, Tree welcomes them all as Little Red’s anger increases until he decides to go and find a tree all of his own. But he slips and falls from the tree- landing on Leopard, who announces that Tree, and all in it, belong to her. But Tree laughs and all the creatures roar until Leopard flees. A contrite Little Red asks if he can stay with everyone else, including a new friend!

‘Our Tree’ is a wonderful celebration of sharing, tolerance and community whilst honouring the incredible role trees play in nature.

As perfect for exploring with a class as for reading at home, there is so much to enjoy here. Children will love joining in with Tree saying, ‘Look behind you!’ as new creatures arrive every bit as much as adults will enjoy reading it aloud. A wonderful range of speech verbs - encouraged, rustled, trilled, barked, roared etc- is used, offering an excellent model for children writing their own stories or to support acting the story out, perhaps using puppets. There are plenty of opportunities for exploring character as well.

The story could also be used to support learning about the key role trees play in hosting a wonderfully diverse range of creatures, encouraging children to explore the trees in their locality. Throughout the book, the illustrations are an absolute delight with plenty to linger over, discuss and enjoy. Tree and Little Red are vividly brought to life with wonderfully expressive faces as Little Red learns the importance of sharing and the power of community action! What a fabulous book!

Our Tree

Jessica Meserve

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917173

Wolf in the City

Wolf lived on a plinth in a small, tired square at the edge of the city. Pooped on by pigeon and generally ignored by everyone else, she longs for something different, somewhere she might be appreciated, so one day, she takes the bus into the city to take her place among the more important statues which live there. However, things do not go according to plan and she discovers that the city statues are vain, unkind and selfish. Realising how much she misses her home, Wolf finds her way back to the old square where she discovers that everyone has missed her just as much as she missed them.

‘Wolf in the City’ is a gentle story about the importance of home, connecting with others and feeling valued. Dazzled by the thought of the fame and admiration received by the ‘celebrity’ statues in the heart of the city, Wolf is keen to take her place amongst them, but is rebuffed again and again as she tries to find a new home. The story would be perfect for sharing in class, offering an excellent starting point for discussions- or perhaps some role play to explore Wolf’s feelings as she is faced with such unkindness.

Wolf’s emotional and physical journey ends with the realisation that home - and happiness- is not about celebrity, wealth or appearance, but about a sense of belonging and being appreciated by others. The delight felt by her community when they realise that she is once more among them brings the whole square to life as everyone comes together to celebrate. Children might enjoy collecting expressions like ‘Home is where the heart is…’, ‘Home, Sweet Home’ or ‘Make yourself at home’ and discussing what they mean. The illustrations are warm and evocative of ancient cities, perhaps inspiring children to think about the many statues which adorn them and the purpose of these…perhaps encouraging them to reflect on why they have been chosen and who they might prefer to see statues of!

Perfect for sharing!

Wolf in the City

Rachel Tilda Wolf

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252838

I am Strong Just Being Me

One day, whilst they are in the garden, young Bean asks Nanna, ‘What is strong?’ and she offers a wealth of advice, exploring strength in all its guises.

‘I am Strong Just Being Me’ is a wonderfully uplifting, joyful picture book, perfect for encouraging discussions about the stereotypes surrounding what it is to be strong and how this can be seen. It is a real celebration of the many different ways of showing strength, and showing just how everyone can be strong in their own way.

There is no indication as to whether Bean is a girl or a boy, allowing readers to identify with the character and to quickly dispel ‘traditional’ gender roles relating to strength, focusing instead on speaking up when needed, asking for help, struggling and making mistakes, admitting being wrong, saying sorry, forgiving- an empowering range of qualities which are so important to strength of character rather than physical strength. Nanna puts emphasis on the importance of love and showing we care, those very things which some believe you have to keep hidden to be strong. It makes for exuberant reading- perfect for sharing!

Another strength of this lovely story is the warm, loving relationship between grandparent and grandchild. Perhaps it might seem old-fashioned to some, but I think this sharing of wisdom between generations is to be valued and cherished. The story shows a real exploration of ideas between the two- Nanna offers her thoughts and then asks Bean what their opinion is, showing respect for opinions in both directions, collaborative learning at its best!

The illustrations are just delightful and match the lyrical text perfectly. They capture the warmth of the relationship as well as the beauties of the natural world which frames their discussion as they enjoy the outdoors together. The end papers show a selection of plants and the properties which they are said to represent, perhaps also encouraging children (and adults!) to look for these on an outside adventure- a flower treasure hunt if you like! Perfect for home or school, ‘I am Strong Just Being Me’ is an essential addition to any bookshelf.

I am Strong Just Being Me

Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Kip Alizadeh

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917180

Published 3rd April

The Endless Sea

When a family are forced to leave their home behind, they set off on a perilous journey to a find a new life.

Based on the author’s own experiences, ‘The Endless Sea’ begins with a family, living ‘a tiger’s whisker’ away from the jungle. Here, after a long war, their family are suffering in the aftermath, punished for being on the losing side. No countries are mentioned in the text, but the author’s note identifies this as Vietnam. Offering a poignant account of the terrifying journey faced by refugees, desperate for sanctuary and a safe life, this is a very powerful, moving picture book, one which is much better suited to sharing with older, rather than younger, children.

Peppered with figurative language, the text follows the family’s traumatic journey across the sea, sharing the horrors of this experience through the eyes of a small child. One of ‘The Lucky Ones’ who survived, she is still haunted by nightmares of her experiences. Yet, ultimately, the story shines a beacon of hope. The family are shown settled in a new home, ‘a cat’s whisker’ from her new school.

Matching the powerful text are the incredible illustrations which are sure to inspire discussions and raise questions. The opening spread shows a beautiful, ‘wide screen’ scene, with an ‘ordinary’ family, happily going about their everyday lives. However, the next picture zooms in, allowing the reader to notice different things. Furtive behaviours and worried expressions tell a very different story, creating a sense of tension. As the family flees, the images become darker as the little family board an overcrowded wooden boat and head out to sea and face the perils of the sinking boat. The nightmare scenes are particularly emotive. Swirling blank figures - those who weren’t so lucky- circle the girl’s bed in inky blackness. She falls ‘into the endless sea’ and unlike the others, lands on the safety of her bed. Each picture in this stunning book is worthy of comment…

An essential addition to books which share the experiences of refugees and develop empathy and understanding for their plight, ‘The Endless Sea’ allows readers to share the positive outcome for this family whilst remembering those who did not survive.

The Endless Sea

Chi Thai, illustrated by Linh Dao

Walker Studio ISBN: 978-1529516487

I Hate Everything!

When a ghost decides that they hate everything, it is challenged by another ghost to think about what it is really saying. Having agreed that it doesn’t hate its friend, sweets and dressing up, it then has to admit that it has actually forgotten what it is that it hates and decides that it loves everything…well, nearly everything!

Sophy Henn has done it once again with another fabulous book which shows just how well she understands children! ‘I Hate Everything!’ is a complete joy, capturing the big emotions and big reactions which toddlers (and some older children!) experience and just don’t know how to handle.

The gentle humour of the story allows readers to laugh with the big ghost as the little ghost challenges its statement that it hates everything. Families sharing this are sure to create lists of all the things which they enjoy and love to prove that although they might feel like they ‘hate everything’, nothing could be further from the truth. As usual with Sophy’s stories, there is so much to discuss in such a seemingly simple story, including the twist at the end of the tale!

So much emotion and personality is conveyed through Sophy’s skilful illustrations. How simple lines can create eyes and eyebrows which are so emotionally charged is incredible- but she does it so brilliantly, making the story accessible to all including those who experience difficulties in expressing their feelings or interpreting those of others. Little children can easily ‘read’ the pictures, if not the words, and perhaps enjoy creating their own stories about the two ghosts and drawing their own illustrations taking inspiration from Sophy’s.

Simply lovely- Sophy is a genius!

I Hate Everything!

Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398526792

A Voice in the Storm

Although Rat is miserable, she is reluctant to talk when her friend, Jackdaw, offers to listen. Instead, she rushes out into the storm, running away from both friends and those who might harm her. At last, she crashes into something solid - Bear. Compassionate and thoughtful, Bear encourages Rat to talk and be ‘a voice in the storm’, growling and roaring into the weather above them. Rat confesses how she has been feeling lately and Bear wisely reassures her, saying it takes a lot of courage to ask for help, but even more to let others help. Bear takes Rat home where, at last, Rat feels able to talk to Jackdaw.

Perfect for sharing, ‘A Voice in the Storm’ is a powerful story which sensitively explores how overwhelming feelings can be and the importance of accepting support from others. As Bear says, ‘Those who care will always want to listen.’

Shades of lavender, green and blue are used throughout the book. Grey is introduced in the early pages, echoing Rat’s darker feelings as she struggles to escape her inner storm by racing off into the stormy weather. As she shares her feeling with Bear, pinks and lilacs appear reflecting a release of tension as well as the fresh, clear colours after a heavy storm. This use of colour is one of the many interesting elements of this book, sure to provoke discussion and reflection, proving once more that picture books are not just for the very young!

Initially, Rat runs in an attempt to escape her feelings, a recognisable reaction, opening the way for plenty of discussion. The story also encourages empathy- Jackdaw tries to encourage Rat to talk and may well feel rejected and upset by her reaction. With older children, using role play activities and other drama techniques to explore the situation allows them to see the situation from both sides, valuing and recognising the feelings of each.

At one point, when faced with Snake, Rat almost gives in and steps into Snake’s open jaws before fleeing. This and the text What did Rat almost do, and why did she do it?’ suggest that, at this point of the story, Rat was having suicidal thoughts. Of course, this could be framed as making poor decisions when feeling this vulnerable and confused, but adults need to be aware of this and handle discussions at this point with care- and perhaps some expert advice.

Gorgeous illustrations, deeply poignant.

A Voice in the Storm

Karl James Mountford

Walker ISBN: 978-1529502589

The Bookshop Dog

Scamper loves living at The Happy Tails Bookshop with Paige. He has been welcomed to the area by everyone in the neighbourhood and he loves them all, especially Paige. He decides to follow her example by picking out some books he thinks his friends might enjoy with great success- but will he be able to find something to put a smile on Paige’s face?

‘The Bookshop Dog’ is a delightfully heart-warming story about love, community- and the joys of a good book!

Scamper is absolutely adorable and is sure to win the hearts of everyone who read the book, just as he won the hearts of his local community. He shows that by paying attention and noticing little things it is possible to find the right book for anyone- perhaps something they might not have chosen for themselves. Reading is celebrated on every page and the story is sure to inspire discussions about favourite books, new books and reading habits in general!

Children are sure to enjoy the word play as much as the adults they share the story with- Paige, Happy Tails Bookshop, the doggy titles of the books- all add to the joy of the tale. The illustrations are just as wonderful, offering lots of details to notice and discuss. Children are sure to spot how distracted Paige has become and notice her preoccupation with the pile of bills she keeps looking at. which contrast with the delight on every face as the story reaches its very satisfying conclusion. ‘Reading is a way of coming home…’- how poignant and how true!

The Bookshop Dog

Harriet Evans, illustrated by Claire Shorrock

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917258

Our Love

What a beautiful book! ‘Our Love’ is a delightful celebration of the love of parents for their children- indeed, it could be seen as the love of any adult for any child in their care! The illustrations perfectly capture that sense of unconditional love and protection which young ones should inspire.

Using the animal kingdom to show this bond of affection, there are, amongst others, pictures of nesting birds, a lion with its cub, a joey peeking from its mother’s pouch and koalas cuddling in a tree. Each illustration is presented in warm, fuzzy tones which enhance the feeling of togetherness being enjoyed by the creatures on the pages. For little ones, these illustrations might also spark conversations about these animals, offering opportunities to name them and their young, how they care for them and where they live…but this is all additional pleasure! The story can simply be shared as one might share ‘Guess How much I Love You’.

The end pages open out into a double-page gatefold featuring all the animals, allowing children and their adults to spot their favourites and perhaps, recall the way that love was expressed on those pages. The gentle, repetitive language used and the sentiment make this perfect for snuggling up with at bedtimes and it is sure to be an ‘again! again!’ book in many households.

Our Love

Fatima Ordinola

Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270089

The Torto-saurus

Dot is starting a new school and wants to make friends…but perhaps she’ll start tomorrow. She likes to take things slowly so Monty, her tortoise, makes the perfect pet. However, when her new teacher asks the class about their pets and a classmate called Jude announces that they have a tortoise too, another girl makes a mocking comment so Dot claims she has a torto-saurus. Having dressed him up, she brings Monty to school where he soon becomes a celebrity. But even though he doesn’t want to disappoint Dot, Monty is not comfortable in the limelight and removes his costume. Initially angry, Dot soon realises that she has forced Monty to be someone he isn’t and gains the confidence to be true to herself.

‘The Torto-saurus’ is an absolute delight of a book! Many children (and adults!) will see themselves in Dot, who, shy and uncertain, finds taking that first step towards others so hard. In an attempt to fit in, Dot tries to change her best friend- her pet- failing to recognise that the qualities she is trying to change in him are what make him her perfect companion! True friendship is all about accepting others for who they are and valuing them for these qualities. Dot’s claim about her pet didn’t actually help her as everyone’s interest was focused on her ‘torto-saurus’ and it certainly didn’t help Monty. In the end, being herself and allowing Monty to be himself allows her to form a new friendship and for them both to be happy!

The illustrations are really lovely. Dot’s face goes through a wonderful range of expressions as she experiences a roller-coaster ride of emotions, offering plenty to linger over and encourage discussion and empathy as the story develops. Monty’s feelings can also be explored as he strives to to please his friend- but cannot keep up the deception and be happy.

The book would make an excellent book for story time both at home and school, but would also make a brilliant choice for an assembly. It is such a lovely read- and sure to become a firm favourite!

The Torto-saurus

Katie Cottle

Little Tiger ISBN: 9781838917264

Publishing on the 6th March 2025

You can read my review of The Green Giant here and The Blue Giant here.