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.
Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Birds
One of the joys of being known as a book lover is being able to 'borrow' other peoples' children to share stories with! My new little neighbour, Esme, is now six months old, bright and into everything so Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Birds was a perfect choice!
Esme reached for the book with great enthusiasm and although her little fingers were too small as yet to manipulate the sliders and wheels, her fingers were twitching alongside mine as we made them move. She particularly enjoyed the ostrich sliding in and out, giggling in delight.
The book's sturdy construction stood up to being dropped on the floor and explored by mouth and is sure to survive repeated readings over the next few months as she comes to appreciate the rhyming text and the facts about birds included.
Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Birds
Anne-Kathrin Behl
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805134985
Never Ever Ever Ask a Pirate to a Party
‘Never Ever Ever Ask a Pirate to a Party’ is the perfect picture book for having a giggle and engaging children with the joy of a good book! Colourful fun illustrations make the perfect accompaniment to the lively text.
An increasingly bizarre array of guests arrive at a little girl’s birthday party. Although initially fun, their antics eventually lead to chaos and confusion, causing the little girl to send them all home! As each new arrival appears, the text follows a familiar pattern, perfect for encouraging listeners to join in- with plenty to laugh as they do! Children are sure to enjoy thinking of their own characters who might join the party- and the chaos they might cause! They might enjoy designing and writing their own invitations
The illustrations are wonderful- full of fun and details to notice! At the heart of the story is a message of real friendship. Having upset the little girl, her friends are quick to apologise and make amends whilst the little girl in turn realises the importance of having those friends around, despite the disarray and mayhem they caused!
This is the sort of book which would have had my son calling, ‘Again! Again!’ for another read the minute it was finished! It’s sure to become a firm favourite at home and at school!
Never Ever Ever Ask a Pirate to a Party
Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Anne-Kathrin Behl
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839942181
You can read my review of ‘Sunny Side Up’ here.
