The Map of Me

When a little girl moves home, everything feels strange and unfamiliar. With her mother’s help, she creates a map of the new area, but some important things are still missing so she makes the map bigger. Soon, her new friends get involved, making everyone feel closer and more connected and, even when bad things happen, mapping things out helps her find her place in the world.

Some stories are so beautifully told that they speak directly to you- and ‘The Map of Me’ is one of them. It is so gently and carefully told, making it perfect to share simply as a lovely story, but something which could be used to support children (or indeed adults) in a number of different situations.

Creating a map helps the little girl to feel she has taken control of her space- made sense of her world- allowing her to not only familiarise herself with her new environment, but to connect with those who are no longer near to her. Her friends, in turn, make their own connections and broaden the map to include people, places and things which are important to them. The story is sure to encourage children to create their own maps with family or friends, developing their sense of the world around them and those in it.

Using maps to create a picture of the past and, in this case, helping the little girl to cope with feelings of grief and loss is so sensitively and thoughtfully presented. It also enables children to develop their sense of the lives of others, expanding their view beyond the ‘lens of self’ stage and developing empathy and understanding. Creating these ‘life maps’ is a lovely idea and something which might develop cross generational bonds. The little girl and her friends also use this as inspiration for investigating the history of their local area.

The idea of ‘mapping the future’ is also explored, helping children to envisage what might change as well as their aspirations and hopes. Some ideas for creating these are included at the end of the book. The illustrations throughout are delightful, offering plenty of ideas for presenting and developing different types of maps and making connections.

I could waffle on and on about the many things I love about this one and the many ways in which I think it could be used and enjoyed, but will stop and simply recommend that everyone gets themselves a copy! It’s very special.

The Map of Me

Nicola Davies, illustrated by Olga Shtonda

Templar ISBN: 978-1835871782

The Star Whale

Petr Horáček’s gorgeous illustrations are inspiring. Luminous colours glow from every spread as his artwork captures different creatures, habitats and ideas. It is almost impossible to chose a favourite as turning each page reveals new treasure to be lingered over and wondered at. Is it any wonder, then, that Nicola Davies took inspiration from his artwork and created the poems that accompany them?

‘Spider and Wind’ is set against a background in which Petr Horáček somehow manages to capture both the fragility and strength of these creatures and the ‘silver harp’ which they spin whilst the Furze Pig/Urchin/Hotchi Witchi emerges from a cascade of autumnal leaves as Nicola’s words lament how rarely these once-familiar creatures are now seen. In ‘Kingfisher’, Petr captures the ‘small glint of wonder’ in his painting as surely as Nicola does with her words.

For a teacher, there is so much here to inspire and develop creativity and curiosity. To catch sight of an illusive hedgehog, to identify the ‘puff of feathers’ that is a goldfinch, to discuss and discover the ‘names of a butterfly’ and their origins- to explore the wonders of the world and then try to capture something of their essence through art and word- this is a book bursting with potential! However, it is also a book to linger over and to love, to curl up with and dream, to share again and again and again…

The Star Whale

Nicola Davies and Petr Horáček

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659095

Protecting the Planet: Emperor of the Ice

This beautiful book tells of a year in the life of the Emperor penguin, highlighting the dangers that they face both due to the harsh climate they live in and to the effects of climate change. A forward by Dr Phil Trathan sets the scene, explaining the role played by satellites in helping to tell their story and the book closes with two pages of information about Emperor Penguins, climate change and what can be done to help.

The book is beautifully written, full of rich imagery, with the lines of penguins and their shadows making their way across the ice described as ‘like spidery writing across a blank page’. From reaching the ice at Halley Bay, the perfect location to breed, and finding a mate, laying a single egg and the Empress making her treacherous journey to the sea and back, the text outlines the vulnerability of these creatures and the fragility of both their lives and the new one they have created. Nicola Davies does not shy away from the harsh realities, but offers these honestly as an essential part of the story she is telling. Although she describes ‘a good year for this colony’, the book ends with a reminder of the fragility of the penguins existence.

Catherine Rayner’s stunning illustrations make the perfect accompaniment to the words, making this a very attractive and appealing book. This would be an engaging and accessible text for Guided Reading, offering much to explore and investigate as well as being a book which is sure to be taken from shelves by individuals to be devoured with great pleasure. This is a special book.

Protecting the Planet: Emperor of the Ice

Nicola Davies, illustrated by Catherine Rayner

Walker ISBN: 978-1406397086