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.
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble
The boys are back - and so is their feline foe, Kitty Le Claw. Shifty and Sam are off on the Pawrient Express as it heads for Carnival Night in Venice. As the baker dogs whip up lots of delicious delights for the passengers, the lights go out and a porter is quickly identified not only as the robber, but their arch-nemesis, Kitty Le Claw. As she escapes in her getaway gondola, ss chase her through Venice, but, although they manage to retrieve the stolen goods, Kitty escapes…
I am proud to declare myself Shifty and Sam’s Number One fan! For the last 10 years, Tracey and Steven’s stories about these loveable robber dogs turned bakers have been amongst my go-to books for sharing at story times (whether in school or at home), using as a starting point for crafting activities or simply for reading for pleasure myself. ‘Train Trouble’ continues the series in style, offering the perfect combination of Tracey’s beautifully bouncing rhyming text and Steven’s brilliantly detailed and entertaining illustrations.
The rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, full of humour and perfectly paced, with plenty of opportunities for discussion. The ‘Pawrient’ Express, gondolas, Venice and its masked Carnivals are all excellent starting points for curious minds wanting to learn more.
As ever, the illustrations are pure joy! Every spread offers the usual spider hunt and fans of the series are sure to recognise some familiar faces like Lady Kate and Barnaby along with some of the guest from Woofington Hall and Sidney Scarper the penguin. I’m luck enough to have been to Venice more than once (and am the only person I know who has fallen out of a gondola- fortunately not into the canal!) and loved spotting details Steven has captured in his pictures. The carnival picture even includes pigeons in masks- with some bearing a marked resemblance to Shifty, Sam, Kitty and the spider!
I hope there are many more adventures for Shifty and Sam- at least another 10 years worth! Huge congratulations to Tracey and Steven for their genius and many thanks for all the joy they have given fans of these gorgeous books.
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble
Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839943225
You can read my reviews of ‘The Missing Masterpiece’ here, ‘The Stolen Sleigh’ here and ‘Pirates Ahoy’ here.
Genie and Teeny Wish upon a Star
Back in the land of Wishaluzia, Grant the genie is delighted to be home with his family, but is faced with the problem that he has been banned by Queen Mizelda. When trouble strikes, Grant calls on his old friends for help, but can Teeny save the day?
This series has been a huge favourite of mine since the first book, ‘Genie and Teeny Make a Wish’ appeared. Grant is such an endearing character. Prone to getting things wrong, he is warm-hearted and loyal, and nothing like the genies who emerge in from sparkling lamps in other stories!
As with the other books, the reader is welcomed in, with a direct appeal which gives a quick introduction about what has gone before. The lively, light-hearted tone here sets the mood perfectly for the rest of the story. In this adventure, Grant is back at home with his family, the Giggles, but in danger of being caught by Queen Mizelda’s guards. She still hasn’t forgiven him for what happened in book one and so he needs to stay hidden to keep safe. Events, however, quickly get out of control and the result is a hilarious romp of an adventure which satisfyingly finishes with everything turning out well - if surprisingly!- in the end.
Not only appealing because of their humour, these books are wonderfully imaginative, encouraging children to develop their own ideas for storytelling. Children can create their own home for a genie like Grant’s ‘tea-lamp’ (as it became known in book 3) and plot their own adventures including , if they wish, a magical monster like the enormous cat-beast in ‘Wish upon a Star’. There are endless opportunities for children to engage with and enjoy this series, not least the wonderful ‘how to draw’s which appear at the end of each story. Although I enjoyed reading them in order, it is possible to enjoy each as a stand alone as enough back-story is given in each for everything to make sense.
I am greatly sadden to learn that this will be the last ‘Genie and Teeny’ book as I feel they could have had many more adventures, but all good things come to an end, I suppose! The series is both accessible and engaging, brilliant for reading aloud and full of fabulous illustrations! What more could you ask for?!
Genie and Teeny: Wish Upon a Star
Steven Lenton
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008408589
Published June 22nd 2023
You can read my review of ‘Genie and Teeny: Make a Wish’ here and find out how to make a tumbling Grant here.
How to Grow a Dragon
Mr Pottifer’s Parlour of of Plants is a magical place, full of wondrous plants and Mr Pottifer is ably assisted by Sarah and Sprout the unicorn. One day, the postman delivers a variety pack of Dragodil seeds which results in a magical crop of dragons in all shapes and sizes. Although quickly homed, the dragons are not very well behaved and soon are all returned. Fortunately, Sarah is both resourceful and determined and soon, the dragons are all trained and happily homed once more.
This is such a lovely story! The rhyming text bounces along energetically, making it a pleasure to read aloud with plenty of opportunities for listeners to join in. Rachel Morrisroe has used a rich vocabulary which offers plenty to discuss as well as plenty of humour. Wonderfully imaginative, the ending suggests another idea for something which Mr Pottifer, Sarah and Sprout might grow in their shop, showing the potential for endless storytelling and developing ideas as children are sure to have plenty of suggestions of their own. The note from Sarah at the end about ‘how to grow your reading skills’ is so encouraging and thoughtful!
Full of imaginative details, colour and energy, the illustrations are fabulous! From gnomes with their socks scared off to lion like dandelions to Sprout’s loveable antics on every page, there is so much to notice, explore and enjoy in each of Steven’s brilliant pictures. Each of the dragons is bursting with personality- again, perfect for developing storytelling. The cover is really tempting with its textured, glistening dragon and this story is sure to become a firm favourite at home and at school!
How to Grow a Dragon
Rachel Morrisroe, illustrated by Steven Lenton
Puffin ISBN: 978-0241392256
Cardiff Literature Festival 2023
Today, I braved the crowds of rugby fans and made my way to see Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton at the Cardiff Literature Festival! Their event was held in the Undercroft of Cardiff Castle, a beautiful location for an exciting event!
The sun was shining on the queue of eager Shifty and Sam fans waiting to descend the steps leading to the Undercroft. Lots of excited little ones gathered on the cushions at the front to await the arrival of their favourite robber/baker dogs- and Tracey and Steven, of course!
The session started with Tracey telling everyone the original Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam story with the able assistance of Steven, who was in charge of props. It is the 10th anniversary of this wonderful book which is one of my all time favourite picture books and it was a real pleasure to hear Tracey and Steven in action!
Next, everyone had a go at drawing Sam with expert guidance from Steven. The children’s pictures were wonderful- I never cease to be amazed at the confidence and joy they show, quite unlike adults who have learned to be hesitant and self-critical! Tracey then read our loveable dogs’ latest adventure, ‘Pirates Ahoy!’, encouraging everyone to join in with the telling!
The session ended with a game, half the audience chanting for Shifty and half for Sam- and Team Shifty won! This caused great joy and great disappointment in equal measure! However, smiles were soon restored as it was time to have copies of the books signed and have a chat with Tracey and Steven. It was a lovely event- the perfect start to the day!
FCBG Conference 2023 Day 1
This weekend, I attended the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual Conference, held this year at Rugby School. This is always a real highlight, offering the perfect opportunity to spend time with other book lovers, hear a wonderful programme of authors, illustrators and poets speak and meet publishers to find out more about their brilliant books.
Rugby School is a beautiful venue, steeped in history and boasting some famous authors- Lewis Carroll, Rupert Brooke and Anthony Horowitz to name a few- as past pupils. It is also the setting for ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays’ and author, Thomas Hughes, attended the school from 1834 to 1842. Written in 1857, the story is set in the 1830s and Tom Brown is largely based on the author’s brother, George, and the book draws on the author’s experiences.
Almost as soon as we arrived, we headed for the Conference Bookshop provided by the Norfolk Children’s Book Centre. An amazing array of books reflecting the weekend’s packed programme was on offer and the staff were- as ever- really friendly and helpful, with an excellent knowledge of their stock. It would take someone with an iron will not to indulge in buying the odd book or two from their tempting display!
Afternoon tea was sponsored by Hachette and we were each given a proof copy of Kiran Millward Hargarve’s new book which is out in August. Conference weekend begins with presentations from the publishers in which they share some of their wonderful titles. This tends to result in a hugely long wish shopping list of books to be looking out for and is a really lovely opportunity to hear from the publishers themselves. I made 10 pages of notes at this point…
This is followed by the opening of the publishers’ exhibition. Everyone has a wonderful time looking at the books and chatting directly to the publishers who are just the best and get very excited about their lovely books. There are plenty of treats on offer- bookmarks, posters and proof copies- and competitions to enter. Some even have sweets and chocolates on their stands! No one ever really wants to leave and head to dinner, but the exhibition opens again on Saturday morning and most people drift back again throughout the day.
After dinner, we celebrated 10 years of Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam with the wonderful Tracey Corderoy. Sadly, the equally lovely Steven Lenton wasn’t able to be with us as he had Covid, but he sent a message to everyone- which included a little message for me! Tracey managed to entertain us all brilliantly in his absence, teaching us how to draw an elf and playing a wonderful Shifty and Sam game with us! Great fun was had by all! However, I will never live down the fact that my table did not win the quiz about the books…
The evening finished with a poetry performance by Birmingham Young Poet Laureate, Nyanda Foday. She shared ‘Bookworms’, her gorgeous picture book poem with us, before performing a selection of her poetry. A brilliant end to a brilliant day!
Part two coming soon!
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Pirates Ahoy!
I have to confess that I am something of a Shifty and Sam superfan! Since their first picture book won the first North Somerset Teachers’ Book Awards picture book category in 2015, I have eagerly awaited each new adventure and have read these stories to many children, many times. So I was delighted to discover that Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are off on a new adventure and I set out to buy it on my trip to Bath today.
The loveable robber-dogs-turned-bakers are catering for a pirate party when Captain Chucklebeard’s treasure is stolen. The party band is really a pirate gang who have made off with the treasure. But Shifty and Sam zip into action, saving the day!
Tracey’s rhyming text is a joy to read aloud! It captures the energy and excitement of the tale perfectly whilst Steven’s illustrations are full of visual humour and such detail. I am delighted to see that the lovely little spider has made a return and can be found on every page, encouraging children (and adults!) to pour over each spread. This winning team has produced another winning book!
My love of these two characters has meant that I have made Sam cupcakes, a Sam pumpkin, a Sam balloon and a miniature Sam toy. This is because, being very limited artistically, Sam’s shape makes him relatively easy to draw and so once again, I have used him as the inspiration for this simple making activity! You will need card, scissors and felt pens. The card can be from a cereal packet or similar, but will need to be coloured/ painted to match Sam.
First, find a circular object and draw round this twice on card. One piece is for Sam’s body and so will need to be brown. Cut each circle out carefully- the more circular they are, the better the end result! Fold one in half- this is for the rocker and so doesn’t need to be brown. Next, cut a piece of white card (or you could use paper) to make Sam’s jacket. You can do this by cutting another circle and cutting off the top and bottom if you find it easier.
Cut two small rectangles of white card for Sam’s arms, adding brown semi-circles to one end for his paws. Stick these behind the white ‘jacket’ and then stick this to the body. Decorate this with felt tips so that it looks like Sam’s jacket in the illustrations. Now cut two small white circles (for the eyes) and two small brown circles (for the ears) and stick these in place. Now, add the rest of Sam’s facial features using felt tip (see first picture below). Next, cut two small rectangles of brown card for Sam’s legs, rounding off one end for his paws. Cut a chef’s hat from white card and stick this and the legs in place. Turn Sam over and attach the second folded circle carefully to the back, making sure you line the edges up carefully.
Tap one of his arms gently and watch him rock from side to side! Now, if only I could draw Shifty..!
Children’s Book Award Winners 2022!
Yesterday, the winners of the 2o22 Children’s Book Awards were announced. The shortlist for each category was just wonderful and all the children I know who were involved in reading each title and voting really enjoyed the experience.
Here are my reviews for the winner of each category- with Octopus Shocktopus winning overall! Huge congratulations to everyone- and also to the amazing team at the Federation, led by Sarah Stuffins.
Books for Younger Children- and overall- winner: Octopus Shocktopus
One day, an octopus lands on top of a house and initially, no one is quite sure what to do. However, it soon becomes clear that having an octopus on the roof is great fun and everyone wishes they could have one too. When their friendly eight-legged friend disappears one morning, everyone misses him- but not for long!
Fabulous for reading aloud, ‘Octopus Shocktopus’ is told in bouncy rhyming text which is full of fun! There are so many wonderful things this octopus can do to help out and entertain that soon everyone, even the neighbour, Mrs Antrobus, is delighted that he is there. The story shows the importance of accepting others, how precious friendship can be and how helping others can spread happiness. There is a real sense of community and togetherness!
The illustrations are pure joy. Vivid colours fill every page, making the pictures eye catching and appealing. The amount of detail there is to notice on each spread is amazing! On every reading, there is something else to see and enjoy- I love Mrs A’s cat slippers and the baby’s bunny suit! Even the baker gets his wish with a squid rather than an octopus landing on his mill!
Full of imaginative joy and fabulous illustrations, ‘Octopus Shocktopus’ is just wonderful! Perfect for sharing again and again!
Octopus Shocktopus Peter Bently, illustrated by Steven Lenton
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788002684
Books for Younger Readers: The Highland Falcon Thief
When Harrison (Hal) Beck is told that he will be accompanying his train-obsessed, journalist uncle on the final trip of the Highland Falcon as she makes her last journey ever, he is less than impressed. However, when a priceless diamond brooch goes missing just a few hours into the trip, Hal begins to investigate with Lenny, the driver’s daughter. As accusations fly and the suspects list grows, will they unravel the mystery before the Highland Falcon reaches the end of the line?
Agatha Christie- eat your heart out! What a wonderful read this is! From the enticing characters, to the splendour of the train, to the Poirot-style denouement, there is so much to enjoy here.
Writing team, M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman have created an intriguing mystery with a trail of clues and misinformation, leading the reader to suspect each suspect in turn, all wrapped up in fantastic descriptions of this majestic train. Details about the wonders of these magnificent machines are woven seamlessly into the story adding to the excitement of the adventure.
The book is illustrated throughout by Elisa Paganelli, who captures the atmosphere and energy of the story perfectly. There is a wonderful picture of Hal revealing who committed the crime, surrounded by all the characters, for example and another looking down on Hal as he makes his way from the carriage to the tender.
The language is rich and evocative, offering plenty of description. ‘The Highland Falcon Thief’ would make an excellent read aloud, as a guided reader or as a key text to inspire and explore further. Let’s hope there are many adventures on trains to come.
Get on-board ‘The Highland Falcon Express’ as soon as possible!
The Highland Falcon Thief
M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Macmillan Children’s ISBN: 978-1529013061
Books for Older Readers: When the World was Ours
High above Vienna on the Riesenrad (Vienna’s Ferris wheel), Leo and his best friends, Max and Elsa feel as if they are kings of the world. It is 1936 and the children are celebrating Leo’s birthday. They are oblivious to the horror on the horizon which will see them divided.
Told from the differing perspectives of the three children- Leo and Elsa in the first person, Max in the third- ‘When the World was Ours’ is an incredibly poignant account of events during the Second World War. From three lives intertwined by the bonds of friendship, the children are divided by cruel and senseless politics and the heart-breaking consequences.
Each child has a unique voice, but the sense of bewilderment and horror experienced by each in different ways is powerfully drawn, allowing the reader a glimpse of the ugliness and brutality of the Nazi regime. Without wishing to give too much away for those yet to read the book, Max’s story is chillingly powerful and thought provoking.
Inspired by the true story of her father’s escape from the Nazis, Liz Kessler has written nothing short of a masterpiece. Deeply emotional, it offers glimmers of hope for the power of love and friendship at the darkest times. Simply brilliant.
When the World Was Ours Liz Kessler
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471196805