Pause for Poetry: National Poetry Day 2022

This week, I have been pausing for poetry every day in celebration of National Poetry Day -today! The theme this year is the Environment, offering plenty of poems to choose from and plenty of inspiration for writing so here are just a few favourites which celebrate our environment in some way!

Sun Shines…Wind Blows…Water Flows…Earth Spins…

Fire Leaps…Life Grows…Ice Chills…Moon Rises…

Even the section headings of this stunning book read like a poem as the words it contains take the reader on a poetic journey round the planet. Each has been lovingly selected to capture the beauty of our world. The cover is flecked with gold, showing all manner of creatures circling the planet, tempting the reader inside.

The collection offers traditional gems like ‘The Tyger’ by William Blake, Christina Rossetti’s ‘Who Has Seen the Wind?’ and ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ by Wordsworth, crediting the last two lines to his wife as well as more modern treasures like ‘De’ by Valerie Bloom and ‘Earth Song’ by A F Harrold. There are so many poems here which could be enjoyed by a class- for reading and enjoying, for performing, for learning and for working around. Many could lead to further discovery- Grace Nichols’s ‘The People Could Fly’, for example or ‘With One Breath (Just One Breath!) by Simon Mole as notes offering additional information are added.

A fabulous collection, ‘Poems from a Green and Blue Planet’ is a beautifully illustrated volume - a great addition to any bookshelf!

Poems from a Green and Blue Planet

edited by Sabrina Mahfouz,

illustrated by Aaron Cushley

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444951240

This wonderful collection of poems focuses on the sleeping habits of various animals with the bonus of additional information which explains the science in a very child friendly manner. It offers a fascinating look at something which we all take for granted. When, where and how these animals sleep is surprisingly varied and each poem offers a glimpse of a creature at rest. 

Each poem combines scientific fact and beautiful language, offering something really different to explore with a class. Sperm whales, for example, sleep either nose down or tail down, for (it has been estimated) less than an hour and a half a day, drifting in pods. Two toed sloths, on the other hand, sleep for up to sixteen hours a day. Research suggests that the male Zebra finch practises and refines it song whilst dreaming, adding ‘little flourishes’ to make its song unique…

Other birds may dream of worms

Or flower beds or thunderstorms

But in his dreams this bird performs

A song, each night refined.

Each poem is worthy of mention, but I particularly enjoyed ‘Trees are Where the Lions Lie’.

Each poem is accompanied by a stunning illustration of the slumbering creature, from the hand-holding otters to the napping fire ants. This is a book of wonder and beauty which will inspire the scientist, the wordsmith and the artist. A must have for every classroom!

A Songbird Dreams of Singing: Animal Poems to Share at Bedtime

Kate Hosford, illustrated by Jennifer M Potter

Penguin ISBN: 978-0241421116

Winner of the 2015 NSTBA Poetry Category with 'Buzzing', Anneliese Emmans Dean has created another fabulous collection of poems- this time, all about British birds. Grouped by season, the poems celebrate our feathered friends whilst 'Bird Box' and 'Egg Head' fact files offer additional information.

The book contains poems about all our favourite garden birds, in a range of forms. The beautiful photography perfectly frames the poems, (except for the Little Owl clutching the dead creature!) Each poem is perfect for performing, with playful language choices. They could be used for individual performances or group presentations. Many could inspire children to compose their own poems, perhaps learning more about one of these wonderful creatures on the way. 

The additional information offered with each poem is fascinating, perfect for finding out more about each bird whilst enjoying the poem. The bird's classification is also included which is very useful for the Year 6 classification work in science where 'pupils might find out about the significance of the work of scientists such as Carl Linnaeus, a pioneer of classification'. The size of each is also included, making it easy to compare and contrast the different species.

A delightful selection of poems which will lead children to find out more about the birds in our gardens. Brilliant!

Anneliese sadly passed away on 30/05/22.

Flying High! Anneliese Emmans Dean

Brambleby Books     ISBN: 978-1908241504

I love the Natural History Museum and have so many happy memories of visiting as a child and in turn taking my child (and those of others on school trips) into the magnificent building that is such a treasure trove of ‘wonder’.

‘Wonder’ is a stunning collection of poems, grouped into sections reflecting the different treasures the museum houses. The book feels as carefully curated as the museum itself as it is obvious that much thought has been given to the range of poems included and how they have been organised.

A wide range of poets has been included, offering traditional and modern, humour and pathos, but all celebrating the wonders of our incredible planet. There are many familiar, much-loved names here, but even poetry fans are sure to find new gems in this collection. There are so many poems to enjoy here it is almost impossible to select a few to name, but I love ‘Waterlily’ by Sean Hewett, ‘Solar System Candy’ by Gita Ralleigh and ‘#Extinction Rebellion’ by Pascale Petit.

This collection makes is so easy for a teacher to add a little poetry across the curriculum! Familiar primary science and geography topics like volcanoes and space are included and there are many animals represented. There are too many examples to comment on, but Jan Dean’s poem, ‘Remembering Mary’ is perfect for celebrating the life and work of Mary Anning and ‘Remember More for his Beard Now’ by Philip Ardagh introduces Darwin, both accompanied by notes from the author.

Notes from the author are peppered throughout, offering additional explanation and detail. There are also many black and white illustrations relating to the poems.

I can’t recommend this collection highly enough and will be sharing with colleagues in school as well as suggesting it as a read for our teacher book groups. A WONDERful book!

Wonder: The Natural History Museum Poetry Book

Ana Sampson

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529058994

Happy National Poetry Day- let’s celebrate all year!

Beyond the Frozen Horizon

In 2030, the world leaders pledged a coordinated and unprecedented response to the Climate Crisis, introducing strict Climate Laws and establishing World Wilderness Zones, including the High Arctic. Rory’s mum is an environmental geologist whose new job with Greenlight, a company which claims to have developed new ways of ‘mining’ in the Arctic using bacteria, offers mother and daughter the chance of a lifetime opportunity to travel to Svalbard- and Rory the chance to escape the misery of school.

On arrival, instead of a ghost town, they find a tiny community still inhabiting Pyramiden, living in harmony with nature and its wildlife. Initially, Rory is treated with suspicion and shunned by the locals until she makes friends with MIkkal, and together, they uncover some disturbing truths about the Greenlight project.

Nicola Penfold has quickly become one of my favourite authors. Her writing is completely absorbing, superbly crafted and thought provoking- and I think ‘Beyond the Frozen Horizon’ is her best work yet.

The importance of caring for our world is at the absolute core of this book and yet nothing about it is ‘preachy’ or patronising. The respect and care shown for the natural world by Mikkal and his people stands in harsh contrast to the real actions and purpose of those in charge of the Greenlight project. Rory stands between these two camps- she longs to believe in the company her mother is working for and yet is forced to face the realities of what she is seeing, taking the reader on a thought-changing journey about climate crisis, human impact on the planet and the need for change.

Evocative descriptions of the stark, yet stunning Arctic environment create a dramatic backdrop to the story. The perils of this environment, the fragility of human existence amid the cold and creatures which make it their home, is captured so vividly as Rory explores her new home, encountering danger and beauty in equal measure.

‘Beyond the Frozen Horizon’ is a compelling adventure with a hint of the supernatural- I love the reference to Michelle Paver’s ‘Dark Matter’ (which gave me nightmares) another stunning novel set in the Arctic. Any of Nicola’s books would make an excellent key text to study and enjoy, but ‘Beyond the Frozen Horizon’ is an absolute gift to any UKS2/ KS3 teacher in many ways. At story time, it would keep a class completely enraptured and absorbed; as a guided reader, it offers endless possibilities for rich, challenging work both guided and independent; as a class key text, it has the power of an engaging plot, the richness of language, interesting characters, links to other curricular areas and a satisfying conclusion to keep children absorbed and to inspire them to produce quality work in response. It is a fabulous book deserving great success!

Beyond the Frozen Horizon Nicola Penfold

Little Tiger ISBN: 9781788954471

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Bigfoot Mountain

Living in the remote North American mountains, Minnie and her step father, Dan, are struggling to come to terms with the loss of Minnie’s mother. One day, she and her friend, Billy, discover some mysterious footprints -giant footprints- on a mountainside trail which Minnie is determined to investigate. Meanwhile, Kaayii, a young Sasquatch, and his clan have been driven across the mountain by forest fires. As their worlds collide, they must seek to understand one another as they find a way forward.

There are many things to love about this story. Full of beautiful descriptions of the landscape and nature, the book is a real love letter to the wild- perfect for sharing with children and encouraging their curiosity in the environment and all its wonders.

It is not surprising, therefore, that living in harmony with the natural world and considering the impact of human actions on the environment are central ideas to the story. Switching between the Sasquatch and human viewpoints, the reader can readily empathise with all the characters, absorbing the environmental ‘message’ which is skilfully embedded at the heart of the story.

Children (and adults!) might also be inspired to find out more about Sasquatch (See my Q and A with Roderick for suggestions of where to start!) or the remote setting of the story. ‘Bigfoot Mountain’ would make an excellent guided reading test, offering a compelling story with plenty to enjoy and discuss, research opportunities and lots of inspiration for children’s own writing.

Bigfoot Mountain Roderick O’Grady

Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1913102418

You can read my interview with Roderick O’Grady here.

The Secret Wild

Fern Featherstone has spent her life so far travelling the world with her botanist parents. Bursting with natural curiosity, she finds it hard to attend to her studies as her father would like and when an impromptu adventure in the Amazon Rainforest leads her into danger, her parents decide she will be safer with her uncle in London. On her journey, she encounters a little plant which seems to understand her so she decides to keep it, hiding it from her kindly Uncle Ned and naming it Special. London is becoming over run by huge plants, the handiwork of a mysterious Guerrilla Gardener, targeting many of its most famous landmarks and causing havoc. When Special becomes ill, Fern is determined to find a cure for her unusual companion, and with the help of Woody, her new neighbour and (initially reluctant!) friend, embarks on the adventure of a lifetime!

Full of the wonders- and importance of- nature, ‘The Secret Wild’ is a fabulous story with strong environmental messages about looking our plant life and maintaining the natural balance which enables all to thrive. References to, and descriptions of, plants are seeded throughout the story, sure to nurture and propagate curiosity!

Fern and Woody make a fascinating partnership. Fern is impulsive and impetuous, constantly acting without a plan whilst Woody, a great lover of jigsaws, is a cautious plotter who is botanophobic (scared of plants). Both children are lonely. Fern has been uprooted from the wild life she knows and loves, seeing her ‘exile’ from her parents as being as a result of her failings. Woody’s family circumstances have changed resulting in triplets, living with his grandmother and his father working away on an oil rig off Scotland. Initially off to a faltering start, their friendship quickly takes roots, blossoming into mutual respect and support as they find the courage and determination to deal with all the challenges of solving the mystery of the Guerrilla Gardener, saving London and looking after each other.

‘The Secret Wild’ would make an excellent class read or guided reading text, offering much to discuss and explore as well as an engaging and enjoyable story.

The Secret Wild Alex Evelyn

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406399394

The Whale Watchers

It’s the first day of the summer holidays, but Finn is far from excited. His marine biologist mother is dragging him and his little brother, Jesse, off to wet, cold Scotland, so she can study the whales which live there. Finn has become increasingly anxious about plastic pollution in the oceans and is struggling with a growing sense of futility of his mother’s work or any action to save the planet. However, a chance encounter with a girl and her dog leads him into an adventure which proves everyone can make a difference.

This is the first novel published by Owlet Press. I am a great fan of their picture books as they always offer something a little different so had high expectations of ‘The Whale Watchers’- and I was not disappointed.

The story is successful in many ways. Firstly, it is a real love letter to whales. Bursting with information about these incredible creatures, there is so much for the reader to learn without even realising they are doing so. I had no idea, for example, of the essential role whales play in combatting climate change or that they re-distribute nutrients across the oceans. Additional information at the end of the book adds to that covered in the story and introduces the reader to the Moray Firth Dolphin and Whale Conservation Centre. There is even some advice from real life whale watchers.

The book also addresses the very genuine concerns many children have about the future of the planet. Finn embodies these feelings as he battles with the negative thoughts he has about plastic pollution and extinction, but ultimately, the story is full of hope. He comes to realise that every small action any of us makes combines with those of others, making a huge difference. The information section also includes practical advice for things children can do - real steps for change- offering them a sense of how they can contribute and make a difference.

Most importantly, ‘The Whale Watchers’ is a very readable and accessible story which children will both relate to and enjoy. The relationship between Finn and his brother is lovely and Jesse’s enthusiasm for whales is contagious. With lovely black and white illustrations by Amberin Huq throughout, the story is broken into achievable chapters, using a clear, easy to read font.

‘The Whale Watchers’ would make an excellent class story or engaging independent read.

The Whale Watchers Dougie Poynter, illustrated by Amberin Huq

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339548

The Friendly Mammoth

Mansi loves to visit her local museum, but she wishes she had a friend to go with. Noticing that her favourite exhibit, the Woolly Mammoth, is also alone, she decides to draw a friend for him. As she draws, she imagines snow and ice and suddenly realises that she and the mammoth have been taken back in time - to the Ice Age. Here, she meets a little cave girl who also loves to draw and the two quickly become friends. Together, they go on an adventure and meet lots of other creatures from the Ice Age. Mansi suddenly realises she is back in the museum and someone is telling her they like her drawings. No longer shy, Mansi tells this new friend, Benny, all about her adventures and the animals she met which are now extinct. Although they still enjoy a visit to the museum, they take action together to make sure this does not happen to any other creatures.

On the front cover, under the title, it says ‘Friends make EVERYTHING possible’ and this is a gorgeous story celebrating the importance of friendship. However, this is not the only thing to love about this delightful book.

Although shy, Mansi’s love of history, animals and drawing is shared by both the girl from the Ice Age and Benny, the little boy who notices her drawing in the museum, showing how common interests can offer a starting point for discussions and a way into forming friendships. Even though they cannot speak to one another, Mansi and the cave girl communicate through facial expressions and affectionate gestures, allowing them to share their passion for art and interest in animals. Mammoth first prompts Mansi in this direction, offering an excellent starting point for discussions with children who might need support with instigating interactions with others.

The story also raises questions about extinction and Mansi’s encounters with extinct creatures of the past make her reflect on those which are endangered in the present and fill her with the desire to take action to save them. Additional note about these animals, presented as pages of Mansi’s notebook, are included at the end of the story, perfect for initiating further research or sparking interest in this period of history, often studied by children in Year 3 at school. The placards held by those on the protest march attended by Mansi and Benny show many currently endangered creatures, once again offering much to discuss and explore.

With its beautiful depiction of Mansi running up the path to the Natural History Museum at its beginning, the book is also shows the joy and excitement which can be found in this ‘magical place for remembering the past’. I love a good museum and have spent many happy hours with children- both my own and other peoples- exploring the wonders and curiosities they contain.

The illustrations are wonderful with so much to notice and enjoy on every page. ‘The Friendly Mammoth’ would not only make a wonderful bedtime story, but also lends itself to being used in class or as the basis for a book event with lots of activities and fun!

The Friendly Mammoth Anna Terreros-Martin

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452311

Dave and Greta Make the World Better

Dave and Greta are best friends and love to play together. However, when watching TV one night, Dave learns about climate change and calls his friend to discuss his worries. The friends agree that they should try to do something to make a difference, but when Dave shares his ideas with all the animals, they laugh at him. Luckily, Greta arrives and explains that little things can make a big difference, resulting in everyone agreeing to do their bit.

With practical tips for how to help the environment, this is the perfect story for teaching children they are never to small to make a big difference! The book offers plenty of opportunities for discussion from the characters’ names- Dave (I’m guessing a nod to David Attenborough) and Greta (Greta Thunberg)- to threats to wildlife to actions that can be taken for change. Greta’s advice is very reassuring and lends itself to a starting point for actually doing something at home- or school.

The illustrations are full of fun! Eagle-eyed Matt Carr fans will spot Pat the bat from ‘Superbat’ and Doris the Doctopus from ‘Now Wash Your Hands’ on the badges on Greta’s bag as well as a picture of Pat on reused paper. I love the fact that whilst Dave is shown as a fox of action, Greta takes her time, heading for the library to research on ‘Owlgle’, valuing the different ways people approach things!

Perfect for teaching young ones about environmental issues in an accessible and reassuring way.

Dave and Greta Make the World Better! Matt Carr

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702316067

You can read my review of ‘Spyder’ here, ‘Rocket Mole’ here and ‘Rhinocorn Rules!’ here.

Day of the Whale

Cam and his mother live in Cetacea, part of Australia which survived the floods, where people worship whales, particularly Big Blue, whose wishes are interpreted by Byron Vos, founder and leader of the area. Everyone is working together to repair the damage caused by their forefathers, but Cam is on a mission of his own. His father is missing and his last words to Cam were Follow Big Blue. Find the truth. With help from his new friends, Banjo and Petra, Cam is determined to discover what happened to his father, but in doing this, they uncover dangerous secrets which might just destroy the world as they know it.

This is one of the best books I have read in ages and I have attempted to write a review of it several times. I can’t do it justice, no matter how hard I try- so here’s my best go! Combining a powerful environmental message with a tale of intrigue and deception, ‘Day of the Whale’ is a compelling page-turner which enthralls the reader from beginning to end. However, it’s also a story which is very hard to review without spoiling for others!

Evocative descriptions bring Cam’s world vividly to life- the relentless heat, the arid landscape and beyond, the ocean ‘like a huge beast shifting in its sleep’ alongside the details of their daily lives as the community strives to make amends for the mistakes of Long Ago- the dirty past.

His mother, lost and depressed since the disappearance of Cam’s father, is desperate for him to ‘be a good Cetacea boy’ and not draw attention to himself, but new friends open Cam’s eyes to new possibilities and different versions of the truth. There is darkness and danger in this world with its struggles for power and control, greed and tyranny- and yet, the story ends with so much hope for the future- for the good in people working together for a common aim.

Petra and Banjo are wonderful characters. Like Cam, they don’t quite fit in Cetacean society. Banjo feels a deep connection to the land and his First Nation’s heritage whilst Petra believes somewhere is ‘only home if you’re free to leave it’. Both challenge Cam to question ‘the establishment’, opening his eyes to new possibilities whilst they try to make sense of the information and mis-information of their world.

I cannot stress how much I loved this book- nor how much I recommend everyone reads it. Nothing I can write will do it justice- just read it for yourself!

Day of the Whale Rachel Delahaye

Troika ISBN: 978-1912745197

You can read my review of ‘Mort the Meek and the Ravens’ Revenge’ here and ‘Mort the Meek and the Monstrous Quest’ here.

The Journey Home 10th Anniversary

Frann Preston-Gannon is one of the best known and best-loved authors and illustrators working in children’s books. She has written many of her own books and illustrated works for many other authors across various publishers. Her debut picture book, The Journey Home, was published 10 years ago and the environmental messages within remain as important today as they were a decade ago. In this special interview, Frann looks back on her publishing career so far and reflects on the enduring relevance of The Journey Home for today’s readers.

What do you love most about being an author and illustrator? Anything you don’t like?!

Without a doubt, it is the engagement with the children reading my books. It was really sad during the pandemic to lose that connection with kids, as that interaction really makes it all feel worthwhile.  I am thrilled to be back attending school visits now, as that is my favourite part of the job!

You’ve written and illustrated many books in the past decade, and must have visited a huge number of schools, bookshops and festivals meeting your readers. Any particular career highlights?

Whenever I am talking to children I always discuss the fact that I am dyslexic and struggled at school, particularly with my reading and writing. I can’t ever remember being aware of any grown-up role models at the time with dyslexia.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to be invited to Bath Children’s Festival to talk to a lovely auditorium of children. When I mentioned being dyslexic, one girl practically jumped out of her seat with excitement. Her hand shot up and she announced “ME TOO”! After the event she came to talk to me with her mum and we had the most wonderful chat. She has always stayed with me and I hope my words of encouragement stayed with her!

There has been a trend in children’s books about climate change and activism in recent years; do you think children are more aware now of climate issues, and perhaps feel more empowered to create change? Do you think it’s important that children’s books tackle big issues?

I spent years as a bookseller before becoming an author. It taught me it is essential that the right books are available for young people when they are navigating difficult topics. A bookshop or library is often the first port of call for parents, carers or teachers when complicated questions and concerns arise. Children are more aware than ever about the impact we have on the planet and I believe the right books need to be available to help them understand.

Has the way you write and / or illustrate changed or evolved since you started out?

Oh definitely. I never set out to be an author. I spent 3 years studying illustration and fully expected to just illustrate other authors’ texts. I convinced myself I would never be an author, but after many years of practice I definitely feel like I have improved!

If you could send a message to yourself ten years in the past, as The Journey Home first hit the bookshelves, what would it be?

Like lots of debut authors I am sure, I suffered real imposter syndrome when The Journey Home was published. I would love to reassure that younger me I was doing the right thing!

The Journey Home 10th anniversary special edition, by Frann Preston-Gannon, is published by Pavilion Children’s Books (28th April 2022), £11.99 hardback. ISBN 9781843655169.

The Rewilders

Esme is annoyed and braced for boredom when she’s sent to stay with her gran for the weekend, until she discovers a terrible mistake. Cora, the abandoned kitten Gran found on the Rothiecraig Estate, is in fact a wild lynx kit and she is growing—fast!

Suddenly, Esme find herself on a dangerous mission to rewild Cora, along with Callum Docherty for company, the school’s ‘bad boy’, and Shug, the worst guard dog in the world.

The situation takes a terrifying turn when the children pitch their tents on a bleak Highland moor and hear wolves howling outside… (synopsis from book cover)

‘The Rewilders’ is a wonderful read, a compelling mixture of adventure and the importance of true friendship with a healthy dose of environmental and conservation issues, offering the reader plenty to think about.

Esme and Callum’s relationship handled with great skill by the author. Esme is part of a group of ‘friends’ who torment Callum at school. These ‘good’ girls provoke him, causing him to end up in trouble whilst they escape without blame. Callum lives with foster mother, Sadie, feeling settled at last after a series of unhappy placements. Supportive and nurturing, this has been his longest-and happiest- placement, if not for school. The narrative is told from alternating perspectives and Esme is forced to consider her attitude towards Callum and through this to re-evaluate her friendship with the other girls in her class, particularly Isobel. Sadly, there are sure to be many readers who will empathise with her concern about getting on the wrong side of this ‘friend’, hopefully leading to discussions and better understanding of the negative nature of this type of ‘friendship’.

The countryside in all its glory is vividly described and the joy and healing power of nature works its magic on the reader as well as the children. The topic of rewilding is sensitively explored with a balanced view being offered and the feeling that compromise and co-operation are needed to make such projects successful.

‘The Rewilders’ is an excellent read with a beautiful cover that has much to offer readers looking for something a little different.

The Rewilders Lindsay Littleson

Cranachan Publishing Limited ISBN: 9781911279938

The Lost Whale

When his mother decides she needs to seek help, Rio is sent to California to stay with his grandmother who he barely knows. Feeling lost and anxious, he finds focus when he uncovers an old sketchbook of his mother’s, full of drawings of whales, particularly one known as White Beak. When he makes friends with Marina and joins her and her father on their whale watching tours, Rio feels a deep connection with these creatures and a chance encounter with the magnificent White Beak changes everything for him. However, when White Beak goes missing, Rio is convinced this gentle giant is in danger and sets off on a quest to find his whale.

I loved ‘The Last Bear’ and have yet to meet a reader (adult or child!) who hasn’t been completely captivated by that story - and yet in ‘The Lost Whale’, I think Hannah Gold has excelled herself!

Through a compelling story, Hannah Gold raises awareness of the impact of human action on our oceans and the devastating effects this can have on nature. Seen through the eyes of a child, the story is completely relatable and the reader is captivated by the vivid descriptions of these majestic creatures and their habitat. Initially spurred on by wanting to find out more about his mother’s interest, Rio soon discovers much about whales, their migratory habits, the dangers they face and those who are trying to help them. The book would make an excellent class story, but also offers much in terms of curriculum links with science, geography and PSHE. Careful planning would enable children to explore Hannah’s excellent writing whilst maintaining the excitement of the story and inspiring opportunities for drama and role play activities, research and developing writing of their own.

Rio has also been supporting his mother who struggles with her mental health and this thread of the story is handled with deep compassion and sensitivity. Many children find themselves in similar situations and Rio’s confusion and desperation to somehow make his mother better will resonate whilst encouraging first sympathy, and then empathy, from others as they come to understand his situation and feelings. The developing relationship with his grandmother is also beautifully handled as they come to understand one another better.

The story is adorned with Levi Pinfold’s atmospheric and captivating illustrations. The cover is stunning, but remove the dust jacket and there is another treat in store as the orange book is covered with golden images of Rio, White Beak and shoals of fish. As beautiful as it is heartwarming, ‘The Lost Whale’ is one not to miss!

The Lost Whale

Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008412944