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.
Who Ate Steve?
An unknown narrator sets about trying to teach a lesson about size by using a bird called Marcel (he’s big) and a worm called Steve (he’s small). However, as we all know, teaching is never easy, particularly when one part of the lesson keeps trying to eat the other!
This is a fabulous book! The teacher/ narrator of the story speaks directly to both the reader as she (there is no indication of gender so I have chosen to use female pronouns) take the lesson and interacts with Marcel. As she grows increasingly frustrated with Marcel disrupting her lesson by trying to eat Steve, different styles and sizes of fonts are used to convey her feelings to the reader. A wonderfully tongue-in-cheek use of teacher-style phrases are used - I’m not going to tell you again…We are all waiting… and many teachers will recognise (and sympathise with!) her growing exasperation as she strives to finish her lesson!
The illustrations are just wonderful. Steve is small, sporting a little neckerchief and a red woolly hat whilst Marcel is comparatively big and smartly turned out with his plumage giving the effect of a tail coat and red trousers to go with his natty bowler and yellow scarf. The range of expressions their faces show are incredible, allowing the reader to seemingly beat the teacher in understanding/ predicting what is going on. The ending is just purrr-fect, leaving readers to either create their own sequel or decide whether they think Marcel got his just desserts!
As well as being a brilliant read, the book could be used to develop character profiles of Steve, Marcel and Felicity, developing inference skills through both pictures and text, and then draw and create their own characters and situations which they might be involved in. They might also enjoy creating a pop-up model where Steve comes out of the ground and then hides below it again or a Marcel whose wings flap and whose beak opens and closes! The possibilities are endless!
Brilliant fun!
Who Ate Steve?
Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Kate Hindley
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839946226
Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud
Torla and Smorla are giraffes. Torla is taller than average whilst Smorla is smaller. One day, while out for a longer-than-average walk together, Torla encounters a lower-than-average cloud and finds she can’t see anything! But with the help of her best friend, she manages to navigate this tricky situation.
I’m not sure what I love most about this one! Let’s start with the names…I’m ashamed to say that it took me until my second read to ‘get’ the joke there. In my defence, I wasn’t reading the story out loud and there is so much else to enjoy because how else could I miss it!
The story is bursting with humour as Smorla leads Torla through a series of hazards which introduces the reader to the wonderful sight of crocodiles doing yoga and lazing lions amongst other things. Torla trusts Smorla and her faithful companion leads her safely past everything, showing the strength of their friendship and the importance of kindness and supporting others.
Some of the pages fold out - or up - allowing readers to fully enjoy the adventures of Torla and Smorla as they head off on their walk. The book would be wonderful to use to support early maths work as they can compare the two giraffes and begin to use mathematical language to describe this. To extend this as needed, pictures of more giraffes of different sizes could be added and children encouraged to order these from tallest to smallest and vice versa. Pictures of other animals from the story could be added to help children compare other (clearly specified) attributes as developing both informal and formal mathematical language in the classroom allows children to take an active part in learning and helps them to develop a better and deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The story is also perfect for exploring positional language as with Smorla’s guidance, Torla walks above some hippos, over an elephant and across a bridge. With older children, this would make a great introduction to prepositions in English as well!
Children might also have great fun creating and navigating obstacle courses and perhaps plotting their route around these on a basic map just as the giraffes’ footprints indicate the path they have taken in the illustrations. This could be done as part of a book group session with children creating large giraffe pictures of different sizes, a simple slider mechanism behind a picture which would allow them to raise the umbrella over Torla’s head or perform a simple trust exercise based on the friend’s journey! There are so many ways to develop a book hook with this one in addition to just enjoying it as a brilliant story! Loved it!
Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud
Kes Gray, illustrated by Chris Jevons
Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711288072
Huxley and Flapjack: Trouble at Sea
One hot day, when Flapjack is keeping cool, reading his book in the bath, Huxley has one of his bright ideas and decides that they should go to the seaside. Once there, they meet Winston, Wizz to his friends, who invites them aboard his submarine to search for a shipwreck called the Isabella. Huxley is keen to look for treasure, leading the more cautious Flapjack into trouble.
Adorable as ever, best friends, Huxley and Flapjack continue to demonstrate that opposites really do attract! Huxley is as impulsive and ever, seizing every chance to seek adventure with little thought to the consequences whilst Flapjack remains quite timid, far more reflective and often giving into his friend’s whims. But whatever their differences, their friendship remains true, strong and affectionate!
The story moves at a pleasing pace, keeping readers entertained and engaged whilst the plentiful illustrations are a joy to ‘read’ alongside the text. Readers will delight in noticing all the little jokes in the pictures and there are plenty of places where the illustrations are perfect for encouraging conversations to develop empathy and recognise where Huxley is mis-reading his friend’s feelings about situations.
A brilliant bedtime or class story, ‘Trouble at Sea’ also lends itself perfectly to being used to inspire a book group session. Huxley, Flapjack and their new little crab friend would all make lovely ‘jumping jack’ figures or stick puppets which could then be used to retell - or reinvent - the story. The story might inspire a sandcastle building competition, going on a picnic or creating a plastic-bottle submarine…
Like ‘Race to the Rescue’, ‘Trouble at Sea’ is a wonderfully funny, enjoyable story, perfect for newly independent readers and thoroughly enjoyable for adults too! Can’t wait for the next one!
Huxley and Flapjack: Trouble at Sea
Alan MacDonald, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa
Little Tiger ISBN: 9781788956208
Published 4th July 2024
You can read my review of ‘Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue’ here.
Watts and Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure
Watts comes from a family of great detectives, but he is not sure he has what it takes to be one. So when his parents head off on their next case, he goes to stay with an old client of theirs at Whiskerton Manor. Here, he meets Pearl, Count Whiskerton’s daughter, a very curious kitten who really wants to be a detective. When strange things start happening in the Manor grounds, Pearl persuades Watts to investigate…
Proving that opposites attract, Watts and Pearl make the purrr-fect team! This is a delightful story, full of lovely illustrations, gentle humour and a brilliant mystery to solve!
Watts is such a sweet character. Thoughtful and steady, but somewhat lacking in confidence, he believes that he will never be as good at solving mysteries as his parents. However, his new friendship with bubbly, talkative, impetuous Pearl helps him to realise that he is a skilful detective in his own right! So many of us can feel overshadowed by the achievements of others, but like Watts can find our own way in life and come to appreciate the skills we do have!
The story is really carefully plotted and Watts’ notes will help readers to follow each stage of the investigation as it unfolds. A perfect balance of text, illustrations, comic strip, labels and speech bubbles makes this an incredibly appealing book for younger readers, as engaging for those reluctant to read as much as those who devour books! There are many jokes to enjoy- for adults as well as for children- with plays on words like Dr Arty Fact and plenty of visual jokes in the pictures! I particularly like the fact that vocabulary like ‘archaeologist’ is also explained in the context of the story- and readers are given a little insight into how archaeologists work!
Both at home and at school, the book could be used as a starting point for many enjoyable activities. The little finger puppets (pictured above) help to make the story even more interactive as readers can act things out as it progresses or create their own little plays and mysteries and perhaps put on performances! Sections in the story where speech bubbles have been used are perfect for teachers to use to support their teaching of speech punctuation as well as developing speech clauses, drawing on the wonderfully detailed visual clues the pictures give to add the characters’ feelings/ actions. The book would also make the most wonderful prompt for a book group or library session, encouraging children to solve a mystery by following clues- or one which encourages children to create their own comic strips perhaps!
I love Meg McLaren’s picture books (The Station Mouse is my favourite!) and am delighted to discover that her talent for creating endearing characters through gorgeous illustrations and engaging storylines will support children in the next stage of reading. I can’t wait for the next case for Watts and Whiskerton!
Watts and Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure
Meg McLaren
Piccadilly ISBN: 978: 1800786592
The Beanstalk Murder
When a dead giant falls from the sky and crushes her village, Old Stump, trainee meadow-witch Anwen’s bad day suddenly becomes much worse. On examination, the body of the giant leads Anwen and her grandmother, Eira Sedge, to suspect he has been murdered. Anwen and a trainee sorceress, Cerys, take a message to the land above, via a beanstalk, where they find themselves tiny in a land of giants and determined to solve the crime!
‘The Beanstalk Murder’ is a fantastic read, combining a classic murder mystery with hints of a fairy tale favourite! Engaging characters and a twisty plot keep the reader guessing to the very end!
The relationship between Anwen and Cerys adds much to the story. Initially enemies, when the two girls find themselves thrown together in a land so completely alien to their own, they are forced into an uneasy truce. Cerys has been accepted at the Academy of High Magic whereas Anwen believes Cerys sabotaged her entrance exam. The two are at loggerheads with Cerys referring to Anwen, a Meadow Witch, as ‘ditch witch’ and Anwen causing a seagull to follow Cerys around and poo on her! As the girls spend time together, each learns more about the other, discovering the importance of looking beyond first impressions and working as a team. Anwen is impulsive and instinctive with a warm heart and insatiable curiosity and her skills as a Meadow Witch play a big part in solving the mystery, leading her to value what she has and what she is rather than envying Cerys.
The murder is so well constructed with clues and red-herrings skilfully threaded through the story, encouraging the reader to don their deerstalker alongside the girls to uncover those responsible. Their size in a giant world both helps and hinders their investigation, but nothing deters them in their quest. Although the giants of the Sky Kingdom and the humans below are alienated, the two sides develop a new understanding, seeing past their differences.
I really hope there will be more adventures set in this wonderful world!
The Beanstalk Murder
P G Bell
Usborne ISBN: 978-1805312536
Published 1st August 2024
You can read my review of ‘The Train to Impossible Places’ here, ‘The Great Brain Robbery’ here and ‘Delivery to the Lost City’ here.
Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens
When Ace the unicorn gets lost, he stumbles on Happy Hills, a place where anything can happen. Soon, all the residents are keen to share their own version of The Legend of Happy Hills whilst ‘the hills are alive with the sound of Giant Danger Kittens’! But in the end, Ace decides to stay with his new friends in Happy Hills.
Packed with Sophy’s amazing illustrations and zany humour, ‘Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens’ is bursting with fun and energy! Each character is full of personality! From the exuberance and perkiness of Mimi to the feather-fearing Duckie, children will quickly identify with their favourite and no doubt have fun both creating their own new characters and more adventures. Sophy’s how-to guides for drawing Mimi and Ace at the end of the book are perfect for helping with this.
These quirky characters, colourful comic strips and zany humour offer the perfect mix of nonsense (in a good way!) and fantasy, which Sophy Henn’s magic touch turns into a fantastically enjoyable read! Children will be counting the days until the next book appears…
Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens
Sophy Henn
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398524606
You can read my review of Pizazz vs Perfecto here and Pizazz and Pizazz vs the New Kid here and Pizazz vs the Demons here.
Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold
When they decided to retire, Hera chose to live in a little village called Hockwold-cum-Wilton with her husband, Zeus, King of the Gods. Gradually, they were joined by many of the other gods which is how Hannah Messenger, granddaughter of Hermes, and her friends ended up living there. On the day, Hannah gets her powers, something weird happens and the protections on the village which make it impossible for mortals to see anything ‘godlike’ going on disappear and all the Gods and their descendants completely lose their memories. Hannah, Dylan, Amy and Alastair alone can remember who and what they are. When the God’s objects of power start to go missing, they need to stop the thief at all costs!
Fabulously funny, ‘Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Huckwold’ is a brilliant read. It’s the sort of story I love to read aloud to a class, offering plenty of opportunities to ‘do the voices’ and one which is sure to have them moaning when you stop reading! It’s the sort of book where a burst of discussion, sharing ideas about what might happen next, thoughts about particular characters or just saying how much they are enjoying the story follows every session and children regularly ‘remind’ you that it’s nearly time to read!
The plot offers a pacy adventure, a touch of mystery, plenty of humour and a tortoise called Dolio! Children are sure to be inspired to discover more about the Greek gods from the snippets which are threaded throughout the story and enjoy seeing the links between the gods and their descendants- for example, Hermes was the messenger to the gods (amongst other things!), explaining Hannah’s surname. Dylan’s poem is a great way of remembering who’s who in Zeus’s family tree and is sure to become a popular one to learn by heart!
Friendship, teamwork and trust are central to the story as Hannah comes to better understand both her family and friends as she seeks to save the objects sacred to the gods which are being stolen from houses around the village. I would love there to be more adventures for Hannah and her friends as this was such an enjoyable and engaging read!
Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold
Briony Pearce
UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235978
Published on the 6th June 2024
How Many Dinosaurs is Too Many?
When a child meets a lovely orange dinosaur, they are delighted. But one dinosaur is never enough and soon they have ten colourful, energetic dinosaur friends. However, the disruption and chaos caused by these messy, cheeky characters is soon just too much and so the child decides that they all have to go. Once alone, the child is left feeling sad…until they are reunited with their original friend. One dinosaur is perfect!
Full of energy and humour, the rhyming text is a delight to read aloud as the antics of the dinosaurs at first delights and then worries the little child. There is no indication as to whether this is a boy or a girl, making it easy for readers to identify with the character as the adventure develops. Children will enjoy counting along as each new dinosaur appears and the book is sure to inspire counting and matching games with toys or pictures of dinosaurs.
The illustrations are wonderful, offering plenty of opportunities for finding the different dinosaurs in each picture and noticing all their antics. Children are sure to notice the worried expression on the little orange dinosaur’s face as things get out of hand and the child realises that, perhaps, what they wished for is not as good as they thought it would be! In the end, the two friends are reunited, realising that two makes perfect company!
A lovely story for home and school!
How Many Dinosaurs is Too Many?
Lou Peacock, illustrated by Nicola Slater
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839945519
A Better Best Friend
One day, Squirrel finds a best friend, a mushroom called Pock. Together, they explore the forest, watch the leaves fall and although Pock doesn’t say much, having a best friend makes Squirrel very happy. But then Spring arrives bringing them a new friend, Moo, and Squirrel finds himself caught in a dilemma -who is his best friend? And then Gunther arrives…
Narrated by Squirrel, ‘A Better Best Friend’ explores what makes a ‘best’ friend and whether it is possible to have more than one. Full of charm and humour, it offers an excellent way to start conversations about friendship with children. Like many teachers, dealing with children who are hurt because their special friend wants to play with someone else is a common part of school life and sharing Squirrel’s quandary might well help to resolve things, encouraging them to widen their friendship group.
The book ends with a picture of the four friends playing a game of cards with the words ‘The (Better) End’ beneath, leaving the reader with an open-ended story perfect for conversations, role play and storytelling to help resolve- or not- Squirrel’s concern about having more than one ‘best’ friend and equally to consider the question from the other friends’ points of view.
Although the narrative is purely Squirrel’s, the wonderful range of expressions given speak volumes for how each character is feeling, giving each a distinctive personality. The dry humour of the text and the charming illustrations make this an engaging and thought-provoking book!
A Better Best Friend
Olivier Tallec, translated by Antony Shugaar
Gecko Press ISBN: 978-1776575732
Published 1st May
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
Zooming the Zoo
‘Zooming the Zoo’ is packed full of a fabulous collection of poems, ranging from the light-hearted and humorous to those which are more poignant, using a range of poetic styles and techniques.
‘Poetry Rules’ is the opening poem of the collection, welcoming the reader with an understanding of the ‘rules’ of poetry- that there are none! It sets the tone for the joy which follows and is sure to appeal to poetry lovers and the poetry reluctant alike!
There are so many poems here worth commenting on. ‘Just Let Me Read’ is a real treat, celebrating the joy of books and reading for pleasure whilst ‘Learning to Walk’ offers excellent advice! ‘When You’re a Kid’ is great fun- sure to keep kids - and their teachers- giggling! And O agree wholeheartedly with ‘The Problem With Acrostics’!
But there are also plenty of poems which offer pause for thought. ‘Yellow Group’ breaks my teacher’s heart as each child should feel valued for any and all of their talents and not diminished by any perceived weaknesses. In ‘The First Time I Went to Scotland’, John shares a childhood memory which I’m sure will shock many, just as it shocked me! ‘If Somebody Hurts You’ is wonderfully empowering, a mantra to learn and share with everyone.
An excellent collection for home or school, ‘Zooming the Zoo’ is a treasure trove of poetic delight!
Zooming the Zoo
John Dougherty, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659217
You can read my review of ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’ here.
We are the Wibbly! A Tadpole’s Tail
Happy in the Wibbly with the other eggs, one tiny creature is enjoying a relaxing life. Suddenly, things start changing. First, all the Wibbly friends grow tails and become tadpoles. Next, they have burst out of the Wibbly, then grown legs, then arms…and all the while, the tiny creature is reluctantly keeping up on this journey from spawn to frog!
This is one of those wonderful books which works in so many ways! ‘We are the Wibbly’, apart from having an excellent title, offers a really entertaining look at the life cycle of a frog, clearly showing each stage of development, making it an excellent teaching tool!
However, the reluctance of this one little egg to grow up and the anxiety and pressure it feels at having to keep up with the others, also makes this a reassuring story to share with little ones experiencing the same emotions. Unwilling to leave the Wibbly, the mass of frogspawn it shares with its fellows, the little frog-to-be is horrified by change in the others, the filled with self-doubt as it is left behind. Then, no sooner had it become ‘longish’ like the others than they were all bursting from the Wibbly and water-flying, causing yet more feelings of anxiety and confusion. The beauty of the way in which this story is presented is that it could also be read with older children experiencing similar emotions, allowing them to distance themselves whilst discussing the content, perhaps in relation to younger children, and allowing them to explore ways of coping with these feelings. Indeed, there are days when I think ‘Oh my crikeys!’ at just how fast time is passing and how much things are changing!
There will be people who are not fans of the use (or misuse!) of grammar to express the little creature’s thoughts, but this just adds to the charm of the story! It also lends itself quite brilliantly to being the basis for a fun lesson about the use of subject-verb agreement in ‘standard’ English by playing with, and creating, sentences which defy the rules as well as those which conform.
The illustrations are just wonderful. Full of colour and energy, they capture the contrast between little creature’s reactions to its changing circumstances and those of its fellows, offering much to discuss. Children could write from the viewpoint of one of the other tadpoles, showing how their experiences differ.
Hilarious and heartwarming!
We are the Wibbly! A Tadpole’s Tail
Sarah Tagholm, illustrated by Jane McGuinness
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526627346
Published 28th March 2024
Rabbit and Bear: This Lake is Fake
Having been snowed in for weeks, Rabbit is looking forward to Spring. However, when it arrives, it is not as perfect as he imagined it would be. Bear suggests that if they do a little every day, they can soon have everything tidied up, but Rabbit is not interested in this plan. Instead, he sets off in search of his Perfect Vision of how things should be. However, when the island he finds turns out not to be made of chocolate, but something less pleasant, Rabbit realises that the real world might not be perfect, but it’s pretty close!
‘This Lake is Fake’ is the sixth adventure for best friends, Rabbit and Bear, and it is just as poo-filled and big-hearted as all the others! Rabbit is still as impulsive as ever, quick to act and perhaps a little slow to think whilst Bear remains constant and supportive.
In his quest for perfection, Rabbit ignores all the joys of the world he lives in- his friends, the beauty of nature, Bear’s singing- and pursues his unrealistic dream. When reality hits and he finds his vision of perfection to be nothing but an island of bird poo, he is overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and inadequacy, claiming he is a failure and that his life is over. Once again, it takes Bear’s steady, calming voice of reason to help him see that he needs to take one step at a time towards better things rather than expecting instant gratification and perfection! There is so much truth in these modern fables and many of us will see elements of Rabbit in ourselves!
Poo-centric books are not usually my thing, but these books are an exception to this rule and it is amazing how much information about the subject is contained in the Rabbit and Bear books. According to a note at the end of the story, guano islands really do exist- and a quick search on Google proves this to be true. I wonder where this topic will lead them next!
Full of gorgeous illustrations which add so much life and personality to the characters, ‘This Lake is Fake!’ is sure to be every bit as popular as the previous stories in this series- and I hope there will be many more to come. Everyone needs a little Rabbit and Bear style wisdom!
Rabbit and Bear: This Lake is Fake
Julian Gough and Jim Field
Hodder ISBN: 978-1444947571
Frank and Bert: The One with the Missing Biscuits
Frank and Bert are best friends who love going on picnics together. However, picnics are not without possible perils- rain, wasps and even scary squirrels- but Frank is convinced that today’s picnic is going to be perfect, particularly as Bert has a big box with a surprise in it! When Bert falls asleep, Frank can’t resist taking a peek inside the box and sees that Frank has made his favourite biscuits. Confident Bert won’t mind if he tries one, Frank eats first one, then two…until he realises every last biscuit has gone. How will he explain this to Bert?
I am the biggest Frank and Bert fan! Full of humour and heart, the ‘Frank and Bert’ stories explore the joys of friendship- and the foibles we all share! In this story, Frank is faced with the dilemma of explaining the missing biscuits to Bert (something my husband often has to do!)- should he tell the truth or concoct an elaborate story involving ten scary squirrels? Their friendship is so strong that Frank can’t bear to continue the lie and admits what he has done. Bert’s instant response is to forgive and the story offers plenty to discuss and think about. These adorable characters are so easy to identify with and the ending is just perfect- classic Frank and Bert- making the book sure to become a firm favourite.
The illustrations are as wonderful as ever! There is so much for children to ‘read’ in the pictures as Frank and Bert experience a whole range of emotions, but my favourite spread by far is the one of the two friends sharing a hug as Bert forgives Frank! Children might enjoy creating glove or finger puppets of these lovely characters, enabling them to act out this story- and to create their own.
Frank and Bert are the perfect double act and I hope there are many more stories about them to come.
Frank and Bert: The One with the Missing Biscuits
Chris Naylor- Ballesteros
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805130673
Published 14th March
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone
You can read my reviews of ‘Frank and Bert’ here and Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike’ here.
One Goose, Two Moose
Lining up for ice cream should be easy. There’s a goose line and a moose line- so why won’t everyone line up where Simon, the line managing goose, wants them to?
Stories like this are a complete joy to read aloud. Children- whether in a class or at home- will delight in joining in the fun, giggling at the antics of moose and geese as Simon’s frustration mounts! The visual humour of a moose standing in the goose line will set them off before the text gets there by which time they will be eagerly anticipating the next ‘count’ to the familiar pattern of ‘one potato, two potato’ with its inevitable interruptions! The ending is suitably satisfying and funny with the illustrations adding much to the humour.
Not only is this a giggle-fest of a tale, the story has great potential for encouraging counting, ordering and sorting. Children could draw their own pictures of geese and moose (or use those drawn or printed by an adult) to create the lines waiting for ice cream. These can be counted and matched to show whether the number of creatures is the same, more or less in each line. Simple addition and subtraction activities might also develop as well as plenty of play around hiding creatures in the wrong lines! The illustrations show such a wealth of personalities queuing up for an ice cream treat that children are sure to quickly develop back stories for the characters and happily create stories about them.
If ever there was a story which offered an excuse for one of my favourite culinary pastimes- making ice cream- this is it! Or perhaps it could lead to an ice cream parlour themed play area with some simple money work… There are so many ways this book could be used at home or at school, but best of all, it is a delightfully funny, brilliantly illustrated story which will be a great favourite anytime!
One Goose, Two Moose
Kael Tudor, illustrated by Nicola Slater
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702307676
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel
Stitch Head lives in Castle Grotteskew with his creator, mad scientist Professor Erasmus. As the Professor continues to experiment with increasingly dangerous ingredients, Stitch Head works hard to keep the Professor safe whilst feeling increasingly ignored and abandoned. When a stranger comes knocking at the Castle door, Stitch Head is torn between the life he knows and the possibility of being unforgettable.
The ‘Stitch Head’ books were very popular in school when they were first published so I was delighted to see that a graphic novel version has been created. Stitch Head himself is a wonderfully endearing character. When first created, he and the young Erasmus did everything together until it was time for Erasmus to become the next mad professor of Grotteskew and Stich Head was forgotten about. Lonely and unhappy, he is desperate for some affection from his master, inspiring empathy from readers. Despite his neglect, Stitch Head rises to the occasion, saving his master and the Castle, proving that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
There is plenty of humour in the story, both through the illustrations and the text, but the book also explores the importance of friendship, building trust and not judging others on their appearance. Fulbert Freakfinder, owner of the Travelling Carnival of Unnatural Wonders, makes the sort of sneaky, devious villain who is very easy to dislike whilst Arabella Guff (a girl from the village of Grubbers Nubbin), Creature (another of Erasmus’s creations) and Stitch Head make an excellent team.
The excellent, atmospheric illustrations add much to this brilliant story!
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel
Guy Bass, illustrated by Pete Williamson
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956376
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
Pablo and Splash
Although she’s a penguin, Splash is finding the Antarctic a bit chilly. Her friend, Pablo believes they live in a blissful utopia and can’t understand what she is unhappy about. However, being a really good friend, he agrees to help plan a luxury holiday in the sun. But everywhere is krilly far away, they can’t fly, it’s too far to swim… how will they get there?
After falling down a hole in the ice, the penguin pals find themselves captured by Professor O’Brain. Whilst trying to escape, they find themselves inside Time Bender, a time-machine which takes them to a beach…in the Cretaceous period. With dinosaurs everywhere and a damaged Time Bender, will they ever make it home?
There is so much to love about this book that it’s hard to know where to start! I absolutely adore Splash whose curious, slightly impetuous nature reminds me strongly of someone I know! She is perfectly tempered by Pablo who is more cautious and very sensible (who doesn’t love a list!), making them an excellent pair! Children are sure to see themselves in one or the other- or perhaps as a mixture of the two- and love the warmth of their friendship.
The illustrations are joyful, encouraging the skills of interpreting and analysing images to develop understanding as well as adding to the humour. There are many spreads which would lend themselves to being explored with a class to investigate emotions, develop scene setting, consider how to develop reporting clauses- all without destroying enjoyment of the original text!
Although this might be perceived as an ‘easy read’, being very accessible and (obviously!) highly illustrated, Sheena Dempsey uses plenty of challenging vocabulary and puns. Additional pages at the end of the book offers the reader information about the creatures Pablo and Splash encounter and the time period they find themselves in as well as well as an explanation about why penguins huddle and the Southern Lights. There are also some absolutely and completely true facts from Pablo and Splash as well as instructions for how to draw them- even I can do it!
Impossible to resist, ‘Pablo and Splash’ is a brilliant book, sure to quickly become a favourite in school and out! I can’t wait to read the next one.
Pablo and Splash Sheena Dempsey
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526662606
Adventuremice: Mice on the Moon
When Millie’s Uncle Bernie, inventor Professor Quartermouse, sends a message asking the Adventuremice to visit him on Scrabble Island, Pedro, Bosun and the other mice leave the Mousebase to rush to his aid. However, they arrive to find there is no emergency, just Uncle Bernie wanting to share his latest invention with them- a spaceship! Suddenly, Pedro, Millie and Fledermaus find themselves stuck in the capsule, heading into space. But will they be the first mice on the moon?
These stories just go from strength to strength! Imaginative adventures, endearing characters, plenty of humour and wonderful illustrations combine perfectly to make books full of appeal and charm.
In this story, the Adventuremice are not saving others, but saving themselves! Having been trapped in the rocket, Pedro, Millie and Fledermaus find themselves not on the moon, but on the minimoon, which circles the moon in the same way as the moon circles the Earth. Here, they meet Pontiki, another mouse who invented a spaceship, who is now stranded and surviving with the help of the starmice. These very sensible mice are welcoming, but quite different to the Adventuremice who come up with an ingenious plan which allows them to return to Earth, taking Pontiki with them.
Delightful illustrations accompany the text at every stage, really bringing the adventures of the mice to life. I love the cross section of Uncle Bernie’s rocket and, of course, the map of their journey through space. There are so many details to notice and enjoy in these pictures and as usual in this series, there is a step-by-step ‘how to draw’ at the end of the book, sure to encourage young readers to have a go - and perhaps create their own adventures.
Although I love these books as books and think there is nothing more important than a good book, I do think that they would make an excellent cartoon series and should have a wonderful range of toys to accompany it as they would inspire so much play, full of fun, imagination and learning. Let’s hope..!
Adventure Mice: Mice on the Moon
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452700
Published on the 7th March
You can read my review of Otter Chaos! here and Mice on the Ice here
The Story Shop: Detective Dash
In Puddletown High Street, there is the most unusual shop- The Story Shop- which sells stories you can actually BE in. When shopkeeper, Wilbur and his assistant, Fred Ferret find a sleepy sloth in the shop, they decide the best kind of adventure for her is a mystery where she can play detective. With Fred to guide her, Suzy Sloth sets off to solve a puzzling mystery in a museum, locate a missing chef by the seaside and uncover the truth about the Demon Duck of Doom in Watery Bottom.
This is the fourth adventure in ‘The Story Shop’ series from Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal, although each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Each of the books contains three adventures, presented in chapters which are achievable and offer a sense of satisfaction and encouragement for newly independent readers whilst the enjoyable plots are sure to keep the attention of older siblings should these stories be shared at home.
Humour in both illustrations and text make these stories very appealing. Fred Ferret has his work cut out trying to keep Suzie Sloth awake during their investigations, but together they manage to solve each case and escape back to the Story Shop where he can have a well deserved nap! Children will enjoy spotting the clues and trying to solve the mysteries alongside detectives, Suzy and Fred!
Tracey’s lively writing uses a rich vocabulary and the text is a pleasure to read aloud, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy. This series would make excellent class stories for children in KS1 as well as a very enjoyable bedtime book. Great fun!
The Story Shop Detective Dash!
Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953337
Time Travelling with a Tortoise
Al Chaudhury has successfully travelled back in time and saved his father’s life. So, everything is back to the way Al thinks it should be…only somehow it isn’t. And then an accident leaves Grandpa Byron struggling to remember things, forcing Al to travel in time once more and leaving someone trapped in the past and a pre-historic tortoise in the present. Al must somehow rescue his friend from the past and save the future for them all.
Clever and compelling, ‘Time Travelling with a Tortoise’ is a worthy sequel to ‘Time Travelling with a Hamster’! Told in a chatty, engaging style, the reader feels as if they had never left Al’s company and yet, those who have not read TTWaH will be able to enjoy this just as much as those that have.
Grandpa Byron is as charming and unique as ever and his relationship with Al wonderfully highlights the role which grandparents can play in the lives of their grandchildren. In his new ‘old’ life, Grandpa Byron seems to be the one constant for Al, making the accident all the more shocking. Unable to piece together events which have led to his friendship with Paulie MacFaddyen, nephew of his arch nemesis Macca, also causes complications- and encourages the reader to look beyond preconceptions and first appearances.
There is so much to enjoy in this wonderful story that it is hard to put down. Teachers will enjoy reading this aloud to their classes as much as the children will enjoy listening to it. It is sure to encourage much conversation- about time travel and much more! Highly recommended!
Time Travelling with a Tortoise
Ross Welford
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008544775
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
You can read my review of ‘Time Travelling with a Hamster’ here, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ here and Into the Sideways World here.
Monster in the Woods
Frith and her family live in a village on the edge of the woods- woods which people claim are home to a monster. With cows disappearing and crops being destroyed, this is what the villagers believe. Frith isn’t convinced, but her little brother, Spuggy, is worried about his imaginary friend, Edward, who also lives in the woods and might be in danger. When Frith goes on a delivery journey with her father through the Barren Wasteland and on to the city where the king lives, little does she know it will start her on an exciting adventure in which she discovers monsters are not always what they seem.
‘Monster in the Wood’ is another fabulous read from Dave Shelton. The ‘Emily Lime’ stories have always been very popular with children I’ve taught and this is every bit as enjoyable. From start to finish, the story is completely engaging and full of humour- swearing good as mum might say!
Frith is a wonderful character whose curiosity and spirit lead her into - and get her out of- many a scrape. Impulsive as she may be, but she has a kind heart and plenty of courage when the need arises. Her relationship with her family is delightful- they might have very little, but they have each other and their wonderful dog, Cabbage. Mum’s tendency to use colourful language is depicted by the use of the word ‘swear’- swearing swear…burned my swearing hand- which adds to the humour when reading aloud in particular!
Although the story is bursting with humour and is a pacey, light-hearted read, there is plenty to discuss and think about here, not least what a monster really is. It is so easy to judge people on first appearances and be fooled into believing things based on this lack of knowledge. Friendship can be found in the least likely places and it is always worth taking time to get to know others.
A wonderful cast of characters, including Spuggy, Edward and the special Big Wise Head, a brilliantly witty and wise plot and the fabulous illustrations found throughout the book, make this a story not to be missed! Highly, highly recommended!
Monster in the Woods Dave Shelton
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452212
You can read my review of Emily Lime: The Book Case here and Emily Lime: The Pencil Case here.