Celebrate with Me!

This wonderful book is a real celebration of creative people and their favourite festivals. Each of the twenty five contributors explains why the festival they have chosen is special to them, and how they celebrate it. Alongside this information, they offer some of the recipes and activities they use to help the celebrations. It is an absolute joy to read and is sure to inspire families- and schools- to both understand and enjoy many celebrations from across the world!

A comprehensive contents page lays out a year of celebrations, starting with the New Year and closing with New Year’s Eve. Following this, there are pages devoted to ‘Birthdays around the World’, ‘More Fun With Festivals’ and mini biographies, including social media and website links, about those who have contributed to the book. This makes locating a particular celebration very easy as well as telling the reader who the section is written by and why they enjoy the occasion so much. Learning about festivals from those who actually take part in them is so important as it offers a genuine feel for the occasion and a real understanding of the significance of these events in peoples’ lives. It also enables children to see themselves and their cultures, traditions and religious beliefs appreciated, one alongside another, each valued, each celebrated.

The book includes an excellent mixture of well known and lesser known events. Each section is presented across a colourful, double page spread with plenty of illustrations. Baker and food justice advocate, Michael Platt, shares information about Juneteenth which commemorates the 19th June 1865, the date when news that slavery had been outlawed reached the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. He offers a recipe for a watermelon and tomato salad and shows how to make a Juneteenth flag, explaining the significance of the imagery and colours used. Dow Phumiruk, children’s author and illustrator, shares her joy for celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year. She has chosen to share a recipe for a delicious Thai-style Congee (a type of savoury, soupy porridge made from rice) and explains how to ask your elders for blessings. Architect and artist, Nick Wood, shares his excitement for Bonfire Night, explaining how to make ‘Marshmallow Sparkers’ and how to build a bonfire- a crafty one, if not a real one!

The illustrations capture the joy of sharing these special occasions perfectly, making the book as visually appealing as the activities are inspiring. The book is an absolutely essential addition to libraries, book corners and homes. Laura Gladwin, the book’s editor, will be joining us at this year’s Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ Conference and I can’t wait to learn more about how this gem of a book came about. I am sure that many book groups at a local level will be using some of these activities to inspire and celebrate with their members! An excellent resource and a pleasure to read!

Celebrate with Me! Recipes, Crafts and Holiday Fun from Around the World

Edited by Laura Gladwin, illustrated by Dawn M Cardona

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520601

The Indestructible Tom Crean

‘The Indestructible Tom Crean’ is a fascinating biography about Irish born Tom Crean, one of the brave adventurers involved in what became known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. It is an inspiring, absorbing read, greatly enhanced by the wonderful illustrations.

Many children in Y5/6 learn about explorers and the exploits of Ernest Shackleton, using William Gill’s excellent ‘Shackleton’s Journey’, have become a favourite focus for study. This book would not only work brilliantly in conjunction with this text, expanding the children’s knowledge of the expedition, or as an alternative book to build a unit of work around for both English and History/Geography.

Having joined the Royal Navy, Tom Crean joined Scott’s Discovery expedition as a last minute replacement. The book charts his progress on this journey, showing why, six years later, Scott invited him to take part on his quest to be the first to reach the South Pole. Not chosen to be a member of the team to make the last 150 miles of the journey, Tom and two others must return to base camp before starvation and exhaustion overcome them. When his fellows are too ill to continue, Tom makes the journey to fetch help alone. He saves their lives, although the team Scott took on further all perish. These events are sensitively, but clearly told, with the text supported by illustration at every step. There are many opportunities for role play activities, writing in role and further research and investigation to be developed.

The book continues with Crean joining Shackleton’s Endurance expedition as Second Officer. At times, the language used is almost poetic- even when describing the appalling conditions the men had to endure- and the illustrations are sure to inspire artwork. Crean’s role in the ‘James Caird’ trip, his bravery and determination, contributed to the rescue of the men left behind on Elephant Island. The use of the present tense throughout is very effective, making the reader feel that they are keeping pace with him on his adventures.

At the end of the book, there is additional information about the Antarctic, its wildlife and a timeline of events. There is also an afterword which seeks to explain why- perhaps- this courageous man never sought to draw attention to himself after the war, settling down with a family to run a public house. This is an excellent book which brings Crean’s story to life. Brilliant for topic boxes, library shelves, personal interest… a must have!

The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic

Jennifer Thermes

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1803380957

Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone

Covering an area of nearly 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone is home to a rich variety of wildlife, the largest volcano in America and boasts the world’s greatest display of hot springs. This fascinating location is fully explored in this excellent new addition to Flying Eye’s ‘Earth’s Incredible Places’ series.

The books starts by exploring Yellowstone’s long history of human visitors, celebrating the mix of Native American cultures and tribes who visited the area before European settlers came to the area in the 1800s. On March 1st 1872, it was created a national park- the world’s first- by the President.

The formation of the park’s geysers and other features like hot springs and fumaroles is carefully explained. Each section is fully illustrated, beautifully capturing the natural wonders of the park and the wonderful wildlife which call it their home. A whole section is devoted to the animals and birds of the park, their habitats and interactions. The book introduces the reader to ‘mistakes of the past’ in which wolves, much feared and demonised, were poisoned, trapped and hunted until there were non left in the park. Realising the important role they played in keeping nature in balance, wolves were reintroduced into the park in the 1990s and are now thriving in the park once more. There is so much to learn in these pages, making the book a fascinating read.

The book finishes with a section about the park today, the employees who work there, the millions who visit it and the impact on the landscape caused by climate change. It is perfect for finding out more about Yellowstone whether for interest, research or in anticipation of a visit. A comprehensive index and glossary make information quick and easy to locate and discover more about this incredible place!

Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone

Catherine Ard, illustrated by Bianca Austria

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838748652

You can read my review of Everest here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest

Welcome to Mount Everest…

Most people have heard of Mount Everest and could probably tell you that it is the highest mountain on Earth and that people strive to ‘conquer’ it by climbing to its peak. From this absorbing book, there is so much more to learn about this fascinating place. With mountains being an area for study in the primary Geography curriculum, this is an essential addition to topic boxes and school libraries as well as for any budding mountaineer or explorer - armchair or otherwise!

The book opens with an explanation of how the Himalayas formed, their location and the various names Everest and her sister mountains have been given. There are many myths and legends associated with the mountains and a selection of these are included here, scattered amongst information about the flora and fauna and the people who live here.

Information about climbers and their determination to ‘conquer’ Everest is also included. The perils to be faced and the equipment used and invented to tackle the challenge are explored as the book introduces the reader to some of the people who have taken the challenge and have pushed themselves to the very limit to climb this mountain. The less appealing subject of the damage humans are doing to this special place by the waste they leave behind is also explored. The book closes with some learning resources to support teachers and parents/ carers to enjoy using it with children. An excellent resource, packed with information!

Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest

Sangma Francis, illustrated by Lisk Feng

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741457

Protecting the Planet: Emperor of the Ice

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

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

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

Protecting the Planet: Emperor of the Ice

Nicola Davies, illustrated by Catherine Rayner

Walker ISBN: 978-1406397086

Scientists in the Wild: Galápagos

A team of scientists tasked with observing and protecting the islands’ wildlife set sail for the Galápagos Islands, a place like no other on Earth. This book follows their adventures as they work in the field, exploring all the wonders of this incredible archipelago.

Starting with a map and a brief introduction to the islands, the scene is set for the introduction of the seven scientists from around the world who form the team on board the research ship ‘Sula’. The role of each is clearly explained, showing the range of expertise needed for the expedition and introducing the reader to a wide range of skilled jobs. A cross section of the Sula (the scientific name for the blue-footed booby, one of the birds of the Galápagos) and labelled diagrams of the diving equipment to be used help the reader to understand how the team will conduct their studies.

A spread offering a ‘Guide to Galápagos Life explains why the islands are so unique and, sadly, how close to extinction many of the species which inhabit the archipelago are. A key for identifying their status is included and used throughout the book as different species are introduced. The islands are then explored through the eyes of the research team as they pursue their fascinating mission, climbing volcanoes and diving the depths of the seas to gather the data they need.

This is a fascinating, highly engaging book which will be a welcome addition to school libraries and bookshelves as well as being an excellent text for inspiring young adventurers at home. From the arrival of Darwin and his discoveries to food chains, from evolutions and inheritance to volcanoes, from conservation to island habitats, there are so many ways in which this book would add to the primary curriculum. A glossary, contents and index help the reader navigate the text for research and each spread is beautifully illustrated, adding much to the reader’s enjoyment of the text.

Scientists in the Wild: Galápagos

Helen Scales, illustrated by Rômolo D'Hipólito

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740931

Published on the 2nd March 2023

Birds of a Feather

Produced in collaboration with the National Trust, ‘Birds of a Feather’ combines information about ten beautiful birds with the interactive element of creating 3D models. Perfect for children interested in nature or for encouraging imaginative play, this book is an excellent addition to any shelves.

The models are constructed by pressing out the sturdy card pieces which then slot together. Illustrated on both sides, string can be added to each bird so that they can hang as a flock either as decoration or as a constant talking point, the focus for much learning. However, there is the added bonus of being able to press the pieces back into their spaces ready to be used again and again unlike many books of this ilk where bits are easily lost, leading to frustration and disappointment.

Behind the sturdy board pages is a beautifully illustrated information section with a section about each of the birds. Not only does this offer facts about the bird’s appearance, diet and habitat, but there is a wealth of folklore and legend here as well, all sure to ignite curiosity and inspire further research. It’s a great way of engaging children with nature and developing their observational skills as well as their reading! ‘Birds of a Feather’ would make an excellent gift this Christmas!

Birds of a Feather

Lauren Fairgrieve, illustrated by Kate Read

Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust

ISBN: 978-1839942723

Gross FACTopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Foul Facts

Highly entertaining, completely absorbing and utterly disgusting, ‘Gross FACTopia!’ is a brilliant read. Every fact is linked to the next in ingenious ways, creating a trail of information which sometimes branches out allowing the reader to choose their own path through this cornucopia of revolting facts!

The colourful layout of each spread, combining photographs and cartoons, is instantly appealing and the trail of facts linked by dotted lines is easy to follow (or not!), presented in accessible chunks. The book is perfect for dipping in and out of or for inhaling at speed as curiosity and strength of stomach dictate!

Some of the information here is truly disgusting- the sort of facts which children are curious about and yet have that ‘yuck!’ factor like caterpillars which can shoot poo pellets, how one chicken survived a whole year without a head and how the Surinam toad gives birth. Although the table of contents and index allow readers to locate specific facts, this is one of those books best enjoyed by browsing!

‘Gross FACTopia!’ would make an excellent addition to any book corner (home or school) or library as well as being a brilliant stocking filler this Christmas!

Gross FACTopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Foul Facts

Paige Towler, illustrated by Andy Smith

Britannica Books ISBN: 978-1913750671

Wild Animals of the World

‘Wild Animals of the World’ is a beautifully illustrated book, the perfect gift for any animal lover. Combining Dieter Braun’s ‘Wild Animals of the North’ and ‘Wild Animals of the South’, it takes the reader from continent to continent, admiring a selection of the incredible animals that live there. The text has undergone some revisions from the previous editions and offers information in a concise synopsis.

Each picture is clearly labelled with both the English name and the Latin binomial classification which Y6 children enjoy applying their learning from science lessons to! The index allows animal specific information to be quickly located; however, for some, there are only a named illustration rather than additional text. This lends itself perfectly to further research where children could write their own entry for these animals, using Braun’s text as a model.

The illustrations are simply stunning. The Northern bald ibis seems to fix you with a steely glare whilst the Asian elephant seems to move through the water, trailing bubbles in its wake. A Malayan tapir drinks from a river as its young waits by its side; ermine, alpine hare and Arctic fox share a snowy spread and Japanese macaques enjoy the hot springs. There is so much to enjoy and explore in these pages and children never stop marvelling at the pictures, returning to them again and again.

This book would make a lovely gift for a nature loving child (or adult!) who also enjoys beautiful illustrations.

Wild Animals of the World

Dieter Braun

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741143

Mathematics for Beginners

Part of the very popular ‘For Beginners’ series, ‘Mathematics for Beginners’ is a fascinating introduction to the history of the subject as well as the different stands it covers, such as numbers and probability. It is the perfect book for those children who want to know why they have to learn about mathematical concepts, encouraging them to see the possibilities and connections of the subject, perfect for budding maths boffins who thrive in this area- and perfect for reflective teachers who might want to deepen their own understanding of the subject and add a little something extra to lessons.

Each double spread is both attractive and easy to navigate with text sectioned into manageable chunks. Contents, index and glossary are included, allowing children to use their reference skills or dip in and out of the text as interest is piqued. The use of speech bubbles is engaging as characters either discuss certain points or speak directly to the reader to explain or comment on something. El, Nina and Marcus 3.0, a robot, act as guides through the book with El ending up convinced that maths is ‘vast and varied’, not ‘boring’ as she maintained at the outset.

The book could also be used for Guided Reading sessions and offers links to other subjects. The history section obviously could be used alongside work in other subjects and the computing section explains many things we might just take for granted. Much of the mathematical content is relevant to the primary curriculum with teachers easily able to guide children to relevant sections if they wish to, but there is plenty here for older children as well. A great addition to library and book corners, this is one for home and school!

Mathematics for Beginners

Sarah Hull and Tom Mumbray, illustrated by Paul Boston

Mathematics expert: Dr Audrey Curnock

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474998543

Am I Made of Stardust?

Dr Maggie combines passion for her subject with an engaging and accessible style of presentation, making this an excellent book for finding answers to all the questions you might have about space. In this book, she has collected some of her ‘all-time favourite’ questions and answered them, grouping them in to three chapters- the universe, our solar system and humans in space.

The book is perfect for dipping in and out of as browsing turns up some fascinating questions. However, it also makes a useful research tool as a comprehensive index and glossary support locating information and understanding terms. Dr Maggie is pictured throughout the book along with IQ, her robot assistant, whose initials stand for ‘Interesting Question’.

Each page offers a good amount of information, balancing a clear explanation and achievable chunks of texts, making the book appealing to reluctant readers and those who struggle with ‘text heavy’ books as well as anyone interested in this topic. There are clearly labelled activities to look out for which can be tried at home- making a rainbow, using a balloon to show how the stars move as the Universe expands, for example.

Astro facts are also scattered throughout the book. Fun extra snippets of information relating to the topic of the page, these encourage the reader to think as well as learn. The layout is very attractive with lots of photos, diagrams and illustrations, sure to tempt readers in and keep them! This is a real gem of a book- a must for topic boxes and collections to support learning about space as well as the perfect gift for astronauts in the making!

Am I Made of Stardust? Dr Maggie Answers the Big Questions for Young Scientists

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, illustrated by Chelen Ecija

Buster Books ISBN: 978-1780557540

India, Incredible India

India is an incredibly diverse, vibrant country, a unique mix of ancient and modern, and this book does an amazing job of conveying the size, variety and richness of this intriguing sub-continent. ‘India, Incredible India’ takes the reader on a journey whilst telling the story of each of the many special objects the Nanijee of a little girl called Thara has in her special trunk.

As Nanijee shares each object, the reader is taken to a beautifully illustrated double page spread which focuses on one location in India. A stamp on a letter reminds Nanijee of the statues created by Nek Chand at the edge of the city of Chandigarh whilst some dice encourage her to tell Thara all about the Indus Valley civilisation. Other objects lead them to places such as the Punjab, West Bengal and Rajasthan- each spread packed with information and evocative illustrations. So many marvels to wonder at and inspire further investigation- or sow the seeds of a desire to travel and explore.

These sections are interspersed with pages focusing on different topics such as sports, food and religious festivals. This is a book which is perfect both for using in school or for having at home, a must have for every library and book corner, offering plenty to discuss and explore. A detailed index makes it an excellent research tool and there is a ‘Find Out More’ section at the end to aid those wanting to extend their knowledge.

I was lucky enough to hear Jasbinder and Nina talk about their book at Cheltenham Literary Festival this year, inspiring young (and older!) readers to find out more about Incredible India!

India, Incredible India

Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406395426

Take a Bite

Full of fascinating facts and recipes from around the world, ‘Take a Bite’ is all about food, glorious food! The Mizielinskis visit twenty-six different countries, exploring global food and cultural traditions. A map on the endpapers identifies the places which the book visits taking the reader from the first wheat fields to the space age meals astronauts eat. The following index introduces the recipes which can be found throughout the book, offering plenty of treats to try and enjoy!

The book starts with Turkey, the ‘crossroads of culture’, discussing the importance of its location for, including other things, the combining of the customs and cuisines of many nations. Here, readers are encouraged to make ‘imam bayildi’ whose name literally translates to mean ‘the imam fainted’. Further on in the book, a visit to Japan discusses the ingenuity of Japanese chefs who used a few local ingredients to create dishes which are both beautiful and delicious whilst the stop in America shows how their food reflects the great diversity of its people- bagels invented by Polish Jews, donuts based on Dutch olykoeks, popcorn inspired by the native inhabitants of North and South America.

The book includes recipes which appeal to those with a sweet tooth as well as those which are savoury. Melomakarona are honey biscuits served in Greece at Christmas and honey gingerbread is a spiced treat from Poland. Pastries from France will come as no surprise and the book offers recipes for both mille-feuille and croissants.

In addition to all the recipes, there is a wealth of information on every page, making this book perfect for dipping in and out of or for focusing on a particular place or culture. It would be an excellent introduction to a country’s cuisine before a holiday or offer an opportunity to try something from a country or culture being studied. It is a fascinating read, including timelines and a comprehensive index to help readers locate information if required.

Take A Bite: Eat Your Way Around the World

Aleksandra Mizielinska, Daniel Mizielinski and Natalia Branowska

Translated by Agnes Monod-Gayraud

Big Picture Press ISBN: 978-1800782884

Blog Tour: National Non-Fiction November

National Non-Fiction November is the FCBG’s annual celebration of the factual side of life. It started life as National Non-Fiction Day, the brain child of Adam Lancaster, a former Chair of the Federation and has been growing in popularity year on year. This year’s theme is Communication, a wonderfully inclusive theme and I am delighted to be taking part by reviewing two very special books from Greystone Kids. ‘Luminous’ is a picture book introduction to bioluminescence and ‘I Hear You, Ocean’ is a picture book that celebrates the sounds of the ocean.

‘Luminous’ is a remarkable book which clearly explains bioluminescence, light produced by a chemical reaction within a living organism, through lyrical text, sections of information and evocative artwork. Used to hunt, defend against predators, find mates, this fascinating phenomenon is used to communicate warnings and attraction as well as luring other creatures to their end!

Combining the poetic text with factual information means that ‘Luminous’ is a book which can be shared with children of differing ages and interests. Starting with a simple black spread, the art work shows a young child and adult using a torch to help them see in the dark (accompanied by an explanation of light and light sources) and discovering different bioluminescent creatures. Sure to spark interest and lead to further research and investigation, this book shows the joys of pausing to look- ‘really look’- and discover the wonders of nature when it’s dark outside.

Luminous Julia Kuo

Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1771648882

‘I Hear You, Ocean’ is the second book in the ‘Sounds of Nature Series’ for young children. When a family visit the ocean, the older child whispers to the younger, ‘The ocean has lots to say…if you listen.’ Together, they listen and hear the wonderful sounds of nature as they play on the beach until it is time to go home.

The book is a joyful celebration of imaginative play, the natural world and sharing time with siblings. Although not strictly speaking non-fiction, there is much in this story which could act as a stimulus for further investigation as well as its developing awareness of the senses. The engaging illustrations complement the onomatopoeic nature of the text perfectly and encourage an interactive element to sharing the story.

I Hear You, Ocean Kallie George, illustrated by Carmen Mok

Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1771647397

Two very special books to celebrate as part of National Non-Fiction November 2022! A post from Julia Kuo, the author/ illustrator of Luminous, about the process involved in writing and illustrating the book was featured yesterday on the FCBG website and a giveaway on Twitter of both this title and ‘I Hear You, Ocean’ will be taking place today so make sure you investigate both of these things as well as following on with all the wonderful posts, reviews and give-aways that have been organised.

Many thanks to the amazing Chris Routh, who not only invited me to take part in this Blog Tour, but is responsible for tirelessly organising and promoting NNFN22.

The Vincent van Gogh Atlas

Some years ago, on a visit to Amsterdam, my family and I visited the van Gogh Museum, a fascinating place. I just wish we had had a copy of this fascinating book to help us better understand the man, his life and work. Aimed at children of 9 upwards, this Junior Edition of the atlas starts with a clear contents which links drawings of the places he lived to his age and the page numbers where the information can be found, making it easy to navigate.

Each chapter covers part of his life, taking the reader from Z (Zundert where he was born) to A (Auvers-sur-Oise where he died) and is clearly illustrated with photographs, documents, sketches and maps. There are also colour illustrations dotted throughout, adding much to Vincent’s story which is told in a very accessible, chatty way.

This very attractive and informative book is easy to dip in and out of, useful for anyone interested in the man or his work. The ups and downs of his life, including his illness and ultimately his suicide, are all documented as part of the journey of his life. Useful for school and home alike, it is a fascinating read about a fascinating man.

The Vincent van Gogh Junior Edition

Nienke Denekamp and Rene van Blerk,

illustrated by Geert Gratama

Translated by Laura Watkinson

Rubinstein van Gogh Museum ISBN: 978-9047630135

2023 Nature Month-by Month: A Children’s Almanac

According to the Oxford Dictionary, an almanac is ​a book or digital resource that is released every year giving information for that year about a particular subject or activity. As this fascinating book explains, the first almanacs were created by the Ancient Egyptians about 3,000 years ago, containing lists of dates that were thought to be lucky or unlucky. This ‘ Nature Month-by-Month’ almanac is the perfect accompaniment to having fun, learning and discovering nature as the year unfolds.

Each month starts with a special section outlining the special days and anniversaries ahead before a line or two of poetry introduces more information - the birth signs associated with the month, how it got its name, birthstones and birth flowers, for example. This is followed by a section on ‘Festival Fun’, some activities and- as you might expect- a focus on nature!

Published in collaboration with The National Trust, this is the perfect size for popping in a bag to take on an adventure! Bursting with useful information and fascinating facts, this Month by Month almanac is sure to be a hit at home and at school. I wonder how many eagle-eyed children will spot the references to the Queen’s and Prince Charles’s birthdays and the information about his being next in line to the throne- perfect for encouraging discussions!

There are lots of lovely activities to try, including some tasty recipes, and some colourful pages at the end have been left blank for the reader to add their own notes. ‘2023 Nature Month-by-Month: A Children’s Almanac’ would make a wonderful stocking filler or gift for Christmas. Bright, fun illustrations are scattered throughout the book, this is a book which will encourage children to get active and engage with nature.

2023 Nature Month-By-Month: A Children's Almanac

Anna Wilson, illustrated by Elly Jahnz

Nosy Crow in collaboration with The National Trust

ISBN: 978-1839945380

Lands of Belonging: A History of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain

Publishing for the 75th anniversary of the partition of India (15th August 1947), ‘Lands of Belonging’ is a unique and balanced exploration of the complex history of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain. This is a much needed addition to school bookshelves for many reasons.

The book starts by exploring some fundamental questions about what it means to belong, what makes you, you and how you define where you are from, challenging the reader to pause and think before reading, using one of the author’s personal history as a relatable example. It challenges historical recording, bias and viewpoint, reminding the reader to consider what has been written about the past in the light of who it was written by.

Beautifully illustrated pages explore the history and inventions of ancient India (the book explains that when referring to India before 1947 it means the lands of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh), its multi-faith society and the empires it was divided into. It is a fascinating read, full of interesting details, building a picture of a vibrant, thriving land.

The book then recounts the rise of the East India Company, its role in the slave trade, its eventual rule of India and the ‘Time of the British Raj’. The succinct text explains the role of significant historical figures of this time as well as giving an overview of events through the World Wars, India’s independence and Radcliffe’s partition. This very complex and significant period of history is clearly explained, including the devastating human cost of these events.

It continues by relating the history of migration from South Asia from the 16th-century through to the present day, with accounts of the achievements and cultural contributions to Britain of these migrants as well as considering the racism they faced and the uprisings- not ‘rebellions’ or ‘riots’- against this treatment.

The book concludes with a section celebrating the culture, customs, language and famous peoples of South Asia. For someone brought up at a time when R J Unstead’s Anglo-centric text books were still widely used in schools, this is the type of history book I always longed for and am now proud to be able to add to the school library. Attractive and informative, it is sure to inspire children to discover more about this period, perhaps by reading some of the excellent fiction available, for example, ‘Never Forget You’ by Jamila Gavin, based on the life of Noor Inayat Khan or ‘When Secrets Set Sail’ by Sita Brahmachari which draws on the experiences of cruelly abandoned ayahs.

Essential reading.

Lands of Belonging: A History of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain

Donna and Vikesh Amey Bhatt, illustrated by Salini Perera

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944680

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Blog Tour: Secrets of the Dead and The Curse of the Tomb Robbers

I am delighted to be taking part in this Blog Tour. Both of these books are published in collaboration with the British Museum, one of my favourite places to visit and somewhere I have spent many happy hours!

It is home to the Rosetta Stone, a large stelle inscribed with three translations of a single passage, written in two Egyptian language scripts (hieroglyphic and Demotic) and in classical Greek. Named after the town on the Mediterranean coast in Egypt in which it was found, the Rosetta Sone was deciphered largely through the efforts of Thomas Young of England and Jean-François Champollion of France. Champollion made a crucial step in understanding ancient Egyptian writing when he identified the hieroglyphs that were used to write names, deciphering ‘Ptolemy’ and ‘Cleopatra’. He finally announced his discovery on the 27th September, 1822- two hundred years ago today which makes it the perfect day for reviewing these two book!

In ‘The Curse of the Tomb Robbers’, Andy Seed mixes story with problem solving to engage children with learning more about life in Ancient Egypt. Nub and his friend, Iteti, are introduced to the reader at the beginning of the book, along with information on how to use the codebreaker. Full of details of life at this time, the story is not only engaging, but a mine of information about this period of Egyptian history.

The puzzles encourage children to use hieroglyphs, learning in which direction they should be read, how to identify royal names and how to use the number system. Other puzzles are also included and all the solutions are given at the end of the story with explanation when necessary.

The illustrations are wonderful. Sure to instigate conversation about Egyptian life and offering plenty of opportunity for children to practise identifying hieroglyphs, they would be perfect for using as starting points for children to develop their own stories about Nub and Iteti, other figures shown in the pictures or characters of their own invention. Whether being used in class or at home, ‘The Curse of the Tomb Robbers’ is a welcome addition for those interested in or learning about the Egyptians.

‘Secrets of the Dead’ looks at human remains from around the world. Starting in Africa, the book focuses on Egypt and the mummification processes the Ancient Egyptians used to preserve their dead. Starting with the formal burials of Tutankhamun and Rameses the Great, the book also looks at the natural mummification of Gebelein Man and explores what can be learned in each case. Having taught the Egyptians many times, I can vouch for the fact that this is an area which fascinates children and the text is both accessible and interesting.

The book then continues with examples from the other continents showing how the dead have been preserved, offering specific examples such as the Ice Maiden of the Altai mountains and the bodies displayed in the Capuchin Catacombs beneath Palermo in Sicily (somewhere I did not visit when there!)

The book concludes with drawing attention to the amazing secrets of the past which have been uncovered by studying the bodies of those from the past as well as all the things that remain unknown. A map of the world shows the location of each discovery and a comprehensive glossary helps to explain many of the terms used. The History curriculum at KS2 says that pupils should learn about ‘the achievements of the earliest civilizations – an overview of where and when the first civilizations appeared and a depth study of one of the following: Ancient Sumer; The Indus Valley; Ancient Egypt; The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China’. ‘Secrets of the Dead’ allows for comparisons to be made between death customs and discoveries in various locations around the world, encouraging children to make comparisons between different civilisations.

The Curse of the Tomb Robbers

Andy Seed, illustrated by James Weston Lewis

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788009652

Secrets of the Dead

Matt Ralphs, illustrated by Gordy Wright

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788009003

Two excellent books to support the history curriculum or to develop a passion for the past! Many thanks to Catherine Ward for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour.

Make sure you look at the next posts!

Passionate About Penguins

The latest in Owen Davey’s very popular non-fiction series, ‘Passionate about Penguins’ is a beautifully illustrated, essential addition to your collection. These books are so tactile and inviting that I have seen children pore over them for ages, completely caught up in the experience.

Starting with an explanation of what penguins are and the six distinct groups they can be split into, the book then introduces diet and habitat. Most penguins live below the Equator with the book explaining that, contrary to what many people believe, penguins and polar bears would never meet in the wild.

Penguins are specially adapted to their aquatic lifestyle and Davey focuses on the Humboldt penguin to illustrate these features, making it very useful for the Y6 Science curriculum work on adaptation as each feature is taken and considered, making it a great model to use for presenting work on other creatures.

Whether exploring their feathers, how they move or how they defend themselves, each topic is clearly explained in bite-sized chunks of information using side headings to help the reader navigate the page. Word play and puns are used to add a touch of humour to the text and although there is no glossary, many words are explained in context.

A sense of the size of different penguin species can be found on the pages entitled ‘To Scale’. Here, a whole host of penguins can be seen drawn around a human with a handy scale marker down the side of one page, allowing the reader to gauge the relative size of these creatures, some of which are surprising!

‘And the Award Goes To…’ offers some fascinating trivia. I had no idea how the Macaroni penguin got its name nor which species was the fastest underwater! The book ends with a note on conservation and how human activity is endangering most penguin species, but offers positive comments on what can be done to help them.

‘Passionate About Penguins’ would be a brilliant addition to any library, topic box or reading shelf for many reasons. It is also one of those wonderful books which has appeal to a wide age range and could be used in classes across KS2 to support work in science. Details like the Latin binomial classification added in the index demonstrates the work of Linnaeus and classification systems touched on in Year 6 or to support work on food chains in Year 4.

As usual, the illustrations are colourful and engaging, adding to the pleasure of immersing yourself into the world of penguins. I hope this series continues for a long time!

Passionate About Penguins Owen Davey

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740771

Published 4th August 2022

You can read my review of ‘Crazy About Cats’ here and ‘Obsessive About Octopuses’ here.

It’s Tough to be Tiny

‘It’s Tough to be Tiny’ offers a fascinating and entertaining look at the world of the tiniest creatures. Miniscule they may be, but they have ways and means of defending and attacking which are ingenious and often surprising!

The book introduces the reader to a whole host of creatures and their habits. The larvae of the horse mint tortoise beetle carries a ‘poo umbrella’, filled with toxic chemicals from the plants they eat, which they can lift up and wave around or swing like a club if they feel threatened. Stentor, on the other hand, ball themselves up like a sock locate a good hunting ground and then stretch themselves into a trumpet shape and start up their tractor beam which drags other creatures inside this funnel where they are digested.

Other micro-monsters take a different approach, looking to others for protection or support. The Hawaiian bobtail squid is protected from predators by glowing bacteria living in their belly who benefit from the safety of living inside the squid and being provided with a supply of food and oxygen.

Every page is packed with fascinating facts, presented in easily digestible sections and all accompanied by appealing illustrations. The book is perfect for anyone curious about the natural world and the creatures who are both tough and tiny.

It’s Tough to be Tiny: The Secret Life of Small Creatures

Kim Ryall Woolcock, illustrated by Stacey Thomas

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 9781838740764