An Artist’s Eyes

Mo and Jo might have eyes which look the same, but the way in which they see things is completely different. Mo has an artist’s eyes and as they walk together, she describes all the colours she can see. Jo, however, cannot see things as she does and he wishes he had artist’s eyes like hers. But Mo is gentle as she encourages Jo to keep looking and keep seeing and gradually, he begins to see things in his own way and realises that they both have artists’ eyes which see things uniquely.

This is such a beautiful and inspiring book in many ways. Any book which stimulates curiosity about, or love for, art is always going to be a huge hit with me, but this is really special. How many of us have come to learn that we can’t draw or paint- that we are not artistic? As Jo continues his journey with Mo, his mind set changes and he gains confidence. He begins to trust his own eyes and realise that everyone views the world in different ways. Everyone needs to develop this belief!

Clemence Monnet’s glorious illustrations are completely enchanting, complementing the text perfectly. Mo sees ‘dazzling duck-egg blue, a swirl of peacocks and the inky indigo of evening’ and encourages Jo to see in his own way. The illustrative styles used by Clemence Monnet hint at the work of different artists and approaches, encouraging exploration and experimentation.

The story is perfect for sharing with children to remind them that there is no ‘right’ way to be creative and it is important to express yourself with individuality. Children could experiment in the different styles of the illustrations, playing with colours and developing their own techniques.

A story to share again and again, ‘An Artist’s Eyes’ is a very special book.

An Artist’s Eyes Frances Tosdevin and Clémence Monnet

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711264830

The Boy who Sailed the World

Right from the start, the boy loved the sea and knew that when he grew up, he would build a boat of his own and sail the seven seas. He sets off on his adventure, following sea charts and bravely steering through shipping lanes, until he reaches a new island where he makes friends before sailing home.

This wonderful story about following your dreams was inspired by Julia’s own son who set off on an amazing adventure across the seas, living for nine months on a tiny remote island. Full of the joys of the natural world, its beauty and wonders, the story is both poignant and inspiring and is sure to capture the imagination of all who read it.

Beautiful illustrations, full of the blues and indigos of sea and sky, do much to tell of the little boy’s travels alongside the joyful text. The pictures show many of the creatures the little boy encounters on his travels, encouraging children to explore and discover more about them. The story closes by posing the questions-

What’s your dream?

Where will you go?

-encouraging discussion about what hopes for the future, near or far, children might have- or not have!

Having read the story, it would be fun to make paper boats and set them off on journeys across a local pond or river, perhaps with dreams written on them, before taking the boats home or to spend a day on the beach, playing and dreaming about the horizon. Children might also like to follow Jesse’s (Julia’s son) journey on a map of the world as she describe this in an author’s note at the end of the book.

A lovely story to share again and again!

The Boy who Sailed the World Julia Green, illustrated by Alex Latimer

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788452335

A Best Friend for Bear

Feeling lonely, Black Bear decides to find a best friend. Whilst wandering the forest, he bumps into Brown Bear who is also looking for a friend so they agree to search together. They agree that finding a friend is difficult, but also exciting and made easier because there are two of them. However, the friend they are looking for remains elusive until they realise they have both found just what they were looking for.

Completely delightful and heart-warming, ‘A Best Friend for Bear’ is perfect for sharing with little ones. It offers an ideal starting point for discussions about friendship, showing how easily people (or bears!) can slip into a comfortable relationship when least expected.

Petr’s illustrations are always a joy and those in ‘A Best Friend for Bear’ are no exception. Black Bear and Brown Bear have the most expressive faces and there is plenty of humour for little ones to enjoy. The setting is lovely- lush woodland with lots of butterflies- and little children would really enjoy playing hide and seek in the woods just like the bears do. The pictures might also inspire children to create their own pictures, using printing or creating rubbings to create tree and butterflies to drift through them.

The story is also perfect for acting out, either with puppets or in person. The bears could be made using simple paper bag hand puppets or children could make little bear ears if they were pretending to be the bears. There is so much fun to be had with this book as well as it being a wonderful story!

A Best Friend for Bear Petr Horacek

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406397543

You can read my review of ‘Blue Penguin’ here.

Slime? It’s Not Mine!

In his latest adventure, Lenny the lemur is having a wonderful time on holiday in California. Whilst swinging from the redwood trees, he suddenly finds himself covered in sticky, icky goo. Determined to find out who slimed him, Lenny sets off to identify the culprit and learns a lot about the other creature’s slimy habits along the way.

Following the format of ‘Poo! Is that You?’ and ‘Wee? It Wasn’t Me!’, ‘Slime? It’s Not Mine!’ is sure to be every bit as popular. Children love to join in with a resounding chorus of ‘Slime? It’s not Mine!’ as Lenny goes from one creature to the next to identify the slime. As he investigates, he learns much about the different uses for slime a whole host of creatures have - and there is additional information at the end of the story offering further explanation and detail. Lenny even tries to question some slime mould which is neither a plant nor an animal, but a mass of simple cells capable of moving- and according to the ‘Facts and Snaps!’, of solving mazes! The story offers an excellent starting point for finding out more about all these creatures and the California redwood.

Nicola O’Byrne’s illustrations are colourful and full of details to enjoy. Lenny’s expressions are wonderful as he finds himself dripping in sticky slime and discovers what the other creatures can do. The information section has a photograph of each creature which not only shows what they look like in real life, but what a talented artist Nicola is too.

These books are great fun and so engaging - I can’t wait to see what Lenny investigate next!

Slime? It’s Not Mine! Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Nicola O’Byrne

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529064452

You can read my review of ‘Wee? It Wasn’t Me!’ here.

The Friendship Bench

Tilly has just moved to a house by the sea where she plays on the beach with Shadow, her dog, and Mummy. When it’s time to start her new school, Tilly is on her own and surrounded by strangers. Her teacher suggests she sits on the Friendship Bench at playtime, but there is already somebody sitting there…

Each book by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus sensitively explores feelings in a way in which young children can understand and empathise with. Moving house and/or school is such a significant event at any time of life, but for some children, particularly those who are quiet or shy, it can be really difficult. Friendship benches are a lovely idea, but children need to be ‘taught’ how to use them and encouraged to extend the hand of friendship to others. When Tilly finds Flint already sitting on the bench, she doesn’t realise that he is also looking for a new friend; however, their joint desire to ‘fix’ the bench means that friendship blossoms naturally. Wendy Meddour’s text is a delight, full of lovely description- ‘…a new home by the splash and curl of the sea’…’the seagulls swung in the air.’… making it a joy to read aloud.

This heart-warming story is accompanied by Daniel Egneus’s gorgeous illustrations. These are full of gentle humour and joy as Tilly finds her new friend. It is lovely to see a kindly male teacher working with little children as well. This is a real must have for every classroom!

The Friendship Bench Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egneus

OUP ISBN: 978-0192777331

One More Try

When Circle sees the squares and the hexagons building a tower, he suggests to his friends that they try to make one too. However, Circle and his friends have different properties which make it really tricky for them. They try becoming stronger and smarter, but nothing seems to help. When the other shapes are ready to give up, Circle is determined to have one more try. There must be a way…

‘One More Try’ is a brilliant story, showing the importance of determination, problem solving and resilience. When faced with the fact that they are not naturally formed for tower building, Circle makes a number of suggestions for things the group should try and although these ideas help, the other shapes become disheartened. Children will love to see how Circle continues to ponder the problem and realises that looking at it from a different angle is what is needed, offering plenty to discuss. Older children might try to think of other possible solutions to this problem, perhaps working as a team challenge with actual shapes. They might also like to write their own stories about a problem one of the shapes has to solve- perhaps involving a mathematical concept!

The story also links perfectly with work in maths. From the names and properties of simple shapes to concepts like tessellation or perimeter with older children, these colourful characters would engage children with these activities. The illustrations are so engaging and are wonderful for encouraging children to create their own shape pictures/ characters by printing, making rubbings, painting, collaging… so many possibilities!

Another wonderful book from the brilliant team which created ‘A Perfect Fit’!

One More Try Naomi Jones, illustrated by James Jones

OUP ISBN: 978-0192779014

The Boy with Flowers in his Hair

David is the boy with flowers in his hair. Everybody likes him because he is kind and gentle, but one day, when his friend was watering David’s flowers, one of his petals came off and David becomes quiet and loses interest in playing. Most of the children in the class stay away in case his now twiggy hair scratches them, but his best friend stays close by him. He gives David his colour back by making paper flowers and soon everyone is joining in, helping David feel happy again. Gradually, his own flowers bloom once more, but his best friend makes sure he keeps lots of paper ones just in case David ever needs them again.

Delightfully warm and comforting, ‘The Boy with Flowers in his Hair’ is a wonderful story. The illustrations are simply beautiful and the children instantly commented on how much white space there was on each page, allowing them to really focus on the characters- and to appreciate David’s hair. A whole range of emotions are conveyed through the pictures as the reader sees the warmth of the boys’ friendship and the joy of the class before David’s misery and his friend’s concern. The final image of the boys sitting together speaks volumes and is my favourite.

The reason for David losing his flowers is never made clear, allowing plenty of scope for discussion and developing empathetic responses. The power of friendship and understanding is key in making David feel like himself again and one child’s act of kindness is soon supported by the rest of the class. The story lends itself perfectly to conservations about our perceptions of others, inclusion, how we cope with feelings and what we can do to support others in times of need.

The book offers the perfect stimulus not only for discussion, but for children to create their own flower hair for David or a character of their own. Printing, painting and collage using a mixture of fabrics and different types of paper would produce some wonderful pictures.

‘The Boy with Flowers in his Hair’ is a poignant, heart-warming read, celebrating the power of true friendship.

The Boy with Flowers in his Hair Jarvis

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406392517

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.

Blog Tour: Let’s Go Outside!

I was delighted to be asked to be part of the Blog Tour for this lovely book which celebrates the joy of spending time outside! On yesterday’s stop, you can read an interview with author, Ben Lerwill, offering an insight into his writing. The spotlight today is on Marina Ruiz’s fabulous illustrations which accompany Ben Lerwill’s text. She has very kindly shared a sneak peek into her sketchbooks, showing how her images were created.

‘Let’s Go Outside1’ shows the fun that can be had exploring the outdoors and includes discussion prompts and activity ideas at the end for adults and children to enjoy together. Throughout the book, Marina’s joyful illustrations show the excitement and pleasure of imaginative play and being active before cosying up warm at home-until it’s time for the next adventure.

The picture above shows the development of Marina’s work from her initial sketches to the final image. Her work is full of little details which allow children to create their own stories about what might be happening. There is such joy on the children’s faces as they notice things and explore their surroundings.

Marina’s work is full of texture and colour and her love of printmaking is evident in her illustrations. Each spread is delightful, making this a very special book, both in terms of its message and its pictures.

Perfect for sharing at home or at school, ‘Let’s Go Outside’ not only offers a lovely reading experience, but also encourages children to get outside and explore all the adventures the natural world has to offer!

Let’s Go Outside Ben Lerwill, illustrated by Marina Ruiz

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1913519803

Many thanks to Marina for sharing her wonderful work.

The Blog Tour continues tomorrow with A Page Turner, @KellyLBuxton.

One Tiny Dot

Kindness is a tiny blue dot. Whilst making his way along the street, he catches a ride on a boy’s new trainers. The boy welcomes him and this act of kindness causes the little dot to grow. Together they continue, receiving and spreading acts of kindness along the way until the tiny blue dot is tiny no longer. When they meet an angry little girl who feels she has been left out of the fun, Kindness knows exactly what to do. Recognising the sadness masked by the fury, Kindness reaches out and welcomes the little girl to the party.

See the thing is with KINDNESS

-it spreads if you let it.

When kindness is nurtured, it grows. As Lucy Rowland’s joyful rhyming text bounces along, this message is celebrated, showing how each nice act inspires others to smile, say thank you or help in a whole variety of ways, showing kindness comes in all shapes and sizes. The story is perfect for generating conversations about how we act towards others and how we can all try to make every day a little better for those around us.

The story also shows how kindness is able to empathise with others. When faced with anger, it looks beyond this and sees the sadness behind, offering understanding and support until the angry feelings are gone. Kindness worked its magic again!

The illustrations are fabulous! Full of colour and energy, they are instantly appealing, making everyone want to participate in the fun- and share kindness. The images clearly support the inspiring message of the story, making it perfect for discussing with children both at home and in school.

A delightful book with an important and inspiring message.

One Tiny Dot Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Gwen Millward

Templar Books ISBN: 978-1787418868

Dearest One

Imagine the words your grandmother might say if she wrote you a letter…

Full of positive, loving words of comfort and advice, ‘Dearest One’ is such a special book. Each spread offers a gem of wisdom -dare to smile…choose your path…remember who you are- and then expands on this.

Every section is accompanied by a vibrant illustration, reflecting the meaning of the words. As each is shared, there is much to discuss and explore whatever the age of the child to help them navigate the pleasures and sorrows life offers. There is a real sense of the healing power of love in this shared wisdom which is both uplifting and soothing.

Children might also enjoy creating their own illustrations for each sentiment or creating their own book with an adult using pieces of advice they choose together. Some might also be inspired to discover who their ancestors are and find out more about family stories and traditions.

Another gem from Lantana!

Dearest One Arielle Dance, illustrated by Jenny Duke

Lantana ISBN: 978-1913747800

We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me

Written as a poem, ‘We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me’ tells the story of Mona Baptiste, a singer who left her Trinidadian home for England. It is a moving story, beautifully told and illustrated.

The happiness of Mona’s childhood on the island is brilliantly captured with her passion for singing celebrated on every page. Her courage and determination when leaving her family aboard the Empire Windrush to accomplish her hopes and dreams is shared in the faces of the others depicted waving farewell to their loved ones and homeland in search of pastures new. It offers the perfect opportunity for discussing the reasons for migration and encouraging empathy, as well as excitement, for those in search of a different life and celebrating the skills and cultural richness they carry with them.

Mona’s experiences as a ‘singing sensation’, travelling and performing all round the world, show she achieved her desire to share her love of singing, bringing joy to all who heard her. However, the difficulties she faced as a ‘Caribbean girl’ are alluded to, offering a great opportunity for further discussing her experiences and those of others who came on the Windrush. A little note about Mona Baptiste at the end of the book adds to the story and might inspire children to explore her life further.

The text is perfect for reading aloud and children will naturally join in with the repeated refrain. The book is sure to become a firm favourite and is a poignant reminder of the arrival of the Windrush, celebrated each year on Windrush Day, the 22nd June.

Benjamin Zephaniah’s dedication in the book is every bit as beautiful as the story itself:

For all children who love to sing

and children who love listening

Regardless of your colour or race,

please make this world a better place.

Wise words indeed!

We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me

Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702311161

Published 7th April 2022

The Most Exciting Eid

Safa can’t wait for Eid to arrive. She is so excited about the beautiful henna designs, the new clothes, the decorations and the food that she can barely sleep the night before. When the day arrives, it is everything Safa dreamed of- and more as she learns how special it is to share and think about others, bringing them happiness.

What a lovely book! From its striking cover to the information pages at the end, this is a must have for all school book corners and libraries as well as for sharing at home. As a teacher constantly on the look out for books by authentic voices which reflect the children she teaches, I can’t wait to take this into school!

‘The Most Exciting Eid’ vividly captures the excitement children feel as a special occasion approaches. For those not familiar with Eid-al-Fitr, the story introduces many of the customs and traditions involved, offering plenty to discuss, with a glossary at the end for those who wish to find out more. Children will enjoy comparing family traditions at special times and appreciate the commonalities as well as learning about and respecting differences.

However, the story also contains a very heart-warming message about the ‘true meaning’ of Eid and Safa learns the joy of sharing with others as she accompanies her mother to wish friends and neighbours ‘Eid Murbarak’, sharing their food and joy with anyone who might need it.

The illustrations throughout are superb. Full of rich colours and energy, they capture Safa’s excitement and the delight of celebrating Eid perfectly, making the book even more enjoyable.

The Most Exciting Eid Zeba Talkhani, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702313240

Published 7th April 2022

It Fell from the Sky

It fell from the sky on a Thursday…

When a strange object appears in the garden, it is the subject of great discussion and speculation amongst the creatures that live there. Cunningly, Spider soon takes possession and constructs a ‘Grand Exhibit’ to show off the ‘Wonder from the Sky’. Having created ‘Wonderville’, he starts to make money by charging everyone to see it. As its popularity increases, he raises the entry fees, but eventually, the crowds disappear. Spider assumes everyone has left to spread the word about his amazing attraction, but an Unexpected Disaster occurs and the Wonder is stolen and Spider was all alone. Soon, life returned to normal and Spider has to re-evaluate his choices…

I absolutely adore the Fan Brothers’ work. ‘The Barnabus Project’ is possibly my favourite, closely followed by ‘Ocean Meets Sky’ and this latest gem is every bit as wonderful! I have never known a child (or adult) who has not been utterly mesmerised by their artwork and captivated by their stories.

‘It Fell From the Sky’ is an excellent story for starting conversations about greed and community spirit- and about who ‘works of art’ should belong to! But there is endless joy to be had exploring the pictures, re-telling events from other characters’ viewpoints and creating artwork inspired by the incredible illustrations.

The marble (for that it what readers will recognise the Wonder from the Sky as) is initially the only flash of colour in the monochrome spreads. I love using marbles as inspiration for poetry (see post to come in ‘Reading Resources’) and this would work so well alongside this story as the creatures wonder just what this strange object is that has appeared in their world. Children would enjoy creating miniature worlds or their own miniature museum of wonders like the one Spider creates, shown in glorious colour and harmony as it is shared by all. There are so many ways this wonderful book could be used with a class. And don’t forget to take off the dust jacket and admire the evening scene, studded with fireflies, on the cover of the book itself. From start to finish- this is an absolute joy!

It Fell from the Sky The Fan Brothers

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711270657

Me, in the Middle

As her class learn about family trees, Georgie is overwhelmed by feelings of uncertainty about where she belongs. However, once she starts working on the project with her parents, she soon realises that her family tree’s branches stretch far and wide and that her far-reaching roots make her proud. As the class compare their heritage, they soon realise that although all of their ‘trees’ look very different, they all have much in common.

Creating your family tree can be a very rewarding and fascinating thing to do, but it can also be an exercise fraught with difficulties and one which needs handling with the greatest sensitivity. Some children, like Georgie, might feel anxious because their family is not the same as that of their friends or classmates. This delightful, up-lifting story shows how, like real trees, families come in all shapes and sizes, but we are all rooted in the same rich earth.

I love the way the story links the idea of a family tree to the shape and size of real trees as different children compare how their families are formed with the trees in the park, acknowledging there are many ways to make a family unit and that each one is special. The story makes the point that you cannot define someone from looking at them- we are so much more than what can be seen at a first glance: wise words indeed!

‘Me, in the Middle’ would make an excellent addition to any book collection and is perfect for being at the heart of work about families. It would also be invaluable in PSHE sessions such as celebrating difference, relationships or being me in my world in both KS1 and KS2, with many ideas to explore. The addition of a blank tree with the title, ‘Make your own family tree’, might well inspire children to explore their own heritage, families and cultures. The illustrations throughout the book are delightful - a real celebration of classroom diversity and fun; however, they also are perfect for encouraging empathy as Georgie’s feelings are beautifully depicted.

Owlet Press are a fabulous independent publisher, offering titles which truly reflect and celebrate diversity and highlight more nuanced stories, making the reader pause and reflect deeply. ‘Me, in the Middle’ is another winner from their collection!

Me, in the Middle Annette Dimetriou, illustrated by Angela Mayers

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339357

Out in March 2022

You can read my review of ‘Wild’ by Annette Demetriou and Dawn White in the ‘Reviews from Another Life’ section.

Rainbow Hands

As the days stretch on and on, a little boy looks forward to his favourite time- painting-my-nails-time. In his Ma’s magical bottles, there is a shade of varnish for every mood and feeling. He knows purple is the colour of mystery whilst white is the colour of infinite possibilities. At times, his Papa frowns and asks why he can’t paint on paper instead, but the little boy knows it makes his hands look beautiful.

When my son was little, he used to love to paint my nails, creating a rainbow of colour on each hand. And sometimes, he would ask for his nails to be painted too, carefully choosing which shades to use. These were moments of great joy, as he focused so hard on keep the polish on my nails, laughing and chatting as he painted.

‘Rainbow Hands’ celebrates exploring who you are and having the courage to express yourself. Although his father sometimes questions the little boy’s colourful nails, there is a great sense of love from his family. You are my colourful child who I know will shine bright… says his grandfather and there is joy as he explores all the emotions and colours of the rainbow!

The story offers the perfect opportunity for discussing how we link colours with different emotions as well as for challenging stereotypical notions about who should or should not wear nail varnish. Jo Loring-Fisher’s illustrations are simply delightful, conveying a wide range of emotions and capturing the love and joy of the family.

A delightful book, made for sharing!

Rainbow Hands Mamta Nainy, illustrated by Jo Loring-Fisher

Lantana ISBN: 978-1913747831

‘Love is…’ and ‘Sometimes I Feel…’

Stunning illustrations and beautiful text combine to make these very special books. ‘Sometimes I Feel…’ offers reflection on many different emotions whilst ‘Love is…’ celebrates love in all its forms.

With its lavish illustrations and thoughtful text, ‘Love is…’ reflects on the enduring, powerful nature of that emotion and how it affects us all. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this would make a beautiful gift for the special someone in your life!

However, the book also explores love between siblings and across generations. It reminds us that, although love is being together, having time alone to be and express yourself is also important.

For with love…

we can do anything.

Equally relevant to adults and children, ‘Sometimes I feel…’ explores feelings through a collection of animal similes. Each simile is followed with a further thought, deepening understanding of that emotion and offering the perfect starting point for discussions. Each spread can help children not only with understanding their own feelings, but also for developing empathy with others. For example, the simile ‘…as big as a bear’ is followed with the reflection that there will always by those bigger who will sometimes make you feel small. My favourite is that although we might feel ‘curious as a cat’, it is impossible to know everything and sometimes our minds need a rest. The illustrations are stunning - each one worthy of framing- and capture the sentiment of the text beautifully.

Children could illustrate their own similes and add their thoughts to these, creating a class book based on the original. For teachers, different spreads could be used as a basis for PSHE sessions, developing discussions and encouraging children to consider different viewpoints.

These are books to treasure!

Love is… A Celebration of Love in All its Forms Sarah Maycock

Big Picture Press ISBN: 978-1787418745

Sometimes I Feel… A Menagerie of Feelings Big and Small Sarah Maycock

Big Picture Press ISBN: 978-1800781283

I Love You, Blue

A whale called Blue rescues Jonas the lighthouse-keeper from stormy seas and the two become friends. But when Jonas sets off to find the whale on the following day, he discovers Blue ill and in great danger, needing Jonas’s help.

This charming story is perfect for introducing children to the dangers of plastic pollution and the need to care for our oceans and the creatures that live there. As Jonas explores the beauty of the ocean, the sharp-eyed reader will notice hints of the problem to come in the water beneath him as amongst the fish, carrier bags can be seen, offering the perfect starting point for discussions about how some things end up in our oceans when they really should not be there.

Jonas’s enthusiasm for the world around him and his joy at meeting Blue are infectious. His care for this massive creature is evident in his anxiety when he cannot find his friend, leaving the reader with the heartfelt plea to ‘Save our oceans. Save our whales.’ Although the story is simple and perfect for using with the youngest children, teachers of KS2 children will also be quick to see the possibilities it offers when working with older children. A message from Barroux at the end of the book says that Blue represents all whales- over 20 different species- and different children could undertake research on different species, perhaps recording their findings as non-chronological reports, perhaps preparing a persuasive speech with a view to taking action or perhaps simply sharing their research findings with their peers.

The story might also inspire children to take part in a beach clean or to organise a clean up of their own school grounds, investigating the different types of rubbish commonly found and developing suggestions for how the school community could tackle the issue.

The illustrations are just wonderful and sure to inspire children to experiment with using watercolours to create seascapes of their own or to explore techniques for creating the sky/ sea as Barroux has used here.

A complete delight, this is a book I will be using in school again and again!

I Love You, Blue Barroux

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074500

Frank and Bert

Meet Frank and Bert. These two pals LOVE to play hide-and-seek, but, although he thinks he is, Bert is not very good at hiding. This means that Frank wins every single game they play…until it occurs to him that maybe winning is not what’s important…maybe being a good friend is the most important thing of all.

Ever since discovering a copy of ‘I Want to Eat this Ant’ whilst on holiday one year, I have loved the work of Chris Naylor-Ballesteros. Many people know his fabulous book, ‘The Suitcase’, but each of his books is full of warmth, wisdom, humour - and incredible illustrations. ‘Frank and Bert’ is his latest gem!

There is so much to adore about this story. Frank the fox loves to win and when playing hide and seek with Bert, he does this a lot! Bert’s hiding skills leave a lot to be desired- even when Frank agrees to count to one hundred. But delighted as he is to win, Frank pauses to consider his friend’s feelings and put Bert’s happiness over his (Frank’s) competitive nature. The story offers the perfect starting point for discussing these feelings and encouraging empathy with others.

The pictures are full of humour! Children will giggle at Bert’s attempts at hiding and really enjoy the little twist at the end which shows that perhaps Bert is not as clueless as he first appears! His bright pink scarf suits him perfectly and it’s wonderful to see Frank knitting for his friend. Their expressions are just wonderful, adding to their personalities!

Children will love joining in with the counting and enjoy sharing this story again and again. I hope there are more stories about this adorable pair!

Frank and Bert Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788008419

The Lights that Dance in the Night

Telling the story of the Northern Lights as they weave their magic across the Artic skies, ‘The Lights that Dance in the Night’ is the perfect story for winter evenings. Although the book’s blurb calls it a ‘wonderfully festive picture book’, it brings light and joy to the long, dark January nights!

The lyrical, descriptive text is a joy to read aloud as it describes the joyous dance of the lights across the sky, uniting all below in wonder and delight as they ‘sashay’ and ‘sway’ in the sky above. As ever with Yuval’s books, the illustrations are stunning; full of colour and detail, they are truly captivating. The cover is a particular joy with touches of sparkle and a textured, tactile surface.

However, as well as being a beautiful story in its own right, canny teachers will instantly recognise the many ways in which this book could be used to enhance other curriculum areas. The ‘purpose of study’ section of the Geography National Curriculum opens with the statement: A high-quality geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and this ‘The Lights that Dance in the Night’ certainly does that! This is one of those stories which sparks endless questions and lines of enquiry for children of all ages, not only about the formation of the lights themselves, but also the animals and people who inhabit this region.

Storytellers wove our lights

into tales for long, dark nights.

A constant source of wonder and fascination across the years, the northern lights not only feature in traditional tales of the people indigenous to northern lands, but also feature in stories told more recently, like ‘The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness’ by Michelle Paver. Yuval’s story could be used to inspire writing poetry or descriptive writing about the lights and his illustrations are sure to tempt children to explore a variety of art techniques.

Sitting perfectly with Yuval’s other books, ‘A Thing Called Snow’ and ‘The Tree That’s Meant to Be’, ‘The Lights that Dance in the Night’ is sure to become a firm favourite.

The Lights that Dance in the Night Yuval Zommer

Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-0192769848