The Upside Down Detective Agency

When Lady V arrives at Super Sleuth HQ in need of help, detectives Stella and Stan agree to help her find the diamond warp drive which has been stolen from her super speedy racing car. Can these sleuthing sloths crack the case in time for her to win the race? Maybe- with a little help from the reader!

Quite simply- superb! ‘The Upside Down Detective Agency’ is a light-hearted romp of a read which engages children (and adults!) from the very first page. Illustrations and text combine to make a wonderfully immersive read which will be fun to share again and again. The reader has to use their ‘detective’ skills to help super-sleuth sloths, Stella and Stan, solve the mystery of who has stolen Lady Veronica Velocity Speed’s warp drive. Each spread poses a challenge to be solved, encouraging the reader to read/listen carefully to what they need to do and then really focus on the illustrations to locate the clues or solve questions. The first clues help solve which sloth is Stella and which Stan before the mystery ‘proper’ begins.

The eagle-eyed will notice clues that are not mentioned in the text - and perhaps identify a suspect before the denouement takes place- and each re-reading will reveal yet more details to share and enjoy. The illustrations are incredible and offer so many opportunities for story telling- and for playing I-Spy type games. Any teacher who has watched children share a ‘Where’s Wally?’ book will recognise this type of game which children frequently generate themselves once they have ‘found’ Wally. The story also lends itself as a starting point for writing further stories about Stella and Stan and the crimes they solve. A new crime is committed on the last page of the book which could be used as the basis for creating a new story (I hope the author/ illustrator are already working on this!)- perhaps written and illustrated by older children for younger ones.

The sloths love of cake also means that making sloth cup cakes or biscuits to enjoy whilst sharing the story would be a must in my house or classroom! The book would make an excellent text to use for a Book Group or Story Party session as it is perfect for inspiring art work and games as well as being a brilliant read! I really hope there are more crimes to solve for The Upside Down Detective Agency coming soon!

The Upside Down Detective Agency

Ellie Hattie, illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801041621

Alte Zachen (Old Things)

Benji and his grandmother, Bubbe Rosa, go shopping together for the ingredients for their Friday night dinner. As they wander through Brooklyn and Manhattan, Bubbe is often confused as the world around her does not match with her memories, leaving her feeling alienated and angry.

This is a very powerful and moving graphic novel. As grandmother and grandson walk through the city, the reader catches glimpses of Bubbe Rosa’s youth. Presented in colour, these flashbacks are triggered by sights and sounds from the present, giving the reader an insight into events that have shaped her life and personality. A group of children they pass spark her memories of school and callously being sent home with the other Jewish children, a tattooed stranger brings a vision of many arms bearing tattooed numbers and a dirty train, the memory of travelling on the red velvet seats with her mother and sister. Although puzzled by her reactions, her grandson supports and guides her.

Bubbe Rosa’s memories also drift to her relationships- with Gershon who was a baker and then Joe, Benji’s grandfather. Her memories of Gershon seem to be tinged with regret and at the end of the story, Rosa finds her way to his bakery where the two are reunited once more. Benji and his Bubbe then head for home to share their Friday night meal, walking in companionable silence.

‘Alte Zachen’ would be perfect for sharing with children in KS3 as a starting point for many discussions, including intergenerational relationships and displacement. The story is scattered with Yiddish terms and there is a useful glossary explaining these at the end of the book.

Alte Zachen Ziggy Hanaor, illustrated by Benjamin Phillips

Cicada Books ISBN: 978-1800660229

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

The Friendly Mammoth

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Friendly Mammoth Anna Terreros-Martin

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452311

Dave and Greta Make the World Better

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

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

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

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

Dave and Greta Make the World Better! Matt Carr

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702316067

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

Our Table

International Dot Day is an annual event in any school I teach in and I have loved Peter H Reynolds’ books since I first encountered ‘The Dot’ way back when! Since then, I have eagerly looked out for his new titles, keen to get them into class and share them with children. Inspiring, often poignant and always brilliantly illustrated, his books are a key feature in my book corner and school library.

‘Our Table’ is a heart-warming story about the importance of family. Once, the table was at the heart of Violet’s home- a place where the family gathered and memories were made. But recently, everyone has been busy and Violet often finds herself alone at the table. One day, she notices the table is smaller- and smaller- until by the end of the week, it has disappeared altogether. Violet knows she must take action to put things right again.

As Violet appeals to her family for help, she draws them all back together as they once more share experiences and spend time together, connecting as a family should. The illustrations are so evocative of the emotions she experiences. As he family drifts apart and she feels lonely, shades of purple (or violet!) are used to capture the weight of her feelings whilst her joyful memories are in full colour, vividly standing out against the white of the page. Once her family reconnects, jubilant colour returns once more, even spilling over onto the end papers. The final picture is a complete joy as the family gathers round the table once more, sharing their meal, laughing and enjoying being together. Mum is even sneaking food to the dog under the table!

The text is simple and to the point, allowing children to reflect on the pictures and consider what the characters might me thinking/ feeling at various points, encouraging them to empathise, and perhaps identify, with Violet as her family are engaging more with the screens in their lives than with each other.

One to treasure!

Our Table Peter H Reynolds

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702313738

You can read my review of ‘The Word Collector’ here and ‘Playing from the Heart’ here.

The Perfect Rock

Three young otters, Ollie, Bea and Ula, do everything together whether playing, eating or sleeping. But they know that every otter must find the perfect rock, perfect for cracking the hardest shells whilst smooth enough to hold. Together, they search until at last they find… the perfect rock…but there is just one rock and three young otters. What will they do?

Playful and heart-warming, ‘The Perfect Rock’ is a delightful story about family and home. Siblings Ollie, Bea and Ula do everything together, but like most families, they can squabble. However, when it matters, their love unites them and they offer each other support and comfort. They soon realise that the ‘perfect rock’ is the one which they all live on, safe together with the ones that they love. The story offers a cosy bedtime read and is the perfect starting point for discussions about sharing.

The illustrations are just stunning! The otters are beautifully portrayed, full of character, with wonderfully expressive faces. Gorgeous colours bring their world to life and the pictures are sure to encourage curious youngsters to find out more about the habits and lifestyle of these fascinating creatures. This could link to work from the KS1 science curriculum about living things and their habitats. Children might also enjoy creating their own watery backgrounds using marbling, bubble printing, watercolour washes or sponge printing and learning how to draw a simple otter of their own.

Sure to become a firm favourite, ‘The Perfect Rock’ would make a delightful bedtime story or class story share.

The Perfect Rock Sarah Noble

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740511

Published 23rd June 2022

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