Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
The Blue-Footed Booby
A mystery is afoot! Desmond and his fellow red-footed boobies have been following their passion and baking up lots of treats. However, when Desmond’s frangipane tart disappears, he sets off, following a trail of mysterious blue footprints and is soon joined by the other boobies. When the footprints lead to a blue door, Desmond, Maureen, Rod and the others come face to face with a booby with BLUE feet. Although this booby protests his innocence and claims he only eats greens, Des is suspicious until he spots a trail of tart crumbs. Everyone hurriedly follows this new clue which leads to the discovery of the real culprit. Mystery solved…or is it?
Every book by Rob Biddulph is guaranteed to be an absolute joy- and this is no exception! The title alone is sure to be met with giggles galore despite the inclusion of a definition of the word on the opening end paper- which might encourage children to find out more about these charming birds with brightly coloured tootsies. Desmond and his friends are a loveable bunch with their oversized red feet and each sporting their own style of baker’s hat. There is so much to notice and enjoy in Rob’s wonderful illustrations, including a list of things to find which you can tick off at the front of the book. And one of them is quite tricky to locate (I had to enlist the support of my husband)..! Indeed, eagle eyed children (and adults) may well notice a hidden clue to help solve the final mystery as the story develops!
The wonderful illustrations are accompanied by bouncy rhyme with plenty of interesting words to investigate and enjoy! Sections of the text are perfect for joining in with…in fact, it’s almost impossible not to! I can almost hear classes of children having the best time learning left and right without even meaning to as their quick-thinking teacher encourages them to act out ‘Left footprint…right footprint…’ Desmond learns that he should not jump to conclusions about others and yet, there is a further surprise to end this delightfully silly tale. There is even a QR code included which will lead you to an episode of ‘Draw with Rob’, which shows the reader what a real blue-footed booby looks like as well as teaching how to draw one.
Another triumph from Mr Biddulph! Make sure you take off the dust jacket so you can enjoy the illustrations beneath.
The Blue-Footed Booby Rob Biddulph
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008413392
You can read my review of ‘An Odd Dog Christmas’ here.
Whisper on the Wind
As Ren sleeps, the whisper of her dream is carried by the wind and the waves across the sea to a sailor who is working far away. On catching it, the sailor turns for home to answer the whisper in the dream and is home in time for them to spend the day together.
Told in the cumulative tale style, the lyrical text follows the whisper of Ren’s dream on its journey across the ocean. This style of telling works perfectly for this story as it feels almost like the lapping of the waves against Ren’s lighthouse home taking her dream to the sailor who, although never identified, we suppose to be her mother. Ren’s gender is never specified and the illustration showing Ren asleep in bed has a picture on the wall of a woman holding a baby so the story could hold personal relevance to children in many different situations.
The illustrations are quite enchanting and full of wonder. Ren’s dream is depicted as a message in a bottle, encountering real and imagined creatures of the sea on its way. Watched over by the moon as it makes its journey, the bottle is helped on mermaids and whales, fish and dolphins until it reaches the sailor who finds joy in its contents, understanding its meaning and following its call to return home.
‘Whisper on the Wind’ shows the power of love to unite us with those we hold dear wherever they might be, making it a comforting bedtime story, particularly for those who are separated due to work.
Whisper on the Wind Claire Saxby, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft
Allen and Unwin ISBN: 978-1911679387
When Ice Cream Had a Meltdown
Inside the ice cream van, all the ice creams and lollies are so excited as they can’t wait to be picked. But no-one wants the plain Ice Cream and she has to watch as all her friends are chosen instead of her. She says she doesn’t mind and tries to hide her feelings until eventually she has a meltdown! Her frozen friends all rally round to support her and at last, her dream comes true!
‘When Ice Cream Had a Meltdown’ is another brilliantly funny story from Michelle Robinson and Tom Knight, celebrating the importance of sharing and understanding our feelings. Michelle is an expert storyteller and her lively text bounces along, making it perfect for reading aloud with a class or at home and offering an excellent starting point for helping children explore their emotions whether feeling left out or whatever!
The illustrations are fantastic! Each ice cream and lolly is bursting with personality and children will enjoy recognising many of the tasty frozen treats brought to life by Tom’s artwork. The story could also offer plenty of inspiration for making ice cream and lollies as well- a plain one or those with a whole host of flavours and toppings! You could even do a little shopping maths with the priced pictures of ice creams at the beginning and end of the book, perhaps creating an ice cream ‘van’ for role play fun!
‘When Ice Cream Had a Meltdown’ joins the other fabulous titles from this talented team- ‘When Cucumber Lost His Cool’, ‘When Jelly Had a Wobble’ and ‘The Day the Banana Went Bad’- and is sure to become a firm favourite!
When Ice Cream Had a Meltdown
Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Tom Knight
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702313332
A Day that’s Ours
The most beautiful love song from parent to child, ‘A Day That’s Ours’ is absolutely gorgeous. In it, a father takes a day to be completely with his daughter, seemingly doing nothing much, but building memories of precious time shared. His happiness in her innocent joy at the little things is perfectly captured as he reflects that this time parents have with their children is so fleeting and ‘these magic years’ will come to an end as she begins school where she will ‘make her way alone’.
Told in perfect rhyme, the rich and evocative text is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations which add all the little details you would hope for. Having decided to ‘steal a day’, the pair emerge from the little girl’s wonderfully messy and lived-in bedroom to make a pile of pancakes for breakfast. The picture shows dad whisking the mixture whilst his daughter spills milk everywhere and the cat enjoying this unexpected treat! The little girl’s face is full of joy at the stack of pancakes she can’t possibly eat as her father gazes on adoringly and we can imagine her endless, excited chatter filling his world.
Their day doing ‘nothing much’ is bursting with simple, pleasurable activities which need nothing but time and togetherness. Their ‘slow again’ walk along the pavement brings the untold excitement of discovery- a beetle, a flower ‘shyly smiling’, a leaf dancing in the air- as they make their way to the park. Around them, the world continues at its normal busy pace whilst they are cocooned in their togetherness, absorbed in each other. With their ‘slow day fading’, they head home where they share a story and a cuddle before bed- the end of a perfect day.
There are no gadgets, no technology- the father gives his child his full attention and is rewarded so completely in return. Natural curiosity, wonder at the world and fun provide all the entertainment needed. I used to love days like this with my son and this book perfectly encapsulates that special feeling.
A lovely story to return to again and again- as much for grown-ups as for children!
A Day That’s Ours
Blake Nuto, illustrated by Vyara Boyadjieva
Out in August 2022.
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740757
The Perfect Present
Best friends, Tom and Mot, share a birthday. Tom gives Mot a colourful feather which Mot thinks comes from a spectacular bird. Tom wishes he could give Mot the bird the feather comes from. Mot gives Tom a marble which Tom thinks could be the smallest planet in the universe, leading to the two friends imagining all the things they would love to give one another, making the day the best day ever and the perfect present!
A wonderful celebration of the imagination and the joy of friendship, ‘The Perfect Present’ is a story to enjoy again and again. Tom and Mot (I love the fact that their names are a reflection of each other!) are never identified as male or female allowing children to readily identify with them as they play together. The gifts they give one another appear simple, but lead to the most wonderful imaginings, full of excitement and adventure whether indoors or out! The ‘perfect present’ is the present moment- and the joy of spending time with someone you care for!
The illustrations are wonderful. Tom and Mit’s imaginings burst from the page in bright splashes of colour as they drift in space or float beneath the sea, meeting creatures and enjoying the beauty of nature. Around their house are reflections of their imagined adventures indoors and out- a dinosaur toy, elephants on the plant pot, fish swimming on their lampshade, a toy bird hanging from the light- perhaps inspiring the reader to create their own stories and adventures!
Another ‘perfect present’ from Petr to his readers!
The Perfect Present Petr Horacek
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 9781913074326
You can read my review of ‘A Best Friend for Bear’ here.
Elephant Island
After a boisterous wave sank his boat, Arnold the elephant found himself shipwrecked on a tiny island. He called for help and eventually spotted a mouseboat coming to rescue him. Mouse is happy to help, but Arnold is too big and the mouseboat breaks. An old seadog and a crocodile also try to help and end up shipwrecked alongside them. Thanks to Arnold’s ingenuity, everyone stays safe- and they have such fun that soon everyone is setting course for Elephant Island…
As soon as I spotted ‘Elephant Island’, I knew it was one of those books which I had to have! Ever the optimist, Arnold makes the best of every situation that comes his way, turning each potential disaster into an opportunity to improve the island and making space for more fun! His determination and resilience are a thing of joy and his welcoming attitude is delightful.
Although on the surface this is a simple story, ‘Elephant Island’ could also be viewed as a modern day fable, full of messages and meaning, making it thought provoking as well as full of fun! The illustrations are exuberant, full of colour and humour, and so much to look at and enjoy. Even the end papers are lovely! The pictures allow plenty of opportunity for discussion and story telling as well as providing the inspiration for designing and drawing children’s own ideas for islands like Arnold’s.
A brilliant story for sharing!
Elephant Island Leo Timmers (English text by James Brown)
Gecko Press ISBN: 978-1776574346
Dinos Don’t Give Up!
Dinah the diplodocus is one of life’s talented dinosaurs. Everything she tries, she excels at; every award there is to win, she wins. And she’s such a good friend. So when a surfing competition is announced, everyone is sure Dinah will win. However, much as she tries to stay afloat, Dinah doesn’t have any surfing skills at all and for the first time ever, comes in last. But with the support of her friends, some determination and very positive attitude, Dinah is soon back on her board again and doing her best!
There are some children (and adults) who sail through life, finding everything easy and who can therefore find it incredibly challenging when they come across something which they struggle to do. Resilience in these situations is so important - and Dinah’s story is perfect for showing the importance of getting back on your feet and trying again.
The story is wonderful for reading aloud with the rhyming text bouncing along at the perfect pace and there is much word play which adds to the gentle humour. Although she is a very talented young dinosaur, Dinah is also a good friend, supporting others when they need her, so their response is to empathise with her when she struggles and offer her support in turn. There is SO much to discuss and enjoy here, making this a brilliant text for assemblies or PSHE sessions as well as for story time!
Bright and colourful, each spread is full of vivid illustrations which capture Dinah’s adventures perfectly. There are so many details to notice and enjoy - so many humorous touches- that children will return to them again and again!
Dinos Don’t Give Up! is just joyful- perfect summer reading!
Dinos Don’t Give Up! Smriti Halls, illustrated by Richard Merritt
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801043090
You can read my review of ‘Rain Before Rainbows’ here.
Grow, Tree, Grow!
Oak grows taller each year, offering shelter and nourishment for hundreds of different creatures and plants. A section on ‘Tree Facts’ at the end of the book, offers fascinating facts about oaks and other trees, combining non-fiction with Dom’s poetic story.
‘Grow, Tree, Grow!’ depicts the life cycle of a tree from its first shoot to mighty oak to its decay. It explores the essential role it plays in the ecosystem- how it supports life and it needs the sun and the earth- as well as the impact of humans on forests, making it perfect for including in science lessons as well as for inspiring discussions.
Dom’s writing is beautifully lyrical. His use of kennings, alliteration, assonance, simile, personification make it a joy to read aloud and perfect for sharing. Anastasia’s vivid illustrations capture each scene, offering plenty of details to notice and encourage further discussion.
This is the fifth book in the ‘Wild Wanderers’ series (someone has ‘borrowed’ my copy of ‘Shine, Star, Shine!’) and forthcoming titles include ‘Fly, Butterfly, Fly!’ and ‘Flow, Water, Flow!’. These books make an excellent addition to bookshelves everywhere as they can be enjoyed by children (and adults!) of all ages.
Grow, Tree, Grow! Dom Conlon, illustrated by Anastasia Izlesou
Graffeg ISBN: 978-1802580761
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Pirates Ahoy!
I have to confess that I am something of a Shifty and Sam superfan! Since their first picture book won the first North Somerset Teachers’ Book Awards picture book category in 2015, I have eagerly awaited each new adventure and have read these stories to many children, many times. So I was delighted to discover that Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are off on a new adventure and I set out to buy it on my trip to Bath today.
The loveable robber-dogs-turned-bakers are catering for a pirate party when Captain Chucklebeard’s treasure is stolen. The party band is really a pirate gang who have made off with the treasure. But Shifty and Sam zip into action, saving the day!
Tracey’s rhyming text is a joy to read aloud! It captures the energy and excitement of the tale perfectly whilst Steven’s illustrations are full of visual humour and such detail. I am delighted to see that the lovely little spider has made a return and can be found on every page, encouraging children (and adults!) to pour over each spread. This winning team has produced another winning book!
My love of these two characters has meant that I have made Sam cupcakes, a Sam pumpkin, a Sam balloon and a miniature Sam toy. This is because, being very limited artistically, Sam’s shape makes him relatively easy to draw and so once again, I have used him as the inspiration for this simple making activity! You will need card, scissors and felt pens. The card can be from a cereal packet or similar, but will need to be coloured/ painted to match Sam.
First, find a circular object and draw round this twice on card. One piece is for Sam’s body and so will need to be brown. Cut each circle out carefully- the more circular they are, the better the end result! Fold one in half- this is for the rocker and so doesn’t need to be brown. Next, cut a piece of white card (or you could use paper) to make Sam’s jacket. You can do this by cutting another circle and cutting off the top and bottom if you find it easier.
Cut two small rectangles of white card for Sam’s arms, adding brown semi-circles to one end for his paws. Stick these behind the white ‘jacket’ and then stick this to the body. Decorate this with felt tips so that it looks like Sam’s jacket in the illustrations. Now cut two small white circles (for the eyes) and two small brown circles (for the ears) and stick these in place. Now, add the rest of Sam’s facial features using felt tip (see first picture below). Next, cut two small rectangles of brown card for Sam’s legs, rounding off one end for his paws. Cut a chef’s hat from white card and stick this and the legs in place. Turn Sam over and attach the second folded circle carefully to the back, making sure you line the edges up carefully.
Tap one of his arms gently and watch him rock from side to side! Now, if only I could draw Shifty..!
Blog Tour: No Sleep for Bear
I love Duncan Beedie’s books and so was delighted to be asked to take part in this blog tour for his new book, ‘No Sleep for Bear’.
Bear (star of The Bear Who Stared’) is back in another story! As Winter approaches, Bear is looking forward to a very long sleep. He makes a list and settles down…but the more he tries, the more awake he feels. Eventually, he meets Frog, who shows him how to relax and soon he is snoring contentedly!
A new book from Duncan Beedie is always a delight! ‘No Sleep for Bear’ is completely adorable and is sure to become a firm favourite as a bedtime story. Full of gentle humour, Bear learns the importance of relaxing and being calm before going to sleep, brilliant advice for little ones and adults alike when thinking about bedtime. All of Bear’s friends try to help him in his quest for a good night’s sleep- even when it takes them all winter to do so!
There are obvious links between the story and hibernation, animal habitats and well being, making this a lovely story to include in a topic box as well as on class and library shelves.
The illustrations are full of visual jokes and plenty of details to keep readers entertained on every reading. I love the little family of ladybirds- they need a book of their own!
Bear is so lovely that he would make the perfect subject for a Book Group session. Here is an idea for a simple awake/ asleep Bear glove puppet which could be made with children at home or school.
You need some thicker paper (sugar paper works well, but any can be used really), thin card for the wheel (teabag box card is good), felt pens, scissors and a split pin. Bear is brown, but white could easily be used and coloured/painted.
Using your hand as a guide for size, cut two matching ‘mit’ shaped pieces (see middle picture) for Bear’s face/body. Now you need to create a ‘wheel’ so that Bear can gradually close his eyes as he falls asleep. Draw round something circular, which is just slightly wider than the mit shape, on white card and then cut this out.
Decorate Bear, carefully cutting out eye holes. I forgot to add his distinctive eyebrows! Cut two smaller circles out the the same material you used for the body to be his ears.
Position the wheel carefully so that it is not too high up or the pieces of the puppet will not be able to be glued together. When you are happy with the position, use the split pin to attach the pieces and then cover the sharp ends with a piece of masking tape so that little fingers will not get caught on them. Then stick the front and back sections of the mit together across the top (making sure you are above the wheel) and on each side (beneath the wheel). The wheel will poke out of either side so it is easy to turn.
Now, you need to draw the eyes in so Bear falls asleep as the wheel is turned. I copied the four stages from the pictures in the book. It’s worth doing this in pencil first to make sure they fit as the different eyes need to be drawn quite close together so they can be seen without the other eyes appearing (this might not sound like it makes sense, but you’ll see!). The wheel will need to be turned a few times to loosen it so it moves freely and then Bear can fall asleep as you turn the wheel one way and then wake up again as you turn the wheel back. Finally, glue his ears into position.
Now enjoy making Bear fall asleep and wake up again. You could use the puppet whilst reading the story or for retelling your own version! Have fun!
No Sleep for Bear Duncan Beedie
Templar ISBN: 978-1787419865
Thanks very much to Duncan and the people at Templar for asking me to be part of the Blog Tour for this lovely book. Make sure you look at the other posts!
Dadaji’s Paintbrush
In a tiny Indian village, a boy lives with his grandfather, Dadaji. Together, they fill the house with paintings and joy as they share their lives. Then, Dadaji dies, leaving the boy his best paintbrush, but the boy’s grief is too raw for him to even look at it and he puts it away. Months pass, until one day, a small girl appears at his door, asking the boy to teach her how to paint. Initially, he refuses, but the girl persists and as they look at Dadaji’s paintings, the boy remembers and reaches for Dadaji’s paintbrush once more.
He knows in his heart that his grandfather will always be with him.
This beautiful story celebrates the tenderness and depth of the loving relationship between grandparent and grandchild. Dadaji encouraged his grandson to develop his love of art, patiently guiding and supporting him in his endeavors, offering him the time and attention he needed to flourish. When Dadaji dies, his loss is keenly felt and the boy struggles with his bereavement until he recognises the legacy Dadaji has left and that his grandfather touched many lives through his art work, inspiring the boy to follow in his footsteps. It is a deeply poignant story, offering comfort to those who need it and encouraging empathy for those who have lost a loved one.
The illustrations are stunning. Gentle pastel tones and soft lines capture the devotion between the two and add a memory-like quality to the pictures. Each spread demands savouring, encouraging the reader to notice details about the setting, Dadaji’s work, the village children…as the illustrations work in perfect harmony with the text.
‘Dadaji’s Paintbrush’ is a very special and moving story for many reasons. One to return to again and again.
Dadaji’s Paintbrush Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane
Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131394
Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom
Crime is on the rise in Mouseopolis and Supermouse is being kept very busy, constantly rising to the challenge of saving the day. But a new danger is threatening the city-Mount Fondue is on the verge of erupting so Supermouse decides he needs help. Will he ever find the suitable support for a supermouse?
Bursting with humour, ‘Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom’ is every bit as enjoyable as ‘Supermouse and the Big Cheese Robbery’. Readers can lift flaps to see Peter Parmesan transforming into Supermouse whenever a crisis occurs and peek through the pages to see the action developing. The story is wonderfully interactive, ensuring a fun-filled read which children (and adults!) will enjoy again and again.
As Supermouse fights crime and faces the volcano of doom, he realises that everyone needs help and benefits from being part of a team. The illustrations are full of details to enjoy with a hint of more adventures to come on the final page.
Children are sure to enjoy creating their own lift-the-flap stories, inspired by clever fold-outs and flaps included in the book. These books are great fun and I look forward to seeing what Supermouse and his team of humble heroes get up to next!
Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom
M N Tahl, illustrated by Mark Chambers
Little Tigers ISBN: 978-1912756858
Five Bears
Whilst on a walk through the forest, Bear meets another bear. Other Bear is different, but says hello and the two bears wander along together at different paces, thinking their own thoughts when they meet a new bear. Grunty Bear joins the other two as they continue on their way. Next they meet Very Big Bear who decides the others are friendly and feeling a little lonely, decides to follow along. When they meet Stuck Bear, the four bears work together to help and decide that although they are very different, they can all be friends.
There is something instantly appealing about a book with bears in it! In this story, there are five very different bears and Catherine Rayner’s stunning illustrations capture the individuality of each perfectly. But this is not your usual bear story!
As each bear meets the next, their reactions are awkward, suspicious and even hostile. Apart from ‘Very Big Bear’, no description is offered in the text, but the illustrations clearly show their physical differences. The First Bear- ‘a very nice bear by all accounts, but a bear all the same’- is instantly on the defensive when he meets Other Bear. He speaks ‘suspiciously’ and ‘warily’ although Other Bear offers a ‘How do you do?’ and ‘Have a nice day!’. These pleasantries disarm First Bear who decides to follow Other Bear and the two wander on together. Perfect for using with any age group, the story encourages discussions about how we perceive difference as well as considering how to respond in social situations. The apparent simplicity and repetition of the story belie the importance of the story as a starting point for conversations about inclusivity, individuality, initial actions and reactions and friendship. The bears are also gender neutral.
In addition to this, the carefully researched illustrations are perfect for inspiring children to find out more about the different types of bears in the world.
Can’t recommend this one highly enough!
Five Bears Catherine Rayner
Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529051278
You can read my review of ‘Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep’ here.
Fletcher and the Rockpool
Fletcher and his mum are heading for the beach. Whilst playing in the sea and on the beach, Fletcher finds a rock pool, full of plants and sea life. As he watches, he notices that the water is disappearing and immediately runs to the sea with his bucket in an attempt to keep the creatures and plants covered in water. Can he manage to save the day?
Gentle and tender-hearted, Fletcher’s concern for the well-being of others is a true joy. In this story, his attempts to save the creatures of the rock pool end well as when he wakes in the morning, he finds the pool full of water and life once more. The story is perfect for teaching children about the rise and fall of the sea level and how these tidal movements are caused, but it is also the perfect read for a day at the beach when children might be encouraged to look at - but not disturb- the contents of a rock pool. The care Fletcher shows for Little Crab (a creature he rescues) offers an excellent starting point for discussing the care we should all show for living creatures, returning them to their natural habitat as soon as and as safely as we can.
Each spread is beautifully illustrated in Tiphanie Beeke’s softly glowing style familiar from the previous stories about Fletcher. Each is a work of art, perfectly complementing Julia Rawlinson’s lyrical text and sure to inspire children to paint seaside pictures of their own.
A lovely addition to the series, ‘Fletcher and the Rockpool’ is the perfect summer read!
Fletcher and the Rockpool Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
Graffeg ISBN: 978-1914079320
Strong
Maurice might be a dragon, but he isn’t very scary, doesn’t like to breathe fire and loves flowers more than anything! He sculpts the most amazing floral arrangements, but the other dragons aren’t interested in flowers, particularly Gruff, Maurice’s brother, who usually wins all the dragon competitions. When Maurice takes part, he fails to throw a flame and just isn’t scary enough. Saddened by his lack of dragony prowess, Maurice lies down in the rain. As storm clouds gather, Maurice questions whether it is safe to continue with the competition, but Gruff disagrees and flies off into the sky. When he doesn’t return, it’s up to Maurice and his ideas to save the day.
‘Strong’ is a delightful story which celebrates different ways of being ‘strong’ and above all, being yourself. Everyone knows what dragons are supposed to be like- and Maurice is definitely the odd one out. Small, gentle and thoughtful, he has a real passion for flowers and knows that he does not fit in with the other dragons. How many children have I taught over the years who have felt like this? And stories like this one are so important for validating individuality and celebrating the importance of being true to yourself. There is so much to discuss here and the story is perfect for encouraging children to be proud of having different interests, liking different things or behaving in a different way to their friends- and for encouraging empathy and understanding in those who are ‘part of the crowd’. The story also asks the reader to consider different ways of being brave, different ways of having strength to face challenges and solve problems.
The illustrations are completely captivating! From the wonderful textured cover, each spread is full of strong colours, tempting children to look carefully and notice details. Maurice’s range of expressions are wonderful as he sees the wonder in the world around him, experiences sorrow at feeling different and finally, contentment at being valued for being himself. The text is full of descriptive language to discuss and enjoy alongside the story and children are sure to be inspired to draw or paint their own dragons and might enjoy writing stories about Maurice’s further adventures.
Perfect for developing understanding of yourself and others, ‘Strong’ is sure to become a firm favourite and a story which will be read again and again.
Strong Clara Anganuzzi
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838913915
Move Mountain
Mountain has never seen the sunrise. Although the sun’s rays touched the hills around him with light and colour, he always remained in the shade whilst the sun rose behind his back. When he shares his feelings with Bird, she asks everyone to help. In spite of their best efforts, Mountain still cannot see the sunrise; however, Bird has a clever idea…
‘Move Mountain’ is a lovely story about friendship and kindness. Being a true friend, Bird is determined to help Mountain with his wish and quickly enlists the other animals to help her. Having tried to move Mountain so he can see, they use words to describe the sunrise and then music, but neither of these ideas work, leading them to use their imaginations and get creative! Mountain still might not be able to see the sunrise, but the kindness of his friends has made him feel warm and loved. There is so much here to discuss and enjoy with children, particularly exploring how being thoughtful can make a huge difference!
The story could also be used to inspire work in school. The play on words- being ‘moved’ emotionally rather than physically as well as the phrase ‘to move mountains’- could be used to start a collection of idioms and expressions in English- and other languages if possible-, encouraging children to explore this use of language. Children could also use words and music to describe a sunrise (or anything!) for each other and perhaps look at pieces by artists, poets and musicians inspired by such events.
The illustrations are lovely, full of life and colour. Mountain, for all his size, has such a gentle face, expressing so much character!
Move Mountain
Corrinne Averiss, illustrated by Greg McLeod
OUP ISBN: 978-0192778666
What Do You See When You Look at a Tree?
What do you see when you look at a tree?
Leaves and twigs and branches?
Or do you see a living thing
that moves and breathes and dances?
In this lovely, large format book, author and illustrator, Emma Carlisle, urges the reader to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the trees around us. Through simple questions, the gentle rhyming text explores how unique trees are and the important role they play in nature.
The final pages offer further information about trees and how they communicate with each other, developing the reader’s understanding of these incredible plants. There are also mindfulness tips which show how we can learn from trees to look after ourselves and each others.
Every spread is beautifully illustrated, using soft, calming colours and they are perfect for exploring alongside the thoughtful questions posed by the text. The book is published in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and the Palm House features in one of the pictures, perfect for introducing children to this historic place. The book is perfect for starting conversations about the wonder of trees whether at home or at school.
What Do You See When You Look at a Tree?
written and illustrated by Emma Carlisle
Big Picture Press with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
ISBN: 978- 1800781276
Queen of the Classroom
MJ is ready for her first day at school and when her mother adds a sparkly tiara to her outfit, crowning her Queen of the Classroom, MJ is determined to fulfil her duties. She will brighten up every room, be caring and kind and be helpful to others, just like her Mama says. And she does! Having found her seat, MJ makes the most of her first day, embodying all the qualities the Queen of the Classroom should have.
This is the loveliest of lovely books! MJ is a complete delight, full of positivity and personality, and her story is perfect for reassuring and encouraging anyone uncertain about a first day anywhere! No matter what she does during the day, she tackles it with enthusiasm, seeking to engage others and make the best of every moment.
MJ is supported by a very loving, close family. Her little brother wakes her in the morning, her mother always helps her to ‘look nice’ and pays her compliments and her father holds her hand as he walks her to the door of her class. He doesn’t want to leave her! At the end of the day, she gives her little brother the picture she made, brightening his day as she has with others.
The illustrations are as joyous as the text! MJ’s hair is tied with rainbow coloured bands and her denim pinafore dress and spotted top add both texture and colour to the pictures while in many a golden glow surrounds MJ. A smiling sun shines into the classroom, illuminating a busy, fun environment. There are so many details to notice- the class bookshelf contains some familiar favourites also written by this author!
An absolute delight, ‘Queen of the Classroom’ is an empowering, vibrant read, perfect for sharing and enjoying again and again!
Queen of the Classroom
Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1912650941
You can read my review of ‘I am Every Good Thing’ here.
Martha Maps It Out
Martha loves making maps! She explores her world by making a series of maps about everything, including her hopes and dreams. Starting with outer space, she zooms in to focus on the earth, her city, her street- all the way to her room!
Bursting with quirky details, the book fizzes with excitement and wonder as Martha shares her maps. Each is fascinating, offering a perfect blend of fact and fiction. Readers are sure to pore over the tiniest details, enjoying the humorous touches whilst being introduced to the world of cartography. Even the idea of scale is introduced as Martha comments how she’s teeny-tiny on some maps whilst bigger on others.
Martha has a real zest for life and her optimism, curiosity and big dreams are sure to inspire readers as they explore her thought map, perhaps encouraging them to make their own with some of the ‘big’ (or not so big!) questions and thoughts which are occupying their minds. Other pages are sure to encourage them to have a go at mapping their own world, adding all the details which are personal and significant to them.
‘Martha Maps It Out’ would make a fantastic book to share with children over the summer holidays when they might be looking at maps of places they are going to visit whether to be a theme park, different country or their own locality. They might enjoy creating their own ‘worlds’ with Lego or their toys and then recording this on a map. Parents might feel inspired to create a treasure hunt, offering their youngsters a map to help them locate a treat! If only my son were little again..!
Martha Maps It Out Leigh Hodgkinson
OUP ISBN: 978-0192777782
Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat
'Cat' has a very busy life, moving from house to house on Blossom Street. At each house he is known by a different name and he shares the lives and interests of those who live there. However, at number eleven, life is not very busy at all and Mrs Murray, who lives there, is lonely. When Cat shows up on her doorstep, this changes and soon everyone on Blossom Street finds their way to her door.
The story reminds us of the importance of human contact and would be an excellent way of introducing discussions around this with children. Why is Mrs Murray lonely? Why is she on her own? How could she be living at Number 11 with no one in the street noticing? Community responsibilities and values could also be discussed. Blossom Street is home to a diverse range of people of all ages and with many interests, all depicted with humour and character, celebrating how different, and yet similar, people are.
There are many other possibilities for working from this story. The illustrations are seemingly simple, but very effective. Children would enjoy using Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat as a model for their own drawings and then develop their own cat characters. The Blossom Street community would also serve as an excellent model for developing a range of varied and interesting characters for a story in an innovated setting. Perhaps the characters might live in different flats in a tower block, or barges on a canal… The story also lends itself to plenty of role play activities, drama and dressing-up!
It would be great fun to create a board game with Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat as counters moving round Blossom Street. This could be made to explore all sorts of grammar elements or maths concepts, to develop the children's vocabulary etc - or simply for a bit of fun! Creating their own board game is a great way for children to spend a rainy afternoon.
The layout of the latter pages which use speech bubbles could be the starting point for work on punctuating speech and for children to develop cartoon style pieces of their own. There are many ways which writing could come from sharing this story too- both informally and formally: eltters, instructions for how to look after a pet or how to get from one house to another, persuasive writing, story writing, descriptive writing, poetry (great shape poems!)... the list is endless!
Personally, I think Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat would make a fantastic little soft toy. He is a simple enough shape to be cut from felt and hand sewn, making a lovely companion to storytime!
Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat Katie Harnett
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1909263376
Now available in paperback.