The BIG Christmas Bake

In this delightful book, the traditional song ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is given a tasty twist as once Christmas Day is over, the children bake up a delicious treat. One the first day of Christmas, a partridge brings dried fruit, followed by two speckled doves with flour on the second. As each day passes, more and more creatures arrive bearing ingredients for the Twelfth Night Cake until the dried bean is added on day ten- whoever finds this will be crowned the Twelfth Night King. Additional information and a recipe are included at the end of the story, along with the words from the original song.

Told in deliciously bouncy rhyme, this is a perfect story for reading aloud. The illustrations are full of humour and wonderful detail, offering new details to notice with each reading. The ingredient bearing animals are bursting with quirky personality- I love the dancing hippos and the leaping frogs!

There is so much to love about this book- plenty to discuss and laugh about as well as the fun of making Christmas cupcakes should you wish! Baking and books- the perfect combination.

The BIG Christmas Bake

Fiona Barker, illustrated by Pippa Curnick

Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711268128

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike

Frank and his best friend, Bert, like to go on bike rides, but they have a big problem- Bert is not very good at riding a bike. However, he decides he will be just fine so even tho Frank is not so sure, they set off on their ride. Predictably, things do not go well, but with teamwork, perseverance, patience and friendship all’s well in the end!

From first reading ‘I Want to Eat this Ant’, Chris Naylor-Ballesteros has ranked high in my favourite picture book creators. There is something very special about the tales he tells and his illustrations are simply delightful. This is the second book about Frank and Bert and I hope ‘The One Where…’ indicates that there will be many more!

Learning to do anything new can be challenging and it is particularly daunting when you have a friend (or friends) who are already good at the thing. Frank tries to help Bert overcome his lack of confidence and offers his support, staying behind Bert all the time as he rides. However, once Frank feels Bert is coping, he decides to let go and Bert falls off the bike. Feeling Frank has betrayed his trust, Bert decides to never try again, but their friendship is stronger than this and Frank has another idea which… (you need to read it to find out what happens!) The story is perfect for encouraging discussions about how we can support one another and how important it is to listen to how others are feeling. Although the bigger of the two friends, it is Bert who is unsure in this situation, offering the opportunity to talk about how we shouldn’t make assumptions about who might need support and reinforce the message that we should all be able to learn things at our own pace.

The illustrations are gorgeous- and full of humorous touches! Frank and Bert have wonderfully expressive faces and the story is told from Frank’s point of view so the reader feels as if he is chatting directly to them and being involved in the story. These stories are perfect for little ones who will want to share them again and again!

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839948503

You can read my review of ‘Frank and Bert’ here.

The Christmas Department Store

It’s Christmas Eve, but Benji doesn’t feel very festive. This year, his family can’t afford a tree or Christmas dinner and Benji wishes he could buy his family some spectacular presents to make them happy. When he is bowled over by a gigantic polar bear, Benji suddenly notices a magical department store where he is able to ‘buy’ the most wonderful gifts for his family in exchange for a silly song and an exceptional story. Benji leaves the department store feeling full of Christmas spirit, but on Christmas morning, he worries that the twisted trumpet for his sister, the imaginary hat for his grandmother and a jar full of the smell of feeling loved for his dad are terrible. But everyone’s smiles and joy soon reassure him that these are the perfect gifts to make his family feel loved.

At this time of year, we are bombarded with images of the ‘perfect’ Christmas with extensive decorations, endless supplies of food and lavish gifts. However, the reality is that many cannot afford this version of Christmas, leaving some children feeling anxious and sad that they are missing out. Christmas (and any other festival/ time of year) should be about the simple, but true things- being with those you love, sharing whatever you have, taking time to enjoy life- and this lovely picture book is a real reminder of this, sharing with the reader that you do not need lots of money or ‘things’ to have a wonderful Christmas.

The book offers the perfect starting point for creating home made gifts- things which are tailor made for those we love. The idea of the jars of smells is a beautiful one and although not possible to reproduce, could inspire a jar of things for someone- perhaps things found on a walk together, a planting jar with some seeds for a keen gardener, the ingredients for a cake or biscuits for a keen cook, little promises on pieces of paper for ways to help or quotes from poems or inspiring words.

The illustrations are full of joy, capturing the full range of Benji’s emotions before, during and after his visit to the Christmas Department Store. All the wonder and magic is beautifully shown, but so is the simplicity and love of Benji’s home. I love their Christmas tree which the family have drawn on pieces of paper and pinned up in a corner of the room- another excellent idea for some family fun!

Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for those who have lost someone and although it is never mentioned, the loss of Benji’s mother is implied by her absence and a family photo on the sideboard which shows her in a family group. This detail would also allow readers to empathise with the family and discuss personal loss (for whatever reason) should it be appropriate to their situation.

A wonderfully heartwarming story which leaves you glowing with love and hope!

The Christmas Department Store

Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Hoang Giang

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801040129

Please, Mr Magic Fish

Jack catches a fish which, much to his surprise, speaks to him offering to grant a wish in exchange for his freedom. When he tells his wife, Liz, about the encounter, she is furious with him as he didn’t make a wish when he had the chance. Together, they go in search of the fish and it grants them their wish. Initially grateful, the couple soon return to ask the fish for more and once again, the fish complies. Soon dissatisfied with the fish’s generosity, they return again to the shore and although the sea is stormy, the fish once again grants their request- but they fail to thank him. Content for only a day, the pair call the fish once more and it rises from a boiling dark sea to listen to their demands. This time, they turn to see all as it once was and they never saw the magic fish again.

In ‘Please, Mr Magic Fish’, Jessica Souhami offers a lively re-telling of the traditional tale, ‘The Fisherman and his Wife’, made popular in Europe in the 19th century by the Brothers Grimm. The story warns of the dangers of greed and reminds the reader of the importance of being grateful as traditionally the couple in the story are left with nothing. However, in her version, Jessica offers the couple a more hopeful ending. In a note at the end, she says that she has sympathy with Jack and Liz who are worn down by their poverty and get carried away when offered the chance of something better and wanted the ending to offer them hope- and it does! The story- and Jessica’s note- is sure to encourage discussion about this tale, challenging the stereotypical roles given to the man- hen-pecked fool- and his wife -nagging harridan- in the original. Children might enjoy exploring and sharing other versions of this story from around the world as well.

The story is a joy to read aloud with the repetitive phrases making it perfect for joining in with. Children will also enjoy seeing the fish’s rising fury reflected in the colour and texture of the sea whilst the couple seem blissfully oblivious of the effect they are having on it. The illustrations are full of colour and life, making the book instantly appealing and a welcome addition to any bookshelf.

Originally published in hardback in 2018, ‘Please, Mr Magic Fish’ is now available in paperback.

Please, Mr Magic Fish Jessica Souhami

Otter-Barry Books

ISBN: 978-1910959183 (hardback) 978-1913074111 (paperback)

The Fog Catcher’s Daughter

Eily lives with her father in their cottage ‘three fields from the sea.’ Across the water lies the isle of Linashee, an island said to be enchanted and home to the Good People. As Fog Catcher, Eily’s father must row to Linashee once a year, as generations of the family have done before him, to catch the magic beads of mist used to help grow the herbs which Wise Annie brews into cures and braids into charms to keep the villagers safe. Although the sky darkens and a cold wind is blowing, this year, like every other, her father sets off on his crossing, but Eily is horrified to find his protection charm fluttering in the hedgerow. Determined to save him from the fairy folk, Eily courageously sails across to Linashee to bring her father home.

Steeped in Irish folklore, this original tale has a wonderfully traditional feel. Hauntingly beautiful, rich lyrical language and atmospheric, ethereal illustrations combine to create a story that, like the folklore it draws on, will stand the test of time.

The warmth of love between father and daughter is beautifully captured as Eily’s courage and determination save him from the clutches of the fairy folk. Armed only with a blessing from Wise Annie and her father’s lost charm, she is ready to face the perils of capricious nature of the Good People to ensure his safety. In doing so, she also proves she is ready to continue the family tradition of fog catching and continue to bring the jars of precious liquid home.

Alan Marks’s evocative illustrations are the perfect complement to the text, vividly capturing the beauty of the coastline, the wonder of Wise Annie’s shop, the volatile nature of the fairy folk as the events of the story unfold. Every spread is a work of art.

An author’s note at the end of the book explains where Marianne McShane’s inspiration for the story came from, showing how ideas can combine and incubate in an author’s mind before evolving into wonderful stories. This is one of those book which, the hands of a good teacher, would make the perfect starting point for inspiring creativity through art and writing. Offering as it does such a rich use of language and description, links to folklore and fabulous illustrations, ‘The Fog Catcher’s Daughter’ would sit perfectly at the heart of much learning. Stunning!

The Fog Catcher’s Daughter

Marianne McShane, illustrated by Alan Marks

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529506396

Penguin Huddle

Every day, the penguin pack plays on the frozen southern pole, but when the sun goes down, they squeeze together in a penguin huddle, warm and cosy, all night long. However, one morning, after a freezing gale, the penguins wake up to find themselves stuck together. Luckily, Pipsqueak, the smallest of them all, has the biggest ideas…

Perfect for the chilly winter evenings, ‘Penguin Huddle’ is a delightful tale of friendship and helping others, full of Ross Montgomery’s humour and Sarah Warburton’s charming illustrations. There is so much to discuss and enjoy on each spread that this will quickly become a firm favourite with young- and old(er) readers everywhere.

So many creatures step up to help the huddle in need, showing the importance of kindness and lending a helping hand -or paw-or claw-or flipper- whenever you can. Pipsqueak’s positive nature and good ideas lead the penguins to work as a team, eventually solving their problem. The wonderful illustrations lend themselves to children inventing their own stories- the mouse family being aided by the fire-giraffe, for example! There are also plenty of touches of humour to explore in the posters about town and in the Doctopus’s surgery!

The book also lends itself to inspiring creative activities- penguin skittles (made from toilet roll tubes), making lollies, using the features of individual penguins to create new ones- perhaps in a game of Build-a-Penguin! So many possibilities!

That said, this is simply a delightful story, packed with personality and penguin power! One not to be missed!

Penguin Huddle

Ross Montgomery, illustrated by Sarah Warburton

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406389838

Ghost Orchid

Ava and her parents are off on an adventure to locate the mysterious, rare ghost orchid. Whilst her parents focus completely on the task in hand, Ava wonders at the marvels they see on the way. When they finally reach the location of the ghost orchid, Ava’s parents are despondent as they fear they are too late; however, they are lucky to have Ava, ‘an explorer who notices things that aren’t in the plan’ to open their eyes and change their ways.

This gentle, beautifully illustrated story is an absolute delight. Text and pictures combine to offer the ‘whole’ story in that way which little children love so much. They can see all the things which Ava sees and share her joy in and curiosity about each discovery Ava makes, thriving in the in-the-moment-joy of being a child. Each illustration is rich in detail with so much to notice and discuss.

I was delighted to find that ghost orchids are real. The title page shows a drawing (fig.1) with the plant’s binomial classification, Dendrophylax lindenii, perfect for leading children into discussions about plants, explorers, classification systems… Although aimed at younger children, there is much that could be developed here with older children as well. The opening end papers show a map of the world with notes attached setting up the story with a dotted travel line marked with x’s to show the places visited along the way, making a perfect starting point for further investigation either at school, with home-schooled children or to start an exciting holiday project to interest and excite children about the world whilst away from school. My son and I used to love doing this sort of thing!

One of my all-time favourite picture books is Layn Marlow’s ‘Hurry Up and Slow Down’ which I frequently share with parents when talking about the joys of reading with children. ‘Ghost Orchid’ has the same feeling- take time to listen to little ones and to see things through their eyes- live the moment. When her parents say, ‘We’ll all explore the Ava way’, the family are shown gazing together at the wonders of nature. Ava is back up on her father’s shoulders, central to the family group rather than tagging along behind her tunnel-visioned parents, each face split by a huge grin, caught up in the joy of being together and really looking around them.

With its gorgeous illustrations, this heart-warming book is sure to become a firm favourite, encouraging discussion and expeditions for families as well as inspiring discovery and creation.

Ghost Orchid Fiona Lumbers

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131370

Where Bjorn Belongs

When Arthur loses Barney, his toy polar bear, he writes to Father Christmas to ask for a new one. Waking to a snowy world on Christmas Day, Arthur is amazed to see a real polar bear in his garden. A special bond between the two quickly forms and Arthur does everything he can to keep Bjorn the polar bear happy and healthy. However as the bear grows, Arthur comes to realise that he must find a way to get Bjorn back to the place he belongs.

Perfect for sharing at home or at school, ‘Where Bjorn Belongs’ is a special story about true friendship and following your dreams. Arthur’s dislike of the noise and bustle of the Christmas season with the changes it brings to routines and ‘normality’ is something which is difficult for many children (and adults!) to cope with and the story enables conversations around this experience, encouraging understanding and empathy.

The story encourages discussion about the impact of global warming on polar bears- melting ice was a BIG problem for polar bears- as well as the importance of being a responsible pet owner. Arthur does everything he can to make sure that Bjorn is comfortable and well looked after- and when it matters most, makes the best decision for the well-being of his new-found friend. Bjorn needs to be where he belongs- not with Arthur, not in a zoo- but back in the wild with his own kind. Having promised to look after him, Arthur does, first by letting him go and then by becoming an Arctic explorer and learning how to help polar bears in their natural environment.

Another strength of this book is the illustrations. There are many which glow with the love between Arthur and his mother as well the deep bond between Arthur and Bjorn. There are picture showing the beauty of the natural world and those sharing the magic of Christmas. Even the end papers celebrate the amazing creatures of the Arctic!

One not to be missed this Christmas!

Where Bjorn Belongs

Samuel Langley-Swain, illustrated by Mirna Imamovic

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339449

The ‘Ben and Ray’ Books

Without a doubt, this series of books is essential for any teacher- or family- wanting to explore events from the First World War with children in an accessible and supportive way. Since the publication of ‘Where The Poppies Now Grow’ in 2014, the four books chronicling events in the lives of friends, Ben and Ray, have been shared with thousands of children.

Stunning illustrations and lyrical text combine to create four linked stories, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the war. The second book sees Ben and Ray playing football during the Christmas Truce, the third pays tribute to the contribution played by animals during conflict and the final book introduces Lily, childhood companion of Ben and Ray, and not only highlights the contribution of women to the war effort, but also brings the series to a satisfying and moving conclusion.

The stories offer so much to discuss and explore with the illustrations adding many additional details. Children may notice the names on the wall by Ben’s bed in ‘Where the Poppies Now Grow’ and wonder who these people were or make the connection with some of the names and the dedications made by Hilary and Martin at the front of the book. This is one of the many examples of the attention to detail and the care with which these extraordinary books have been created.

These books are obviously a labour of love, born out of personal connection to these events through family history. ‘Flo of the Somme’ won the Poetry Category of the North Somerset Teachers’ Book Awards in 2016 and these books have rightly been nominated for and won many other awards. They are accessible to a wide ranging audience from little ones enjoying the rhyming text and hunting for Ben’s pet mouse in the pictures to older readers who will make connections- perhaps with family experiences.

Poignant and powerful, this is a very special set of books. Tomorrow, I will be reviewing Martin’s edition of ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ and 'on Thursday, ‘A Song for Will and the Lost Gardeners of Heligan’.

I will be joined by author, Hilary Robinson, for my Q and A session this Friday where I ask some questions about these books and ‘A Song for Will’.

Where the Poppies Now Grow

Strauss House ISBN: 978-0957124585

The Christmas Truce Strauss House ISBN: 978-0957124578

Flo of the Somme Strauss House ISBN: 978-0957124561

Peace Lily Strauss House    ISBN: 978-0957124554

Hilary Robinson, illustrated by Martin Impey

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish

What Magic Lies Beneath?

Dr Morley is fascinated by jellyfish and longs to find the elusive giant Arctic jellyfish. With a dedicated crew supporting her, she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime into the Arctic Circle. However, for all the wonders and beauty surrounding them, there is no sign of sign of the jellyfish she is seeking… or is there?

This is so much to love about this beautiful book. Dr Morley is a determined, resourceful scientist who pursues her research with resilience and courage. On their voyage to the Arctic, she and her crew witness so many natural wonders, but the elusive Giant Arctic Jellyfish cannot be found. The reader, of course, is gleefully in the know- almost tempted to shout ‘it’s behind you’ -as the crew gaze in the wrong direction, dive on the wrong side of an algae cloud and admire other creatures. Superbly illustrated, there is so much to notice, discuss and enjoy in the pictures that this book is sure to become a firm favourite, visited again and again.

The story ends with the perfect hint of hope that all that work, patience and devotion will be rewarded just as the crew were on the verge of admitting defeat. This is one of those books which is a complete gift to teachers for inspiring discussions, role play, research, developing vocabulary and resulting in stunning writing. There are so many spreads which should be lingered over… I really cannot choose my favourite, although the cut through of the ship above is high on the list. True picture book treasure!

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish Chloe Savage

Walker ISBN: 978-1406391886

The Ever-Changing Earth

Kûn loves dinosaurs and imagines them living when the sky ‘boomed with the wild beat of Pterosaur wings’ where he lives now. As he feeds the birds, descendants of these mighty creatures, the world is a very different place to that of the past, changed over time by asteroid strikes and collisions…The book takes the reader on an incredible journey through the Earth’s evolution.

‘The Ever-Changing Earth’ follows on from Grahame Baker-Smith’s previous books, ‘The Rhythm of the Rain’ and ‘Wild is the Wind’ and is every bit as gorgeous. Stunning illustrations combine with lyrical text to produce a book to treasure.

Each of these books makes a connection between children across the world. ‘The Rhythm of the Rain’ started with Isaac playing in his favourite pool, the water he was playing in travelling to Cassi as much needed rain. ‘Wild is the Wind’ picks up Cassie’s story and the swifts which swoop and dive on the wind and cross continents, bringing joy to Kûn who knows summer will follow. This story opens with Kûn and connects him with Solveig who is floating in a lagoon heated by the fires of the Earth’s core. I hope her story will come soon!

Exploring the wonders of our ever changing planet, ‘The Ever-Changing Earth’ is another must have for any classroom, perfect for using as the focus of an English unit, Science lessons or art work.

The Ever-Changing Earth Grahame Baker-Smith

Templar ISBN: 978-1800782211

You can read my review of ‘The Rhythm of the Rain’ here and ‘Wild is the Wind’ here.

Pause for Poetry: Bookworms

I had the great pleasure of hearing Nyanda Foday talking poetry with Joseph Coelho at the SLG Conference. Her passion for poetry- for words- was truly inspiring and during the talk she shared her new book, ‘Bookworms’ with the audience. This beautiful picture book contains a stunning poem which celebrates the the importance of the stories in our lives which reflect us and our experiences, comfort us and anchor us.

The poem is breathtaking, showing how books can offer a sense of belonging, supporting those who are struggling socially, and be a guiding light to those in need, full of stunning lines which encapsulate the most complex emotions.

Sometimes a book is the sole piece of driftwood to cling to

when it feels like your life is going down with the ship.

It champions the need for representation in books so everyone can see themselves and ‘be the protagonist instead of the scenery’.

Every page is beautifully illustrated by Joelle Avelino with my favourite being the picture of the little girl hugging a book. This inspirational poem is perfect for sharing with much to discuss and reflect upon- and not just for children.

Bookworms Nyanda Foday, illustrated by Joelle Avelino

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131486

Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop

Nicky Claus lives with his three uncles, Louis, Hanz and Levi and has grown up helping with the family business- the Claus Brothers’ Toy Shop. In a mysterious room behind the shop, the three uncles work together to create the most wonderful, magical toys which every child wants. However, Nicky notices that there are children gazing in the shop windows who never come inside and one Christmas Eve, he decides to follow them. Eventually he comes to a big room, full of children, where Nicky meets a little girl called Lottie and learns why the children never enter the shop or have toys. Nicky vows that every single child in the city will be given a toy so they can feel happy.

With the help of his uncles, Nicky’s grand plan gets underway…

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this story! Offering a new version of how Father Christmas came to be, it embodies what the true spirit of the festive season should be, showing the importance of kindness, generosity of spirit, friendship and love. Children will delight in spotting the links between this story what they know of Father Christmas’s traditional customs as Nicky’s dream of sharing the toys with everyone comes true. The teacher in me can see all manner of possibilities for using the story as a key text to support work in English as it offers so many possibilities for inspiring writing as well as being perfect for developing empathy and understanding. The story also lends itself to sparking so much art work… I feel the need to start planning, but above all, this is a glorious story to snuggle down with and share!

The illustrations are everything we have come to expect from David Litchfield. Glowing with warmth, there are so many details to notice and enjoy. The toy shop images have Dickensian Christmas feel to them, overflowing with traditional games and toys, the faces beaming with joy a clear contrast to those wistfully gazing at all the treasure out of their reach. I am no artist and so am constantly in awe of how David Litchfield uses light in his pictures- he manages to capture ‘snow light’, firefly light, moonlight…so many types of light giving different spreads different feelings.

The ending is just perfect with the illustrations once again adding to the tale. This is my new favourite Christmas story which I will be sharing at every opportunity!

Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop

David Litchfield

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711262935

We Disagree About This Tree

Although Bear and Mouse now appear to be happy sharing both chair and house, it seems that there will always be something they don’t see eye to eye about - and with Christmas on the way, they disagree about how to decorate their Christmas tree. With one wanting too much tinsel and the other favouring flaming candles, how will these two ever manage to enjoy the perfect festive season?

Mouse and Bear have been firm favourites since their first spat over Mouse’s chair and ‘We Disagree About this Tree’ is sure to be every bit as popular. The gentle humour of the story coupled with the fabulous illustrations are sure to have children (and adults!) giggling, but also offers plenty to discuss, showing how good friends can disagree about things, but still keep their friendship alive! Managing disagreements and finding compromise is such an important skill and ultimately, the pair agree that being together is the most important thing!

As with the previous stories, the bouncy rhyming text lends itself perfectly to children creating their own sections. Here, they could imagine other creative ways in which Bear or Mouse might choose to decorate the tree -using candy canes, chocolate shapes, gingerbread men, artificial snow, glitter-and build their own rhyming lines to add to the story. These could be illustrated, using Ross Collins’s fabulous pictures for inspiration.

Each book by Ross Collins is something special- and this festive treat is sure to be enjoyed again and again!

We Disagree About this Tree Ross Collins

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944994

Published 6th October 2022

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