Still This Love Goes On

Based on the the song written by Buffy Sainte-Marie, ‘Still This Love Goes On’ is a joyful celebration of enduring love for the world we live in, reminding the reader to find beauty in everything around them. Through word and illustration, the seasons are brought to life as the cold winter days roll into summer and ‘still this love goes on and on’.

Whilst the words offer all the poetic power and cadence of song lyrics, the accompanying illustrations conjure the many joys of the natural world and long lasting traditions which are the fabric and soul of life. They capture the special moments and memories which last as ‘love goes on…’. A short glossary at the beginning of the book shares the meaning of some Cree phrases, most importantly kisâkihitin meaning ‘I love you’, helping the reader to share the essence of the Cree people and their ways, their belief in the interconnectivity of nature and people and a deep love for life.

At the end of the book, the sheet music for Buffy’s song has been included as well as notes from the author and illustrator about their inspiration for this work. There is so much which could develop from using this book with a class as a key text- or from sharing at a story time. It is sure to inspire children (and adults) to consider the things in their lives which they love- the places, the people- developing poetry, artwork, composing, research, environmental work in response.

A very beautiful, powerful book.

Still This Love Goes On

Buffy Sainte-Marie, illustrated by Julie Flett

Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1771648073

I Really Really Love You So

Bush Baby is back- and just as adorable as ever! She has something really important to say…and explores more and more extreme ways of declaring her love and expressing how it makes her feel.

It is impossible to read this story without a huge smile on your face! Bush Baby’s enthusiasm is infectious and shows the importance of expressing how you feel in which ever way makes you happy. The text is a complete delight to real aloud as it trips along, building in pace in places and leaving moments to pause in others. Humour mingles with the poignancy of the message, making it a perfect book to share again and again with all those you love.

As with the first book about Bush Baby, ‘I Really Really Need a Wee’, there is no indication of gender (I have chosen to use ‘she/her’) allowing anyone to identify with Bush Baby and empathise with how she is feeling. Children are sure to add their own declarations of love as they read the story and find their own ways of sharing how they feel which is so important for us all.

The illustrations are as delightful as ever! One child told me previously that Duncan’s characters feel like ‘they are my friends because they look at me as if inviting me into the story’ and you can instantly understand what they mean when you look at Bush Baby. Her little face bursts with a vast range of emotions as she seeks to share her feelings and those eyes say it all!

‘I Really Really Love You So’ is a complete and utter joy. I can’t wait to see what Bush Baby gets up to next- tackling school, new food, bedtime…who cares?! Whatever she does, it is sure to be the basis of a wonderful story from this very talented duo!

I Really Really Love You So

Karl Newson, illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801044080

You can read my review of ‘I Really Really Need a Wee’ here and my Q and A session with Duncan Beedie here.

Paradise Sands

Washed clean in his pool, we fall under his rule
Away from what is, for we are now his.

A young girl and her brothers set off on a car journey through a desolate desert to visit their mother. On the way, they stop to pick flowers for her and, spotting a mysterious building, head towards it in search of a drink. Deaf to their sister’s words of caution, the brothers fall under the spell of the place, leaving their sister to rescue them.

I almost don’t know where to start with this one! I have long had deep admiration for the genius of Levi Pinfold as both storyteller and artist, but ‘Paradise Sands’ is just incredible. It is a mesmerising tale which leaves the reader full of questions and returning to each spread again and again to dwell on the stunning illustrations, searching for clues, finding answers- and promptly questioning them and pondering again.

The book begins with a rhyme about Teller’s Hollow before the reader is shown three boys in a car, waiting for a girl to close the door of a house and join them. During the car journey, the siblings decide to take their mother flowers and Bill, who is driving, recalls the rhyme. This is the start of their adventure as the brothers drink deeply from a spring outside the strange house they find, enter the building and are tempted to eat what they discover and find themselves trapped. Their sister must save them and she does- but at what future cost?

At every step of the story, there is much to absorb and spark discussion, making it a perfect text for exploring with a class. In the hands of the right teacher, top quality responses in drama, reading and writing would be guaranteed in response to exploring this book which is sure to spark imagination and wonder. The artwork is stunning - again, there is much to learn from and talk about here.

I cannot recommend this one highly enough.

Paradise Sands Levi Pinfold

Walker Studio ISBN: 978-1406383942

The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince

A lonely woodcutter named Kai lives deep in a forest where he spends his time carving statues for people to enjoy. One night, he remembers a tale his grandmother used to tell him about a cursed Snow Prince with a heart made of ice who would turn people to ice. However, when Kai is visited by the Prince, he finds the companionship he has been longing for. In the morning, Kai is devastated to find his new friend has disappeared and kai is alone once more. Determined to find his Prince, Kai sets off on a perilous journey to free the Snow Prince from his curse.

Loosely based on ‘The Snow Queen’, ‘The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince’ is a wonderfully heart-warming story. Christmas can be a very isolating time for many and Kai’s loneliness is tenderly captured, encouraging empathy through both the illustrations and the text. There is a sense that the Snow Prince is also alone, isolated by misunderstanding and fear, and the meeting of these kindred spirits offers both the companionship and happiness they have been seeking. Kai’s determination to find his Prince and break the curse shows the power of love and friendship, echoing Gerda’s quest to find her Kai in Andersen’s original tale or Anna’s journey to find her sister, Elsa, in ‘Frozen’. There is so much to discuss here about what it is to be human and the importance of meeting the basic human need for love, acceptance and understanding.

The illustrations are stunning. Icy whites and indigo blues capture the magical wintery landscape perfectly, contrasting with the cosy warmth of Kai’s home. The end papers are a thing of genius- showing how perspective and attitude can alter our emotional landscape and open us to very different possibilities. Each spread is a joy with many details to notice and linger over.

A Christmassy tale for every day of the year!

The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince

Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Davide Ortu

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339494

20 Elves at Bedtime

The night before Christmas Eve,

Santa could not sleep.

Although his reindeer friends suggest he counts sheep to help him doze off, Santa decides to count gold-buttoned elves instead! And so he does…jingling ones, ribboned ones, busy ones… twenty fun-filled elves until they all fall asleep!

Full of delightful illustrations, ‘Twenty Elves at Bedtime’ is the perfect festive treat! Told in rhyme, the story offers plenty of counting practice as, not only does the story encourage counting from one to twenty, but the cover and end papers also show arrays of twenty elves, crying out to be counted! The pictures are full of humour and as each elf is shown with their name and particular talent at the beginning of the book, there is plenty of opportunity for finding each one as the story progresses and for encouraging children to develop their own stories about their favourites. There is plenty of vocabulary to explore and enjoy along the way and one elf is admiring the Northern Lights which is sure to inspire discussions! Teachers might offer children the opportunity to write their own elvish tales, using one of the elves from the book to develop their own ideas- perhaps creating elf shaped books!

The story also lends itself to being part of a bedtime routine- particularly in the build up to Christmas. As the elves begin to tire, the text begins to slow and the pictures show everyone settling down to sleep, ready for the activity of Christmas Eve.

A magical Christmas treat!

20 Elves at Bedtime Mark Sperring, illustrated by Tim Budgen

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702313592

When Mino Took the Bus

The day comes when Mino the chipmunk reaches his seventh week and must leave his mother to find a place of his own. He has learned the bus route by heart and knows he must get off at the last stop where he will find his new home. Once on the bus, Mino is impatient to get to his destination and starts to chat to Guido, the bus driver, who tells Mino that he thinks the journey is just as important as the destination. As each new passenger boards the bus, Mino sits next to each in turn and each one teaches him something new. Time quickly passes as they share memories, bringing him safely to his destination.

This delightful, heartwarming story gently explores the mixture of anxiety and excitement felt by anyone who is facing change. As Mino sets off on his new journey, he makes new friends, appreciating each new moment and coming to understand how true Guido’s wise comment is. Mino is such an endearing character- full of enthusiasm and curiosity, he approaches each new passenger who gets onto the bus as a potential friend, making connections with others.

The illustrations are gorgeous. Mino’s big, soulful eyes gaze at those around him and each creature is full of personality from the elderly tortoise to the opossum family. Soft colours enhance the story, creating a cosy feeling as Mino discovers the joy of getting to know others and sharing the small joys of life, things that ‘linger on in everyone’s hearts’.

A very special story!

When Mino Took the Bus Simona Ciraolo

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740887

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