Farah Loves Mangos

Farah loves mangos. She loves them so much that she even reads them stories…before eating them! Every year, the ancient tree in her grandfather’s big backyard is laden with fruit which they gather with the help of Mali the dog. One summer, however, the tree does not yield any mangos and no matter what Farah tries. She declares that without mangos the tree is useless, but Grandpa, who she thought was doing nothing, puts her on the swing he has been making. As she swings up into the branches, Farah realises the tree is teeming with life and it’s worth looking at things in new ways.

What a delicious and delightful book! The illustrations are completely fabulous- full of humour and detail, they complement the text perfectly, creating a story which is a joy to read! Farah’s love of mangos has led her to overlook the bounty and joys the tree apart from its fruit. She has never paused to notice the ‘life of the tree’ or to value the tree for anything other than mangos. The story offers so much to reflect upon and discuss and could lead to children- and adults - taking the time to look at many things in different ways, valuing them for what they are and not just for what they give.

I love the way in which her Grandpa quietly continues making a swing, allowing her to try and solve the problem herself. And boy, does she try! His solution is to show her the wonders of the tree by making her a swing to both play on and see the tree anew from. Sarthak Sinha has beautifully captured this loving relationship throughout the book, but for me, the last two illustrations say everything!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and ‘Farah Loves Mangos’ absolutely proves this! There is so much to linger over in each spread as the illustrations add to the humour and magic of the story with so many details to notice. This is a gorgeous book!

Farah Loves Mangos Sarthak Sinha

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741365

Kind Crocodile

When Crocodile leaves his pond, he finds himself called on for help by a series of animals fleeing danger. First comes a mouse, then a warthog, next an antelope and finally, a rhino. As each takes refuge on his back, Crocodile becomes overwhelmed and decides to teach them a lesson!

Simple text and gorgeous illustrations combine perfectly to convey this gently humorous tale about Kind Crocodile whose patience is tested to the limit. Each creature he saves rides proudly on his back, confident that the combination of crocodile’s sharp teeth and his fearsome ‘Grrrrr!’ will be enough to ward off danger. But none of them notice that Crocodile is flagging under their weight and when Rhino comes along, poor Crocodile is left flattened and speechless. Banding together, they see off the danger, boasting about their bravery and teamwork…until Crocodile decides enough is enough and gives them a good scare before they all make they way off together once more. The illustrations are just delightful and the text is both simple and satisfying enough to have little ones joining in!

The story offers plenty to chat about as children can empathise with how the characters are feeling- and how they make Crocodile feel. Children are sure to be tempted to draw Crocodile and his friends as well - and perhaps create stories about the adventures which they set off to share together! This is sure to become a firm favourite!

I would have loved to have been able to hear Leo Timmers speak at Oxford Literary Festival tomorrow as I love his artwork, but sadly, this is not possible! Perhaps next year…

Kind Crocodile Leo Timmers

Gecko Press ISBN: 978-1776574704

You can read my review of ‘Elephant Island’ here.

Lizzy and the Cloud

I make no secret of the fact that I love the Fan Brothers’ books and share them with children (and adults!) at every opportunity. Each book is a complete delight, offering so much to explore and enjoy, meaning that I am never sure which one is my favourite!

Although clouds are a bit out of fashion, Lizzy chooses one from the cloud seller on a visit to the park with her parents. These come in many shapes and sizes, but Lizzie selects an ordinary one and calls it Milo. Having read the care instructions, Lizzie does her best to look after her cloud, but as he grows, she realises that she must let him go.

The illustrations are an absolute joy! Many of the pictures are in shades of grey with highlights of bright yellow whilst others are full of colour. There are so many details to notice (Which doors might the ‘keys for unknown doors’ open?) and so much to discuss on every spread, with plenty of opportunities for readers to develop their own stories as they read. There are many ways this book could be used in school as there are many places to pause, reflect and discuss, leading to role play, drama and a wide range of writing opportunities. The instructions for ‘Cloud Care’ and the possibilities for designing and drawing their own cloud companions offer endless fun and creative work.

Lizzy cares so much for Milo that, in the end, she realises that she must do the right thing for him, regardless of how she feels. She loves him so much that she jots an additional instruction to the ‘Caring for Your Cloud’ sheet- ‘Let your cloud float free’. Clouds should not be confined to small spaces, we are told, and this might offer a useful starting point for some difficult discussions about friendships, for example.

The book is an absolute joy from beginning to end with a timeless feel and wide appeal. It is one to be enjoyed again and again…and again!

Lizzy and the Cloud The Fan Brothers

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711275928

You can read my review of ‘It Fell from the Sky’ here, ‘The Barnabus Project’ here and ‘Ocean Meets Sky’ here.

Faruq and the Wiri Wiri

There was no better smell in the world than Ajee’s cook-up rice.

Faruq longs to be a chef when he grows up, but his family expect him to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. However, Mrs Joseph from next door offers to teach him to cook, starting with lime cookies ‘cause they easy peasy’. Every day, he slips through the fence and learns to cook, learning about new ingredients including the wiri wiri pepper and how to handle it carefully. When Ajee falls ill one day, Faruq decides to prepare lunch for his family. Cooking for his family fills Faruq’s heart with love and opens his family’s eyes to a different plan for his future.

This lovely story is a real celebration of family, food - and the importance of following your dreams. Faruq has a real passion for cooking and it is a joy to see him helping Ajee in the kitchen, preparing food for his family. His question, ‘Why can’t boys learn to cook?’ offers an excellent starting point for discussion about finding and developing passions and pursuits which follow interests regardless of pressure or influence to the contrary.

The story is rich in family love and a real celebration of Guyanese culture, even including a recipe for lime cookies- a treat which just begs to be baked and enjoyed and spreading Faruq’s joy in cooking! The illustrations are bright, colourful and engaging, showing the joys of cooking, eating and family life- all the ingredients needed to accompany this delicious story!

Faruq and the Wiri Wiri: A Celebration of family and food!

Sophia Payne, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Templar ISBN: 978-1800782624

The Laugh

Once there was a lady who had the loveliest laugh in the world.

This lady’s laugh takes many forms from quiet giggles to explosive belly laughs. Her laughter is contagious, creating many special moments shared with a little girl. One day, however, she becomes ill, and although she can’t laugh, there is still a smile in her eyes. When she dies, it seems the laughter has gone with her and the little girl is left with a huge hole in the world where it had been…

Both poignant and up-lifting, ‘The Laugh’ is a gorgeous celebration of a special relationship. Although never specified, the lady and child appear to be mother and daughter and though both pictures and words, their relationship is beautifully captured. The little girl looks in adoration at the lady as they are shown sharing many joyful moments together and the mother cocoons her child in love. The little girl associates the sound of laughter in all its forms with the lady, reflecting the happiness they find together. Although a father figure is also included- and there is no doubt that they are a loving family together- it is the special bond between mother and daughter which is celebrated here.

And then comes the loss. Her decline is captured simply and powerfully and the spread showing father and child clinging to each other by the empty bed speaks volumes, evoking empathy and, perhaps, encouraging discussion. In the days that follow, they make an effort to continue with their lives, but the book acknowledges that the joy seems to have left them: they can’t…won’t…don’t want to or know how to move on with their lives whilst everyone around them seems to be doing just that, but the story ends with a ray of hope. One day, something happens and quite spontaneously, laughter returns. It is perfect for acknowledging the grief of loss whilst showing that it is natural to be able to continue and be happy again afterwards. Reassuring and heartfelt, it reminds the reader that we never truly lose the ones we love.

The Laugh

Fay Evans, illustrated by Ayse Klinge

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740825

Beware the Blue Bagoo

Rumours are flying around the appropriately named Rumourville about the evil deeds of the Blue Bagoo, an awful creature who has committed many nefarious deeds. However, no one seems to be able to answer the simple question posed by one brave detective- who is the Blue Bagoo?

This is one of those joyous picture books which can be read and enjoyed at so many levels! The lively rhyming text offers plenty of opportunities for joining in with different voices, at different volumes and with great enthusiasm yet the story brilliantly lends itself to discussing how rumours, misinformation and gossip can distort the truth.

As the inhabitants of Rumourville put up posters, sing songs and tell their tall tales, one intrepid detective sporting a Sherlock Holmes style deer stalker and clutching a magnifying glass is determined to uncover the truth and make people answer the question. Eagle eyed readers will notice clues as to the true identity of the Blue Bagoo as the story progresses and appreciate how wild some of the claims are. At one point, someone claims the Blue Bagoo is green!

The story exposes how baseless rumours can quickly take hold and become ‘truth’ as they spread, making an excellent starting point for discussions with any age range. It could be used for assemblies or PSHE session on situations between friendship groups, within a class or school- or on wider issues in the news. The detective concludes that mistakes can easily be made, but that if we are friendly, kind and caring and give love, then this is what we will find in return.

The illustrations are delightful- full of details to notice and enjoy. Turn the cover over and it shows the back view of the image on the front plus the owner of the trail of little footprints on the front. The final illustrations underline the point that the addition of the Blue Bagoo and its relatives to the community has both enriched their lives and made the town a happier, nicer place to live. This is sure to become a firm favourite at home and at school!

Beware the Blue Bagoo

Karl Newson, illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier

Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711267824

You can read my review of ‘I Really, Really Love You So’ here.

Mr Leopard’s Bookshop

Sophie’s best friend is a pug named Boss. Wanting to buy him a present for his birthday, Sophie discovers a magnificent, if a little in need of a clean, bookshop, bursting with books. Here, she meets the manager, Mr Leopard, who tried very hard to help her find the perfect gift. Just as she is beginning to despair, Mr Leopard introduces her to something very special…leading to the perfect present and the perfect party!

With its fun-filled, colourful illustrations, ‘Mr Leopard’s Bookshop’ is a delightful story. Told in rhyme, the text is a pleasure to read aloud, offering opportunities to ‘do the voices’ of Mr Leopard, Sophie and other characters which children will enjoy both joining in with and creating for themselves! Various verbs and reporting clauses are used to introduce the speech which lends itself to some role play and discussion of character before possibly leading to some written work. Children might also enjoy thinking about what type of books their own pets- or animals which they know- might choose for their birthday.

The illustrations are full of details to notice and linger over, making this a story children are sure to return to again and again. The pictures really focus on Sophie with her mother only appearing as a pair of legs walking to the shop or lying in a faint on the floor or as a partial figure in the shop doorway, allowing her to enjoy her adventure in the bookshop without interference! Great fun- and it’s set in a bookshop! What more could you ask for?!

Mr Leopard’s Bookshop

Alexa Brown, illustrated by Julia Christians

Scholastic ISBN: 978-1407189130

Guest post: Danielle Krysa

Danielle Krysa is a mixed-media artist, writer and speaker, and host of The Jealous Creator blog. After experiencing criticism from an art tutor that cut so deeply it stopped her creating art for 20 years, Danielle has rediscovered her creative joy and is helping others to do the same. She has written several books on the topics of creative block and dealing with the inner critic, as well as delivering workshops and talks on these themes for TEDx, PIXAR and on oprah.com, among others. Today she introduces us to her new children’s book, Art and Joy: Best Friends Forever.

Can you tell us a bit about your new book…

This is the story of two best friends, Art and Joy, who love being creative — until the Art Bully shows up and starts whispering doubts in Art’s ear. I love the idea of personifying “Art and Joy”, because they really are two peas in a pod! I want children to see that Art and Joy should always go hand-in hand. Hopefully, as these kids grow up, they’ll remember this story, and how important it is to keep these BFFs together!

What is the inspiration behind this story?

This is a children’s book, but I hope the message resonates with artists young and old! When we’re little, art and joy are almost synonymous. As we get a bit older, even just in grade school, we can start to worry about “doing it right” — uh oh, joy is already starting to fade. By the time we’re adults, so often creativity can get overshadowed by the pressure we put on ourselves to “be successful”. What will galleries be looking for, what do collectors want to buy, what if [insert anything] has been done before? As kids, we just glued glitter onto feathers and stuck pompoms onto construction paper because we knew it would be AMAZING!

Do your book ideas come to you visually, or does the storyline come to you first?

Strangely, the stories come first. Given that I went to art school and then another year at design school, you’d think the images would come first! With both of my children’s books, How to Spot an Artist, and now Art and Joy, it was the story leading the way. Actually, for the longest time I couldn’t picture what the illustration style for Art and Joy would look like until, one day, I was swimming laps at our local pool and - TA-DAH - the image of a sparkly blob of paint with little pencil lines for arms and legs popped into my head. I cut the swim short, jumped out of the pool, and ran home to try it out! Luckily, it worked!

What is your typical writing or book illustrating day like?

Coffee is absolutely necessary while writing, and potato chips are my reward for finishing. I do all of my writing and illustrating at home, although whenever I feel stuck, I like to bring my sketchbook and laptop to a cafe. A new environment filled with people, sounds and smells helps me loosen up a little — also, they never run out of COFFEE!

What do you enjoy most about being an author & illustrator? 

Everything! It truly is my dream come true. I’ve had stories and pictures in my head since I was a little kid, and I feel so lucky to be able to put them into books that end up on bookshelves all over the world.

Were you creating art / illustrating from a young age?

Yes! My mom is an artist and she always says I was stealing her art supplies as soon as I could walk. I drew, painted, sewed, and — fun fact— I wrote and illustrated my first kids’ book under a bush in our backyard when I was seven years old. (I even planned a line of merchandise and a Saturday morning cartoon to go along with it — go big or go home, I guess?!)

What are your favourite books from your childhood? And now – which children’s books and creators do you particularly love?

When I was little I loved Curious George books, and everything from the world of Dr. Suess. In my 20s I bought Oliva by Ian Falconer, even though I was years away from having my own kid! I just thought it was so beautifully illustrated and that the writing was so clever. Oh, I also absolutely love BJ Novak’s The Book With No Pictures! Other book illustrators I love include Julie Morstad, Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers.

Art and Joy: Best Friends Forever by Danielle Krysa is published by Prestel, out now.

£12.99 hardback, ISBN 9783791375373.

Find Danielle at thejealouscreator.com and on Instagram @thejealouscreator.

Many thanks to Danielle for sharing this today. Some lovely ideas for ‘Make Stuff!’ activities are included at the end of the book.

I have taught so many children who have an ‘Art Bully’ whispering negative thoughts to them - and have my own personal one as well- so this story really struck a chord with me and would be a great one to explore with children of all ages. Perhaps everyone should adopt the new motto- ‘An artist finds joy every day!’

Don’t Be Silly!

Bouncy Bo and Little Smudge lived in a castle…

With their father, Mr Judge.

So begins this delightful romp of a story in which, full of the exuberance of youth, siblings Bo and Smudge, are constantly being told ‘Don’t be silly!’ by all the grown-ups around them. Even when they try to act like adults, donning serious hats and big shoes, they still fail to impress. However, a visit to their grandparents changes everything as the greeting they receive on arrival is the opposite of the boring one they expected!

Told through bouncing, rhyming text, this story is sure to strike a chord with many children (and adults!). The repetitive refrain of ‘Don’t be silly!’ will encourage them to join in with any reading of the story as the antics of both the children and their grandparents inspires this response. At one point, at one point Smudge observes, ‘Perhaps when you grow up, your face gets very stiff, so it is hard to move your mouth and make its corners lift’, a thought which is perfect for encouraging discussions about the importance of enjoying yourself and looking for the lighter side of situations, no matter what your age!

The illustrations are simply delightful with much to notice on each spread from the little mice who join in all the children’s antics to the glowering portraits on the castle walls which eventually find their smiles! It is so lovely to see vibrant, energetic grandparents, full of life and silliness, being depicted in this way. The book is a joyful, light-hearted read which is sure to become a firm favourite!

Don’t Be Silly! Padmacamdra

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252111

All the Wonderful Ways to Read

Come snuggle with me…

This delightful book is a celebration of the right of the reader to choose exactly how they will read and explore books. Wherever and however you engage with a book, this one carries the message that the most important thing is that you should love to read!

It would be an interesting book to use to spark conversations with children of any age about where and how they choose to read- and to, perhaps, unpick some of the preconceptions children have about when, how and where people ‘should’ read. It might inspire them to create their own ‘rights of the reader’ style poster, sharing how they best love to read as well as encouraging them to share books which they enjoy which might open new possibilities for others.

Bright, fun illustrations accompany the rhyming text as it celebrates the wonder and magic of books and stories and the many ways and places of enjoying them. It is a lovely book for sharing at home and at school and one which is sure to be read again and again!

All the Wonderful Ways to Read

Laura Baker, illustrated by Sandra de la Prada

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801044158

When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left

I love ‘The Dot’, Peter H. Reynolds’s timeless and inspirational story about creativity, perseverance and self-confidence, celebrating ‘Dot Day’ every year. He has written and illustrated many other books, each of which carries a very positive, self-affirming message. They are perfect for using in school- for individual classes, for assemblies, for whole school projects- and each with Reynolds’s wonderful illustrations.

‘When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left’, written by Marc Colagiovanni and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, is an inspirational story about making a choice about how to deal with worries, frustrations, fears and doubts.

The little boy at the heart of the story is faced with a day when nothing is going right. So, he decides to go left- leaving all his worries, doubts, fears and frustrations behind. He perseveres, finds the courage to try again and realises that the more he does this, the more ‘right’ he feels. The wonderfully positive, affirming message is simply, but directly told, perfect for sharing with children and offering strategies for coping with being overwhelmed or overcoming adversity.

Language play, a direct, optimistic tone and lovely artwork make this an appealing text to use with any age group as its message is as relevant to adults as it is to children. The guidance it offers is full of optimism, reminding the reader they have the power to choose to ‘go left’ and ask for help when needed. It is a joyful book- one for sharing again and again.

When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left!

Marc Colagiovanni, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702324765

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

Blog Tour: Finding Floss

Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Finding Floss, the Colour Changing Cockerpoo!’. The charming colourful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the gentle rhyming text, which explores what to do if you should get lost. Parents will find this invaluable for instigating conversations about this in a non-worrying way- there is an advice page at the end of the story- making it an important addition to bookshelves. Floss’s antics are sure to amuse and entertain whilst children enjoy spotting where she is camouflaged in the pictures. The story also has a loving family, which happens to be a blended family, at its heart- my favourite illustration in the whole book is the one shown on the Blog Tour banner above of them all together!

Author, Cara Matheson, joins me on the Bookshelf today to answer some questions…

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

The first story I remember writing was in verse and about cats. It began: “Cats are lovely, cats are nice, cats like chasing rats and mice.” I think I was 7. Despite this, I am very much a Dog Person. I can mostly be found curled up reading with my cockapoo, Scout, or following her a round Greenwich Park, near where I live.

In a former life, I was a journalist on various women’s magazines. I took a break from that to raise my now school-age daughters, and – after being immersed in the world of picture books – decided that I’d like to have a go myself.

Scout is a therapy dog. Can you tell us about that?

Currently,  Scout and I visit a local primary school to read with the children, as part of the Pets As Therapy Read2Dogs scheme. We’re based in the library and small groups of children come to see us and read a book of their choice to Scout. Some children find this easier than reading to a person, as Scout is a non-judgemental (and very cuddly) listener. It’s especially helpful for children with certain educational needs, anxiety or shyness, not to mention those that are going through personal difficulties or speak English as a second language. Scout loves the attention (and extra treats!) she gets during these sessions and it’s wonderful for me to see how the children grow in confidence from her visits.

What made you want to write a children’s book?

Having children of my own opened up the world of picture books to me, starting with Julia Donaldson’s Superworm – the first book I read to my eldest daughter. I’ve enjoyed seeing how much my children benefitted from these stories, which have provided lots of bedtime laughs, opened up interesting conversations and sometimes even helped them process difficult emotions or experiences. I suppose I just wanted to create the sort of book that they would enjoy.

What inspired the story and the characters?

Well, Floss is inspired by my dog, Scout! The other characters are loosely based on my own family. I’m from a diverse background (Irish, English, Chinese and Iranian…and more) and have also grown up in a blended family after my parents split up. I wanted Finding Floss to reflect my ‘normal’ and show it in a positive way. Finally, I think a lot of parents can recall a scary time when their children were lost (it’s only happened briefly for me, but each time my heart pretty much stopped) and I wanted to help children and their grown-ups have that all-important discussion about what to do, in a gentle, non-threatening way.

How did you find the publishing process? How did it feel to hold your finished book in your hands?

In a nutshell: A whirlwind, a wonderfully creative group effort, and  a lesson in immense patience at times (publishing lead times are loooong) before being suddenly hurled full-speed towards publication day! When I finally received the finished book I was simply giddy with excitement and in a state of disbelief. I’d been writing for so long – over a decade now – I almost couldn’t believe it had finally happened for me.

What do you think of the illustrations?

Mirna did an incredible job, especially with making Floss such a cute and endearing dog. Floss’s family are also perfectly rendered and the little girl (her name is Annie, though this isn’t mentioned in the story) is the sort of child I love to see in picture books: quirky, unique - and a glasses wearer. I also love the colours Mirna used and all the sweet little details she included. I honestly can’t think of a better illustrator for the book. Oh, and the endpapers are just fabulous!

What do you hope readers will take from the book?

I hope young readers will feel more confident about coping, if ever they find themselves lost. Most importantly, though, I want them to enjoy the story and perhaps even feel inspired to write their own.

Are you working on anything now?

I have lots more picture books up my sleeve, at various stages of completion – including a second Floss book. Writing in verse is a joy, but I’d like to have some of my prose stories published too. These tend to be on the irreverent, slightly random side, like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, which I think children respond really well to.

Finding Floss: The Colour-changing Cockapoo!

Cara Matheson, illustrated by Mirna Imamovic

published by Owlet Press, £7.99 paperback, out now.

Find Cara on Instagram @cara_matheson_writer and Twitter @cara_writer

 Thank you so much to Cara for joining me today. Make sure you follow the tour to find out more about this lovely book. You can find out more about publishers, Owlet Press, here www.owletpress.com

Granny and Bean

There are some books which magically manage to capture the very essence of a perfect day and this is one of them. The story evokes memories of childhood (and parenthood) as it portrays the idyllic sense of togetherness and joy- joy in each others company, joy in exploration, joy in their surroundings, joy in the simple things of life- that is at the heart of an outing with a child.

Karen Hesse uses gentle rhyming text to capture this day at the beach. The sky is grey and the wind whips the waves, but nothing deters these two from enjoying each new experience. With ‘their cheeks chaffed red and their hair dripping wet’, they continue their walk across the beach, laughing and playing, picnicking and singing. The language is rich and playful with plenty of things to discuss and to inspire the next trip to the beach!

The illustrations are as delightful as the text. Granny and Bean move across each spread, the bright colour of their clothing vivid against the unique beauty of a grey day on a British beach. They do not pause for photos or phone calls; Granny is as ‘in the moment’ as Bean, often crouching down to child level to share and value each experience. They keep a few ‘best shells and a stone’ to take away with them- no living creatures torn from their environment here- as they turn and make their way back towards home, their shadows long in the late afternoon light.

Perfect for sharing at home or at school, ‘Granny and Bean’ is simply delightful!

Granny and Bean

Karen Hesse, illustrated by Charlotte Voake

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529510041

Mole’s Quiet Place

Mole and Beaver live together in a treehouse in the forest. At the end of each day, they light the lanterns, just as their old friend Bear used to, making their home like a lighthouse. Seeing the light, many other creatures are drawn to the warmth and friendship of this home, but as more and more animals arrive, Mole feels overwhelmed. Realising his friend needs some space, Beaver and the treehouse gang set to work to create a mole-sized boat so Mole can enjoy some quiet time before heading back to the comfort of the treehouse.

Readers first met Beaver and Mole in ‘Goodbye Bear’ where they comforted each other after the loss of their dear friend. In this touching sequel, the friends are living in Bear’s treehouse and there are many details for readers to notice and enjoy which link the two stories. In this book, Bear’s treehouse is full of the hustle and bustle of visitors as a constant stream of friends drop in to chatter, sing and share some cake. But although Mole enjoys the excitement, she longs for the peaceful evenings she and Beaver used to share. Beaver and the others recognise and value these feelings, validating them by creating a space for her to be alone. No one gets offended or questions her need for a quiet space- they support her by understanding her need.

The story is perfect for starting conversations about allowing others some space by striving to understand their feelings. Many parents will find this invaluable for helping siblings navigate not feeling rejected or valued when alone time is needed by one- or all- of their number. It would also make an excellent book for a story time to support children with understanding the importance of ‘allowing’ friends to make choices about how they spend play times or working times and respecting these. The enchanting illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the story and I hope we see more books about Mole and Beaver and their lovely friendship.

Mole’s Quiet Place Jane Chapman

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801044257

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