Speak Up!

Rocket loves going to the library with her mum and big brother, Jamal and is devastated to learn that the library has to close as there is not enough money to keep it open. However, Rocket has been reading a book about Rosa Parks, and decides that she (Rocket) must follow Rosa’s example and SPEAK UP! about the importance of libraries. Can she save the day- and the library?

Since ‘Look Up!’, Rocket has been one of my favourite picture book characters. Her determination, resilience and optimism in each story are an absolute joy and the stories are perfect for sharing and enjoying time and again. ‘Speak Up!’ is her latest adventure- and it is even better than the others!

The subject matter is very close to my heart. The essential role libraries play in communities, the haven they provide, the wealth of books they hold, the possibilities and lifelong learning and joy they offer- the value of these things cannot be underestimated. Through Rocket’s experience, conversations about their importance and the need to safeguard them for future generations can be started, particularly given the current budget cuts.

Rocket uses Rosa Parks (who she read about in a book borrowed from the library!) as her role model and the story shows that peaceful protest can bring about change. The library is saved by the generosity of individuals- not by the local council having a change of heart- people inspired by Rocket and the community speaking up for what they believe is worth fighting for.

Illustrations and text work in complete harmony. Rocket’s vivacity, her loving family, the energy of the campaign are all captured brilliantly, making each spread a joy to linger over and explore. I love spotting books I recognise on Rocket’s bookshelves and outside the library van!

Sure to be every bit the success of the two previous books, ‘Speak Up!’ is a powerful, heart-warming story for everyone to enjoy.

Speak Up!

Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241345870

Holey Moley

When Gus the Goat meets Mavis Mole, he enthusiastically sets about trying to guess where she lives. However, his determination to find a rhyme soon becomes annoying as he ignores all Mavis’s attempts to set him straight!

Full of fun, ‘Holey Moley’ is a brilliant story for sharing. Children will love Gus’s attempts to rhyme and will, no doubt, be full of their own suggestions for where Mavis might live- and then perhaps turn their attention to other creatures (good luck with squirrel!). There is a joyful silliness about Gus’s suggestions which makes the story a delight to read aloud as each idea is wackier than the last!

Anders Frang’s illustrations capture the anarchic humour brilliantly and each spread offers plenty of additional fun! I love the antics of the squirrels on the end papers and then throughout the book as they observe the unfolding drama! This is one of those books which will have young readers shouting, ‘Again!’ as soon as it’s finished! Great fun!

Holey Moley

Bethan Clarke, illustrated by Anders Frang

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801044134

Sunny Side Up

In this gorgeous picture book, children- and adults!- are encouraged to look on the bright side of life and find the positives in each situation. Using the idea of ‘sunny-side specs’, author, Clare Helen Welsh, offers readers a different way of seeing things- a ‘goodbye’ to one person could be a ‘hello’ to another and a bad mood could easily become a good one. This lovely, simple idea is perfect for encouraging children to develop a sense of having choice in how they react to things and thus a positive impact on the outcome. Schools and families might choose to design and make their own ‘sunny-side specs’ and use these as a reminder when needed. Taking action to make change is also encouraged- families are shown tackling waste in the sea so that they are able to enjoy the water together once it’s cleared- nothing seems impossible when viewed through the sunny-side specs!

However, the book also acknowledges that there are occasions when there isn’t a sunny side, reassuring the reader that it is OK to feel sad at times. I love the line- ‘The more sunny things you find, the sunnier you’ll feel.’- so true and so important to remember and share! It is vital to encourage children (and adults!) to believe that things might not be as bad as they first thought, that with a little bit of ‘reviewing the situation’ they might be able to see things in a more positive light! Clare- one of the happiest, most positive people I have ever had the pleasure to meet- has created a real winner here!

The text is accompanied by Ana Sanfelippo’s wonderful illustrations. Colourful spreads are enhanced by die-cuts and flaps which transform the pictures, just as having a different outlook can transform the world around us. There is plenty to talk about in each picture- perfect for classroom discussions or for sharing at home. This is an inspired- and inspiring- book!

Sunny Side Up

Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801044172

How to Grow a Dragon

Mr Pottifer’s Parlour of of Plants is a magical place, full of wondrous plants and Mr Pottifer is ably assisted by Sarah and Sprout the unicorn. One day, the postman delivers a variety pack of Dragodil seeds which results in a magical crop of dragons in all shapes and sizes. Although quickly homed, the dragons are not very well behaved and soon are all returned. Fortunately, Sarah is both resourceful and determined and soon, the dragons are all trained and happily homed once more.

This is such a lovely story! The rhyming text bounces along energetically, making it a pleasure to read aloud with plenty of opportunities for listeners to join in. Rachel Morrisroe has used a rich vocabulary which offers plenty to discuss as well as plenty of humour. Wonderfully imaginative, the ending suggests another idea for something which Mr Pottifer, Sarah and Sprout might grow in their shop, showing the potential for endless storytelling and developing ideas as children are sure to have plenty of suggestions of their own. The note from Sarah at the end about ‘how to grow your reading skills’ is so encouraging and thoughtful!

Full of imaginative details, colour and energy, the illustrations are fabulous! From gnomes with their socks scared off to lion like dandelions to Sprout’s loveable antics on every page, there is so much to notice, explore and enjoy in each of Steven’s brilliant pictures. Each of the dragons is bursting with personality- again, perfect for developing storytelling. The cover is really tempting with its textured, glistening dragon and this story is sure to become a firm favourite at home and at school!

How to Grow a Dragon

Rachel Morrisroe, illustrated by Steven Lenton

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241392256

I Heard a Bird

When cats seem to scare away the bird she is listening to, a little girl searches for it. As she endeavours to find it, she notices all kinds of insects and creatures in her garden before lying on the grass and connecting with nature.

the beautiful weather over the last few days has reminded me of how much I used to enjoy spending time with my son in the garden, discovering and observing nature as well as playing and creating. In this lovely book, Rob Ramsden explores the importance of using all the senses to appreciate the world around us, capturing the joy of really focusing on the little things in life. The carefully chosen language is perfect for sharing with children and encouraging them to identify the sounds and sights of nature- and then, perhaps, to investigate for themselves. The little girl’s concern for the bird and her desire to make sure the cats haven’t hurt it also offers plenty of scope for discussion about caring.

Additionally, the story shows the importance of taking time to relax and take time to connect with the natural world. The little girl hears the music of nature as she uses some simple meditative techniques which families could try for themselves.

The illustrations are delightful. Bright and bold, they are full of details to discuss and explore whilst the text has been used in places to imitate the movement of creatures- woodlice wandering, caterpillars, crawling- adding to the enjoyment of the story.

This is the fourth in Rob’s ‘In the Garden’ series, with ‘I Saw a Bee’, ‘We Found a Seed’ and ‘We Planted a Pumpkin’. Each is sure to foster a love of nature. Each is beautifully presented, colourful and instantly appealing, perfect for sharing with little ones.

I Heard a Bird Rob Ramsden

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252005

My Dad is a Tree

Madeline is pretending to be a tree so Dad decides to join in- just for a minute. As they pretend their arms are branches, their bodies are trunks and their legs are roots, Dad finds a sleepy owl nestling on his shoulder, a robin nesting in his hair, a slug on his shoe…Whatever happens, Madeline is on hand to help and support Dad with the experience. When night comes, Madeline acknowledges that they are not trees, but is delighted that they stayed outside all day- and wonders what they might be tomorrow!

This is such a wonderful book! Dad joins his daughter in her pretending, initially ‘just for a minute’, but in the end committing whole-heartedly to her game. Jon Agee has captured the whimsy and innocence of imaginative play and Dad’s dedication to joining in with his daughter is delightful, the love between them perfectly captured.

There is so much humour captured in the collage-style illustrations as Dad’s expression ‘to camera’ offers the audience a dual narrative to the events. But the story also celebrates all the possibilities when adults slow their pace and invest time and attention in their children’s games, nurturing their imagination and listening to their view of the world. This is sure to become a firm favourite for lingering over and sharing again and again- and who knows what games it might inspire?!

My Dad is a Tree Jon Agee

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252173

Anchored

Tug watches as Ship pulls out into the deep ocean, leaving her behind. As she continues working, Tug wonders whether Ship misses her as much as she misses Ship. She begins to less brave and more alone until one day, Tug hears a familiar ‘Boom, boom, boom’ and realises that Ship has returned. Once Tug has heard all about Ship’s travels, she is reassured to know that Ship has missed Tug just as much and that thinking of Tug made Ship feel braver and less alone. The next time Ship set sail, Tug felt much happier, knowing that, although they were apart, they were in each other’s hearts.

‘Anchored’ is a delightful picture book, showing that love is stronger than separation. Larger than little Tug, Ship is not gendered in the story, allowing Ship to represent any missing adult in a child’s life, making the story more relevant to them. Whatever reason there might be for a separation- an enforced absence due to work, starting nursery or reception, grandparents going on holiday- the message is loud and clear: they are ‘anchored in each other’s hearts’.

The book could equally be applied to friends who have been separated. Although small, Tug is powerful. She persists in her daily tasks, doing her best, warmed by the knowledge that Ship loves her and is thinking of her. Each spread is beautifully illustrated by Arielle Li, who manages to capture a real sense of love between Ship and Tug. It is a joyful story, perfect for sharing!

Anchored

Debra Tidball, illustrated by Arielle Li

EK Books ISBN: 978-1922539496

Luna and the Treasure of Tlaloc

This is the latest of the legendary stories about Professor Brownstone’s ancestors. Luna’s story is somewhat different as she was the most devious of the Brownstones, taught by bitter experience that helping others solve their problems can cause problems and so resolved to only look out for herself. She quickly amassed a more riches than she could count until a chance meeting with a young girl called Atzi lead her on a quest which changed everything…

The ‘Brownstone’s Mythical Collection’ books have been a huge hit since the first story, ‘Arthur and the Golden Rope’ appeared. Each story sees the Brownstone ancestors in a different setting, with their adventure offering historic and mythological details. I love these stories and have used them regularly, very successfully in schools, with children finding them accessible and engaging, enjoying the plentiful illustrations. This latest adventure sees Luna’s hunt for riches lead her to Aztec lands and the great rain god, Tlaloc. This setting adds enrichment to historical and mythological learning as it is sure to spark children’ interest in period not taught as part of the KS2 history curriculum.

In addition to the setting, the story reminds the reader that each person has the ability to change, to reassess their choices, and about the importance of thinking of others. Due to her experiences, Luna sets on a path of selfish interest, determined not to be hurt or vulnerable again. There is so much to discuss here as the story unfolds, so many points at which children could use drama and role play to deepen their understanding of the characters, places which lend themselves to writing in role and so many illustrations which cry out to be lingered over and enjoyed… As you can tell, I love ‘Luna and the Treasure of Tlaloc’ and cannot wait to use it with children in school. However, gift as it is for teachers, it is also a fabulous story to be enjoyed as a great independent read and is a must have for all bookshelves (along with the rest of the collection!).

Luna and the Treasure of Tlaloc Joe Todd-Stanton

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740801

Out in June!

Chipping Norton Literary Festival: The Hare- Shaped Hole

Chipping Norton is a thriving market town in the Cotswolds which hosts an annual literary festival. Now in its tenth year, this festival has gone from strength to strength with events held in venues across the town. It is a wonderfully friendly occasion, staffed by volunteers, offering an excellent programme of writers, poets, public figures and creative people. The events I attended were at the ACE Centre Nursery School where they had a lovely pop-up cafe, serving the MOST delicious cake (the slice of lemon drizzle did make it home to my husband, although I was sorely tempted!)

My first event was ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’ with author, John Dougherty, and illustrator, Thomas Docherty. This stunning picture book, beautiful in both words and illustrations, tells of the friendship between Bertle the turtle and Hertle the Hare. They are inseparable, but one day, Hertle disappears, leaving Bertle alone. Distraught, all he can see is a hare-shaped hole where his friend used to be. Bertle pleads with it, shouts at it, but no matter what he does, nothing brings Hertle back. When all hope seems lost, the gentle wisdom of Gerda the bear helps him to fill the hole with all his memories until he begins to feel better. It is such a poignant story, offering comfort and reassurance after the loss of someone dear. What happened to Hertle is never explored, allowing readers to put their own interpretation to the situation- the focus is on Bertle and his experience of loss.

The session was a complete joy from start to finish. John and Thomas began with a song, teaching the audience the chorus so they could join in. They are as talented musically as they are linguistically and artistically and the song was a joyful reminder to tell those you love that you love them. This obviously struck a chord with those listening as parents cuddled their children closer and smiled at each other. John then read the story, his beautiful rhyming text bring a tear the eyes of many in the audience, but also a sense of comfort and peace as Gerda supports Bertle with understanding his feelings and offers a way of ‘filling’ the hare-shaped hole in his life where Hertle used to be. The final spread in the book is simply stunning as it shows Bertle with Hertle’s shape now glowing, full of his memories, watched by Gerda who is holding paws with a bear-shaped hole also alive with memories. It is gorgeous.

Thomas then demonstrated how he draws Hertle and Bertle, sketching in shapes before building the characters in more detail. He taught everyone how to draw Gerda- the youngest members of the audience were best at this- and then Bertle. There were lots of amazing drawings! Finally, everyone was invited to fill an outline of Hertle in ways which showed their memories of someone close to them.

A brilliant session for a brilliant book! I even got to meet Thomas’s wife, Helen, who writes picture books!

The Hare-Shaped Hole

John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711276055

Blog Tour: My Mummy is a Witch

This lovely book is a glorious celebration of all the special moments shared between a mother and her daughter. Told through the eyes of the little witch, the story shows just how special spending time together can be. The illustrations clearly show the close relationship they share as the little witchling gazes at her mother in adoration.

The endpapers are peppered with pumpkins and potions, bats and bottles, snails and flowers, creating a suitably spell-like feel to the story and children might enjoy spotting these objects as they read the story. Fascinating facts, such as that holly used to be known as ‘bats’ wings’ in the Middle Ages, are scattered between these pictures. Throughout the book, the illustrations are delightful as they capture the pair foraging in the woods, enjoying the fun of bath time and snuggling down for a bedtime story.

The gentle rhyming text captures all the things the little girl loves about her mummy and the things which they enjoy doing together, including cooking. A recipe for the dandelion ice-scream they make is included at the end of the book so that readers can try making their own.

Owlet Press are well-known for their original, diverse and beautiful books and this is no exception.

My Mummy is a Witch

Helena Garcia, illustrated by Jess Rose

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339463

Thanks to Catherine Ward for inviting me to join the tour and to Owlet Press for a copy of the book.

‘My Mummy is a Witch’ is out on the 27th April.

The Crown: A celebration of life on earth

This is such a beautiful book! Speaking to readers from the future, a girl wears a crown which she has inherited. But this is no ordinary crown- it is made from rubbish left to her by past generations. The hill she stands on is created by landfill- and yet, in the waste, she finds a book which shows the world as it is now, the beauty of the oceans, the wonders of the sky, the diversity of Earth, and she imagines a world where the crown she wears might be so different…

The illustrations are stunning, instantly capturing attention and making the reader pause to think. The girl’s crown is shown in shades of grey, a tyre forming a ring round her head piled high with junk. Her companion, a gentle horse, patiently waits at her side, offering a comforting presence as she looks at the world she has been left. Children will notice her pained expression and be able to identify some of the rubbish as items they use everyday, provoking conversations about her world and how it has come to be as it is.

As she opens the book she has found, colour glows from the pages, reminding the reader of the innate beauty of our Earth and reinforcing the importance of looking after it. She refers to what she sees in the book as a ‘fairy tale’, an unbelievable world compared to her own. The books closes with some ideas for ways to help change things, written on tree stumps.

A deeply poignant book, this would be excellent to share at home or to use with classes of all ages as part of PSHE lessons, for assemblies, for art lessons or for story time. It could also be used to inspire writing, poetry, artwork… Simply stunning!

The Crown A Celebration of Life on Earth

Emily Kapff

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406397130

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