Victor the wolf with worries

Victor worries a lot. He worries that he isn’t brave enough, big enough or wolfish enough. He tries to pretend that he’s all of these things- but then worries other might expect him to do the things which he is too worried to do. Luckily, his best friend, Pablo is on hand to offer some good advice and Victor’s worries start to recede and then Pablo confides that he (Pablo) had been worried about all the same things.

Wonderfully warm and reassuring, ‘Victor the wolf with worries’ is perfect for sharing with little ones who are struggling to cope with their feelings. Not only does Pablo help Victor understand that worrying is perfectly normal and something which everyone does, he also offers some excellent advice and strategies for dealing with these feelings. The book offers an excellent starting point for grown-ups for encouraging little ones to explore their emotions and find ways of dealing with them.

The illustrations are everything you would expect from Catherine Rayner. Victor has the most gorgeous little face with wonderfully expressive eyes, allowing the reader to really empathise with him- again, perfect for encouraging discussions about feelings. I am always stunned by Catherine’s artwork- every spread is a masterpiece!

Victor the Wolf with Worries

Catherine Rayner

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529051285

Gigantic

Living in the Atlantic is a blue whale named Gigantic. But Gigantic is the smallest whale in his pod. Teased by his brother, Titan, Gigantic makes friends with a turtle named Myrtle and together, the two have great fun leaping and diving and playing. When Titan sees them, he declares that whatever Gigantic can do, he (Titan) can do better…which leads to him being grounded. Luckily, Gigantic, Myrtle and all the small sea life creatures are on hand to help and Titan learns a valuable lesson.

A new Rob Biddulph book is always a thing of joy and ‘Gigantic’ is no exception! Like his other books, it is sure to become a firm favourite at home, and at school with one reading never being enough! The text is a pleasure to read aloud and the vocabulary used is rich and varied, offering plenty of new words to discuss and enjoy. Titan’s taunting of his little brother is something many siblings will recognise and the story will be relevant to many, perhaps leading to conversations about empathy and understanding- and not just between siblings! I love the friendship between Gigantic and Myrtle, two very different creatures forming such a lovely bond and sticking together!

As with all of Rob’s books, the illustrations are just wonderful. There are five things to find hidden in the pages as well as plenty of details to notice and enjoy. Both illustrations and story are sure to lead to learning about sea creatures and the oceans as so many creatures are depicted under the water. As well as being a joy for a read aloud, the book lends itself brilliantly to being a key text for a class to work with, sure to lead to lots of wonderful work and plenty of pleasure!

Gigantic Rob Biddulph

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008413439

Published 14th September

You can read my review of ‘Odd Dog Out’ here, ‘An Odd Dog Christmas’ here and ‘The Blue Footed Booby’ here.

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble

The boys are back - and so is their feline foe, Kitty Le Claw. Shifty and Sam are off on the Pawrient Express as it heads for Carnival Night in Venice. As the baker dogs whip up lots of delicious delights for the passengers, the lights go out and a porter is quickly identified not only as the robber, but their arch-nemesis, Kitty Le Claw. As she escapes in her getaway gondola, ss chase her through Venice, but, although they manage to retrieve the stolen goods, Kitty escapes…

I am proud to declare myself Shifty and Sam’s Number One fan! For the last 10 years, Tracey and Steven’s stories about these loveable robber dogs turned bakers have been amongst my go-to books for sharing at story times (whether in school or at home), using as a starting point for crafting activities or simply for reading for pleasure myself. ‘Train Trouble’ continues the series in style, offering the perfect combination of Tracey’s beautifully bouncing rhyming text and Steven’s brilliantly detailed and entertaining illustrations.

The rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, full of humour and perfectly paced, with plenty of opportunities for discussion. The ‘Pawrient’ Express, gondolas, Venice and its masked Carnivals are all excellent starting points for curious minds wanting to learn more.

As ever, the illustrations are pure joy! Every spread offers the usual spider hunt and fans of the series are sure to recognise some familiar faces like Lady Kate and Barnaby along with some of the guest from Woofington Hall and Sidney Scarper the penguin. I’m luck enough to have been to Venice more than once (and am the only person I know who has fallen out of a gondola- fortunately not into the canal!) and loved spotting details Steven has captured in his pictures. The carnival picture even includes pigeons in masks- with some bearing a marked resemblance to Shifty, Sam, Kitty and the spider!

I hope there are many more adventures for Shifty and Sam- at least another 10 years worth! Huge congratulations to Tracey and Steven for their genius and many thanks for all the joy they have given fans of these gorgeous books.

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble

Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839943225

You can read my reviews of ‘The Missing Masterpiece’ here, ‘The Stolen Sleigh’ here and ‘Pirates Ahoy’ here.

Pea Pod Lullaby

Soothing and lyrical, ‘Pea Pod Lullaby’ is part song, part poem and perfect for sharing. As a mother, baby, small child and their dog flee in a small, tattered boat. As they sail across the vast ocean, they are joined by a little bird and a polar bear in need of help, sharing what they have as they journey on through all weathers. The little bird flies away and the polar bear climbs off onto an ice berg to join three cubs and the family continue sailing until they reach the safety of land once more.

The family’s story is developed through the illustrations, making the book wonderful for ‘reading the pictures’ and initiating discussions about the plight of the family and the creatures they encounter. The polar bear they rescue, for example, is floating on a fridge, not ice as might be expected. Sharp eyes might also notice the little bird returning to the boat, clutching a leaf in its beak, just before the boat reaches land, just as the dove returned to the ark. Each picture is beautiful, telling a story of hope and compassion, of need and sharing, of love and togetherness.

A note at the end of the book tells the reader that the words were created in response to the illustrations. They send a touching message about the importance of caring for one another. The richness of the vocabulary and the powerful imagery might resonate more with adults than with children, but there is no denying their beauty or poignancy.

Pea Pod Lullaby

Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Old Barn Books ISBN: 978-1910646458

Flora and Nora Hunt for Treasure

Best friends, Flora and Nora, are cats with very different personalities and they are both off on a sea-faring adventure to find the Secret Treasure. When disaster strikes, their boat is destroyed and they are separated. As Flora starts to panic and as Nora starts to cry, each is consoled by asking themselves what the other would do in that situation and things start to look brighter. Ultimately, the two are reunited, realising that their friendship is worth so much more than treasure.

Friendship is such a wonderful thing and this lovely book is a brilliant celebration of how friends can support and complement each other. The two cats have different strengths- Flora, we are told, has brilliant ideas whilst Nora has an organised tool box, but together, they face everything the voyage throws at them. Their separation only makes them appreciate each other more. Standing beside a huge mound of Secret Treasure, they are too busy being reunited to even notice these riches, only seeing the value in each other. Although there is lots of humour, the story also offers plenty to discuss about the things which are important in life.

The delightfully quirky, brightly-coloured illustrations are full of details, making them really engaging and full of things to notice. This is a story which will become a firm favourite, with many re-readings being demanded! An absolute joy!

Flora and Nora Hunt for Treasure

Kim Hillyard

Penguin ISBN: 978-0241488607

You can read my review of Mabel and the Mountain here.

Fly, Butterfly, Fly!

I love the ‘Wild Wanderers’ series by Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou. Beautifully illustrated, each uses lyrical language to draw attention to the wonders of its subject. This book focuses on butterflies- the Cabbage White, in particular. Feeling herself too plain when compared to her more colourful cousins, she embarks on a journey, allowing the reader to accompany her around the world.

In each location, we meet butterflies who live there and learn about their natural beauty and the difficulties and dangers they experience. Back home, the Cabbage White’s colour allows her, unseen, to lay her eggs on the leaves of the cabbages ‘pebbling the fields all around’, completing the life cycle as they say ‘crawl, Caterpillar, crawl’ to her young.

I know I’m getting old, but my childhood memories are not only full of hot summers, but full of butterflies. Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, Small Tortoiseshells, Common Blues seemed to fill the gardens and hedgerows. Now, each sighting of one of these mini-marvels is a moment of celebration and so this book offers a wonderful way of introducing young readers to the different species which can be found across the world, hopefully sparking interest and developing a genuine concern for their well-being.

The descriptive, poetic language is a pleasure to read aloud and is a perfect starting point for further discovery. The use of Kennings- foot-taster, proboscis-drinker- draws attention to specific details whilst other phrases celebrates the beauty of the butterfly, but the whole text is full of information about these fascinating creatures. Each illustration is full of things to notice and explore and the book ends with a section on ‘Butterfly Facts’, an excellent starting point for discovering more. I look forward to finding out what Dom chooses to focus on next- or was ‘Crawl, Caterpillar, Crawl’ a clue?!

Fly, Butterfly, Fly!

Dom Conlon, illustrated by Anastasia Izlesou

Graffeg ISBN: 978-1802580785

You can read my review of ‘Grow, Tree, Grow!’ here, ‘Blow, Leap, Hare, Leap!’ here and ‘Swim, Shark, Swim!’ here.

The Ocean Gardener

Ayla’s island home is surrounded by a coral reef. This she visits with her mum who is a marine biologist, wondering at its beauty and all the incredible creature who live there. On one visit, however, they notice the corals have lost their vibrant colours and the fish were disappearing, swimming off into the ocean. Fortunately, Ayla’s mum has a plan, but is it too late to save the coral reef?

In this gorgeous book, Clara Anganuzzi both captures the beauty and importance of coral reefs and the important work done by marine biologists in working to reverse the damage that has been done to them.

The lyrical text gently conveys so much- the close mother-daughter relationship, the wonders of the reef, sorrow at the destruction of the reef, the hope that it might recover and joy for the future. It is sure to capture the imagination and the breath-taking illustrations which accompany it are just as enchanting.

At the end of the book, readers are introduced to a real marine biologist, Chloe, whose story offers facts to support the events of the book, perfect for sparking conversations about the work being done to reverse the damage done to the environment, offering a hopeful message. The book concludes with some facts about corals and what is happening to them is also included.

‘The Ocean Gardener’ is a must-have for homes, classrooms and libraries.

The Ocean Gardener Clara Anganuzzi

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838915315

You can read my review of ‘Dear Earth’, illustrated by Clara, here.

Ning and the Night Spirits

A little boy called Ning lives in Long Shan Valley where every night his family light lamps to scare away the night spirits. Although he really wants to find out more about the spirits, Ning cannot ask the other children as they seem every bit as scary as any night spirit. Hearing his parents worrying about him, Ning heads off into the forest where he meets a night spirit who is anything, but scary. They quickly become friends and Ning meets other amazing creatures and spirits which live in the forest. Finding that they are hiding in the forest because they are scared of people, Ning knows he must find the courage - and the words- to help them.

Perfect for sharing at home or at school, ‘Ning and the Night Spirits’ is, like all Flying Eye publications, a beautifully produced book, tempting readers to pick it up and explore the story within.

Ning is a quiet child who is unsure around other children, lacking the confidence to talk to them. In order to help the creatures of the forest, he has to overcome his fears and find a way to make himself heard. The story is sure to make readers empathise with Ning and encourage discussions about how the children might have been able to support him with overcoming his fears. This might lead to conversations about other fears and seeking ways to tackle these.

The story also shows how easily misconceptions can arise as both the villagers and the creatures of the forest believe they have something to fear from the unknown. It takes Ning to bring the two sides together and explain the misunderstanding on each side, encouraging a celebration of their differences as they learn more about each other. Children might also notice that the animals have been driven away from their natural habitat by the actions of humans- again, leading to discussions about the world around us and being thoughtful towards, and respectful of, everything that lives in it.

Each spread is wonderfully illustrated, with lots of details to notice and enjoy. The spirits and the creatures Ning meets are perfect for sparking imagination and encouraging children to create their own whilst the map on the end papers (showing the change in Ning at the end!) is perfect for using as support for plotting stories in Ning’s world.

A delightful story!

Ning and the Night Spirits Adriena Fong

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1913123161

The Thing at 52

There’s a Thing on my street.
He lives at number 52.

A little girl notices a Thing living in her street and worries that he might be lonely so she brings him a flower. Soon, a wonderful friendship blossoms and they have lots of fun together. The little girl realises that there are many Things and decides to throw a party where everyone has the best fun. But one day, the Thing has to leave and their adventures come to an end.

‘The Thing at 52’ beautifully illustrates the importance of noticing others and offering small acts of kindness to those in need. As the little girl watches the Thing, she becomes sure he is lonely and wants to help. By taking him the small gift of a flower, she opens the possibility of a new friendship- a perhaps unexpected one. The story offers the perfect starting point for discussions about not just friendships with peers, but other members of the community who might be lonely. The little girl’s mum is quietly present, supporting her in her desire to spread some kindness. And through her friendship with the Thing, the little girl reaches out to the rest of the community.

The story also looks at loss. The Thing leaves…’All things have to go sometime’ he tells the little girl. Although she is sad and misses the Thing deeply, the story book shows how their relationship has left her with positive, hopeful feelings. She is happy to see the new family at number 52 because she thinks the Thing would have liked it; she has formed new relationships as a result of their friendship. There is plenty to discuss here with a child experiencing loss, whether through death or separation.

The illustrations are gorgeous, warm and joyful. I particularly love mum’s presence in the story. The mother-daughter relationship is beautifully captured as she supports and comforts her child, encouraging her to make her own decisions.

Perfect for sharing, this lovely story should have a place in every library or bookshelf!

The Thing at 52

Ross Montgomery, illustrated by Richard Johnson

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711279148

You can read my review of ‘Penguin Huddle’ here and ‘Spellstone’ here.

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