Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
A Christmas Delivery
Tomas and Lolli are very excited about Christmas- and so are all their dragons! When a tiny ice dragon bursts out of one of the spiky fruits on their dragon-fruit tree, it brings snow with it, transforming the garden into a winter wonderland. But, although fun at first, it soon becomes clear that the snow is going to stop them from delivering their presents on time. However, with a little help from the dragons, everything turns out just right in the end!
This absolutely delightful picture book is set in the wonderful world created by Andy Shepherd in her ‘The Boy Who Grew Dragons’ series. Magical and imaginative, ‘A Christmas Delivery’ is a real festive treat which everyone can enjoy!
The story captures all the excitement of the build up to Christmas as the dragons ‘help’ with the preparations and cause chaos! A wonderfully warm sense of family is captured as the siblings work together to get ready for Christmas with the focus very much on spreading joy rather than the presents which they might receive. They are determined to deliver their gifts to family and friends, sticking together and working as a team to achieve their goal…with a little help from their dragon-y friends! Children will love spotting Father Christmas flying through the sky, aided not by reindeer, but by a dragon!
Children are sure to be inspired to imagine their own dragons, describing them, drawing them and deciding on the skills and attributes which they might have. The language used in the story is lovely, making the book a joy to read aloud and each spread bursts with lively, engaging illustrations which are perfect for lingering over and spotting all the little details.
Sure to become a firm favourite all year long!
A Christmas Delivery
Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sarah Warburton
Templar ISBN: 978-1835874264
How to Find a Yeti
A self-proclaimed yeti expert decides that he is going to find the yeti which he is sure lives in the forest behind his house. Having packed his rucksack and donned his favourite scarf, the little boy and his dog, Milo, set off for the trees. Having searched everywhere, the little boy returns home having concluded that there is NO yeti in the forest…but how has his lost scarf found its way back to his doorstep?
‘How to Find a Yeti’ is an absolutely delightful picture book which will have little ones giggling in delight! In true ‘look behind you’ tradition, they will love pointing out what the little boy just cannot see- that the yeti really is living in the forest.
Story and illustration work in perfect harmony as limited text shares the boy’s thoughts and feelings with the reader whilst the illustrations speak volumes. As he dreams of the fame which will come with his great discovery, the pictures offer so many details to notice and enjoy. Children will particularly enjoy exploring the contents of his rucksack, including a ‘just in case’ pair of pants. I fondly remember how my son used to enjoy packing all the things which he would need for a walk- although a pair of emergency pants was never included!
The real fun of the story starts as the little boy and Milo head for the forest. Sharp eyes will notice a strangely shaped tree on the horizon which hints at things to come. The little boy fails to see what the reader does and he shines his torch into logs and stands on a high snowy ‘hill’ to peer through his binoculars. The amiable yeti makes friends with Milo and is shown to have a big heart as he returns the little boy’s lost scarf which he carefully folds and places on the doorstep, ready to be found the following morning.
As the little boy hunts high and low and looks to left and right, adults might encourage children to join in with these actions, perhaps taking the chance to reinforce directional language or prepositions. They could look in front and behind, under and over, above and below etc perhaps creating their own yeti search maps and developing imaginative play based around the story.
A fun-filled, engaging read, ‘How to Find a Yeti’ also offers so many possibilities for play, art activities and learning!
How to Find a Yeti
Matt Hunt
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805136484
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
Rita longs to become a ballerina. Fuelled by her passion for dance, she practises every day, striving to become the best she can be. However, as she looks at ballet magazines and compares herself to her friends, Rita is filled with self-doubt, feeling that she is the wrong shape to be able to be a ballerina. Comforted by her friend, Wanda, and teacher, Monsieur le Fox, Rita regains her confidence and dances as she has never danced before.
‘The Bear Who Wanted to Dance ‘ is a heart-warming story about following your dreams and encourages having a positive body image.
Dance- particularly ballet- is a hugely competitive industry with many dancers suffering from eating disorders whilst pushing their bodies to the limit so a book which challenges these ideas is, in my opinion, brilliant! I’m not suggesting that one picture book will change the world, but if one little dancer takes courage from it, that can only be a good thing! Rita, like so many children, particularly girls, forgets the fact that she has worked hard and is an excellent dancer as she compares her physical appearance to that of other dancers and does not like what she sees. The reader sees, as Rita does, her large, almost shapeless shadow falling on the ground in front of her surrounded by the elegant, slender outlines of her classmates, cleverly avoiding the use of the harsh words often used to describe larger bodies. No one tries to tell her that she is not large, instead focusing on the facts that she is the right shape for her and is the best dancer, supporting her in a very positive way!
Another thing which I love about this story is that the author shows Rita as having worked hard to improve, dedicating her time and energy to practising. This is not one of those stories which simply tells readers that they can be whatever they want to be with no effort- Rita is good at dancing because she has dedicated time and effort to the art and so deserves her success!
The book would make an excellent story to share both in school and at home, no doubt sparking conversations about feeling positive about your body, working hard to achieve your dreams and being resilient. With delightful illustrations (including ballet positions on the end papers!) which add much to the story, this is a book to inspire and comfort!
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
Stephanie Stansbie, illustrated by Wendy J Warren
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918675
Squirrel and Bird
Squirrel and Bird are very different. Squirrel is really loud, confident and always busy whereas Bird is really quiet, shy and prefers to sit and do nothing. Yes, they are really different…or are they?
This delightful picture book challenges readers to consider how they view others, encouraging the idea that everyone is an individual with many facets to their personality. Having worked in schools all my working life, quick snap generalisations of children as ‘good’, ‘naughty’, ‘cheeky’ etc have always annoyed me as no one should be judged as one dimensional. ‘Squirrel and Bird’ is perfect for challenging this notion!
An unseen narrator introduces Squirrel and Bird, emphasising their difference. Bird is annoyed by these comments and readers will enjoy noticing that the narrator’s commentary is not a true reflection of what they are actually feeling! Eventually, it all gets too much for Bird who demands that the narrator recognises that there is so much more to Squirrel and Bird than they (the narrator) gives them credit for and starts to rewrite the story with a more perceptive commentary!
The illustrations are simple lovely, using muted, sepia tones and are full of details for children to notice and enjoy. Bird’s comments are presented in a flowing, cursive script, allowing readers to differentiate between their thoughts and the narrator’s commentary. The story is both thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable and would make an excellent book to share with any class of any age to encourage discussion about how we see others, how we see ourselves and how we are all a complex mix of different things at different times.
Squirrel and Bird
Laura Baker, illustrated by Stacey Thomas
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917203
Giggling Ghosts!
In a busy town, when it’s quiet after dark, there is a house full of ghosts who are ready to scare! Sneaking and spinning, gliding and booooing are all great fun, but their favourite thing to do is giggle.
Perfect for sharing, ‘Giggling Ghosts’ offers a fun, interactive story time. Bouncy rhyming text encourages children to join in with the little ghosts as they have a great time stretching, tiptoeing, jiggling and wiggling, encouraging everyone to be active and interpret the ghosts movements in their own way.
Although obviously full of ghosts, this is not really a spooky story making it just right for sharing with younger children at Hallowe’en time. The illustrations are lovely, showing ‘cute’ little ghosts surrounded by sparkling dust as they glide around and even the pictures showing them peeking round gravestones are not frightening! Children are sure to quickly identify their own favourite amongst the ghosts and follow its adventure from picture to picture as each seems to have its own personality. They might enjoy thinking up names for each one!
Sweet, gentle and fun, this lovely book would make a wonderful story time and could easily be used to inspire lots of craft activities!
Giggling Ghosts!
Fiz Osborne, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398535084
Victor and the Giant
Victor is enjoying his morning hot chocolate when, suddenly, there is a terrible noise and a horrible shaking, followed by silence. Looking out of his window, he sees an enormous giant, who, having eaten all the city apart from Victor’s building, is now sleeping off his meal. Summoning his courage, Victor sets off to investigate…
‘Victor and the Giant’ is a quirky and imaginative read. In the best fairy tale tradition, our hero, Victor, defeats the giant and restores his mother and the rest of the city. His solution to the giant problem, however, is not violence or outwitting his adversary, but creativity and appealing to the giant’s better nature.
Genial, but hungry, the giant, once woken from his slumber, is moved by Victor’s tears and is happy to rectify the situation in return for a milky hot chocolate. Children will appreciate Victor’s tactics as he wakes the giant by pulling out one of his nose hairs and then tickles his tonsils to get his mother and the city back. The illustrations allow readers to ‘admire’ every hair, lump and bump on the giant’s skin and in his mouth and shows the regurgitated city covered in slime, all of which is sure to make children squeal in delight! Other illustrations emphasise how tiny Victor is in comparison to the giant and children will enjoy spotting his tiny figure as he tries to appeal to his huge adversary.
All ends well as Victor’s mother and the city are returned and the giant satiated. However, the final page leaves the the reader wondering what really happened, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy!
Victor and the Giant
Rafael Yockteng, translated by Elisa Amado
Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1778499841
The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours
Commander Julia and the crew of the Mission Star Drifter have been searching for signs of life in the universe for ten years. It is beginning to feel like a fruitless mission and relations on board ship are becoming a little strained. They decide to visit one last planet and initially, this seems like all the other harsh, lonely, cold planets which they have been to until their dog, Khan, draws their attention to some yellow beings who open the explorers’ eyes to new beauties and new wonders.
‘The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours’ is another beautiful and thought-provoking book from Chloe Savage.
The delicately coloured illustrations burst with beguiling details, making the book a joy to linger over and explore. Cross sectional diagrams of the spaceship allow readers to observe life on board ship whilst other illustrations allow readers to be in on the joke and notice that there is life on this ‘desolate wasteland’ before the crew does. The spaceship itself is oddly human, its ‘face’ reflecting a whole range of emotions as the adventure continues.
The story offers the potential for discussing a whole range of topics, making it a wonderful choice for sharing with a class. Having initially been filled with enthusiasm for their mission, the lack of success leads the crew to become disenchanted with their task; however, ultimately, their patience is rewarded. Relationships between crew members become tense due to their close confinement with little things being blown out of all proportion. Initially, the Star Drifters fail to appreciate the space creatures’ way of life, showing how cultures can misunderstand each other, but eventually, they come to appreciate their world and enjoy simply appreciating how wonderful it is to be alive and enjoy the moment rather than searching for a practical purpose. Plenty to ponder on whilst enjoying this lovely story!
How to Scare a Mouse and Bear
It’s Hallowe’en and Bear is determined to give Mouse a fright. However, no matter what he tried Mouse sees through costume after costume until a mysterious monster knocks on the door…
Bear and Mouse are back for their fourth adventure in ‘How to Scare a Mouse and Bear’ and it is every bit as adorable as the previous titles!
Illustrations start the story before the text kicks in as Mouse is gathering pumpkins and squashes for carving into Hallowe’en lanterns, setting the scene for the spooky season. As Bear announces his intention to scare his friend, Mouse, feisty as ever, declares that he won’t be frightened. Challenge made, Bear appears in a series of Hallowe’en costumes, each mocked by Mouse. The text follows the usual Mouse and Bear book pattern, making it reassuringly familiar and perfect for children to join in with, predicting the rhyming words whilst laughing at Mouse’s responses. Children may well enjoy thinking of other costumes which Bear might try and creating their own responses from Mouse as he appears in them! Readers will delight in the moment where Mouse realises the monster at the door is not Bear and the fact that their scare leaves these two pals cuddled together behind a chair, united once more!
The illustrations are wonderful- big and bold against single colour backgrounds, perfect for little children to focus on and enjoy. The range of expressions on Mouse and Bear’s faces as the story progresses is impressive, offering plenty of moments to pause and wonder how each is feeling at different parts of the story. I have said this before, but I think children would love to make simple glove puppets of Mouse and Bear and use them to re-enact this or any of the stories or to create their own.
I hope there are many more Mouse and Bear books to come!
How to Scare a Mouse and Bear
Ross Collins
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805135012
You can read my review of ‘We Disagree About this Tree’ here.
Unicorn Post
One day, when a little girl is playing in her tree house, a unicorn arrives. Keen to help her new friend, the little girl takes the unicorn to visit places around the town which might make a suitable new home. From the pet shop to the fair, together they explore until, at last, the unicorn finds its perfect forever home.
Simply delightful from start to finish, ‘Unicorn Post’ is a gentle, heart-warming story, perfect for sharing.
Children will love lifting the flaps to explore the leaflets and letters which are found throughout the book, enhancing the story with lots of additional details and humour. These are so delightful that readers are sure to be inspired to create their own little leaflets and letters, perhaps as part of their own book made in this style. The Funfair map includes a key to help identify the different rides and locations whilst the leaflet from the pet shop is full of ‘purrfect’ puns and and ‘cheep’ offers!
The illustrations are gorgeous and the whole book has a rosy glow which adds to the warm feeling of the story. As the little girl tries her best to find the unicorn a home, the relationship between them blossoms until, although happy she has found the perfect place for the unicorn to live, the little girl is deeply saddened to leave her new friend behind, leading to a long walk home with no singing and a grey tinge spreading across the landscape. Fortunately, the perfect happy ending is just round the corner and the new friends are happily reunited!
Although not many people write and post letters these days, this book reminds us how nice it is to receive something so personal! ‘Unicorn Post’ is a real joy!
Unicorn Post
Emma Yarlett
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529525175
You can read my review of ‘Nibbles The Very Hungry Book Monster’ here and ‘Dragon Post’ here.
Hank meets Frank
Hank the goose can be a little bit objectionable- that means bad-mannered and rude- at times. However, he can also be good when he tries which is really important today as his sweet little cousin, Frank, is coming to play. However, cousin Frank might not be as lovely as everyone believes leading to a little cousin-ly rivalry!
Like ‘Hank Goes Honk’, ‘Hank Meets Frank’ is a wonderfully funny story which both children and adults will love to share again and again!
Although Frank might appear sweet and innocent, he is full of mischief and soon starts making trouble for Hank. But Hank ups the ante and soon things get out of control as they try to get one up on each other. The illustrations are bursting with humour and readers will enjoy spotting each prank until the final spread where they are pulled into the action! Whether reading with a class or snuggled up with someone special, the story will have everyone giggling- and perhaps plotting a few pranks of their own.
The story also offers the opportunity for discussing how quickly things can get out of hand if ‘jokes’ are taken to excess! In the end of this book, the devious duo join forces, but these things can often escalate and cause problems.
Colourful, attractive illustrations and comic narration combine to make this a real treat!
Hank Meets Frank
Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918552
You can read my review of Hank Goes Honk here.
Oh Dear, Look What I Got!
A child sets out to the shop in search of a carrot, but finds he has been sold a parrot. ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’, he cries. Off he goes once more in search of a hat…and comes home with a cat! And so the story continues until an unexpected puppy causes chaos. When the doorbell rings, all the shopkeepers are at the door, bearing the items which has been originally requested, leading to an impromptu party!
‘Oh Dear, Look What I Got!’ is a delightful cumulative tale, full of fun and fabulous illustrations.
The bouncy rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud and children will enjoy predicting what comes next as well as joining in with the repeated refrain of ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’ which comes after every mistaken purchase. The illustrations offer little clues - a bear’s clawed paw poking from one bundle, a forked tongue from another- adding to the fun of predicting what is about to appear. The story lends itself to creating additional trips to the shops, with children adding rhymes of their own before joining in with a chorus of ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’!
The illustrations are wonderful! On each journey to the shops, the child (I chose to use ‘he’- no indication is given as to whether it is a boy or girl) is followed by all the previous creatures acquired and there are so many details to notice and enjoy. The story starts and continues on the end papers, offering children the opportunity to continue the tale with their own ideas about what happens next!
Simply delightful!
Oh Dear, Look What I Got!
Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Walker ISBN: 978-1529510898
War Dog
In ‘War Dog’, Tom Palmer tells the true story of Judy, a canine hero of WWII. Known for his carefully researched, thoughtful historical fiction, Judy’s story is presented as a picture book, making it accessible to a younger audience.
Celebrating the courage, loyalty and intelligence of animals who worked alongside service men and women, ‘War Dog’ is a deeply poignant account of Judy’s life as she served on HMS Grasshopper and then was incarcerated as a prisoner of war, sharing the hardships of the crew and bringing them comfort and hope. Forming a special bond with Frank, one of the crew, her devotion to him speaks volumes about the vital role pets play in keeping people happy and healthy- even in the worst circumstances.
Written for a younger audience, the story does not shy away from the fact that Judy was badly treated and that the conditions the prisoners were kept in were harsh and frightening, but presents this in an age appropriate manner. The lovely illustrations support this, bringing Judy’s story to life, showing how she offered comfort, support and loyalty - and was loved in return.
Information at the end of the book offers useful information about Judy and how she was awarded the Dickin Medal as well as the role played by a selection of other animals- who could easily be the focus of future books! One of the many things about Tom Palmer’s skill as a writer of historical fiction is his ability to use great sensitivity and respect when sharing the stories of others, making their stories very ‘real’ for his audience and inspiring them to want to discover more about them. In ‘War Dog’, he has shown that he can do this in picture book form just as well as he does in his novels and is sure to lead younger readers to a love of history just as he does with older ones.
A beautifully written, powerful story- perfect for sharing this- and every- Remembrance Day.
War Dog: The True Story of Judy, hero of WWII
Tom Palmer, illustrated by Carolina Rabei
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702325946
You can read my review of ‘Resist’ here
The Great Nut Hunt
Squirrel is busy at work, gathering as many nuts as he can and hiding them away to keep them safe. However, he soon forgets where he has put them and sets off to find them. Does Bear have them? Owl? Beaver? It might take a little help from his friends if Squirrel is to find them!
Bouncy rhyming text make ‘The Great Nut Hunt’ a real joy to read aloud, perfect for engaging children!
There is so much to love about this story! Having lost his precious store of nuts, Squirrel suspects that his friends might have taken them and so sneaks into their homes, taking something from each of them. He ends up both disappointed and feeling like he has been a really bad friend. Fortunately, his friends are willing to forgive him and kind enough to offer their friendship and support. Perfect for starting discussions about making mistakes, the story shows the importance of owning up to being wrong and apologising.
The story also offers plenty of curriculum enrichment as it is sure to generate discussions about squirrels hibernation habits and why they need to cache nuts. A note at the end of the book says that millions of trees are planted by squirrels each year in this way! The story might lead to a tree planting event or a walk through some woods, looking for evidence of new growth, perhaps caused by squirrels! They could also look closely at the type of nuts that squirrels bury and then look at the trees/ plants which grow as a result.
Children will love lingering over the illustrations and noticing all the details. It was pointed out to me that Squirrel trying unsuccessfully to shut his front door on his stash of nuts is very like me trying to close my library door! I deny this, of course!
Great fun, this is sure to quickly become a story time favourite at home and at school!
The Great Nut Hunt
Karl Newson, illustrated by Nia Havilliard
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702342165
Dragon Dave the (Not So) Brave
Stuck in a book with an ending which he really doesn’t like, Dragon Dave escapes to the title page. When Prince George finds him, looking sad, Dave explains and together, they set about changing things. Having identified the disappointing parts of the story, they re-write these to Dave’s satisfaction!
‘Dragon Dave the (Not So) Brave’ is a wonderful, fun- filled book, showing people can re-write their own stories and make positive changes.
Loosely based on the story of George and the Dragon, Dave ends up as dragon soup with a squirrely Prince George and the other villagers triumphant. However, together, they create an alternative ending along with some fun edits which alter how Dave is viewed by readers as well as making the story more entertaining! A surprising little twist at the end shows that Dave is not the only one keen to change things!
Teachers could have great fun using this story to challenge children to edit and improve writing, showing how to develop characters and add detail and encouraging them to add imaginative details. Dave and George are lovely personalities and the gorgeous illustrations add much to the story.
A really positive, laugh-out-loud story to share and enjoy!
Dragon Dave the (Not So) Brave
Alex Latimer, illustrated by Phillip Cullen
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702314858
Whoosh!
Having had the most wonderful dreams full of ice cream, Boy wakes and asks Grandad if they can have ice cream for breakfast. Ready to set off at last, they cycle for ages only to find that the ice cream van has sold out. Undeterred, they concoct a plan, create a flying bicycle and whoosh off to Ice-cream Mountain…
The latest book about Boy and Grandad, ‘Whoosh!’ is another joyful story from Sam Usher, celebrating creativity and imagination.
At the heart of these stories is the wonderfully warm relationship between Boy and Grandad as they share their adventures. A gentle sense of camaraderie and contentment permeates the whole story from their trip preparations to their return home. They even have the same taste in red and white stripey socks! Content in each others company, they start and end the day together, looking forward to more shared adventures.
Their adventure- setting off to find ice cream, creating their flying bike, flying to Ice-cream Mountain and avoiding a shower of sprinkles before returning triumphantly with a cargo of ice-cream to share- is a perfect blend of the real and the imagined. Children will enjoy studying the labelled diagrams shown on the endpapers and perhaps designing their own flying machine - or using their imagination to transform a bicycle into something else!
And then there’s the ice cream! What could be nicer than a tasty treat whilst reading, whether experimenting with different flavours and combinations or creating home made ice cream to share and enjoy!
The illustrations are so lovely- full of details- and lend themselves to repeated exploring, with opportunities for children to create their own stories as they enjoy them. Sure to become a firm favourite, ‘Whoosh!’ is a delightful read!
Whoosh!
Sam Usher
Templar ISBN: 978-1800786783
Publishing on the 11th September 2025
How to Catch an Idea
A little girl searches everywhere, trying to catch an idea. As she looks, she asks everyone and everything she meets for help…
‘How to Catch an Idea’ is an absolutely delightful story which celebrates insatiable curiosity and the wonders of wondering!
As the little girl sets out to catch ‘a super-shiny, sparkling, brand-new’ idea, she asks advice from those she meets along the way, offering plenty to discuss and reflect on as the story is shared again and again. Children are sure to have plenty of their own thoughts about where ideas come from and how they should be nurtured and developed. Just as the girl a note book to record her ideas, they might be inspired to start one of their own, allowing them to draw, note, write and scribble as ideas and thoughts come to them.
The lovely language used to explore girl’s search is matched by fabulous illustrations, brimming with humour and things to notice. It is such a joyful book, one which teachers will enjoy sharing with classes, perhaps discussing the way different people answered her questions and perhaps considering how other people might answer- a teacher or sweetshop owner, for example! Children could draw themselves in a swirl of ideas like the one of the little girl or, if they are currently chasing a big idea, leave space to add these as they occur to them!
What a lovely book!
How to Catch an Idea
Forest Xiao
Orchard ISBN: 978-1408366974
Let’s Be Earthlings
A little alien discovers Earth and it delighted by all its wonders. It enjoys feeding like a bat, carrying its home on its back like a snail and playing like a child. The only thing missing is its friend, Batu…
In ‘Let’s Be Earthlings’, the little alien’s enthusiasm for all the joys of Earth is infectious! As they shapeshift from creature to creature, children are encouraged to think about all the variety and wonders of life on Earth and how the planet makes the perfect home for everyone.
The little alien realises that not everything on Earth is as happy as it might be- some Earthlings never go outside -some Earthlings are scared of the alien and tell it to keep away- but the alien finds solutions to these difficulties and still thinks Earth is amazing!
The illustrations are colourful and full of fun, capturing the little alien’s enthusiasm for the world its exploring and the diversity of life on Earth. Children can enjoy spotting the creatures that they have met along the way on the final spread, including finding which animal the little alien has shifted into!
Let’s Be Earthlings
Mary Murphy
Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659620
Publishing 7th August 2025
The Coming of the Iron Man
In ‘The Coming of the Iron Man’, the first three chapters of Ted Hughes’ much loved classic, ‘The Iron Man’ have been abridged for younger readers and brought to life by Mini Grey’s fabulous illustrations.
Having read ‘The Iron Man’ to many classes over the years, I know how much they enjoy the opening scene where the Iron Man appears for the first time, falls down the cliff and rebuilds himself before disappearing into the sea. The richness of the language with its use of onomatopoeia, personification and repetition make it a joy to read aloud and Mini Grey’s wonderful pictures bring the story vividly to life for readers young and old.
Many of the illustrations could be used to generate ideas about characters. The one of Hogarth waiting in the tree, for example, could be used as a place to pause and explore what he might be thinking at this point, children adding their thoughts on post-it notes. Children could explore their ideas about the appearance of the Iron Man, comparing their own thoughts to Mini Grey’s portrayal whilst looking at the text for any given details.
Through beautifully illustrating this classic story, Mini Grey has made ‘The Iron Man’ accessible to younger children, perhaps leading them to read the full story when they are older.
The Coming of the Iron Man
Ted Hughes, illustrated by Mini Grey
Faber ISBN: 978-0571382736
Publishing 14th August 2025
Taking the Long Way Home
The walk home from school is always too long for Zarah. However, when Uncle Jerome picks the children up and suggests that they take the ‘long way home’, the walk is suddenly full of fun and imagination!
Celebrating the power of imagination and the joy of engaging with children and encouraging them to have fun, ‘Taking the Long Way Home’ is a delightful story. Initially, the children- Zarah and her sibling who is not named-are reluctant to engage, but Uncle Jerome’s enthusiasm and willingness to play with them quickly wins them round and they all end up having great fun. As they enjoy skimming stones, watching nature and eating ice creams, there is plenty of time to imagine pterodactyls swooping overhead, escape the snapping jaws of crocodiles as they cross a river and track a yeti to the top of the hill whilst taking the long way home.
By the end of the story, the children are thoroughly enjoying themselves. The illustrations capture their adventure perfectly, showing their excitement and delight as they explore as they open up to trying something different and realise how much fun this can be. It is lovely to see an Uncle being such a positive role model in this way, encouraging imaginative play and outdoor fun!
Taking the Long Way Home
Jake Hope, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald
Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252845
Come Back, Gosling
A little girl and a gosling are dear friends who love one another very much. Going to the library and sharing books is their favourite thing to do, but one week, they start a book which the little girl does not like and will not share. The book goes missing until one night, Gosling finds it and reads it…and leaves. Desperate to make things right, the little girl chases after him to make amends.
‘Come Back, Gosling’ is a lovely story, celebrating friendship, the love of books and the importance of honesty.
Through the power of books, the little girl discovers that Gosling will grow into a goose and learn to fly. Scared about this change, she refuses to share the information with her little friend, first by becoming upset and changing the subject, and then by hiding the book. This refusal to face change means that, not only does she hide something important from her friend, but she also fails to read to the end of the book and so does not fully understand what is going on. Once the truth is out, Gosling is able to follow his own path- but the friendship endures. Friends cannot always be together- the freedom to do your own thing and to thrive on your own is so important- and those friendships which have some space and respect of individual needs are often the strongest!
The illustrations simply glow with David Litchfield’s usual magic and warmth! The opening end papers show the little girl and Gosling making their way to the tree house with their books whilst the end ones show the same scene, but in the autumn, after Gosling’s return. There are so many details to notice and enjoy. Children will enjoy spotting other books by Anne and David amongst those in the library- ‘A Shelter for Sadness’, ‘The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk’- as well as other favourites such as ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Their love of sharing books is beautifully captured- a special time to be enjoyed and valued, something which, sadly, is so often not a part of children’s lives.
Inspired by the story, children may well enjoy learning more about the life cycle and habits of geese, perhaps sharing their information by creating a lift-the-flap book and start creating a little library of their own. Perfect for story times, this is a book to linger over!
Come Back, Gosling
Anne Booth, illustrated by David Litchfield
Templar ISBN: 978-1800783072
You can read my review of ‘A Shelter for Sadness’ here and ‘The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk’ here.
