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.
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Pirates Ahoy!
I have to confess that I am something of a Shifty and Sam superfan! Since their first picture book won the first North Somerset Teachers’ Book Awards picture book category in 2015, I have eagerly awaited each new adventure and have read these stories to many children, many times. So I was delighted to discover that Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are off on a new adventure and I set out to buy it on my trip to Bath today.
The loveable robber-dogs-turned-bakers are catering for a pirate party when Captain Chucklebeard’s treasure is stolen. The party band is really a pirate gang who have made off with the treasure. But Shifty and Sam zip into action, saving the day!
Tracey’s rhyming text is a joy to read aloud! It captures the energy and excitement of the tale perfectly whilst Steven’s illustrations are full of visual humour and such detail. I am delighted to see that the lovely little spider has made a return and can be found on every page, encouraging children (and adults!) to pour over each spread. This winning team has produced another winning book!
My love of these two characters has meant that I have made Sam cupcakes, a Sam pumpkin, a Sam balloon and a miniature Sam toy. This is because, being very limited artistically, Sam’s shape makes him relatively easy to draw and so once again, I have used him as the inspiration for this simple making activity! You will need card, scissors and felt pens. The card can be from a cereal packet or similar, but will need to be coloured/ painted to match Sam.
First, find a circular object and draw round this twice on card. One piece is for Sam’s body and so will need to be brown. Cut each circle out carefully- the more circular they are, the better the end result! Fold one in half- this is for the rocker and so doesn’t need to be brown. Next, cut a piece of white card (or you could use paper) to make Sam’s jacket. You can do this by cutting another circle and cutting off the top and bottom if you find it easier.
Cut two small rectangles of white card for Sam’s arms, adding brown semi-circles to one end for his paws. Stick these behind the white ‘jacket’ and then stick this to the body. Decorate this with felt tips so that it looks like Sam’s jacket in the illustrations. Now cut two small white circles (for the eyes) and two small brown circles (for the ears) and stick these in place. Now, add the rest of Sam’s facial features using felt tip (see first picture below). Next, cut two small rectangles of brown card for Sam’s legs, rounding off one end for his paws. Cut a chef’s hat from white card and stick this and the legs in place. Turn Sam over and attach the second folded circle carefully to the back, making sure you line the edges up carefully.
Tap one of his arms gently and watch him rock from side to side! Now, if only I could draw Shifty..!
Blog Tour: Orla and the Wild Hunt
Rather than go to France with her father, his fiancée and two sons, Orla decides go and stay with her Gran in Ireland. To her surprise, her bother, Apollo, elects to go with her. The two are still grieving the death of their mother and look forward to the comfort and familiarity of the tiny ramshackle cottage on the edge of the Tangled Woods. But Gran is not herself, seeming nervous and watchful, although she still makes her tiffin and shares the tales from Irish folklore. Then Gran vanishes one night and with the help of a local boy called Conor and a strange creature they found locked in Gran’s shed, they set off on a perilous and magical mission to find her and save her from the Wild Hunt.
‘The Mask of Aribella’ is a huge favourite of mine so I was very keen to read Anna’s new book. Rich in folklore, imagination and love, ‘Orla and the Wild Hunt’ is an incredible story- and one which I will return to again and again.
Orla is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother and resents the fact that everyone else seems to be able to move on with their lives, lashing out at her brother in particular. She denies herself the joy music and singing brings, having believed that maybe, if she had practised hard enough, her mother would have got better, and has withdrawn from her friends. When her Gran is taken, she has no choice but to take action and move forwards as she cannot bear the thought of losing someone else. Kind hearted, thoughtful and empathetic, Apollo copes with his sorrow in a different way. As they search for their grandmother, he helps Orla to find her voice once more and their sibling bond becomes stronger than ever and Orla finds the courage to confront her grief, just as she confronts the Wild Hunt.
The story is completely compelling, beautifully twisting Irish mythology with stories from other traditions. The children encounter merrow, fairies, water sprites as well as the pooka they found locked in Gran’s shed. My favourite by far, however, is the giant, Fionn, of the Giant’s Causeway fame, although Anna has adapted the tale. He adds plenty of gentle humour as does the pooka’s acerbic wit and rude comments! Their loyalty to the children and the (initially reluctant) support they offer them on their quest is heart warming.
There are so many reasons for reading this story, not least Anna’s fabulous writing style. Full of vivid descriptions, the plot moves at an excellent pace with plenty of tension, offering a mesmerising tale of love and loss. Anna set the bar high with ‘The Mask of Aribella’ and has succeeded in creating another story which is just as unique and engaging. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
On a final note, the story has started something of a ‘tiffin war’ here! I was going to share my favourite tiffin recipe because ‘tiffin is the best’, but this has led to deep debates about the differences between tiffin, Rocky Road and a tray bake! Help to settle this would be much appreciated!
Orla and the Wild Hunt Anna Hoghton
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626113
You can read my review of ‘The Mask of Aribella’ here.
Blog Tour: No Sleep for Bear
I love Duncan Beedie’s books and so was delighted to be asked to take part in this blog tour for his new book, ‘No Sleep for Bear’.
Bear (star of The Bear Who Stared’) is back in another story! As Winter approaches, Bear is looking forward to a very long sleep. He makes a list and settles down…but the more he tries, the more awake he feels. Eventually, he meets Frog, who shows him how to relax and soon he is snoring contentedly!
A new book from Duncan Beedie is always a delight! ‘No Sleep for Bear’ is completely adorable and is sure to become a firm favourite as a bedtime story. Full of gentle humour, Bear learns the importance of relaxing and being calm before going to sleep, brilliant advice for little ones and adults alike when thinking about bedtime. All of Bear’s friends try to help him in his quest for a good night’s sleep- even when it takes them all winter to do so!
There are obvious links between the story and hibernation, animal habitats and well being, making this a lovely story to include in a topic box as well as on class and library shelves.
The illustrations are full of visual jokes and plenty of details to keep readers entertained on every reading. I love the little family of ladybirds- they need a book of their own!
Bear is so lovely that he would make the perfect subject for a Book Group session. Here is an idea for a simple awake/ asleep Bear glove puppet which could be made with children at home or school.
You need some thicker paper (sugar paper works well, but any can be used really), thin card for the wheel (teabag box card is good), felt pens, scissors and a split pin. Bear is brown, but white could easily be used and coloured/painted.
Using your hand as a guide for size, cut two matching ‘mit’ shaped pieces (see middle picture) for Bear’s face/body. Now you need to create a ‘wheel’ so that Bear can gradually close his eyes as he falls asleep. Draw round something circular, which is just slightly wider than the mit shape, on white card and then cut this out.
Decorate Bear, carefully cutting out eye holes. I forgot to add his distinctive eyebrows! Cut two smaller circles out the the same material you used for the body to be his ears.
Position the wheel carefully so that it is not too high up or the pieces of the puppet will not be able to be glued together. When you are happy with the position, use the split pin to attach the pieces and then cover the sharp ends with a piece of masking tape so that little fingers will not get caught on them. Then stick the front and back sections of the mit together across the top (making sure you are above the wheel) and on each side (beneath the wheel). The wheel will poke out of either side so it is easy to turn.
Now, you need to draw the eyes in so Bear falls asleep as the wheel is turned. I copied the four stages from the pictures in the book. It’s worth doing this in pencil first to make sure they fit as the different eyes need to be drawn quite close together so they can be seen without the other eyes appearing (this might not sound like it makes sense, but you’ll see!). The wheel will need to be turned a few times to loosen it so it moves freely and then Bear can fall asleep as you turn the wheel one way and then wake up again as you turn the wheel back. Finally, glue his ears into position.
Now enjoy making Bear fall asleep and wake up again. You could use the puppet whilst reading the story or for retelling your own version! Have fun!
No Sleep for Bear Duncan Beedie
Templar ISBN: 978-1787419865
Thanks very much to Duncan and the people at Templar for asking me to be part of the Blog Tour for this lovely book. Make sure you look at the other posts!
Blog Tour: Britannica’s Word of the Day
Being a logophile as well as a bibliophile, I was delighted to be asked to be part of the Blog Tour for this book! With my class, I look at a word a day, often linked to the texts/ subjects we are learning about, so they are always keen to learn new words and try them out on me! This book would make a very popular addition to the Book Corner, leading to plenty of discussion- and laughter!
‘Word of the Day’ is a very attractive, very informative book which offers a word every day with a pronunciation guide, definition, word class and a paragraph of information which uses the word in context. A ‘Story of the Month’ combines all the vocabulary introduced that month and there are themed sections such as ‘Love Language’ in February and ‘Digging Up the Past’ in May. Children enjoy being given a selection of words to combine in a sentence or short paragraph and can work together to produce some very creative ways of showing they understand the meaning of the given words- this gives some great examples of how it can be done!
The book contains an excellent range of words- some unusual, some commonplace, but all words which will enrich and entertain those reading it. Some words are quirky and little used- ‘egad’ or ‘flibbertigibbet’- whilst others reference more recent developments like ‘prototype’ or ‘debug’ showing how language adapts and develops like a living thing!
Each spread is accompanied by an eye catching illustration which further illuminates the word’s meaning. A pig proudly shows the ‘curlicue’ on his rear end and a floating otter shows how buoyant she is.
Pareidolia, pulchritude, pruritus… so many words to choose from, but the word I have chosen is that for the 19th October-
Cantankerous
This has been a huge favourite of mine since forever! Scrooge is cantankerous, Badger (Wind in the Willows) is cantankerous, Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas is cantankerous! It’s a wonderful word which sounds as angry and argumentative as the people/things it describes.
Britannica’s Word of the Day is a brilliant book, full of words to savour, enjoy and use! I wonder what word @edspire will choose tomorrow?
Britannica’s Word of the Day:
366 Elevating Utterances to Stretch Your Cranium and Tickle Your Humerus
Sue Macy, Patrick and Renee Kelly, illustrated by Josy Bloggs, Emily Cox and James Gibbs
Britannica ISBN: 978-1913750350
Dadaji’s Paintbrush
In a tiny Indian village, a boy lives with his grandfather, Dadaji. Together, they fill the house with paintings and joy as they share their lives. Then, Dadaji dies, leaving the boy his best paintbrush, but the boy’s grief is too raw for him to even look at it and he puts it away. Months pass, until one day, a small girl appears at his door, asking the boy to teach her how to paint. Initially, he refuses, but the girl persists and as they look at Dadaji’s paintings, the boy remembers and reaches for Dadaji’s paintbrush once more.
He knows in his heart that his grandfather will always be with him.
This beautiful story celebrates the tenderness and depth of the loving relationship between grandparent and grandchild. Dadaji encouraged his grandson to develop his love of art, patiently guiding and supporting him in his endeavors, offering him the time and attention he needed to flourish. When Dadaji dies, his loss is keenly felt and the boy struggles with his bereavement until he recognises the legacy Dadaji has left and that his grandfather touched many lives through his art work, inspiring the boy to follow in his footsteps. It is a deeply poignant story, offering comfort to those who need it and encouraging empathy for those who have lost a loved one.
The illustrations are stunning. Gentle pastel tones and soft lines capture the devotion between the two and add a memory-like quality to the pictures. Each spread demands savouring, encouraging the reader to notice details about the setting, Dadaji’s work, the village children…as the illustrations work in perfect harmony with the text.
‘Dadaji’s Paintbrush’ is a very special and moving story for many reasons. One to return to again and again.
Dadaji’s Paintbrush Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane
Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131394
My Friend the Octopus
When her mother, a successful milliner, suddenly whisks Vinnie away from everything she knows in London to live in Brighton with her Aunt Bets, her world is turned upside down. The two have never been separated yet now her mother has travelled to Paris on business, leaving Vinnie to a very different life with far more freedom and many new experiences. Vinnie is particularly drawn to the aquarium where she is enchanted by the newest acquisition, a ‘rare gargantuan devil-fish’- a giant octopus. Through observation and patience, Vinnie gradually comes to know this creature, using her sketching skills to capture her unusual friend.
‘My Friend the Octopus’ is a fabulous, many layered story which is full of colour and historical detail. Set in Victorian times, the novel offers much to enjoy, both as a read aloud and as a key text to inspire work from a class, including the attitude of ‘collectors’ and animal well being, working conditions, the role of women and racism.
The aquarium shows the stark contrast between those who care for animals and are keen to learn about them and consider their well being and those who see them as possessions or as a way of making money. Along with Vinnie, Mr Lee, the aquarist in charge of the animals, and his nephew, Charlie, show patience and curiosity, a willingness to learn about the octopus whilst caring for it. For Captain Bickerstaff, the octopus is a ‘slippery beast’, a way to generate income for the aquarium. There is so much to discuss and explore here, considering how attitudes have (or have not) changed and no doubt inspiring a fascination for these amazing creatures to equal Vinnie’s.
Child labour during Victorian times is something children are regularly taught about, but which often focuses on chimney sweeps or factory workers. By introducing the girls caught in the fashion trade, Lindsay Galvin exposes the cruel conditions endured and the consequences of fulfilling the caprices for a certain style or trend. Parallels can be drawn with today’s ‘fast fashion’ and the exploitation of cheap labour to meet this demand.
The book is rich in historical details which make it a delight to read. The risqué nature of bathing and riding a bicycle show how women like Aunt Bets are enjoying new freedoms, but the story also exposes the frustrations of the rigid expectations for women at this time. Notes from the author at the end of the book allow the reader to learn more about some elements of the story and there is a recipe for ‘Petits Fours à thé’ which I have every intention of making when I have a moment!
At the heart of the story is Vinnie, who blossoms into believing in herself under the care and nurture of Aunt Bets who constantly encourages her to ‘get doing’- a positive message for all of us. Her friendships with Charlie and Temitayo are beautifully developed and each character has a fully developed personality and ‘story’ of their own. The ‘baddy’ is truly sinister- no one would want to meet him anywhere- making the twists of the plot full of tension.
I really enjoyed ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ (and ‘The Secret Deep’), but in ‘My Friend the Octopus’, Lindsay Galvin has written an absolute treasure! The cover is beautifully illustrated with fold out flaps to explore, making an enticing start to an excellent book.
My Friend the Octopus Lindsay Galvin
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696405
You can read my review of ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ here and ‘The Secret Deep’ here.
Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom
Crime is on the rise in Mouseopolis and Supermouse is being kept very busy, constantly rising to the challenge of saving the day. But a new danger is threatening the city-Mount Fondue is on the verge of erupting so Supermouse decides he needs help. Will he ever find the suitable support for a supermouse?
Bursting with humour, ‘Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom’ is every bit as enjoyable as ‘Supermouse and the Big Cheese Robbery’. Readers can lift flaps to see Peter Parmesan transforming into Supermouse whenever a crisis occurs and peek through the pages to see the action developing. The story is wonderfully interactive, ensuring a fun-filled read which children (and adults!) will enjoy again and again.
As Supermouse fights crime and faces the volcano of doom, he realises that everyone needs help and benefits from being part of a team. The illustrations are full of details to enjoy with a hint of more adventures to come on the final page.
Children are sure to enjoy creating their own lift-the-flap stories, inspired by clever fold-outs and flaps included in the book. These books are great fun and I look forward to seeing what Supermouse and his team of humble heroes get up to next!
Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom
M N Tahl, illustrated by Mark Chambers
Little Tigers ISBN: 978-1912756858
Autumn Moonbeam Dance Magic!
Autumn Moonbeam loves dance and gymnastics so when she discovers that Sparkledale Dance Academy has places on their competitive dance team, Black Cats, she is desperate to try out. But Autumn is worried that she won’t be good enough to make it in to the team and her anxiety is made worse by the fact that her neighbour, Severina Bloodworth, is also trying out for the team. With the support of family and friends, Autumn finds the confidence to attend the auditions, but will everything go according to plan on the day?
Full of magic, dance and friendship, this is a little book that really packs a punch! Autumn and her family- her twin, Zephyr, brothers Mordecai, Toadflax and baby, Knotweed, mum, Ghostly Gran and various pets- are a wonderful bunch and her slightly chaotic, very crowded home might not be the ideal place for her to practise her dance moves, but it is a loving and supportive place. Readers from big families will no doubt empathise with Autumn and her desire for some space of her own whilst recognising this sense of love and togetherness.
Another thing readers are sure to empathise with is Autumn’s feelings of self doubt and anxiety. However, her determination to try something new and not give up at the first hurdle shows how perseverance and determination- with a little support from friends and family- can pay off and have positive results. Autumn’s strength of character and good nature are also shown in how she deals with Severina.
The illustrations are delightful. The dance pictures capture the joy and excitement of dancing with magical touches and are sure to appeal to readers. You can even follow the step by step pictures to help you copy Autumn’s audition dance routine! There is so much to enjoy in this slender book which is sure to be a magical success! A second book in the series is coming out later this year!
Autumn Moonbeam Dance Magic!
Emma Finlayson-Palmer, illustrated by Heidi Cannon
UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1912979769
The Whale Watchers
It’s the first day of the summer holidays, but Finn is far from excited. His marine biologist mother is dragging him and his little brother, Jesse, off to wet, cold Scotland, so she can study the whales which live there. Finn has become increasingly anxious about plastic pollution in the oceans and is struggling with a growing sense of futility of his mother’s work or any action to save the planet. However, a chance encounter with a girl and her dog leads him into an adventure which proves everyone can make a difference.
This is the first novel published by Owlet Press. I am a great fan of their picture books as they always offer something a little different so had high expectations of ‘The Whale Watchers’- and I was not disappointed.
The story is successful in many ways. Firstly, it is a real love letter to whales. Bursting with information about these incredible creatures, there is so much for the reader to learn without even realising they are doing so. I had no idea, for example, of the essential role whales play in combatting climate change or that they re-distribute nutrients across the oceans. Additional information at the end of the book adds to that covered in the story and introduces the reader to the Moray Firth Dolphin and Whale Conservation Centre. There is even some advice from real life whale watchers.
The book also addresses the very genuine concerns many children have about the future of the planet. Finn embodies these feelings as he battles with the negative thoughts he has about plastic pollution and extinction, but ultimately, the story is full of hope. He comes to realise that every small action any of us makes combines with those of others, making a huge difference. The information section also includes practical advice for things children can do - real steps for change- offering them a sense of how they can contribute and make a difference.
Most importantly, ‘The Whale Watchers’ is a very readable and accessible story which children will both relate to and enjoy. The relationship between Finn and his brother is lovely and Jesse’s enthusiasm for whales is contagious. With lovely black and white illustrations by Amberin Huq throughout, the story is broken into achievable chapters, using a clear, easy to read font.
‘The Whale Watchers’ would make an excellent class story or engaging independent read.
The Whale Watchers Dougie Poynter, illustrated by Amberin Huq
Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339548
Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu
Lizzie lives with her grandfather, Wai Gong, in Glasgow. Since the death of his wife, Wai Gong has been acting a little strangely and although she is only 12, Lizzie has been keeping things going at home, constantly worrying about her grandfather. When Lizzie finds out that her Grandma Kam has left her a birthday present of tickets to the tea dance at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, she sees this as a way of getting her beloved grandfather back to his normal self and so comes up with a madcap plan for the trip of a lifetime. What could possibly go wrong..?
This book is a joy to read from start to finish! In the story, Maisie Chan has created an amazing cast of characters, full of life and personality, with Lizzie at the heart. Thoughtful and caring, Lizzie is is determined to take care of her grandfather who has become the centre of her world since the death of her grandmother. Desperate to help him cope with his grief, she has taken on all the daily chores whilst trying to keep up with her school work. Their shared passion for ballroom dancing and watching ‘Strictly’ reflects the close bond often shared between grandparents and grandchildren, offering both humour and pathos to the story. Tyler and Chi, Lizzie’s friends, are instantly loveable; supportive and caring, they help Lizzie in her quest to get to Blackpool, but also gently try to help her recognise that she shouldn’t be trying to do everything herself. Friendship and loyalty are key to the story.
One of Maisie Chan’s many strengths as a writer is her ability to mingle many ‘themes’ without seeming to do so. She manages to make the reader empathise with not only a young girl reeling from grief, but also an elderly man; consider how quickly we can misjudge people on appearances; think about the importance of being yourself; include diverse family situations and raise the issue of the casual racism faced by Lizzie and her friends on a regular basis. There is so much to think about here- whilst enjoying a cracking story.
I really love the inclusion of traditional stories in the novel and the fact that Lizzie shares these with her friends as they have been shared with her, introducing many to a wealth of new stories and cultural richness.
There is so much to recommend ‘Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu’- it is poignant, funny, warm-hearted and has the perfect ending! Definitely one for the library!
Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu Maisie Chan
Piccadilly ISBN: 978-1800781610
You can read my review of ‘Danny Chung Does NOT Do Maths’ here.
Lifesize: Baby Animals
Sophy Henn’s ‘Lifesize’ series has a new addition! ‘Baby Animals’ introduces the reader to some of the world’s most incredible baby animals- lifesize! The interactive nature of the book is highly engaging - sure to encourage discussions about size, ordering and comparing as well as about the animals!
As with the two previous books, every time the word LIFESIZE appears in capitals, the reader knows that they are face to face with an illustration reflecting the real size of the animal- sometimes only the part of the animal which can fit on the page! Each creature is accompanied by concise snippets of information written in a chatty, accessible style which is sure to engage and spark interest. There are even fold-out pages which reveal the size of a baby African elephant for children to compare themselves to!
This lovely book is perfect for using in school for work on animals and also for introducing maths concepts such a ordering, comparing and measuring. Sophy’s stunning artwork is so appealing and the range of creatures included is impressive. At the end of the book, there is a spread showing all of animals and how they compare to each other- and how many copies of the Lifesize book they measure. The tiny dot on the page is actually a daddy seahorse whilst the adult blue whale is a staggering 100 Lifesize books long! There is so much to love and learn in these pages!
Lifesize: Baby Animals Sophy Henn
Red Shed ISBN: 978-1405299497
Published 7th July 2022
Make sure you read the other Lifesize books too! You can read my review of Pizazz here and Pizazz vs Perfecto here. I reviewed Pizazz and the Demons for Reading Zone.
Five Bears
Whilst on a walk through the forest, Bear meets another bear. Other Bear is different, but says hello and the two bears wander along together at different paces, thinking their own thoughts when they meet a new bear. Grunty Bear joins the other two as they continue on their way. Next they meet Very Big Bear who decides the others are friendly and feeling a little lonely, decides to follow along. When they meet Stuck Bear, the four bears work together to help and decide that although they are very different, they can all be friends.
There is something instantly appealing about a book with bears in it! In this story, there are five very different bears and Catherine Rayner’s stunning illustrations capture the individuality of each perfectly. But this is not your usual bear story!
As each bear meets the next, their reactions are awkward, suspicious and even hostile. Apart from ‘Very Big Bear’, no description is offered in the text, but the illustrations clearly show their physical differences. The First Bear- ‘a very nice bear by all accounts, but a bear all the same’- is instantly on the defensive when he meets Other Bear. He speaks ‘suspiciously’ and ‘warily’ although Other Bear offers a ‘How do you do?’ and ‘Have a nice day!’. These pleasantries disarm First Bear who decides to follow Other Bear and the two wander on together. Perfect for using with any age group, the story encourages discussions about how we perceive difference as well as considering how to respond in social situations. The apparent simplicity and repetition of the story belie the importance of the story as a starting point for conversations about inclusivity, individuality, initial actions and reactions and friendship. The bears are also gender neutral.
In addition to this, the carefully researched illustrations are perfect for inspiring children to find out more about the different types of bears in the world.
Can’t recommend this one highly enough!
Five Bears Catherine Rayner
Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529051278
You can read my review of ‘Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep’ here.
A Flash of Fireflies
Hazel is starting a new life in England to live with the aunt who raised her father before her parents join her at the end of the summer. Grant- her great aunt- lives in a cottage worthy of a fairy tale with a magical garden. But Hazel struggles with change, missing her family and the life she has left behind. She is visited by three fireflies who set her on quests, leading her into a fantasy world as she battles her personal demons.
Aisha Bushby is well known for her magical writing and ‘A Flash of Fireflies’ is no exception. At the end of this story, she shares her own experiences of OCD, explaining how it makes her feel and how she has built ways of fighting it. In the story, Hazel’s OCD is represented by the fireflies who take her on repetitive quests, but ultimately, she learns that she is not alone with her anxieties and that there are people who can help her. The story is sure to offer comfort and support to those who need it, but also to encourage empathy and compassion in those who have little understanding of a condition which is so often misunderstood.
Hazel’s move from Kuwait to England without her parents triggers her anxiety and yet attending summer school and exploring the topic of fairy tales helps her to make new friendships and combat the ‘scary newness’ of the place, allowing her to call it home. The writing is beautiful, cleverly combining the real with the fantasy and would make an excellent guided reading text or class read, offering much to discuss and enjoy.
A Flash of Fireflies Aisha Bushby
Farshore ISBN: 978-0755500642
You can read my review of ‘Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found’ here
Fletcher and the Rockpool
Fletcher and his mum are heading for the beach. Whilst playing in the sea and on the beach, Fletcher finds a rock pool, full of plants and sea life. As he watches, he notices that the water is disappearing and immediately runs to the sea with his bucket in an attempt to keep the creatures and plants covered in water. Can he manage to save the day?
Gentle and tender-hearted, Fletcher’s concern for the well-being of others is a true joy. In this story, his attempts to save the creatures of the rock pool end well as when he wakes in the morning, he finds the pool full of water and life once more. The story is perfect for teaching children about the rise and fall of the sea level and how these tidal movements are caused, but it is also the perfect read for a day at the beach when children might be encouraged to look at - but not disturb- the contents of a rock pool. The care Fletcher shows for Little Crab (a creature he rescues) offers an excellent starting point for discussing the care we should all show for living creatures, returning them to their natural habitat as soon as and as safely as we can.
Each spread is beautifully illustrated in Tiphanie Beeke’s softly glowing style familiar from the previous stories about Fletcher. Each is a work of art, perfectly complementing Julia Rawlinson’s lyrical text and sure to inspire children to paint seaside pictures of their own.
A lovely addition to the series, ‘Fletcher and the Rockpool’ is the perfect summer read!
Fletcher and the Rockpool Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
Graffeg ISBN: 978-1914079320
Children’s Book Award Winners 2022!
Yesterday, the winners of the 2o22 Children’s Book Awards were announced. The shortlist for each category was just wonderful and all the children I know who were involved in reading each title and voting really enjoyed the experience.
Here are my reviews for the winner of each category- with Octopus Shocktopus winning overall! Huge congratulations to everyone- and also to the amazing team at the Federation, led by Sarah Stuffins.
Books for Younger Children- and overall- winner: Octopus Shocktopus
One day, an octopus lands on top of a house and initially, no one is quite sure what to do. However, it soon becomes clear that having an octopus on the roof is great fun and everyone wishes they could have one too. When their friendly eight-legged friend disappears one morning, everyone misses him- but not for long!
Fabulous for reading aloud, ‘Octopus Shocktopus’ is told in bouncy rhyming text which is full of fun! There are so many wonderful things this octopus can do to help out and entertain that soon everyone, even the neighbour, Mrs Antrobus, is delighted that he is there. The story shows the importance of accepting others, how precious friendship can be and how helping others can spread happiness. There is a real sense of community and togetherness!
The illustrations are pure joy. Vivid colours fill every page, making the pictures eye catching and appealing. The amount of detail there is to notice on each spread is amazing! On every reading, there is something else to see and enjoy- I love Mrs A’s cat slippers and the baby’s bunny suit! Even the baker gets his wish with a squid rather than an octopus landing on his mill!
Full of imaginative joy and fabulous illustrations, ‘Octopus Shocktopus’ is just wonderful! Perfect for sharing again and again!
Octopus Shocktopus Peter Bently, illustrated by Steven Lenton
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788002684
Books for Younger Readers: The Highland Falcon Thief
When Harrison (Hal) Beck is told that he will be accompanying his train-obsessed, journalist uncle on the final trip of the Highland Falcon as she makes her last journey ever, he is less than impressed. However, when a priceless diamond brooch goes missing just a few hours into the trip, Hal begins to investigate with Lenny, the driver’s daughter. As accusations fly and the suspects list grows, will they unravel the mystery before the Highland Falcon reaches the end of the line?
Agatha Christie- eat your heart out! What a wonderful read this is! From the enticing characters, to the splendour of the train, to the Poirot-style denouement, there is so much to enjoy here.
Writing team, M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman have created an intriguing mystery with a trail of clues and misinformation, leading the reader to suspect each suspect in turn, all wrapped up in fantastic descriptions of this majestic train. Details about the wonders of these magnificent machines are woven seamlessly into the story adding to the excitement of the adventure.
The book is illustrated throughout by Elisa Paganelli, who captures the atmosphere and energy of the story perfectly. There is a wonderful picture of Hal revealing who committed the crime, surrounded by all the characters, for example and another looking down on Hal as he makes his way from the carriage to the tender.
The language is rich and evocative, offering plenty of description. ‘The Highland Falcon Thief’ would make an excellent read aloud, as a guided reader or as a key text to inspire and explore further. Let’s hope there are many adventures on trains to come.
Get on-board ‘The Highland Falcon Express’ as soon as possible!
The Highland Falcon Thief
M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Macmillan Children’s ISBN: 978-1529013061
Books for Older Readers: When the World was Ours
High above Vienna on the Riesenrad (Vienna’s Ferris wheel), Leo and his best friends, Max and Elsa feel as if they are kings of the world. It is 1936 and the children are celebrating Leo’s birthday. They are oblivious to the horror on the horizon which will see them divided.
Told from the differing perspectives of the three children- Leo and Elsa in the first person, Max in the third- ‘When the World was Ours’ is an incredibly poignant account of events during the Second World War. From three lives intertwined by the bonds of friendship, the children are divided by cruel and senseless politics and the heart-breaking consequences.
Each child has a unique voice, but the sense of bewilderment and horror experienced by each in different ways is powerfully drawn, allowing the reader a glimpse of the ugliness and brutality of the Nazi regime. Without wishing to give too much away for those yet to read the book, Max’s story is chillingly powerful and thought provoking.
Inspired by the true story of her father’s escape from the Nazis, Liz Kessler has written nothing short of a masterpiece. Deeply emotional, it offers glimmers of hope for the power of love and friendship at the darkest times. Simply brilliant.
When the World Was Ours Liz Kessler
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471196805
Strong
Maurice might be a dragon, but he isn’t very scary, doesn’t like to breathe fire and loves flowers more than anything! He sculpts the most amazing floral arrangements, but the other dragons aren’t interested in flowers, particularly Gruff, Maurice’s brother, who usually wins all the dragon competitions. When Maurice takes part, he fails to throw a flame and just isn’t scary enough. Saddened by his lack of dragony prowess, Maurice lies down in the rain. As storm clouds gather, Maurice questions whether it is safe to continue with the competition, but Gruff disagrees and flies off into the sky. When he doesn’t return, it’s up to Maurice and his ideas to save the day.
‘Strong’ is a delightful story which celebrates different ways of being ‘strong’ and above all, being yourself. Everyone knows what dragons are supposed to be like- and Maurice is definitely the odd one out. Small, gentle and thoughtful, he has a real passion for flowers and knows that he does not fit in with the other dragons. How many children have I taught over the years who have felt like this? And stories like this one are so important for validating individuality and celebrating the importance of being true to yourself. There is so much to discuss here and the story is perfect for encouraging children to be proud of having different interests, liking different things or behaving in a different way to their friends- and for encouraging empathy and understanding in those who are ‘part of the crowd’. The story also asks the reader to consider different ways of being brave, different ways of having strength to face challenges and solve problems.
The illustrations are completely captivating! From the wonderful textured cover, each spread is full of strong colours, tempting children to look carefully and notice details. Maurice’s range of expressions are wonderful as he sees the wonder in the world around him, experiences sorrow at feeling different and finally, contentment at being valued for being himself. The text is full of descriptive language to discuss and enjoy alongside the story and children are sure to be inspired to draw or paint their own dragons and might enjoy writing stories about Maurice’s further adventures.
Perfect for developing understanding of yourself and others, ‘Strong’ is sure to become a firm favourite and a story which will be read again and again.
Strong Clara Anganuzzi
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838913915
Move Mountain
Mountain has never seen the sunrise. Although the sun’s rays touched the hills around him with light and colour, he always remained in the shade whilst the sun rose behind his back. When he shares his feelings with Bird, she asks everyone to help. In spite of their best efforts, Mountain still cannot see the sunrise; however, Bird has a clever idea…
‘Move Mountain’ is a lovely story about friendship and kindness. Being a true friend, Bird is determined to help Mountain with his wish and quickly enlists the other animals to help her. Having tried to move Mountain so he can see, they use words to describe the sunrise and then music, but neither of these ideas work, leading them to use their imaginations and get creative! Mountain still might not be able to see the sunrise, but the kindness of his friends has made him feel warm and loved. There is so much here to discuss and enjoy with children, particularly exploring how being thoughtful can make a huge difference!
The story could also be used to inspire work in school. The play on words- being ‘moved’ emotionally rather than physically as well as the phrase ‘to move mountains’- could be used to start a collection of idioms and expressions in English- and other languages if possible-, encouraging children to explore this use of language. Children could also use words and music to describe a sunrise (or anything!) for each other and perhaps look at pieces by artists, poets and musicians inspired by such events.
The illustrations are lovely, full of life and colour. Mountain, for all his size, has such a gentle face, expressing so much character!
Move Mountain
Corrinne Averiss, illustrated by Greg McLeod
OUP ISBN: 978-0192778666
I Got This
Erin is outgoing, chatty, has a beautiful singing voice and a MASSIVE Afro. She also has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Both Erin and her little brother, Joe, who also has achondroplasia, are about to face the challenges of a new school- Erin to secondary whilst Joe is starting primary. Neither has the best start so to try and make Joe feel better, Erin rashly promises him that she will win a place as a member of Fusion Junior, a new group being created by Erin’s favourite band, Fusion. Encouraged and supported by her best friend, Aimee, Erin starts to create her videoed audition for the band. However, when Isla, known to Aimee and Erin from primary school and also set on auditioning for Fusion Junior, gets wind of these plans, she plays on Erin’s insecurities, making her worry that Aimee’s help will not be enough. Torn between the need to keep her promise to her brother and loyalty to her best friend, Erin faces some tough choices.
‘I Got This!’ is a brilliant read which seamlessly combines details of life with achondroplasia, based on the real-life experiences of Cara Mailey, with a compelling and satisfying story. Details of the daily challenges Erin faces are evident from the opening chapter when she gets locked in the toilets at the concert she is attending because, although she managed to lock the door using her shoe, she has no way of opening it again. By openly addressing things like the different ways people react when they see her and her family- the smilers, the not-so-secret glancers, the starers and the secret photographers- the reader gains a deeper understanding of how Erin feels, encouraging greater empathy. Having to take a taxi to school and having a one to one support are also explored. Although well-meaning, Erin’s new class helper, Barbara, doesn’t actually communicate with Erin, failing to consider her wishes or establish any ground rules for their relationship, highlighting potential problems.
However, family and friendship are very much at the heart of this story. Aimee is a fabulous character, genuinely believing in her friend and Erin really comes to appreciate her over the course of the novel, recognising her true worth. Erin is surrounded by the love and support of her family, a tight unit, who are keen to be positive and focus on the things which Erin and Joe can do, encouraging them to be themselves and to be the best they can be- a universal message we can all benefit from! There are touching family scenes, but also plenty of humour, making the book a joy to read.
I Got This Cara Mailey and Chrissie Sains
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702314988
What Do You See When You Look at a Tree?
What do you see when you look at a tree?
Leaves and twigs and branches?
Or do you see a living thing
that moves and breathes and dances?
In this lovely, large format book, author and illustrator, Emma Carlisle, urges the reader to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the trees around us. Through simple questions, the gentle rhyming text explores how unique trees are and the important role they play in nature.
The final pages offer further information about trees and how they communicate with each other, developing the reader’s understanding of these incredible plants. There are also mindfulness tips which show how we can learn from trees to look after ourselves and each others.
Every spread is beautifully illustrated, using soft, calming colours and they are perfect for exploring alongside the thoughtful questions posed by the text. The book is published in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and the Palm House features in one of the pictures, perfect for introducing children to this historic place. The book is perfect for starting conversations about the wonder of trees whether at home or at school.
What Do You See When You Look at a Tree?
written and illustrated by Emma Carlisle
Big Picture Press with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
ISBN: 978- 1800781276
The Light Hunters
Since a Monster killed his family, Lux Dowd lives with his grandfather in the town of Daven. Light Hunters used to battle these monsters, saving people until a terrible mistake turned them against Light and those who use it. However, Lux has a secret. He can wield Light and is being trained by his grandfather in secret. When his friend, Maya, is wounded in an attack, Lux uses the Light to heal her, exposing his secret and attracting the attention of a sinister stranger. Lux finds himself drawn into the world of the Light Hunters where he becomes a member of Squad Juno and soon finds himself facing not only Monsters, but also those who would use his powers for evil.
Action packed and full of energy, ‘The Light Hunters’ is an excellent book. For me, it was a one sitting read as I found myself completely absorbed into the story and invested in Lux, hoping things would work out well for him!
Dan Walker’s world building is excellent. From the outset, the reader is aware of the threat posed by monsters and the existence of the mysterious Light Hunters who used to protect his town, but have since been rejected by the townspeople, gathering all the necessary details effortlessly as the story develops. Vivid descriptions bring the setting to life as Lux travels from his home to Dawnstar, the Light Hunters’ HQ and the pacey plot keeps the reader fully engaged as Lux discovers more about his light-wielding powers and with his new found friends in Squad Juno, rises to the challenges Monster hunting brings.
Friendship and family loyalty are at the heart of the story. Lux’s affection for his grandfather is very touching, adding some emotional moments amongst the action. ‘The Light Hunters’ makes an excellent read for those who love fantasy and I’m already looking forward to the next in the series!
The Light Hunters Dan Walker
UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1912979103