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.
Adventure Mice: Otter Chaos!
Pedro may be small, but he is a mouse longing for adventure. Leaving his home at Hilltop House behind, he sets off for the legendary Mouse Islands. Initially, things go wrong, but when he finds himself in trouble, Pedro is rescued by the Adventuremice, a brave, determined band of mice, each with an area of expertise, making them the perfect team. Perdro dreams of joining their ranks, seeking to prove himself against Mortlake, a mean, hungry otter looking for some lunch…
Every time I read a book by the dream team of Reeve and McIntyre, I realise how lucky children today are in the quality, range and style of books available to them. I have enjoyed everything from ‘Oliver and the Seawigs’ to the latest ‘Kevin’ adventure (I have a particular affection for Neville and Beyonce), but with the ‘Adventuremice’, I have found what would have been my favourite book as a child!
The perfect size for little hands, the cover illustration alone is enough to fire the imagination and excitement for what’s to come. The first page shows Pedro carefully lifting up the corner to show a hint of the spread which introduces the reader to the Adventuremice- and Pedro himself- and this is just a small indication of the attention to detail and holistic approach to storytelling adopted by this team.
In the story, little Perdo learns about courage and teamwork, listening to others and taking advice and learning from mistakes. He also demonstrates the importance of caring and the true bravery needed to do the right thing when it is difficult, empathising with others and truly being ‘good’. He is a delightful character, vividly brought to life by the endearing and whimsical illustrations. The Adventuremice team all have well developed personalities and children are sure to quickly find their favourite. The mice would translate brilliantly into toys, encouraging imaginative play and adventure…
With my teaching head on, the book would make an excellent Guided Reading text as there is much to love and explore. There are plenty of points which lend themselves to writing opportunities, role play, drama and debate as well as a rich use of vocabulary and description to investigate and enjoy. Reading as my inner child, this book would have absorbed me for hours. The cross section of the Mousebase alone would have had me drawing and creating little finger puppets of the characters to play out adventures of my own invention- and the map..! All my life, I have been fascinated by dolls’ houses and miniatures and this plays right into that love as I am sure it will with many children! Instructions for drawing Pedro are included at the end of the story; once mastered, these offer the perfect basis for creating your own mouse characters to join the team should you wish. Sarah and Philip are each depicted in their mouse alter egos which might encourage the reader to attempt the same!
I am not sure how many superlatives I can get away with here, but ‘Adventuremice: Otter Chaos’ deserves them all! Delightfully illustrated, beautifully written, full of adventure and heart, this is a series which is going to be much loved and much enjoyed!
Adventuremice: Otter Chaos!
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-17884526790
The Black Queen
Everyone loved Nova. And sometimes, love is exactly what gets you killed.
Nova Albright, the first Black homecoming queen at Lovett High, is dead. Murdered the night of her coronation, her body found the next morning in the old slave cemetery she spent her weekends rehabilitating.
Tinsley McArthur was supposed to be queen. Not only is she beautiful, wealthy, and white, it’s her legacy—her grandmother, her mother, and even her sister wore the crown before her. Everyone in Lovett knows Tinsley would do anything to carry on the McArthur tradition.
No one is more certain of that than Duchess Simmons, Nova’s best friend. Duchess’s father is the first Black police captain in Lovett. For Duchess, Nova’s crown was more than just a win for Nova. It was a win for all the Black kids. Now her best friend is dead, and her father won’t face the fact that the main suspect is right in front of him. Duchess is convinced that Tinsley killed Nova—and that Tinsley is privileged enough to think she can get away with it. But Duchess’s father seems to be doing what he always does: fall behind the blue line. Which means that the white girl is going to walk.
Duchess is determined to prove Tinsley’s guilt. And to do that, she’ll have to get close to her.
But Tinsley has an agenda, too.
Incredibly powerful and thought-provoking, ‘The Black Queen’ is so much more than a ‘murder mystery’, although it successfully fulfills this description. Told through the alternating viewpoints of Duchess, Nova’s best friend, and Tinsley, her arch rival, the plot moves at a compelling pace, with many shocks and surprises along the way.
I am (very obviously!) not the target audience for this so found some of the dialogue challenging, but this did little to detract from my enjoyment of the story. The blatant, institutional and pervasive racism is distressing and constantly challenges the reader’s perception of events both in the novel and in actuality. The sense of entitlement emanating from some characters due to their wealth and skin colour is appalling and the ‘background’ story in the news about a white family supposedly murdered by their Black gardener who is then jailed on very shaky evidence further highlights the inequalities and injustices which are a part of everyday life.
Duchess is a compelling character. Resourceful, loyal and intelligent, she is also quick tempered and impulsive, but reflective and able to acknowledge her mistakes. Tinsley is less likeable- certainly at first- bitchy and entitled, manipulative and thoughtless in her quest to be and have whatever she wants. Yet for all their wealth, her family is dysfunctional and unhappy, with layers of secrets and she is a product of this upbringing. Once challenged to look at and think about things differently, she starts to become a different person.
One for an older audience, ‘The Black Queen’ is a compelling, challenging read.
The Black Queen Jumata Emill
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702322945
Blackbeard’s Treasure
‘Blackbeard told me’, Abigail said,’that no one knows where his treasure is hidden except him and the devil…’
Abigail lives in the Caribbean with her father, a plantation owner. Her only companion is Boubacar, a slave boy of similar age, and something of a favourite of her father’s. When pirates attack Sandy Point, Abigail’s comfortable life is gone forever and she is forced to re-evaluate things she was once so sure about.
‘Blackbeard’s Treasure’ combines a swashbuckling pirate adventure with much to think about and provoke discussion. The story does not seek to romanticise pirates, but highlights the constant danger, callous indifference and violence of their lives against a background of the hardships of life at sea. Characters from real life- some well known like Edward Teach aka Blackbeard, others less so like Mr Marks- add to the enjoyment of the tale and offer the possibility of further research for those whose interest has been piqued- notes at the end make an excellent starting point for this. The story is rich in details throughout, for example, the use of the different languages Abigail would have encountered, including Fulfulde which Boubacar teaches her much to his mother’s horror.
Abigail has been brought up on a plantation, accepting slavery and all its horrors as the way life is. Quick to feel the disadvantages and limitations being female imposes on her, she comes to learn that things - including her father’s behaviour- were not as she thought and she is forced to question her previous beliefs and standards. At times uncomfortable reading, there is so much to reflect upon and discuss here, making this story an excellent starting point for learning about the transatlantic slave trade at home or at school.
Blackbeard’s Treasure Iszi Lawrence
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801990967
A Game of Life or Death
Welcome to Zu Tech’s newest game, SHACKLE…
When sixteen-year-old Asha Kennedy discovers her older sister Maya's dead body in their home, her world falls apart. Desperate for answers, and to stay out of the hands of the social services she grew up in, Asha turns to her hacker friends for help.
Her search leads her to Zu Tech, the hit games studio where Maya was a lead coder. As Asha begins to unravel the riddle of her death, she realises that the only way to uncover the truth is from the inside.
Asha ghosts her old life and infiltrates a Zu Tech eSport tournament as they launch 'SHACKLE', the revolutionary Virtual Reality video game Maya was working on - and which hides a monstrous secret...
Apart from the murder mystery element, this is absolutely NOT the sort of book I would normally read- but I am so glad that I did! Asha is a complex character in a complex situation, determined to unravel the truth about what happened to her sister and the reader very quickly becomes caught up in her quest, willing her to not only solve the puzzle, but survive the experience and come out on top.
The book immerses the reader in the world of games and gamers, with reference and details which are sure to appeal to those familiar with the technology and inspirations behind much of the story. I have no knowledge of these things yet I was still engrossed by the story which surely speaks volumes about the strength of the plot rather than the context. The action moves quickly and the story is suitably full of twists, red herrings and puzzles, including (I hope!) the possibility of more to come in future books. Loved it!
A Game of Life or Death Triona Campbell
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702317880
The Sleeping Stones
The Sleepers are hungry and the sea is waiting…
Gruff loves his life on the farm which has been in his family for generations, but times are hard and the family is struggling to stay on the small Welsh island. When the ‘New Neighbours’ move in to what used to be the blacksmith’s cottage, Gruff tries not to resent them and be friendly towards Mat- or Matylda- who has moved there with her family. Mat finds herself inexplicably drawn to the Sleepers, six dark stones leading out from the beach into the sea, ‘like the stepping sones of giants’. But as more and more islanders find themselves being drawn by the lure of the stones, Mat and Gruff must work together to solve the mystery of the Sleeping Stones and save the island community.
Full of rich descriptions of life on the Welsh island, ‘The Sleeping Stones’ is full of the magic and mysticism of Welsh folklore and tradition, old songs and mythological creatures. The sense of place is further enhanced by the use of dialogue and phrases in Welsh (translated into English for non-Welsh speakers).
The story cleverly mingles the love of home and the farming tradition, the sense of belonging to a place and the devastation losing this would bring, with the mystery of the legend of the stones. Gruff is so in love with his life, his farm, his community that the reader becomes really invested in the threat of loss he is facing as they watch him struggle with the situation, doing whatever he can which he thinks will help. His anger at being kept in the dark by his father and Nain (his grandmother) make him a very relatable character as does the jealousy and resentment he feels towards Mat who is starting a new life on the island just as his might be ending.
The sense of belonging Gruff feels on the island is in stark contrast to the lack of belonging felt by Mat who was born in Poland, but who has lived in seven different places in four years. For reasons which I won’t reveal so as not to spoil the story for anyone who has not yet read it, Mat feels the pull of the sea intensely, causing Gruff to remind her that home is ‘where you choose it to be…where you choose to make it’.
Sure to inspire readers to learn more about Welsh mythology and folklore, ‘The Sleeping Stones’ is a great read!
The Sleeping Stones Beatrice Wallbank
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444059
Mort the Meek and the Perilous Prophecy
‘…we don’t like strangers on Brutalia, let alone strangers that are fiendish.’
When the Queen of Brutalia declares that everyone must be alert to the presence of strangers, fear falls over the land ‘like an itchy blanket’. As a pacifist, Mort is more inclined to believe that strangers might be friends than enemies and when he and Weed meet Genia and Vita from the tropical island of Bonrock, it seems he is right. Sent on a mission to Bonrock to learn more, the boys find a warm welcome and a beautiful location …but is everything as it seems?
Rachel Delahaye’s ‘Day of the Whale’ is one of my favourite books and the contrast in style between that and the ‘Mort the Meek’ series shows what a talented and versatile author she is. And yet, amid all the humour and horseplay, punning and pacifism of the Mort books, some fairly serious points are being made.
Children love these books for their fiendish humour and deliciously dark happenings. Each chapter begins with Ratty and Ratto the rats sharing a joke (with a gust appearance from Larry and Bruce the lobsters), relishing in the word play and punning which is a key feature of each book. The use of homophones and grammar in a playful, entertaining way is perfect for using to illustrate spelling and grammar lessons, making it relevant and lighthearted. There are points at which the characters help to clarify the words which Mort and Weed are sure have been made up and help to correct their grammar, helping the reader to understand along the way. It’s beautifully done- and skilfully!
As the boys explore a different world, Mort continues to hold onto his pacifist principles and Weed develops a serious crush whilst events thunder to their exciting conclusion. Any of the books in this series would make an excellent read aloud with plenty to discuss and enjoy with a class, for a fabulous bedtime story or as a most enjoyable independent read. George Ermos’s illustrations are the perfect complement to the story.
Mort the Meek and the Perilous Prophecy
Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by George Ermos
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788955706
An evening with Firefly
Yesterday, I headed to Waterstones in Bath for a wonderful evening of book-ish delght with the lovely people from Firefly. Bath was just how I like it best- not too busy and looking beautiful in the winter sunshine before developing an air of mystery in the twilight.
A very warm welcome awaited as the Firefly team greeted everyone with enthusiasm and it was lovely to see so many familiar faces! There is nothing quite like being with other book lovers and indulging in a bit of book-babbling! Once we had settled, Penny introduced the evening before Karen guided us through the incredible selection of books Firefly have in store for 2023. Her enthusiasm was infectious and her genuine passion for the books just made me want to read each and every one of them! We were also treated to short videos from some of the authors, including Roderick O’Grady (Were there really sasquatch in those woods?!), Terrie Chilvers (accompanied by a gorgeous dog!) and Nicola Davies (always an inspiration!).
Three authors from the list- Jo Clarke, Sam Stewart and Cathy Faulkner- then spoke about their up-coming titles. We were given a sneak preview of the cover for Cathy’s book, ‘Digging for Victory’ and she told us how she had come to write this verse novel which is due out in May. Jo Clarke explained how she had come to create the travelling school in her ‘Libby’ stories, emphasising the importance of offering children stories that they want to read simply for pleasure. An incident with matches, the Clifton suspension bridge and a mysterious building were all elements which fulled Sam Stewart’s imagination and led to her writing ‘Fireblood’. Three very different stories from authors united in their desire to present children (and adults!) with the exceptional reads, offering them escape and adventure through a good book!
Sadly, the evening was over all too soon, but we were all delighted when we were presented with a goodie bag containing proof copies of ‘Fireblood’ and ‘Digging for Victory’ and other treats. I am proud to say that my copy of ‘Digging for Victory’ is the FIRST one which Cathy has ever signed! I feel very special!
Many thanks to the lovely team at Firefly for inviting me to come to this evening. It was a brilliant event- and their selection for 2023 is fabulous. So many treats to look forward to!
The Golden Age
Known in English as Ovid, Publius Ovidius Naso was a Roman poet. He is best known for the 'Metamorphoses', a long verse narrative which retells more than 250 ancient Greek and Roman legends, unified through the theme of transformation. In this collection, Heinz Janisch has chosen seventeen of those stories and has retold them in this volume.
Some of the selected stories are familiar ones. Midas and his golden touch; the plight of Icarus as he and his father attempt to escape from Crete; Arachne’s transformation after foolishly challenging the skill a goddess. Other myths are less well-known- Circe’s transformation of Picus into a woodpecker; Philemon and Baucis, changed into trees by Jupiter, their bows forever entwined; the story of the Lycian farmers, turned into frogs by Latona.
Each myth is retold in a succinct style, making them accessible and easy to follow yet, as these stories are, full of action and emotion. The illustrations have an ethereal quality, using muted colours to capture the essence of magic running through these stories.
There is a note from the author at the end of the book as well as a list of names of the characters in the book and a short note about Ovid. This collection is sure to appeal to children in upper KS2 and into KS3, offering much to discuss and enjoy as they bring Ovid’s Metamorphoses to a new audience of readers.
The Golden Age: Ovid’s Metamorphoses
Heinz Janisch, translated by David Henry Wilson
illustrated by Ana Sender
North and South ISBN: 978-0735844711
Pause for Poetry: My Heart is a Poem
‘My Heart is a Poem’ is a wonderful collection of poems, carefully selected to explore feelings and emotions. From happiness to misery, from excitement to anger, the poems here give voice to a wealth of emotions, sharing the experiences of others to help the reader make sense of their own.
There are so many poems here to enjoy, each beautifully illustrated. Whilst the collection is perfect of an individual to browse and enjoy, this collection also offers so much potential for use in school or for adults to share with children struggling to express their own feelings. Coral Rumble’s poignant poem, ‘Ache’, explores being left out of playground games, offering a perfect starting point for reflection and discussion during a circle time or assembly. ‘Stomp’ by Nikki Grimes is an explosion of emotion, empowering the reader with a way to ‘unload my hurt, my rage’ and discover, through using the written word, the ‘power to decide which words matter, which words don’t, and whose.’
‘Sadness’ by Nikita Gill is a breathtakingly beautiful moment of a poem, offering reassurance and hope, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging this emotion and embracing it so it is possible to move on. Personification is also used by Ruth Awolola whose poem ‘Talking to Tomorrow’ captures the giddy joy of anticipation for things to come. 'In ‘Blackbird’ by Rachel Plummer, the reader discovers ‘the secret of flying’.
This is a treasure trove of words which capture our emotions, encouraging empathy and compassion, giving a voice to a wealth of feelings. It really is a collection for everyone- a very special addition to any bookshelf.
My Heart is a Poem: Poetry About Feelings
Poets:
Mandy Coe Laura Mucha Nikki Grimes Naomi Shihab Nye Debjani Chatterjee Coral Rumble Kate Wakeling John Agard Karl Nova James Carter Valerie Bloom Janet Wong Joseph Coelho Ken Nesbitt Jack Prelutsky Nikita Gill Jay Hulme Rachel Plummer Ruth Awolola Elaine Laron
Illustrators:
Annalise Barber Mariana Roldan Masha Manapov Nabila Adani
Little Tiger ISBN: 9781838914400
You can read my review of ‘Courage in a Poem’ here.
God of the Ancient World
‘Gods of the Ancient World’ is a brilliant selection of myths and legends from around the world. The author starts with an introduction exploring why humans tell stories and why some might be more familiar to readers than others. Acknowledging that none of the tales ‘belong’ to her, she explains why she believes telling them is so important. As a lover of these ancient stories, I agree with what she says and think this book offers an excellent introduction for children (and adults) to find out more about where the stories included here are from and the people who told them.
Twenty three tales are included, each beautifully illustrated. A map of the world shows the reader where each story originated and the book is organised into four general ‘themes’- How the World Began, Gods Helping Humans, Rulers of Nature and Keeping Humans in Line. Among the stories in each section are spreads focusing on different themes, for example, Gods and Animals, The Maya People and Survivor Gods. It is a fascinating read, sure to excite curiosity and develop interest in these tales from the past.
A comprehensive index allows the reader to quickly locate specific information and as well as the drawn illustrations, photographs of real objects are also included which might also encourage children to pursue further research or to look for artefacts such as those shown here if they happen to be on a visit to a museum.
This collection also offers an invaluable resource for teachers, allowing them to locate stories which are linked to work in other subjects or for story times on days between class novels. There is much to enjoy and explore here with plenty to discuss.
Gods of the Ancient World: A Kid’s Guide to Ancient Mythology
Marchella Ward, illustrated by Xuan Le
Dorling Kindersley ISBN: 978-0241567791
The Circle Breakers
When Elle and her friends go to the Halloween funfair, they little expect a ride on the ghost train to take them back in time to 1880, face-to-face with the criminal mastermind behind The Vicious Circle, The Grandfather. They are amazed to learn that he needs their help and although they don’t want to help, the Infinites are faced with the possibility of public exposure and no Leaping will be safe. And so begins a thrilling adventure across time…
I am such a fan of this series! Elle is a wonderful heroine. Loyal and kind, her autism is depicted with care and attention to detail, inspiring empathy and understanding as she tackles the daily challenges she faces as well as those of being a Leapling. In this story, her world is turned upside down and yet, with the support of her friends, she finds the courage and strength she needs. Each character is well developed, but Big Ben remains my favourite!
Not only does the story offer an original and exciting adventure, but Patience seamlessly weaves various themes like environmental issues into the story, making for a thought-provoking read with much to discuss. The whole series is perfect for children in upper KS2 who are looking for something a bit different. With a palpable sense of tension and the celebration of true friendship, this is a book not to miss!
The Circle Breakers Patience Agbabi
Canongate ISBN: 9781838855796
Published today.
You can read about my trip to see Patience at The Story Museum in Oxford here.
Pause for Poetry: A Ticket to Kalamazoo!
Bursting with energy and exuberance, ‘A Ticket to Kalamazoo!’ is the perfect collection for encouraging and developing a love of poetry. These are poems which are crying out to be shared, performed and discussed time and time again, whatever mood you are in! Although pitched for younger readers, there are poems here to be enjoyed by all ages, including those which would work brilliantly as models to inspire children to create and write their own.
The collection is wonderfully interactive! Families or classes could invent their own actions for each of the creatures as they practise counting to ten without realising. As the poem suggests, ‘it might be nice just once or twice to do the ten again!’ There are fun riddles to solve and plenty to laugh about as you have a ‘handful of fun’, do the ‘Goldilocks Rap’ or visit the bug hotel.
Full of colour and fun, each poem is brilliantly illustrated by Neal Layton, making the book instantly appealing. Equally excellent for home or school, this is a must have collection for inspiring poets of the future and kindling a life-long love of words and their playfulness.
A Ticket to Kalamazoo! Zippy Poems to Read Out Loud
James Carter, illustrated by Neal Layton
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074104
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year based on the lunisolar calendar and is the most important celebration for many Southeast and East Asian countries. This fantastic book explores the legends and traditions behind this festival with recipes and crafts to enjoy alongside the facts. For teachers, this is an invaluable resource as it offers a clear explanation of the customs and traditions linked to the Lunar New Year in different countries, ensuring the information they share with classes is both accurate and respectful. In 2023, Chinese New Year, Tết Nguyên đán (Vietnam) and Seollal (Korea) all fall on the 22nd January and although similar in some ways, each festival is different.
The book explains what is meant by the lunisolar calendar and the Chinese Zodiac before exploring the story of the ‘Great Race’ and how this differs from place to place. Other legends are also explored. For example, the legend of the Peach Tree explains why those who celebrate Tết often have an ornamental tree or branch on display in their homes. A glossary at the end of the book explains any possibly unfamiliar terms.
The arts and crafts section is packed with fun activities which are achievable and use readily available materials. The author has even considered this in the recipes section, advising that some ingredients can be substituted for those more commonly available whilst others can only be found in Asian food stores. The final section of the book offers decorated pages for the reader to use as a record of how they celebrated the Lunar New Year.
An excellent book for all to enjoy!
All About Lunar New Year
Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Linh Nguyen
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702315237
‘I Love Chinese New Year’ introduces the reader to Mai-Anne and her family as they prepare for Chinese New Year. She can’t wait to see her family and share the Reunion Dinner with them. Her Nai Nai tells her the story of the Great Race and when her Uncle Eric arrives, they can perform the family Dragon Dance and eat sweet tangerine pieces for good luck.
This is a delightfully warm, family-focused story. It offers a joyful introduction to the traditions of Chinese New Year for those who do not celebrate it whilst perfectly capturing the excitement and contentment of the special occasion for those who do. The illustrations are lively and colourful with plenty to notice and discuss. The story also reflects how special grandparent/ grandchild relationships can be. The book ends with facts about Chinese New Year and the Dragon Dance, allowing the reader to discover more about this fascinating festival if needed.
This is a book about a loving family as much as about an exciting festival making it an extra-special read!
I Love Chinese New Year
Eva Wong Nava, illustrated by Xin Li
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702315732
Cornish Tales
Having just returned from a lovely week in Cornwall, I have been reminded not only of how beautiful it is, but also how rich in folklore and legend. From Zennor to Mousehole, from Port Isaac to Fowey, it is steeped in stories. This collection of Cornish tales was first published by Andersen Press in 1986 under the name ‘The Magic Ointment’, this edition is beautifully illustrated and offers a real treasure trove of Cornish stories.
In the introduction, Eric Quayle acknowledges the role of Robert Hunt in the collecting of the Cornish folklore retold in this collection. Hunt was responsible for ‘Popular Romances of the West of England’, two volumes of stories which he edited and compiled, published in 1865 and this work was Quayle’s main source. Although born in Devon, Hunt spent most of his life in Cornwall where he gathered these tales of oral tradition and recorded them for posterity.
My copy is about 10 years old, having been purchased at what is now Shrew Books (then Bookends) in Fowey on one of our many trips to that part of the world, but I was delighted to see that it is still widely available in (book)shops across Cornwall today. Perfectly illustrated by the amazingly talented Michael Foreman, this is a book to be treasured and returned to again and again.
Through these stories, the reader learns about Jack the Giant-Killer who slew Cormoran, the giant of St Michael’s Mount, discover the fate of the witch of Fraddam and find out how Flora took the spriggans’ treasure and bought herself her dream cottage in St Ives. These tellings retain a feel of the oral tradition, capturing the sense of wonder and magic that must have been felt by those listening, wide-eyed, around the firesides of days gone by. A visit to Zennor in all its rugged beauty breathes truth into the tale of the Mermaid whose likeness is immortalised on the side of a bench in the church. Michael Foreman’s stunning illustrations capture the essence of each tale, adding much to their enjoyment.
For those interested in traditional tales, there is also the fascination of how stories told in different parts of the world- or even the same country - can be so similar and yet so different. ‘Duffy and the Devil’ has elements in common with Rumpelstiltskin or Tom Tit Tot and yet has a distinctive Cornish flavour in both setting and telling.
An absolute must-have for anyone interested in folklore, Cornwall or an excellent story!
Cornish Tales
Eric Quayle, illustrated by Michael Foreman
Mabecron Books ISBN: 978-0956435095
Still This Love Goes On
Based on the the song written by Buffy Sainte-Marie, ‘Still This Love Goes On’ is a joyful celebration of enduring love for the world we live in, reminding the reader to find beauty in everything around them. Through word and illustration, the seasons are brought to life as the cold winter days roll into summer and ‘still this love goes on and on’.
Whilst the words offer all the poetic power and cadence of song lyrics, the accompanying illustrations conjure the many joys of the natural world and long lasting traditions which are the fabric and soul of life. They capture the special moments and memories which last as ‘love goes on…’. A short glossary at the beginning of the book shares the meaning of some Cree phrases, most importantly kisâkihitin meaning ‘I love you’, helping the reader to share the essence of the Cree people and their ways, their belief in the interconnectivity of nature and people and a deep love for life.
At the end of the book, the sheet music for Buffy’s song has been included as well as notes from the author and illustrator about their inspiration for this work. There is so much which could develop from using this book with a class as a key text- or from sharing at a story time. It is sure to inspire children (and adults) to consider the things in their lives which they love- the places, the people- developing poetry, artwork, composing, research, environmental work in response.
A very beautiful, powerful book.
Still This Love Goes On
Buffy Sainte-Marie, illustrated by Julie Flett
Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1771648073
I Really Really Love You So
Bush Baby is back- and just as adorable as ever! She has something really important to say…and explores more and more extreme ways of declaring her love and expressing how it makes her feel.
It is impossible to read this story without a huge smile on your face! Bush Baby’s enthusiasm is infectious and shows the importance of expressing how you feel in which ever way makes you happy. The text is a complete delight to real aloud as it trips along, building in pace in places and leaving moments to pause in others. Humour mingles with the poignancy of the message, making it a perfect book to share again and again with all those you love.
As with the first book about Bush Baby, ‘I Really Really Need a Wee’, there is no indication of gender (I have chosen to use ‘she/her’) allowing anyone to identify with Bush Baby and empathise with how she is feeling. Children are sure to add their own declarations of love as they read the story and find their own ways of sharing how they feel which is so important for us all.
The illustrations are as delightful as ever! One child told me previously that Duncan’s characters feel like ‘they are my friends because they look at me as if inviting me into the story’ and you can instantly understand what they mean when you look at Bush Baby. Her little face bursts with a vast range of emotions as she seeks to share her feelings and those eyes say it all!
‘I Really Really Love You So’ is a complete and utter joy. I can’t wait to see what Bush Baby gets up to next- tackling school, new food, bedtime…who cares?! Whatever she does, it is sure to be the basis of a wonderful story from this very talented duo!
I Really Really Love You So
Karl Newson, illustrated by Duncan Beedie
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801044080
You can read my review of ‘I Really Really Need a Wee’ here and my Q and A session with Duncan Beedie here.
Blog Tour: The Octopus, Dadu and Me
I am absolutely to be starting my Blog Tours this year by being part of this one for ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me’. I freely admit that I shed more than a few tears over this one and really recommend it as an excellent read, but also as a book to support those who find themselves in Sashi’s situation.
In this post, Lucy Ann Unwin shares her Top Five Books to help children relate to an older generation- excellent choices one and all- and I would like to suggest one of my own, ‘Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge’ by Mem Fox. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is a little boy who lives next door to a nursing home. When he finds out that his special friend, Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper, is losing her memory, he tries to discover what a memory is and help Miss Nancy find hers once more. It is the most delightful story, showing the warmth of a ‘cross generational’ relationship and the special bond which can be formed.
Top 5: Books to Help Kids Relate to an Older Generation
In The Octopus, Dadu and Me I’m celebrating one of my favourite relationships — between children and their grandparents.
You can never take too much time thinking about what things might be like from an older person’s perspective — whether it’s a grandparent, neighbour, family friend, or just someone you happen to meet — I think these books really encourage that…
1. The Tale of Truthwater Lake, by Emma Carroll
This book reminds me of when you see black and white photos from the past that have been re-coloured. Stories set in historical periods can feel like those monochrome pictures: safely assigned to “The Past”.
The magic of The Tale of Truthwater Lake is that a girl from the near future actually becomes a girl from the past … she sees through her eyes, uses her body, feels her feelings and learns from her strength. Like those coloured in photos.
2. Bad Nana, That’s Snow Business!, by Sophy Henn
For younger readers, you can’t do better than Bad Nana. She has long been a favourite in our house and I fully aspire to be just like Bad Nana if I ever have grandchildren of my own!
The joy here is that Bad Nana is just a brilliant character full stop, and as far away from stereotypes as you could hope. In this particular book of the series, she gets bit carried away with her passions and makes as many bad choices as any child protagonist might!
3. Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu, by Maisie Chan
To start with, it’s not that instinctive to feel empathy for Wai Gong — main character Lizzie Chu’s grandparent and carer — as he’s not doing a very good job at looking after her. But Lizzie loves and cares about her wai gong, so we do too.
As the story goes on, the reader can’t help but feel for him as his grief and dementia combine. But it’s also a joy to see his enthusiasm in the things he loves, and his love and pride for Lizzie is incredibly moving.
4. Grandpa Frank's Great Big Bucket List, by Jenny Pearson
This book is just hilarious and joyous, and takes a refreshingly direct approach to helping kids relate to an older generation, while being packed full of charm, humour and adventure. There’s even a chapter called: “Never Underestimate Old People”.
At the end, it includes a quiz about impressive old people and things you can do to help the older generations in your community.
5. Wished, by Lissa Evans
At the start of Wished, characters Ed and Roo are bored at the prospect of spending time with their elderly neighbour Miss Filey… they marvel at her ancient telly and her assumption that “WiFi” is a type of biscuit.
In the end, the transformation in their relationship is a total joy as through the book we see Miss Filey — Rosanna — as the fully rounded character she is, with a fierce sense of adventure, hopes and dreams still to achieve and friendships still to make.
I hope you enjoyed the list! I like to think The Octopus Dadu and Me would fit here too. Dadu means the world to my main character Sashi. When he develops dementia, her world starts to unravel.
She projects how she thinks her dadu must feel, alone in a care home, with how an octopus must feel, trapped in a tank — which is why she tries to set the octopus free. Hopefully, by the end, she’s gained a greater understanding of each of their lives, and how she can love and help them best.
Thank you so much to Lucy Ann Unwin for this excellent post and to the team at UCLan for inviting me to be part of the tour. ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me’ is a gorgeous book, perfect for encouraging empathy and understanding, perfect for paving the way for conversations, perfect for enjoying. It really is a must read- make sure you do!
The Octopus, Dadu and Me Lucy Ann Unwin, illustrated by Lucy Mulligan
UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235039
All Four Quarters of the Moon
Making mooncakes with Ah Ma for the Mid-Autumn festival was the last day of Peijing’s old life where everything and everyone was familiar. As her family starts their new life in Australia, everything is different- new home, new school, new language, new customs- but her family also seem to be changing. Ma Ma is no longer smartly turned out and stays in the house; Ba Ba is home more, but retreats to his study; little sister, Biju, needs support and Ah Ma keeps forgetting things. Peijing feels she needs to help everyone else whilst feeling lost and alone herself.
This is a lovely story for many reasons. The bond between the two sisters is beautifully captured as it matures and develops in response to the girls’ new circumstances as they have to reevaluate the cultural traditions and familial obligations they have been brought up with in light of the new world they find themselves in . Each chapter is punctuated by stories told by Biju, her versions of the traditional tales told to her by Ah Ma, stories which unite the children and help them make sense of the world. The ‘Little World’ the girls create also changes in their new environment, eventually becoming something the whole family shares in.
The story is told in four part- through the four quarters of the moon- and as the moon changes so does Peijing and those around her. Big-hearted and loyal, Peijing is a wonderful character whose relationships within her family and with her new best friend, Joanna, show how empathetic and caring she is. It is a really comforting, reassuring read, as everyone comes to find their place in the end, being valued for who they are as they adapt and change to their new lives.
There is so much to discuss and enjoy in this lovely story, making it perfect for guided reading or for reading aloud. The rich cultural references, the wonderful characters, the sense of how we are all similar no matter how ‘different’- everything mingles perfectly, making this a story not to be missed.
All Four Quarters of the Moon Shirley Marr
Usborne ISBN: 978-1803704326
Pause for Poetry: Selfies with Komodos
Brian Moses is one of our best-known, best-loved children’s poets whose abundance of poems are read, enjoyed, performed and shared everywhere! His website is a treasure trove of ideas for writing poems, sure to tempt even the most metrophobic amongst us and the perfect place for teachers to find inspiration for their classes. His latest collection, ‘Selfies with Komodos’, has something for everyone.
‘Lost in a Book’ is a wonderful poem, perfect for teachers to share with classes and inspire the creation of their own versions, exploring stories which they know and love whilst discussing the joy that can be found by being ‘lost in a book’. ‘Librarians’ is another moment of joy, celebrating the essential role they play.
Some of the poems are accompanied by notes, offering additional explanation or information to help the reader understand them. For example, Brian explains where the inspiration for ‘The Sea’s Ghosts’ came from- a wonderfully atmospheric piece- and offers the definition of ‘flip-flop words’. So many of these poems would make brilliant models for children to create their own and encourage a love of word play and experimentation.
There are humorous poems, thought-provoking poems, ‘silly’ poems…so much to love! Packed with fun illustrations by Ed Boxall, this is an essential collection for home- school- everywhere!
Selfies With Komodos Brian Moses, illustrated by Ed Boxall
Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1913074098
Published 19th January
Alcatoe and the Turnip Child
Alcatoe is the most reclusive creature living in Plum Woods. She also happens to be a witch. Goonwartha, head of the Witches’ Social Club, isn’t too keen on her and the feeling is mutual. When three children find Alcatoe’s hat, they decide to return it to her and ask for her help to win the Harvest Festival Vegetable Pageant and beat rotten Mr Pokeweed, a nasty vegetable grower! Alcatoe agrees as she sees this as an opportunity to wreak havoc at the event and cause trouble for its organiser- Goonwartha. Chaos follows before order and harmony are restored.
Highly engaging, ‘Alcatoe and the Turnip Child’ is presented through a perfect balance of short sections of text, speech bubbles and illustrations, making it a very accessible and satisfying read.
The illustrations are full of details and different layouts can be ‘read’ in different ways, keeping the reader looking carefully whilst enjoying the story. The autumnal colours used throughout create the perfect seasonal feel and the Turnip child is delightful. This is a quirky, unique story that is sure to find a keen following of fans!
Alcatoe and the Turnip Child Isaac Lenkiewicz
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740146