The Time Tider

Mara and her father, Gabriel, live in their van and are constantly on the move. Her father is forever tinkering with watches, completely absorbed in his work, plotting the next stop on their never ending journey. Mara has never questioned their way of life until one day she discovers some papers hidden in the van referring to the to ‘the Tider’, someone responsible for harvesting lost time. Shocked and full of questions, Mara is left reeling when Gabriel is taken by a dangerous group who wish to use his powers for evil. Desperate for help, Mara tries to find her father’s friend, Lenny and meets a boy called Jan who seems determined to help her. Together, they must find Gabriel before it's too late.

My clumsy synopsis does not do justice to this brilliant book. It is such a well-crafted, absorbing story, set in a world where ‘spare’ time must be harvested by the Time Tider to avoid it gathering and causing warps; however, it also poses questions in the moral implications of someone having the power and responsibility this bestows and the potential for corruption and evil which might follow.

The author skilfully builds Mara’s world and the arts of the Time Tider with exerts from ‘The Time Tider’s Handbook’ being threaded through the story between chapters. Mara is a unique character. Isolated by their unusual lifestyle, their poverty and constant travelling, she is naturally distrustful and cautious, but also curious and courageous. You can’t help but cheer her on as she faces each challenge and decision she must take.

The Time Tider would make an excellent class read, sure to excite the imagination and lead to much discussion and exploration of ideas. I have loved each book by Sinead O’Hart, but feel this is her best yet!

The Time Tider Sinéad O’Hart

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953306

Norah’s Ark

Adam Sinclair lives in a lovely house. He has a huge treehouse to himself, a private tutor, plenty to eat and loving parents who dote on him. However, since his recovery from Leukaemia, his overprotective mother wants to keep him safely at home so he is not able to make friends or return to the swimming which he loves.

Norah Day lives in temporary accommodation with her father, often having to rely on foodbanks when their money runs out. She has a warm relationship with him, happy when he’s happy and constantly trying to rescue any creature in need she comes across.

These two very different children come together to save a nest of baby birds, forging a strong bond which allows each to find the strength to act when disaster strikes.

Told through the alternating viewpoints of the two children, ‘Norah’s Ark’ is a very special, heart-warming book. It is impossible not to feel the greatest empathy for Norah as the reader experiences the difficulties and dangers she faces daily- yet she is resilient, loving and determined no matter what life throws at her. Her circumstances are explored with great sensitivity and skill- perfect for encouraging discussions. The title is perfect too!

Adam’s experiences are completely different and yet, he also invokes our sympathy. A fellow animal lover, his guilt for having caused his parents anxiety over his illness prevents him from returning to so the ‘normal’ things he wants to do.

There is so much which could be said about this life-affirming, beautifully empathetic and sensitive book, but my best advice to people is to read it. I loved it and am sure everyone who reads it will agree!

Norah’s Ark Victoria Williamson

Neem Tree Press ISBN: 978-1911107996

Published August 29th 2023

Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue

Huxley is a little koala filled with energy and zest for life. Flapjack, his penguin friend, is far more anxious and cautious, but together, they make the perfect team. They live in a treehouse just outside the town and when a new store opens, they hop on their tandem to take a look. Although the manager isn’t entirely happy, they have lots of fun investigating everything from the revolving doors to the very bouncy trampoline in the sports department, but when Huxley is mistaken for a thief, they must come up with a plan to prove his innocence.

From its zingy yellow cover to its wonderful colour illustrations, this gorgeous early chapter book is bursting with energy and adventure, sure to capture the imagination- and hearts- of its readers. Huxley and Flapjack prove that opposites attract and that true friends can be quite different to you in both tastes and backgrounds.

Huxley is impulsive, acting before thinking things through, and sometimes (like when riding on the tandem) relying on Flapjack to do all the work. Flapjack is a more sensitive, gentle soul who tempers Huxley’s impetuous urges, yet benefits as the friendship encourages him to do things he might otherwise not do. There is much here to discuss with children who might see themselves in either character!

The illustrations are completely delightful, full of things to notice and smile about. Flapjack’s range of changing expressions is a priceless as he is caught up in Huxley’s madcap pace of doing things! The story could inspire many crafty activities, making it perfect for book group sessions as well as for enjoying at home or school. I could see this series making an excellent cartoon series as well!

Sure to become firm favourites, Huxley and Flapjack are highly appealing characters which children are going to want to read about. Great fun!

Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue

Alan MacDonald, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa

Little Tiger ISBN: 978- 1788954174

Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo

After the success of their French mission, Rosie Raja is keen to avoid being sent to boarding school by her dad. However, a new mission to Cairo with her father posing as an Egyptologist sees Rosie back in action on the trail of a British traitor. But with the stakes higher than ever, everyone seems to be harbouring secrets, making their mission to Cairo full of peril.

Once again, Rosie shows herself to be a determined and resourceful heroine as she navigates the dangers of this mission. Her observant, reflective nature allows the reader to appreciate many of the social and cultural details of the period and as well as being an exciting- and different-WWII story, the plot raises moral questions around the ‘ownership’ of archaeological treasures, like the Rosetta Stone, offering plenty of food for thought.

The author’s note draws attention to certain liberties which have been taken with history for the story, something I wish happened more in historical fiction. This ensures children, whilst thoroughly enjoying the story, understand the framework used to create it and potentially encourages them to discover more about the setting and period in the narrative.

The plot builds to an exciting conclusion, with tension mounting as (being very careful with what I say so as not to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet!) the traitor is exposed. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and look forward to finding out where Rosie’s next mission takes her!

Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo

Sufiya Ahmed

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801990103

You can read my review of ‘Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy’ here.

Kicked Out

Sequel to the very wonderful, ‘Boy Everywhere’ follows Ali and Sami as they settle into life, playing for the school football team and enjoying the huge pool at Mark’s new house. But when some money goes missing, everything changes when Aadam is accused by Mark’s mum’s boyfriend of the theft. The boys are desperate to prove his innocence and help him fight deportation, but Ali is distracted by the reappearance of his father and his half brother.

I loved ‘Boy Everywhere’, finding it powerful, thought-provoking and moving. In ‘Kicking Out’, A M Dassu offers a follow up which is equally compelling and which does not shy away from racist attitudes and the plight of unaccompanied minors who are seeking asylum. Parts of the story make uncomfortable reading as racism and appalling attitudes are laid bare, but with the dangerous and misleading rhetoric around refugees and asylum seekers, it is a vitally important one.

Family and relationships are also central to the story. Ali’s world is turned upside down by the reappearance of his father- and his half brother. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and rejection, constantly comparing himself to his ‘new’ brother and doubting himself. Mark is also having family problems- although his mother has new found wealth and security, it is her boyfriend, Callum, a racist bully, who has driven a rift between him (Mark), Ali and Sami, falsely accusing Aadam and refusing to let Mark see his friends. Mark doesn’t want to abandon them, but struggles with the thought that he might upset his mother now that she has at last found some happiness.

Unflinching and honest, ‘Kicked Out’ is an important and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Kicked Out A M Dassu

Old Barn Books ISBN: 978- 1910646892

Published in October

A Sprinkling of Danger

‘A Sprinkling of Danger’ finds Alice Éclair on another spying adventure. When an American film crew arrives at the beautiful palace of Versailles, there is great excitement, but suspicions that a spy is amongst them means Alice is once more on the case. Using her baking skills, Alice manages to gain a place on set along with her fellow spy, Pierre. However, Pierre seems to have his own agenda, leaving Alice to face danger on her own. This could be her stickiest mission yet…

…there is something very magical about cake and kindness.

Every bit as delicious as the two previous mysteries, ‘A Sprinkling of Danger’ is a brilliant read. Alice remains as resourceful and determined, combining excellent observation skills, a passion for pastries and a nose for adventure as she solves the mission she has been set. In this story, she not only has to contend with solving the case, but is also challenged by the sneering, unhelpful actions of Pierre who is supposed to be working on her side, but is as obnoxious as can be.

Versailles (one of my favourite places in the world!) makes a magical backdrop for the tale and the author has done a wonderful job of capturing the beauty and wonder of this stunning location, dropping little nuggets of historical information in every now and then. Against this setting, Alice whips up her fantastic culinary treats, making the reader’s mouth water as they try to crack the case. There are plenty of red herrings to distract and misdirect, but in the end, Alice triumphs, not only exposing the enemy spy, but resolving her questions about Pierre.

Perfect for reading as part of the series or as a stand-alone adventure, the story ends with hints about a next mission and I, for one, can’t wait to read it!

Alice Éclair Spy Extraordinaire: A Sprinkling of Danger

Sarah Todd Taylor, illustrations by Beatriz Castro

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839948855

Out on the 14th September!

You can read my review of ‘A Recipe for Trouble’ here and ‘A Spoonful of Spying’ here.

One Little Word

After a quarrel in the playground between two friends, the Argument appears. This lurid purple and orange depiction of their disagreement thrives on the ill-feelings in the air, swelling with each nasty word, look or deed. It forces its way between them and all the children in the playground start to take sides. Tension mounts until each mutters ‘sorry’ and with that little word, the Argument starts to shrink and harmony is restored once more.

This is one of those books which are just invaluable for helping children to explore and understand their emotions. Joseph Coelho has perfectly captured how something trivial between friends can escalate into a major issue. No blame is attached to either party, allowing the reader to consider both points of view, making it the perfect starting point for role play, hot seating and drama work. The Argument is seen as the issue here, blocking their friendship, getting in the way of their games, growing as time passes- giving visual representation to the atmosphere which this sort of falling out creates.

Words and pictures really do work completely in harmony in this lovely book. The frustration the children feel, the glee on the growing Argument’s face and then the contrition and relief experienced by the children as they utter that one little word, ‘sorry’, and their friendship blossoms once more are all beautifully captured. This is a book that would work well at home - perhaps to discuss quarrels between siblings- or at school- to defuse and explore playground incidents. I would happily use this with any age group and can think of many occasions with my Year 6’s where it would have been invaluable.

Gorgeous illustrations and soft words of wisdom- an excellent, much needed book!

One Little Word

Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711279094

You can read my review of ‘My Beautiful Voice’ here.

Hello Me!

‘Hello Me!’ follows a little boy as he learns to love himself and accept himself for who he is. Comparing his mind to a house, he knows maintaining it needs love and care so it can weather the bad times. He understands that he is not perfect and will make mistakes, but resolves to make the most of what he has and to persevere when things go wrong, asking for help when needed.

This is such a lovely, accessible book, brilliant for sharing with individual children or classes to open up discussions about mental health. Using a house as a metaphor for the mind is very easy for children to relate to, the lovely illustrations perfectly supporting the text. When the little boy is jealous of the girl on the boat, the pictures show that however much she seems to have, there are cracks and patches in her home as well.

At the end of the book, there are notes offering advice and guidance to support the ideas explored in the story- reassuring for adults who are sharing the book with little- and perhaps not-so-little- ones. An excellent addition to any bookshelf!

Hello Me! A Children’s Book of Well-being

Dr Naira Wilson, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801044844

A Star for Mama

Kip the baby penguin loves his mama very much. Whilst gazing at the night sky, Mama comments on the beauty of the stars and Kip has the idea of trying to catch a shooting star for her and sets off on an adventure…

What’s not to love about this sweet story! Celebrating the bond between mother and child, it shows the pleasure of spending time together and enjoying the little things in life. It is perfect for snuggling down together and sharing!

Kip’s love for his mother makes him want to do something really special for her, setting him off on his adventure. He is completely focused on his quest, failing to notice the dangers which readers will instantly spot as Kathy Creamer’s illustrations offer another layer to the story. The reassuring presence of the big grey dog prevents any really worries for Kip’s safety, despite the appearance of the hungry looking fox and the driving rain. I love the penultimate picture where mother and baby are sheltered by the dog under a sky filled with Northern Lights whilst the disgruntled fox scuttles off to look for food elsewhere. Children are sure to love to story of the crab who finds the net on the end papers only to have it whisked away by Kip, but who has gained possession of his prize once more on the final endpaper. There is plenty to discuss in this gentle story and plenty to enjoy.

At the end of the book, there is a section of penguin facts, allowing children to discover more about these fascinating creatures. Kip and the other penguins are shown living in what I assume are artificial nests, again opening possibilities for discussion and discovery.

A Star for Mama

Ashling Kwok, illustrated by Kathy Creamer

Little Pink Dog Books ISBN: 978-0648964131

Victor the wolf with worries

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

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

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

Victor the Wolf with Worries

Catherine Rayner

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529051285

Blog Tour: Curious Creatures Talking Together

I am delighted to be taking part in the Book Review Blog Tour for this wonderful book. In fact, I was so keen to share my thoughts that I jumped the gun with my review- but am delighted to share it again - with some additional thoughts - as part of the tour!

Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!

The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys. It would be fascinating to use for Guided Reading sessions, with succinct sections of text, full of specific vocabulary, offering plenty to discuss and explore. Sections might also be used as models for children’s own writing of non-fiction whilst the varied habitats included might inspire some map work, locating the places mentioned. The nature of the series- being curious about the curiosities of the animal kingdom- might also lead to researching the most curious facts that can be found, like why wombats have cube- shaped poo!

With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and relish in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351

Many thanks to the lovely Maryam at Flying Eye Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. I look forward to reading the other reviewers thoughts about the book!

Gigantic

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

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

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

Gigantic Rob Biddulph

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008413439

Published 14th September

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

At the Speed of Lies

Quinn’s junior year has not started as well as she would have liked. Her older sister has become more remote, obsessed with grades and extra-curricular activities and her best friend, Ximena, has become inseparable from her boyfriend, Max, leaving Quinn feeling like a spare part.. She is also trying to boost her following on her Instagram account, The Whine. When two children go missing, the school bully, Cade, seems to be at the forefront of fundraising for Defend Kids, an organisation which claims to fight against child trafficking. Challenged by Cade, Quinn posts about the missing children. Initially overjoyed at the popularity of her account, things quickly start to spiral out of control as her followers skyrocket, spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Completely absorbing, ‘At the Speed of Lies’ is a thought provoking, slightly unsettling read with much to recommend it. It shows how quickly ‘urban legends’ escalate and become fact, with social media playing a huge role in the speed at which they spread. The story challenges readers to consider the validity of the information they receive and question whether they should accept this at face value. The author’s note at the end, explaining their background in this area, is very interesting.

But there is more to the story than this. Quinn is an excellent character who learns much about herself over the course of the book and through her eyes, the reader learns much about the experiences of those with her condition, feeling empathy and hopefully, adjusting their behaviour accordingly. The story also shows how an increased following, post likes and comments can become addictive and affect people’s feelings of self-worth. Real life friendships and real connections are far more important.

I have no wish to spoil the story for anyone else by revealing too much, but highly recommend that everyone reads it!

At the Speed of Lies Cindy L Otis

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702329524

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble

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

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

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

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

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

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble

Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839943225

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

You Could Be So Pretty

Beauty comes at a price. And girls must pay.

Belle Gentle follows the rules of The Doctrine to the letter and is so close to ‘Having It All’. The Doctrine helps girls navigate the world now the Bad Times are over by offering guidelines for how to behave. She’s the prettiest Pretty in school, A Chosen One in her spare time, and she’s about to win The Ceremony, making her family proud.

Joni Miller is an Objectionable. Although she is despised by others for rejecting the Doctrine, this is her Choice. She is determined to win the Scholarship into the Education so she can change things- but her biggest rival is perfect Belle.

Being far older than the target audience for this book, I found it deeply disturbing and sad- and yet, as I closed it, I was filled with the hope that for those reading it, it will provoke thought and discussions. The story offers a blistering look at a dystopian ‘future’ where the expectations on girls to be effortlessly perfect, whilst bearing all the responsibility for the reactions which they might ‘incite’ from men, are overwhelming. This is a society where violence against women is normalised, with degrading, dehumanising Smut (pornography) a part of every day life and where any girl who doesn’t find this arousing, fun and healthy is a Frigid. And yet, much of this sounds chillingly familiar, reflecting the everyday realities faced by many girls today.

And this is where Holly Bourne skilfully turns this into more than just another dystopian tale. The society she portrays in intensely suffocating with something on almost every page which causes the reader to feel both intensely uncomfortable and furious…and provoke reflection. Women are told that they have won equality, that they have choice, but ‘choice means nothing if you feel you have no other option than to choose what everyone chooses…if there are significant consequences for not following the established path.’ Powerful stuff.

The other strength of this story is in the characterisation. Joni and Belle are girls you come to care about. The novel opens with glimpses of their past which put them each on the path they have taken in life, instantly creating empathy. Belle is particularly fascinating as she finds herself questioning- and seeking to justify- things which make her intensely uncomfortable. Being an ‘Invisible’, my heart ached for both these girls - and all the women in the story- and for those in real life whose experience is similar.

A note at the beginning of the book warns the story might be triggering, but Holly Bourne should be commended for writing this book. For me, its importance is on a par with ‘Asking for It’ by Louise O’Neal- and that’s saying something.

Clever and compelling, startling and stirring, this is a must read.

You Could Be So Pretty Holly Bourne

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474966832

Our Earth is a Poem

Shell of the sunrise,

sunrise shell,

yours is the pink lip

of a pearled world.

‘Our Earth is a Poem’ joins ‘Courage in a Poem’ and ‘My Heart is a Poem’ as the third in this beautiful series of poetry books from Little Tiger. As with the two previous volumes, this collection offers a carefully selected, wide range of poems, but this time on the theme of nature.

And what a selection it is! Perfect for using at home and in school, these are poems which capture moments of nature’s beauty, closely observe the environment and marvel at the wonders around us. Nature in this collection is the whole jigsaw of life which makes our world.

‘Mud’ revels in the joy of a child playing in the dirt, valuing the fundamental contribution this makes to life whilst ‘Winter Poem’ celebrates the magic of snow. Robert Macfarlane’s ‘Otter’ is a stunning example of an acrostic poem, which uses a wealth of poetic devices to capture the enigmatic beauty of that creature. The range of styles and subjects is a joy, making it a pleasure to share and very easy for poetry to be slipped into story time routines at home and school as well as being a collection which children will, no doubt, love to explore for themselves.

The collection is delightfully illustrated by four artists who capture the essence of the poems in their differing styles. Like the poems they capture, the illustrations offer much to discuss and enjoy. I love the joy of the picture which accompanies ‘Your Dresses’ by carol Ann Duffy and the humour which fills the one for John Agard’s ‘Laughter’s Favourite Animal’.

Biographies of both poets and illustrators are given at the end of the book, something which I feel is really important. It is so wonderful to be able to see the creator of something which you have enjoyed and may well lead to further discoveries or new interests. There is also a note about the use of both British and American English in the collection, reflecting the roots of the work and its maker.

A stunning collection!

Poems by: Margarita Engle, Diana Hendry, Grace Nichols, Robert Macfarlane, Ruth Awolola, Naomi Shihab Nye, Zaro Weil, Rachel Plummer, Joyce Sidman, Carol Ann Duffy, Jack Prelutsky, Mary Anne Hoberman, Nikki Giovanni, Jan Dean, Rebecca Perry, Sue Hardy-Dawson, Janet Wong, Jay Hulme and Tom Denbigh

Artwork by: Annalise Barber, Mariana Roldan, Masha Manapov and Nabila Adani

To be published on August 3rd 2023

You can read my review of ‘Courage in a Poem’ here and ‘My Heart is a Poem’ here.

Pea Pod Lullaby

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

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

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

Pea Pod Lullaby

Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Old Barn Books ISBN: 978-1910646458

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!

The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys.

With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and enjoy in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351

Published on the 3rd August 2023

You can read my review of Curious Creatures: Working with Tools here.

My Heart Was a Tree

My walk was the walk of a human child, but my heart was a tree.

-Ted Hughes

Inspired by the bluebell woods behind his house, the story of Jean Giono (the man who planted trees) and the poem the above quote is taken from, ‘My Own True Family’, this book is a love song to trees.

Yuval’s glorious illustrations make the book visually stunning, a fitting tribute to the lush richness of trees and the abundant life which they support. From the insect and leaf strewn end papers and hard cover under hidden beneath the dust jacket to the , each page is beautifully decorated.

The collection contains both stories and poems, some taking the viewpoint of the trees themselves, some about the animals who live in and around them and some about the people who rely on their bounty. One of my favourites, ‘I Was There’ is written as if by an olive tree which witnesses Penelope, wife of Odysseus, longing for her husband, his return and then the writing of the poem by Homer. Another, ‘A Whisper of Blossom’, is accompanied by a note about van Gogh’s painting ‘Almond Blossom’, giving the reader some context for the poem. ‘The Singing Tree’, having survived bombing, sees life return once more, a symbol of hope and renewal.

The poems and stories in this collection are ideal for sharing, exploring and enjoying, perfect for school and home alike. It is a treasure trove of treats, celebrating the majesty and beauty of trees.

My Heart was a Tree: Poems and Stories to Celebrate Trees

Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Yuval Zommer

Two Hoots ISBN: 978-1529094794

Flora and Nora Hunt for Treasure

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

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

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

Flora and Nora Hunt for Treasure

Kim Hillyard

Penguin ISBN: 978-0241488607

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