Find Peace in a Poem

Things got very crazy at the end of last year so I took a couple of weeks off from reviewing…which means I am very behind in sharing all the lovely books I have been reading! However, new year and all that so let’s start 2024 with this gem!

‘Find Peace in a Poem’ is the latest in a series of poetry books from Little Tiger, joining ‘My Heart is a Poem’, ‘Courage in a Poem’ and ‘Our Earth is a Poem’. Making a lovely collection, each book is beautifully produced, with thoughtful details like biographies of each poet and illustrator and a name plate with the dedication ‘Words of calm for…’. Four illustrators have contributed to the collection with their differing styles perfectly complementing the poems.

Like a spell, poetry wields the right words at the right time and has the power to transform us.

Whoever wrote the book’s introduction obviously loves poetry as much as I do and has created the perfect starting point for the collection. As usual with this series, there is comment at the end of the book explaining that the poems have been presented in their original dialect as the poems are ‘rooted in the places they were dreamt up and written’.

The poems have been chosen with great care, each one offering a sense of calm and joyful optimism, encouraging the reader to focus on and appreciate the small things in life, the moments that create their days, the joy in the world around them. ‘A Lesson from the Trees’ by Nikita Gill reflects on the longevity of the trees around us and the constant, listening presence they offer. Kate Wakeling’s ‘The Ink Cure’ suggests a way of combatting feelings of sadness and letting your troubles go whilst ‘Over the Weather’ by Naomi Shihab Nye offers calming thoughts. Each poem is a joy!

The anthology is perfect for sharing at home or in school with many of the poems offering excellent models or starting points for children to develop their own poetic ideas. Zaro Weil’s ‘Hide and Seek’, for example, might inspire children to concentrate on and describe the sounds that they can hear in different locations as well as the importance of finding those quiet moments. ‘My Inner Weather Report’ by Georgia Heard is the perfect starting point for supporting children with identifying and sharing their feelings, recognising all the different moods and emotions which everyone experiences. And, of course, Kit Wright’s ‘The Magic Box’ - a perennial favourite- is a magical way of gathering all the special sights, sounds, people, places and imaginative details which make life so rich and joyful.

The perfect place to start 2024- happy New Year!

Find Peace in a Poem

Mandy Coe, Jack Prelutsky, Pat Mora, Kate Wakeling, James Carter, Nikita Gill, Joseph Coelho, Valerie Bloom, Amina Jama, Michael Rosen, Sue Hardy-Dawson, Mary Ann Hoberman, Georgia Heard, Sophia Thakur, Sanah Ahsan, Elizabeth Acevedo, Kit Wright, Naomi Shihab Nye and Zaro Weil

Illustrated by Annalise Barber, Mariana Roldan, Masha Manapov and Nabila Adani.

Published 4th January 2024

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

I Love You More

As mum settles Rae down at bedtime, she tries to tell her just how much she loves her- more than tiny tree frogs love to leap, more than penguins love waddling in the snow, more than dolphins love the boundless sea- more than words can say.

Gorgeous illustrations and beautiful lyrical text combine to make a wonderful snuggle-up story to share with the ones you love. A joy to read aloud, the gentle rhyme follows a comforting pattern which children will quickly be able to join in with- and enjoy creating their own images to express their feelings. It offers the reassurance of unconditional, never-ending love from adult to child- but with Rae getting the last word!

There is a dream-like quality to the illustrations yet these lovely images are sure to inspire children to find out more about the creatures they show.

‘Guess How Much I Love You’ was one of my son’s favourite books when he was little and ‘I Love You More’ offers readers the same cosy feeling, the same sense of shared love, the same precious memories that I will never forget from our bedtime- or anytime- stories. Another winner, Clare- congratulations!

I Love You More

Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944192

You can read my review of ‘Sunny Side Up’ here and ‘Never Ever Ever Ask a Pirate to a Party’ here.

Juniper’s Christmas

When Juniper’s mum goes missing, she seeks help from Niko, who lives in her local London park surrounded by Christmas trees and reindeer that can fly. She suspects he is actually Santa and when she accidentally gets exposed to North Pole magic, Juniper finds that Skara, a young reindeer, has imprinted on her, forming a close bond between the two. With the park threatened by local councillor, Dafydd Carnegie and a Santa who has given up on Christmas, can Juniper find her mum and bring back the magic of the festive season?

There is so much to love in this story that no synopsis of it could possibly do it justice! My son (and I!) loved the ‘Artemis Fowl’ series, thoroughly enjoying the quirky originality and humour of the books and Eoin Colfer has managed to sprinkle the same magic on this book.

A book with a grieving, disaffected Father Christmas who has stopped fulfilling his duties and a mother and daughter bereft at the loss of their husband/ father doesn’t really sound like much of a festive treat yet not everyone is happy at Christmas - a time when the world assumes everyone is. Juniper’s much-loved father loved celebrating Christmas and Juniper herself is a Christmas baby, making the season all the more poignant now that he is no longer there. The story also includes Duchess, one of the homeless people who shelter in the park and who Niko has been offering help and support to and who are now under threat from the machinations of Carnegie and his criminal ally, Trude Madden, who are quite happy to destroy donations for homeless people.

However, the story is peppered with humour, hope and happiness, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas, offering plenty to discuss and plenty to enjoy. ‘Be the change’, empathise with and care for others, the importance of family (real and ‘adopted’) all ring clear through the inventive, magical technicalities of the workings of Christmas. ‘Juniper’s Christmas’ would make an excellent class story - sure to inspire lots of writing and creative ideas- with many drama opportunities and much to talk about. The book would also make an excellent film..!

Juniper’s Christmas

Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Harper Collins ISBN: 978- 0008475536

The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor: A Christmas Mystery

Flora and her mother are spending the Christmas holidays in a cottage found in the grounds of a decaying mansion in he seaside town of Helmersbruk. It’s their first Christmas without Flora’s father and things are strange and difficult for them so her mother thought the break would do them good. However, Helmersbruk is dark and rainy and when they arrive at the Gatekeeper’s Cottage, the gate seems locked and no one is around apart from Fridolf, who lives next door in the Washhouse. But as Flora explores the Manor grounds, her imagination runs wild and she comes to love it there. Strange whispers, mysterious porcelain figures and the occasional appearance of a boy called Egon increase her fascination with the place and she starts to uncover a fascinating mystery which links the past and the present.

The story is told in twenty-four chapters, making it perfect for reading as an advent book in the countdown to Christmas Day- but I challenge anyone to be able to read it like this! The story is so compelling and absorbing that it is impossible to put down! Carefully placed clues, engaging characters and evocative writing make this a fabulous read- one which is sure to be enjoyed again and again despite the mystery having been solved!

Each chapter beings with a black and white illustration, adding to the atmosphere of the story. Flora is drawn to the Mansion and there are shivery moments, carefully placed to intrigue and pique the reader’s interest and imagination as the Manor’s secrets are revealed. Flora is reeling from the loss of her father, struggling with the rejection of her once-best-friend, Johanna, and the bullying of the horsey girls at school and Helmersbruk Manor offers her peace and a feeling of belonging. She learns to trust again, finding friendship as she strives to save the Manor from a threatened re-development as a hotel complex.

An excellent story, ‘The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor’ is a brilliant, gripping story- perfect for Christmas, but a great read at any time of year!

The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor: A Christmas Mystery

Eva Frantz, translated by A A Prime, illustrated by Elin Sandstrom

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694182

Peace on Earth

Poetic text and gorgeous illustrations combine perfectly to tell the beautifully expressed, deeply poignant message of this book. Two children meet and set off on a journey through glorious countryside. A wolf cub joins them as they reach a riverbank and meet another child in a boat who joins in their games as they explore and discover the wonders of the world. When they reach an island, however, discord begins, leading to a furious argument. Bravely, the girl from the boat seeks to intervene and brings the group back together again as they head home in harmony.

From the same perfect pairing which blessed us with ‘Rain Before Rainbows’, ‘Peace on Earth’ is a stunning book, not just for Christmas, but for any time of year. A note at the beginning says the book was inspired by words from Luke 2:14 in the King James version of the Bible- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men- but the theme here is a universal, all-encompassing one of love, understanding, empathy, tolerance and forgiveness. The text- really a poem- is a joy to read aloud with its beautiful cadence, the directness of the words conveying such intense feelings of joy, anger, sorrow and hope.

David Litchfield’s artwork enhances these words and is turn, enhanced by them. Playful happy scenes with dappled light through trees, sun sparkling on water or the many beauties of the natural world capture the harmony and ‘peace’ as the children play and explore together.

Peace on earth…Let friends be found!

Let laughter ring, let joy abound…

These scenes contrast with darker skies and looming shadows, the furious reds of volcanic eruption and evils serpents which appear as discord engulfs the children, dividing them. Once again, the vivid illustrations speak volumes whilst the text is clear and direct-

But sometimes words can hurt…and sting.

And fires rage and burn within.

It’s books like this one which make me pause and reflect on how lucky readers are to have them. The thought and personal investment in the work from both author and illustrator is a real gift, offering a book which is not only beautiful, but helps to untangle and acknowledge the complex range of emotions we experience - the good and the bad- and to offer resolution, hope, a way forward- this really is not just for Christmas!

As you might have guessed, I absolutely love this one and cannot recommend it highly enough for everyone, everywhere. ‘Peace on Earth’ is absolutely what we need right now.

Peace on Earth

Smriti Halls, illustrated by David Litchfield

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529507942

You can read my review of ‘Rain Before Rainbows’ here.

Stepfather Christmas

Harper, Will and mum have always managed on their own, with mum going as ‘full-on for Christmas as her budget will allow’. So when mum announces that this year her boyfriend, Nick, will be joining them, it’s a bit of a shock. He seems nice, but Harper can’t help noticing that Christmassy things happen whenever he’s around. Convinced he’s actually Father Christmas, she is determined to uncover the truth…

Subtitled ‘A Festive Countdown in 25 Chapters’, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a wonderfully charming and humorous festive treat, perfect for sharing a chapter a night in the run up to Christmas Day. The idea of a family read each day of Advent is a joy - when my son was little, we used to read a festive picture book each day- and a lovely way to bring everyone together. The chapters are the perfect length and the characters are wonderfully engaging.

Jovial and kindly, Nick works with the reindeer at the petting zoo, makes the perfect hot chocolate and seems to receive an awful lot of post. As the clues mount up. Harper becomes increasingly suspicious that he is indeed Father Christmas in spite of Will’s scepticism when she tries to discuss it with him. Her doubts and anxieties about Nick becoming part of their tight-knit little family will resonate with many children in a similar situation whilst the mystery about his identity brings plenty of festive fun!

Whether read day-by-day or consumed in one sitting, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a delightful, thoroughly engaging read!

Stepfather Christmas L P Lapinski

Orion ISBN: 978-1510112698

Luna Loves Christmas

Luna loves Christmas. Sometimes she spends it at her dad’s, sometimes at her mum’s, but this year, things are going to be different. This year, they are volunteering to make sure that everyone has a happy Christmas. On Christmas Eve, she helps mum to make deliveries before spending the night with her dad. On Christmas Day, she and Dad arrive at the Town Hall to share dinner with the rest of the family - and anyone who wants to come.

This is a fabulously festive story for so many reasons! As readers have discovered in the previous ‘Luna Loves…’ books, Luna is at the heart of a very loving family. Her parents might not be together, but they work hard to ensure their little girl is happy and secure. She is used to having two Christmases- one with each parent; however, having carefully explained the structure of events so that Luna knows exactly what to expect, this Christmas is going to be focused on sharing with others. As Luna and her mother make the deliveries, Luna gains something from each visit as others share things with them- not expensive gifts, but time and fun- a snowball fight, carol singing, a shared Christmas story (which features as a book within the book!).

Once at her father’s, the two make Christmas biscuits and enjoy the bedtime rituals of Christmas Eve. Christmas Day dawns with presents- ‘some for now, some for later’- but little attention is paid to this. Getting ready for the Christmas dinner with everyone else it is the cookies they baked and the home-made presents which are important. The illustrations convey so much warmth and joy between this little family and between members of the community as they come together. The story really shows Luna having a wonderful Christmas, full of fun and family traditions, but also one of sharing, kindness and inclusion. It is a complete joy and a brilliant addition to this delightful series.

Luna Loves Christmas

Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131660

The Christmas Songbook

‘The Christmas Songbook’ is a lovely way of introducing children to some traditional festive favourites. A simple rhyming story about a family of mice preparing for Christmas sets the scene for each song and the lovely illustrations offer plenty to discuss and enjoy.

On each page is a star which, when pressed, plays a jaunty rendition of the opening lines of the carol. A simplified score for each song with the words are included, encouraging young musicians to play and sing along. Children are sure to quickly identify their favourites and perhaps learn some which are new to them!

At the end of the book, there are notes about the history of each song which is a really thoughtful addition, giving an extra insight into the development and origin of the song selection. The book is pleasingly sturdy and only a gentle touch on the stars is needed to play the tune, making them perfect for little fingers.

Perfect for the festive season!

The Christmas Songbook: Sing Along to Eight Classic Carols

Illustrated by Amy Adele

Magic Cat ISBN: ‎ 978-1915569035

‘Tis the Season

As a huge fan of both poetry and advent calendars, this book is just perfect for me! ‘‘Tis the Season’ is a genius idea, combing the excitement of the festive countdown with the gift of poetry and all in the most beautifully designed and constructed book.

Untying a red ribbon allows the reader to explore the gorgeous illustrations which accompany each poem. These have been carefully chosen to offer a wonderful mix of festive and seasonal gems, each the perfect length to hold interest whilst opening the flap to reveal the advent treat! Once opened on the first of December, the book can either be closed and re-tied each day or left open, standing in a magical fold-out freeze, tempting the reader with the joys yet to come.

What better gift to give than the joy of poetry and art? This is sure to become a family tradition, creating a shared experience as the poems become like familiar friends. They are also bound to introduce families to other poems by the same poets as enjoyment of one verse will always lead to more. Although this is aimed at children, ‘‘Tis the Season’ can also be enjoyed by anyone at any age!

‘Tis the Season Richard Jones

Nosy Crow with the National Trust ISBN: 978-1839946868

You can read my review of ‘Perdu’ here and ‘Paper Planes’ here.

NNFN2023: Ultimate Dinosaurs

Day 28 of National Non-Fiction November!

Endlessly fascinating to many young children, dinosaur books will always be popular. This series builds an extremely collectable library of pocket sized books introducing the reader to different dinosaurs in an extremely readable mix of science and humour.

Each book has been carefully researched, clearly presenting information in accessible chunks, supported by plenty of diagrams and cartoons. Each book starts by defining what a dinosaur is and a section of this chapter offers the same information from book to book, ensuring consistency. The following chapter, Dinosaur Detectives, then focuses in on the subject of the book. Here the reader finds a description and a family tree which explores relationships between dinosaurs. Helpful diagrams illustrate the size of these creatures in relation to a human and there are pronunciation guides for how to say each name.

Other chapters look at the discoveries relating to the named dinosaur, their anatomy and habitat. ‘New Science’ explores the latest ideas and ‘the battle’ looks at how the ‘evolutionary arms race’ would have played out, supported by a cartoon depiction.

Packed with fascinating facts, these small books are a wonderful resource for dinosaur lovers, old and young.

Ultimate Dinosaur: Microraptor

Ben Garrod, illustrated by Scott Hartman, Gabriel Ugueto and Ethan Kocak

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1804548301

Ultimate Dinosaur: Ankylosaurus

Ben Garrod, illustrated by Scott Hartman, Gabriel Ugueto and Ethan Kocak

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1804548271

NNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour: The Fossil Hunter

Today’s review for the NNNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour is ‘The Fossil Hunter’ by Kate Winter. As her contribution to the story of modern science is becoming more recognised and valued, biographies of her life and work for children are starting to appear- and this is a real gem!

There is so much to recommend this book that it is hard to know where to start! Initial attraction might be the stunning illustrations. The cover is wonderfully tactile, inviting the reader to run their fingers over the vertebrae of a dinosaur and the stones it lies amongst whilst a bonnetless Mary points to the wonders of the ancient sky above her. The opening end papers show a sepia scene with Mary, her father, brother and little dog, Tray, seeking the fossils which became their livelihood whilst the back end papers show modern fossil hunters, following in her footsteps. Throughout the book, the illustrations form an integral part of Mary’s story, bringing scenes to life and creatively supporting the text. A number of fold-out pages are cleverly used to deepen the reader’s understanding of events in Mary’s story.

By putting Mary’s life, experiences and achievements in context, the author has emphasised the extent and significance of her achievements. Throughout her life, she (and her family) experienced grinding poverty and her place in society as both a woman and a member of the working classes meant that her work was barely acknowledged in her lifetime- and beyond. Her passion and determination are fully recognised, but so are her struggles and frustrations.

‘The Fossil Hunter’ is packed with fascinating information, presented in a very appealing, accessible manner. Quotes from Mary herself, background information about fossils and dinosaurs, contextual information about her times and other fossil collectors and fossil finds around the world all combine to make this an essential read for anyone interested in the life and work of Mary Anning. Can’t recommend this one highly enough!

The Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Unearthed the Truth about the Dinosaurs

Kate Winter

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241469880

Blog Tour: Start Small Think Big

I am delighted to be taking part in Blog Tour which celebrates not only lovely books, but also National Non-Fiction November! ‘Start Small, Think Big’ is a fabulous series which is designed to engage and inspire young readers- and they certainly do!

‘Small, Speckled Egg’ follows the life cycle of the Arctic tern. The egg can be seen through the die-cut on the cover, engaging youngest readers from the outset. A clever mix of simple, easy to read text and more detailed information allows the book to be read and shared in different ways. This offers a text which can both support emergent readers and offer more challenge for those who need it, making it the perfect accompaniment for teaching parts of the KS1 Science or Geography curriculum. The same format is used for ‘Little, Brown Nut’ just as successfully.

Neither book shies away from using the ‘technical’ vocabulary connected with its subject, which is clearly explained and used. Thus the reader learns about the ‘agouti’, what ‘photosynthesis’ is and how long it takes the seed to ‘germinate’. All the information is supported by engaging illustrations, offering plenty of detail. A fold-out page at the end of the book offers a useful pictorial summary of the life cycle, a map of the world/ country relating to the topic, an I-Spy section and a ‘Think Big!’ fact box which includes additional information.

There is so much to learn and enjoy packed into each of these books, showing how essential high quality non-fiction texts are for young children to feed and inspire their natural curiosity about the world around them. The fact that these also offer plenty to interest older children- and adults- make them perfect for sharing and encouraging discussion with others.

Start Small, Think Big: Small, Speckled Egg

Mary Auld, illustrated by Anna Terreros Martin

Mama Makes Books ISBN: 978-1739774875

Start Small, Think Big: Little, Brown Nut

Mary Auld, illustrated by Dawn Cooper

Mama Makes Books ISBN: 978-1739774882

Many thanks to the team at Mama Makes Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour!

NNFN2023: The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers

Like many young children, my son was fascinated by dinosaurs when he was little. We spent many happy hours at the Natural History Museum in London and the one in Oxford, collected hundreds of plastic models and books and could identify many different types! This fascinating and absorbing book would have delighted him.

Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor engage in a lively discussion about how old-fashioned T-rex is looking and how much he needs a make over. Together, they go on a journey of discovery to match his appearance to the most recent evidence. Notes alongside their conversation help to develop understanding and the use of ambitious vocabulary is something which young dinosaur lovers seem to thrive on and enjoy!

The combination of humorous banter, the illustrations which change in response to this and the abundant scientific information makes this a real winner of a book. Additional pages at the end of the book offer the ‘latest evidence’, reminding the reader that there are always more discoveries to be made! A brilliant addition to any bookshelf!

The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers

Dr Adam S Smith and Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Stieven Van der Poorten

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235596

You can read my review of ‘The Plesiosaur’s Neck’ here.

NNFN2023: Stones and Bones

Always a source of fascination for children, ‘Stones and Bones’ is an attractive book, bursting with facts and the amazing stories which fossils can tell us about the past. The book is divided into five sections, using case studies to develop understanding. Starting with a section entitled ‘What are fossils?’, the book explains what paleontology is and the work of people, including Mary Anning, who have helped develop understanding of fossils and what they can tell us.

A clear explanation of how fossils are formed is supported by diagrams and the ‘Fossil Record’ sets out the specific eras in the earth’s history each layer of fossils relates to. These eras are then explored in more detail in the subsequent chapters.

Concise sections of text clearly explain the different concepts and every spread is attractively illustrated with plenty of details to notice and discuss. The book finishes with a look at paleontology today, how to become a paleontologist and why this subject is so important. A comprehensive glossary develops the reader’s understanding. Perfect for supporting work in the curriculum as well as reading for pleasure!

Stones and Bones: Fossils and the Stories They Tell

Rob Wilshaw, illustrated by Sophie Williams

Cicada ISBN: 978-1800660427

NNFN2023: One Tiny Treefrog/ So You Want to be a Frog

Day 23 of NNFN2023 and today has a frog theme! Each book takes a different approach, but both are bursting with froggy facts!

‘One Tiny Treefrog’ is both beautiful and informative. For younger children, it offers a lively counting down book as ten tiny tadpoles fight to survive in the tropical rainforest; for older children, it offers plenty of scientific information about life cycles, habitats, predators and prey, including Latin classifications.

The illustrations are full of details to notice and discuss, offering a tropical feeling which is sure to encourage curiosity about Costa Rica and the lowland wet forest which forms the habitat for all the creatures introduced on these pages. Additional information is included at the end of the book, offering more detail on the lifecycle of the red-eyed treefrog and Costa Roca.

This is a stunning information book which works on different levels for different children. A real must-have!

One Tiny Treefrog: A Countdown to Survival

Tony Piedra and Mackenzie Joy

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529509694

In ‘So you want to be a Frog’, readers are invited to become members of the Frog Club. It’s light-hearted tone makes it a very accessible, entertaining read, but without compromising the wealth of factual information the book contains. Fabio Frog appeals directly to the reader- Let’s take a look at you! Hmm. You’re not exactly green, are you?- and then chats away, sharing all manner of details about how frogs behave. At one point, he challenges readers to Wiggle like crazy! in an attempt to move like a tadpole!

Beautiful illustrations add much to the text. Fabio is drawn in a cartoon style whilst the representations of other frogs are more realistic and there are plenty of humorous touches. This is a book which children will return to again and again -either independently or as a shared experience with an adult or older sibling. Clever, informative and enjoyable! See you on the lily pad!

So you want to be a FROG: Everything there is to know about frogs!

Jane Porter, illustrated by Neil Clark

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406399714

NNFN2023: Great Minds

Presenting quite challenging material in a very readable, accessible format, ‘Great Minds’ offers a look at some of the greatest philosophers ever known. The introduction poses the question ‘What is philosophy for?’ - and concludes that it is a ‘tool to change the world’. The following chapters then tell the story of a philosopher, a group of philosophers or a collective philosophy, considering the time and place where they originated and what caused them to pose their questions and ponder their answers. The graphic style format works perfectly, framing the information in clear sections, making the text easy to navigate.

The book starts with Confucius, looking at his life and the development of his thinking. It raises the point that there are many sayings attributed to the man with no evidence of this being the case, pointing the reader in the direction of where to find the truth and highlighting other thinkers who have been influenced by his work. From this well-known name, the authors move to ‘the mysterious philosopher’, Zeno of Elea, details about whom might be sparce, but whose ideas ‘shook the world of philosophy’. The reader is introduced to his ‘paradoxes’ which are (once again) clearly explained. Philosophers from across the world are included- women and men- and readers are sure to return to this book again and again, dipping in and out as interest is piqued or honing in on a specific section to support learning in other areas.

As the book continues, each thinker is carefully introduced and their philosophy thoughtfully explained and explored. There is so much to learn here, so much to encourage questioning and reflection. The book clearly shows that philosophical ideas have developed across the world, throughout history and how these ideas can be key to change. The illustrations are bold, colourful and appealing; however, in places some of the background colours can make the text harder to read. That said, there is so much to recommend this to readers young and old!

Great Minds: 2500 Years of Thinkers and Philosophy

Joan Haig and Joan Lennon, illustrated by Andre Ducci

Templar ISBN: 978-1800783539

Also from this team is ‘Talking History’ which features the ‘stirring words’ of 16 speakers whose speeches have changed the world. From Jawaharlal Nehru to Helen Keller, Emmeline Pankhurst to Pearl Gibbs, the book is full of inspiring and passionate words and the impact that they had.

Talking History: 150 Years of Speakers and Speeches

Joan Haig and Joan Lennon, illustrated by Andre Ducci

Templar ISBN: 978-1787417328

NNFN2023: The Handbook of Forgotten Skills

Packed full of engaging and stimulating ideas and activities, ‘The Handbook of Forgotten Skills’ would make a wonderful gift for any child. There is much here which reminds me of my own childhood- and anything which encourages children to spend time away from computer screens and engage in simple, purposeful pursuits is surely a good thing!

The book is beautifully presented with a short introduction to each topic setting the scene and offering a little background on the subject. Clear, step-by-step instructions accompany each activity with illustrations to support the reader’s understanding. The book is brimming with the simple pleasure gained from spending time with family making, mending, exploring -and learning without realising!

Whether you enjoy- or fancy having a go at- baking, gardening, skipping stones or a multitude of other skills, this book is invaluable! Perfect for dipping in and out of , there is so much fun to be had in these pages!

The Handbook of Forgotten Skills

Elaine Baptiste and Natalie Crowley, illustrated by Chris Duriez

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520847

NNFN2023: The Magnificent Book of Treasures Ancient Rome

This stunning book is a treasure trove of information about life in Roman times. Each spread focuses on an historical artefact , offering a wealth of details including a fact file giving the current location of the object, where it was discovered, its size and the materials its made from.

The main body of the text is presented as bullet points, making it easy to pause and refer to the picture between reading each one and fully absorb the information. A wonderful range of objects covers all aspects of Roman life from the army to emperors from goddesses to music. A map at the end of the book shows not only the location of each artefact, but the extent of the Roman Empire at the height of its power.

An excellent addition to any topic box or bookshelf for those learning about the ancient Romans, this book is also fascinating in its own right. The careful drawings are sure to inspire further research and encourage readers to look for photographs of the objects and perhaps encourage visits to see them in real life- for example, the terracotta theatre mask or the bronze rattle which are now in the British Museum. A magnificent book!

The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome

Stella Cadwell, illustrated by Eugenia Nobati

Weldon Owen ISBN: 978-1915588135

NNFN2023: Evolution

Written in association with the Natural History Museum, ‘Evolution’ is the creation of ‘real life’ scientists, Sarah Darwin, great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, and Eva Maria Sadowski. It is a completely engrossing read, supported by engaging illustrations and is the perfect text for supporting in Year 6 with the ‘Evolution and Inheritance’ strands of the science curriculum.

Each spread is packed with fascinating facts, starting with the work of Darwin and Wallace, but recognising and valuing the contributions of other ‘Pioneering People’. Concepts are clearly and concisely explained, with headings and sub-headings signposting readers to relevant sections. A comprehensive glossary explains some of the technical vocabulary used and there is a section which offers selected sources for each chapter, developing understanding of the research and fact checking which needs to be undertaken to write a book like this.

On pages which focus on a particular period, a timeline runs along the bottom of the page, allowing readers to locate when the events described in the text occurred. ‘Evolution’ really delivers an ‘exhilarating journey’, offering so much to discuss and enjoy!

Evolution

Sarah Darwin and Eva-Maria Sadowski, illustrated by Olga Baumert

What on Earth Books ISBN: 978-1912920532

NNFN2023: Who’s Afraid of the Light?

With a glow-in-the-dark cover and its intriguing title, ‘Who’s Afraid of the Light?’ is narrative non-fiction at its best. From the end papers, the reader is pulled into the story by seagulls explaining the story takes place ‘down there’ and this thread is continued by other creatures as the background gets darker until we arrive at the ‘deepest, darkest depths of the ocean’ and a multi-coloured speech bubble introduces Fergus, although there is no sign of him!

Gradually, a picture builds as Fergus answers questions and seeks to avoid various other creatures of the midnight zone as they appear. We learn how well adapted each of these creatures is to their dark habitat and gain clues to form a picture of Fergus until a camera flash reveals the truth, showing Fergus is not what was imagined!

Using humour, a chatty written style and clever illustrations all combine to make this a very appealing and accessible book, sure to be a huge favourite with younger children. Additional information is included in a ‘Do You Know?’ spread at the end of the book, allowing readers to discover more about life in the Midnight Zone with a depth gauge down the side showing the different layers of the ocean. There is so much to learn and enjoy in this book!

Who’s Afraid of the Light? Anna McGregor

Scribble ISBN: 978-1914484353