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.
Beasts from the Deep
Beautifully presented, ‘Beasts from the Deep’ offers a fascinating and absorbing look at the mysterious creatures which inhabit the depths of the ocean.
The introduction carefully explains that there is much that is unknown about the deep sea, ‘a vast environment that despite near-freezing temperatures, crushing water pressure and total darkness’ is home to many creatures which have adapted to live there. From here, the author goes on to explain the ocean’s layers from the sunlight zone through the Twilight, Midnight and Abyssal Zones down to the Hadal Zone. The illustration here is quite something with the sparsely populated, inky-black Hadal Zone still managing to hint at the mysteries it might hold!
Starting with the Twilight Zone, the book then explores each layer in more detail, looking at some of the creatures which live there and how they have adapted to survive in their environment, making it a fascinating text to support the Y6 work on evolution and inheritance in science. The fangtooth, for example, which inhabits the Midnight Zone, has evolved to have a large mouth lined with really long teeth whilst Atolla jellyfish are perfectly adapted to live at this level.
On each page, the text is presented in small chunks, offering plenty of information, using subject specific vocabulary (a comprehensive glossary is included at the end of the book), encouraging the reader to develop their understanding of this fascinating environment and the ‘beasts’ which live there. I learned so much from reading this!
Beasts from the Deep
Matt Ralphs, illustrated by Kaley McKean
Nosy Crow with the University of Cambridge ISBN: 978-1839943348
Published 6th June
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
The Suitcase
When a little boy is left at his grandparent’s for the summer holidays, he expects to be completely bored as nothing ever happens there and there is nothing to do. However, when searching the attic, he finds a suitcase, full of mysterious things and photos of people having incredible adventures and doing exciting things. Determined to find out who they are, he starts to investigate…
This is such a lovely story, perfect for helping children to appreciate their grandparents - and perhaps their parents- as ‘real’ people who have lived interesting and varied lives in their own right as well as being the ‘boring’ people they see day after day. Readers will love spotting all the clues hidden in plain sight and piecing together the solution whilst the young lad puzzles over the evidence. There is plenty here to amuse adults as well as children- a tape of ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is labelled as possibly being some sort of spying equipment, for example!
The story would make an excellent starting point for developing children’s interest in their own family history, encouraging them to talk to relations and learn more about their lives and perhaps discovering new interests which they can share. For some family’s looking at the past might not be possible, but the story could lead to creating their own ‘suitcase’ of memorabilia of a holiday or day spent together (whether at home or away!), forging new memories and strengthening bonds across generations.
I could wax lyrical for hours about the fabulous illustrations - the antics of the cat, the before and after photos on the end papers, the links between the grandparents past and present lives- there is so much to notice and enjoy!
Heart-warming and joyful, ‘The Suitcase’ helps readers understand that other people might be more interesting that we give them credit for!
The Suitcase Daniela Sosa
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398518698
Solstice
Using solstice celebrations to take the reader on a journey around the world, this lovely book introduces fourteen fictional children from fourteen different locations as they experience the summer solstice. Whilst those living in the top half of the world have the longest day of the year, those in the bottom half experience the shortest, offering a fantastic snapshot of life around the Earth.
‘Solstice’ is a joy to read. Taken on a trip around the world, the reader is invited to share the daily lives of each child and discover, not only what happens on the solstice, but also something of the similarities and differences of those living in different locations. Each chapter starts with a map of the world showing where the child lives, the hours of sunlight on the 21st June and the average temperature range in addition to a small glossary featuring a selection of vocabulary with definitions used in the following text.
Each child then recounts their day, sharing cultural details about traditions and festivals as well as things about their daily routine. Kjersti from Svalbard, for example, comments on how normal it is for her that the sun doesn’t set and that she can sometimes see polar bears from her windows whilst for Bahasa, living in a city on the equator, the day is the same length all year round. Each section is illustrated by an artist with a connection to that country, making for a pleasing range of styles throughout the book. A section at the end of the book shows photos of each illustrator and offers a short autobiography. There is also a glossary of terms for the book as a whole and an index, making it easy to locate relevant information.
An excellent text to support the science and geography curriculum, ‘Solstice’ is also perfect for browsing at leisure.
Solstice: Around the World on the Longest, Shortest Day.
Jen Breach, illustrated by 14 global artists
What on Earth ISBN: 978-1913750770
The Letter with the Golden Stamp
I can't remember how old I was when I first started collecting stamps. But I've got a whole shoebox full of them now.
Mam used to help me collect them ... Before she got so ill that she lost her job, her friends...everything.
Now it's my job to take care of her and protect her - and my little brother and sister too. But to do that, I have to make Mam a Secret. A secret no-one can ever find out about. Not even my best friends at school, or Mo, our postman.
Or the stranger living in the house across the street. The one no-one has seen, but who I know is spying on us.
(Taken from the blurb)
Any new book by Onjali goes straight to the top of my teetering TBR pile and I read this the moment a copy landed on the doormat. However, it has taken me quite a while to review- not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because the story affected me so deeply.
Over the years, I have met many ‘Audrey’s- children coping with all manner of responsibilities and cares, constantly worrying about their home situation and the threat of the authorities finding out and separating them from their loved ones. ‘The Letter with the Golden Stamp’ is a deeply poignant story which shines a light on the hidden world of child carers and offering them the empathy and compassion they deserve.
Audrey is an absolute delight, quite young for her age in some ways and yet older than she should be in others. The events of the story unfold as she recounts to Sergeant Anita and Mrs Rogers in New Scotland Yard everything that has led her to being so far from her home in Wales. Her innocent desire to be honest with the police allows the reader to learn about Audrey’s life, her mother’s poor health, their ‘Sunshine Days’ when her mother is in less pain and Audrey can go to school without worrying, the days which Audrey misses from school and the occasional shoplifting so that the family can eat. There were moments when I had to put the book to one side and have a little sob as her situation rang so true and her courage, loyalty to her family and selflessness reminded me of children I have known.
And this is what Onjali does so well. Through engaging, entertaining stories and endearing characters, she highlights the situations of those in need with compassion and kindness, offering hope. Audrey is less alone than she thinks- Mo, the postman (everyone needs a lovely postman!), Mrs Davies from the shop and other neighbours are all concerned for the family and trying to help and Audrey comes from a close, loving family whose situation could have been so different had her mother not become ill.
For those who live like Audrey, the book will offer hope and recognition; other will gain empathy and understanding, perhaps be slower to judge and quicker to understand.
A beautiful book!
The Letter with the Golden Stamp
Onjali Q Rauf
Orion ISBN: 978-1510108929
The Shade Tree
When a rich man claims that the shade of a tree belongs to him and refuses to let the villagers take shelter in it, a young traveller offers to buy it from him. Delighted by what he considers the young man’s foolishness, the rich man accepts his offer and the traveller shares the tree’s shade with the villagers. However, as sun began to set, the shadows grow longer until they cover the rich man’s house and the traveller points out that wherever the tree’s shade falls now belongs to him. Eventually, the rich man gives up his house and moves away, leaving the traveller to enjoy the house and allow all the villagers to enjoy the tree’s shade whenever they desire.
‘Wave’ by Suzy Lee is one of my absolute favourite picture books and I had great fun planning work to inspire writing from this wordless treasure so I was very excited when, whilst researching books for the FCBG ‘Myths and Legends’ booklist I am writing, the lovely Catherine Ward suggested I look at ‘The Shade Tree’, another of her books.
Text and illustration combine perfectly in this retelling of a Korean folktale. The characters are presented as silhouettes, giving them an ‘every man’ quality so suited to the nature of folklore, whilst the tree takes centre stage, lush and verdant, and yet there are plenty of details to notice- the coins tumbling from hand to hand, the actions of the villagers, the fury of the rich man! A gatefold spread cleverly shows the lengthening shadow with the traveller dancing along in the shade, right up to the greedy rich man’s house.
The timeless wisdom of the tale offers plenty to discuss and enjoy with kindness and quick wit triumphing over greed. The style of illustration used may well inspire children to create shadow puppets with which to re-enact this story, other folktales - or perhaps to create their own!
A magical retelling!
The Shade Tree
Suzy Lee, translated by Helen Mixter
Greystone Books ISBN: 978-1778400186
Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens
When Ace the unicorn gets lost, he stumbles on Happy Hills, a place where anything can happen. Soon, all the residents are keen to share their own version of The Legend of Happy Hills whilst ‘the hills are alive with the sound of Giant Danger Kittens’! But in the end, Ace decides to stay with his new friends in Happy Hills.
Packed with Sophy’s amazing illustrations and zany humour, ‘Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens’ is bursting with fun and energy! Each character is full of personality! From the exuberance and perkiness of Mimi to the feather-fearing Duckie, children will quickly identify with their favourite and no doubt have fun both creating their own new characters and more adventures. Sophy’s how-to guides for drawing Mimi and Ace at the end of the book are perfect for helping with this.
These quirky characters, colourful comic strips and zany humour offer the perfect mix of nonsense (in a good way!) and fantasy, which Sophy Henn’s magic touch turns into a fantastically enjoyable read! Children will be counting the days until the next book appears…
Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens
Sophy Henn
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398524606
You can read my review of Pizazz vs Perfecto here and Pizazz and Pizazz vs the New Kid here and Pizazz vs the Demons here.
…And I Hear Dragons
I make no secret of the fact that I love poetry and am always excited to explore a new collection! Conceived and edited by the National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa (who is also partially responsible for ‘We Are Lady Parts’, one of my all-time favourite programmes!), ‘…And I Hear Dragons’ is a wonderful collection featuring the work of Welsh poets and illustrated by Eric Heyman.
In her introduction, Hanan shares the fact that she used to have a book of dragon poems as a child which inspired her to gather together all the magic and wonder of those ‘unruly, mythical creatures’ in this new anthology- and what a fabulous ‘dragon-focused’ selection it contains!
‘Dragon Dreams’ is one of two poems in the collection contributed by Alex Wharton (Daydreams and Jellybeans and Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees) and would make a lovely poem to share and discuss with a class. Similarly, Emma Barton-Smith’s ‘The Dragon in my Pocket’ would spark plenty of ideas, perhaps inspiring children to write their own poems on this theme.
The collection is rich in its celebration of Wales- the country, its language, its culture, and its people. Some of the poems use/introduce (depending on your position!) Welsh words. E. L Norry (Fablehouse) entitles her poem ‘Hiraeth’ (a Welsh word that has no direct English translation, but is likened to homesickness tinged with grief and sadness) , a term which I had to look up, making her words even more poignant. Other poems feature short glossaries or quick notes to support the reader’s understanding- like ‘Marged Fwyn ferch Ifan’ by Grug Muse which led me on another voyage of discovery!
A veritable cornucopia of dragon-y delights, this collection offers a wealth of wonderful words!
…And I Hear Dragons
edited by Hanan Issa, illustrated by Eric Heyman
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444578
Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse
Pinch Perkins lives on Tricky Dragon Lane, in the heart of London’s magic quarter. Impulsive and curious, she is determined to discover who is cursing magical Londoners- including her mum- who are left in an enchanted coma known as the Sleeping Beauty curse. Reluctantly teaming up with her annoying neighbour, Henry de Sallowe, Pinch sets off in an incredible race against time to save her mother and the other Sleepers!
Such a sort summary of such an action-packed book! ‘Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse’ is an absolutely brilliant read and one which I would highly recommend to readers young- and not so young!
Much has been made recently in some quarters about longer books being too much for children to sustain- and this is a longer read; however, I have taught many children over the years (including recently!) who thrive on such books, loving the detail and world building they offer, allowing the reader to sink into that world and experience it with the characters. These readers need books like this one - and have as much right to them as those who find joy in shorter, quicker reads have a right to those! For those who love to be absorbed into a story, Pinch Perkins offers a wonderfully detailed, highly imaginative, compelling read.
Pinch is a very appealing character whose determination to save her mother and the other Sleepers leads her into all manner of situations, meeting fairies, knights, ancient evils and modern perils along the way. As her friendship with Henry develops, they make a great team, supporting and complementing each other as they face dangerous situations like the court of the Fairy King and Queen- Ronnie and Tania!-and meeting the tricky Bucca.
Evocative descriptions, moments of humour, captivating characters and a pacey, exciting plot combined with a deliciously imaginative world make this a book which would make an excellent read for engaging a class and one which I will be recommending highly to friends and colleagues! I am aware that this is a somewhat waffly review for which I apologise- but I loved ‘Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse’ very much and cannot wait to read her next adventure!
Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse
Cathy FitzGerald, illustrated by Chloe Dominique
Farshore ISBN: 978-0008603373
Published June 2024
Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!
My son, like many young children, was completely fascinated by dinosaurs and we had an extensive collection of books on the subject! However, I am sure that had this book been around then, it would quickly have become one of his favourites.
A clear contents page allows the reader to quickly locate information which interests them, but the book is perfect for browsing and discovering pages of interest. Each spread is well presented with illustrations and facts working together to make the information as accessible as possible.
Starting with an explanation of what dinosaurs were and when they lived, the book defines the different periods clearly before moving on to answering questions about their size and diet before honing in on specific dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Deinonychus. Dinosaurs which lived in the sea and those which flew are also covered.
The book explains how fossils developed and how palaeontologists work like detectives to learn more about these fascinating creatures. The book concludes with theories about how the dinosaurs died out and a glossary of ‘special dinosaur words’.
A brilliant addition to any dinosaur-lover’s collection, Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! is also sure to tempt new fans to the topic!
Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!
Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
bsmall ISBN: 978-1913918897
You can read my review of ‘Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!’ here.
Knowing the Score
Coming home from her Y6 residential, Gemma is really looking forward to seeing her mum. It’s always been just the two of them and they are very close. Deep down, however, Gemma feels she would really like to get to know her Gran and her mum’s brother, Uncle Joe, a bit better, but a mysterious falling out between them and Gemma’s mother makes this impossible. But when her mother is invited on a free holiday with friends, Gemma sees this as a golden opportunity to uncover the truth and put her family back together again.
Family relationships can be difficult with long standing tensions, rivalries and estrangements seeming unfathomable to those on the peripheries. In this excellent story, Ros Roberts explores the complexities of family ‘politics’ in a gentle, relatable manner. Gemma is a very likeable, genuine little girl who has a very close, loving relationship with her mother, but is curious about other members of her family. Her uncle turns out to be a fun-loving, generous, kind man who is delighted to be forming a relationship with her, leaving Gemma even more confused about the secrets she feels her mother is hiding from her. Her reaction as she pieces things together is sensitively handled, enabling readers to empathise with her.
Gemma is not the only one to be experiencing some family difficulties. Uncle Joe’s relationship with his girlfriend, Lexi, and her daughter, Minxie and Minxie’s relationship with her parents show the complexities of blended families and children navigating a path between separated parents.
Tennis is new to Gemma and although initially reluctant, she decides to have a go and ends up discovering something new which she really enjoys. The story really shows the importance of the focus being on fun in sporting activities rather than children being driven by their own- or their parents’- ambitions.
There is so much to enjoy and explore here with children in upper KS2/ lower KS3. It is a lovely book, sensitively written and full of positivity and hope. Great read!
Knowing the Score
Ros Roberts
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956765
Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold
When they decided to retire, Hera chose to live in a little village called Hockwold-cum-Wilton with her husband, Zeus, King of the Gods. Gradually, they were joined by many of the other gods which is how Hannah Messenger, granddaughter of Hermes, and her friends ended up living there. On the day, Hannah gets her powers, something weird happens and the protections on the village which make it impossible for mortals to see anything ‘godlike’ going on disappear and all the Gods and their descendants completely lose their memories. Hannah, Dylan, Amy and Alastair alone can remember who and what they are. When the God’s objects of power start to go missing, they need to stop the thief at all costs!
Fabulously funny, ‘Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Huckwold’ is a brilliant read. It’s the sort of story I love to read aloud to a class, offering plenty of opportunities to ‘do the voices’ and one which is sure to have them moaning when you stop reading! It’s the sort of book where a burst of discussion, sharing ideas about what might happen next, thoughts about particular characters or just saying how much they are enjoying the story follows every session and children regularly ‘remind’ you that it’s nearly time to read!
The plot offers a pacy adventure, a touch of mystery, plenty of humour and a tortoise called Dolio! Children are sure to be inspired to discover more about the Greek gods from the snippets which are threaded throughout the story and enjoy seeing the links between the gods and their descendants- for example, Hermes was the messenger to the gods (amongst other things!), explaining Hannah’s surname. Dylan’s poem is a great way of remembering who’s who in Zeus’s family tree and is sure to become a popular one to learn by heart!
Friendship, teamwork and trust are central to the story as Hannah comes to better understand both her family and friends as she seeks to save the objects sacred to the gods which are being stolen from houses around the village. I would love there to be more adventures for Hannah and her friends as this was such an enjoyable and engaging read!
Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold
Briony Pearce
UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235978
Published on the 6th June 2024
Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle
After her BESTest friend and fellow inventor, Finnius, stole her invention, Bertha left the city and moved far away, to a workshop hidden high in the trees where no one could steal her ideas. Here, she busies herself working on new inventions until one day, a rumble in the jungle disturbs her work. To help her discover the cause of the disturbance, Bertha creates Blink, a highly-excitable mechanical bird who is bursting with questions! With Blink, Bertha finds the courage to leave her tree house and explore the world outside. Can they discover where the noise is coming from?
Bursting with lovely illustrations, ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ is a delightful little story, perfect for newly independent readers.
With Blink’s support, Bertha overcomes her fear of leaving her treehouse home and learns to trust again. The two characters are real opposites with Blink being outgoing, curious and little impulsive whilst Bertha is cautious, somewhat reserved and focused on her inventions. Together, they make a great team, complementing each other, and being ready for any mission! As the story ends, they are ready to face a new challenge, setting the scene for a new adventure- and a new book!
The story is told through both illustration and text, making it very engaging and offering plenty of opportunities for the reader to ‘read’ the additional visual details and develop their own ideas. Some of the speech is presented using speech bubbles, perfect for using to develop understanding of speech punctuation.
The engaging combination of friendship, humour and adventure is sure to make this new series from Nicola Colton as popular as her ‘Jasper and Scruff’ books!
Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle
Nicola Colton
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956437
I am Wolf
Coll is Wolf.
He lives with his clan on a Construct, a huge technological “creature” driven by the clan’s combined willpower. Together they roam their world, fighting other clans and absorbing them into their own.
But when a new and dangerous Construct attacks them, Coll is thrown clear from Wolf and left behind. Now he must survive life on ground and get back to his clan. He is helped by Rieka, a “Tock” who makes the Constructs work. She promises Coll a way to return, but can she be trusted? And what is she really trying to do…?
When Coll uncovers the truth, it destroys everything he thought he knew about his clan, the world they live in, and even himself. In a world full of danger, and suddenly without meaning, can he find a way back?
(Book blurb)
This is an excellent adventure which would make an excellent class story. There are echoes of ‘Mortal Engines’ at first glance; however, this is a very original and compelling story.
Coll is a great character. Being part of Wolf means that different is bad, and due to his prosthetic arm and leg, Col stands out as being different. With his mother being Alpha, he is constantly seeking to prove that he deserves his place on the Construct and is not there simply because of their relationship. When he becomes stranded from his clan, he has to learn to trust others, to accept advice and to value himself as an individual, capable of flourishing with a new pack, no longer feeling the need to constantly prove himself. Impatient and, at times, impulsive and bad-tempered, he also shows surprising moments of kindness, making him a very relatable, flawed and engaging character. His relationships with the other characters who become part of his new crew are also drawn with great skill and individuality- Fillan is my favourite- but he, Rieka and Brann are all well developed, offering plenty to reflect upon and discuss, showing how unlikely friendships can develop and opposites can attract and work well as a team!
The action is constant, creating a pacey, exciting adventure, sure to engage and inspire the most reluctant reader! It is a world with so much more to explore, making it a huge relief to realise that it is the first of a trilogy with ‘I am Raven’ coming soon!
I am Wolf Alastair Chisholm
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839945311
You can read my review of ‘Orion Lost’ here, ‘The Consequence Girl’ here and ‘Dragon Storm’ here.
These Stolen Lives
Six years ago, Mora survived the Skøl invasion, an event which destroyed her family, stole the land and means that she must pay for the right to live. As a ‘repayer’, someone who has lived life without paying, she owes the Skøl a debt and her life is no longer her own, but at least she wasn’t culled like so many others- a fate still facing anyone who can’t pay. When she learns that Zako, a twelve-year-old boy she has known all his life, has tried to kill his owner, the magistrate, Valour Venor, soon to be governor of the North Western Counties, Mora knows she has to act. However, in freeing Zako and smuggling him to tenuous safety, Mora and her friend, Kit, find themselves drawn deep into a perilous and dark mystery.
‘These Stolen Lives’ is an incredibly powerful, hard-hitting novel which mingles raw events of past invasions and occupations with imagined details of a fantasy world. The brutality of the Skøl and the law-enforcing Branders, the constant racism, inequality and fear in which the indigenous peoples suffer daily are so vividly described that the story is not an easy read, but one which challenges and forces the reader to reflect and empathise.
And yet, through all the hardship, moments of joy, of kindness and of love shine through. The kindness and courage of the Scarlets who agree to shelter Zako make a stark contrast to the brutality and ignorance of Venor; the blossoming feelings between Mora and Kit is worlds away from the threat of sexual assault. The importance of cultural heritage and the powerful identity this forges is clearly shown as the oppressors try to destroy and the oppressed remember.
Against this chilling background, an extremely tense and compelling mystery unfolds, taking the reader to the very edge and then allowing them to relax for a moment before dealing a crushing blow at the end. There must be a sequel coming…
These Stolen Lives
Sharada Keats
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702325120
The Tree that Sang to Me
Since his older sister, Jen, left home, Kai has been struggling. Believing it all to be his fault, he can’t stop compulsively tugging at his hair, leaving sore patches, and his parents, consumed by their own feelings, seem unaware of his emotional turmoil. Life at home and at school feels impossible, so he seeks solace in the branches of a tree on a patch of wasteland where he feels he belongs. Here, he meets Sky, a girl with brown hair that hangs in her eyes, wearing bright blue Docs covered in tiny yellow flowers and an unexpected and healing friendship develops…
Of the many, many books I read, I can only review a selection and sometimes, I miss some which I have really enjoyed. Serena Molloy’s first book, ‘Wider than the Sea’ is one of these so I was determined to review ‘The Tree that Sang to Me’ which tempted me the moment I saw its beautiful cover by George Ermos.
As a great poetry lover, I expect a great deal from a novel told in verse! In ‘The Tree that Sang to Me’, Serena Molloy has created something very special, telling Kai’s heart wrenching story with great compassion and care, allowing the reader to understand and empathise with his feelings as they unfold. He tries so hard to be a ‘better’ version of himself to gain his parents’ attention, desperate for them to notice him whilst carrying the guilt of his ‘secret’. He is sure that it is his fault that his sister is not living at home (I will say no more about this so as not to spoil the story!) and is sure that she hates him.
Whilst carrying his burden of guilt and feelings of loneliness at home, Kai also has to navigate some unpleasant bullies at school. When his mother shaves his head due to his trichotillomania, Josh and the other boys call him ‘Buzz’, but Kai feels this is better than the mean words they hurl at Caleb, another boy in their class, who is the main focus for their spite. Kai’s confused feelings towards Caleb are sensitively captured as he (Kai) struggles with wishing to stand up for Caleb and feelings of self-preservation and guilt as he is relieved the negative attention isn’t focused on him. There is so much to think about and discuss here.
Sadly, there are many children who will identify with Kai in one, or indeed, both of these situations and his story may help them to navigate their own difficulties. Full of hope, the healing power of nature love and friendship, the story is ultimately up-lifting and affirming. It is such a joy to see a sympathetic portrayal of a teacher as well- Mr P encourages Kai to explore his feelings, causing Kai to utter ‘I don’t think someone has to die to make you feel like that’, a moment in the story which had me sobbing! I also love the way Jen introduces Kai to the story of ‘The Children of Lir’- ‘the thing with stories….sometimes just sometimes there’s bits of truth buried way down deep in them.’
Perfect for sharing as a class story, there is so much to recommend this lovely verse novel which would make a brilliant starting point, not only for much discussion, but also for encouraging children to express their own feelings in poetic form. Oh- and if you haven’t read ‘Wider than the Sea’, you really should read that too!
The Tree that Sang to Me
Serena Molloy
Hodder ISBN: 978-1444968439
Toxic
Jessica is used to travelling the world with her parents, whose lives are dedicated to the study and preservation of amphibians. Finding herself in the heart of the rainforest, she tries not to resent the nomadic lifestyle which prevents her from forming real relationships and being settled. However, when she meets a local girl, Renata, they strike up a friendship. As Tom, the previous researcher, leaves the research station, he gives Jessica a strange book called ‘Trekking Backwards’ which tells the very strange story of a man called Hadley Cavendish-DuPont…
When they learn that the incredibly beautiful cosmetics billionaire, Anura Hegarty, has just bought the section of rainforest where Renata lives, the girls are initially delighted. But when it turns out that Anura is in pursuit of eternal youth and will stop at nothing to get it, they find themselves in the middle of a perilous adventure!
Mitch Johnson is well known for tackling ‘big issues’ through his very accessible and readable books. ‘Toxic’ challenges the reader to think about the irresponsible and destructive actions of huge, faceless companies and their impact on the environment, and the damaging culture of ‘perfect’ beauty and youth, but also about the responsibilities of the individual.
Highly engaging, the book is extremely atmospheric, evoking the sights and sounds of the rainforest, balancing its beauty and its dangers. The story is sure to generate interesting in this fascinating location and its creatures- particularly the frogs! Messages about the terrible destruction of this special environment are obviously at the heart of the story, but so much passion and love for the natural world is expressed that the reader can’t help but feel themselves growing indignant alongside Jessica and Renata. It is beautifully managed, making it an excellent text to share as a class story or guided reading text, rich in things to discuss and explore.
The story also raises questions about the evils of a culture which promotes false notions about beauty and the importance of eternal youth, pressurising young women in particular to be constantly striving for an idea of perfection which is impossible to achieve. There is much I could say about thus, but I would hate to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t yet read this wonderful book.
There is much to recommend this excellent book!
Toxic Mitch Johnson
Orion ISBN: 978-1510111929
The Pandas Who Promised
Red panda cubs, Popo and Ketu, live with their mama ‘high on a mountain, where clouds drift in billows’. Very different personalities, the two sisters promise to stay close to their mother and to always look out for each other. However, Ketu’s longing for adventure leads her to set off on an adventure to explore the very places their mama has said they must not go, leaving Popo with a difficult choice…
Coming soon in paperback, ‘The Pandas Who Promised’ is the latest in the highly successful series of books combining the talents of Rachel Bright and Jim Field which started with ‘The Lion Inside’.
It is not hard to see why these books are so popular with children- and with their adults! Rachel’s text is always an absolute joy to read aloud and this book is no exception. There is a comfortable familiarity to the rhythm of the words and a richness to the vocabulary which makes it both lyrical and satisfying. Children quickly find themselves joining in with certain words, anticipating and enjoying the peril the pandas encounter whilst secure in the knowledge that everything will work out fine in the end!
So much more than a cautionary tale, the story allows readers to explore the value of keeping promises, of being able to trust one another and staying safe. Mama’s response to her returning cubs is warm and sound, showing the importance of listening to one another and sharing feelings. The love this little family shares is beautifully captured through both the text and the (gorgeous!) illustrations, with Popo sticking by her sister and not deserting Ketu when she faces great danger.
Jim Field’s illustrations are absolutely wonderful and are sure to trigger great interest in red pandas and their habitat. Some of the landscapes he has created capture the same beauty as pictures painted in the traditional Chinese style which I brought back from my travels there many years ago. Evocative and ethereal, they make the book a thing of beauty!
A gorgeous addition to the series- and perhaps my new favourite!
The Pandas Who Promised
Rachel Bright and Jim Field
Hachette ISBN: 978-1408356104
You can read my review of The Koala Who Could here, The Squirrels Who Squabbled here, The Way Home for Wolf here and The Whale Who Wanted More here.
East Asian Folktales, Myths and Legends
The latest title in the Scholastic ‘Folktales, Myths and Legends’ series offers a collection of stories from East Asia, thoughtfully retold by Eva Wong Nava. The anthology includes tales from China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Mongolia and is a much needed and very welcome addition to the range of traditional stories available.
The book opens with an excellent introduction which clarifies much for readers who are not familiar with these stories or the countries where they originate. It explains how these stories spread, why there are themes and tales common to more than one location and celebrates the oral tradition of storytelling. It also reflects on religious and social influences which have shaped the stories. It makes a fascinating read and adds much to the enjoyment of the book.
Organised into five sections- Origin and Discovery Tales, Festival Stories, Animal Tales, Tales of Good, Wise and Brave, and Ancient Love Stories- each story has a brief introduction, offering background knowledge and context. The tales are beautifully retold and are wonderful to read aloud, making them a joy to share. I have always loved the story of Momotaro and really enjoyed the version included here!
I can’t recommend this collection highly enough as it is sure to introduce new readers to the joy of some wonderful traditional tales and inspire them to share these with others.
East Asian Folktales, Myths and Legends
Eva Wong Nava, illustrated by Jocelyn Kao
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702325236
You can read my review of ‘I Love Chinese New Year’ here.
Outside In Nature Poems
Containing 50 poems inspired by nature, ‘Outside in Nature Poems’ is a wonderfully uplifting collection. Daniel Thompson’s love of the outdoors and the healing joy of nature shines through each poem. There are poems about the weather, animals, the season… showing all the variety and wonders of the natural world.
There are so many poems to enjoy here. I love ‘A Flamboyance of Flamingos’, an acrostic spelling ‘a collective nouns poem’ which cleverly uses those which group creatures to create the poem. Collective nouns are always great fun to explore with children and this poem could lead to them creating their own poems in this style. ‘Beautiful Flowers’ encapsulates the fabulous variety and ingenuity of the blooms we so often take for granted- but also makes the reader pause and draw parallels with how unique each human is too.
As might be expected from such a collection, there are poems which reflect upon threats to nature. ‘A World Without Bees’ focuses on all the ‘b’s we would lose- ‘big family banquets of bountiful grub’, for example whilst ‘No Planet B’ reminds the reader that we need to take care of planet A- the one which we have.
Some of the poems encourage you to learn about nature without realising! ‘The Superhero Squad’ draws attention to some of the incredible things animals can do and ‘The Great Recycler’ explores how ingenious the Earth is at recycling and reusing its resources.
The book is beautifully presented with engaging, attractive illustrations on every page. A brilliant collection for sharing, discussing, performing and using as models to inspire writing, ‘Outside in Nature Poems’ is also the perfect book to curl up and enjoy alone!
Outside In Nature Poems
Daniel Thompson, illustrated by Julia Murray
Collins ISBN: 978-0008660253
Blog Tour: Bringing Back Kay-Kay
Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Bringing Back Kay-Kay’. Sensitively written, it is a beautiful exploration of sibling love, a gripping mystery and a celebration of the power of poetry.
For me, ‘Bringing Back Kay-Kay was a one-sitting read! Beautifully written, the story is about Lena, whose brother, Kay-Kay, goes missing whilst on a school trip. Overcome with grief, their parents put their trust in the police and hope that they will find him. However, Lena is sure that one of Kay-Kay’s friends knows more than he is letting on and so sets off on a quest to find her beloved brother and bring him home.
The story unfolds through Lena’s thoughts, actions and memories, building a picture of her complex family relationship. She feels like the ‘difficult’ child, somehow lesser than her perfect brother, almost, at times, unwanted and yet her closeness to her sibling is never in doubt. As she searches for Kay-Kay, she explores her memories and realises just how much her brother does for her- and starts to understand just how difficult things have been for him. Discovering his poetry, Lena discovers how he feels the weight of parental expectations bearing down on him and comes to understand her brother even more. I cannot recommend this book highly enough- it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster whilst engaging you fully in an excellent and carefully constructed adventure.
Poetry has always been very important to me, both personally and as a teacher, and it is a joy to see how Kay-Kay was able to express his inner feelings in this way and how his sister responded to his words. Below, Dev Kothari explains why she chose to use poetry in her story.
Magic of poetry
I’ve always found poetry magical. I still remember some of the poems I learnt at school, while growing up in India, like P. B. Shelley’s Mutability or Christina Rossetti’s Who Has Seen The Wind or Bhawani Prasad Mishra’s Satpura Ke Jungle. Even then, I was struck by the power of verse – it’s ability to connect with you at a deeper, emotional, instinctual level. Over the years, I’ve read a lot of poetry works. But it took me a while to figure out the kind of poetry that speaks to me. Verses that are simple yet profound, that make time stop for me, that make me feel. The poetry of Rumi and Mary Oliver, of Wisława Szymborska and Do Jong Hwan, of Gulzaar saab and Michael Rosen. My life is so much richer because of the gifts of poetry. And I think that’s why it makes its way into my writing too, in some shape or form. In fact, my very first attempts at writing, right from my childhood were in the form of poems. So, it’s probably not a surprise that there’s poetry in Bringing Back Kay-Kay too. When I began writing it, I didn’t particularly set out to make Kay-Kay a poet. It just turned out that way, when I wrote the scene about Lena finding one of his poems in an old copy of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet (naturally!). Of course he’s a poet, I thought. In that instant, suddenly, Kay-Kay became real to me. I love that Kay-Kay is able to pen his thoughts and worries, dreams and fears through poetry. I love that Lena and the readers get to know him better through his poems. And I love that I get to spread some of the magic of poetry through this story. Wouldn’t it be an absolute joy and privilege, if reading this story inspires young people to read more poetry and write it too?
Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari (£7.99, Walker Books) available now.
Many thanks to Dev Kothari and the lovely team at Walker Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. Keep an eye out for the other stops on the tour to find out more about this wonderful book!