Montgomery Bonbon: Mystery at the Manor

Bonnie Montgomery, and her alter-ego, Montgomery Bonbon, is back with a new case to solve. Having delivered a mysterious package to Adderstone Manor, she meets Fergus Croke, an ‘oddly charming’ villain, who introduces her to his gang of apprentice crooks, a wrought-iron cage full of monkeys and the contents of the package, the legendary Adderstone Diamond. But when Croke croaks it and the magnificent diamond goes missing, Bonbon is ready for action!

‘Mystery at the Manor’ is the third in this series of surreal mysteries, solved by the brilliantly bizarre Bonnie Montgomery whose fake moustache, beret and foreign accent disguise as the detective Montgomery Bonbon.

There is so much to enjoy in this story! The fact that Bonnie passes as the great detective by adding her flimsy disguise and that no one notices her jumbling of French and German phrases includes readers in the joke from the outset and willing her to succeed where the bumbling detectives are sure to fail. The text is full of wordplay and puns and the illustrations bring Bonnie’s antics to life brilliantly, adding much humour to the story. As Bonbon gets to work, there are plenty of clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing and trying to solve the mystery.

Dana, Bonnie’s friend, and Grampa Banks are also on hand to support her as she detects. Brilliant detective she might be, but in this story, Bonnie shows that she can be a very thoughtless friend, leaving Dana upset and causing a rift between them. However, without her friend’s help, Bonnie would have made a huge mistake and she willingly admits how much she values Dana’s help.

Whimsical and whacky, ‘Mystery at the Manor’ would make a great read for class story time or any time!

Montgomery Bonbon: Mystery at the Manor

Alasdair Beckett-King, illustrated by Claire Powell

Walker ISBN: 978-1529518290

The Great Farm Rescue

Hannah and her family are facing tough times again as their landlord is threatening them with eviction and dad has had an accident. But Hannah is determined to save the farm once again by raising the money to buy it. Her family and friends rally round to support the endeavour, but how on earth will they raise over two million pounds?

This is the third story about Hannah and her wonderfully eccentric and loveable family. Every bit as enjoyable as the first two (‘The Secret Hen House Theatre’ and ‘The Farm Beneath the Water’), ‘The Great Farm Rescue’ pulls the books to a joyful conclusion, but could easily be read as a stand alone story.

When I was little, we used to stay on a farm in Devon where we helped to collect the eggs, feed the chicken and bring the cows in for milking. I am sure that my brothers and I were a far greater hindrance than a help, but we adored these holidays and still talk about them to this day. ‘The Great Farm Rescue’ captures all the joy we experienced on the farm, but Helen Peters cleverly weaves the problems faced by tenant farmers into the story, showing the reality of farming life and encouraging empathy and understanding in readers.

One of the greatest joys of this book is that it depicts a very real family with all their messy feelings and relationships, differences and quirks, but also the strong bond of love which means they are prepared to support each other and work together to save the home which they all love. Each family member is beautifully drawn, full of personality, and thoroughly endearing, and they all feel like old friends by the end of the book!

As well as trying to save the farm, Hannah has also landed her dream part as Hermia in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and she finds herself acting alongside Miranda, who she has previously had problems with. The enmity between the two girls is well handled, with tension building until things reach crisis point for Hannah. The final conclusion to this part of the story is both satisfying and realistic.

‘The Great Farm Rescue’ is a wonderfully warm and ‘wholesome’ story- I mean this in a really positive, way. It’s not sugary sweet, but good things do happen to good people and the combined power of community, friendship and a love of nature make great things happen. Brilliant story, beautifully written!

The Great Farm Rescue

Helen Peters

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805131175

You can read my review of ‘Anna at War’ here, ‘Evie’s Ghost’ here and ‘Friends and Traitors’ here.

St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature 2024

Last year, I had the best time at the St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature and so was delighted to be able to go again this year. This is rapidly becoming my favourite festival- and I go to quite a few throughout the year. Not only are tickets only £1 each, but there is such a warm atmosphere of community and joy which some other festivals lack…

I arrived in plenty of time and was able to get my bearings and enjoy a quick cuppa before my first event, but the dedicated team behind the festival had obviously been hard at work for quite some time. Last year, the festival was held just on the Saturday, but this year it had expanded to all weekend with school events on either side.

My first event was the wonderful Ross Montgomery. The session I attended was for younger children as his second event based around ‘I am Rebel’ (fantastic book!) clashed with another event. This is the biggest problem with St Austell Lit Fest- there are just so many brilliant sessions to choose from! Ross was marvellous and kept the very young (and considerably older!) members of his audience thoroughly entertained, creating characters and developing stories.

The Festival Hub was bursting with activities for children to enjoy, authors signing books and the wonderful Reading Rocks Bookshop which offered an incredibly tempting range of reading matter! This space was full of excited children queuing to get their books signed and to have a word with their favourite authors- and there were some huge queues! Although I had to choose my sessions carefully to make them fit, there was still plenty of opportunity to have a book signed by the other authors and have a quick chat. I know I have already commented on the atmosphere, but this really was something special.

Next, I went to see Justyn Edwards for a truly magical session which kept the audience on the edge of their seats trying to solve the tricks and illusions he performed! Like everyone else, I thoroughly enjoyed his event and I was very excited to learn that the third book in ‘The Great Fox’ series is coming out later this year!

Next, I headed to a church for a panel event about whales with Chris Vick, Hannah Gold and Jasbinder Bilan. These three passionate, engaging authors gave the audience a quiz to test their whale knowledge, shared plenty of whale facts and each gave a reading from their book. It was such an interesting session- and my first literary festival event held in a church!

Back to the bookshop for more book signing and catching up with more friends. I took Fed Ted with me and everyone was pleased to see him! Although I could only go on the Saturday, other members of the FCBG attended on Sunday and also had a brilliant time. Huge congratulations to the team behind this amazing festival- and I look forward to seeing you all again next year!

You can visit their website here

You can read about last year’s festival here.

The Invisible Story

In a library filled with famous tales and beautiful pictures, a little story watches quietly as they argue over who is the most read, the most popular and best loved. Overlooked by readers visiting the library, it feels invisible and ghostly. However, one day, a young girl finds the book, a reader who is different and explores the story with her fingers, revealing the pages are covered in tiny raised bumps- a wonderful story to be read with the fingertips, not the eyes.

‘The Invisible Story’ is a stunning book, celebrating the importance of braille and that all stories, however told, are valuable, no one being better than another. The author’s note at the end of the book explains how braille was developed and how it is used to convey stories in over 130 languages all over the world, developing the reader’s understanding of both its history and its importance and making it an excellent book for both home and school.

The illustrations are incredible. Beautiful white papercuts are used to show the library and its readers whilst torn, coloured paper is used to show the imaginative content of the books escaping their boundaries. The simplicity of the white emphasises the little story’s feeling that it is a ghost and invisible to readers. They are sure to inspire children to create their own papercut pictures, perhaps to illustrate stories of their own.

Perfect for using as a starting point for developing empathy and understanding as well as learning more about braille and its importance, ‘The Invisible Story’ is a real gem.

The Invisible Story

Jaime Gamboa and Wen Hsu Chen, translated by Daniel Han

Lantana      ISBN: 978-1915244765

Fergal is Fretting

Fergal is so excited when Dad tells him that his friend, Elspeth, is coming for a visit. But then he starts to worry. It’s been such a long time since he last saw her that things might not be the same. His parents notice that something is wrong and together, they find ways to make his fretting go away.

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time and having ways of dealing with this really helps. Fergal’s mum suggests that he takes a deep breath, finds things to keep himself busy and focus on what’s happening right now to help keep his fretting feelings under control. This is perfect advice for children – and their parents – to adopt when anxiety gets the better of them.

It turns out that Elspeth is also worried about meeting up again, reassuring children that they are not alone in feeling anxious about things and that these are quite normal feelings. Through Fergal’s experiences of complicated, big emotions, children will be able to discuss and share, finding ways of coping with these, , making this story (and the others in the series) a great starting point for discussions as well as a reference point to return to in times of worry.

The illustrations are lovely with the endpapers at the back of the book showing pictures of some the wonderful moments Fergal and Elspeth shared at the Summer Fete. There are so many details to notice and enjoy and teachers and parents alike will enjoy sharing this book with the children in their care.

Fergal is Fretting

Rob Starling

Andersen     ISBN: 978-1839132629

On Poetry Street

In this collection, Brian Moses offers not only 52 poems (one for any week of the year), but oodles of inspiration and possibility. ‘On Poetry Street’ shows just how accessible and enjoyable creating poems can be and is sure to leave readers itching to get started.

This is a book for everyone, not just children. Each poem offers an idea or a model which can be enjoyed, perhaps performed, and then used as a starting point for creating new poems, whether using that framework or developing ideas of your own.

Notes at the end of the book from Brian Moses offer further information about the different styles of poems he has used, what triggered his ideas and says that ‘the two words, ‘What if?’ are the writer’s best friends.’ These pages are a real treasure trove of inspiration, a poet’s gift to other writers.

Many of the ideas here will spark not just poems, but discussion and debate as children share their ideas and explore possibilities. ‘If I Could Travel back in Time…’ is sure to raise questions about the events Brian Moses has chosen as well as encourage children to recall or investigate past incidents and consider why they might choose them for their poem. ‘A Mouthful of Words’ and ‘A Difficult Poem to Read Unless You’ve Swallowed a Dictionary’ both celebrate the joy of words, wordplay and dictionaries as well as encouraging curiosity.

The whole collection is peppered with Mark Elvins’ lively illustrations which add much to this enjoyable collection. This is an essential addition to any bookshelf, offering hours of pleasure and fun!

On Poetry Street

Brian Moses, illustrated by Mark Elvins

Scallywag Press     ISBN: 978-1915252586

Who Ate Steve?

An unknown narrator sets about trying to teach a lesson about size by using a bird called Marcel (he’s big) and a worm called Steve (he’s small). However, as we all know, teaching is never easy, particularly when one part of the lesson keeps trying to eat the other!

This is a fabulous book! The teacher/ narrator of the story speaks directly to both the reader as she (there is no indication of gender so I have chosen to use female pronouns) take the lesson and interacts with Marcel. As she grows increasingly frustrated with Marcel disrupting her lesson by trying to eat Steve, different styles and sizes of fonts are used to convey her feelings to the reader. A wonderfully tongue-in-cheek use of teacher-style phrases are used - I’m not going to tell you again…We are all waiting… and many teachers will recognise (and sympathise with!) her growing exasperation as she strives to finish her lesson!

The illustrations are just wonderful. Steve is small, sporting a little neckerchief and a red woolly hat whilst Marcel is comparatively big and smartly turned out with his plumage giving the effect of a tail coat and red trousers to go with his natty bowler and yellow scarf. The range of expressions their faces show are incredible, allowing the reader to seemingly beat the teacher in understanding/ predicting what is going on. The ending is just purrr-fect, leaving readers to either create their own sequel or decide whether they think Marcel got his just desserts!

As well as being a brilliant read, the book could be used to develop character profiles of Steve, Marcel and Felicity, developing inference skills through both pictures and text, and then draw and create their own characters and situations which they might be involved in. They might also enjoy creating a pop-up model where Steve comes out of the ground and then hides below it again or a Marcel whose wings flap and whose beak opens and closes! The possibilities are endless!

Brilliant fun!

Who Ate Steve?

Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Kate Hindley

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839946226

Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud

Torla and Smorla are giraffes. Torla is taller than average whilst Smorla is smaller. One day, while out for a longer-than-average walk together, Torla encounters a lower-than-average cloud and finds she can’t see anything! But with the help of her best friend, she manages to navigate this tricky situation.

I’m not sure what I love most about this one! Let’s start with the names…I’m ashamed to say that it took me until my second read to ‘get’ the joke there. In my defence, I wasn’t reading the story out loud and there is so much else to enjoy because how else could I miss it!

The story is bursting with humour as Smorla leads Torla through a series of hazards which introduces the reader to the wonderful sight of crocodiles doing yoga and lazing lions amongst other things. Torla trusts Smorla and her faithful companion leads her safely past everything, showing the strength of their friendship and the importance of kindness and supporting others.

Some of the pages fold out - or up - allowing readers to fully enjoy the adventures of Torla and Smorla as they head off on their walk. The book would be wonderful to use to support early maths work as they can compare the two giraffes and begin to use mathematical language to describe this. To extend this as needed, pictures of more giraffes of different sizes could be added and children encouraged to order these from tallest to smallest and vice versa. Pictures of other animals from the story could be added to help children compare other (clearly specified) attributes as developing both informal and formal mathematical language in the classroom allows children to take an active part in learning and helps them to develop a better and deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The story is also perfect for exploring positional language as with Smorla’s guidance, Torla walks above some hippos, over an elephant and across a bridge. With older children, this would make a great introduction to prepositions in English as well!

Children might also have great fun creating and navigating obstacle courses and perhaps plotting their route around these on a basic map just as the giraffes’ footprints indicate the path they have taken in the illustrations. This could be done as part of a book group session with children creating large giraffe pictures of different sizes, a simple slider mechanism behind a picture which would allow them to raise the umbrella over Torla’s head or perform a simple trust exercise based on the friend’s journey! There are so many ways to develop a book hook with this one in addition to just enjoying it as a brilliant story! Loved it!

Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud

Kes Gray, illustrated by Chris Jevons

Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711288072

Huxley and Flapjack: Trouble at Sea

One hot day, when Flapjack is keeping cool, reading his book in the bath, Huxley has one of his bright ideas and decides that they should go to the seaside. Once there, they meet Winston, Wizz to his friends, who invites them aboard his submarine to search for a shipwreck called the Isabella. Huxley is keen to look for treasure, leading the more cautious Flapjack into trouble.

Adorable as ever, best friends, Huxley and Flapjack continue to demonstrate that opposites really do attract! Huxley is as impulsive and ever, seizing every chance to seek adventure with little thought to the consequences whilst Flapjack remains quite timid, far more reflective and often giving into his friend’s whims. But whatever their differences, their friendship remains true, strong and affectionate!

The story moves at a pleasing pace, keeping readers entertained and engaged whilst the plentiful illustrations are a joy to ‘read’ alongside the text. Readers will delight in noticing all the little jokes in the pictures and there are plenty of places where the illustrations are perfect for encouraging conversations to develop empathy and recognise where Huxley is mis-reading his friend’s feelings about situations.

A brilliant bedtime or class story, ‘Trouble at Sea’ also lends itself perfectly to being used to inspire a book group session. Huxley, Flapjack and their new little crab friend would all make lovely ‘jumping jack’ figures or stick puppets which could then be used to retell - or reinvent - the story. The story might inspire a sandcastle building competition, going on a picnic or creating a plastic-bottle submarine…

Like ‘Race to the Rescue’, ‘Trouble at Sea’ is a wonderfully funny, enjoyable story, perfect for newly independent readers and thoroughly enjoyable for adults too! Can’t wait for the next one!

Huxley and Flapjack: Trouble at Sea

Alan MacDonald, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa

Little Tiger ISBN: 9781788956208

Published 4th July 2024

You can read my review of ‘Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue’ here.

Blog Tour: Whisper to the Rescue

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Whisper to the Rescue’ today.

Whisper is the smallest, quietest dragon on the mountainside and although he notices everything, his family don’t seem to notice him. He sees how they are damaging the environment, making it unsafe and unpleasant for the other creatures who live there, but he cannot make his family listen. however, with a little help from his friends, Whisper finds a way.

Brave and determined, little Whisper is sure to find a place in readers’ hearts. Proving that the quietest amongst us are often those who notice things which pass others by, this lovely story shows how perseverance, teamwork and taking a new approach can solve seemingly impossible problems. Many children will empathise with Whisper’s feelings of not being listened to, but will take courage from the creative solution he and his friends come up with.

There is also an environmental message here with children trying to make their elders recognise the damage which they are inflicting on the planet and change their ways. The story is perfect for encouraging discussions and making children feel as if they can be heard. This gentle story has real strength at its heart.

Whisper to the Rescue

Rose Robbins

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978- 1915252203

Fallout

Marcus is a Pritchard. His name marks him out as a troublemaker, a ‘bad lot’, not to be trusted. Labelled by teachers and the rest of the village alike, he feels trapped and that he may as well act as others expect him to. His life at home is also troubled. with Carl, the brother he is close to, is in Borstal, Marcus is subjected to constant bullying from his other brother, Gavin, who is his mother’s favourite and indifferent, judgemental treatment from his parents, who expect him to be part of the family ‘business’. Having fallen out with his best friend, Jezza, Marcus is very alone.

However, things start to change when he is treated with kindness by Mick, an elderly neighbour, who listens to Marcus and sees beyond the Pritchard name. Marcus also makes friends with Emma, part of the local peace protest group, and gradually finds himself responding positively to their belief in him.

When tragedy strikes at the local carnival, Marcus is once again the focus of suspicion and negative attention with only Emma believing in his innocence and working with him to clear his name.

Once again, Lesley Parr has delivered a story full of heart and hope. There is so much to recommend this wonderful story.

It’s a bit of a shock to see something set in the 80s considered ‘historical fiction’ as to me that period does not seem that long ago, but the story vividly captures the clothing, the music and the mood of the period. The village is a tight-knit Welsh community where everyone knows everyone else-and quickly judges them.

There are children like Marcus in every school and community. Haunted by their family reputation, they are marked out as troublemakers, often assumed to be responsible for issues before any investigation has taken place. It’s no wonder that they find themselves in a self-fulfilling prophecy. Through Marcus’s eyes and experiences, the reader develops great empathy for his situation, willing him to clear his name and escape the life he is being forced to endure. Lesley Parr’s characterisation is second to none as she captures Marcus’s sense of frustration and fatality perfectly. Other characters are equally well developed. Mick- considered an oddball by the community- is also an outsider, who is both patient and understanding, recognising Marcus’s need for an escape from his family and encouraging him to develop skills he didn’t know he had.

‘Fallout’ is a truly exceptional story, with its very title reflecting how cleverly its many elements are woven together. Poignant, thought-provoking, compassionate and compelling, there are not enough adjectives to convey just how much I enjoyed it! One to put at the top of your TBR pile!

Fallout

Lesley Parr

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526648013

Published 18th July 2024

Watts and Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure

Watts comes from a family of great detectives, but he is not sure he has what it takes to be one. So when his parents head off on their next case, he goes to stay with an old client of theirs at Whiskerton Manor. Here, he meets Pearl, Count Whiskerton’s daughter, a very curious kitten who really wants to be a detective. When strange things start happening in the Manor grounds, Pearl persuades Watts to investigate…

Proving that opposites attract, Watts and Pearl make the purrr-fect team! This is a delightful story, full of lovely illustrations, gentle humour and a brilliant mystery to solve!

Watts is such a sweet character. Thoughtful and steady, but somewhat lacking in confidence, he believes that he will never be as good at solving mysteries as his parents. However, his new friendship with bubbly, talkative, impetuous Pearl helps him to realise that he is a skilful detective in his own right! So many of us can feel overshadowed by the achievements of others, but like Watts can find our own way in life and come to appreciate the skills we do have!

The story is really carefully plotted and Watts’ notes will help readers to follow each stage of the investigation as it unfolds. A perfect balance of text, illustrations, comic strip, labels and speech bubbles makes this an incredibly appealing book for younger readers, as engaging for those reluctant to read as much as those who devour books! There are many jokes to enjoy- for adults as well as for children- with plays on words like Dr Arty Fact and plenty of visual jokes in the pictures! I particularly like the fact that vocabulary like ‘archaeologist’ is also explained in the context of the story- and readers are given a little insight into how archaeologists work!

Both at home and at school, the book could be used as a starting point for many enjoyable activities. The little finger puppets (pictured above) help to make the story even more interactive as readers can act things out as it progresses or create their own little plays and mysteries and perhaps put on performances! Sections in the story where speech bubbles have been used are perfect for teachers to use to support their teaching of speech punctuation as well as developing speech clauses, drawing on the wonderfully detailed visual clues the pictures give to add the characters’ feelings/ actions. The book would also make the most wonderful prompt for a book group or library session, encouraging children to solve a mystery by following clues- or one which encourages children to create their own comic strips perhaps!

I love Meg McLaren’s picture books (The Station Mouse is my favourite!) and am delighted to discover that her talent for creating endearing characters through gorgeous illustrations and engaging storylines will support children in the next stage of reading. I can’t wait for the next case for Watts and Whiskerton!

Watts and Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure

Meg McLaren

Piccadilly ISBN: 978: 1800786592

The Boy who Painted the World

Once, a boy found a blank book. Stumbling inside, he soon made a mess- but a friendly paint brush helped him to see that he could transform the splodges into…a messy-a-saurus, wobbly squares into… robots, and circ-angles into…birds! All the boy’s ‘mistakes’ turned into amazing pictures as he and the paint brush mixed a little confidence with a lot of imagination to prove that mistakes open a world of possibilities!

What a brilliant book! Faced with a world which demands a very limited view of ‘perfection’ at every turn, we need more and more books like this which encourage creativity and exploration and show that ‘mistakes’ are merely happy accidents or starting points.

Whatever his previous experiences, the little boy in the story has obviously been left feeling that he is no good at art. ‘I always make a big mess,’ he says apologetically to the paint brush, ‘I’m not very neat.’ Whether he has been told directly or he has gleaned it from comments about his or others’ work, he has learned that neatness and careful lines are things which make an artist and that his work falls short. However, with paint brush’s guidance, he starts to enjoy himself, not worrying about how ‘perfect’ his work is, but relishing the fact that it is fun! Isn’t this what art - or any hobby-should be all about?

Offering a wonderful starting point for creative projects- suggestions for some projects are included at the end- the book also allows for discussions about the importance of having a go, perseverance and (most of all) having fun! Although the theme of the story relates this to art, its message-there’s no such thing as a mistake, just a world of possibilities!- can be applied to anything from maths lessons to riding a bike, from karate to learning to play the piano! ‘The Boy who Painted the World’ is sure to become a firm favourite with teachers, parents and carers as they share its wonderfully positive and empowering message with the children they care for!

The Boy who Painted the World

Tom McLaughlin

OUP ISBN: 978-0192785343

Published 4th July 2024

Moon Bear

Every night, when mummy calls it’s time for bed, Ettie goes through her bedtime routine, enjoying a bath and story time. But then the light goes out, leaving Ettie hunched under the bedclothes with her torch switched on because she is afraid of the dark. But, one night, the moon’s shimmering lights streams through a crack in the curtains. Curious, Ettie reaches out to touch it and is amazed to find that it responds to her touch. Dancing round the round, ‘painting’ in the air with the light, Ettie notices the moon smiling down at her. She joins the dots of the stars to create a bear who bursts into life and the two play together. When Ettie learns that the moon bear is afraid of light, just as she (Ettie) is afraid of the dark, they help each other to overcome their fears.

I love a wordless picture book and the wonderful reading adventure they offer children who can create, embellish, alter and retell the story every time they open the book. ‘Moon Bear’ is almost wordless- the phrase ‘Time for bed, Ettie’ at the beginning transforms to ‘Time for bed, mummy’ at the end, emphasising the change in Ettie’s feelings for the dark- but other than this, the reader is free to interpret the illustrations to tell the story, noticing and developing details which please them most.

Although very different, for me, the story has echoes of ‘The Snowman’. A wonderfully imaginative adventure with two new friends exploring the child’s world and then the sadness of a parting. However, in this story, Ettie realises that Moon Bear is just as afraid of the light as Ettie is of the dark and she gently helps him to understand that he has nothing to fear. Although Moon Bear has disappeared in the morning when Ettie wakes, she knows he will return with the night, leaving the story full of excited expectation and joy.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and children are sure to notice all the little details which hint that Ettie is a bear fan before Moon Bear appears- her toy, her drawings, the book she shares with her mum- perhaps encouraging them to create their own imaginative solutions to help them confront their own fears. The story is perfect for adults to use as an opening for discussions about fears, developing empathy and understanding whilst offering reassurance. There are many pictures to linger over and discuss how Ettie and Moon Bear are feeling and exploring their emotions. The final picture of Ettie and Moon Bear on the very last page offers the perfect starting point for children to create their own stories about these two friends.

Gorgeous!

Moon Bear

Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Carolina T Godina

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711291003

You can read my review of ‘Sunny Side Up!’ here, ‘I Love You More’ here, ‘Never Ever Ever Ask a Pirate to a Party’ here and ‘Slime? It’s Not Mine!’ here.

Godfrey is a Frog

From tiny egg to tadpole, from froglet to frog, Godfrey undergoes some amazing changes. Eventually, he hops onto a lily pad and waits to see what changes will occur next…but nothing happens. Looking at the other animals, he feels that they are all much cooler than he is and that he is just a boring old frog. Fed up, he sinks to the bottom of the pond. Here, he meets some of the other inhabitants of the pool and finds that they see him in a different light. Perhaps being a frog isn’t so bad after all!

What’s not to love about this one?! Fabulous illustrations, deadpan humour, a heartfelt message about loving who you are and the lifecycle of a frog all combine to create a joyful book which is sure to become a central part of many story times and bed time story sessions!

The illustrations are both adorable and incredibly clever. Slight changes in some picture indicate the passing of time whilst emphasising the fact that Godfrey himself has not changed. Others indicate Godfrey’s changing feelings by his different expressions. These are details which children love to ponder over and can form the basis of so much discussion and develop their visual and emotional literacy as well as their empathy for others. The story would make the perfect starting point for PSHE lessons, circle times or assemblies. Sharp eyed readers are sure to notice the illustration on the title page where Godfrey looks at his reflection, a confused jumble of all the possible ‘improved’ versions of Godfrey, an excellent place to start converstations!

Showing how we often don’t appreciate in ourselves things which others recognise, the story paves the way for many conversations, not only about valuing yourself, but of the importance of carefully worded compliments offered to others. Godfrey is quick to notice Bear’s ‘cracking claws’ and Minnow’s ‘fantastic fins’ yet doesn’t value his own strong legs or long tongue, but a few thoughtful comments make him think about and value the things which make him who he is. We shouldn’t need affirmation from others to value ourselves, but positivity breeds positivity! The only thing which needs to change about Godfrey is the way he feels about himself.

The story also shows the life cycle of a frog which is reiterated through a spread at the end of the book and brings me back to the magic, wit and charm of the illustrations which accompany this story. Godfrey will steal hearts, make everyone laugh- and hopefully help readers realise that they are pretty fantastic just as they are!

Godfrey is a Frog

Alex Latimer

OUP ISBN: 978-0192789006

Published 4th July 2024

Changing Tides

Lula is excited that she and her dad are going on a trip to the seaside- her favourite place. But this visit will be different because Theo and his mum, Simone, are coming with them as they are now part of her family- but Lula is not sure how she feels about this…

‘Changing Tides’ is a delightful picture book, perfect for initiating discussions around newly formed families and the worries and joys of finding yourself with new siblings. The story is greatly enhanced by the gorgeous illustrations which capture Lula’s changing emotions, offering so many places to pause and explore and validate her feelings as well as those of Theo. The initial picture shows her peeking at Theo apprehensively over the kitchen table whilst the last shows them hand in hand, happily smiling. Together, they build a sandcastle, bigger and more beautiful than those Lula normally makes, overcoming problems and sharing the excitement- and the disappointment as the sea reclaims their creation. It is an absolute joy!

But the story is also a celebration of a day at the beach and all the simple pleasures this holds- the joy of splashing through the waves, playing in the sand, the inevitable rain! It shows a real sense of family togetherness and enjoyment in the little things in life which create the biggest memories. Wonderful for home or school, ‘Changing Tides’ (the perfect title!) is sure to quickly become a firm favourite!

Changing Tides

Júlia Moscardó

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838915377

Published 4th July 2024

The Secret Society of Very Important Post

Penny Black and her mother are leaving London and moving to Scotland. This will mean that they can spend more time together, but although Penny should feel happy, she is miserable about having to leave her friend, Wishyouwas- and she can’t bring herself to tell him. However, just as she is about to leave their flat, Wishyouwas himself arrives in need of her help as he has been summoned to Buckingham Palace for a meeting. They discover that a letter from the previous King to the new Queen, Elizabeth II, has been stolen and the Sorters are tasked with retrieving it and getting it to the new queen before her coronation. Will they be able to deliver on time?

Readers first met Wishyouwas in ‘The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters’, an absolutely wonderful adventure, and it is a pure joy to read another story set in this fantastic world! There is something really charming and magical about all the references to the postal service and all the elements of its past glory, so unfamiliar in this world of email and texting.!

The warm friendship between Penny and Wishyouwas is as lovely as ever and the pair make an excellent team as they set about solving the mystery of the missing letter- the ‘Monarch’s Seal’- accompanied by some familiar faces and some new friends. The mystery is really well plotted, offering clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing as events unfold. Placed at the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the story may well ignite curiosity about this event as well as some of the landmarks mentioned in the story and perhaps seek them out, following in the footsteps of Penny and Wishyouwas.  I never knew of the existence of Duck Island Cottage and will be seeking it out on my next trip to London!

There are plenty of illustrations scattered throughout the story, adding to the charm of this engaging story which would be an excellent choice for class story time or for using as a guided reading text. I look forward to the next ‘Wishyouwas Mystery’!

 The Secret Society of Very Important Post

Alexandra Page, illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee

Bloomsbury     ISBN: 978-1526644336

You can read my review of ‘Wishyouwas: The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters’ here.

FCBG Children’s Book Awards 2024

Yesterday, I was delighted to be able to attend the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Children’s Book Awards 2024 Ceremony. This year, it was being held in Birmingham so I was up bright and early for a very exciting day out!

I hadn’t been to Birmingham for years and so was really grateful to one of the members of the Birmingham group who had not only written directions to follow from the station, but had also added in things of interest to look out for along the way! The famous bull, Ozzy, from the Commonwealth Games 2022, the lovely Piccadilly Arcade, the impressive Council House building and the domed Hall of Memory were all features of my mini guided tour as I made my way to the Novotel where the ceremony was being held.

Had the incredible library been open, I might never have made it to the ceremony, but that was a treat I had to save for later. The gilded bronze statue, known as the ‘Golden Boys’ honours Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch, shown studying steam engine plans.  Together, these three revolutionised the steam engine. Also on my route was the Black Sabbath bench, a tribute to this Birmingham metal band, located on Broad Street, above the bridge on Canal Street, also named after the band!

At the Novotel, excitement was mounting as the dedicated and hard working team of FCBG members, led by Sarah Stuffins, were putting the finishing touches to preparations for the ceremony. Always a lovely occasion, the Children’s Book Awards ceremony keeps children- the voters- at its heart as members from each of the testing groups are invited to attend the occasion. Each child arrives to find a bag of goodies ready for them-including a Fed Ted- and that they will be sitting at a table with one of the shortlisted authors or illustrators! There are not many events which offer that!

As the guests all started to arrive, there was a wonderful atmosphere as everyone circulated and asked for their books to be signed. There was so much excitement from young (and somewhat older!) readers and so much excited book-ish chat, proving that these awards really do encourage reading for pleasure and that there are plenty of young readers who enjoy a great story.

Once everyone had eaten a delicious lunch, the ceremony was ready to begin and Korky, Winnie the Witch and Wilbur treated us to much wand waving and merriment, including a masterclass in how to draw Winnie. Every child had a numbered ticket in their goodie bag and one won a signed book and another won the picture. Sadly, adults weren’t included!

Each shortlisted author was then presented with a portfolio of work, full of pictures and writing from the children who voted for their books. These are so special and each author was genuinely moved to see the contributions these contain. Sadly, Karen Obuhanych, Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre, Michael Rosen and Simon Fox were not able to attend, but they sent messages which were shared at this time.

And then, the winner of each category was announced. Rob Biddulph won the Books for Younger Children’s category with ‘Gigantic’, Thomas Flintham won the Books for Younger Readers’ category with ‘Press Start! Game On, Super Rabbit Boy!’ and the Books for Older Readers’ category was won by ‘The Final Year’, written by Matt Goodfellow and illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton. Although everyone had their favourites that they were rooting for, the results were received with great delight and much cheering.

As with each category, the overall winner was announced by children from one of the FCBG groups- another thing which is special to this award! Overall Winner of the Children’s Book Award 2024 was ‘Press Start! Game On, Super Rabbit Boy! ‘ by Thomas Flintham.

It was a fabulous occasion, greatly enjoyed by everyone! The Federation of Children’s Book Groups Children’s Book Awards is absolutely about children having a voice and genuinely reflects their interests and reading tastes. Huge congratulations to all the shortlisted authors and illustrators - and their publishers- and a huge well done to those involved in the organisation of the event!

This has nothing to do with the awards, but on the way home, I visited the wonderful Birmingham Library and then the ‘Victorian Radicals: From the Pre-Raphaelites to the Arts and Crafts Movement' at The Gas Hall, part of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The perfect way to end the day!

You can read about CBA2023 here and CBA2022 here.

An Invitation to the Botanic Gardens

In this lovely book, readers are offered VIP access to the Botanic Gardens in Kew. From the ticket office to the ‘exit through the gift shop’, the book shares a wealth of information about the scientists, gardeners, horticulturalists, designers and explainers (amongst others!) who work so hard to keep this magical place full of healthy plants and happy visitors.

Perfect for sharing in preparation for a visit to the Gardens as well as reliving memories afterwards, ‘An Invitation to…’ is bursting with specific information about the Botanic Gardens. Different locations within the site are carefully explored, supported by wonderful illustrations. Three gateway folds allow the reader to feel as if they are entering different areas, exploring them with the visitors depicted enjoying them. For those who have never been there (and might never be lucky enough to go) it offers a glimpse of the wonders of the place and its plants and the dedication of those who work to maintain it. However, this is not just a book to link to a visit to the gardens.

Explanations are given for key vocabulary like pollination and germination whilst the work done at Kew gardens can be related to any garden which encourages nature to thrive. Children may be inspired to cultivate their own ‘conservation meadow’ or kitchen garden to grow their own vegetables. They can find out about some of the different carnivorous plants which are kept there as well as the important role of the seed bank.

A really beautiful book sharing the amazing work which goes on at a very special location, ‘An Invitation to the Botanic Gardens is one not to miss!

An Invitation to the Botanic Gardens

Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Helen Shoesmith

Hachette in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ISBN: 978-1803381060

The Beanstalk Murder

When a dead giant falls from the sky and crushes her village, Old Stump, trainee meadow-witch Anwen’s bad day suddenly becomes much worse. On examination, the body of the giant leads Anwen and her grandmother, Eira Sedge, to suspect he has been murdered. Anwen and a trainee sorceress, Cerys, take a message to the land above, via a beanstalk, where they find themselves tiny in a land of giants and determined to solve the crime!

‘The Beanstalk Murder’ is a fantastic read, combining a classic murder mystery with hints of a fairy tale favourite! Engaging characters and a twisty plot keep the reader guessing to the very end!

The relationship between Anwen and Cerys adds much to the story. Initially enemies, when the two girls find themselves thrown together in a land so completely alien to their own, they are forced into an uneasy truce. Cerys has been accepted at the Academy of High Magic whereas Anwen believes Cerys sabotaged her entrance exam. The two are at loggerheads with Cerys referring to Anwen, a Meadow Witch, as ‘ditch witch’ and Anwen causing a seagull to follow Cerys around and poo on her! As the girls spend time together, each learns more about the other, discovering the importance of looking beyond first impressions and working as a team. Anwen is impulsive and instinctive with a warm heart and insatiable curiosity and her skills as a Meadow Witch play a big part in solving the mystery, leading her to value what she has and what she is rather than envying Cerys.

The murder is so well constructed with clues and red-herrings skilfully threaded through the story, encouraging the reader to don their deerstalker alongside the girls to uncover those responsible. Their size in a giant world both helps and hinders their investigation, but nothing deters them in their quest. Although the giants of the Sky Kingdom and the humans below are alienated, the two sides develop a new understanding, seeing past their differences.

I really hope there will be more adventures set in this wonderful world!

The Beanstalk Murder

P G Bell

Usborne ISBN: 978-1805312536

Published 1st August 2024

You can read my review of ‘The Train to Impossible Places’ here, ‘The Great Brain Robbery’ here and ‘Delivery to the Lost City’ here.