Marvellous Messages

Rose, her sign language interpreter, Dev, and Halo, one of her cats, are whisked off on a time-travel adventure by Perky Pigeon. On their journey, they find out about the development of, and varied methods of, communication as well as some of the deaf people who have made a real difference to the world.

Inspired by her personal experiences, Rose Ayling-Ellis has created a very engaging and informative book, a much needed recognition that communication is far from just speaking and listening. Interwoven into a time-travel adventure are many true stories about the ways in which these methods have developed, ‘Messaging Milestones’ timelines and biographies of ‘Rose’s Superstars’.

The book is an essential addition to any bookshelf, but really is a must-have for any school wishing to enrich their students’ learning, to value the contributions of Deaf people and add an excellent, inclusive text to their libraries. So many fascinating facts are included which could add colour and interest across the curriculum, ‘Rose’s Superstars’ could be used to form the basis of an assembly and the book’s narrative non-fiction format means it could also be used as a class story.

From the earliest documented use of sign language at a wedding in Leicestershire, puppy school in Wales, Hawaiian dance gestures, animal body language… there is so much to learn and enjoy about the amazing story of communication.

Marvellous Messages: The amazing story of communication

Rose Ayling-Ellis, illustrated by Lena Addink

DK ISBN: 978-0241681671

You can read my review of ‘Rose Signs Good Morning!’ here.

Space

Celebrating the 350th anniversary of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, ‘Space’ offers an incredible collection of poems. Gathered into seven sections- Telescope, Greenwich, Sun/Stars, Moon, Universe, People and Time, the book features poems past and present inspired by the wonders of space.

Some of the poems are accompanied by additional notes to explain something within or about the poem. For example, a note at the bottom of David Harper’s ‘King Charles Discusses His Royal Observatory’ tells readers about the Octagon Room not lining up with the stars properly whilst Graham Denton’s poem, ‘The First Man in Space’ offers additional information about Yuri Gagarin. Photographs of relevant people, places and objects are also included.

The collection is perfect for anyone with an interest in space, old or young, to explore and enjoy again and again. However, it is also a treasure trove of delight for teachers wishing to enrich the curriculum and use poetry to creatively develop and explore learning. Poems like ‘Copernicus Kicked Up a Fuss’ (David Harper) or ‘Cecilia’ (John Dougherty) might be used to introduce key figures and their contributions. Others might be used as models to inspire children to present their own thoughts or learning- ‘What the Sun Said/ What the Moon Said’ by John Rice for example or ‘What am I?’ by Dom Conlon. Other poems could just be shared at story times or the start of lessons just to enjoy their beauty- Attie Lime’s ‘Shades of Shooting Star’ or ‘Postcard from Space’ by Jacqueline Shirtliff.

Gathered with great care to offer an excellent selection for all to enjoy, ‘Space: Royal Observatory Greenwich Poetry Book’ is a worthy celebration of the Royal Observatory, all the work which has been done there and all those it has inspired.

Space: Royal Observatory Greenwich Poetry Book

Chosen by Gaby Morgan

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035068265

Kata and Tor

It is 1066 and King Harald Hardrada is planning to invade York with his Viking fleet. His youngest son, Tor, and his companion, Eirik, have been sent ahead to gather information, but an accident wrecks their boat. With Eirik dead, Tor is left to complete his mission alone. Whilst gathering information, Tor meets Katya, an Anglo-Saxon girl, and the two fall in love. As war approaches, each must ask themselves where their loyalties really lie.

Kevin Crossley-Holland is well known as a master story teller, whose passion for history and folklore combined with skilled use of language make any book he writes a must have as far as I am concerned. Set in 1066, readers might expect ‘Kata and Tor’ to be about the Norman Conquest, a well known date and event in English history, but instead it focuses on the events which led to the Battle of Stamford Bridge, just a few weeks before the Battle of Hastings. Perfect for anyone studying the events surrounding the conquest of England, it also offers an engaging ‘human’ story of those caught on opposing sides- a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ style relationship!

Although the son of a King and expected to partake in war, Tor questions many of his father’s decisions, not relishing the violence and chaos of conflict and conquest, not wanting to fight. Kata also feels trapped into a path which has been decided for her- marriage and a life of farming or perhaps life sequestered in a nunnery. When they meet, a different future seems possible. Kata and Tor might be fictional characters, but story is rich in historical detail and also encourages readers to consider the choices people make, or are forced to make, and how these shape lives.

The use of kennings, alliteration and evocative descriptions create a powerful background to a dramatic, immersive story which is a compelling read.

Kata and Tor

Kevin Crossley-Holland

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406399059

About Time

Beautifully presented and illustrated, ‘About Time: A Children’s Guide to the History and Science of Time’ is an utterly fascinating and engrossing read. Written by Rebecca Struthers, one of a very few watchmakers in the UK who make timepieces from scratch, and Alom Shaha, a teacher with a passion for science, it helps readers understand how clocks work and the various ways which humans have tried to measure time across the ages.

A clear contents and index both help the reader to locate specific information, but this is one of those factual books which, although a joy to browse through, is easily read from cover to cover. Starting with an explanation of what time is, the book moves on to how time is divided, exploring developments over time and calendars around the world.

Looking at methods of telling time without a clock, the book offers instructions for making a sundial, a water clock and a sand timer, each carefully explained, to encourage children to engage with the subject further. Diagrams are used to clarify and explain the workings of clocks and watches, sure to tempt readers to deconstruct one and explore for themselves!

Information about past makers and contemporary artisans offers a fascinating look at the developments by designers, engineers and inventors from across the world and there is even some practical information about becoming a watchmaker. This is the first book I have seen devoted to horology, full of inspiration and information, and it is sure to pique interest and open up a new area of interest to anyone who reads it. There is also much here which will support and enrich the curriculum, making it a very useful text for teachers to have to hand as well.

About Time: A Children’s Guide to the History and Science of Time

Alom Shaha and Rebecca Struthers, illustrated by Lucy Rose

DK ISBN: 978-0241709320

Riverskin

Tess lives with her Aunt Peg in the turns under the River Tees, their home furnished with the waste discarded by the dry-folk who live out of the water. Chained in a pit is Unkle Darkwater, a malevolent and dangerous presence, a constant threat to their safety.

When Unkle breaks free and it seems Aunt Peg is lost to her, Tess is helped by Chris, a dry-folk boy she saved from drowning, in a quest to find the mysterious green lady of the foss and discover who she (Tess) really is.

Tense and twisting, ‘Riverskin’ was inspired by the legend of Peg Powler, a green-skinned witch who is said to lurk in the waters of the River Tees, snatching people and dragging them to a watery death. This re-imagining asks the ‘what ifs…’, suggesting Peg isn’t the villain she has been made out to be, offering a fresh take on traditional folklore.

Tess has a very distinctive voice, using blended words to describe her environment and her emotions. Evocative and otherworldly, this creative use of language, at times almost poetic with the use of alliteration, kennings and assonance, adds much to the story. There is no ‘playing safe’ here, challenging readers to immerse themselves in Tess’s world and follow the flow of her thoughts and experiences.

The story poses questions around preconceptions, misconceptions and uncovering the true ‘villain’, exploring a possible backstory which offers a very different perspective. The casual pollution of rivers by human thoughtlessness is also constantly in the background of the story with Tess and her ‘family’ making use of all the rubbish which has found its way into the river.

A challenging and different story, perfect for those looking for a challenge and something out of the ordinary!

Riverskin

Mike Edwards

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529523980

A Wizard of Earthsea Graphic Novel

First published in 1968, ‘A Wizard of Earthsea’ is widely regarded as a fantasy classic. Set in Earthsea, it follows the fortunes of Ged, who was born in a village on the island of Gont. When he shows talent as a mage, he ends up at a school for wizards to learn how to develop and control his powers. Provoked by a fellow student, he summons a shadow creature during a duel, which he must then track down to rectify his mistake. This story has now been retold in graphic novel form.

I have to confess that I haven’t read ‘A Wizard of Earthsea’ for many years, but I was glad I had done so before reading the graphic version as it allowed me to fully appreciate the story. It has been skilfully and carefully adapted, nearly all the words used having been taken verbatim from the original text, and the illustrations are atmospheric and engaging.

The artwork here, unlike previous film adaptations, shows the characters as they are described in the original and colour has been used to great advantage, enhancing the sense of wonder and mystery, dark and light, as Ged follows his path of self-discovery, a quiet inward as much as an actual journey.

Whether enjoyed as a stepping stone to the original books or as a story in its own right, ‘A Wizard of Earthsea: a graphic novel’ would be an excellent addition to any bookshelf!

A Wizard of Earthsea: a graphic novel

Ursula K Le Guin, adapted and illustrated by Fred Fordham

Walker ISBN: 978-1529526264

The Wild Robot on the Island

One day, a strange new creature arrived on an island. It was a shiny robot named Roz, who decided that the island was where she belonged and so set about learning how to survive from watching the animals. Many became her friends and when Ros found an egg, she cared for the little gosling, Brightbill, which hatched from it, becoming his mother. As the seasons changed, Brightbill’s instincts told him to leave and fly south, leaving his mother and the island behind until they were reunited once more.

‘The Wild Robot on the Island’ is a simplified version of ‘The Wild Robot’, the first in a series of three books about Roz and her animal friends on the island. These lovely books reflect on caring for the environment, family and friendship and the beauty of nature and the essence of this has been captured in this beautiful picture book.

From the endpapers showing a crate falling from a container ship, the illustrations add plenty of details which enrich and develop the simplified text. Those familiar with the original will recognise the curious otters cautiously creeping over the rocks to investigate the crate, for example, but there is no need to have read the chapter books to fall in love with big-hearted Roz and her friends. Each spread glows with colour as the seasons change, time passes and Roz finds peace and happiness on her island home.

The story lends itself perfectly to encouraging children to closely observe the world around them, noticing and enjoying the changes in nature, how creatures adapt to their environment and with the passing seasons. There are many ways which teachers could use this lovely book to support and enrich different areas of the curriculum or as a class story to spark discussion or inspire children to tell stories of their own. It would also allow children who are not ready to sustain the novels to access the story, although, obviously, some of the emotional depth and detail of the original are lost.

Warm and wonderful!

The Wild Robot on the Island

Peter Brown

Piccadilly ISBN: 978-1835872645

The Great Pollination Investigation

Bursting with curiosity, a little girl decides to investigate ‘something mysterious called pollination’. This quest takes her and her friends on an adventure of discovery!

Interactive and engaging, ‘The Great Pollination Investigation’ is a brilliant read. Produced in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, it offers a detailed explanation of the process of pollination and its role in food production, using the appropriate scientific vocabulary.

Not only are the vibrant, bright illustrations really appealing, but flaps and pop-ups allow children to explore and engage with every page. Perfect for supporting the primary science curriculum, the book would appeal as much to older children as younger ones and has much to offer as it is bursting with facts and so beautifully presented.

Reading for pleasure should never be limited to fiction- books like this one have an essential role to play in engaging readers and allowing them to explore and ‘read’ in different ways. Ideas for how to create a pollination investigation and make a pollination wand are included at the end of the book. An excellent addition to any library, this is a gorgeous book.

The Great Pollination Investigation

Deborah Hocking

Templar, in partnership with the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew

ISBN: 978-1800788138

Duck Delivers

Duck is happiest when at home, reorganising his sock collection. However, Great-Granduck is keen for him to experience adventure and, having offered some good advice and his lucky compass, encourages Duck to get out into the world. Deciding to become a delivery duck, Duck is ready to see the world and make his first delivery. What could possibly go wrong?

Full of fun, ‘Duck Delivers’ is a delightful story. Happy to stay in his own little world, when Duck steps outside his comfort zone and faces all the chaos and confusion life sometimes brings, he learns that he can overcome obstacles, problem solve and persevere until he accomplishes his task.

Illustrations and text combine perfectly to make the book a genuinely funny read. At every step, things appear to go wrong and yet Duck delivers! The pictures are full of details, allowing the reader to be in on the joke as Duck goes wrong, but they are also a joy to linger over, with plenty of potential for story telling along the way, Brilliant for reading aloud, children will love joining in with phrases like ‘Oh, breadcrumbs!’ and chanting Great-Granduck’s three simple rules.

Sure to become a firm favourite at home or school!

Duck Delivers

Tom Tinn-Disbury

Hachette ISBN: 978-1444976335

The Hug Button

Matilda is really excited about starting at The Meadows…until it comes to saying goodbye to Mummy. The next day parting with her is even harder so Mummy draws a hug button on Matilda’s wrist, something to help her cope with her feelings.

Heart-warming and positive, ‘The Hug Button’ is the perfect story for sharing with anyone who is worried about separation.

Whilst encouraging resilience, the story validates Matilda’s feelings, showing it is natural to feel anxious in new situations and be reluctant to part from loved one, before offering a sweet coping strategy which could easily be adopted by any reader feeling daunted at being separated from a loved one. The story cleverly anticipates the potential for over-reliance on the ‘hug button’ by showing how Matilda copes when hers washes of when playing in the water tray. The idea that ‘love is always being there, even when you’re not together’ is such a powerful one, designed to offer comfort. Matilda has her ups and downs during the day, but she copes with each new challenge, reassuring children that they too will manage in new situations.

The delightful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the text as they capture the whole range of emotions experienced by Matilda- and her mother- offering plenty of places for readers to pause and discuss these feelings and ways of managing them. A real must-have to share with any little one preparing to navigate their own way through a new situation.

The Hug Button

Naomi Jones, illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown

OUP ISBN: 978-0192794826

You can read my review of ‘One More Try’ here.

Circle of Liars

When seven teenagers arrive for a school retreat, they find themselves at the Motel Loba, abandoned and rundown, not the top location they were expecting. But things only get worse when they find they are trapped and forced to play a game where every hour they must vote one person out, deciding who is to live and who to die. For each one of the seven has a secret about a school fire which ended in tragedy…and only one can survive.

A tense, dramatic read, ‘Circle of Liars’ is absolutely unputdownable! Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s ‘And then there were none’, it is full of twists and turns sure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat!

Told from different viewpoints, the story unfolds, highlighting the thoughts and feelings of certain characters as the truth about everyone’s involvement in and responsibility for the fire. The story not only explores how the different players deal with their feelings of culpability, but also how far they will go to save themselves, manipulating and coercing others, so that they will survive, sure to make readers wonder how they would act in a similar situation.

It is hard to review a book like this without spoiling it for others so suffice it to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and would readily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a pacy, compelling read with plenty of action and plenty to think about!

Circle of Liars

Kate Francis

Usborne ISBN: 978-1836042389

Alice With a Why

It’s March 1919 and Alyce -with a why- is living with Alice, her grandmother, who she feels is somewhat odd. Alice used to tell wonderful stories about rabbit holes and strange croquet games, but since Alyce’s father died in the war this no longer happens. However, when an invitation to a tea party hits her full in the face, Alyce realises there might have been some truth in these stories as she finds herself falling into Wonderland where The Sun King and the Queen of the Moon are fighting over a stolen hour. Alyce must solve Wonderland’s problems before she can find her way home.

‘Alyce With a Why’ is a brilliant story which builds on the world of Wonderland, created by Lewis Carroll. The story has delicious echoes of the humour, characters and charming wackiness of the original whilst offering new characters and a delightful quirkiness all of its own.

Alyce, heroine of this tale, has much in common with Alice, her grandmother, giving a feeling of continuity, but is no carbon copy, being open to her adventure in a different way. Constantly feeling she is following in Alice’s footsteps, she is keen to do her best and find a way to stop the war in Wonderland.

Both Alyce and her grandmother are somewhat lost in their grief after the death of Alyce’s father. Alyce’s adventure in Wonderland allows them to connect once more, keeping his memory alive by talking about him once more.

An absolute joy, this would make a brilliant class story and may lead new readers to a classic favourite!

Alice With a Why

Anna James, illustrated by Matthew Land

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008773823

You can read my review of ‘Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment’ here.

The Wood Where Magic Grows

Iggy is facing a lot of changes. After his mum had a ‘whirlwind romance’ with Mitchell, he is living in a new house and has a new, very lively little brother, Cal, who he is sharing a room with. Although Iggy isn’t very confident in his new role as big brother, Cal is full of enthusiasm for everything so soon the pair begin to explore both their new home and the woods surrounding it where strange things seem to happen. Wooden animals in the house seem to move and the trees and plants seem to grow at an amazing rate. They meet Mae, who has recently moved in next door and the three team up, journeying further in to the woods where they are guided and helped by the trees. However, much as they are having fun, they discover that the woods are suffering and if the trees die, the wooden animals, which their landlady, Sylvie, has carved from pieces of wood from the trees, will also perish. Can they restore nature’s balance before it’s too late?

‘The Wood Where Magic Grows’ is the first in a new series from Andy Shepherd, who gave us the wonderful ‘Boy Who Grew Dragons’ books. It is perfect for children who love nature and exploring the world around them, those who see the ‘faces’ in trees and hunt for nature’s treasures.

Iggy is such a lovely character with a strong sense of right and wrong. He is keen to do his best, taking is new role as big brother very seriously, but constantly worrying that he is not quite up to the job. Cal is impulsive and bursting with energy whilst Iggy is more reserved, drawing on a deep well of patience and kindness in his dealings with the younger child where others might have snapped! It is lovely to see such a positive portrayal of a blended family who are making a happy, new life together as they learn more about each other.

With Mae, the brothers quickly establish a firm friendship. They accept the fact that she has hearing aids, quickly adapting their speaking to make sure she can follow them and she makes no comment about the birthmark which curls across Iggy’s cheek. The story encourages empathy and understanding without making a big deal of these things.

There is real joy in this story- friendship, close family, love of nature, imagination, adventure- all captured in the lovely illustrations. It would make a brilliant class story, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy, with more stories to come.

The Wood Where Magic Grows

Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Ellie Snowdon

Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1800785717

Words Can Fly: Mindful and Uplifting Poetry for Children

‘Words Can Fly’ offers a cornucopia of poems full of wisdom, reassurance and compassion. The collection is perfect for dipping in and out of and revisiting, somewhere to return to words of comfort and inspiration.

A wide range of poetry is included here, enabling readers to find words which might reflect their own feelings, offering comfort, encouraging resilience and sprinkling ideas which seed self-worth and kindness. As the final poem states, poetry is ‘permission’, allowing the reader space and time to feel and be, to explore and find courage, perhaps inspiring them to express their own feelings in this way.

There are poems here which are perfect for parents, teachers and other adults in young peoples’ lives to reach for and share when needed. ‘Butter Side Down’ shares the idea that some days are just ‘butter side down’ days- days where things are just going wrong and it’s better to accept this and move on. Another poem which refocuses the reader on the positives in life is ‘Gratitude Goggles’, perfect for sharing on a day when the grumps take over! ‘Glad Out of Grumpy’ is another poem which encourages a change of mindset and mood, words of wisdom for a grey day.

There are poems about moving house, step families, going to ‘big’ school, using your imagination… but throughout the focus is on acknowledging emotions and finding the positives in life, offering words as an outlet.

Words Can Fly: Mindful and Uplifting Poetry for Children

Donna Ashworth, illustrated by Eirinn McGuinness

Templar ISBN: 978-1785307171

Choose Your Own Evolution

Using a ‘pick-your-own-path’ format, ‘Choose Your Own Evolution’ offers a really unique and engaging exploration of life on Earth. It is an incredibly engaging and accessible read!

‘The Journey’ Begins’ sets the scene, explaining that every animal has a secret history- their evolution - and that readers will be offered choices to decide their fate. Starting as a Dickinsonia, a tiny blob, three pathways are offered to set off on the evolutionary journey. Deciding that slime is my ‘style’, led to becoming a ‘Helcionellid’ where, faced with five further choices, I selected ‘Get ahead of the game’ and turned to page 89. Here, I learned that I was a survivor, having become a garden snail! However, some pathways lead to extinction, the fate of Megalodon or Titanoboa, making this an interactive and engaging read, allowing readers to learn without realising!

Bursting with facts, the book is also beautifully presented, with colourful, thoughtfully placed illustrations. It is perfect for enriching the KS2 science curriculum, adding a game-like element to learning, sure to provoke discussion about the choices on offer and the outcomes they result in. An evolutionary family tree included at the end of the book supports readers in following the stages each creature in the book has followed and a glossary offers concise definitions of the ‘technical’ terms related to the subject.

An excellent read!

Choose Your Own Evolution Go Extinct or Survive? You Decide!

Jules Howard, illustrated by Gordy Wright

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839945533

Wildful

With her mother consumed with grief after the death of Gran, Poppy spends much of her time glued to her phone whilst walking Pepper, her dog. When Pepper takes off in pursuit of a fox, Poppy chases after him and finds herself in a forest clearing where she meets a boy named Rob. Intrigued by the wildness of the woods and Rob’s love of nature, Poppy returns again and again, starting to notice, observe and appreciate the beauties of the natural world. She longs to share her discoveries with her mother who remains trapped in her sorrow until something happens…

‘Wildful’ is both beautiful and absorbing, a real celebration of the healing power of nature and its beauties. Largely wordless, it is a book to linger over and create many layers of narrative as Poppy’s eyes are opened to the world around her. Her blooming curiosity and wonder are infectious, encouraging readers to pause and reflect and, hopefully, to so this more in their own lives.

Tempted outside by her daughter’s example, Poppy’s mother finds solace in nature, embracing life and all its wonders whilst remembering her own mother, rather than focusing on her loss. Nature in all its therapeutic wonder is celebrated here as it not only is shown ‘healing’ Poppy’s mum, but is the founder of a new friendship between Poppy and Rob.

The artwork is stunning. With so few words, the pictures really carry the story, showing the growing wonder and excitement on Poppy’s face as she begins to take in the details of the world around her. And those details are there for the reader to revel in as well- droplets of rain captured on a spider’s web, the intricacies of a flower, the emerging face of a badger from its sett. There is so many moments of beauty here!

In the hands of the right teacher, the book would be the perfect catalyst for learning, allowing children to develop writing through observing the world for themselves as well as through the eyes of the story. It is also sure to inspire budding artists! It is a wonderful book, one to be shared, lingered over and returned to again and again!

Wildful

Kengo Kurimoto

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694892

Rose Signs Good Morning!

It’s a lovely day and Rose sets about her usual morning routine, accompanied by her kitten, Casper. At each stage, she teaches Casper the new sign, allowing readers to join in and learn as well.

Bright and engaging, ‘Rose Signs Good Morning!’ is such a lovely book. Bold, colourful illustrations on each page show Rose as she gets ready in the morning- eating breakfast, brushing teeth, getting dressed- accompanied by an illustration showing how to sign that action using British Sign Language. A mirror on the final page is included, helping readers to see themselves and practise signing. The book offers a very accessible and enjoyable way of learning some frequently used signs, which can be easily expanded by the other books in the series.

In the signing queue for Rose at Hay Festival last week, I was able to ask some people who use signing every day what they thought of the book and how it was presented. Everyone felt that the signs were clearly presented and easy to follow, which led to discussions about the importance of books like this one, which raise the profile of sign language and encourage people to learn it.

Whether looking to introduce children to BSL, choosing an engaging story to enjoy or making sure children see themselves or those they know reflected in their reading, ‘Rose Signs Good Morning!’ and the other books in this series make an excellent addition to any bookshelf.

Rose Signs Good Morning!

Rose Ayling- Ellis

DK ISBN: 978-0241681862

The Girl Who Raced the World

When her mother dies, Maggie is left with nothing but a letter for a stranger named Jean Passepartout. Faced with life in an orphanage, she seeks him out and finds herself caught up in the adventure of a lifetime. Passepartout is valet to Mr Phileas Fogg, who has just entered into a wager to prove he can circumnavigate the world in eighty days, and as Maggie’s life is filled with the wonders of travel, she quickly realises that there is more than just the wager at stake.

‘The Girl Who Raced the World’ is, quite simply, fabulous! Based on the classic novel by Jules Verne, it is manages to capture the spirit of ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ whilst adding plenty of originality and spark, making it an excellent read for readers (young and old!) in search of an excellent adventure.

Whilst the story differs from the original in several key ways, Phileas Fogg and Passepartout remain main characters pursued by Detective Fix, who believes Fogg robbed the Bank of England and is using the wager as a clever way to escape capture. The main difference is that this story is told from Maggie’s point of view, allowing readers to empathise with her situation and worries as she finds herself faced with life in an uncaring orphanage, having lost her mother, and then placed in a situation where she doesn’t know who she can trust. Maggie is a great character. Plucky and loyal, she values others and makes firm friendships on her journey as she strives to do the ‘right’ thing. Over the course of the story, she finds her family, her place in the world, and the reader is cheering her on every step of the way!

Action-packed and pacy, the plot romps along at a pleasing pace with plenty of tension and drama on the way. Well written and full of historical details, it would make an excellent class story, offering much to discuss along the way as well as much to enjoy. This really is one not to be missed- and I really hope there is another adventure (or two or three!) to come for Maggie and her friends!

The Girl Who Raced the World

Nat Harrison

Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1835871386

I Hear the Trees: Untamed Poems from Mother Earth

‘I Hear the Trees’ is another wonderful collection of poems which immerses the reader in the glories of Mother Earth. A wide range of work is presented here, from the sensory joys of nature to the deepest emotions, expressed in a variety of poetic styles and forms, offering something for everyone.

Many of the poems here would be invaluable as models for teachers keen to inspire a love of poetry and allow children the opportunity to express themselves and there are notes at the end of the book which I have deliberately not read so that my thoughts here really are my thoughts! ‘I Choose Poetry’ is perfect for encouraging children to think of all those beautiful, sad, exciting moments or feelings and try to capture them in this way. ‘Poetry is personal’ is the final line and this is reflected in every line, allowing children the freedom to express themselves whilst supported by using a form.

Another poem which lends itself as a model is ‘I Hear the Trees’. The perfect excuse (if one were needed) for wandering in a wood and noting all the sights and sounds and tuning in to nature, children can explore how Zaro has phrased things and experiment with expressing their ideas, perhaps working together, perhaps performing their work, perhaps filming in the woods which sparked their imagination!

There are many other poems here which could be used in this way and many which lend themselves to performing, but a collection such as this offers plenty of opportunities to enrich the curriculum by encouraging discussion and reflection, not only of the beauties of our world, but the need to nurture and protect it. Although the teacher in me has taken over here, this is a joyful collection for sharing at home or enjoying independently as well…a collection for everyone!

I Hear the Trees: Untamed Poems from Mother Earth

Zaro Weil, illustrated by Junli Song

Hachette ISBN: 978- 1803381534

You can read my review of ‘When Poems Fall from the Sky’ here and ‘Firecrackers!’ here.

Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past

Nate Riley is an amateur myrmecologist and has his own ant farm, ruled by Queen Elizabeth III- or Betsy as she is affectionately known. With his mums, he has recently moved to Liverpool and unlike him, the ‘parentals’ (as he calls them) are very keen for him to take the opportunity embrace his Chinese heritage in this city’s vibrant Chinatown. Another thing he is less keen on is starting a new school. However, during a ‘bringing history to life’ talk, Nate comes across an old shell casing engraved with a Chinese dragon and, when he touches it, he meets Jirou, a ghost who needs his help. With his new friends, Missy and Ryan, Nate must help Jirou remember why he has appeared and help him find peace.

‘Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past’ is absolutely brilliant. Rich in detail, it blends cultural details, facts about ants and friendship whilst shining a light on an overlooked moment in history to create an absorbing and satisfying story.

Nate is a lovely character. Having been adopted by his two mums, he has very little knowledge of his Chinese heritage and often feels like an outsider- different from his adoptive parents and those around him, yet not feeling connected to Chinese culture. One of the reasons his wonderfully supportive parents have moved to Liverpool is to allow him to grow up in a more multi-racial environment, but he isn’t sure that he wants to involve himself with this and it is easy to empathise with his feelings. Overwhelmed by the move from a small village to a huge city, he also has to contend with trying to make new friendships and encountering people’s preconceptions about his background. As he learns more about himself, Nate shows great resilience and determination as he strives to help Jirou find peace with the past.

Through the story, readers learn about the Chinese Labour Corp and their experiences during the First World War, an area of history which is seldom, if ever, mentioned in history books. The contribution they made to the war effort has been completely overlooked, making books like this one even more important for raising awareness, starting conversations and encouraging children - and adults- to discover more. Maisie Chan has done an excellent job of sensitively conveying the appalling way members of the CLS were treated, making it appropriate to the target age of readers, the analogy of the worker ants helping to deepen understanding.

Each chapter begins with a new ant fact, one of the many ways in which detail enriches the story. Readers cannot fail to learn so much about the amazing life of an ant colony alongside information about the Beatles and details about Chinese- or Lunar- New Year. With so much to explore and enjoy, the story would make an excellent class story or text for guided reading sessions. A must have for all bookshelves!

Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past

Maisie Chan

Piccadilly ISBN: 978-1800787896

Published 12th June 2025

You can read my review of ‘Danny Chung Does NOT Do Maths’ here and ‘Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu’ here.