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.
Murder at Christmas
Grace is delighted when she arrives in Bath to spend Christmas with her mum and younger brother, Billy. Although her dad won’t be with them, they will be staying at the hotel owned by their mum’s twin sister, Aunt Mollie. But when a body is found on the stairs and their mum disappears, Grace and Billy start to worry that everything is not as it seems. Together with their new friends, Doug and Olive, they start to hunt for clues, determined to find their mum and solve the murder in time for Christmas.
You can always rely on Fleur Hitchcock for a well-written, compelling adventure and ‘Murder at Christmas’ is no exception! Perfectly pitched for young readers and offering plenty of twists and turns, this festively themed mystery is every bit as enjoyable as her other books.
There is a wonderful warmth to this story! It is a joy to read about such a loving, close-knit family, including siblings who are so fond of one another. Instantly likeable, Grace is a very relatable character who, finding herself plunged into a mystery, tries to balance looking after her little brother with coping with their mother’s disappearance. She shows herself to be resourceful and determined despite feeling the odd twinge of self-doubt. Billy is also a well developed character and, although she goes missing part way through, Mum is also a real presence in the story instead of a ‘token’ grown-up’.
The action is brilliantly plotted with plenty of red herrings, twists, double dealing and a very satisfying conclusion. Those who know Bath will really enjoy recognising the familiar features and locations of that beautiful city which all adds a sense of realism to the story.
This would make an excellent class story for UKS2 with plenty to discuss and enjoy, encouraging children to predict and deduce as they spot clues and interpret the evidence. It is also the perfect story to recommend to those looking for something to challenge their thinking or for those who enjoy a thoroughly good adventure. Whatever the reason, ‘Murder at Christmas’ offers an excellent read for the coming festive season!
Murder at Christmas
Fleur Hitchcock
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805132240
You can read my review of ‘Murder at Snowfall’ here, ‘Murder at Wintertide’ here, ‘Waiting for Murder’ here and ‘Murder in Midwinter’ here and ‘Mouse Heart’ here
The Fantastical Safari
‘The Fantastical Safari’ is a stunning book which takes readers on an incredible journey to five of the most remote habitats in the world. The illustrations are stunning, making this a book to treasure for adults and children alike.
The safari travels to the depths of the Marina Trench, along the Greenland Ice Sheet to the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, the Galapagos Islands and then finally to the Tenere region of the Sahara Desert. Each location is carefully introduced with its terrain and climate described before exploring the creatures which live there and how they have adapted to survive in those conditions.
Perfect for enriching and adding interest to the science curriculum, the book supports many of the things which children should be taught in the Living Things and their Habitats and Evolution and Inheritance strands. Beautiful books like this one enhance the subject, encouraging children to value them. The Galapagos Islands are often chosen as a focus for learning in geography- location, physical features, mapping skills etc- and this book encourages them to look both at and beyond this to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world.
Both beautiful and fascinating, this is a book to treasure!
The Fantastical Safari
Kristjana S Williams, written by Lucy Brownridge
Wide Eyed ISBN: 978-0711296725
Squirrel and Bird
Squirrel and Bird are very different. Squirrel is really loud, confident and always busy whereas Bird is really quiet, shy and prefers to sit and do nothing. Yes, they are really different…or are they?
This delightful picture book challenges readers to consider how they view others, encouraging the idea that everyone is an individual with many facets to their personality. Having worked in schools all my working life, quick snap generalisations of children as ‘good’, ‘naughty’, ‘cheeky’ etc have always annoyed me as no one should be judged as one dimensional. ‘Squirrel and Bird’ is perfect for challenging this notion!
An unseen narrator introduces Squirrel and Bird, emphasising their difference. Bird is annoyed by these comments and readers will enjoy noticing that the narrator’s commentary is not a true reflection of what they are actually feeling! Eventually, it all gets too much for Bird who demands that the narrator recognises that there is so much more to Squirrel and Bird than they (the narrator) gives them credit for and starts to rewrite the story with a more perceptive commentary!
The illustrations are simple lovely, using muted, sepia tones and are full of details for children to notice and enjoy. Bird’s comments are presented in a flowing, cursive script, allowing readers to differentiate between their thoughts and the narrator’s commentary. The story is both thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable and would make an excellent book to share with any class of any age to encourage discussion about how we see others, how we see ourselves and how we are all a complex mix of different things at different times.
Squirrel and Bird
Laura Baker, illustrated by Stacey Thomas
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917203
Thank You, Old Oak
After 400 years, Old Oak finally falls to the forest floor. Creatures gather to give thanks for the many ways in which she helped them whilst she was standing. But, even now, Old Oak contributes to life in the forest in a variety of ways.
‘Thank You, Old Oak’ is a wonderful book, written in celebration of these incredible trees and shares much about the role they play in a forest ecosystem. The personification of Old Oak engages readers, encouraging them to empathise as her long life comes to an end and she is mourned by all the creatures who have benefitted from her presence over the years.
Although many of the animals and birds who gather round the fallen oak will be known to UK readers, some will be less familiar, encouraging discussion about native and non-native species as well as the importance of oak trees around the world.
The story ends on a note of joy as Old Oak’s legacy- healthy oak seedlings- are beginning to grow. Factual information about oak trees and how to read tree rings is included at the end of the book which will hopefully spark children’s interest and encourage them to learn more about these incredible trees. It would make an excellent book to share with a KS1 class with its colourful, collaged illustrations sure to engage and add to their enjoyment of the story.
Thank You, Old Oak
Britt Crow-Miller, illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford
Barefoot Books ISBN: 978-8888596579
Soup’s On Around the World
Like its companion ‘Teatime Around the World’, ‘Soup’s On’ is a tasty treat, exploring the different ways people enjoy this savoury staple around the world.
Simple rhyming text leads the reader from page to page whilst additional details are given about soups which are enjoyed in different countries and the traditions associated with them. Where appropriate, the name of the soup is given in the language of the country it is connected to along with details of its ingredients, how and when it is eaten. There is plenty here to spark interest and, hopefully, encourage some taste testing as well as inspiring children to appreciate the similarities and celebrate the differences surrounding something as simple as a bowl of soup.
Colourful illustrations add plenty of interest and both the author and the illustrator share their favourite soup recipes at the end of the book with a note explaining the reasons they are so fond of it. This might inspire families to start their own book of soup recipe book where they might collect favourite soups of friends and relations, perhaps encouraging them to experiment with ingredients and creating dishes to their own taste!
Perfect for sharing!
Soup’s On Around the World
Denyse Waissbluth, illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne
Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1778401671
You can read my review of ‘Teatime Around the World’ here.
Ghosts in the Walls
‘Ghosts in the Walls’ is a collection of eleven scary stories, each written by a different author and each inspired by a Royal Palace. Greatly enhanced by Pam Smy’s atmospheric illustrations, it offers gripping tales with the added benefit of piquing interest in some of the country’s most iconic buildings.
A note from each author can be found at the end of the book, allowing readers to share their inspiration and the development of their ideas. There are many ghosts stories associated with the palaces and although this is a collection of new tales, they are inspired by real people, places and/ or events and are often rich in historical detail.
One of my favourites is ‘Children of the Maze’ by Sam Sedgman. Deliciously sinister, it uses the famous maze at Hampton Court Palace (one of my favourite places!) as the setting for a story which is the stuff of nightmares. Another equally enjoyable story based at Hampton Court is ‘The Prince in the Painting’ by E L Norry- readers will never look at portraits the same way again, but are also sure to be inspired to seek out the painting which features in the story, just to check..!
The setting for Sophie Kirtley’s contribution, ‘In this Still Place’ has made me really want to go and visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and explore the Walled Garden… and these stories are sure to have the same effect on other readers, leading them to explore some of these fabulous locations and, no doubt, finding their own imaginations igniting with possibilities for storytelling!
Definitely spooky and not for the faint hearted, this is a collection for the brave and curious!
Historic Royal Palaces: Ghosts in the Walls
Spooky Stories inspired by Real History
Various authors, illustrated by Pam Smy
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526671196
Seeds: Nature’s Intrepid Miracles
‘Seeds’ is one of those books which encourages readers to pause and reflect upon the beauties of nature, allowing time to notice and appreciate these often tiny objects. Highlighting their incredible diversity, it focuses on nearly 150 seeds from across the world.
The illustrations are simply stunning, each one a work of art. Arranged in sections which reflect how they are dispersed, each seed is given a page of its own which offers information beneath the illustration. The binomial classification for each plant is given in the top corner of each page and a ‘multiplied by’ is given to indicate the seeds original size.
Some of the language is a little ‘flowery’ (no pun intended!), but this adds to the book’s charm, using some quirky and poetic vocabulary! The book concludes with information about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and some record breaking details. Both a detailed index and a section called ‘Some Shortcuts’ make it easy to locate specific seeds, but this is a book to be browsed and enjoyed at leisure!
Seeds: Nature’s Intrepid Miracles
Cruschiform
Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375960
Shoes! A Footwear Fashion Frolic
With the Shoemakers’ Museum in Street, Somerset due to reopen, ‘Shoes! A Footwear Fashion Frolic’ seems like the perfect book to read before a visit!
In the opening chapter, ‘Shoes! (and why we love them) explores the perennial appeal of footwear before looking at early shoes from around the world and then those favoured in the Victorian era, including the first pair of boots with an elastic side gusset, presented to Queen Victoria in 1937. The anatomy of a shoe, different types of heels and some of the ‘classic’ shoe styles are shown all accompanied by colourful illustrations.
Chapter Two introduces the reader to shoe design across the 20th century, showing the influence of social and historical events on this. The popularity of celebrities such as Josephine Baker and Madonna and crazes like ‘Egyptomania’ altered the styles available as the decades passed and these evolutions are explained.
‘Spotlights’ on significant designers and styles are scattered throughout, giving more detail about key figures such as Coco Chanel and Mary Quant and fashions like Desert Boots and Crocs. Adults are sure to enjoy this every bit as much as their children, perhaps laughing at foolish fashion choices of days gone by or longing for their return!
Chapter Three is devoted to the history of ‘sneakers’, from early designs to the possibilities of their future design! The rivalries and marketing strategies of companies are also explored, making for a fascinating read. The book concludes by posing the question - what’s next in shoe design?- offering inspiration and encouragement to any aspiring shoe creators of the future!
Great fun!
Shoes! A Footwear Fashion Frolic
Anna Davies and Daisy Wynter
Cicada ISBN: 978-1800660571
Small, Shiny Dung Beetle
The latest in the ‘Start Small, Think Big’ series focuses on the fascinating life of the dung beetle, Garreta nitens. Perfect for sparking the curiosity of young readers, a great deal of information is packed into this attractive book in a very accessible and engaging way.
Each page begins with a direct narrative from the female dung beetle who tells her story. Presented in bold type it highlights a key event which is then expanded on below, allowing newly confident readers to share the reading and learning experience as necessary. More confident - or perhaps older- readers can then discover more by reading further captions and labels. Attractive, colourful illustrations accompany the text and are full of details to enjoy.
Through looking at the example of the dung beetle, the book covers areas of the science curriculum such as life cycles, food chains and habitats, enriching learning through offering a different example to those children might usually be presented with- the caterpillar, butterfly, frog etc. The vital role of the dung beetle in their ecosystem is also explored and reference is made to the ancient Egyptian belief about Khepri, the god often depicted as a dung beetle, pushing the sun across the sky as a dung beetle pushes its ball of dung.
As with the other titles in this series, the book ends with a fold out poster, summarising much of the information and showing a map of Africa. This also includes a ‘Serengeti I-Spy’, with animals for children to hunt for, encouraging children to further engage with their reading and look closely. Beautifully presented, the book is designed to withstand repeated readings and would make an excellent addition to any bookshelf, not only for KS1, but also offering support to older children who are less confident readers.
Small, Shiny Dung Beetle
Mary Auld, illustrated by Hannah Bailey
Mama Makes Books ISBN: 978-1916780149
You can read my review of ‘Flying, Fluffy Seed’ here, ‘Small, Speckled Egg’/ ‘Little, Brown Nut’ here and ‘Small, Sparkling Raindrop’ here.
The Beast from Beneath
Malory Vayle is getting used to her new powers as a necromancer, but still has a lot to learn about her new, very talkative and self-obsessed, friend, Maggoty, a skull with a penchant for wigs. Having made the mistake of walking past a shop called ‘Les Wigs’, Maggoty is now determined to own the ‘Eleganza’, an elaborate hairpiece complete with ostrich feathers which is far too expensive for Mallory to hope to afford- there is no money for food, let alone wigs! However, Aunt Lilith, who Mallory now lives with, has come up with a scheme. Holding a Grand Séance will raise the money they need. But when this goes horribly wrong and an evil power is unleashed, Mallory and Maggoty must face great peril to thwart its evil plan. Will they succeed and, more importantly, will Mallory get his wig?
I have to confess that I was not sure about this one before I started it, but soon found myself giggling in the corner of a coffee shop at the antics of the somehow loveable Maggoty and the long-suffering Mallory! ‘The Beast from Beneath’ is a delightful romp of a story, with a slightly spooky edge!
Although the sequel to ‘Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull’, it is possible to read this one as a stand alone. Plenty of background information is given, quickly catching the reader up with past events; however, if book one is as hysterical as book two, no one will want to miss it!
Maggoty is very much the star of the show! He has no filter and says things as he sees them regardless of the situation. However, when it comes to the crunch, it seems that he is more fond of Mallory than it might first appear! Although the subject matter of the book is quite dark- necromancers, evil spirits, ghosts, seances and death do not make for a light read- there is so much humour in the story that this does not read like a horror story.
Mallory is a really interesting character. Aware of her powers, she, unlike her Aunt, knows they need to be treated with care and caution, giving her a wisdom beyond her years. Both courageous and loyal, she is determined to save her aunt and is also prepared to sacrifice her own happiness to do what she thinks is the right thing.
There might be adults who have reservations about the content so this would need to be carefully considered before choosing this as a class story. Having said that, I think it would make a very entertaining class book, enjoyed by adults and children alike!
Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in The Beast from Beneath
Martin Howard, illustrated by Pete Williamson
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805132264
Giggling Ghosts!
In a busy town, when it’s quiet after dark, there is a house full of ghosts who are ready to scare! Sneaking and spinning, gliding and booooing are all great fun, but their favourite thing to do is giggle.
Perfect for sharing, ‘Giggling Ghosts’ offers a fun, interactive story time. Bouncy rhyming text encourages children to join in with the little ghosts as they have a great time stretching, tiptoeing, jiggling and wiggling, encouraging everyone to be active and interpret the ghosts movements in their own way.
Although obviously full of ghosts, this is not really a spooky story making it just right for sharing with younger children at Hallowe’en time. The illustrations are lovely, showing ‘cute’ little ghosts surrounded by sparkling dust as they glide around and even the pictures showing them peeking round gravestones are not frightening! Children are sure to quickly identify their own favourite amongst the ghosts and follow its adventure from picture to picture as each seems to have its own personality. They might enjoy thinking up names for each one!
Sweet, gentle and fun, this lovely book would make a wonderful story time and could easily be used to inspire lots of craft activities!
Giggling Ghosts!
Fiz Osborne, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398535084
The Last Bard
When Will’s father dies, he and his mother, Mary, have to move in with Will’s Uncle Claude and his cousin, Jon. Treated like servants by Claude, who never loses an opportunity to remind them that they are only there because of his ‘kindness’, they are relieved to leave his home for a while whilst they sort out Will’s grandfather’s flat in a complex called Arden Heights. Here, Will meets Ani, another occupant, who is determined to save the flats from being sold off for redevelopment- and sees Will as someone who can help her. Will also makes a curious discovery amongst his grandfather’s possessions- a copy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare which contains some of the characters from the Bard’s plays. With their ‘help’, can Will find the courage he needs to turn his life around?
‘The Last Bard’ is bursting with humour, heart and lots of Shakespearean references, making it a fabulous read!
Will is such a relatable character. His grief at the loss of his father combined with his new living conditions make it impossible not to empathise with him, making the reader really invested in his story. His relationship with his mother is beautifully portrayed and seeing her diminished and bullied by her brother, Will’s Uncle Claude, only adds to his pain as he keeps secrets from her, attempting to lessen her burden. There are plenty of poignant moments in the story, allowing for discussion and reflection, but these are balanced by a comedy of errors as his new Shakespearean friends get to work!
Will is not the only brilliantly captured character! His mum, Mary, is just wonderful and each of the inhabitants of Arden Heights are well developed and believable. Uncle Claude and Jon are thoroughly nasty pieces of work, highlighting the complexity of some family relationships, yet others whom seem less likeable are given more depth as Will comes to know and understand them. Ani is a force of nature- outspoken, determined and courageous, she also has a more complex ‘back story’ which is gradually uncovered as the story progresses.
The Shakespearean element of the story is pure genius! Anyone familiar the Shakespeare’s life and plays will delight in spotting the links and anyone who is not is sure to be tempted to find out all about them! Even the chapter headings and some names draw on his works! As Puck, Lady Macbeth, Yorick’s skull and Juliet, the remaining characters trapped in his copy of ‘The Complete Works’ strive to help Will save Arden Heights, things go horribly and hysterically wrong and yet allow Will to quietly observe, listen and help in his own way, making sure ‘all’s well that end’s well’!
There is so much to love in this story that I felt quite disappointed when it ended. Not because of a poor ending (quite the contrary!), but because I was enjoying it so much! Although this would make an excellent class story, sensitivity to the possible experiences of listeners is essential.
The Last Bard
Maz Evans
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696900
Victor and the Giant
Victor is enjoying his morning hot chocolate when, suddenly, there is a terrible noise and a horrible shaking, followed by silence. Looking out of his window, he sees an enormous giant, who, having eaten all the city apart from Victor’s building, is now sleeping off his meal. Summoning his courage, Victor sets off to investigate…
‘Victor and the Giant’ is a quirky and imaginative read. In the best fairy tale tradition, our hero, Victor, defeats the giant and restores his mother and the rest of the city. His solution to the giant problem, however, is not violence or outwitting his adversary, but creativity and appealing to the giant’s better nature.
Genial, but hungry, the giant, once woken from his slumber, is moved by Victor’s tears and is happy to rectify the situation in return for a milky hot chocolate. Children will appreciate Victor’s tactics as he wakes the giant by pulling out one of his nose hairs and then tickles his tonsils to get his mother and the city back. The illustrations allow readers to ‘admire’ every hair, lump and bump on the giant’s skin and in his mouth and shows the regurgitated city covered in slime, all of which is sure to make children squeal in delight! Other illustrations emphasise how tiny Victor is in comparison to the giant and children will enjoy spotting his tiny figure as he tries to appeal to his huge adversary.
All ends well as Victor’s mother and the city are returned and the giant satiated. However, the final page leaves the the reader wondering what really happened, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy!
Victor and the Giant
Rafael Yockteng, translated by Elisa Amado
Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1778499841
The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours
Commander Julia and the crew of the Mission Star Drifter have been searching for signs of life in the universe for ten years. It is beginning to feel like a fruitless mission and relations on board ship are becoming a little strained. They decide to visit one last planet and initially, this seems like all the other harsh, lonely, cold planets which they have been to until their dog, Khan, draws their attention to some yellow beings who open the explorers’ eyes to new beauties and new wonders.
‘The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours’ is another beautiful and thought-provoking book from Chloe Savage.
The delicately coloured illustrations burst with beguiling details, making the book a joy to linger over and explore. Cross sectional diagrams of the spaceship allow readers to observe life on board ship whilst other illustrations allow readers to be in on the joke and notice that there is life on this ‘desolate wasteland’ before the crew does. The spaceship itself is oddly human, its ‘face’ reflecting a whole range of emotions as the adventure continues.
The story offers the potential for discussing a whole range of topics, making it a wonderful choice for sharing with a class. Having initially been filled with enthusiasm for their mission, the lack of success leads the crew to become disenchanted with their task; however, ultimately, their patience is rewarded. Relationships between crew members become tense due to their close confinement with little things being blown out of all proportion. Initially, the Star Drifters fail to appreciate the space creatures’ way of life, showing how cultures can misunderstand each other, but eventually, they come to appreciate their world and enjoy simply appreciating how wonderful it is to be alive and enjoy the moment rather than searching for a practical purpose. Plenty to ponder on whilst enjoying this lovely story!
How to Scare a Mouse and Bear
It’s Hallowe’en and Bear is determined to give Mouse a fright. However, no matter what he tried Mouse sees through costume after costume until a mysterious monster knocks on the door…
Bear and Mouse are back for their fourth adventure in ‘How to Scare a Mouse and Bear’ and it is every bit as adorable as the previous titles!
Illustrations start the story before the text kicks in as Mouse is gathering pumpkins and squashes for carving into Hallowe’en lanterns, setting the scene for the spooky season. As Bear announces his intention to scare his friend, Mouse, feisty as ever, declares that he won’t be frightened. Challenge made, Bear appears in a series of Hallowe’en costumes, each mocked by Mouse. The text follows the usual Mouse and Bear book pattern, making it reassuringly familiar and perfect for children to join in with, predicting the rhyming words whilst laughing at Mouse’s responses. Children may well enjoy thinking of other costumes which Bear might try and creating their own responses from Mouse as he appears in them! Readers will delight in the moment where Mouse realises the monster at the door is not Bear and the fact that their scare leaves these two pals cuddled together behind a chair, united once more!
The illustrations are wonderful- big and bold against single colour backgrounds, perfect for little children to focus on and enjoy. The range of expressions on Mouse and Bear’s faces as the story progresses is impressive, offering plenty of moments to pause and wonder how each is feeling at different parts of the story. I have said this before, but I think children would love to make simple glove puppets of Mouse and Bear and use them to re-enact this or any of the stories or to create their own.
I hope there are many more Mouse and Bear books to come!
How to Scare a Mouse and Bear
Ross Collins
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805135012
You can read my review of ‘We Disagree About this Tree’ here.
Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings
Posing the question, ‘Do ghosts really exit?, ‘Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings’ contains six gripping mysteries to investigate. Challenging the reader to consider the evidence and come to their own conclusions, this book is every bit as engaging as ‘Tales of Scary Beasts’ by the same author/ illustrator team, both excellent for promoting non-fiction’s role in reading for pleasure.
Each mystery is presented in an engaging and accessible manner, with key vocabulary clearly explained to support the reader’s comprehension. Eye witness quotes are included and the dates of events are clearly indicated as the evidence in each case is gathered. This is followed by a ‘Let’s Investigate’ section which gathers the key points together to support the reader in coming to their own conclusion.
The range of mysteries included ensures that there is something here to pique the curiosity of everyone. ‘Palace Phantoms’ investigates strange happenings at Hampton Court Palace. Other mysteries are included such as ghosts at the Tower of London, the Scheffler Palace in Stockholm and Himeji Castle in Japan as well as creepy rumours at Houska Castle in the Czech Republic. Historic details surrounding these events are given, with maps and plans to clarify and support understanding. ‘Demon Dogs’ investigates the many folklore stories which include strange dogs- Black Shuck is the focus story here, but other stories from the UK and around the world are included.
Perfect for the Hallowe’en season, ‘Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings’ is sure to entice readers and inspire them to investigate these stories - and any others which they might encounter!
Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings
Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
b small publishing ISBN: 978-1916851207
You can read my review of ‘Tales of Scary Beasts’ here.
Unicorn Post
One day, when a little girl is playing in her tree house, a unicorn arrives. Keen to help her new friend, the little girl takes the unicorn to visit places around the town which might make a suitable new home. From the pet shop to the fair, together they explore until, at last, the unicorn finds its perfect forever home.
Simply delightful from start to finish, ‘Unicorn Post’ is a gentle, heart-warming story, perfect for sharing.
Children will love lifting the flaps to explore the leaflets and letters which are found throughout the book, enhancing the story with lots of additional details and humour. These are so delightful that readers are sure to be inspired to create their own little leaflets and letters, perhaps as part of their own book made in this style. The Funfair map includes a key to help identify the different rides and locations whilst the leaflet from the pet shop is full of ‘purrfect’ puns and and ‘cheep’ offers!
The illustrations are gorgeous and the whole book has a rosy glow which adds to the warm feeling of the story. As the little girl tries her best to find the unicorn a home, the relationship between them blossoms until, although happy she has found the perfect place for the unicorn to live, the little girl is deeply saddened to leave her new friend behind, leading to a long walk home with no singing and a grey tinge spreading across the landscape. Fortunately, the perfect happy ending is just round the corner and the new friends are happily reunited!
Although not many people write and post letters these days, this book reminds us how nice it is to receive something so personal! ‘Unicorn Post’ is a real joy!
Unicorn Post
Emma Yarlett
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529525175
You can read my review of ‘Nibbles The Very Hungry Book Monster’ here and ‘Dragon Post’ here.
Press Start to Play
With this year’s theme of ‘Play’, ‘Press Start to Play’ is perfect for celebrating National Poetry Day!
Many of the poems reference gaming tactics and terms, making the collection instantly appealing to gamers. However, a closer look shows that there is far more to these poems. Clever use of word play and analogy allow for the exploration of ‘deeper’ topics and thought-provoking poems amongst the humour!
‘What If?’ is a wonderful pondering poem, exploring all the possibilities created by posing those two words and how they can help to inspire writing. Similarly, ‘Bad Mr Block’ personifies the feeling of being unable to write- he’s the ‘antagonist’, stopping ‘the tracks of my thought train’. ‘Stealing Ain’t Thieving in Writing’ (I can’t bring myself to leave out the apostrophe!) encourages children to think about tropes in writing. This offers a great starting point for teachers to encourage children to think about the stories referenced in the poem, comparing them and adding their own ideas, encouraging them in the ‘seven stories’ idea and know that they can use these structures to build their own.
There are so many poems to enjoy here, in a range of styles, drawing on different games and offering something for everyone. A section at the end of the book encourages children to experiment with ideas and play with poems of their own. The focus on a fun, light-hearted approach is engaging and interactive. The whole collection would make an excellent addition to any library or classroom shelf and there are many poems here which could be used in class
A cartoon flipbook has been added to the edge of the pages, adding to the fun of the read! A brilliant, highly imaginative collection!
Press Start to Play
Sam Gayton, illustrated by Jack Noel
Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839136092
The Big Bad Wolf Murder
Playing ‘Tooth and Claw’ with her team means everything to Ruby Calvino. The youngest competitor in the championships, she is determined to prove her worth and defeat Alarick, the undefeated wolf. However, when Alarick drops dead in the middle of the game, Ruby finds herself accused of murder. Desperate to prove her innocence and find the real murderer, Ruby teams up with Fillan, a wolf-cub accused of being her accomplice, and together, they go on the run, pursued by the police…and a mysterious wolf who is determined to hunt them down.
A great lover of fairy tales, I am always a bit anxious when these tale are ‘re-imagined’; however, both in ‘The Beanstalk Murder’ and now in ‘The Big Bad Wolf Murder’, P G Bell has created brilliant stories, full of nods to the tales they draw on whilst being highly original and entertaining.
There is so much I love about this one that it is hard to know where to start! The Netherburg Reds- Roselyn , Akako (meaning ‘red’), Voss (meaning ‘fox’) and of course, Ruby, have all been named to remind the reader of Little Red Riding Hood in the original story as they try to escape the big, bad wolf, Alarick, in the game of ‘Tooth and Claw’. Other names have also been carefully chosen: reporters Charlotte Grimm and Wilhelm Jacobs named for the Brothers Grimm who collected the story in the 19th century; Fillan meaning ‘little wolf’; Marceline meaning’little warrior’; Hardulph meaning ‘brave wolf’ and so on. These little details all add to the brilliant development of the story, offering plenty to discuss and inspire.
Both Ruby and Fillan are excellent characters, very different personalities who come to understand each other very well and work together as a team. Fillan is far more nervous and reserved than Ruby, who tends to be impetuous and headstrong. The story also highlights how easily prejudice and stereotyping can shape how individuals are seen. Gentle Fillan longs to be a chef, something which Ruby finds funny, making the assumption that all wolves are raw meat eaters. Alarick played on the stereotypes which make wolves appear dangerous and bad for his role in the arena, perpetuating these ideas- but perhaps not considering the impact this would have on his fellow wolves.
‘The Big Bad Wolf Murder’ would make an excellent class story, offering plenty to discuss whilst the pacy plot and murder mystery would engage and excite. The opening alone would have even the liveliest class completely captivated and desperate for more!
Can’t wait for the next one!
The Big Bad Wolf Murder
P G Bell
Usborne ISBN: 978-1836040743
You can read my review of ‘The Beanstalk Murder’ here.
The Legend of Viking Thunder
With Uncle Emmett missing and on the run from the Council of Keys, Sim and Jeopardy are determined to find him. Their quest leads them to Viking Norway and a mission to prevent the mythical Gjallarhorn, believed to signal the coming of Ragnarök, from falling into the wrong hands.
I absolutely adored ‘Hunt for the Golden Scarab’, the first Time Keys adventure, and so ‘The Legend of Viking Thunder’ didn’t even make it to the TBR pile, but was read immediately! A pacy, thoroughly enjoyable adventure, it is also rich in history and a love of music.
The idea of time ‘doors’ will make readers look at any ancient door they meet with new eyes and the story leads to some very specific locations which are described in tempting detail, showing that history is everywhere and that, although we might not all be able to pass through time, these links to the past can be easily found and investigated! The level of historical detail woven into each story is incredible- Viking in this adventure, Egyptian in the last- effortlessly enriching knowledge of the period and piquing interest. I can’t wait to see where they explore next- Italy from the sneak peak of the next book added at the end of this one!
Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson continue to work as an excellent team with the adults, Sim’s mum, Calli, and Jeopardy’s dad, Emmett, playing a main part in the action, unlike many children’s books where grown-ups are killed off early! More is discovered about Jeopardy in this story- her relationship with her father and her skills as a time key- but we also learn more about Sim’s father and how he (Sim) differs from the others.
Full of action and adventure, this would make an excellent class story to engage and excite children. Although part of a series, this could be read in isolation as through a diary entry and a letter information is given which sets the scene, filling the reader in on the previous events. Skilful writing, compelling story line, great illustrations- it’s a brilliant read!
Time Keys: The Legend of Viking Thunder
M G Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Sumberac
Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035005987
You can read my review of ‘Hunt for the Golden Scarab’ here.
