I am often asking myself 'who is children's literature for'? Who is the intended audience and who gets to choose who writes/creates for children? ThisI am often asking myself 'who is children's literature for'? Who is the intended audience and who gets to choose who writes/creates for children? This is one of those books whose audience feels unsure - caught between appeasing the adults who will, rightly, want to celebrate Rodari's message of unity - no matter where you live or come from; and the child who, we hope, will take something from the words and Alemagna's illustrations.
The message itself is a simple but important one, delivered through Rodari's 1980 poem: we all live under the same moon and, just as it is free to travel around the globe, so we should be too. Alemagna's (of whom I am a HUGE fan) illustrations give glimpses into its journey across the world. A part of the proceeds of this collaboration goes to Save the Children with a particular focus on the children of Ukraine.
The whole thing felt rushed and poorly considered to me. The 'why' of the whole thing was something that I am still wrestling with. I have read wordless picturebooks and I have read picture books that have been shaped around a poem. Why did I not enjoy this collaboration? I think some of it is down to the original question of who is this for and what is it doing.
The book itself feels rushed and lazy in its creation. I will add that no expense is spared with regards to the quality of paper or presentation but the book is 'very' short - so much so that the poem is printed out at the end in its whole in order to bulk up the pages but this takes some of the magic of words away.
In addition, there is no real interplay between words and pictures; no space where Alemagna decides to illustrate between the lines and between the words: this could have been more and wasn't, sadly. I am trying to work out whether Alemagna was rushed or not. Finally, the lauding of the quality of the message from famous illustrators and authors was frustrating too - it certainly felt like they were reading a different book to me. It is not 'an incredibly moving story' nor 'a book the world should read': I think it was this monetisation and explicit ideological push upon young readers that bothered me.
Anyone who has a lovely of books that sit between those liminal spaces of reality and fantasy that is similar to the work of Aiken and Wynne Jones wilAnyone who has a lovely of books that sit between those liminal spaces of reality and fantasy that is similar to the work of Aiken and Wynne Jones will love spending time with Watson's 'Glister' and to think that it's too high-brow for younger readers then misunderstands how clever and adept young, independent readers can be.
Collating together four stories which focus on Glister Butterworth and her life at Chilblain Hall, this series sees our eponymous hero as she seeks to understand, relate to and then save her family home which is very much like Hogwarts with regards to its ever-changing architecture and residents but, perhaps, with a touch more Trollope to it.
From teapots haunted by frustrated writers, to a literal family tree that blooms past members, to a wonderfully folkloric encounter with the fey-folk in which Glister fights for the return of her missing mother, Watson has created a rich and complex narrative, presented in clear lines and muted tones (each book is coloured in a single colour).
This graphic novel thrums with layers of meaning and it's clear that Watson is catering here to many readers who will arrive at Chilblain Hall with different levels of understanding and life experience. I think he knows that, when they return with each new read, they will find something new and exciting to catch their imagination. The sign of a very fine book. ...more
Once again, Morpurgo lifts the veil of some of the silenced stories from the wars. This time he explores, through the eyes of Lily Tregenza, life in tOnce again, Morpurgo lifts the veil of some of the silenced stories from the wars. This time he explores, through the eyes of Lily Tregenza, life in the seaside village of Slapton. During the Second World War, we discover how this little town was overtaken by American troops who used the land to practice and prepare for D-Day. Tragedy strikes and, as is often Morpurgo's way, he wraps the tragedy with love and hope, ensuring that the history never swamps the narrative. These stories are always, always about people and are richer for it. ...more
Part of a series published by Graffeg that explores our darker connections with the natural world, Davies' retelling here of an old tale sees her collPart of a series published by Graffeg that explores our darker connections with the natural world, Davies' retelling here of an old tale sees her collaborate with newcomer Jenkins. Pleasantly brief, as these sorts of tales enjoy being, it looks at the story of a lone fisherman who falls in love, through song, with a Selkie (sometimes woman, sometimes seal).
Davies' language borders on the poetic and it's lovely to see both writer and publisher invite new creative illustrators to shed their seal-skin and create their own interpretations of these established tales.
This little hardback is rich in colour and language and Jenkin's watercolours and pencils do as much in setting mood and tone as does Davies' narrative. ...more
For Isamu, the world is a noisy place; he finds solace, peace and joy in the natural world around him - be it grass or stone, wind or leaf. For him, tFor Isamu, the world is a noisy place; he finds solace, peace and joy in the natural world around him - be it grass or stone, wind or leaf. For him, this is where he can find himself and see a beauty that perhaps the rest of the world is too busy to notice.
In a fascinating turn of narrative form, that is second-person narrative all the way through, the author asks us to imagine ourselves as Isamu and question whether we could act and feel the same way he does as he navigates his environment. At first, I wondered whether this was a book about a neurodiverse child trying to find their place in the world around them (in some ways, it is) but an author's note reveals that this is Yang's attempt to imagine the life of Isamu Noguchi - a famous Japanese American artist.
One reviewer used the word 'pensive' to describe this picturebook and I think that's the perfect word. ...more
From the illustrator who gave us the acclaimed ‘The Liszts’ and ‘Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein’ comes an authorial debut r**Reviewed for BooksforKeeps**
From the illustrator who gave us the acclaimed ‘The Liszts’ and ‘Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein’ comes an authorial debut rich with otherworldly delights and a strong sense of childness. With a brief narrative prologue in which our protagonist, Franca, is found creating collages from richly-illustrated magazines, we espy a floating arm tapping her on the shoulder. This touch evokes a peculiar feeling in Franca that tempts her to leave her home comforts and explore the world beyond. So begins her journey to meet The Queen in the Cave.
This is a calling that will take her towards the forest beyond her house, beyond the walls of nettles and thickets to a cave and a world that will both shock and delight her and her two younger sisters who accompany her. Does Franca have the courage to step beyond security’s veil and discover another side and possibility to her personality that she has yet to face?
In a sumptuously designed picture book, extended to a grand 64 pages, Sardà explores those memories and feelings we get as children that we cannot ignore: the innate compulsion to step out of adult control into new realms of possibilities that can only be navigated through self-will and independence. In this story, Franca and her sisters, Carmela and Tomasina, travel to a realm full of rich imaginings and wondrous secrets. For the younger sisters, this new world is often overwhelming but for Franca, it is a place that has lain deep within her and one she has finally allowed to germinate.
Readers will be enthralled and beguiled by Sardà’s Wonderland-like world where sun-masked fairies light the path to the cave whilst coiled serpents hide in branches. Great parades of insects and flying fish dwarf the sisters as they journey to meet the queen of this other realm. Past hanging bats and ghoulish giantesses, they travel until they finally arrive at the queen’s abode only to find that she bears a startling resemblance to Franca herself. This is as much a psychological journey as it is transitional.
The Queen in the Cave is an ode to Sardà’s own childhood in which she was nervous and curious about discovering that world outside: that liminal space between dependence and independence, control and freedom. The story’s odd, quirky realm will raise many questions with its voyage and return narrative but I, for one, am happy that its ambiguous meaning mirrors our own initial, trepidatious steps into the realm of youthhood and beyond. Like the very best children’s books, this is a rare treasure that carries interpretations, readings and re-readings beyond the recommended age range. ...more
The 3rd instalment in the almost dad-like-dun-heavy capers of S.U.I.T. investigators, Mango and Brash. Now with Hookline and Slinker free and collaborThe 3rd instalment in the almost dad-like-dun-heavy capers of S.U.I.T. investigators, Mango and Brash. Now with Hookline and Slinker free and collaboration with Crackerdile, the partners must weave through more painful jokes (in all the right ways), Hollywood crime tropes and more fourth-wall breaking than an episode of Family Guy.
What I like so much about Green's creations is that there is humour and madcapery here for the younger but plenty of intertextual nods to other films and series for the adult reader too. And all of this is juggled alongside a nifty plot, a great range of colourful characters and some sweet sub-narratives introduced in order to hook us into the next instalment. Sterling work! ...more
This is my first Tom Palmer book and I thought it was excellent. A story set within a real historical event, the 1943 Arctic Convoy, it follows the joThis is my first Tom Palmer book and I thought it was excellent. A story set within a real historical event, the 1943 Arctic Convoy, it follows the journey of three men and their dangerous sailing through freezing seas and Nazi naval vessels.
Frank, Stephen and Joseph, who have grown up together in Plymouth, face perilous tasks and exhausting trials as they travel to and from Russia delivering stock. These journeys upon the seas are filled deftly by Palmer with tension from falling victim to either the natural elements or a torpedo of a German ship. Yet what Palmer does so well, and the thing that will draw me back to more of his work is that sense of humility of humanity of the three young men.
With welcome author notes and photos at the back, this is an excellent introduction to a lesser-known moment in WW2 history that feels real and honest. ...more
What an utterly beautiful and perfectly plotted graphic novel. I have so much love for this on so many levels. I don't think I can recommend it enoughWhat an utterly beautiful and perfectly plotted graphic novel. I have so much love for this on so many levels. I don't think I can recommend it enough. Le Nguyen absolutely understands the nature of fairy tales and how they can be used to carnivalise and turn their original meanings on their heads.
As Tien struggles to tell his male best friend that he is in love with him and explain to his parents that he is gay, his own mother is dealing with the gradual loss of her own mother. But one thing binds mother and son together and that is the power of fairy tales. Through these, they have connected culturally with their new home in America and with their ancestral home in Vietnam. Can these stories help Tien and his mother see the interconnectedness of their lives and help them to take control of their future narratives?
This graphic novel is so well-considered, meticulously planned and constructed and I love how the various retellings of Cinderella from different cultures provided both central characters will all the answers that they needed. There are no villains here, only a group of people trying to make sense of their place in the world. Smart and wise. Wow. Y6+...more
I genuinely believe that Landman is one of our finest writers for children these days and deserves much more recognition. As part of OUP's new 'Super-I genuinely believe that Landman is one of our finest writers for children these days and deserves much more recognition. As part of OUP's new 'Super-Readable Rollercoasters' in collaboration with the wonderful Barrington Stoke, the series aims to bring rich reading experiences with a language that is a little easier to access.
Lightning Strike is written from a first-person perspective following the story of teenager Eliza, her younger sister and her family. All of them live in real poverty in later 19th century London and are bound and controlled by the work that they do in the match-making factory. Ill-health, a sheer lack of support and a heartless, manipulative foreman sees Eliza's spirit and love for her family tested. When she finally sees a female campaigner in the park (a Toff) asking for women to come forward to share their injustice, Eliza finds herself compelled to speak out and fight for the injustice against her and all the women that work in the factory.
We're behind Eliza and her fellow workers as they combat the terrible treatment that they have undergone. A rallying, believable conclusion closes the short story which is then accompanied by accessible and engaging facts from the author. An excellent story for 10+ ...more
It is close to the end of the 19th century in England and Lily's time in boarding school is tortuous. No one understands her or thinks like her and shIt is close to the end of the 19th century in England and Lily's time in boarding school is tortuous. No one understands her or thinks like her and she's constantly victimised by her peers and teachers. So her world comes crashing ever down when she hears news that her father was involved in a terrible air accident. Summoned home by her sharp-tongued governess she finds that not only does she seem to lose her rather but also control of the family estate too. The only one who understands her at home is her mechanical cook, Mrs Rust.
For Lily's world is a mirror of our own but it's a world of cogs and mechanics, zeppelins with a whiff of steampunkiness about it and villains who have mirror eyes and a desire to take from Lily her father's secret: a perpetual motion machine that would mean everlasting life to those who would own it.
But she's not alone, a young boy, Robert becomes caught up in the fray alongside Malkin, her father mech-animal fox. Together the three try to uncover the mystery of her father's disappearance and loss and what the villains will do with her father's secrets. With strong hints of The Wolves of Willoughby Chase about it, this is a thrilling adventure with more to come in the cog-works. ...more
There was something sweet and experimental about the first Mason Mooney story; as if the creator was finding their feet with the setting of Grimbrook There was something sweet and experimental about the first Mason Mooney story; as if the creator was finding their feet with the setting of Grimbrook and also the concept of how they wanted their version of the graphic novel to work. It was well-paced with a cracking anti-hero, loveable sidekick (partner!) and a wacky sense of the paranormal sprinkled with a good dose of the real stuff too.
The sequel felt as if Miller was in her stride and allowing herself the freedom to unleash the creativity that may have felt a little more reserved in her first outing. In a story that sees a parallel (opposite) dimension open, Mason and Iris must face a new threat to Grimbrook before our hero disappears from reality itself. Concept aside, this is a deceptively rich plot with plenty of longer-term goings-on happening in the background and with enough humour and tongue-in-cheek paranormal-play occurring between the pages. The same cast is here but we have room for more.
I loved Miller's experimental and flamboyant play with framing and position and I found a welcome addition of more written narrative. Whilst unusual in a graphic novel for younger readers, I thought it worked really well. Miller is attempting something new here: a fusion text between a short novella in a graphic presentation. This longer text also meant the introduction of another, super character: the narrator.
The narrator guides us and interjects as the story unfolds and is intrusive in all the right places. They have a dry sense of humour and often give their opinions freely on what's going on. I loved this element and really hope Miller keeps playing and experimenting with this form and story. All in all, I was more than satisfied with the sequel and hope for more. ...more
I can completely understand why there's a lot of Godot references to this text when it's being reviewed. At the start, Tortoise and Armadillo are pondI can completely understand why there's a lot of Godot references to this text when it's being reviewed. At the start, Tortoise and Armadillo are pondering place and space and time whilst the latter is waiting for their good friend Snake to arrive. However, unlike Beckett's play, a giant meteor/boulder is descending from the sky at a rapid pace and destined to end the dialogue abruptly.
A postmodern picturebook in Five Acts, it is a perfection of method, timing and humour. The addition of the alien invasion is the icing on the cake for me. A book that will offer more and more with each reading and analysis. ...more
Written and illustrated by Australian author, Beneba Clarke, reads more like a lullaby than a story but works far better for it. Its creation came aboWritten and illustrated by Australian author, Beneba Clarke, reads more like a lullaby than a story but works far better for it. Its creation came about when the author was considering how to explain to her young relatives about the #BlackLivesMatter movement after they heard of the death of George Floyd.
Written with a deep love and sense of hope and positivity it still presents the challenges that the Black community faces around the world and although the language and tone are simple, the depth is there in the stunning illustrations. ...more
Oh, I really wanted to like this. It was literally the Forgotten Realms for younger readers (I'd say MG but I really hate the term so think 7+) and I Oh, I really wanted to like this. It was literally the Forgotten Realms for younger readers (I'd say MG but I really hate the term so think 7+) and I thought that with such a rich world and backstory that it would be ripe for the picking.
Zellidora has grown up in the Dungeon Academy for most of her life. Raised by two minotaur mums she has successfully integrated herself into the monster culture and society as they train to fight and take on the humans who would get in their way. Think Hogwarts but replace humans with Monster races. Unfortunately, there's a hitch. Zelli is absolutely no monster nor a minotaur: she's human. So when she discovers an image of a brave warrior in one of the library's lore books who looks 'just' like her, she sets out in search of the woman who could be her biological mother. But she's not alone, several monster companions believe in Zelli and join her on her quest.
I think it was the whole carnivalising of the genre that perhaps didn't work for me but probably 'will' work for younger readers. Having played around in the Realms for decades I had envisioned a young group of adventurers heading off but I suspect there's something more playful in having the monsters be the centre of attention.
I also think this could have worked if I didn't have a problem with 'how' Zelli gets by as a minotaur in the Dungeon Academy for so long. Zelli and her minotaur mothers believe that Zelli's disguise is good enough because she's wearing a pair of fake horns - but it is also because she has thick hair and is black too? Would it have worked if the character was white and blond? I think it's this concept that I just didn't feel sat right with me.
The story too was a nice idea - evil necromancer trying to take over the realms but it felt as if the author was trying really hard to juggle plot and character at the same time. Again, parallels to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone abound but Rowling manages that balance a little better by a gradual introduction to the 'bad guy' perhaps.
There are many things that could and probably will work in the future though: the Monster cast is sweet and I think if their characters are allowed to grow then all the better. I had a really sweet spot for Bauble the mimic (who doesn't like fighting) but uses their smarts instead. I also thought that Probert's illustrations were gorgeous too. It's clear that we're to expect more from the series and I just hope that character building continues.
A final niggle was the format of the book. For some reason, the text starts a little higher at the top of each page and I thought this an unusual design. Younger readers tend to enjoy less text on the page and slightly larger gaps between lines and I wondered what the choices were here.
Overall, I felt that Roux had a LOT to juggle here - there are attempts at diversity that are admirable but are problematic in places; there's the introduction to a host of monsters that children might not know (which makes it difficult to understand the audience - a Bestiary at the back could have helped?) and then there's the plot which is thin on the ground but will probably grow as the series continues.
** I don't think it's fair to star this as it's the first review on Goodreads and I'd rather her from other readers' perspectives**...more
A study of creatures from around the world who are either bioluminescent or biofluorescent. I'm so glad we have Flying Eye publishing information textA study of creatures from around the world who are either bioluminescent or biofluorescent. I'm so glad we have Flying Eye publishing information texts as they make the most of celebrating the beauty of the world rather than allowing the staleness of facts to drown the interest.
From under the ocean waters to out in the desert, Armstrong and Susanj provide the words and pictures to take us on this fascinating tour. Care has been taken to pitch and design the text at a readership for around 7+ and facts are short and bite-sized whilst remaining engaging and cohesive: I just really wanted the book to have real glow-in-the-dark elements too! ...more
I was a little nervous that something would be lost in a sequel to the Cardboard Kingdom: identities had been established and friendships forged so whI was a little nervous that something would be lost in a sequel to the Cardboard Kingdom: identities had been established and friendships forged so where would the team of writers and lone illustrator, Chad Sell go next without a narrative or focus feeling forced? Still keeping with the 'crafting costumes from cardboard' theme, the second book takes place in the week leading up to Halloween and two of our gang are either out of commission through fear, injury or a nasty episode with the local teens. It takes the whole group together to overcome the mysterious monster that is terrorising the neighbourhood but in coming together, they all defeat the monster within too.
Whilst it didn't quite have the fluidity of the original with regards to the plot, and it was a little darker (quite literally with colouring), thematically, I still think this was a fine addition. Sell and company are keen to never have a simple case of good or bad when it comes to character and there is always a sense of redemption and learning throughout that I really enjoy. The diversity of the gang with regards to race, body shape, gender identity and ethnicity is never the focus but is extremely welcome: I adore the Sorceress....more
In what sees a glorious partnership between Blackman and Adeola, this picturebook sees Charlie and Eddie playing in the garden until their father callIn what sees a glorious partnership between Blackman and Adeola, this picturebook sees Charlie and Eddie playing in the garden until their father calls them in with a particular quest: go wake the monster upstairs. Fired up with an imagination that would make Shirley (Come Away From The Water, Shirley) proud, the real environment becomes enveloped in an imaginary one as they climb mountains and traverse oceans until they finally arrive at the monster's lair: there's nothing worse than being sent to wake up a teenager!
So much playfulness here with strong riffs on the Bear Hunt book but none of that detracts from the delightful prose and Dapo's characterisation. Extremely refreshing to meet a character with vitiligo too - which is never mentioned in the story but a few sentences draw attention to the condition on the endpaper. ...more
Someone took my hand and invited me along to London Pride. When we got there, they kept a hold of my hand and allowed me to not only observe and enjoySomeone took my hand and invited me along to London Pride. When we got there, they kept a hold of my hand and allowed me to not only observe and enjoy but to understand and feel too.
That's what it felt like reading Benjamin Dean's book which tells the tale of twelve-year-old Archie whose parents are going through a difficult divorce. But there is a greater secret that they are holding back from their only child and if they don't open up soon, it's going to tear the family apart.
With the first half set in Archie's home town and the second in London, Dean's novel is an honest, open and gentle book about a family dealing with a father revealing that he is gay. Touched with comedy and tenderness, this is more about one man trying to help his son understand and a son trying to ascertain whether this means he'll lose his father or whether a change might mean losing someone.
It's a beautiful little story with a gorgeous set of characters. ...more
Sadie lives by the Thames at Greenwich and often daydreams of going off on long sea adventures - so much so that her mother thinks she needs to get awSadie lives by the Thames at Greenwich and often daydreams of going off on long sea adventures - so much so that her mother thinks she needs to get away and find some focus in life. When the threat of going off to spend time with her aunt looms, Sadie goes to hide in a favourite spot of hers, London's Maritime Museum where she falls asleep and the daydreams become lived dreams and she sails away on the Cutty Sark with a historically rich crew in search of treasure.
More of an illustrated narrative poem than a picture book, Sadie has clearly had a lot of time and energy spent on it with regards to production. This is good quality paper and design and care has gone into the presentation too. ...more
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