A book of many layers and I am not referring only to the stunning flaps that are gently hidden throughout the story, cleverly adding new dimensions toA book of many layers and I am not referring only to the stunning flaps that are gently hidden throughout the story, cleverly adding new dimensions to all that we see as Mouse travels down the river. The layers come from the concept. Mouse is taking a trip along the river and of course that is a journey so we are shown a map before we even begin the story. Then, once he has set out, at the very break of day and the journey begins the layers begin to present themselves. What does Mouse have in his boat? What is he laying back to look at? What other animals are there on and around the river as he rows by? These layers are subtle but they are there, they are clues to embellish the story, to encourage us to open our eyes, our senses, our minds to all that we can see. Imagining that we are Mouse or that we are with Mouse on his trip on the river.
Reminiscent, slightly, for me, of Kenneth Grahame’s Wind In the Willows and the boat trip they take this tale, by Alice Melvin, has a timeless quality and feel. The whole is filled with exquisitely detailed art, illustration that I think may have been painted with watercolour judging by its texture and detail, brings to life the riverbank, the natural world. There is clearly a considerable amount of thought, time and passion poured into this gentle story and it is one that I hope children will delight in and be encouraged by. Who wouldn’t love a nice gentle day in a rowboat on the river? With the bird song and the smell of summer, people on the bank curious about Mouse’s journey and a movement from one world into another simply passing under a bridge. This journey is one that is full of joy and wonder, one that encourages relaxation and time for mindfulness. And the journey’s end? A surprise, a charming one, that takes us to the source of the river.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
When spelt as ‘grotty’ the word will be recognised by older readers as one that means unpleasant. It could also refer to something of poor quality butWhen spelt as ‘grotty’ the word will be recognised by older readers as one that means unpleasant. It could also refer to something of poor quality but what happens to a word when we change its spelling? Do we also change its meaning in the process? Grotti is the title of Leonie Lord’s latest picturebook and its cover suggests that either the young knight (given away by his pointy boots, leather belt, fur cape and pointed hat (silver of course) or the small green creature is going to be the Grotti of the title ~ but which is it to be and why is there a volcano in the background to one side and a castle to the other? It looks very much as though we might be going into a fairytale but perhaps not a very traditional one? Turning to the back cover we are told “Down in the hollow, where creepy tangles grow, a knight finds something green, something grotti…” Now, are you ready to discover more?
We see the story unfold through the eyes of the knight who has indeed found a Grotti in the hollow, a Grotti who is lost and who tackles then grapples the young knight and simply won’t leet go. But the knight has beasts to battle and kingdoms to defend, he has to be off. As soon as he hears the words “Grotti sad” he knows he can’t just leave him there. So, through deep gorges and over craggy peaks they travelled until “Grotti carry!” The knight has to make a difficult decision, but a good one. When worms, grubs and berries leave Grotti hungry there is another difficult decision to be made… And so, the story goes on, each decision leaving the knight with one less piece of armour but a very happy friend. Grotti is even happier when the knight finds his family and home but then, despite the beasts that need battling and the kingdoms that need defending he knows there is something missing…
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
A book with a question is always a delight for you don’t even need to explain to its reader, whatever their age, that this book is going to provide heA book with a question is always a delight for you don’t even need to explain to its reader, whatever their age, that this book is going to provide help ~ in some form. The very presence of the question mark tells us all we need to know. We are about to embark on a journey into learning, perhaps even experiencing adventure along the way. The simple smiley face we glimpse on the cover of Mo Willems Are You Big entices us to open up and find out why he is asking. After all, I, as an adult could be considered big, tall even, when compared to the usual audience for a picturebook but is that what we mean when we ask if something is big or is there more to it. Without making it too complex, without delving to deeply into the minute details of the meanings of words but rather with a simple series of double page spreads ~ one with words ~ sometimes even a question and its companion with a corresponding picture.
This charming book asks a simple question, delivers the answer in a child-friendly style, and finds a way to ensure early-learners come away knowing more about big concepts. The artwork is bold, the text is bold, the combination leads to a book which is expressive in a simplistic style. This will immediately appeal to young readers for it is playful and yet somehow conveys a serious concept, a STEAM based concept, a first introduction to real-world science. Enjoying a picturebook and learning from it at the same time will encourage children to find the joy in reading, no matter what. This book will help them begin to understand scale and the relationships between size and scale as they discover a cloud is big, a hot air balloon is big, a storm is big and so are all those things that come after it as we go ever further away from ourselves to the farthest reaches of the universe!
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
Have you ever been asked what you consider the most amazing thing, ever ~ in the world ~ in the universe ~ ever, ever ~ to be? To children it is quiteHave you ever been asked what you consider the most amazing thing, ever ~ in the world ~ in the universe ~ ever, ever ~ to be? To children it is quite a simple question, but its answer is far from simple and they most likely will know it too. Ian Hayward Robinson has chosen to remind all of us that despite those around us thinking that they know what the most amazing thing is, they may not, actually, have the answer. When every answer to the question is different there is a clue. It tells us that maybe to each of us the most amazing thing is going to be something different, but do we know why and what do we do with that knowledge? Henry asks his sister, his brother and even his dad ‘What is the most amazing thing?’ and do you know – each of their answers is different and none of them helps Henry. Of course he can see that life, the mind and the universe are amazing. But… are they the most amazing?
Are you ready to explore the wonder that the world holds, to think about how that wonder is seen by you, by me, by them. How we all see the wonder in a different way, how that in itself makes everything even more wonderful and ensures we don’t see the wonder in just one thing but in many, in everything. That may sound a little deep and philosophical for a picturebook but I assure you it isn’t. It is thoughtful and timely; it has an enduring message, but it is packed with fun and it encourages the reader to have fun – after all it can only be fun when you have to keep turning the book around just to read it! Then there are all the pictures to look at. There is Greta’s science lab, all the blobs Henry sees through the microscope, there is the night sky as seen through dad’s telescope but none of it is resonating with Henry. When he goes back to his mother (for it was her idea that Henry draws the most amazing thing), almost in defeat, she may just have the answer and it may have been obvious all along… I will leave you to discover for yourselves what the most amazing thing is… Available from all good bookshops, published by Allen & Unwin
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
When you think of ducks how do they appear to you? Are they all fluffy and yellow, cutely making duck noises, little quacks or are they all grown up aWhen you think of ducks how do they appear to you? Are they all fluffy and yellow, cutely making duck noises, little quacks or are they all grown up and resplendent in their various colours? For Rachael and Ivan Bates, it seems there is one little duck they think of, and he is very yellow – with an orange beak and feet. He is also very fluffy with eyes that promise mischief. He is going to become a favourite; I can just feel it. There is another reason too, for him to become a favourite, he is the one who we can all relate to, the one who is always the last, is always being told to ‘keep up.’ Oh, and did I mention that he is also an incredibly resourceful, sometimes muddy little duckling? Does he sound like anyone you might know? With spring just around the corner, we can certainly hope and maybe even expect to start seeing some ducklings, out with their family for springtime fun, just like many of us will be, what better way to lead into this most beautiful time of year than with Keep Up, Duck!
Meet Puck, the little duck who struggles to keep up with his mum, with his brothers and sisters, not for want of trying you understand. No Puck is just curious and likes to be a little bit inventive. As they head to the pond, paddling with their little legs, Puck, as the smallest is finding it hard, he can’t swim very fast, but he has determination. This means that he will try anything, everything in fact, that he can think of to keep up, he absolutely WILL. As the story continues mama duck continues to quack her ‘Keep up, Duck” at young Puck and young readers will likely pick up on the refrain quickly, allowing them to join in with the storytelling. This book is messy, noisy, and fun. It makes no apologies for the riot of a good time it is going to bring to both grown-ups and their little ones. It is bursting with life, with the joys of life and with plenty of characters, living in and around the pond, for children to identify and get to know. Warm, playful, and cute, this story offers us duck lovers so much all that remains to be said is thank you!
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
I love to sing, in fact whilst I write these reviews I am singing along to some music, it conjures images, it takes me to other worlds, it helps me esI love to sing, in fact whilst I write these reviews I am singing along to some music, it conjures images, it takes me to other worlds, it helps me escape. It is, for me, like a book, it tells me a story and it wants to (sometimes) be shared aloud. It also reminds me that the world around me, around all of us, is full of song. It could be the songs of the birds with the dawn chorus, the wind rustling the leaves of trees, raindrops pitter pattering. Next you time have the opportunity take a moment to listen to the world around you, even more so if you happen to be by the sea. Yes, we all know the waves crash against the shore sometimes, making a noise, but what about all the other songs the seaside and its beaches sing? Watch and listen to the swaying seaweed in a rock pool, hear the crabs shuffling along the sand, hold a shell to your ear. What do you hear… What do all these sounds and songs tell you. They tell me the world is bursting with life, with stories.
Ros Moriarty has written the lyrical Beach Song with illustrations from Samantha Campbell the story and its pictures perfectly capture the beauty of the song the beach sings. The day we are going to travel through begins with the boy diving into the ocean, swimming with the dolphins, can you hear their splashes? Next they ride the thunder of the foamy waves and watch as the whales blow but it is not only their actions we see and hear; we begin to see and hear what they do, the swish of the seaweed, the wind whipping through the tides, the ripples of the fish who swim by. We mustn’t forget the squid, swimming near the bottom of the shallower waters seeing the shells that tumble with the rise and fall of the ocean. Then there are the land creatures which are still creatures of the sea… The kookaburra may be native to Australia but next time you are at the beach look out for your own native bird life, listen for its song. Most of all discover the joy, not only of Beach Song the story but the sounds too.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
Could there be any stranger pairing than a yeti and his flea? I really don’t think so, at least not for a children’s picture book so quite where Ian BCould there be any stranger pairing than a yeti and his flea? I really don’t think so, at least not for a children’s picture book so quite where Ian Brown gets his inspiration from for his Hugg ‘n’ Bugg stories I am not sure, but I would love to know! If you are not familiar with this pair you can find them in the book currently reviewed here: Hugg ‘n’ Bugg: The Surprise as well as in Hugg ‘n’ Bugg: Finding Home and Hugg ‘n’ Bugg: The Comb. With illustrations contributed by Eoin Clarke this story, this series, stands out from the crowd for its uniqueness. Not only is our lovely Yeti, Hugg, just as messy looking as his nickname ‘the messy yeti’ suggests but Bugg, his Himalayan flea lodger is the perfect companion, tiny and sometimes tricky to find. The antics of this pair will delight young readers! With rhyming text a silly story, a fabulous cast of supporting characters and a wonderful adventure there is so much in this book we’d better get started!
Most of the time Hugg and Bugg get along well, they have a great life together. It’s the perfect give and take relationship with Hugg using his fur to keep Bugg warm and Bugg keeping all that fur neat and tidy. Bugg has been extra careful too, after all it is Hugg’s special day, his birthday but what is this? Why do all the other animals have the most amazing hairstyles, why are they all outshining Hugg? He is jealous and storms off in a big huff but of course without Bugg he soon looks like a big scruff ~ what is to be done? Well… Hugg’s search for Bugg (after he has realised how silly he has been) quickly leads him to a big surprise ~ a birthday party for Hugg. There is food, it might not all be that tasty, but have you ever asked a Red Panda to bake or a goat to use the sugar shaker? And what is this… A hare in the birthday cake… Oh dear, will this party be a success, will Hugg enjoy his birthday, and most importantly can the friends make peace? A surprise ending complements the surprise Hugg receives and whilst this pair are itching to entertain I am sure there are now young readers itching to start the story!
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
If I were to ask you if you love your creature comforts, what would you think I meant? I would hope you know that I am referring to those physical thiIf I were to ask you if you love your creature comforts, what would you think I meant? I would hope you know that I am referring to those physical things that make you feel happy and safe. It’s a term, which I recently leant, was first penned in 1659 and has had the same meaning ever since… Smriti Halls has taken this phrase and used it as the basis for her rhyming tale of one little owl, Hoot, who loves those creature comforts but is soon to find out there may be more to life than just that. With every line, on every page, rhyming beautifully this is the ideal Storytime, read aloud book but please don’t forget to take time, stop, and look at Lucy Flemming’s illustrations. They not only add depth to the story but are so full of detail and expression that there is plenty for children and their adults to share. It also means you may need extra time for this story, there is so much to see, to point out, to talk about.
Hoot is a home bird. She loved her home from the very first moment she was there and even though the rest of her family flew the nest she was happy to stay. With her favourite slippers, cosy hat, and snuggly socks what possible reason could there be to leave her treetop home. She was perfectly content but also perfectly alone. That is until the night there was a knock at her door, a scratchy-scratchy one which bought Momo mouse into her life. The friends are happy and content until Momo suggests they go out to explore. Hoot is worried about danger lurking, she doesn’t like the rain or storms, she wants to stay safe in her nest. But when, one night, Momo is late Hoot knows she cannot rest until he is home and safe, she will have to be brave and leave her nest… Can she find the strength she needs to be brave when her friend needs her the most? This is truly a gorgeous book, the story will touch your heart, the illustrations bring plenty of smiles and I think it will be one that (grown-ups) you will be reading over and over again!
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
I am quite certain that you will be familiar with Jonny Duddle’s Gigantosaurs, after all the reason this review is coming to you now is because from tI am quite certain that you will be familiar with Jonny Duddle’s Gigantosaurs, after all the reason this review is coming to you now is because from the postbag came the brand new, sparkly (well it does have gold foil on the cover). 10th anniversary edition. It is not a book we have reviewed before either, so I hope, for those who have not read it this is helpful, and for those who know it, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to this special edition. There is some additional content too… In June of this year (2024) there is going to be a new book from Jonny Duddle… Doodle With Duddle. How to Draw Dinosaurs and you can get started right now with this special book. You can learn how to draw both characters from the book and some real-life dinosaurs too! But to the story first, after all it is important to know something about the characters you are about to draw.
The Gigantosaurs is scary. We are told that “His feet go STOMP! His jaws go CRUNCH! In the blink of an eye you’ll be his LUNCH! But he is not so very scary that Bonehead (adults will see the humour in the name immediately) won’t volunteer to be lookout. No, he is quite happy to take on the task whenever they all go into the jungle to play. Looking out for dinosaurs, for Gigantosaurs. After all he was the original dino who cried wolf – well he actually called GIGANTOSAURUS but there is no need to be picky! The problem is that Bonehead keeps doing it, he keeps calling out and after all of his false warnings to his friends what is he going to do when Gigantosaurus really does show up? As the story moves on, the pages turn, the danger grows you will suddenly find yourself with a page to fold out, a page filled with more wonderful illustration but also a page suggesting Bonehead may have been crunched… Are you brave enough to turn another page and find out if all ends well? It is important to beware of the Gigantosaurs, to listen to your parents but also not to cry dino too often as we are about to learn with this hilarious, bright, and bold picturebook celebrating its 10th anniversary. Congratulations Giganto!
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
When a book title contains a negative it is sometimes difficult to know what we should make of it. However, there is a reason for the negative and somWhen a book title contains a negative it is sometimes difficult to know what we should make of it. However, there is a reason for the negative and sometimes it is a positive. I know that may not entirely make sense, but Elena Arevalo Melville turns the negative word ‘not’ into one of the most beautiful positives I have found in a long time. There is a list of adjectives I could use to describe this story, but I don’t think they would truly do it justice. Tonka Uzu, who has illustrated the story, captures its essence in her pictures and, as a result the story as a whole will melt even the hardest of hearts. It softens Mrs Potts which is a definite plus, but more to come on that shortly. This is a story which demonstrates the importance of friendship, kindness, empathy and being a good citizen. It shows us how important it continues to be for children to have the freedom to be children, to play, to learn, to discover and most importantly it brings us hope.
Our narrator does not have a name. We are told however that Elena Arevalo Melville wrote this story for her friend, illustrator Tonka Uzu, so perhaps Tonka is our narrator. It is a nice idea and if you need names for the characters it is an option. But this story, though narrated to us by a little girl, is all about Elki. Elki is not the little girl’s dog, in fact she may not even be called Elki but because none of the children can speak Dog that is the name they have given her. When they meet her they see that she has worn paws, a dull coat, and sad eyes but they know they will all be friends. They will share ice-creams on hot days and play in the snow on cold days. Elki will walk with them to school, wait for them after school, play with them all afternoon. But Elki never goes home with them as dogs are not allowed in their flats – not allowed that is until Elki goes missing, they find her injured and take her in. This is when Mrs Potts softens and doesn’t stop them for Elki needs food and shelter but most of all she needs friends and love. Elki is not the little girl’s dog, she is not the friends’ dog. They are all Elki’s people. Simple. Stunning.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
The eponymous dolls’ house has changed over the years and yet somehow remains the same, the essence of that original idea has never altered, this is aThe eponymous dolls’ house has changed over the years and yet somehow remains the same, the essence of that original idea has never altered, this is a house for dolls, for toys but more importantly this is an opportunity for the owner of the dolls’ house, for children. It is a doorway into creativity and imagination, it brings these together just as it brings people together – it is so much more fun to play with your dolls house if you have people to share it with. And who can resist a dolls house? Mia, the main character of Tanya Rosie’s The Dolls’ House can’t! The doll’s house that she can’t resist is made all the more alluring, not just by Claudia Ravalli’s beautiful, gentle, classically detailed illustrations. No, it is also that the doll’s house was just there, sitting in the street, near to the house she and mum have just moved into. Mum tells Mia that the doll’s house is looking for somewhere new to live. Now it has found its new home.
Mia and her mother carry the house to their own home and Mia, along with her two dolls sets about giving it some love. With a tin of yellow paint, she re-paints the shutters the colour of the sun. Mum suggests they leave it on the porch to dry and Mia dreams of all things tiny, all of which will be perfect for the doll’s house. The next morning, she is surprised to see a boy looking at the doll’s house, she soon learns his name is Aroon and that he would like to play with the house and with her. They play. All day. The next day Aroon is not alone, his sister Sara has come along too and with a gift for the doll’s house. With each day that past more children came to play, all except one. Marley is a little shy but when he offers to help Mia fix the house which has been rained on something magical happens for them all. The warmth of this story is palpable. Through the doll’s house children can explore themes of friendship, empathy, and community plus there is a very special fold out spread at the end – read the story and then see what magic the children have worked.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024. ...more
Have you ever wondered about flowers, about how they grow, where they have come from? Maybe you have been lucky enough to plant some seeds and see theHave you ever wondered about flowers, about how they grow, where they have come from? Maybe you have been lucky enough to plant some seeds and see them grow, as long as you remember to love and care for them with water and light. Seeds you see are very important, they are where the plants come from and not only that they are the part that makes the transformation from small seed to blooming plant. However, as a small seed life is cosy. It begins in a packet which someone might choose if they like the look of the flower. Then, after that packet is opened the seeds inside are moved into some soil. And here is where it gets tricky for these seeds, this is where they have to leave the safety of their home, one they were sharing with their seed brothers and sisters and settle into some soil in a pot. Here they can take comfort in the warmth and darkness, they can be fed and watered, but they also now have to start to do what they are meant for, they have to grow. Growing means coming out of the warm dark soil. It means going out into the world, a place that might not be quite so snug and safe.
Vernon is a sunflower seed, sharing a packet with his friends who are all excited to get out into the world. But not Vernon, he really isn’t sure and Rosalind Beardshaw’s illustrations capture his uncertainty perfectly! There are bugs and slugs and even thunderstorms, Vernon knows but then, when he is given to Carla to plant and look after he realises that she cares and that with her maybe he will be safe. As the seeds settle into their new homes all but Vernon wants to take a peek at the world, all but Vernon until curiosity gets the better of him and he wants to see the stars. A tiny peek won’t hurt after all… And just as he is happily thinking how pretty they are and that maybe the world isn’t so scary after all, an owl swoops by. Can Vernon learn that hiding in his soil in the dark might be safe but is not always where we need to be. Can he find the courage to face his fears and help Carla by showing her how strong he is? A wonderful story about empathy from Kathryn Simmonds.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
How many times have you thought about love, tried to explain the concept to little ones, or even to yourself? Many people find the word easy to say buHow many times have you thought about love, tried to explain the concept to little ones, or even to yourself? Many people find the word easy to say but how many know what the word means when they use it as an expression of how they feel for another? Children are probably aware that it is a word used by adults, adults who tell them they are loved, they love them. Children will say it back too. It is beautiful to witness yet it can also be complex, particularly when we are asked ‘how much do you love me?’ Sharing love, in all its forms can be done, can be explained and what better way to do it than with a picturebook, one that can be held in your hands, in your little ones (or big ones) hands. A book is forever, its message is a forever message, just as love (we would like to hope) is forever, a forever message, a message for every day, a book to read every day (if you would like).
Love Is In the Little Things expresses that love, that every day feeling, that every day desire to share in both love and a story through its simple, evocative and beautiful combination of words and pictures. Stella J Jones and Jane Massey have worked to ensure that one does not outweigh the other, they are seamlessly complimentary as we follow one little child and one very big bear through a delightful exploration of all the things that can be. To begin with we learn that the child is small, and the bear is big. We are then told they love each other, a lot before they go on to share what that means, to them. In this instance it is as tall as the trees, as deep as the seas and as far as the moon that shimmers in the sky. Not forgetting all the way back again. We see how huge and tingly love is but how it is made up of the smallest things, the everyday things, all the special things that we might do for one another. Just like the trillions of twinkly stars forever lighting the sky love is all things, love is a forever thing....more
Have you ever heard the phrase I love you to the moon and back? Grown up readers probably have and may have used it too. Why? Because it is a beautifuHave you ever heard the phrase I love you to the moon and back? Grown up readers probably have and may have used it too. Why? Because it is a beautiful way to express how much you love someone. In this charming picturebook is it the love between a parent and child bear that is being expressed with this beautiful sentiment. But not only is this love as big as the distance to the moon and back this love is an all year long love, one that lasts through every season and doesn’t waver. It is a beautiful ode, and it is written by Amelia Hepworth whose skill at ensuring the text has a gentle rhyme makes it perfect for reading aloud. Illustrations from Tim Warnes have a warm glow to them, guide us through the course of the year and transport us to some beautiful settings. With their back catalogue including I Love You to the Moon and Back and I Love You Forever and a Day be assured this one will be another instant classic.
We first see the bear child and their parent emerge from their cave into the melting winter snow and are told “I love to see the sun come up and melt the winter snow.” The setting is incredibly evocative and captures the heart and mind of the reader immediately. From the melting winter snow, we move slowly into spring where shoots are starting to emerge and there is wonder at the sight of jumping playful frogs. A walk across the lush green grass of the forest is also a wonderful excuse to hold hands whilst a nice big tree makes the perfect shelter when there is rain. It is also a place where friends can gather, and this is a lovely opportunity to spot them all. As the weather heats up and summer comes it is lovely to play and splash together in the river and when it becomes too hot a swim under the water with the fish is a wonderful way to spend a day. Autumn brings races in crunchy leaves and as winter comes the bears snuggle up together, grateful for the love they have all year around....more
Are you familiar with Brown Bear Wood? We have been lucky enough to visit it for Easter and Christmas and now we find ourselves back there for ValentiAre you familiar with Brown Bear Wood? We have been lucky enough to visit it for Easter and Christmas and now we find ourselves back there for Valentine’s celebrations, though for me, I Love You Always as a title and as words we say to loved ones are words we should be saying all year around. That is of course where books such as this delight from Rachel Piercey and Freya Hartas come in. They can be on our shelves and in our hands year-round and why not? The characters, Bear and Papa Bear are adorable, I (almost) dare you to not reach out and stroke them on the page. Now I know we are warned away from bears as, in the wild, they are dangerous but in books they are very safe and why shouldn’t we interact with our books, it brings us even close to the story they are sharing with us. This is, of course, the perfect book for sharing ~ between adults and young children ~ between loved ones, in fact with anyone whose face you want to bring a broad smile to.
It is time for a day out in the woods with Bear and Papa Bear, what are the pair going to do on this visit? Papa Bear has a challenge for Bear, and my dear reader, for you too. There are one hundred hearts hidden in the forest and it is up to Bear (and to you) to find them. Luckily, they are not all on one page but spread across several spreads. What makes this book even more special are the additional things to spot on each of the pages. And, well, do you think you will remember where all one hundred hearts are? I doubt it which means they can be searched for over and again too! The hearts are all gifts from Papa Bear to Bear and as bear searches, as the young reader searches, they can follow the gently rhyming text too. Don’t forget about this part because the words help to reinforce an important message. Not only one of unconditional love but also one that reminds us it is important to be ourselves, to be comfortable in our own skin. Enchanting, beautiful, fun and affirming, this is the perfect celebration of love year-round....more
Outer space. It is a vast unknown, despite how much we may think we know about it. There have been, and still are, space explorations which bring backOuter space. It is a vast unknown, despite how much we may think we know about it. There have been, and still are, space explorations which bring back lots of information but just as it is a vast and endless wonderland so are the possibilities it offers. Any children who have ever looked at the stars in wonder, learnt about the planets, will have questions. Many of those questions will have no answers (yet) but there is one thing to be shared with them and that is some of the space missions that have already taken place. Timothy Knapman’s The Book of Blast off, subtitled 15 Real-Life Space Missions does exactly what it tells us, takes us on a journey of discovery by sharing with us those missions, the rockets, space capsules, satellites, rovers and even more technological wonders that have been launched into space to help us down here on Earth learn more about its wonders. If you are ready for a very special rhyming adventure, suit up and let’s fly…!
At night, looking out of your window do you see stars twinkling in the sky far above, with planets and comets? But wait, the countdown has started, time to get into position for the interstellar mission. The first stop is Sputnik, the first satellite to orbit the earth, for three short weeks it did its job and then, do you know what happened? It started something call The Great Space Race! Countries around the world all wanted to be the first to make a breakthrough in the study of space. People and technology went into space, they have even sent Mariner 4 to see if there is life on Mars! Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon in their spacesuits and the Voyager 1 spacecraft is still in space, forty years and fourteen million miles after it was first launched. That is a long time and a long way and still it reports back. There is so much more to learn from this fact-packed book and some glorious illustrations by Nik Henderson to enjoy in the process that I recommend you find a bookshop and find yourself a copy. With extra information at the back of the book and more reading maybe you will still be learning in forty years!...more
Granny is eating so many treats that her eyesight is being affected. An adventure involving a balloon ride could be the key to showing Granny Mole theGranny is eating so many treats that her eyesight is being affected. An adventure involving a balloon ride could be the key to showing Granny Mole the importance of good food as they hunt for a rainbow of foods! ...more
Do you have a mobile phone? Are there children in your life who have mobile phones or are there some who don’t? Misty doesn’t have a mobile phone or aDo you have a mobile phone? Are there children in your life who have mobile phones or are there some who don’t? Misty doesn’t have a mobile phone or a tablet, but her friends do, and it is making her feel frustrated. But the more all her friends use their devices the more they find their eyes getting sore and blurry and they are struggling to sleep. It’s up to Misty to find ways to reduce screen time and restore some good old-fashioned fun in the woodlands. ...more
Bedtime stories, I don’t think there can ever be enough. I am sure for some children any book is a good book for bedtime, they may just love to hear sBedtime stories, I don’t think there can ever be enough. I am sure for some children any book is a good book for bedtime, they may just love to hear stories. But for others, books that are written with bedtime in mind, books that will calm and lull them into a dream filled sleep are the perfect fit. Chritra Soundar has created one of the latter, a book written for bedtime reading, a story inspired by ancient Indian lullabies, a story that will lure you into a vibrant, bold and wonderful dreamscape like no other. With deeply coloured illustrations full of life and movement from Sandhya Prabhat the combination of story and image will both intrigue the listener and lull them. Luckily bedtime books are written to be read over and over again, it is often hard to get bored of the story and with one as packed as this with detail, reading it night after night will serve to bring more out of it, to bring more of the story to life.
With its gentle rhyming text and its sense of both reader and listener weaving a quilt of dreams across roaring seas and through the inky night sky this book is incredibly gentle and calming, leaving in its wake a warm and contented feeling. Based on Indian lullabies it is full of references to these as well as the colour and spirit of the flora and fauna of India, both of which add to the atmosphere the story is creating. We start with dad urging his child to count the stars twinkling bright in the sky, assuring them that he will bring from the jungles dark and deep the quiet of the birds who are also asleep. He will lull the winds as he rocks his child to sleep. All the tears and fears of the day can be given away, dad tells his child, each to a different animal who will take them whilst dad keeps them safe. He will weave special dreams for his child and paint the world with colours bright. Throughout we are reminded of the beautiful refrain “Count the stars that twinkle bright. It’s time to hush and say goodnight.” A beautiful bedtime refrain, just as this is a beautiful bedtime book. ...more
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