A compelling graphic novel that follows the story of Manuel Soto, a young boy dealing with PTSD and anxiety after witnessing a traumatic event at schoA compelling graphic novel that follows the story of Manuel Soto, a young boy dealing with PTSD and anxiety after witnessing a traumatic event at school. Manuel struggles with panic attacks and disassociation, but through new friendships and creative outlets, he begins to find a path to healing.
The narrative is deeply touching, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of art as therapy. Manuel's journey is beautifully depicted through Smith's artwork, which vividly captures the contrasting emotions of calm and panic. His bond with classmates Sebastian and Caysha (who are both lovely characters) plays a crucial role in his recovery, and their collective experiences at the county fair bring moments of joy and connection that anchor Manuel during his darkest times.
Smith's portrayal of Manuel's struggles is both realistic and hopeful, offering an authentic look at how young people cope with trauma. The inclusion of a queer romantic subplot between Manuel and Sebastian adds an extra layer of depth and representation to the story.
Overall, The Golden Hour is a moving exploration of mental health and friendship, suitable for readers aged 10+ ...more
Written in homage to her grandad, Percy, and as a poetic reflection on a time and place lost to the sea, White’s debut picture book is a beautiful dreWritten in homage to her grandad, Percy, and as a poetic reflection on a time and place lost to the sea, White’s debut picture book is a beautiful dream-like ode to her hometown. Set against a seaside fishing village on the East Coast of Suffolk, The Baker by the Sea sweeps over hill and dale until it anchors on the sandy shores of Lowestoft in a period prior to the 1950s.
‘This is my home. Our home, our beach village by the sea.’
The gentle rhythm of the words rolls with the tide as White’s illustrations pan over blacksmiths and basketmakers, sail-makers and boatbuilders as well as coopers and net-makers. We are witness to trades and ways of living that, for the most part, may feel lost to time and, quite literally in this story, tide yet which White is passionate about preserving.
For me, the real success comes in White’s ability to bring this period and community to life through her gentle, pencil, pen and ink illustrations. Relying upon a limited palette of greys and tonal blues for the most part (except for the warm yellow glow of the baker’s oven), her visual and written narrative crosses over the village, passing over the bustle of residents’ hard-working day-to-day lives and its centring around the fishing trade. Sharp-eyed readers will find joy in spotting the picture book narrator throughout: a young baker’s boy who understands that ‘the sea is the beating heart’ of all they do. He delivers his father’s bread, buns and biscuits to the different residents, gently inviting the viewer along until he settles on his bed after a hard day’s work, the gentle soothing of the sea drawing him to sleep.
From here, the panelling and pace of the picture book shifts from double-page spreads to something more constrained. The boy imagines the fishermen out in the windy weather, fishing beneath inky-black skies. Blankets of fog heighten the anticipation and risk yet there is a curious draw for the young boy to be a part of it in some way. In contrast, the boy’s father toils in the warmth of his bakery, making food for the fisherman upon their return. A fisherman’s life, he shares with his son later, was not for him.
Central to this picturebook is White’s recognition that everyone has a part to play in this community and no one role is paramount above others. Although the young boy considers the excitement of fishing, he shares with his father that joy comes from providing for his people by making bread alongside him: something that White’s own grandfather, who was the village’s baker, struggled to accept. The story closes with a beautiful, double-page spread depicting father and son contentedly kneading dough together.
The Baker by the Sea celebrates those small-village communities in which everyone worked hard together and looked after each other. It is quite poignant that the village then has been lost to the elements but perhaps readers can take something from the idea that something special happens when communities come together. A lovely book for reading aloud and sharing....more
Curated by Dapo Adeola, this collection of short stories and poetry is a celebration of Black voices around the world. With the aim of highlighting voCurated by Dapo Adeola, this collection of short stories and poetry is a celebration of Black voices around the world. With the aim of highlighting voices that might not be heard as much as they should as well as established household voices too (such as Malorie Blackman and Alex Wheatle), Dapo has provided a space for 'stories within the Black diaspora to be heard'.
I really enjoyed these stories and the art that went with them. They range from children and families living normal lives to those struggling to face discrimination. It's an excellent collection and great for KS2+ ...more
In this humorous and heartwarming book, a father and daughter engage in playful make-believe, taking on the roles of trees with complete dedication. DIn this humorous and heartwarming book, a father and daughter engage in playful make-believe, taking on the roles of trees with complete dedication. Despite encountering various challenges, such as birds nesting on their heads and spiders building webs on their arms, they remain committed to their roles.
The story celebrates the power of imagination and the deep love parents have for their children, as the father is willing to do anything to make his daughter happy even if he is being played to both the reader's and his daughter's delight. A book about the joy of being outdoors, the reluctance of children wanting to go to bed and the humour that comes with children challenging parental authority.
Captivating and poignant, Wolf's novel, the first that I have read, has told me that I will now be reading everything she has written. Her writing is Captivating and poignant, Wolf's novel, the first that I have read, has told me that I will now be reading everything she has written. Her writing is masterful not just in its deceptively-simple prose but in its depth with regard to character and moment. A true gift. Touching on themes of prejudice, justice, and empathy through the eyes of a twelve-year-old Annabelle, living on her family farm in rural Pennsylvania during the 1940s. When a new girl, Betty, arrives at school, she quickly establishes herself as a bully and sets her sights on tormenting Annabelle, her brothers and other children in the town. As Betty's behaviour escalates, Annabelle must navigate her own fears and confront the concept of lying to her parents in order to protect them and the enigmatic and distant Toby - a survivor of World War 1.
The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Annabelle serving as a brave and resilient protagonist who grapples with the weight of responsibility on her young shoulders. Wolk skillfully balances the darker elements of the story with moments of warmth and hope, and her exploration of the impact of war on small communities is both thoughtful and nuanced. Honestly, it's an excellent achievement. ...more
I adored this book from Pushkin. From Jacqueline Molnár's illustrations, where her strong-colour play evokes a richly traditional form in storytellingI adored this book from Pushkin. From Jacqueline Molnár's illustrations, where her strong-colour play evokes a richly traditional form in storytelling, to Anna Bentley's incredibly deft touch in translating Lázár's imagination - it's an absolute success and all the richer from a second reading. It tells, in a traditional tale format with a modern twist, the story of Poor Jonny, our classic wanderer through tales, and Princess Arnica a - in some part - stereotype-challenging female protagonist, as they search for a way to lift a witch's curse off them.
Told through a dual-blended narrative that reminded me of The Princess Bride, each chapter opens with a discussion between a leading adult storyteller and their younger co-teller. Although the adult steers the story, interjections and questions from the young listener make the telling richer and much wiser. Sometimes both intrude mid-story but it's all for the better. This, for me, was what made the story itself so special for such openings and interruptions acted as opportunities for big questions about life and living in general.
The story itself is made of several episodes in which Arnica and Poor Johnny attempt to lift a witch's jealous curse which sees one of them always having to take the form of a duck. Knowing that somewhere out there is a Seven-Headed Fairy who can cure them, they head off encountering a range of characters along the way and helping each to overcome their own problems. Each encounter is set down to prove how much our heroes love each other but also how such love and kindness can help others too.
Since the narrators are situated in the present, there are moments in which the 'traditional' elements and encounters within the narrative rub shoulders with our time. A witch who has the ability to change form is neighboured by a gang of bandits who find that they are incredibly good at football. A band of 12 selfish brothers are only a few fields away from a man who takes offence at anything said to him. This play between modern sensibilities and activities alongside more traditional tropes and characters is what made the story feel so 'new' yet 'established' at the same time.
Finally, I take my hat off to Molnar's strange, delightful illustrations which play with traditional tale themes too - lots of hidden icons and images throughout celebrate some of the implicit messages. However, I suspect that the reason the story works so well 'now' is down to Anna Bantley's outstanding work in bringing Lazar's Hungarian story across to these shores.
With a visit from Grandma imminent, our interracial family have a lot to do to get the house in order. From cleaning the**Reviewed for BooksforKeeps**
With a visit from Grandma imminent, our interracial family have a lot to do to get the house in order. From cleaning the floor to tidying up the living room and cleaning the pets, Dad presents a list of jobs on the fridge using magnetic letters. However, when the family cat spots a task that sets their hair on end - what cat wants to be bathed? - chaos ensues as our cunning feline begins to mix up all the letters and present hilarious new jobs instead.
Soon the family are scrubbing fishes, rocking rugs and feeding the floor and each time Dad rearranges the letters again, the cat returns and causes more mischief. Will our little family get everything in order in time or will the home be left in chaos?
Roberts’ digitally-enhanced pencil and watercolours provide the images and strong use of white space allows us to enjoy each character and their expressions of utter confusion when tasked with odd jobs that don’t make sense thanks to our mischievous marmalade moggy. Alongside this is McGinty’s assured, bouncy, rhyming verse that carries the narrative flow and bumps and jolts at all the right moments: this is a picturebook that should be read aloud.
I especially loved the addition of same-sex parents which is not central to the narrative but has been normalised and, alongside the light and dark skin tones of their children, is far richer for it. This is a book that is sure to invite repeated rereadings and giggles - the cat’s crafty expressions alone are worth the ride. ...more
Another really sweet addition to the Omar stories. Zanib manages to be so inclusive with seemingly minimal effort and puts to shame those who make it Another really sweet addition to the Omar stories. Zanib manages to be so inclusive with seemingly minimal effort and puts to shame those who make it so explicit that it can get in the way of a good story. In celebration of World Book Day, Zanib is helping his friend get a book signed by his sister's favourite author since she's poorly. An against-the-time trip from London to Scotland ensues a heart-warming close at the end. All are supported by fun illustrations from Mafaridik and Cheng. I do love these stories. ...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
If ever there was a story that lent itself to the picturebook format - with regards to looking closer - then this is it. In a story set upon the coastIf ever there was a story that lent itself to the picturebook format - with regards to looking closer - then this is it. In a story set upon the coast, a young child and their father take the bicycle to school every day. And on each trip, the little girl espies an elderly lady stern of face and never smiling. The girl feels uncomfortable with around until one day, when they're running late, they discover that the old lady and the child have something very special in common.
I loved how Lim's book encouraged readers to not only look closer at the pictures on the page but also to see the power of being aware of and questioning our prejudices too. Lovely to see Asian characters living a 'normal' life and Yum's soft, pencil illustrations are lovely. ...more
I wanted to write reams and reams on this incredible little creation (you have to get it in hardback as I suspect some of its vitality wIt's 6 stars.
I wanted to write reams and reams on this incredible little creation (you have to get it in hardback as I suspect some of its vitality will be lost in any other version). I just loved it and it's one book whose thoughts and meanings, rarely, I want to keep to myself. I will say one thing and that is that it was a deep pleasure to read a children's book with a loving and compassionate father. Thank you....more
Dulcinea is very happy living in the woods with her father and the animals who provide for them. Although her father always allows her to play and expDulcinea is very happy living in the woods with her father and the animals who provide for them. Although her father always allows her to play and explore and take risks, travelling into the forest beyond their land is forbidden for it is ruled by a terrible, angry witch. Yet when Dulcinea's birthday arrives and they released they're missing blueberries for her pancakes, her father 'must' break his own vow and enter the forest for the fruit...
Set with a variety of fairy-tale elements yet with a modern, female character full of sharp wits, Dulcinea is full of minimal yet delightfully surreal illustrations throughout. The confrontation between the witch and Dulcinea is fab. The story, presented in chapters, borders between brief writing but with a rich use of language. Translated by Shelley Tanaka. ...more
Father and son have a penchant for pizza in all its shapes and sizes. When both make their way to dad's pizza shop, the young boy claims that he wantsFather and son have a penchant for pizza in all its shapes and sizes. When both make their way to dad's pizza shop, the young boy claims that he wants to create a pizza with everything on it. At first, we're talking different types of food toppings but soon we're talking toilets, basketballs, penguins and even colossal statues...the pizza grows so big that it creates a black hole and alternate world where everything is pizza!
Dad and son are a perfect match absolutely glorifying in this new chaotically cheesy world they have created. Relish* in the meta of a new pizza world where houses are made from mushrooms and swimming pools are cheesy. Glorious nonsense.
Based upon very real conversations between Sattouf and an 'unnamed' 11-year-old girl living in Paris, Esther's Notebooks are diary-like in their telliBased upon very real conversations between Sattouf and an 'unnamed' 11-year-old girl living in Paris, Esther's Notebooks are diary-like in their telling with full-page strips following the thoughts and aspirations of a young girl as she moves from primary into secondary school. Throughout, we have insights into friendships, love, family, music, film, hopes and dreams and misconceptions about adulthood - all today with a sense of pathos and humour throughout. They're excellent and honest. ...more
I really like how Cicada, as a publisher, are presenting space for new voices and illustrators to bring a range of unique forms, stories and styles toI really like how Cicada, as a publisher, are presenting space for new voices and illustrators to bring a range of unique forms, stories and styles to the world of children's books. This collaboration between Sophie Berger and newcomer, Ruan Van Vliet tells the story of Bartholomew who struggles to get to school in the morning because the monsters from his dreams hold him back. What these monsters truly represent and why they are pinning him back would be of great discussion to children and certainly go beyond the surface here; it's certainly more than he just doesn't want to go to school.
Bartholomew's wild rumpus moments with his monsters are fun: from dancing until the early hours to monsters naughtily peeing on the bathroom floor; I welcomed Van Vliet's new and unusual style - and can imagine many grown-up readers won't because it's different. It is important to consider how 'everything' is different for many young, new readers and I think they'll enjoy their range of shapes and colours and rounded bodies - no danger here, only delivishly imp-like behaviour. ...more
What a delight. The giggles from hiding under bed covers, the patient, kind parent pretending not to notice their child's poor hiding skills and a subWhat a delight. The giggles from hiding under bed covers, the patient, kind parent pretending not to notice their child's poor hiding skills and a subtle dismantling of gendered norms that @kenwilsonmax is so good at. A lovely, early picture book with a steady, gentle refrain...more
Although I suspect that books on Louis Braille are numerous in the field of literature for children, I am not sure any tell the story quite so beautifAlthough I suspect that books on Louis Braille are numerous in the field of literature for children, I am not sure any tell the story quite so beautifully as this from Bryant (well known for her biographies) and Kulikov.
Told in first person, we are provided with a sweeping overview of Louis' life from birth until the completion of his invention: an incredible accomplishment considering Louis created it when he was still a teenager! Rather than focus on the hurdles that lay before him because of his blindness, the book chooses to celebrate Louis' creativity and determination to succeed at all odds and this makes for a far more engaging and uplifting story.
Kulikov's illustrations are an utter delight; especially his visualisation of blindness and the addition of pictorial braille throughout. Yes, 'raised' braille would have been the icing on the cake.
Clara lives in Sycamore, a small village set within Hanover, Jamaica. It is a place where everyone knows your name, in which nothing exciting happens Clara lives in Sycamore, a small village set within Hanover, Jamaica. It is a place where everyone knows your name, in which nothing exciting happens and no one new ever appears. So when Rudy, a girl Clara’s age, moves in with her mother from London, it ushers in a fresh sense of excitement into the whole community. However, whilst Rudy’s arrival and bubbly nature breathes new life into Sycamore, it also unearths a dark past that lies beneath the hot tarmac of its roads and cool sea surf.
Another picturebook biography which I came across having browsed Maria Popova's delectable selection over on her brainpickings.org website. PresentingAnother picturebook biography which I came across having browsed Maria Popova's delectable selection over on her brainpickings.org website. Presenting the life of Cummings in verse (Burgess) and picture (Di Giacomo), Smallness sees a pitch-perfect collaboration bring together a delightful stroll through the life of this gifted poet (and artist).
The story starts in Cummings' New York flat, then it whisks us back through his enviable childhood (acres of space, doting, kind parents and a wonderful education) through to his time in the war and then back to Manhattan. Double-page spreads show both the time the story is set in with words and images whilst flourishes of dappled pictures reflect aspects and moments of the poetry and art he created at that time too.
This is a book of courage and following your dreams but also seeing beauty in the everyday too. It's pretty perfect. ...more
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