I work with Early Years children and act as a consultant for Early Years Education, literature and literacy and occasionally RE. With an MA in Education, particular interest in picture books, poetry and books with a ‘spiritual’ dimension, I have spent all my career furthering the role of literature as a vehicle for literary (and literacy) development and am the author of Learning to Read with Picture Books.
Over the past few years I have become very concerned with the narrowly conceived, prescriptive views of literature being promoted to teachers and hence, to children. This present pre-occupation in far too many schools, with a largely functional approach to literacy and emphasis on the mechanistic ‘bit-parts’ aspects, means that it is all too easy for the unique and fundamental role of literature in developing the imagination and in children’s meaning making, to be overlooked.
Essentially I see story as a kind of ‘sacred space’ – a place from which to become aware, to contact the spirit – that essential spark within. However, for literature to play that role in education of the imagination, it must take centre stage in the curriculum and be viewed, not primarily as a way of doing, but rather, as a way of being, or of helping children to be and to become.
In these pages, I hope to be able to highlight books , both those recently published as well as ones that have been well and truly tried and tested, that ‘work’ with children either at home, playgroups, nurseries or schools. In some instances, there will be ideas for working with the books
Red Reading Hub - Jillrbennett's Reviews of Children's Books 
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This website is a wonderful resource for parents and grandparents who want to encourage their children or grandchildren to love books from a very early age. There are brilliant recommendations in a whole host of categories and the site is regularly updated. You cannot fail to find titles here that your children will love. Not only will they love to listen, they will want to read them for themselves.
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Hi Jill
Thanks for your kind review of ‘Do Dare Duck’.
Best Wishes
Jane Massey
Hi Jill, I enjoy your website but cannot find any contact info for you. I would like to email you.
Hi Jill, thanks for such a great Review of Max and the Won’t go to Bed Show. xx
Hello Jill,
thank you for including Lucky in your picture book reviews.
best wishes from David
Hearty congratulations on the wonderful book on FEELING DIFFEREN
T by the talented CRAIG POMRANZ… ‘MADE BY RAFFI”…touchingly brilliant. Trudi Mann
Hi its my first time to commenting
anyplace, when i read this post i thought I should also comment – brilliant post.
I loved reading picture books as a kid (and I still pick up longer ones to read sometimes). I especially look forward to seeing your reviews, so I can get an idea of what to give picture book audience in my upcoming picture book.
Superb!
Dear Jill,
I have only just found the lovely review of my books. I’d like to say a big Thank You! Very best wishes Jane
hi Ali gholi Mardani Painter Qashqai
Hello Jill,
Ta very much for reviewing Love Matters Most – it’s a lovely review!
All best,
Gerry
Thank you for reviewing My Dad Is A Bear. I’m so happy to get such positive feedback.
All the best,
Annie White
Thanks for reviewing Time for a Nap! Very grateful for your enthusiasm. Posted it on my site which I hope is okay. Let me know.
Best,
Phillis Gershator
Essa é uma tarefa complicada, mas possível.
Hi Jill – Thanks for your kind review of Where’s the Mermaid? The book is something I am very proud of. The publisher came to me with the title, but were great and let me do exactly what I wanted with it. My goal was to create something that would carry a positive message into the world as well as be a lot of fun. It means a lot to me that you liked it 🙂
Best regards,
Chuck Whelon
Hi,
I have a new childrens book about washing your hands. Part of proceeds go to water.org
The book includes hands of all shades and colours, fun rhyming words, soap suds and plenty of bubbles!
If you’re interested in posting about this book please reach out to me!
Thank you.
Kayla McLeod
Hello, I have written a children book. I would like you to review it. Sending you a description of the same. Will send you a pdf of the ship (my book) in case you want to review it.
Come join Lega, Yaga and Timble on their adventures as they sail the high seas on an adventure of a lifetime! Wait a minute… are you wondering who Lega, Yaga and Timble are? Well, surprise, surprise – they are a spider, bear and penguin! What could animals be doing on a ship? Where could they be going? To find out, turn this pages of this book that is filled with humour, suspense, adventure and lots more.
Hi, Jill, I deeply affirm your perspective that a book can create a “sacred space” for discovery and learning. I have recently published A Common Thirst and I think it is the kind of book that you would appreciate. It connects kids to central values of sharing and the common good. Please let me know where to send a review copy. There is a trailer on my website. Deeply grateful for your consideration. Gary Boelhower
You talked about a book that featured animals racing, but now I’ve forgotten its title and I can’t even find the book. One race was either an alligator or a crocodile, if memory serves me correctly.