Author jillrbennett

Nine Times I Nearly Died

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Nine Times I Nearly Died
Benedict Allen
Walker Books

Benedict Allen had already decided to be an explorer when he was just ten year old. Since then he’s visited various parts of the world that hardly anybody has been to and at the start, so he confesses in his introduction, he knew very little about how to survive and had to rely on help from members of local communities.

Facing danger at every turn, he’s learned about distant and remote environments but as he says in his introduction, ‘one of the most important lessons I’ve learned isn’t only about the end goal; it’s also about what you discover along the way – and that includes what you learn from making mistakes or suffering setbacks.’

The first expedition sees Allen aiming to make the first known full crossing of the northern Amazon in Brazil and record what he could of the ‘pristine rainforest’. He hadn’t anticipated his canoe capsizing though. After consideration he decides to continue his journey on foot, about 105km through dense undergrowth and so he does, finally reaching a small hut and there he falls at the feet of a little man with extended arms and a reassuring smile. From there he’s taken by jeep to a hospital where he recovers from two kinds of malaria, one of which could have killed him. Readers may be astonished to learn that rather than being totally put off, Allen resolves to return to the Amazon rainforest.

Undaunted Benedict Allen undertakes eight further expeditions, none of which go entirely to plan. He visits the frozen Arctic (where he gets separated from his huskies and becomes lost in a blizzard), the Gobi Desert, endeavours to make the first crossing of Papua New Guinea’s Central Range, is shipwrecked on an island while attempting to cross the treacherous shark-infested Torres Strait between Papua New Guinea and Australia and is left without food or water.

Not put off by the events of his first Amazon expedition, Allen returns ten years later with considerably more experience and a lot more confidence. Word about him spreads and he becomes known as “El Mister” – another life or death situation occurs as it does in each of the remaining accounts. One being on a return to the Arctic and the final one being another return – to Papua New Guinea, first visited thirty years earlier, this time with malaria tablets.

Each adventure will have readers on the edge of their seats as they are gripped by the terrifying details. Whether they will be inspired to embark on their own expeditions depends to some extent on whether they are open to challenges be they close to home or in far far distant places. A book that will enthral older KS2 audiences and beyond. (There are photos, line drawings and diagrams throughout the book.)

Bone Head: Guardian of the Underworld

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Bone Head: Guardian of the Underworld
Jamie Gregory
Scholastic

Jamie Gregory’s debut book is an absolute hoot. It takes the form of a diary written by Bone Head aka Demise, skeleton guardian whose days are spent guarding the gates to Hades’ fortress. (with amendments by supervisor Mort who tampers with the text on every page – shown in green).

Bone Head is convinced he is THE BEST and is desperate to get his hero Hades to notice him: the trouble is Hades is hardly aware that he exists.

Then Bone Head makes a terrible mistake: he zaps a ‘little blobby demon’ that retaliates fiercely with a massive blob of smouldering goo, followed by many more, right at Bone Head. The gates of the Underworld are destroyed: Bone Head and Mort are summoned to the fortress by Hades and demoted to the kennels where they will dog-sit Cerberus, his famous ferocious three-headed hell hound. This, Bone Head decides, presents an opportunity to get themselves back into Hades’ good books but Mort quickly points out that both he and Bone Head are made of bones and dogs eat bones. Can the latter keep the two of them away from Cerberus’s jaws.

Of course the hound needs to be taken for walks. Bone Head has a great idea – to use one of Mort’s arms as a fetch stick. Five days later the hound walkers decide their charge needs a change of scenery. Another great idea… resulting in two dogless exercisers. All this in just a few days and still to come are air vermin – they that peck, flap, poop, fly and CAW! dragons and all manner of other beasties.

How will this all end? I’ll guarantee there are plenty more laughs to come but story spoiler I won’t be, just in case that Cerberus gets me in his jaws; instead I urge you to get yourself a copy of this hilarious, chaotic tale as soon as possible.

Squabble and Squeak

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Squabble and Squeak
Raahat Kaduji
Alison Green Books

Rana the red panda is annoyed. A noisy parakeet has moved into her tree and woken her up with his ‘squawks and chirp-chirp SCREECH!’ sounds. Before long the noises have caused Rana to spill her tea and spoil her painting. Parakeet tries explaining in his own way but Rana can’t understand. She decides to retaliate and sets off into the forest to collect as many noisy objects as she can. She discovers some scratchy, scratchy pine cones, then some bamboo sticks that make a tappety, tappety, TAP! sound;

neither is sufficiently noisy so she moves on to the river. There, are lots of clackety, clackety CLACKing pebbles that are just right. She gathers all her sound makers in her paws and sets off home to her tree.

Unbeknown however, there’s a very large, very quiet and very fierce looking tiger close behind. In her excitement, Rana fails to notice the pursuer, but on reaching her tree Parakeet starts screeching louder than ever. Slightly scoffing at the sound, Rana announces that she’s going to make way more noise. Suddenly however, she stops: something sounds strange. What is Parakeet trying to tell her. It’s the furry tiger and Rana offers it some bamboo; but bamboo is not what the tiger desires. Up her tree scrambles the little panda and now for the very first time Rana understands what Paraket is saying. They both make loud sounds and before long a host of very noisy parakeets fly into view. Now it’s the tiger’s turn to complain about the terrible noise. Off he flees into the forest leaving an elated Rana and parakeets.

Down flies Parakeet eager to learn why Rana has collected so much stuff. she tells him and goes on to suggest they work together to make a tiger scarer. Before long they’ve created a wonderful wind chime and hung it on their tree. But which is noisier, Parakeet or the wind chime? I wonder …

A warm-hearted story about finding a way to understand one another and becoming friends. With playful scenes executed in beautiful colours and so many noises for young listeners to join in with, this is a fun read aloud.

uni @scholasticuk

Pyramid Boy

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Pyramid Boy
Satoshi Kitamura
Walker Books

This book takes us back in time to ancient Egypt and is narrated by a boy, Thomas, who time travels when he attempts to catch hold of a cat when in a museum he’s visiting with his parents. The next thing he knows is that he’s plunging down a long zigzag of stairs to a busy market in a strange hot place. In this market swapping replaces money and as he wanders around a young man calls to him, fascinated by Thomas’s glasses, which he mistakes for large eyes. The young man introduces himself as Pepi and offers to show him around.

They visit a papyrus factory, see scribes at work, go to a bakery and then deliver some papyrus bundles to Pepi’s friend. Later, walking along on the river bank Pepi takes his new friend to see how a mummy is made.

After an overnight stay with Pepi they join a long line of young people on their way to where the pyramids are being built and help with the work.
Eventually a man comes to find Thomas and the boy discovers that what seems like days has only been a few hours since he followed that cat.

A captivating combination of adventure and history, vibrantly illustrated with amazing detail and with additional information pages after the story and a smashing way to introduce Ancient Egypt to children, particularly those in KS2 who are studying the topic as an option in the history curriculum.

Superheroes In The Park

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Superheroes In The Park
Ian Eagleton and Hayley Wells
Otter-Barry Books

Ian Eagleton and his husband have recently become dads through adoption and Ian has based this text on their experiences of parenting a toddler. Thus, at the heart of the story is an ordinary gay family that we meet as the child narrator, his Dad and Daddy head to the park, the child super excited at the prospect of the playground. When they arrive they discover the path leading to the equipment is covered with ice. For the child this is an opportunity for some fun but the anxious parents see potential danger everywhere and this leads to the child stomping off in tears. Dad and Daddy follow and apologise, Dad whispering, “We’re sorry” and Daddy saying, “This is new for us … For all of us.” How beautifully the emotional outburst and the handling of it are captured in both words and pictures.

The young child’s sheer frustration though, leads to a wonderful idea – imaginative play that is enjoyed by all three who become pirates fighting scary monsters,

cross a swampy area of rainforest with crocodiles snapping at their feet, morph into zooming superheroes and even become dinosaurs. Reality returns with a visit to the park cafe where they sit snuggled together for hot chocolate.

Hayley Wells’ scenes of the day’s events capture the warmth, love and trust there is between the family members and are a wonderful complement for the text Altogether a must have book not only for youngsters who grow up in LGBTQIA homes but all children and their parents/carers at home and in a KS1 classroom.

Really Rubie: A Diary

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Really Rubie: A Diary
Maddie Frost
Walker Books

Eleven year old Rubie Fox and her best friend Riley Fisher are about to go off to Camp Preview, expecting to spend the best summer ever together in the all girls’ camp. They co-create the TUCE (The Ultimate Camp Experience) TRUCE- – a list of the five things they will do together: 1) Make friendship bracelets, 2) Go water tubing, 3) Do the talent show, 4) Eat s’mores by a fire, 5) First kiss at the dance. The day before they leave though, these plans are thwarted when Riley calls to say she can’t go. She’d been trying out her mum’s high heels, fallen over and broken her ankle. Suddenly Rubie doesn’t want to go either but despite her best efforts to get out of it, go she must. However she makes a pact with Riley not to do any of the things on the TRUCE list; those will be saved for the following year. Riley gives her a sparkly item of clothing to take; it’s purpose being to don for the final dance.

Once at camp everybody seems to know everybody else and Riley’s absence is emphasised by the empty bunk bed next to Rubie’s in the Oak cabin, the one she’s to share with twins from France (and later, she discovers, also with Riley’s fashionista cousin, Kat.) Rubie decides to spend all her time in the cabin and definitely not go to the dance, but a bedtime pep-talk from Jim the Duck, her much loved stuffed chicken, inspires Rubie to set herself a ‘teeny-weeny’ goal. She should make a real friend and in so doing experience something positive.

The following day activities begin: archery, horse-riding and art for Rubie. At art she meets ‘comic girl’, fellow lover of both art and grilled cheese, who also has divorced parents and is feeling ill at ease at the camp. Her name is Eliza Sparrow, they start to co-create a comic and the two rapidly become firm friends. Soon though that TUCE TRUCE promise re-emerges, first with the gift of a friendship bracelet by Eliza and Rubie feels conflicted.

All sorts of shenanigans follow and Rubie discovers how to handle embarrassment, jealousy, being honest and being true to herself. Assuredly she feels different on her return home.

Amusingly told in diary format with black-and-white doodles on every spread, this is candid, cleverly presented and spot on for those around Rubie’s age.

Dave, Don’t Give Up!

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Dave, Don’t Give Up!
Olaf Falafel
Walker Books

Dave is a beetle with a very strange job. He has to roll a massive ball of dung to the top of a very steep hill. Why you might wonder, but you’ll likely receive the same response he gives to the worms that ask: “Don’t ask me why, it’s just what I do.” (Clearly they’re unaware of the specific kind of beetle that Dave is).

At least the weather is good: there’s no wind to impede him so off he sets ‘HRRRGGG!!!NNNNGGG!!!’ and the dung ball begins to move. After a while he encounters a chicken crossing the road but he passes the fowl successfully and continues upwards. By now the hill feels steeper and so his task is more difficult. Then a meerkat eating a sandwich splodges the marmalade in his path and on his head making his job ten times more tricky. Dave has had enough and decides to quit but as he’s about to return home his inner voice tells him not to give up, so off he goes onwards and upwards. Further obstacles impede his progress

but each time he announces he’s quitting that inner voice tells him to keep going until finally, he’s almost at the top. One more push is all that’s needed but disaster strikes and Dave is sent hurtling right back from whence he started. The words from within fail to come and a devastated Dave heads homewards. Then he hears two tiny voices with words of encouragement and more: it’s his offspring. The ball starts rolling yet again: will it finally make it to the summit?

There’s a hilarious comment from one of the little beetles that is sure to make both young listeners and adult sharers giggle. Poo, persistence, positive thinking and perhaps parenting are key ingredients in this one.

The Blue Tomato

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The Blue Tomato
Amber Aü
Little Tiger

Blu is on his way to a new farm shop in town but on arrival he finds that he’s not like all the other tomatoes; he’s blue and they are all red although they don’t mind about the difference. However, Blu is determined to become red like all his fellow tomatoes and so having done a considerable amount of research work, he embarks on a project.

Next morning he sets off to see Spider who helpfully offers some of his red paint

but thanks to a downpour, this paint soon washes away.

On he goes until he encounters Ladybird. The red juice he receives fails to change Blu’s colour and he’s on the point of giving up when he hears a noise. It’s a group of friends enjoying themselves at the farmer’s market and each one is different from every other one and of course they are ready to accept Blu just as he is. Finally Blu feels he belongs and loves his natural blue colour.

There’s a vital message at the heart of this story: everyone is different and uniqueness is something to embrace and to celebrate.

Despite their seeming simplicity, Amber Aú’s illustrations capture superbly the loneliness of Blu when he feels an outsider and his delight at eventually accepting himself as he is.”It’s cool to be blue!” he cries. I love the way all the red tomatoes look different from each other if readers/listeners look closely.

A good book for sharing and discussing, perhaps in a Foundation Stage/ KS1 circle time.

Things That Go / The Dino Book

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Things That Go
Lauren Crisp illustrated by Thomas Elliott
Little Tiger

Tinies can discover all manner of ways to move around as they explore the three settings presented in this book. First they join the animals travelling Around Town by means of various things with wheels from a scooter to a truck. Out at Sea introduces animal passengers enjoying a trip in a lifeboat, a rowing boat, a huge ship, a windsurf board, sailing boats and a motorboat. In the two final spreads we’re Up in the Air gliding, soaring or hang gliding.

With peep-through holes, flaps and cutaway pages as well as basic questions to answer, by exploring the relevant pages, this is one to help develop fine motor skills and encourage plenty of parent/child interaction.

The Dino Book
Becky Davies, illustrated by Denis Angelov
Little Tiger

Here’s a board book on the ever popular topic of dinosaurs. The Dino Book offers a fun interactive feature on every spread: there are tabs to pull, cutaways, flaps, textures to feel and more, as little ones encounter several different dinosaurs. They can also enjoy emulating those dinos by roaring, stomping, snuggling, champing, swooshing, thwacking and more as an adult reads the lively text.

Bored Bill / Three Horrid Pigs

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Bored Bill
Liz Pichon
Little Tiger

Bill is feeling bored, exceedingly so. unlike his owner Mrs Pickle who likes to keep herself busy all day: the activities she enjoys – reading, gardening, cooking, kung fu and cleaning, are all very boring to Bill. When Mrs Pickle suggests a long walk, you can imagine her floppy-eared pooch’s response and he refuses to move. Mrs Pickle gets her way however and drags him out of the house and into the chilly, windy weather, Bill still grumbling.

All of a sudden a great gust of wind lifts them both skywards and Mrs P. vanishes leaving Bill attempting unsuccessfully to hold onto a tree branch. Instead he whizzes off into space and he lands on a purple planet inhabited by aliens. His thinking that he’s in for an exciting adventure is soon replaced by, you’ve guessed it – boredom. The aliens consider exploring boring and Bill hates their food; in fact now Bill is more bored than ever before and he yearns for Mrs Pickle and her yummy food. He decides to try and engage the aliens in some fun by cooking them a tasty meal like those his owner creates; he shows them some of her kung fu moves and they play some games. No more boredom but Bill wants Mrs Pickle and home. Fortunately he’s offered a ride on the aliens’ spacecraft and on landing he discovers he is now famous, but Bill is a changed dog.

We never get to see Mrs Pickle’s face in Liz Pichon’s wonderfully whimsical scenes that complement her wacky text which carries a message about thinking carefully before complaining about being bored.

by the same creator is:

Three Horrid Pigs
Little Tiger

This is a fun twist on the favourite traditional tale. Herein the Mother Pig is so fed up with the terrible behaviour of her offspring that she packs three bags and send them out to fend for themselves. The first little pig helps himself to some of the cows’ straw and builds himself a house; the second takes twigs from the nest-building birds, and as for pig number three, he’s so lazy he just moves into a chicken coop, forcing some of the residents to vacate their home. Each time a little pig finds himself sans a sturdy residence, along comes the kindly wolf, a builder no less, to offer assistance and each time he’s sent packing.

It’s not long before the little pigs’ homes are destroyed, the materials being reclaimed by their original owners, so come nightfall, the three invade the wolf’s house via the chimney. The wolf hears them and puts a big pot on to boil …Is that the end of the horrid pigs or will they finally see the error of their ways and cease all their huffing and puffing threats?

Witty details abound in the visuals and with their message about kindness and cooperation, the words are great to read aloud to little humans.

Are You Looking At Me?

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Are You Looking At Me?
Philip Ardagh and Enrico Lorenzi
Little Tiger

From gazing gazelles and gawping gibbons to squawking parrots and gawking storks, the creatures we encounter in this story all use their eyes to stare in one way or another, but the scariest of starers may well come as a surprise to readers and listeners.
With its plethora of alliterative examples, Philip Ardagh’s jaunty rhyming text reads aloud really well

and young listeners will delight in joining in with the repeat refrain when it comes. It’s likely though that the final decision on the scariest of starers, voted for by the animal cast we’ve met during the story, will be a big surprise to audiences.

Exuding zaniness, Enrico Lorenzi’s portrayal of the ursine starer and its rivals in staring are terrific and his frequent use of fluorescent orange makes each spread one to pause over and enjoy the delightfully daft details.

A great read aloud that will surely make this one of those ‘read it again’ books. It deserves a place in every Foundation Stage and KS1 collection. I wonder what other animals children can think of and decide how they might look at the author

Biguana (and his best friend Pinto)

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Biguana (and his best friend Pinto)
Michael Parkin
Flying Eye Books

Biguana and Pinto hatched from their respective eggs just two minutes apart and have been best friends ever since. However as Iguana grows in size, so does the attention he receives. He revels in this attention and starts performing all manner of acrobatic stunts to gain even more admirers. Unfortunately in so doing, he forgets all about his best friend and even turns down Pinto’s excited invitation to see his new scooter, in favour of his new friends. Imagine how lonely this makes little Pinto feel, especially with Biguana’s popularity growing day by day. It’s a sad Pinto who scoots off to do some tricks alone; or so he thinks. Suddenly a small crab starts to clap its claws, seagulls cheer his somersaults and they all splash happily into the sea.

The following morning, Biguana waits on his rock contemplating the multitude of boats that will soon arrive to watch his stunts. Yes, a lot of boats do come but the crowds of people aboard are not cheering and calling for Biguana. A sudden realisation dawns: I’ve been so foolish, he thinks to himself, poor Pinto must have felt like this when I was showing off. Time to put things right between the two of them, but despite his diminutive size, will Pinto be big-hearted enough to accept an apology from Biguana?

Fame and fortune can be short-lived and are no substitute for the lasting nature of true friendship – that’s the lesson Biguana learns in this story. Michael Parkin’s scenes of the couple’s comical capers and the flotilla of fans provide plenty to chuckle over as the story unfolds.
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The Thing About Giants

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The Thing About Giants
Christopher Galvin
Walker Books

This book, the author’s debut, is inspired by Irish legends and what a cracker it is.

The first character we meet is Corman, a young giant living in fear of the metal birds that hunt giants, on his first trip above ground with his father. They are foraging for ‘jurtear’, much-needed healing herbs for his sister; but while so doing they come under attack from the flying spears of human hunters and become separated.

Enter twelve year old Jacq Dyer, who is the daughter of giant hunters living in Fathach, a tiered city built of giants’ bones. Having been raised to believe that giants are merely raw materials for expanding the city, she often wonders what it might be like beyond its wide protective wall.

The story is told through Corman and Jacq’s alternating voices and the two characters are soon to meet for the young giant catches the girl who falls from one of the machines sending out spears during a training mission. Lost and very frightened, the two decide that the only way to survive the fierce storm that is brewing, and find the way back to their respective homes is by working together: can they do so, even if it means Jacq has to eat worms?

With its rich world building, this is an exciting, thought-provoking adventure for older KS2 readers and beyond, that promotes acceptance, empathy and friendship while rejecting violence and prejudice. What we see is that under the surface, there is way, way more that connects humans and giants so long as both kinds are prepared to look for it.

I can hardly wait for Jacq and Corman’s next adventure.

Bart Is Different

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Bart Is Different
Barroux
Otter-Barry Books

In Bart’s family are Father Spider, Mother Spider and four little spiderlets, one of which is Bart and he’s always been different. Unlike the other spiderlets, he likes to jump and run all over the place. He’s inattentive in school, daydreaming and shaping thread patterns which makes his teacher cross; and during playtimes some of his classmates laugh at him. As a result he tends to be alone in a corner of the playground, though occasionally he lets himself follow the call of the wind that says, “Have confidence, Bart. Be yourself! Be different.” Bart heeds the wind’s good advice; he shuts his eyes, clings onto his thread and lets himself be carried by the soft wind. He finds himself dancing left and right as he twirls and twists, releasing that inner artist

to make magical shapes until his web is a veritable masterpiece. Now his fellow students as well as his teacher are unable to take their eyes off the little spiderlet. Suddenly the silence is broken by a clapping sound coming first from Bart’s teacher and then his fellow students. Over the thunderous applause, Bart tells them all that he’s naming his picture ‘Happy In The Wind’. And happy is what Bart will feel henceforward and that happiness will stay with him throughout his life. for Bart is now a great artist.

Illustrated in pen and watercolour, this is a wonderfully uplifting story that celebrates creativity, and being true to one’s self and one’s talent.

Tigers Don’t Eat Jelly

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Tigers Don’t Eat Jelly
Genevieve Aspinall
Fox & Ink Books

Tiger has a particular penchant for jelly, unusual you might think but now she wants to tempt her taste buds with some other foods. Off she goes to visit Elephant and the pachyderm loves noodles. “They are stringy and nourishing and delicious.” is sufficient praise to tempt Tiger to try some too and so they slurp, share and savour a bowlful together. Tiger then tries a new way of enjoying her jelly – with noodles.

Next stop is the waterside where Frog and Flamingo’s reply to Tiger’s favourite food question is burritos – spicy and creamy and scrumptious – Frog says; and having tasted one, Tiger has to agree. Jelly, noodles and burritos become a new favourite for Tiger

who continues with her food tasting foray and come nightfall she has amassed a veritable feast on her table at home. It will come as no surprise to young listeners that having consumed so much food, Tiger’s tummy is extremely full and she’s very, very sleepy. Then what …


It’s good to see Tiger tasting the various foods her friends offer; I can imagine some parents/carers wishing that their little ones were as adventurous: perhaps they will find the answer with the help of friends.

A mouth-watering story with additional culinary delights to be discovered on almost every spread; it’s sure to tempt adults to share it with little ones whether or not they are fussy eaters.

A Holiday For Bear

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A Holiday For Bear
Duncan Beedie
Templar Books

Duncan Beedie’s adorable Bear returns in a fourth story and this time on his daily walk through the forest he responds to his friend Frog’s “What’s the matter, Bear?” by saying that despite loving the forest and his friends, everything has suddenly started to feel the same. Frog tells his ursine friend that what he needs is a holiday.

Bear ponders on the kind of holiday he’d like and decides to visit the seaside. He returns to his cave, packs an enormous trunk with the necessaries and heads off to the beach. The sight of the waves rolling onto the golden sand and the tall palm trees appear so unlike anything he’s ever seen before. He finds himself the ideal spot, unpacks his case and spreads out a picnic. As he chomps on his sandwiches, thinking to himself how much the Ladybird family would like what he’s doing, a seagull watches hungrily and then takes on Bear in a game of volley ball, not very successfully.


Bear then cools off in the sea comparing it with his pond at home. He takes a dive beneath the waves and is awed by the marine flora and fauna, but wishes his pal Frog could see their beauty.

Returning to the shore to dry Bear sees what reminds him of Frog’s pond and on seeing a pair of goggly eyes between the rock, thinks they belong to Frog until that is, he is fiercely nipped on the nose. To take his mind off the crab, Bear starts collecting things to create a sculpture. What he fashions makes him realise how much he’s missing his friends so, with case repacked off he goes back to the forest. Once there he suggests to Frog that they have a holiday together. Where do you think they go?

With wonderfully droll, expressive scenes created both visually and verbally, this is certain to delight young listeners and adult readers aloud especially as the holiday season is fast approaching.

Again! said Rabbit

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Again! said Rabbit
Marjorke Henrichs
Scallywag Press

Rabbit is off to spend a day on the beach with Mum and Dad Rabbit. “Time to relax,” says Dad as they arrive; little does he know.
Rabbit has brought along his bucket and spade, a kite, Ted and Elephant and a ball. First, Rabbit and Dad kick the ball; “AGAIN!” Rabbit says. Dad then suggests they fly the kite. It starts well with the kite going higher and higher but thanks to a gull, Dad ends up entangled in the string and needing of a rest. Mum steps in to help Rabbit build a ‘beautiful’ sandcastle. That’s not quite what happens however, though Rabbit has a great time

and you can guess what he says.

Then into the sea they all wade. Initially Rabbit has fun jumping the waves and judging from what they say, so too do Dad and Mum; but then comes a very large wave and a change of response from Rabbit and parents. By now, Rabbit has had enough of their previous activities so his response to a snack is enthusiastic until, having shared his favourite bun with Bird, a lot of winged friends turn up and …

How will the rabbit family’s day end: will they be happy or fed up?

With its repeat ‘Again!’ this third story in the series is every bit as fun for very young listeners as the previous two: its simple patterned text also makes it great for beginning readers to try for themselves.

The Dog Who Was (Almost) Perfect

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The Dog Who Was (Almost) Perfect
Jack Kurland
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

This is the second book by author/illustrator Jack Kurland and this time it features a pooch (mainly). Meet dachshund Doris, a dog that is perfect in everything she does – skateboarding, swimming, stick fetching, squirrel chasing and lots more besides.
Each morning she wakes Bill, fetches his favourite slippers and then the two go for a walk, whatever the weather. After this Doris would do a new trick – perfectly as you might expect. But then one morning, disaster! Doris discovers she’s bitten a huge hole in one of Bill’s slippers. Panic! How will he react? Doris decides that there’s only one way to deal with this: off she dashes and hides the evidence so that nobody will ever know what she’s done. Or will they? Up comes another dog wanting to know what Doris is doing,

followed by several others all saying that they’ve done things much worse: one neighbourhood hound gobbled a large part of the sofa, another stole a string of sausages, a third caused a fire. Having heard all these confessions Doris hurries back to Bill and explains about the slipper and Bill is of course, ready to forgive her.

This engaging tale ends with a fun visual twist that will delight young listeners, and at the same time, remind them (and adult readers aloud) that we do not need to be perfect to be loved.

The Fluffy Futon

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The Fluffy Futon
Yuichi Kasano
Gecko Press

On the opening spread we see a rather rotund Grandma spreading a futon on the porch to air in the sun. Slightly closer observation reveals several animals lurking nearby: there’s a curly porcine tail, a pair of curved horns, a wing, tail feathers and two yellow claws. Almost as soon as the futon has been placed in the sun, up wanders a cat. She opens her mouth wide and ‘Yw-aahhn’, out comes a big yawn, and flat out onto the futon lies the moggy.The sight of the sleeping cat induces a great big yawn from Grandma and she immediately flops down onto the futon too. As she snoozes along come three little chicks and their mother hen;

more Yw-aahhns and ploffs as down they drop and fast asleep they go.

It’s not long before the fluffy futon is full and then flinging her arms wide, Grandma rolls over and her fellow snoozers are flung hither and yon, all except the black cat that is reluctant to move.

Yuichi Kasano’s simple scenes of the sleepers are delightfully droll and adults and young children will enjoy sharing the story, at bedtime or any other time. The latter will love joining in with the oft repeated ‘ploff’ and ‘Yw-aahhn’ sounds as the ever increasing cast of characters take advantage of the opportunity to snooze.

Cliff The Man with a Seagull on his Head

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Cliff The Man with a Seagull on his Head
Gareth Hopkins and Alex Latimer
Happy Yak

Cliff is the keeper at the old lighthouse, a lonely job until the unexpected arrival of a seagull that lands on his head and there it remains. Quite soon it feels normal to have this creature perched on his hat and wherever Cliff goes so does the seagull. All is well until the two pay a visit to the town across the water where everybody considers seagulls a bad idea and make it known in no uncertain terms how they feel.

Back at the lighthouse, the edible contents of Cliff’s cupboards are rapidly depleted (it’s been a case of Cliff’s food in exchange for a head massage from the gull.

That night the seagull decides Cliff would probably be better off without his hat attachment and off it flies. Cliff wakes to feel empty inside and can think of nothing else but his seagull friend. Away he goes to sea in a tiny rowing boat without first checking the weather forecast.. Consequently, Cliff is unprepared for the fierce storm that descends, smashing the little boat into pieces and tossing Cliff into the chilly sea, where he clung to a lump of driftwood fearing the worst. Meanwhile up in the sky the seagull searches when all of a sudden, way, way below it spies something woolly exactly the same shape as Cliff’s head. Off it swoops into the town and before you can say chips, there’s a trail of townsfolk following the gull towards the harbour, onto a boat and guided by clever pooping on the seagull’s part, they reach Cliff just in time to heave him aboard.

With Cliff and the seagull reunited, all feels right once more and hence forth, wherever Cliff’s head went, there too went the seagull, be it at sea or on land. That’s dedication for sure. And now it appears that in town, seagulls have become everybody’s crowning glory.

A warm-hearted, gently humorous tale where Alex Latimer’s comical caricatures of the avian antics show how how a normally dubbed, noisy, chip-stealing nuisance can instead become a faithful friend to a human.

Max and the Haircut

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Max and the Haircut
Samareh Azadi
Otter-Barry Books

This story is narrated by Max whose hair has grown so much it resembles a lion’s mane and he’s got the roar to go with it. Nw Mum has decided that it’s time for him to go for his very first haircut, destination Wendy’s Hair Salon. This is bound to be a very big challenge as Max is neurodivergent. When they arrive he finds the salon too bright, too noisy and it’s full of sharp, spiky objects As soon as Wendy puts a cape around his neck it feels uncomfortable as he finds it too tight. Max hates the water spray too and the sharpness of the hair clips.

Then Wendy starts snipping and very soon he calls out “STOP!” Wendy does so and then she has a good idea. She removes Max’s apron and offers him a cat to cuddle and a bubble- blower to play with. This makes things much, much better, so much better that Max announces, “ I like it!” Whether he’s referring to his new haircut or the cat/bubble experience, it matters not. What does matter is that Wendy accepted that Max needed a different approach from the usual one she would use with a neurotypical child and was willing to cater for that.

Tenderly told, Samareh Azadi’s first picture book beautifully captures the first haircut experience, but in addition gives it an extra unspoken element: an aspect of Max’s neurodivergence is his sensory processing and how this affects his new experience. (I love Max’s creative thinks bubbles during the first part of his haircut.)

Marcie and Giraffe

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Marcie and Giraffe
Kim Gregory
Little Tiger

Both Marcie and Giraffe each create a representation of the other, using paints and large sheets of paper. Initially Marcie feels proud of her painting of Giraffe; but then she sees Giraffe’s painting of her being happy. However, it doesn’t make the girl feel happy at all. She stamps all over it , rips it in half and tosses it aside saying, “Your art is better than mine,” Giraffe remains patient merely commenting, “My art doesn’t look like you any more, so it can’t be all that good.”

Marcie goes on to create a series of four pictures – her brain, stomach, legs and face – each portraying the emotional turmoil that she’s in. Giraffe understands how she feels, pointing out that she doesn’t usually look that way though he does like what she’s done.
Then in turn, Giraffe tries making a fierce scribbly picture but ends up planting his rear end in the paint

and the result bears a striking resemblance to himself, sans his head. This is then added, splat mode, and both Marcie and Giraffe are delighted. So much so that they both joyously make more art and more importantly, they love it.

A story about both creativity and emotions. Importantly it shows (not tells) that art is a means of expressing oneself and that it’s not appropriate to compare one individual’s work with that of another person ).

I love the messy appearance of the art room at the end of the story where it’s clear that both characters have had an enjoyable experience.

Mission: Bedtime

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Mission: Bedtime
Tracey Corderoy and Alex Patrick
Little Tiger

It’s bedtime in the bear household. All the adults are tired out but not so little Kit. She is wide awake, bursting with energy and eager to watch Agent Penguin on TV.

Grandpa may be feeling sleepy but not so much that it prevents him from having a clever idea. Off he goes into his shed to make some items for secret agents to use. He then turns the adult bears into a team of secret agents – there’s Agent Exhauster, Agent Bubble-Boss and Agent Gadget – and allocates each a special mission for Kit to undertake. Will any of them have the desired effect, calm the little bear down and send her on the way to slumberland, mission accomplished;

or will it be three cases of mission impossible? If so can Grandpa come up with an extra special bonus mission that can do the trick?

Little humans will laugh at Kit’s high-spirited behaviour probably enjoying her missions as much as the small protagonist, whereas adults who are accustomed to bedtime procrastination will recognise Kit’s delaying tactics with a smile and one hopes, employ that bonus mission like Grandpa did.

Assuredly a book for young and old to enjoy together savouring the wealth of detail in Alex Patrick’s scenes of the ursine family as they share Tracey Corderoy’s comical bedtime caper.

The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia

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The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia
Leia Ham
Puffin

Twelve year old Sparrow Xia lives in a world where children have magic but lose it when they become adults. Sparrow is a fire mage and is starting her first year at Zenith Academy for Magical Development, situated on the other side of the United Realms. However she feels inferior to her older brother Ainsley whose magic is far stronger than hers; he’s thriving at the Academy and is also her parents’ favourite, something she resents.

Hopeful that things might change once she settles in, Sparrow is determined to do her very best to strengthen her fire-magic, which is merely a tiny flame. Before long, she has started to form friendships with Lyndon an air mage and Orla, a nature mage, both of whom value kindness over strength.

As Sparrow endeavours to develop and master her talents, a mysterious illness starts to affect the school’s most powerful students, draining them of their magic. She and her friends take the opportunity to solve the mystery of its cause and search for a cure, and in so doing, win some respect from her brother who loves to belittle Sparrow.

With Sparrow’s unwavering endeavours to find self-worth, superb world-building, and powerful black and white illustrations at almost every turn of the page, Leia Ham has created a truly engrossing start to what promises to be a great fantasy series. I devoured it in a day and I’m sure readers around Sparrow’s age will love it too.

Where the Tide Lines Lead

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Where the Tide Lines Lead
Sophie Cameron
Little Tiger

Elio’s family owns a holiday resort on a Spanish island. Recently several teenagers have gone missing and as a result bookings in the town dry up and Elio’s parents decide to get rid of some of their staff. Then one day while walking on the beach, Elio unexpectedly sees a girl named Maria Riera. Despite his cries, she walks straight into the sea through its parting waves which then close over her. Expecting Maria to reappear, he waits a while but despite her being a champion swimmer, she doesn’t re-surface.

Nobody believes what he saw, other than Sam, a tourist whose sister Jess, had previously gone missing and so the two decide to investigate. That night they ‘borrow’ a boat and set off over the water and not long after, the sea starts to open just like it had for Maria and they are pulled under. They find a kind of underwater city ruled over by selkie-like beings that are in need to help from Sam and Elio, but are they to be trusted?

Just like the pull of the water, the pull of this story will quickly draw readers in to its mysterious happenings. Will Sam and Elio (and perhaps the others who are missing) be able to return to their normal lives or are they destined to remain below the sea?

With some great characters, themes of feeling alone, feeling different and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin, climate change and pollution, this is a book for those older readers who like mystery stories that blend fantasy and reality.

Edith

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Edith
Catharina Valckx
Gecko Press

When Edith is born she receives, at her parents’ behest, gifts from two fairies. The first fairy, Aisha is young and gives the infant the ability to bring things to life. The second, an old fairy, bestows on the baby the gift of everlasting childhood. However, remaining ten for ever eventually becomes boring so when she reaches one hundred, but with the appearance of a child, Edith decides that change is necessary.

Bolster her dog reminds her that she’s always wanted a friend but rather than one that wouldn’t understand Edith’s eternal youth, she decides to go against what her parents had told her. She animates a lemon from the fruit bowl and names it Squirt. Squirt is a fast learner and becomes extremely helpful as well as great friends with Bolster. The two of them decide that something needs to be done and that something is to find a fairy to undo the gift so Edith can grow up in the same way as other people.

A camping trip in the forest ensues and eventually becomes a quest to find the fairy whose name begins with A (the only remaining fairy, so a kindly gnome named Dwim tells them). Edith is determined and certain that what she wants is to grow old and eventually die and she tells her friends so. They stick together over land and sea, finally arriving on dry sand. Fortunately, Aisha, the fairy they seek, lives in one of the few houses there. She greets them, and not long after with a flick of her wand …

With an important philosophical question underpinning the story, this book celebrates determination, the changes during a lifetime, aging and eventually, death. Illustrated in soft hues this will generate much thought and discussion.

Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo / Legacy: The Shadow Rises

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Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo
Àlàbá Ònájín
Scallywag Press

This graphic novel debut is set in the coastal village of Makoko, in Lagos. That in itself makes it worth seeking out for the rarity of such a setting in a book for younger readers.

Korobá decides to become a detective when her friend’s Saidat’s treasured kolo (a wooden money box) mysteriously vanishes just before the annual harvest festival, also called Breaking Day as it’s when the childen of the village break open their kolos and spend the money on clothes and shoes for the festival.
Korobá and her friends have to handle both family responsibilities and looking for and following clues to solve the mystery of the missing Kolo.

Àlàbá Ònájín has done a great job bringing the coastal village to life and we see such things as laundry dangling on lines strung between homes built on stilts as those who live there walk on wooden walkways and canoe through the canals, as well as market stalls with vibrant umbrellas shading both both buyers and sellers.


A lively adventure story that deserves to gain a wide audience and it would definitely enrich primary school classroom collections.

for slightly older readers is:

Legacy: The Shadow Rises
Zak Simons-Hurn and The Fickling Brothers
David Fickling Books

The first of a graphic novel three part fantasy series. Herein Scarlett Thawn, heir to the city of Hightown receives the news that that her family has been attacked, she is forced to abandon all that she cares about , With dark forces already having taken hold of the city proving her lecgacy will be far from easy. Can Scarlett overcome these evil powers and take hold of what is rightfully hers? Perhaps with help from Rex Adamar, a stranger.

Great characters, help make this a hugely exciting series opener that should ensure readers will want
to follow events right through to the end of book three.

We Don’t Like Bertie

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We Don’t Like Bertie
Sally Anderson
Tiny Tree Books

The little girl narrator of this story has recently become a big sister and now she feels totally sidelined, invisible in fact. Her mother’s time is all taken up with the baby so the girl creates Boggle, an imaginary friend. Boggle has a number of ideas that should attract mum’s attention. They sing very loud; they make breakfast for everybody; they wash the cat and get dressed all by themselves.

None of these activities have the desired effect on mum and so they help paint the nursery walls.

At last the little girl is invisible no longer; however, she’s in serious trouble with her mum. “It wasn’t me, it was Boggle!” she insists to a puzzled parent, going on to explain when Boggle came and that like herself, Boggle is invisible. Now her mum understands, assuring her daughter that she’s not invisible, rather she is mum’s BIG girl. This is followed by an offer to show how they can all play together and so they build towers with nappies, give Bertie a ‘rocket bottle’ and share a bedtime story; they even do a bit of colouring.

After all this, big sister has decided that in fact, she and Boggle quite like Bertie, though not all the time.

This story with its theme of new sibling jealousy is just right for sharing with small children in a situation similar to the book’s young narrator. The attention-seeking antics of the narrator and friend are captured in the delightfully dramatic illustrations making the book all the more fun.

Hupo and the Doom Lagoon

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Hupo and the Doom Lagoon
Billy Partridge
Flying Eye

The intrepid Hupo returns for another exciting adventure. For those who haven’t met Hupo before, he’s a dog-rabbit and as this story begins he’s about to embark on his second fantastical undertaking, this time aboard an airship belonging to the great Humdingo. As he’s about to board the ship, he sees before him a stranger looking exactly like him and calling himself Zimmy. This creature knows about Hurtha’s powerful Gem and Humdingo invites him to join them as they set off in the great airship, destination Doom Lagoon. What though are Zimmy’s motives? Doom Lagoon is said to be a mysterious place where one’s worst fears can be trapped beneath its waters so they never have to be faced again.

It’s not long though before plans start to unravel and centuries of fear are unleashed upon Yip, then Humdingo announces that Hurtha’s Gem has been taken from the lagoon. He calls every creature of the Lagoon to board his ship and its engine bursts into life. Where though is Zimmy? Quickly Hupo goes to his rescue and the airship zips off into the gathering storm. Humdingo sends everyone below deck where Zimmy and Hupo tell stories to everyone while the Fears grow ever more terrifying. But then Hupo notices something in Zimmy’s backpack. It’s Hurtha’s Gem.

When a horrifying Fear and then more burst in, will this be of any use? It falls to Hupo and Zimmy to save everyone from the horrors of Doom Lagoon. Can they succeed?

But Will Hupo ever learn the real reason why Zimmy has the Gem and why he is on the Doom Lagoon expedition? With themes of finding your true self, jealousy and facing up to your fears and fantastic artwork, this second Hupo drama is both gripping and amusing.

Princess Pete

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Princess Pete
Zoey Allen and Frenci Sanna
Walker Books

Let me tell you about Pete who acts as the book’s narrator. Sometimes Pete is a prince; other times Pete is a princess. Pete loves to play with the boys and sometimes with the girls. Pete has a fair few friends but is yet to have a best friend. Some days Pete dresses in ‘pink shorts. yellow tops, and blue wellies.’ Other days Pete will be seen clad in ‘green jumpers, flowery trousers and butterfly sandals.’

Pete enjoys playing beauty salon with Mum,

and also enjoys getting mucky. Sometimes Pete likes playing alone bringing imaginary worlds and dreams to life perhaps having beautiful pegacorns flying round about while hedgehogs sing.

This behaviour, confuses some people who ask if Pete is a boy, others ask if Pete’s a girl. It’s difficult for Pete to know how to respond sometimes but mum and dad tell such people that Pete is Pete.”Princess Pete!” our narrator tells us. “I may have been born a boy, but I don’t always feel like the boys. Sometimes I feel more like the girls. Sometimes I feel somewhere in between.”

Such language might very well be used by non-binary or gender-fluid children who have yet to acquire those words; it’s a good way help them explain how they feel, age- appropriately, especially if, as is shown in one of Frenci’s scenes, people are finger pointing at the protagonist. An affirming story for all.

Crow: Thief of Magic

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Crow: Thief of Magic
Fiona Dixon
Harper Collins Children’s Books

Twelve year old Crow is a thief who barely makes a living working for the Reavers of the underworld, robbing the wealthy ruling class who live in the city. However, one day a seemingly mundane delivery takes him to a mysteriously quiet building wherein resides Viktor who says he’s a Dreamcatcher, a kind of sorcerer and he offers Crow a role as his assistant. Crow says he can’t accept but doesn’t forget the offer.

Then days later a planned heist goes horribly wrong, there’s a terrible fire and Crow is left alone, his friends gone and he’s nowhere to go except perhaps … the Dreamcatcher’s manor house. The Dreamcatcher discovers him asleep on his doorstep curled up with his cat, Nekima, takes him in and there, after drinking a herbal infusion, Crow falls asleep once more. Now Viktor is sure that this is the boy he’s been searching for, the one he wants for an apprentice.

At the start everything seems to be going well with the enigmatic Viktor who says among other things, that a Dreamcatcher has a responsibility to keep the balance between good and evil. But can this new master be trusted? Who is he really and what secrets is he hiding? What about the ghost that Crow keeps seeing. And what happens behind the door of the Nightmare Room? Then here’s the cat, Nekima, that the boy seems able to communicate with.

It’s not long before Crow learns of an ancient strain of nightmare magic that could devastate Stargard itself and everyone therein. With All Soul’s Eve fast approaching and the appearance of a new comet in the sky, Crow realises that he has to make a difficult decision: who can he really trust?

A thrilling, thought-provoking fantasy for older readers and a terrific debut novel for its author.

Alice with a WHY Return to Wonderland

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Alice with a WHY Return to Wonderland
Anna James, illustrated by Matthew Land
Harper Collins Children’s Books

It’s March 1919 and many years have passed since Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, of which this book is a kind of reimagining. The story follows Alyce, her granddaughter who, while sitting beside a pond, is hit in the face by a strange, smudged invitation that she thinks is meant for her. It’s signed ‘Your old friend’ and three sets of initials. She then falls into the garden pond and finds herself in a very strange world inhabited by the original Wonderland tale her grandmother had once explored. There, she has some weird conversations with the Dormouse, Hare and Hatter.

These eccentrics beg Alyce to search for the Time Being, said to be the only one able to halt the war between the Sun King and the Queen of the Moon. The latter being accused by the King of stealing an hour from her and the resulting celestial battle means that day and night come according to who is currently winning.

Unsure of where she’ll find the Time Being, off Alyce goes, hopeful and determined. Her journey takes her into illogical, ridiculous situations encountering on her way, other of Carroll’s characters and some new ones too.
What will the outcome be? Will Alyce succeed in her mission?

Superbly written with lots of whimsical touches (you’d expect that from Anna James, author of the Pages & Co series) and themes including courage and determination. Making it even more special are Matthew Land’s iconic, wonderfully detailed black and white illustrations that have echoes of John Tenniel.

A delight: both existing fans of the Lewis Carroll original and new readers, will enjoy this cracking book. It would make a smashing class read too.

How Many Babies? / Yummy Yummy

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How Many Babies?
Yummy Yummy
Forest Xiao
Walker Books

Those who have read Seven Babies will immediately recognise the Forest Xiao’s adorable infant depictions. However How Many Babies? goes three better and introduces, one per spread, ten tinies in playful mood (occasionally accompanied by mum or dad). We see the first one playing peek-a-boo, two high fiving each another, three in a tight squeeze, four holding on as tight to Dad as he is to them, and so on until having made a mess munching their meal, they settle down, or some do, to sleep, along with their exhausted-looking parents.
A must for the very youngest’s book collection.

So too is Yummy Yummy. Some things are certainly yummy – corn and watermelon for instance and milk. Other items prove equally yummy – if you happen to be one of the delightful babies in this board book. Take, music (not the sounds but the instrument itself), table or stool, mark-making colours, even your own tootsie; and for sure, your infant pal had better beware if within close tasting range.

Giggles galore will likely result if you read this fun offering to your own baby, maybe more from the adult than the infant though. That said, slightly older little ones will devour it and perhaps demand more.

You Be You

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You Be You
Chitra Soundar and Sophie Bass
Walker Books

Sadly there are all too many people who are not willing to accept others who are different from themselves; equally sadly or perhaps even more so, is that a fair amount of the language used in speeches (and the press) intended to influence others in the current climate, is designed to attack those with different ideologies, to mislead or create division.

Chitra Soundar has written a lively rhyming narrative that promotes being, and celebrating being, yourself, while at the same time allowing and respecting other people’s right to be themselves, and learning to celebrate the voices of others however different they may be.

To that end she uses two voices – ‘me’ and ‘you’. Peaceful, respectful co-existence is what matters. This is very evident in Sophie Bass’s powerful illustrations especially the finale wherein diverse people are shown in and around the rainbow, which acts as a symbol of harmony.

Anybody who has ever felt categorised for one reason or another will feel empowered by the universal message Chitra and Sophie have created. Having said that, this is an important book for everybody to read and discuss be that at home or in the classroom.

The Unchosen One

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The Unchosen One
Amy Sparkes
Walker Books

This is the first instalment of a new series set in the Isles of Peryll way back in time. At the start of this story twelve year old orphan, Tassalonia Monk, Tassie for short drops from a tree into the cart of a stranger who introduces herself as The Wisest of the Wise. The stranger takes Tassie to the tower to see the Chief Steward who is also the girl’s guardian. He informs his ward that according to an ancient prophecy she is the Chosen One, whose destiny being to save the people of Peryll from the awakening of a shadow banished around a thousand years ago. Could this be the adventure Tassie has been longing for?

Perhaps not, for her guardian goes on to tell her that the quest means that she will be locked in a highly guarded room at the top of a tower and have to read a protective spell every hour for the rest of her life. This feels like the exact opposite of everything this accident-prone girl would be suited for; she’s totally wrong for the task and equally unwilling. Surely she isn’t the Chosen One; however the supposed birthmark on her neck indicates that she is.

The answer she decides is to find somebody else for the job. She calls upon her best friend and inventor, Spin, a tiny golden griffin, to accompany her on her mission and off they set, two adventurers, or researchers, as Tassie calls them. Soon they encounter an elf, Darley; can he be trusted to lead them on the right path? Will they discover who is the true Chosen One?

Wonderful world-building, full of suspense and humour too; and with a well-meaning, kind-hearted, courageous protagonist, this is a captivating book for fantasy enthusiasts from around seven

It Won’t Be Forever

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It Won’t Be Forever
John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

At the edge of the forest lives a loving family of eight little fox cubs and their parents, Kit (the mother) and Rey (the father).Vixie, one of the cubs is exceptionally close to her dad; he cheers her up when she’s worried, lonely or sad.

One day Rey tells Vixie that he has to spend a short time away from the family; the little cub is horrified at the news of her father’s impending journey and he reassures her that their love has created a link that connects them no matter where he is and that she should look up at the sky and know that he is looking at the same sky and thinking of her. He also gives her a peacock blue feather as a reminder of his love and tells her to keep busy during his time away. a time that definitely won’t be forever.

Vixie remembers to do what her Dad has said, feels their loving connection and does her best to enjoy herself with the rest of her family. Then one day when she’s out playing she has the best possible surprise – her beloved Dad is back from his travels. Now she really does understand those words of his.

I remember as a child feeling very upset whenever my father (who worked for British Airways) had to go abroad and completely understand how Vixie felt. 
John Dougherty’s warm, lyrical text that reads aloud well together with Thomas Docherty’s highly expressive mixed media illustrations make for a book that shows young children that absence and loss are different, the former being temporary and that it’s natural to feel upset or sad when a loved one is away for a while but their shared love always reunites them.


Share and talk about at home and in the classroom. Perhaps a circle time session following a class sharing would allow young children to talk about their experiences and thus contribute to their PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development).

The Ministry of Manners

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The Ministry of Manners
David Solomons, illustrated by Hazem Asif
Piccadilly Press

This story is set in a dystopian world that may remind adults of 1984. The author’s world-building is superb.

Meet siblings Margot and Alfie Hawthorne who have grown up under the regime of the Ministry of Manners where politeness is not a choice but the law. Just one wrong word can change your life and don’t even think about laughing. Margot has never been one for being quiet and obedient whereas her brother prefers to stay out of trouble and has learned how to survive Both their parents work for the Ministry, which has some perks but means their offspring mustn’t ask too many questions. So when Margot speaks up she is sent to a Manners Retreat, the purpose of which is to reshape her ‘impolite’ tendencies. Can she remain true to herself no matter what?

This leaves Alfie torn between sticking to the rules and love for his sister. Before long he becomes involved with a resistance group called the Unsilenced. He’s also shocked by some of the things he discovers about what his father actually does.

With two terrific protagonists in Margot and Alfie, themes of finding your own voice, courage and bravery, this is a thrilling, absolutely gripping read that on occasion feels just a bit too close to reality. It would make a great class read for older juniors. Just remind everyone to say thank you to the author and illustrator and the publisher or beware!

Buck & Ears Pirate Detectives

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Buck & Ears Pirate Detectives
Jennifer Bell, illustrated by Sarah Horne
Walker Books

As this story begins Buck and loyal leporine Ears, have been dubbed the worst pirates ever by some members of the gull fraternity and are already deciding that their career as pirates is over. Now they’ve headed to Scuttleflint Bay and are perusing the place for alternative occupations when they hear the sound of crying. It turns out to be Captain Bloodfang, reputed to be the most fearful pirate on the Seventy Seas; but fearful pirates are not supposed to shed tears over the lack of a letter from a best friend, Valentina, and certainly not get caught so doing.

Rather than lose their lives, Ears announces that she and Buck are professional pirate detectives willing to search for Valentina and Bloodfang agrees to hire them but gives them just three days to find her. Ears hears that the missing friend is none other than the famous mermaid chef, Valentina Vermicelli. The detectives strike a deal, acquire a ramshackle ship and advertise for crew and thus the Case of the Missing Mer-chef is launched.

Their first hirings as crew members are Huggable Pete (a prickly porcupine), and Priscilla Fontaine, both lacking experience; then comes Apprentice Professor Darwin Montgomery (Darwin for short) who volunteers to navigate but is unable to swim. They set sail and after an eventful trip, catch sigh of Valentina’s restaurant. Before long Buck and Ears are speaking to the assistant head chef of the establishment (a lobster) who tells them that Valentina went off in search of a secret ingredient and hasn’t been seen since. Time is running out before Buck and Ears become pirate stew.

Can the two, aided and abetted by Pete, Darwin and Priscilla, follow the clues, find Valentina and save their own lives to become the only pirate detectives sailing the Seventy Seas?

With a cracking Agatha Fishy crew that are at once lovable and very funny, and a narrative that will have readers giggling throughout, Jennifer Bell has written a smashing read for those who love high drama, detective work and humour, made all the more fn by Sarah Horne’s illustrations of the cast, especially Huggable Pete with those marshmallows on his spines.

Fred the (Very Demanding) Deer

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Fred the (Very Demanding) Deer
Pépé Smit
Scallywag Press

As the title says, Fred the deer is extremely demanding, especially where his author/illustrator is involved.

Having lived in the forest at the beginning of his life, he suddenly decides to take a leap and off he heads to the city. As he strolls down a street, Fred is surprised to find that everybody looks at him in a strange way s he decides to walk on his hind legs. However this doesn’t stop the staring. Fred concludes that his lack of shoes is the issue. His creator kindly takes him to a shoe shop and Fred selects a pair of trendy trainers.

So enamoured is he with his new footwear that he fails to take notice of where he’s going. The result is an accident involving a motor cyclist. Fred, fortunately for him, ends up somersaulting onto a small area of grass and landing upside down. Unsurprisingly people stare at him even more but now that stop and throw money at him too, praising his ‘amazing performance’.

Suddenly Fred hears a rumbling sound – it’s his tummy telling him it needs for. Good thing he landed on the grass surely? But Fred doesn’t want to sate his appetite on grass. No way! Fred wants to eat chips. His creator suggests that sans hands this can’t happen. You can guess what Fred demands then.
A bit of a tiff ensues, but after a while Fred’s long-suffering creator gives in and off goes Fred, hands outstretched towards Charlie’s Chips. The chips certainly hit the mark but the sated dear lies down for his afternoon nap in the manner he would have in the forest. Before long his favourite tree comes into his mind and Fred says that he wants to return from whence he came. Out comes an eraser and away go Fred’s hooves. But what about his hands? Well, those are going to stay put.
back in the forest, Fred is happy and also famous.

Can you guess why? …

Deliciously droll: this corvine creature seems to have his author/illustrator wrapped around his hooves, or should that be fingers?

The World’s Last Mammoth and other Missing Marvels

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The World’s Last Mammoth and other Missing Marvels
Mike Barfield and Franziska Höllbacher
Templar

If you know a primary age child who thinks history is boring, try offering them this book. Divided into eight chapters, it looks at some of world history’s most mysterious marvels and amazing mysteries. Topics range from ancient civilisations, extinct animals, lost treasures, technologies, missing historical figures, mythical monsters and how people spend their non-working time.
Each chapter features comic strips.

Chapter 1, entitled The Magnificent Seven, revisits the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Only one – the Great Pyramid (on the outskirts of modern-day Cairo) still exists and also presented are other buildings past and present, and several statues.
The second chapter features Lost Leaders and you’ll meet – or perhaps you won’t meet the legendary King Arthur, (actually he reappears in the final chapter), Cleopatra, Genghis Khan, once a mighty Mongolian emperor (his body has never been located) famous for the number of people he killed in medieval times (around 40 million supposedly) and somebody I’d not heard of – Puyi who was made an emperor at just 2 years old – against his wishes I hasten to add. A wacky comic strip spread briefly outlines his story.

Have you ever wondered why the dodos met their demise? Or heard of another flightless bird, the Solitaire; they crop up in the third chapter. No matter which chapter you turn to, you’ll find humour aplenty among the missing marvels featured and it’s possible you’ll end up with aching ribs from laughing.

Add a copy or two to KS2 class collections and wait for the grabbing to begin.

Skipping to Sammy’s Beat

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Skipping to Sammy’s Beat
Coral Vass and Blithe Fielden
New Frontier Publishing

The year Sammy turned four she wore her pink tutu, her spotty yellow wellies, her big bat wings and her bike helmet. She spent time splashing in puddles, dangling from trees and searching for ladybirds; best of all though she loved to dance and was able to hear her very own tap, da-dum, tap, tap, da-dum beat.

However, when she turned five Sammy noticed that her friends were dressing more modestly causing her to feel silly in her tutu. Consequently she shed her usual gear but when she danced down the path now the other children made fun of her and so she stopped dancing altogether.

Instead she watched the others playing and enjoying all the things she once loved to do.
Her beat grew quieter and quieter until she couldn’t hear it at all and she felt full of sadness.

Then one day she slumped down beside a path near a large puddle and there as she dropped her head, she saw a dragonfly trying its best to get out of the water. Gently she scooped it out and held it carefully. The other children noticed and came over. They all watched the little insect take to the air that is what helped her find the courage to move to her own beat once more.

A sweet, sensitive story told in a lively manner with vibrant, detailed illustrations that show so well, Sammy’s changing feelings as the story progresses. One hopes that it will encourage young children to have the courage to be true to themselves and fully embrace what makes them unique, and allow others to do so too.

Greek Boy

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Greek Boy
Tony Bradman
Walker Books

This latest story in the “Boy’ series begins in BCE 481 and centres around Nikos. The boy has just encountered his father, Kleon, back from a trip. Kleon is not happy with the fact that his son hasn’t kept up with his studies, nor shown an interest in how the society he belongs to actually works. Having decided to do better, Nikos takes on the role of man of the house, taking care of his mother and sisters when his father leaves once more. But then his father is accused of being a ‘Medizer’ a traitor who has betrayed the Athenians to their enemy, the Persians who are threatening to invade. However Nikos and the rest of his family are also dubbed as traitors and he agrees to accept help from Themistokles, a friend of his father, who offers his country house as a safe place for the rest of his family.

He meanwhile intends to do all he can to prove his father’s and his own loyalty to the city state. Thus he signs up to become a marine in the Greek Navy and ten days later he’s off in The Sea Serpent, destination Artemisium, the Hot Gates and thence into the middle of the fighting; and pretty brutal it proves to be.

Nikos is told he should be proud of himself: can he do enough to save not only himself but his loved ones, father included, from the threat of execution, especially when he learns of Themistokles’s betrayals?

A thoroughly captivating story with themes of loyalty, treachery and betrayal, a wealth of memorable details and some splendid black and white illustrations by Alessandro Valdrighi, as well as a historical note at the end. Highly recommended for Y4 readers and beyond.

The Moon

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The Moon
David Hawcock, illustrated by Adam Linley
NuiNui

The first manned Moon landing was over fifty years back when NASA’s Apollo 11 mission took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the Moon, with Neil Armstrong being the very first human to walk on the Moon’s surface and adults will perhaps recall his “That’s one small step for (a)man, one giant leap for mankind” speech.” Now NASA’s Artemis Ⅱ Moon Mission has brought the moon very much into focus again and this timely pop-up offers an accessible, fun and informative way to educate young children about our nearest celestial body and Earth’s only natural satellite.

The aforementioned Apollo 11 landing is the subject of one of this book’s ten spreads – Walking on the Moon from which we learn that a dozen NASA astronauts from Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972 have walked on the Moon. (This spread is also the cover illustration, sans the flag jointly planted on the surface by Armstrong and Aldrin.)
Before that though is a spread entitled Man on the Moon whereon we have a pop-out of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module – Eagle.

I’ve rather jumped ahead of the book’s sequence, which begins with a look at the Solar System and youngsters will learn that there are in fact many moons therein. Next, following an introductory paragraph, The Moon spread explains that the Moon goes around the Earth and is one aspect of the movement (planet motion) helping to create night, day and the seasons. We also see diagram of the layers inside the Moon.

I won’t mention details of the other six spreads: (below is the illustration for one of them)

rather, I suggest that you get hold of a copy of this fascinating book and share it with young children – in small groups or individually. It’s sturdily built so should stand up to handling in a Foundation stage/KS1 classroom.

Nora Nightsky Double the Drama / Mirabelle and the Enchanted Sea Globe

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Nora Nightsky Double the Drama
Rebecca Lewis-Oakes, illustrated by Becka Moor
Scholastic

Nora Nightsky is no less keen to grant human wishes that she was in the first story but when she receives a wish letter handed to her by her sister Koko, seemingly sent by someone called From, she knows she must return to Earth. Her assumption is that the wisher, who wants to write comic books, is called From. Her intention is to convince the wisher that they can sort out their own wish. This time her Dad allows her to go so long as she agrees to write an essay on how humans behave when she returns.

On arrival Nora sees a little girl at a window holding up a sign saying, ‘Are you my star?’. Her name is Maya and Nora assumes that she is the one who wants to write comic books. However Nora’s efforts to get the girl interested in the appropriate tools to use rather that looking for the right shoes seems strange and their visit to the library is even more puzzling. Maya wants to look at books about mountaineers not comic books. On their way back to Maya’s home they see her neighbour, Mo, sitting on the doorstep doodling in a notebook. After some encouragement from Nora she speaks to Mo informing him that they are hoping to go to Tree City the following day.

That they do with Maya’s mum and to Nora’s surprise, Mo is also there and he talks about making comic books. Maya gets a funny feeling in her tummy and looks at the writing on his sketch book … then on the WishPost she pulls from her pocket. Has Koko been interfering and trying to get her sister in trouble?

With her stardust running out. Nora now has two humans to empower so their wishes do come true, if not she’ll end up on earth as a human for ever. Can she do it? …

With themes of perseverance, resilience and self-belief, with occasional black and white illustrations by Becka Moor this is a smashing story for young readers.

For slightly younger readers:

Mirabelle and the Enchanted Sea Globe
Harriet Muncaster
Oxford Children’s Books

I can hardly believe this is the fifteenth book in the series about the mischievous Mirabelle Starspell half witch, half fairy. It’s half term and Dad tells her that they’re all going to spend the holiday in a cottage by the sea. There they can all immerse themselves in nature and even do some cold-water dipping: a perfect spring break.”We are going to do things the HUMAN way,” Dad says.

However after a day without magic, come the night Mirabelle succumbs to temptation. What will be the outcome? Find out in this latest adventure. Fans will love to immerse themselves in the seaside doings of Mirabelle, Wilbur, and their parents.

Dexter Procter and the Case of the Disappearing Doctor

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Dexter Procter and the Case of the Disappearing Doctor
Adam Kay, illustrated by Henry Paker
Puffin

Ten year old prodigy Dexter Procter works as a paediatrician at Lilydale General Hospital and almost as soon as this story starts he manages to ride his scooter straight into Granny Bet causing her to suffer (despite her saying she’s fine) ‘a monomalleolar lateral fracture’ to her fibula; in other words, a broken ankle. As a result she has to wait in hospital for an operation. Being kind-hearted, she doesn’t spill the beans about the cause of her injury. Dexter decides to go home and change and on the way meets his pal Rupi in a state of distress, having been expelled from Elmwood School by the temporary head teacher.

Not long after said temp. (Mrs Rhubarb) appears on the scene. She mentions her sister Barbara Burnhall, an MP and it turns out, the very one who is soon to visit Dexter’s place of work. She’s also someone the hospital relies on for funding every year, Dexter later learns. He also learns that he’s to accompany Dr Marigold and show BB around when she visits. Unsurprisingly, things go badly from the start.

On the school front: what on earth is Ms Saeed, the proper head of Rupi’s school, doing in Azerbaijan? Hmm.

Then Dr Marigold disappears and the wretched Dr Drake appears wearing a sign that reads DR EDWIN DRAKE, ACTING METAL DETECTOR. You can guess what it’s meant to be. What he says about Dr Marigold is totally bonkers. Moreover, he refuses to believe what Dexter tells him about Barbara Burnhall. (I won’t say how he came by this information).

On the home front, Granny Bet is back at home with her operation delayed. At this stage we’re less than halfway through this book but rather than be a story spoiler I’ll merely say that I laughed all the way through to the final paragraph that contains the words ‘Downing Street’ during the course of a phone call to Dexter. I’m sure young readers will do the same and like me be eagerly awaiting the third book. I must add that Henry Paker’s drawings are thoroughly giggle-inducing too, and don’t miss the acknowledgements acrostic.

Word has it that there’s a BBC mini-series of the book later this year.

Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories

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Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories
William Yamaguchi Dobson, illustrated by Sawa
Scholastic

Stuck at home for the summer, twelve year old Jonty is more than ready for adventure when one Friday afternoon he encounters a bonobo in the woods near his Grandpa’s house. She asks him to give her a massage and introduces herself as Koku. She goes on to tell Jonty that she’s a satori and can read human’s minds; therefore she knows that his grandfather has dementia. “Your grandfather has forgotten many memories. You want to recover them, and help him finish his memoir before the sun sets on his life. Therefore gird your loins, fall seven times and get up eight.” she says. ‘I am here to escort you to the realm of lost memories. You have the chance to explore your grandfather’s memories from inside him mind. That’s if you so choose.” In other words he will enter a magical world behind a Japanese Memory gate. It’s there, Jonty must collect lost memories from the time when Gramps was a famous primatologist. Thus begins the boy’s adventure.

Along with Jonty, readers are introduced to a fascinating cast of magical creatures, some eerie, others evil, some cute and all memorable to encounter,

especially for those like myself who know very little about Japanese mythology.

With themes of family, love and courage, this unforgettable, pacy tale is poignant and superbly imagined, with the subject of dementia in older people well presented. Also splendid are Sawa’s black and white illustrations; they really help bring the mythological characters to life. I couldn’t put the book down, reading the longish first part in a sitting and saving the rest as something to look forward to the following day.

Hercules vs the Minotaur

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Hercules vs the Minotaur
Tom Vaughan, illustrated by David O’Connell
Scholastic

Written in his usual diary style, Hercules Braver shares what happens at the start of his second year in secondary school. The very first day of term is not good – Hercules soon finds himself in trouble and then back home his mum greets him with, “We’ve got a surprise that I think you’ll like!” Cousin Theseus, son of Poseidon, from Greece is going to spend the next couple of months with them. Shock horror for Hercules but demigod and son of Poseidon, anticipates otherwise – “It’s going to be so much fun, cuz!” Instead, rather than the role model Herc is anxious to be (at last), Theseus causes him to get into trouble at every turn both at school and at home.

Then an opportunity arises for him to perform the perfect good deed: Mr Geras tells the class about how the school will be involved in the town festival and there’s to be a competition to design and build the school’s float which must be shaped like the school mascot – a bull. Later the same day he spies a poster in town announcing a design a maze competition – something Ken would absolutely love to do. Back home Herc gets to work thinking of designs for the float and guess who starts interfering. Ken meanwhile starts thinking of maze designing.

The town float parade is a disaster and Mum tells Herc what he did was his worst thing ever and grounds him and Theo till her book launch party almost two weeks away. Soon after Herc begins to see his cousin in a new light which is just as well because it’s not long before the two boys are forced to work together. Zeus has been focussed on writing the book that the universe is in jeopardy as one of the most terrifying monsters has planned an escape from the Underworld and with both dads now pre-occupied, it’s up to Herc and Theo to track down and stop the Minotaur.

31st October, Hallowe’en is the day of Operation Minotaur. It’s also the day Herc learns something very unexpected about said Minotaur. But can order be restored to the cosmos? … And what will happen at the end of Theo’s two months with Herc? …
With lots of David O’Connell’s amusing illustrations, this is a terrific read that fans of the series will rapidly devour. KALAMATA!

The Genie Game

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The Genie Game
Jordan Ifueko
Piccadilly Press

The story begins on the thirteenth birthday of the narrator Valentine Adesanya when an unexpected birthday present flies through her window in a box – it’s a purple beret . Also in the box is a note ‘ THE SKY IS BLUE, VALLYBEAN.’ – surely this has come from her twenty three year old sister, Vanessa (aka Mango), who since her disappearance, has been forgotten by everyone in her family other than Valentine. These objects set Valentine off on a quest to find her sister.

All her parents (Nigerian immigrants to the U.S.) are anxious about is the future of Valentine who dreams of becoming a movie-maker, rather than working for the Trio Trust that comprises three mega-corporations which run the U.S. It’s these three – Bumblebell Foods, Gloss & Gleam Beauty, and Farafyte Technologies that Valentine suspects have something to do with the disappearance of her sister.

During her investigations, Valentine unintentionally becomes caught up in the Trio Trust’s Genie Game and learns that it’s the wishes granted by the genies trapped in bottles that have been powering her entire world. Having agreed to become a participant in the genie games she rapidly rises to the top of the leader board while also undertaking other quests relating to issues of social justice and the environment as well as capitalism, consumerism and AI. Will she find her sister though?

A powerful, action-packed adventure that leaves readers eagerly awaiting what comes next for Valentine and her family.
Make sure you read the author’s note that follows the story.

Fiddlehead Forest

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Fiddlehead Forest
Jana Curll
Greystone Kids

This book, which is a combination of fiction and fact, had me giggling from the very first chapter.

After a storm has raged through a forest the inhabitants notice that one of their number is no longer standing tall: a tree has come down. Fern address said tree asking, “Are you all right?” and the lack of response prompts a “He’s giving us the silent treatment!” from one of the lichens. Tree then states the obvious and it’s clear that he’s far from happy about this new situation, stating firmly that he doesn’t want to be a log. However Fern, eager to get things back to normal, confidently promises, she’ll do just that. “It’s her personal guaran-TREE! observes a lichen from nearby.

The endeavours of many of the forest residents including Millipede, Mushroom and Moth – the lurer of some rather larger creatures – try their level best to get Log back into a tree position but with little success.

So what about Slug? Slug’s slime (also sticky) gives Fern another idea: using the slippery slime to slide the fallen tree up close to another tree, making a rope from some of the sticky and using it, plus the slippery slime, to drag Log back into a tree again. Ingenious. The team are eager to get “GOO-ING! right away.

However Lichen tells the others “ … I’m going to GO OUT ON A LIMB” saying Log is now ‘GROUNDED!” But rather than merely accept this immediately, Fern is eager for something else. Supposing they do NOTHING though.

Eventually Fern suddenly notices that the fallen tree has now adopted a new role: as nurse log she is supporting the forest’s ecosystem by providing nutrients and shelter for insects, birds and mammals, promoting new growth in the forest and providing a growing surface for plants and other things . “I guess we FERN-ally figured it out.” “It was a LOG time coming.”

Not only does the author/illustrator provide a plethora of punny exchanges, the chapter titles are also puns – ‘SHROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT’ for instance And there’a fair bit of information thanks to cast member contributions -“ ‘MAZIN’ MILLIPEDE,’ “MOTHIN’ AROUND’, ‘A SLIME OF THE TIMES’, ‘LICHEN A LOT’, and others. These focus on the special role in the forest community of each one. Plus there are occasional purely pictorial word play pages.

Highly engaging and with a wealth of puns and other word play, this is exTREEmely educative. Deemed to grow many BUDding scientists among KS2 readers.

Let’s Explore Pigeons

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Let’s Explore Pigeons
Siski Kalla
Catch a Leaf Publishing

This is one of the Urban Wildlife Explorers series that also includes hedgehogs, snails, ducks and moths.

I was having a coffee in Waterstones cafe last week when a pigeon strolled into the store. Perhaps he was looking to see if a copy of this book was yet on display. Feral pigeons are an ever present bird in our town and cities and an animal which most children will encounter.

Those who wish to learn about his bird will discover plenty of information between the covers of Siski Kalla’s book. There has long been an association between humans and pigeons; they were kept for food – for their eggs and flesh; their homing skills employed to carry messages right up to World War 2 and crates of racing pigeons were a familiar sight not long ago. Did you know the late Queen Elizabeth was a fan of pigeon racing and had her own loft?


Though despised by some as pests, they really are a noble bird, a symbol of peace and the subject of a famous painting by Picasso of a peace dove. Ronni the urban rat tells readers all about these things and much more about what fascinating creatures pigeons are in a chatty, child-friendly manner. Complementing this are gently humorous water colour illustrations.
The book concludes with a spread showing how to make a paper pigeon decoration and there’s information about what to do if you find an injured pigeon.

A book to add to KS1 class collections.