Category Picture Books

You Are Nature, Too / Don’t Call Me An Insect!

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You Are Nature, Too!
Gillian Burke, illustrated by Rong Pham and Nguyen
Walker Books

Even in the busy towns and cities many of us live in there’s a wealth of nature just waiting to be discovered and that is exactly what this book encourages, indeed challenges, youngsters to do.
Author, Gillian Burke (a Springwatch co-presenter and biologist) reminds readers/listeners that rather than being separate from the natural world, we humans are a part of it, no matter where our home is. We join two young boys as they explore their city and discover the wonderful natural world, its sights and sounds – all around them – up in the sky, among the trees, between the paving stones and in other unlikely places.

There’s a wealth of new life, a plethora of animal homes, a multitude of natural patterns and a change in what is visible as the sun goes down and night descends.

The mindful text is calming and really does encourage youngsters to slow down, or perhaps stop and observe what surrounds them. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the verbal message, the seek and find challenge beneath each location spread encourages deeper engagement and the book ends with a spread of activities to try.

Don’t Call Me An INSECT!
Charlotte Guillain and Sally Agar
Words & Pictures

We join young Charlie and Bumble (a bee) as they set out on an insect search hoping to find a creature they’ve not seen before. Pretty soon they make their first discovery Charlie learns her first lesson: the minibeast with eight legs sitting on a web is not an insect but an arachnid (the factual explanation is given). Leaving the shed and moving outside they encounter another new creature – again not an insect. This one is a centipede. Further hunting leads to finding several other creepy crawlies – a woodlouse, a millipede and a scorpion but not one insect until at last among the trees they spot several. But how should they classify the caterpillar? It doesn’t quite fit the bill of having ‘three body parts, six legs, a tough exoskeleton’ and maybe wings; it’s time to find out about the life cycle of a butterfly.

With its rhyming narrative and straightforward information pages, this story cum fact book is just right for very young children who will enjoy Sally Agar’s gently humorous illustrations as well as participating in the learning process along with Charlie and Bumble.

Read All About It!

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Read All About It!
Benjamin Hall and Martina Motzo
Harper

Both little Hedgehog and his father are anticipating busy days. Dad hedgehog sets off to his newspaper office ready to write “what new news the news brings.” Little Hedgehog is on holiday from school and packs his rucksack for adventures of his own. As Dad left home he’d reminded his son about the rules. “Don’t talk to strangers, don’t lose my bag, and never ever cross the river alone,” little Hedgehog recited.
However sticking to these rules is anything but easy. Little Hedgehog makes his way to the river bank and skims a stone over the water’s surface to the opposite side: the other side with its exciting possibilities. Suddenly there comes a hooting sound. It’s Baby Owl who’s fallen from her tree and has been spotted by a big hairy bear. Time for a bit of divergent thinking on little Hedgehog’s part. Eventually he manages to scare the bear away

and let Mama Owl know what’s happened to her little one; but the ursine hunter is still roaming about looking for prey. So Mama Owl and little Hedgehog work together to warn all the other forest dwellers of the danger.

Come the evening little Hedgehog apologies to his Dad for his rule-breaking behaviour but the response he receives comes as rather a surprise in more ways than one.

Martina Motzo’s watercolour and ink illustrations are a delight, especially those of little hedgehog as he does his upmost to make a difference in his community; making a difference being one of the important themes of the author’s text.

A story to share and discuss with KS1 children.

Rafi and Rita

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Rafi and Rita
Jarvis and Chris Judge
Walker Books

Meet twin giraffes, Rafi and Rita: likers of the same things and doers of the same things. In fact they’re exactly the same in every possible way. Or are they? Rafi insists he’s taller but so does Rita. To viewers probably the only slight difference is the shape of their markings. Both back up their claim with boastings – “I’m so tall those animals down here look like bugs” says Rafi.” “They are bugs,” Rita retorts, but the boasts grow ever more crazy. “I’m so tall that when an artist tried to do a portrait of me, they ran out of paint.” That’s Rafi’s claim which Rita counters with , “… when my hat fell off, it took three hours to hit the ground.” “I wear clouds as hats. That’s how tall I am. Clouds,” says Rafi and so on.

After Rita talks about feeling traumatised by almost being hit on the head by a shooting star, Rafi writes a song about his superior height.

Suddenly their bragging contest is interrupted by Mama giraffe: she’s come to put them to bed. Calling them, “Little ones” does not go down at all well and is immediately denied by both twins, who are yet to have learned about perspective. However, Mama then says something else, something that will likely set off another round of sibling rivalry and so it will go on and on and …

Readers and listeners will delight in this hilarious verbal wrangling written by Jarvis, and love the final twist. The text is made even funnier when set among Chris Judge’s wonderfully expressive, bold, bright scenes, some of which need the book to be turned through ninety degrees, so tall are the tales they are depicting.

Sockflea

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Sockflea
Laura Dockrill and Eva Byrne
Walker Books

The story’s young (five year old) elephant narrator is super excited: “We are going camping. I’ve never been before. I. CAN’T. WAIT. Marshmallows on sticks. Singing by the campfire! And sleeping under the stars!”

The little elephant’s parent suggests taking a teddybear along but the exuberant little pachyderm insists that no comfort toy is necessary; no Mr Conkie, Gladys the hedgehog, Sugarpie and most definitely not Bad Debbie. So off they go into the wilds.
To begin with all goes well and everything is a great adventure including making new friends.

“I’m like a happy bubble, playful and free” says our narrator. But then comes the night – the dark, dark night; moreover the sleeping bag is sludgy and sweaty, the ground hard beneath one’s back there are scratchy noises and eventually we hear, “WHY DIDN”T YOU MAKE ME BRING MY TEDDIES?”

Fortunately the grown-up is, despite being a tad annoyed, a resourceful carer that just happens to have brought along what looks very like a pair of socks. At first the offering is rejected as “just your normal bobbly, sticky socks!” However scepticism gives way to the unlikely charm of the teddies substitute,

all is well and the camping trip ends up a tremendous success.

I love the ending with a repositioning of the socks and the photo snapshot finale.
Delightfully droll humour from Laura Dockrill’s telling and equally delightful, playful scenes of the drama that unfolds though Eva Byrne’s art make for a book that one envisages becoming a firm favourite with both young children (however brave) and their grown-ups.

Quietly … Quietly … Quack!

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Quietly … Quietly … Quack!
Jonty Howley
Happy Yak

When three little ducks wake up, their Mama is still sleeping so they take advantage of this and sneak put of the duck house to explore the farm. ‘Quietly … Quietly …QUACK!’ On reaching the field they hop along the fence ‘Carefully … Carefully … QUACK!’ Then, eager to smell the farmer’s breakfast but wary of his dog, they sneak along the washing line but emit a loud quack that disturbs said dog.

Despite not being allowed to enter the woods, the three ducklings best way to escape from the dog is to dash into the trees as quickly as they can, only to discover the reason why said territory is out of bounds. They creep past silently but one steps on a twig ‘CRACK!’ That arouses the sleeping creature so they hide in a badger’s den … Nervously … Nervously … QUAAACCCKKK!!! and then race back home … All, so we’re told, without their mother knowing they’ve been out, because they went – well you know how … But did she know, or didn’t she ? I wonder.

With a shortish text that cries out for little humans to join in and droll, arresting illustrations that extend the narrative, this is ideal to share with preschoolers and for beginning readers to try for themselves (once they’ve heard the story read aloud).

Mr Norton’s New Truck

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Mr Norton’s New Truck
Huw Lewis Jones and Corey Egbert
Little Tiger

One Monday morning Mr Norton is about to set off for work when he discovers that a bear has been using his bicycle and has left a note to that effect. However, both wheels are now wonky and there’s honey dripping from the basket of the bike. Not one to make a todo, he does his best wobbling all the way but it takes a long time. On Tuesday Mr Norton tries to catch the bus but it’s jam-packed with all manner of creatures and so he walks the entire way in the rain with a few passengers hitching a ride.
Riding a scooter on Wednesday, with even more passengers, or should we say hangers on, he’s late for work ‘because the scooter was small, the bus was too busy, and the bear had been on his bicycle.’
Thursday’s option is a rickety wagon and Friday’s, a pair of roller skates but unsurprisingly he’s late again.

Come Saturday, Horace Norton doesn’t have to go to work and while having a relaxing soak in the bath he has a great idea. Outside in the barn is his grandfather’s old truck where it’s been for a fair few years. The truck has plenty of room for passengers but it’s not in any state to be driven. So on Sunday, he sets to work to make it roadworthy. By evening, he’s exhausted and the truck still isn’t working so he closes his eyes for a quick nap.

During his time of shut-eye, some friends carrying tools, Bear included, creep into the barn and get busy ‘bashing and buffing, welding and waxing, stitching and scrubbing’ throughout the night. Horace Norton is something of an avuncular character and come Monday morning his forbearance has resulted in him being gently woken with a welcome cuppa and a wonderful surprise.

A cracking, crazy cumulative story with repetition children will love to join in with, and dramatic, splendidly expressive, giggle-inducing illustrations. Likely to become a story time favourite in foundation stage/KS1 settings.

The Bear and the Seed

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The Bear and the Seed
Poonam Mistry
Templar Books

Poonam’s latest book has an environmental theme and is a neo folk tale with a little bear as the main character. Bear lives in a large, dense forest with an abundance of stunning flowers and plants admired by the creatures from near and far who come to appreciate its beauty. One day though, all the flora of this forest vanishes and the creatures start to leave too. Not so Bear despite his grief, for he discovers a single tiny seed in a tuft of grass and he undertakes to keep it safe and help it grow. Having planted it in the ground he pokes it around but nothing happens except Worm pops its head up and when asked, offers some advice to the planter. Bear follows the advice but still nothing seems to happen. This is only the first animal that Bear asks for advice; then come Frog,

Bird and Fox; he even seeks help from the stars. Eventually one morning as the sun appears so does a tiny sprout from the seed. Bear guards and nurtures the little plant night and day but with the coming of winter’s cold, Bear begins to tire and eventually it’s time for him to hibernate. He falls into a deep sleep for several months until spring arrives and joy of joys, when he opens his eyes once more, there stands a sapling with branches reaching out into the sky. Time passes and eventually the tree produces seeds of its own bringing with them hope that Bear’s efforts will mean that a forest will once again return.

It’s well worth buying this book for its breathtakingly beautiful, intricately patterned illustrations alone. I loved exploring all the mandala-like designs and various shapes that make up the scenes large and small, and the patterns surrounding many parts of the text.

A book to share, discuss and to cherish.

The Sheep That Stole The Farmer’s Hat

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The Sheep That Stole The Farmer’s Hat
Tim Saunders and Carla Martell
Allen & Unwin

The animals that live on the farm are up to mischief appropriating items from the farmer’s washing line and using them for various purposes of their own, starting with the titular sheep.

The hens use his socks (not on their feet) for sneaking up on a fox, the goat utilises the coat to make a sail for his new boat, the dog wears the farmer’s trousers, the goose uses a boot to store root vegetables and as for the horse, she eats his shorts which make her sick so she has to miss a special event at school,

and so on. As a result, the poor farmer is so upset that he’s unable to work and remains inside for the entire day.

Then for some reason known only to herself, the sheep that started all this stealing decides to give back the farmer’s hat and with the other animals in agreement, the farmer has all his clothes returned, all that is apart from one item and we know its fate.

With Carla Martell’s hilarious illustrations of the farmer’s clothes being put to unconventional uses and Tim Saunders’ playful rhyming tale with repetition and silliness aplenty that reads well aloud, I suspect this will be requested over and over. Great fun.

Aya Has Never Seen A Bear

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Aya Has Never Seen A Bear
Gerelchimeg Blackcrane and Jiu’er
Greystone Kids

This story translated from the Chinese and set in the 1970s, features Aya and her grandparents who are members of the Oroqen tribe living a traditional life in the forests of Northern China.

One autumn morning Aya is woken by her Grandma’s calls and the return of her Grandpa to the camp with food and plans. It’s the plan that really interests Aya, for Grandpa wants to take her searching for bears in the deep woods after breakfast. Never before has she seen a bear so she’s really excited as she and Grandpa set off together on ponies. On their journey they see the leaves on the trees changing colour, birds migrating southwards and then a hare family in the bushes. Further on they see roe deer, an eagle owl and on the edge of the pine woods, a family of foxes.

As they arrive at the river valley between the mountains, Grandpa indicates the pine woods where the bears live. They dismount and continue on foot. stopping to sit and stare after a while. It’s a long wait till eventually a mother bear and her three cubs appear.

The cubs make for a rotten, mattress abandoned among scattered rubbish and the family snuggle together for a nap.
When the bears leave Grandpa and Aya burn all the rubbish to discourage the bears’ dependence on humans.

In keeping with its theme of patience, Gerelchimeg Blackcrane’s straightforward, gently told story that moves slowly in harmony and Jiu’er’s warm hued illustrations of the humans and the animals, are perfectly in tune with one another, A beautiful book that shows the importance of conservation and the intergenerational bond between Grandpa and Aya.

Further information about the Oroqen people is given in the back matter.

The Brave Little Whale

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The Brave Little Whale
Charlotte Manning
Otter-Barry Books

Fiction and fact come together in this book featuring Uki, a young Humpback Whale. Acting as narrator, Uki explains at the outset that his name means survivor and that his grandpa Yuka has looked after him for as long as he can remember.

One day Yuka informs Uki that he’s going to teach him his sea songs. The reason being that his grandfather isn’t going to lead the pod on the Polar journey that spring but will remain in the warm tropical seas and instead kind, gentle Cousin Amka will act as guide. As they depart Grandpa reminds Uki not to forget his songs and to be brave, but the little whale is feeling anything but brave.

On the journey the whales will face dangers many on their – hungry sharks, noise pollution and storms included.
After a storm, they encounter strange, unfamiliar objects in the sea – plastic pollution is causing a huge hazard to the whales. Amka sings to the other whales doing what Grandpa Yula had called ‘whispering’. Then comes a ‘click-click – squeeeeeak! sound: a pack of hungry Orcas had heard the migrating Humpbacks. Amka calls, “Scatter”, dives down and the other Humpbacks flee in all directions.

When Uki comes up to breathe, he’s safe but alone save for seabirds so he sings a calling song grandpa had taught him and gradually the pod reassembles but there’s no sign of Amka. Later he’s discovered entangled in a piece of fishing net, deep in the seaweed but the Orcas have found the Humpback pod. “Be brave” was what Grandpa Yuka had told Uki and so he sings loudly causing the Orcas to move right close. However rather than attacking, they follow their queen’s instructions and free Amka in return for something Grandpa Yuka had done long ago. The Orca queen also gives another instruction – what could it have been and will it help the Humpback pod to reach their Polar destination?

With bold, collage style illustrations and text with a powerful message about polluting the oceans, this fascinating book is one to add to KS1and KS2 collections

Bear and Bird: The Cloud

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Bear and Bird: The Cloud
Jarvis
Walker Books

This is essentially a prequel to the Bear and Bird short story books and it begins with Bear being a newcomer to Woody Wood Forest where he’s searching for a friend. However, it appears that all the other forest dwellers already have someone, which makes Bear feel sad. However, suddenly he hears a small voice saying “… My name is Bird and I’m looking for something. I wonder if you’ve seen it?” Bird is on a quest for the illusive Puffy Fluffy Octopus Cloud and although Bear has not seen what Bird seeks, he knows this is a chance for him to find the friend he desires.

The two join forces with Bear suggesting various ideas that might help Bird. Together they read a book about clouds,

share a storybook and even organise an octopus party. Thus the cloud search turns into a connection undertaking. Could it be that eventually they’ll discover something far more wonderful than the elusive cloud?

Full of warmth, tenderness and subtle humour, this is a story of yearning for friendship and belonging that young children will relate to while enjoying the adventures the two characters share. Jarvis’s illustrations with their playful details, depictions of Bear and Bird’s expressions and body language, and the pastel colours are a delight and both children and adults will want to spend time enjoying each and every page.

A book to share and talk about both at home and in preschool/ KS1 classrooms.

Mari and the Great Market Swap

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Mari and the Great Market Swap
Janelle Springer-Willms and Juliana Eigner
Barefoot Books

This story is set in Barbados where Mari and her Granny live on a backyard farm.

The ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ of a rooster in the distance signals that it’s time for the two to load up the rusty van and set off to the market to sell their freshly picked guavas. They drive along narrow roads carefully avoiding the potholes, past fields of sugarcane and brightly painted houses to the small village where they park, unload and are warmly greeted by other vendors who are ‘like one big family, laughing and talking the whole day through.’

After a while, Mari’s friend Wendy arrives with some unwelcome news: “A sugarcane truck toppled upside down and blocking up de main road. So de customers can’t drive into town.” This meant that if they didn’t sell their goods everyone would struggle the following week. Suddenly though, the enterprising inclinations of Mari and her friend set to work: taking a basket each, they walk along to the ‘top road’ hoping to sell their goods to anyone. However, this is not what happens. Mari tries offering free samples but they have competition in the form of “free cane givin’ way up de road.” Suddenly along comes Granny saying she’s going for the van and what Wendy says next gives Mari her best idea yet. So begins a trading operating that everybody then joins in,

swapping with one another for what they need most. On her return Granny is overjoyed at what Mari has achieved

With Juliana Eiger’s vibrant, textured illustrations that are full of details to enjoy and the author’s use of Bajan creole in parts, readers really get the cultural vibe as they read this delightful book with its strong message of the importance of community.
(A final spread provides further information about Barbados, Bajan creole, markets and ways of trading.)

Whirby

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Whirby
Molly Harris and Jacob Souva
Harper 360

Robot, Whirby, loves school where he excels in such subjects as magnetics, circuitry and tinkering (I love the descriptive alliterations used) but his favourite subject is gadgeteering because this provides opportunities to engage in ‘bot battles’ with other students.

One night so excited is Wirby about the prospect of the next day’s battling tournament that he stays awake the whole time practising, rather than climbing onto his charging base for a battery recharge. The following morning he feels less that 100 percent: his gears feel gritty, his buttons ‘busted’ and his cranks ‘extra cranky’. Worse is to follow.

At school Whirby starts to malfunction

and by the time it’s his turn in the sporting ring, his battery is completely flat making him ‘officially wiped out’. His teacher, Dr. Whizzbang sends him back home to recover and recharge.

Devastated at his lost opportunity, that night Whirby focuses on his body and realises that something needs to be changed. He codes a new sequence to follow each night

and makes sure he sleeps properly so that when asked again by Dr Whizzbang if he’s ready for a rematch, a fully charged Whirby should be all systems go against Dottie the Destroyer.

Weaving technical vocabulary into the narrative, Molly Harris’s story reads aloud well and with Jacob Souva’s striking illustrations, makes for a fun book that reminds young readers about the dangers of over-exertion both physical or mental.

The Heart of the Storm

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The Heart of the Storm
Teresa Heapy and Kate Read
Otter-Barry Books

Ruby the fox and Growl the wolf live not far from one another deep in the forest and they’re sworn enemies.
One day a fierce storm hits the forest, ripping branches from trees and hurling them to the ground causing all the animals including Ruby and Growl to run for cover. Then suddenly Ruby trips. After a brief altercation between the two, a tree trunk is damaged and the tree begins to fall. Ruby grabs at Growl’s fur and just manages to pull him out of the way as the tree crashes to the ground.

The erstwhile enemies decide to stick together, temporarily at least. With Ruby on Growl’s back, they travel through dangerously muddy terrain with Ruby giving directions and Growl struggling onwards, eventually skidding and slithering towards a huge tree. Using her paws, Ruby manages to hold on while also grabbing a branch and bringing them to a halt, temporarily. But then a powerful river wave causes Ruby to lose her grip on Growl’s coat and she’s sent spinning upstream in the wind. Growl turns and begins swimming towards her. Still clinging to a branch Ruby, Ruby tells Growl to leave her behind but Growl pays no heed. “Jump, Ruby!” comes his urgent voice

and so she does, right into Growl’s outstretched paws.

Finally the rain stops, dawn breaks in the forest bringing with it promise, hope and appreciation and love between Ruby and Growl forever ridding them of their enmity, and now they live happily together.

Teresa Heapy’s descriptions of the events really make readers feel that they’re caught up in the storm along with the two protagonists, while Kate Read’s collage style illustrations capture the drama of Teresa’s telling brilliantly in this enemies become friends story of courage and kindness.

Bun / Dog Stayed

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These are both recent Allen & Unwin books – thanks to the publishers and Laura Smythe for sending them for review

Bun
Hana Kinoshita Thomson

When Bun wakes up she brushes her teeth and gets ready to head out to her vegetable patch. There she pulls up some of her very best carrots to use later on – well she can’t resist eating one there and then. Off she goes to visit her friends for other things she requires; first she gets eggs, followed by cream cheese and walnuts. With everything she needs, back she goes to her kitchen where she sets out the ingredients and utensils and starts work. It’s clear she enjoys baking, after which she washes up and hangs some bunting outside ready to welcome her friends who come to share in the tasty treat what awaits them.

Part and parcel of each double spread is a snail and little humans will have fun finding the tiny mollusc in the engaging scenes at every turn of the page. A sweet story about sharing.

Dog Stayed
Tammy Forster and Margeaux Davis

One morning after a slight altercation between gruff old Mr Hindbottom and a door-to-door sales person, a dog appears by the old man’s front door. Despite him not wanting the creature, it stays no matter what Mr Hindbottom does and so eventually against the odds, they become companions and friends. The old man takes good care of the dog and is more welcoming to other people,

but little by little he becomes worn out and he leaves the dog forever.

Dog remains in the house with his quilt promising he’ll never love anybody again. People come and move out Mr Hindbottom’s furniture and new people move in, including a little girl but despite her efforts, things are never the same again. I wonder if Dog ever grows to love the child.

A sensitive story of love and loss beautifully illustrated in watercolour and pencil by Margeaux Davis.

Mo’s Stick

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Mo’s Stick
Fiona Lumbers
Little Tiger

Mo had a stick, a very special stick, but then it was lost. Without that favourite stick Mouse will be unable to draw very good pictures, fly high in the sky, he won’t have a mast for his sailing boat, no fishing rod, and no implement for poking dragons: in fact nothing amazing at all. Poor Mo feels very sad, certain that no other stick could possibly be its equal.
But Mouse is a creature with a big imagination and uses it in creative play and that is what he’s been using that lost stick to do.

I have often I seen a young child picking up a stick and doing just what Mouse was doing, but though it’s the vital element in their creative activities, it’s the ideas they have, sparked by the stick that open up that wealth of possibilities.

Mo is a very endearing little character and it’s lovely to see how the external narrator gently supports the creature’s ideas so that eventually he’s able to see that it’s him, not a particular stick that is key.

This superbly crafted, uplifting child-centred story needs to be shared in every nursery/preschool setting and in families with young children: it’s simply splendid.

Unexpected Guests / Lion in a Hurry

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Unexpected Guests
Mariajo Ilustrajo
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

This story is told from the viewpoint of a mouse, one of many that inhabit the house that a family of humans move in to. Said mouse calls a meeting and informs all the other mice about the arrival of ‘visitors’. No one knows what to do, though there are rumours about humans circulating thanks to Uncle Rupert’s stories, so the narrating mouse decides to investigate and is assisted by a few friends. What they discover are some interesting objects such as an electric toothbrush and a trainer boot, a whole lot of delicious edibles and a large box of ‘other stuff’. Having explored thoroughly the mice leave everything just as it was, so they say. Really?

The following day, eager to have one more sampling of the ‘yummy’ human food, off they go again. However, there’s a young human around and one of the mice ends up rather too close for comfort. This human then proceeds to get busy with a cardboard box and some bits and pieces. Meanwhile other members of the mouse family plan a rescue operation that seems to the narrator, to be dangerous

and they end up joining the one they were hoping to release from its confinement. Happily though, their captor turns out to be a human of the good sort. Have the mice come to mouse paradise? Maybe …. or maybe not!

With a clever twist in its tail, interactive elements (a gatefold and die-cut holes) this story will have young humans squeaking with delight at these rodent residents, their curiosity and its outcome.

Lion in a Hurry
Tiphanie Beeke
Graffeg

One afternoon when out exploring, Lion notices a sign about the Main Street parade to be held at 6pm. He’s particularly keen to go so he can see the Big Red Truck and as the jungle clock strikes four, off he sets through the jungle in his yellow jeep. Suddenly he hears a loud noise: cheetah has hurt his paw and needs a ride to the parade. Soon after Snake asks for a lift too and then so does Crocodile. By now Lion is somewhat agitated but still he stops to pick up Croc. When they reach the waterfall Elephant is struggling along on his achy legs. Somehow they manage to accommodate the pachyderm too, but then the wheels of the jeep get wedged in the rickety bridge just as five o’clock strikes.

So upset is Lion that his tears fall down towards the river just as Hippo approaches on his raft. Hippo is happy to help so Lion and friends board the raft. Then they hear a small voice calling, “Wait for me!” It’s Potto.

By now it seems that they can’t possibly reach their destination in time to see the Red Truck but nonetheless Lion’s friends tell him to keep going. Lion has a dilemma; should he stop for Potto or not? The jungle clock strikes six. Despite all Lion’s efforts, are they too late or will his kindness be rewarded?
Steamy, soft focus watercolours capture the animals’ anxiety throughout the journey until they finally reach their destination in this tale of good will and friendship. Young listeners will have their fingers crossed for Lion et al throughout the story.

Whack A Moley / Follow The Leader

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These are both recent books from Little Tiger – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review.

Whack A Moley
Bethan Clarke and Anders Frang

This is a laugh-out-loud sequel to Holey Moley that features Mavis Mole and Gus Goat. The two are an unlikely pair of friends: Gus exudes energy whereas Mavis only likes static activities. So, when Gus asks if they can play a game Mavis chooses tiddlywinks – her favourite. Gus wants something much more bold and active – ouch-inducing Whack A Moley. That or various alternatives that sound not dissimilar such as ‘quack a moley’, ‘snack a moley’ and stack a moley.

A wonderfully crazy comedic concatenation of suggestions that rely on wordplay and rhyme combined with the deadpan humour of Anders Frang’s splendidly stylish, deliciously dramatic scenes of the fun and games.

With a final twist, Bethan and Anders’ nonsensical, giggle inducing book is just the thing to show children that language is fun. Definitely one that will be enjoyed over and over.

Follow The Leader
Harriet Howe and Ariel Landy

It’s a sizzling hot morning in the jungle so Bear, Monkey and Armadillo decide to take a trip to the lake to cool off. The three enthuse about their destination and as it was Monkey’s suggestion, he insists on leading the way. This results in a bit of squabbling but after a while the other two fall in line, especially as Monkey has the map. Then though, a mishap occurs that ends up with Panda becoming leader and some time later, the map is ruined. Further disagreements occur, and three very sweaty animals eventually reach their destination where they finally come to understand about the importance of teamwork.

This rhyming tale is full of energy and fun and the illustrations of the animals and their somewhat hazardous journey ramp up the drama.

RT

Big Bear is Coming!

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Big Bear is Coming!
Anuska Allepuz
Walker Books

In the heart of the forest lives a family of four bear cubs and at sunset, their senses alert, they hear ‘shuffle-shuffling, scratch-scratching, stamp-stomping’ and a low sounding “GRRRRRR!” Surely that signifies Big Bear is coming. Down to the river to hide scramble the cubs and jump, jump across the stones, thinking they are safe. Wait though; they smell ‘fishy breath, a very stinky bottom and the strong stench of wet. soggy fur’. That must certainly mean BIG BEAR is coming!

Up the rocks they scamper and then down the hill they roll. Now there’s no sound of Big Bear and no smell of Big Bear but just to be on the safe side, so they can spy Big Bear’s lumbering approach, they climb up to the top of a tree. There they spy a scary creature with large staring eyes, a sharp beak and they hear “TWIT-TWOO!” It must be a monster, but what? Down jump the cubs, down, down to where something big and soft cushions their landing and helps save the day.

Part of the fun for young listeners is that to begin with Big Bear is a shadowy being but little by little as the tale progresses he becomes visible. Perhaps the observant among them will guess the true identity of Big Bear.

Anuska Allepuza’s green, purple and blue hues really bring the forest to life and little humans will love joining in and shouting the repeat refrain. This tale is great fun, full of suspense and contains a gentle life lesson: use all your senses when trying to interpret what is going on around you. I envisage repeat reading being demanded by young audiences.

Where Are You, Eddie?

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Where Are You, Eddie?
Michael Rosen and Gill Smith
Walker Books

Michael Rosen has already given us the Sad Book about the loss of his son Eddie and now he’s written another picture book wherein having asked himself, “Where are you, Eddie? Are you here?” he talks to the cat, Meg, about his feelings.

To begin with the author feels that Eddie is not coming back. He’s not anywhere. “Is that the end?” he asks Meg. Meg’s response sends him out and onto a bus where he sits and thinks. He thinks about how Eddie wriggled on bus rides and played a special tickling game. “Are you there, Eddie” asks the author. He’s not there physically on the bus, nor is he tossing chips and catching them in his mouth as they walk along past the fish shop. He’s not being mischievous on school photo day, nor playing goalie in the hockey game, not building sandcastles on the beach with his siblings, nor playing a trick with the cat food.

However, the boy’s father sees that because he is remembered and loved by everyone who knew him (and still is to this day), Eddie is still with him.

Essentially, then, rather than a loss or an ending, this is a special way to keep a loved one forever close. This is a deeply profound book about grieving and remembering that will likely bring tears to your eyes, so make sure you have a box of tissues to hand. Your loved one has left things in the world as a message that says, I’m no longer visibly there but I will always be there for you, in your mind and your heart. Gill Smith captures sadness and happiness both, in her touching scenes of the special memories.

This is a book to share with all children not just those who may have lost a loved one.

Bear Worries

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Bear Worries
Natalia Shaloshvili
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

The bear protagonist in this tale is a worrier and always anticipates the worst when he undertakes something. On this occasion we first meet him with an almost empty packet of cookies in his paw, worrying in case he’s eating the last one. On discovering it is, he rushes out, already worrying about the shop being about to close, missing the bus and having to walk through the scary forest. This all happens and our narrator finds himself lost in the forest. He then starts a new concatenation of what ifs, finally arriving at the end of a very long line of customers waiting outside the cookie shop.

As luck would have it, the very last cookie is sold to a duck; poor Bear. However, Duck has a kind heart and a generous nature so decides to share his purchase with Bear; but that isn’t quite the end of the story. There’s a surprise final twist …

The lesson Bear learns in this story is that keeping your worries to yourself can make them grow, but sharing them with another person will likely make them shrink. This is an important life lesson for young humans to learn too. Natalia’s book with its ursine character and expressive smudgy mixed media illustrations offers a good starting point.

Tick-Tock Around the Clock

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Tick-Tock Around the Clock
Ruth Brown
Scallywag Press

The pendulum clock strikes seven bongs rousing Tick-Tock a marmalade moggy, from his slumbers. Having munched and crunched through breakfast, he exits the house through the cat flap, out into the garden with its abundance of wildlife. Squirrels bombard the cat with acorns, some of which are consumed by a little mouse but unfortunately, it’s too quick for the cat that pursues the rodent into the shed.

There, the cat pounces causing all manner of paint tins, flower pots and garden tools to come cascading down, while the mouse dashes away as fast as its tiny legs will carry it – wheeee! Eventually the cat, now covered in what looks like compost, comes out into the descending darkness of the garden and has a wash. An adult appears to call the moggy in for tea, which is followed by a cosy snuggle and then it’s time for bed, purr, purr, purr.

With its minimal onomatopoeic text that echoes the ticking of the clock and Ruth Brown’s realistic depictions of Tick-Tock and the surrounding environment, this is ideal for sharing with an individual or small group who will enjoy joining in with all the sounds and perusing the detailed scenes of Tick-Tock’s day.

The Lost Robot

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The Lost Robot
Joe Todd-Stanton
Flying Eye Books

Not so much lost as deposited in a rubbish dump has been the fate of the broken robot at the heart of this story. Said robot has no idea from where it came but knows that it doesn’t belong on the dump so it starts walking. On its journey it passes a woman wearing an eye-patch; she has a baby on her back and is sorting through rubbish. Continuing on its way, the robot goes through a hole in a wall, on the other side of which are lots of people. This reminds the robot that it once had a person too but it wasn’t any of these. Then up on a billboard, it notices a robot not unlike itself and it’s advertised as ‘Your new best friend’. Seeing this initiates a memory of when the robot was given to a boy as a present and the exciting things the two did together.

But then the robot recalls a less pleasant memory: the boy’s parents gave their son an updated version of the robot. Now the protagonist is determined to find its friend but would he recognise his old robot? Perhaps a quick fix might help?

After a long, long walk the robot reaches a house that it remembers; however something is different. Inside, the boy is having fun with one of the new robots. Telling himself he had woken up right where he was supposed to be, back goes the little robot to the piles of rubbish where it falls fast asleep. When it wakes up, several years have passed: the baby seen on its mother’s back is now a little girl; she notices the robot, claims it and she and her mother drive the long distance to their home where they transform their find into a colourful robot full of love and joy, just like its new family.

A wonderful fable of renovations and restoration wherein Joe Todd-Stanton provides lots of visual cues in his illustrations so that readers can make connections as the story unfolds. This is a treasure of a book to seek out and return to over and over.

Igor and the Mending Mice

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Igor and the Mending Mice
Alexander Mostov
Ivy Kids

In a little town where fashion was everything, people threw clothes away that weren’t perfect and bought new ones. That meant anything torn, faded, stained or no longer fashionable enditfked up on the scrap heap. This meant that for Igor, the owner of the towns’s biggest garment factory, business was booming.

However unbeknown to him, as he worked, a family of mice studied his techniques through a crack in the wall. What they saw inspired the mice to teach themselves to darn, sew, embroider and hem using the abandoned garments. Soon their cupboards were full of amazing made-to-measure clothes.

The mice then decided on a new challenge – mending the discarded clothes – so they set to work creating funky garments from them. The townsfolk were thrilled and gave the mice delicious cheese to thank them. Moreover they stopped buying brand-new clothes, which meant that Ivor’s business started to fail.

One night when everyone was asleep, Igor crept out and set a trap for the mice comprising mendable clothing outside his factory. The following morning there was a chase as the mice hurried through the town with Igor hot on their tails and just as he was about to catch them, he tumbled into a thorny bush, tearing his favourite coat that had been passed down through generations of his family. The sight of the heartbroken Igor is a turning point for both the mice and the factory owner: can you imagine what happened?

The importance of re-using and re-cycling is at the heart of this story. A sharing of the book could well be the starting point for a discussion with young listeners; it’s never too soon for them to become responsible citizens aware of how crucial re-using and recycling are for the environment.

My Tiger

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My Tiger
Joy Cowley and David Barrow
Gecko Press

We first encounter the young boy narrator’s tiger as the two of them are wandering down the road just outside a cake shop. The window is full of the tiger’s favourite food: cake. They enter and the baker is anxious to know whether the tiger is dangerous. “He only eats cake”, his friend replies and the feline proceeds to sample some of the cakes. Almost inevitably after a diet of sweet confectionary, the tiger gets a bad toothache.

Time for a visit to the dentist. Clearly alarmed like the baker, the dentist inquires whether the tiger is dangerous. She receives the same assurance as the baker and so the tiger is coaxed into her chair. The drill makes the patient howl and growl but eventually the tooth is fixed. “Tell him he’s not to have cake again,” the dentist tells first the boy and then the tiger.

So what is the tiger supposed to eat: what do you think is best suited to his needs? …

The hilarious, dark ending will likely satisfy young human listeners to Joy Cowley’s dead pan, simple but very funny telling, In contrast David Barrow’s wonderfully expressive watercolour illustrations portray the tiger as truly intimidating with its vast size, and those jagged teeth that we see in some close up views.

100 Goats and Granny!

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100 Goats and Granny!
Atinuke and Lauren Hinds
Walker Books

‘Granny’s got a goat! / Granny’s got a goat! // Not 1, not 2, not 3, /not 4, But more and more / and more and more!’ Granny is sitting on a crate with laundry drying on the line behind her as she looks benevolently at a little white goat. However, every turn of the page reveals more goats engaging in mischief of one kind or another until 99 goats grace the spread, several of which are shown pooing while others cavort on roofs, clamber up trees, chew the pages of books and more: ’20, 30, 40, 50 … / 60, 70, 80, 90 … // Till 99 …’ we read. Where though is Granny’s goat? Imagine what ensues when Granny digs in the garden, visits the tailor, spends a day at church. Moreover on the return journey, one stays on the bus having a great time beeping the driver’s horn; another visits the salon for a trim,

the baby ones chew the aunties’ panties and one takes it upon himself to guzzle whatever he feels like. Where will all this end?

At round up time where will Granny’s 100th goat be and what might it be up to? A considerable bit of mischief somewhere in the town,

but will it ever be caught and if so, who will be the catcher?

With Atinuke’s playful, rollicking text that cries out for young listeners to join in, and Lauren Hinds’s highly detailed, exuberant scenes both large and small, this book is an absolute delight to share with a pre-school/KS1 class or group. It’s glorious goatish gleefulness.

Sticky Mildred

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Sticky Mildred
Alastair Chisholm and Rikin Parekh
Walker Books

Mildred Honeyfur is a creator of chaos of the messy kind. She absolutely loves sticky things such as pond slime, glue and purple goo and she loves being sticky all over. However, she absolutely loathes having a bath. Despite her despairing parents, Mildred sets off to look for the stickiest thing in the whole world

and it’s not so long before having declared herself the stickiest creature in the world, her sticky trail is so huge that arriving at the top of a hill, she trips and tumbles all the way back down – what ‘a big sticky, runaway ball’ she has become. Unstoppable rolling Mildred passes a jelly shop, a glue factory and a glittery quarry as she heads straight for the cliff edge where she grabs a tree and clings on for all she’s worth, stretching and stretching until …

What happens thereafter turns out to be a surprise, one which causes Mildred to feel somewhat different about stickiness. Young listeners however, will be in for an altogether different surprise on the final page.

Rikin Parekh portrays the chaos caused by Mildred brilliantly in his detailed, sometimes scribbly style illustrations and Alastair Chisholm’s slightly surreal telling that sometimes breaks into rhyme is a cautionary tale of the adhesive kind that could just coerce young listeners into having regular baths and enjoying so doing. A really fun read aloud.

Isla and the Sky

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Isla and the Sky
Greg Stobbs
Oxford Children’s Books

Isla sees Sky differently from other people and this is reflected in her paintings. Sky has a variety of moods: sometimes she is rainy and people complain about her dreariness and grumble about the awful weather. Isla however loves the sky on the days when it rains – those dancing, swirling clouds – and with her paintbrush she creates swirls of purple, white, brown, blue, pink and many kinds of black she sees. She loves the sunset on such days and brushes gentle pink and pale yellow across her page. Equally she loves the deep inky black sky on a cloudy night and paints that too.

Come morning Isla’s bedroom is filled with sunlight and this bright blue delights everybody. “If only every day were like this,” Isla hears them say. This is a day to use her bright blue paint. The sky that night is gorgeous – star filled and stunningly beautiful. Several days and nights like this ensue: Sky smiles and Isla paints, again and again and …

The lack of rain causes the landscape to change, Sky’s smile starts to fade and Isla’s paintings are boringly the same for she misses the variety of weather. The girl is just about to give up painting but decides to try something different first. She climbs high up a mountain and calls to Sky offering her help. Sky finally sees Isla and explains why she’s been people pleasing rather than being true to how she feels. Isla’s encouraging words and her paintings might just change this.

How will the people react if Sky reverts to expressing her true emotions? And will Isla start painting again?

A touching tale of emotions and artistic representation, gorgeously illustrated by the author showing how important it is for big feelings to be understood and supported.

The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians

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The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians
Donna David and Victoria Stebleva
Oxford Children’s Books

Rida’s Grandad works in Sleepy Creek Library and Rida absolutely loves to help him. She dusts shelves and finds books for all the visitors: Grandad being of the opinion that there’s ‘a perfectly perfect book for everyone’ and their job is to find it. Rida would observe the visitors, make a list of their requirements and when everyone had gone home, she’d pass the list on to Grandad. Then having slid back a large bookshelf, off he’d go to visit the Land of Books. Bedtime stories were to be found among the clouds, books about marine life required him to dive deep down in the ocean and for those about tiny animals, he’d crawl around. A good system until Arun comes to the library saying he’s eager to read Awesome Adventures at Lava Falls. Despite Grandad’s efforts to offer him other books, Arun stands his ground and Grandpa explains it was an impossible task, leaving the boy to go home feeling sad.

That night Rida recalls Grandad’s remark about there being a ‘ perfectly perfect book for everyone’ . She takes it upon herself to fulfil Arun’s request. Grabbing Grandad’s map she goes on her first visit to the Land of Books, heading to the outermost edge where the book is waiting up in a tree. Rida takes out her lasso, fastens it securely around a nearby tree and chases the book

through rapids, up a mountain and over bubbling lava pools. Just when the book is about to go up in flames Rida performs a daring rescue for which the book is very grateful. As a thank you, the awesome Adventures at Lava Falls agrees to the request Rida makes and everyone is happy at last – for a while anyway.

Featuring two very special librarians, this is a fun story about the power of books and the worlds they open up to readers, the delights of libraries and being kind. The illustrations are full of delicious details to linger over.

Ten Tiny Squirrels

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Ten Tiny Squirrels
Kael Tudor and Marc Boutavant
Scholastic

A zany counting book wherein readers, along with the bear narrator, are supposed to count back from ten to zero one joining in with the rhyme. That isn’t quite what happens however. It starts off thus: ‘Ten tiny squirrels sitting in a line, / One ran away, / and then there were … ‘ but it’s not just one squirrel that runs away – it’s all of them.

A squirrel hunt ensues during which we encounter a diminishing number of other creatures – nine budgies, eight geese, seven polar bears, six chameleons (particular hard to spot), five mice, four very belligerent ducks,

three rocks – oops! make that tortoises, a couple of budgies AGAIN! and one very large tiger snacking on – phew! not squirrels. At journey’s end sitting atop a park bench are the runaways, all ten of them. Let the counting game begin. Err …

There are plenty of counting opportunities in this tale but so much more. I thought- I saw some of the squirrels hiding in plain sight among the other animals but were they?

With Bear’s various different expressions and those of the other animals engaged in all manner of unlikely occupations, Marc Boutavant’s illustrations give readers and listeners so much more to enjoy.

Home Away from Home

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Home Away from Home
Nazneen Akbari and Rashin Kheiriyeh
Barefoot Books

Nuha is anxious about the prospect of going to spend the summer with her Jadda (grandmother) in Oman; however she takes comfort in her favourite doll, Mary, that she’s taking with her. That is her intention at least but on arriving at the airport Nuha realises that she’s left Mary behind in the car.

Consequently when she arrives in Oman, Nuha is sad and grumpy. Fortunately Jadda knows what to do: she takes her granddaughter straightway to the souk to choose a new doll. Despite her reluctance, Nuha goes along but remains unimpressed with the Omani dolls that look nothing like her Mary.

Lured by the smell of roast chicken, they then proceed to the place where the meat is being cooked and eventually Nuha decides to taste a bite of shawarma (a Middle Eastern street food) and approves of the snack. After this they continue exploring the alleyways full of stalls and shops in search of dolls. While so doing Nuha is distracted by women applying henna and is reminded of Eid celebrations at home. She sits down very still and after a while is excited to see her name in henna on Jadda’s hand.

This proves to be a turning point and henceforward the little girl discovers joy and fun in her new environment: she plays a drum and dances before finally sitting with her Jadda and feeling that after all, this place truly is ‘home away from home’. As they walk back to Jadda’s through the market, an Omani doll catches Nuha’s eye and she loves it for lots of reasons. Jadda buys the doll and Nuha names her Maryam.

This tenderly told, delightful story, provides a glimpse of every day life in Oman. Rashin Kheiriyeh’s warm, detailed mixed media illustrations extend the text. I love that Nuha names her new doll named Maryam, the Arabic equivalent of her favourite doll, Mary.
(Notes following the story add further details about some of the things Nuha experiences and there’s a short glossary.)

Rock and Roll

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Rock and Roll
Ruby Amy Thompson
Little Tiger

Meet Rock and Roll. Rock is grey and hard; he also hates attention. Roll is a golden yellow colour, squashy and loves attention. They always appear on opposite pages – Rock on the verso, Roll on the recto. They don’t seem to have much in common but wait. Despite coming from very different worlds,

they are both great team players; they both look fabulous in green; both love fancy dress and both remain calm when under pressure

Yes they’re always on different pages but though strong as a rule, sometimes Rock is soft, Roll, on the other hand has the strength to give comfort. It appears that this is a friendship that can rock and roll. Assuredly, these two have found common ground.

With its seemingly simple text, and clever layout, this is a picture book that’s bursting with heart and can initiate deep thinking on the part of listeners. Wise and wonderful is what I’d call the creator’s debut picture book.

Ribbit Rabbit

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Ribbit Rabbit
Philip Ardagh and Gareth Conway
Scholastic

Bob is a frog and the rest of his family are rabbits so Bob does things rather differently from the others.

He’s smaller than the others, far greener, his manner of eating is slurping whereas the rabbits chew, and his diet is insects – carrots bring him out in spots. When it comes to hopping, they’re all good but Bob out hops all the rest; he also out swims them and at lily pad leaping the rabbits are no competition at all.
However, if any of the woodland creatures bully Bob, they have to face up to his entire family.

Certainly not something to be recommended.

The combination of Philip Ardagh’s bouncy rhyming text, which is the perfect fit for the movements of his characters and Gareth Conway’s splendidly expressive illustrations make a thought-provoking, funny, heart-warming story of family, difference, acceptance and love. It’s a book that is rich in potential for Foundation stage/ KS1 discussion after a class read aloud. 
Definitely one to add to your collection be it family bookshelves or a class library.

Tomorrow I’m in Charge!

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Tomorrow I’m in Charge!
Jörg Mühle
Gecko Press

When Weasel comes home he’s surprised (and a tad annoyed) to find his pal Bear playing with Badger. “We’re in the middle of a game,” says Bear. “Would you like to make us something to eat?” So begins a long row between Bear and Weasel about who should be friends with Badger, what games they should play – house,

football, memory, hibernation or hide-and-seek, as well as what role each should play in each one.

It’s no surprise when a thoroughly disgruntled Badger, announcing that it’s time to go home, decides to leave them to it and not return the following day; tomorrow will be a play day with Fox.

A story showing a battle of wills if ever there was one. Jörg Mühle’s straightforward, direct text is very similar to what a child’s emotions and exchanges would be. His watercolour and pencil illustrations of the characters stand out against the white background and are in prefect harmony with the words.

Negotiating social interactions is an important life lesson and young children still working out when they should be assertive and when to acquiesce will surely relate to Weasel and Bear. It won’t surprise them that Bear is jealous of Badger and empathise with Badger and his dilemma.

A sharing of this book with Foundation Stage/KS1 children will surely lead to a lively circle time discussion

Don’t Do It, Doug

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Don’t Do It, Doug
Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie
Little Tiger

Doug is a hamster with insatiable curiosity. Nothing wrong with that you might think, but with Doug, the result always seems to land him in trouble. Lacking self control, he does things such as shaking cans of fizzy drink, disturbing a nest of bees – ouch!

and touching a tall pyramid of canned beans, causing an avalanche. (I seem to remember my partner being similarly tempted by a tall stack of bean bag seats in Habitat with similar catastrophic results, causing the floor staff considerable angst.)

Having pressed the lever on a reclining chair that his insect friend has taken him to for relaxation purposes, he ends up flat as a pancake, between the halves so his pal takes him skydiving, followed by wakeboarding and lastly, roller-coaster riding.

After these experiences, Doug appears to have gained control of his impulses. He slurps his drinks, ignores red buttons and handles the tiny saucepan with surprising care. His friends even award him a rosette.

Could it be a case of no more temptations for Doug? Errr! What do you think? The last we see of him he’s wielding a stick …

Duncan Beedie’s illustrations are absolutely bursting with humour and are an ideal complement to Maudie Powell-Tuck’s to the point narrative. Young listeners will delight in admonishing Doug by repeating, ‘Don’t do it, Doug!’ when an adult shares the book.

You Can Do It, Bert!

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You Can Do It, Bert!
Ole Könnecke
Gecko Press

We meet Bert on his big day. Having prepared himself both mentally and physically he’s going to jump out of the tree. He’s ready, well almost, though he needs to check everything … just once more. Yes, got it! He’ll do a running start but … hang on, he’s going to snack on his banana first. With that finished, surely he’ll jump. Maybe some loud encouragement from the narrator and little humans will do the trick.

Yeah! Off he goes dashing along the branch and wheee! After worrying on the way down, into the water he plunges and there to greet him are his other avian friends. Time for another jump: Who’s going first?

A spare text, which makes a great read aloud and simple. bold illustrations that show so well Bert’s feelings throughout, provide a story that contains a powerful reassuring message about overcoming your reluctance to try something new. Young listeners will certainly relate to Bert’s internal struggle and the book offers a great starting point for discussion on risk taking.

One for both home bookshelves and class collections.

The Chase

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The Chase
Jenny Bloomfield
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

What starts as a straightforward game of chase on the beach involving a child and her dog quickly escalates. The girl tosses a red ball and as she says chase, a plethora of pooches of all kinds join in. The chase that takes the ever increasing number of canines dashing through a museum creating mayhem in their wake. After the elusive ball they go, to a construction site and onto a beam that gives them a free ride to the top of a tall building, then down they dash again racing, chasing and CRASH! through a bandstand

and splash splash into some moving water narrowly missing cascading over a waterfall.
Eventually they end up right back where they started on the beach, where stands the child with her ball ready and waiting to start all over again.

Jenny Bloomfield’s jaunty rhyming text imitates the rhythm of the bouncy ball and the chase: ‘It’s a hustle, a bustle, a running tussle’. A playful pooch story that works really well as a read aloud but make sure you give your audience time to peruse each of the illustrations with their amusing details.. They’ll enjoy seeing one dog caught up in a tuba and removing it from the bandstand. Which breeds of dogs do they recognise from the many in the chase? Who can spot the one with wheels assisting its hind legs?

My Friend, Billy Whiskers

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My Friend, Billy Whiskers
David Litchfield
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Patrick is shy and as a consequence doesn’t join in with other children’s play. However, Patrick has Billy Whiskers, an imaginary lion friend that nobody else can see. They cycle together, read stories together and Billy listens as Patrick talks about all kinds of things. Billy’s a great listener; he listens as they play games and use the swings; he encourages Patrick when he kicks the ball up in the air over and over and when he climbs his favourite tree, watching the other children as he does so.

Patrick worries more and more about making friends and that’s when Billy takes him on extraordinary adventures through the air, through magical forests, eventually reaching a stadium where the boy scores the wining goal in a soccer game. Their adventures together make Billy ‘feel big and brave.’ Now he has the confidence to say hello to other children and at last he’s invited to play with them.

Patrick has a great time until he falls from a tree and back come all those worries. making him long to fly away with Billy Whiskers once again. That’s when something truly magical happens …

That’s not quite the end of the story, for Billy remains a part of Patrick’s story throughout his life, but he only appears now and then.

David Litchfield’s watercolour scenes are every bit as magical as the adventures Patrick and Billy Whiskers share, particularly those of the two characters flying through the starry skies and wandering through the forest.

Bear’s Perfect Dance

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Bear’s Perfect Dance
Rachel Tilda Wolf
Scallywag Press

Bear loves dancing so much that he spends all day practising his moves until they’re perfect. He touches his toes, works on this balance and even masters the splits. However, something bothers our ursine dancer; he’s always dancing solo and there are some dances that are better with two.

Bear decides to find himself the perfect dance partner. To that end he makes a checklist and several ‘wanted’ posters advertising auditions; the latter he puts up on trees all around the forest.

The following morning Bear wakes full of excitement. He dons his favourite tutu and best ballet shoes, then begins some warm up moves. Concerned in case nobody comes to audition, he opens the front door

to discover his garden is full of woodland creatures waiting to demonstrate their favourites moves.

Crow is first to audition – she won’t do as her Can-Can is chaotic. Beaver’s boogie lacks ‘Woogie”; Snake’s Shimmy is much too slithery; Fox’s Flamenco lacks fandango, Wild Pig’s waltz is much too awkward and Stag doesn’t move at all. All the other animals have got bored waiting and gone away leaving Bear thoroughly miserable. Back indoors he goes telling himself he’ll never find he perfect partner. Suddenly there comes a knocking at the door. Outside Bear discovers a child performing all manner of twists and twirls. Could this joyful dancer be the one?


With themes of connection and friendship, this charming tale is told and illustrated with gentle humour and a lot of warmth.

Rising: A Shabbat Baking Story

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Rising: A Shabbat Baking Story
Sidura Ludwig and Sophia Vincent Guy
Walker Books

An expectant mother – Ima – and her young child wake up early and begin preparing to make challah for the sabbath. Mum has a bowl of yeast bubbling in the warm water into which the child stirs the ingredients and they then knead the wet, sticky dough forming it eventually into a large round, shiny ball. They place a towel over the bowl and wait while it rises. Then it’s time to divide the dough into six parts, roll them like snakes and interweave them into two challah loaves. Once cooked they’re left too cool allowing time for family members to get ready to honour Shabbat.

All the family then sit together to eat but first they bless the candles, say a blessing and share the challah: ‘We add a sprinkle of salt for the times we’ve cried, sometimes a dab of honey for the sweet times to come.’

One sweet time is coming soon for on the final spread we see a new baby in its mother’s arms as the sibling and father prepare to make challah.

Yes, this book is about making challah and the rituals surrounding it, but it’s also about family, love and the beauty of taking time to rest. Sophia Vincent Guy’s mixed media illustrations in pastel shades are perfectly in-keeping with the gentle lyrical nature of Sidura Ludwig’s narrative. The author includes a recipe for challah and a glossary of Hebrew terms after the story.
A book that should definitely find a place in primary school collections.

The Map of Me

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The Map of Me
Nicola Davies and Olga Shtonda
Templar Books

The little girl narrator has just moved to a new home in a new country and inevitably everything feels strange and unfamiliar. ‘… the streets outside were like a jumble of spaghetti. I got lost every time I went out. The world seemed big and much too scary,’ she tells readers. Her thoughtful Mum helps her draw a map to help her navigate her way around: included are such things as the roads, the supermarket, the school, even the flowers by the traffic lights on the corner. However, some important things from before aren’t included – Granny and Joe-Dog for instance.

Mum’s comment that the map isn’t large enough prompts her daughter to extend the map so it fills the entire wall.

Now she can add new things as she found them – the swings in the park, the free lending library and her new friends for instance. On seeing the girl’s map those friends add things of their own and gradually the distance between everyone and everything seems to shrink. Her new house finally begins to feel like home. But then two sad things happen: Joe-Dog becomes poorly and dies and the girl’s favourite tree is cut down: even though they’d been on the map they weren’t safe.

That night the narrator cries herself to sleep but the following morning there on the kitchen wall is another map – a large one drawn by her dad – and it shows how things were once. Both the narrator and her friends like this map and go to find out more about the past and then add other places where their families have lived in the past.

The girl then ponders upon how things change – some are for the better but not all. She draws a map showing a future with trees on every street, parks not car parks, Granny now living close by and a puppy. This is a world without fear, without wars; yes it’s massive but it’s ‘full of love and wonder’. That’s the world we all long for and should be working towards.

With its empowering message, this is a story both for children experiencing big change in their lives and for sharing with a primary class to encourage discussion on belonging and relating to others.

The Good Deed Dogs

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The Good Deed Dogs
Emma Chichester Clark
Walker Books

Bodger, Billy and Betty are very good dogs, always eager to do good deeds: they’re constantly looking out for those who might be in need of help.

First they decide to help an old lady carry her shopping. However they end up scattering the contents of her bags all over the place because she keeps a firm hold of the bag handles. Fortunately she takes it in good heart and requests that they clear up the chaos they’ve created. Later the same day their efforts to assist a man on a ladder watering hanging baskets also has calamitous results and same is true of their attempts to help a girl hanging out washing. Both the man and the girl merely ask the pooches to clear up after themselves.

At the end of the day as a thoroughly despondent Bodger, Billy and Betty make their way home there comes a loud scream for help coming from the direction of the river. On the bank stands a little girl pointing to where a kitten in a saucepan is bobbing up and down in the water. Without a moment’s hesitation in dive the dogs with an almighty SPLASH! What will be the outcome of their efforts now?

The repetition element works really well and young listeners will love joining in with “We’re here to help!” and “Leave it to us! and shouting CALAMITY at each disaster but it’s Emma’s dramatic, detailed illustrations that really steal the show. A real winner this.

Seven Babies

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Seven Babies Forest Xiao Walker Books

One Thursday morning there’s a ring at the bell of number 14 and a box of seven babies appears – self-delivered one supposes.

A man and woman open the door looking somewhat bemused and invite the infants in. The babies quickly make themselves at home and for the reminder of the day, enjoy themselves. They play in the park, take a bath together and do some quiet investigating.

They help with hanging out the clothes on the washing line and come the end of the day, they snuggle up with their hosts to share the storybook they’d brought with them.

The exhausted couple then fall fast asleep and the exuberant babies depart with their box plus a few items they’ve appropriated – a sock, the woman’s sleeping mask, and the man’s spectacles. With them too are the ladybird (this can be spotted on every spread) and the seven little peas in a pod book that that came with them. The story concludes with a question for readers/listeners, ‘What will they do next?’ – A great opportunity for children to do their own creative storying about the adorable babes.

With a minimal text and scenes that are bursting with gentle humour, this light-hearted, playful tale is irresistible and certain to be requested over and over by little humans slightly older than those endearing visiting babies.

Zamzam for Everyone

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Zamzam for Everyone
Razeena Omar Gutta and Bassent Dawoud
Barefoot Books

Mariam, the narrator and her parents are among the throng on their Hajj, a once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Makkah. “Mariam, Hajj is a time to do good, share and be thankful. …” Mama tells her daughter. After filling her bottle with Zamzam water, Mariam ponders upon what her good deed could be. Eventually she decides that sharing the Zamzam with others is the best idea and she proceeds to do so cup by cup. Each sharing is a learning experience for Mariam: having helped an old lady find a seat and given her some Zamzam, the lady responds by saying “Shukriya”, giving her some dates and telling her that she’s from Pakistan. Next Mariam asks two sisters if they too would like Zamzam: “Terima kasha,” comes the reply. The sisters are from Indonesia and they share some sweet pandan cookies.

Besides them, an Uyghur family say, “Rahmat”, when they receive Zamzam from Mariam and share with her some crunchy fried dough, sangza.

Throughout Mariam’s umrah, she learns ways to express thanks in different languages and samples tasty foods like syrupy koeksisters from South Africa in return, as the pilgrims she meets from many different lands each respond in their own language and share some traditional food, mostly sweet.

Eventually it’s time for the journey to begin and off they set. Mariam is concerned whether or not she’ll have sufficient Zamzam for everybody. What about their bus driver?

Kindness, generosity to others and thankfulness are key in this heartwarming story, which together with Bassent Dawoud’s digital, collage images show the rich cultural diversity and comradeship of those undertaking Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

One to add to primary school book collections.

Grandad’s World

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Grandad’s World
Michael Foreman
Scholastic

It’s the beginning of the summer holidays and city dweller, Jack is off to stay with his Grandad in the countryside. Jack’s favourite thing is to walk in the woods with Grandad who points out all kinds of interesting wild life. Grandad’s favourite place is the stream running through the woods to a pond on the village green and he reminisces about taking a similar walk when he was a boy.

Having watched the otters building a den, Jack is eager to build one too and so they do, staying inside it watching the animals until darkness creeps upon them. The following day is stormy so Grandad and Jack spend their time in the shed where there are lots of exciting model boats about which Grandad tells stories and they construct a nesting box for blue tits. Once the storm has passed the two venture out to the stream, which looks very peaceful.

However that night the screech of tyres and shouting wake Jake and through the window he sees Grandad chasing a van that’s driving from the stream. He’s horrified to discover a large pile of rubbish heading down towards Grandad’s special pond. Immediately the two fetch a wheelbarrow, buckets and a torch and return to start clearing the rubbish the fly-tippers have dumped

and come morning lots of other villagers join them in their task. Can they clear it all before it’s too late?
A lovely portrait of the special intergenerational bond between Jack and Grandad with a powerful message about caring for the environment.

Goldilocs

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Goldilocs
Ella McCleod and Rochelle Falconer
Scholastic

Readers of this blog will know that I’m a fractured fairytales enthusiast and this one certainly fits the bill. It’s Goldilocs narrating her own story and as you’ll notice from the cover, her hair is black. Her name comes from other golden attributes – her style, her beads and her smile. She’s a resident of fairyland and being a girl, she has only three options: she can be a wicked witch, an evil power mad queen or a royal princess. The last Goldilocs considers the worst as a prince’s kiss is needed to break an evil curse. What to do?

First she concocts a spell to make her hair grow, with disastrous results. So Goldilocs resorts to cooking her Grandad’s cornmeal porridge. As she stirs the pot there comes a growly sound – time to hide from the three ursine characters that have appeared. However, no need to panic: they consume the porridge with relish.
Next Goldilocs tries being an evil queen and using all manner of bits and pieces she creates three thrones for royal sitters.

It’ s not royal sitters that try them but the three bears and they deem them just right.

Finally Goldilocs switches to princess mode but soon falls asleep. Back come the bears and terrified of being their next meal Goldilocs declares herself a total failure and tries to run away. To her surprise Baby Bear’s carefully considered words of encouragement make her feel empowered. Her decision? “ … the only rule is that I just be ME. As long as I’m kind and try my best, I don’t need to worry about the rest.” The most important thing to remember is that despite being an imperfect person, she has made three new and very supportive friends.

Told in rhyme with just the occasional glitch in the rhythm, this feminist version of the classic story with Rochelle Falconer’s vibrant, expressive illustrations makes for a tasty story time treat.

It’s Not My Cookie

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It’s (Not) My Cookie
Kael Tudor and Ben Sanders
Scholastic

Imagine strolling along and suddenly finding a cookie: what would you do? That is exactly what happens to Bear, the story’s narrator. and he’s now in a quandary. Who does it belong to? It must be lonely sitting there surely and it certainly does look yummy. Bear persuades himself it’s not right to pick it up if it belongs to someone but then changes his mind: a quick feel won’t hurt surely. With the cookie in his paw, Bear delights in its crumbly texture and delectable chocolate chips.
Along come some other creatures and they too like the look of the cookie. A tortoise lumbers up with an apple and what it says might prick the cookie claimer’s conscience, or will it?

Then there arrives a distressed-looking animal looking for a cookie: what happens then? Well that would make me a story spoiler so I’ll leave it to author Kael and illustrator Ben to finish the tasty tale.

I love the dry humour of both words and pictures that capture so well Bear’s temptation. I’m pretty sure both young listeners and readers aloud will be salivating before the story is finished and the former will request second helpings.

The Big Green

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The Big Green
Ken Wilson-Max
Otter-Barry Books

It’s another hot day in Mali and there’s excitement in the air in the village where Maryam and Issa live. As their Mum and Dad are busy poking and shovelling the parched earth, Uncle Cedric pulls up with a truck full of plants. “What are those plants?” Issa wants to know. “Your future,” replies his Uncle, smiling, a response that puzzles the siblings. Creating this future is actually a community task. Neighbours balance buckets of water on their heads, the children help carry unplanted seedlings into the shade, the grown-ups dig holes and put in the seedlings and everybody waters them, over and over and over again. 

Everyone knew that ‘they were making a difference to their world.’ Then comes the waiting.
The final spread shows the siblings, somewhat bigger, enjoying walking through green grass under spreading trees, appreciating the flowers and butterflies, while knowing that they now have both a place in which to play and a place to look after.

This story is an example of the enormous work that is being done in the Great Green Wall, a project that involves eleven countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Ken Wilson-Max provides further information about this on the book’s penultimate page, which is followed by a ‘Plant Your Own Tree’ activity to inspire youngsters to make a difference in their own part of the world.

Young listeners will love joining in with the various sounds – Clap Clap’s, CHAs, DUMs, and Ulululu… included in the narrative as they listen to the upbeat story with its vibrant illustrations.

The Last Egg

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The Last Egg
Sofie Laguna and Jess Racklyeft
Allen & Unwin

One day as a Mother Bird sits on the nest, she tells Father Bird that the eggs within are soon to hatch. That night she’s woken by a screeching sound and the following morning there’s a fourth egg in the nest. Despite Father Bird’s doubts, Mother Bird insists that they must now take care of that one too, so they do. After some days the eggs start to hatch – one, two three. The parent birds teach the chicks how to feed themselves, how to sing and how to fly; but the fourth egg remains an egg as the days become colder and the time to fly to somewhere warmer approaches. “All eggs hatch,” Mother Bird assures Father Bird. When the three fledglings are able to care for themselves, Mother and Father Bird know they must remain until that final egg hatches and they start to struggle as the days shorten, becoming ever colder.

Then the day comes when Father Bird is too weak to fly and the two, their wings covered in ice, sit silent over the egg. That same night the egg finally hatches and Mother Bird comes face to face with the newborn creature. That is when something unexpected and amazing happens …

A truly heartwarming story of love, commitment and revelation with a fantastical ending, beautifully illustrated in watercolour and collage by Jess Racklyeft.

The Tiny Baker / I Took the Moon for a Walk

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These are two books from Barefoot Books – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review

The Tiny Baker
Hayley Barrett and Alison Jay

A wonderfully whimsical, tasty picture book told in rhyming couplets by Hayley Barrett and illustrated in oils by Alison Jay.

As the story begins the titular tiny baker is listing on a chalkboard the sweet treat she has on sale that day. Outside her establishment is a long line of ant customers elegantly dressed waiting to try her ‘lemon tarts, / Her sugar-sprinkled cookie hearts, / To sample her pecan pralines / And nibble lacy florentines.’ Meanwhile inside, the baker ensures all is ready and with her team of ladybirds busy whisking and mixing the clock approaches opening time.

At three on the dot, the door opens and in come the ants to be ushered to the table ready to enjoy a treat or two.

But in the kitchen the ladybirds have downed tools and are leaving the kitchen through an open window. Disaster! When the baker re-enters the kitchen she’s aghast at what she sees. Every single worker has flown away leaving chaos in their wake and a baker ‘slumped amidst the mess – / Bewildered, flummoxed, in distress’ …

Having heard the to do, cricket sounds a call to action and the ants respond by cleaning, moving, clearing and mending until very soon order and the tiny baker are restored. Overcome by the wonderful gesture of her customers, the baker is even more surprised to learn of the prime reason they make their daily visit to her establishment. As a way of showing her immense gratitude she offers them a tray of her goodies.

As endearing tale of kindness and community that will surely make readers’ mouths water at the yummy pastries and delight in the period flavour provided by Alison Jay’s portrayal of the customers in fashionable Victorian clothes in her detailed scenes created on a craquelure background.

I Took the Moon for a Walk
Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay

Mysterious and enchanting is this story of a nocturnal walk taken by a boy narrator. With the moon following behind him like ‘a still summer kite’ he has a variety of small but significant adventures. For instance, unused to accompanying a boy on a walk, the moon very nearly gets hooked on a church spire. It’s also serenaded by a canine chorus and later on hand in hand, the two tiptoe through the grass ‘where the night crawlers creep / when he rust-bellied / robins have all / gone to sleep.’ They enjoy a swing flying up high and more before crossing the bridge and returning to the narrator’s home where the Moon shows its thanks by providing a ‘sweet sleepy light’.

Lyrical and rhythmic, Carolyn Curtis’s text reads aloud well and complemented by Alison Jay’s gorgeous scenes of a world bathed in moonlight, would make a comforting pre bedtime tale.
At the back of the book, the author includes information about ‘The Mysterious Moon,’ and ‘The World at Night’, which gives facts about some fauna and flora.

There is a QR code on the back cover of each book: scan them to bring the stories to life with narrations by Teresa Gallagher.