Clever Crow Chris Butterworth and Olivia Lomenech Gill Walker Books
Who would have thought that crows would have the power to captivate but that is just what they do in this unusual non fiction nature book.
In a text that flows along, encompassing everything from feathers to flight techniques and feeding, and more besides, readers will discover that despite not having a melodic song or flashy plumage crows are very clever creatures.
For example these problem solving, tool users are able to extract delicious bugs from between cracks and crevices in the ground using their feet and tough beaks. Moreover, should they have spare food, they dig holes and are able to remember some while later, where it’s hidden.
These birds are playful too and in a manner similar to humans, use play to learn new things. You never know, perhaps you might look out one snowy day and see one or two sliding down a snowy roof.
Unassuming they might be, but these amazing avians can, just like humans, greet one another, tell each other where to find food and warn their fellow crows of danger.
Olivia Lomenech Gill’s mixed media illustrations are realistic yet have something of a magical quality about them and in combination with the words, offer young readers a wonderful and wondrous introduction to crows.
How to Cuddle a Crocodile Sam Wilde and Sarah Horne Oxford Children’s Books
When choosing a pet, a crocodile wouldn’t be at the top of most people’s list but after careful consideration and taking into account that her dad has allergic reactions to many creatures, our young narrator makes the decision and advertises for a croc. Before long, it’s enter one large scaly, snaggle-toothed reptile with a large grin. Now the carer of such a pet has a lot to learn: it needs regular exercise – that’s challenge number one. Game playing comes next but best avoid ball games,
and hide-and-seek might prove a tad too protracted, not to mention alarming for others in the vicinity.
Pre bedtime tooth cleaning requires assistance from avians and fortunately this particular crocodile (in common with many of her kind) likes to sleep a great deal. Is she a keeper though, or might it be better to bid one another farewell – by mutual consent of course – and hope something more suitable turns up? Err …
This silly story is followed by a spread of crocodile facts, some of which might come as a surprise to young listeners and adult sharers. Wildly imaginative and sure to bring on some giggles, this is a fun-filled follow up to Sam and Sarah’s How to Feed an Elephant.
For fans of the Move and Play series, illustrated by Pintachan there are two new titles this month:
I Want to be a Frog and I Want to be a Penguin. These are certain to get your little humans hopping, splashing, huddling and sliding, complete with their masks made from the cut outs provided inside the front covers`.
Mae and Gerty and the Matter With Matter Elaine Vickers and Erica Salcedo Beaming Books
Science and story come together in this picture book.
Mae and Gerty are sisters but they are very different. Mae, the elder of the two becomes increasingly annoyed when her parents constantly talk about their notions that Gerty is showing a scientific bent at so young an age; indeed the very first word she said was ‘madda’. Dad is forever drawing attention to her actions: “Look at all the ways she can manipulate matter: pushing, pulling and colliding!” he comments one bath time.
Gerty certainly does love mess making,
trying things out, constantly asks questions. These are exactly the things scientists do and during the story, both siblings discover that this is so, for Mae decides to show her mum and dad that she too can do all that Gerty does. They start exploring together and soon they become a true science team taking every opportunity to experiment, asking Why? Why? Why?
Some of their experiments in the kitchen produce matter of a very tasty kind but most important of all is that with their parents’ encouragement the siblings’ eyes and minds are always open to the scientific possibilities the world offers.
After the narrative, the author provides some questions adults might discuss with young listeners and there’s also a bubble recipe. Erica Salcedo’s wonderfully expressive scenes of the girls’ interactions with matter really brings out the importance of letting children explore the world with all their senses.
These are both additions to the Science Words for Little People series. In Let’s Build, the children are going to make a car wash and the book takes us through the stages involved in its construction from drawing up a plan to the finished building. The simple text is split between a straightforward narrative and speech bubbles containing the child constructors’ comments. Key words – materials, invent, tinker, forces, magnets, strong foundations, machines, movement solving problems, energy are used as headings for each of the twelve spreads, the twelfth being ‘all about building’ whereon readers are asked leading questions to get them thinking about their own projects. The final spread gives ideas to adults to help them get the most from this book and Weather. Similarly organised, the latter uses key terms including meteorology, atmosphere, various cloud names, cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes and hurricanes in the brief narrative that has spreads on sun, clouds, rain, a rainbow, wind, storm, snow, seasons, weather watching and climate.
Visually and verbally engaging with a diverse group of child characters, both titles are worth adding to early years collections.
The Cat who Couldn’t Be Bothered Jack Kurland Frances Lincoln Children’s Books (First Editions)
Greg, at least that’s what his feline friends call him, has no wish to do anything at all. He seems totally disengaged and turns down each offer made to join in with what could be a fun or exciting activity. So, it’s no to chasing a string ball, no thanks to a party,
joining an exploration doesn’t appeal and as for going to Mars, it’s a case of ‘I can’t be bothered.’
Then one of his moggy pals asks the all important, ‘What’s up, Greg?’ and eventually our Greg calls for all their suggestions to cease. He goes on to explain the reason behind his naysaying of all their offers. His empathetic friends then proceed to demonstrate just how much they understand.
The author’s narrative, both written and visual conveys simply and beautifully Greg’s friends’ learning journey. It’s an important life lesson: rather than making assumptions or imposing an idea on a friend, be there, listen and only then respond to their needs.
We all feel sad from time to time and this book shows the importance of understanding and doing nothing together. Definitely a book to share with a group or class and an excellent way in to a circle time discussion on responding to emotions. I wonder what they will make of the story’s final twist.
Lunar New Year Natasha Yim and Jingting Wang Words & Pictures
A special fifteen day holiday, the Lunar New Year, is fast approaching and young Ling, our narrator explains clearly the traditions she and her family follow. They clean the house thoroughly, “We sweep away bad luck and evil spirits, “ and polish the statue of the Kitchen God before painting honey onto his lips so he reports only sweet things to the heavenly Jade Emperor. The family fills their home with fragrant blooms; Ling makes special red signs to welcome visitors and it’s customary to wear new clothes, so they go shopping for those as well as red lanterns and favourite foods. The foods will be cooked and shared at the big New Year’s Eve family reunion dinner.
The symbolism behind each tradition is presented: “We eat dumplings for wealth, noodles for long life and turnip cakes for good luck …” Ling says. She also recounts the legend of the New Year beast and offers descriptions of the New Year’s parade, kite flying, and the Lantern Festival that ends the celebrations. Best of all though, Ling enjoys being surrounded by her family.
Jingting Wang’s illustrations are bursting with bold, brightly coloured images and back matter gives additional information on the history of the holiday, New Year greetings in Cantonese and Mandarin, information on the Chinese zodiac, riddles, a recipe for dumplings, how to make a lucky money envelope, examples of how Lunar New Year is observed in other cultures, and a quiz.
An accessible and broad introduction to an important holiday for many Asian cultures.
The Lucky Red Envelope Vikki Zhang Wide Eyed Editions
There are over 140 flaps to explore in this interactive, large format book with stiff card pages. It features Yue, her Mama and Baba and baby brother, Ru, for whom it’s his first ever New Year. By following what Yue and her family do each day in Vikki Zhang’s busy scenes as well as the written narrative, readers will learn the meaning behind the various objects and symbols. There are rich colours, gorgeous patterns and an abundance of detail to feast the eyes on at every turn of the page: the candles lit for the kitchen god, the offerings the family will make to their ancestors, the red wall and door hangings, as well as the food spread out ready for the family reunion dinner, Yue’s beautiful new red cheongsam,
the lucky red envelopes containing money and finally, the lighted lanterns.
The main text is in paragraphs written in a lively style (it’s good to see an acknowledgement that “ People celebrate Lunar New Year differently in different countries”,) and smaller captions ask the reader to look for specific objects – the yin-yang symbol for example, or draw attention to particular symbols such as Yue’s traditional dress.
There are a dozen flaps on every double spread helping to ensure that this is a comprehensive look at the holiday and a book that children will want to immerse themselves in over and over.
Add both books to class libraries from foundation stage upwards.
Are You A Sleepy Monster? Guilherme Karsten Happy Yak
It’s time for bed and Karsten’s lovable monster is back, pyjama clad, inviting little ones to join a ‘Sleepover for Monsters’. In case you’re wondering where you’ll sleep, it will be under the bed along with your slumber host. Did I hear a protest – something about sleeping ON the bed? Surely not. Away from malodorous, noisy little humans is to be your place of slumber especially as Monster has even gone to the trouble to provide you with a pair of PJs for the occasion.
Was that a case of naysaying to being under the bed and an insistence on your scary host climbing up and joining you for a lie down atop the bed? Well, it would appear that the bed is invitingly soft and there’s even a cuddly teddy provided: ZZZZZ …
Time to pull up the duvet and turn out the lights as you, the reader gets in and puts your head on the soft pillow next to your host. Sweet dreams.
With its chatty interactive text, monstrous twist and delectable illustrations, this is certain to be a winner of a bedtime tale. It certainly was with this reviewer.
A Horse Called Now Ruth Doyle and Alexandra Finkeldey Nosy Crow
Now, the white horse stands in a field enjoying the sights and sounds of the natural world: buds bursting forth, dragonflies dancing, the singing of the birds, the chattering of the crickets. Suddenly her peace is disturbed by a mother rabbit and her offspring, fearful of being chased by a fox. Then come Hen and her chicks, terrified by the possibility that the swooping bird is Magpie after her little ones. Sheep and her lambs are worried about New Dog, imagining him to be wild like a wolf.
In turn, Now allays each of their fears and then there comes a loud BANG! of thunder and down comes heavy rain.
Calmly, Now leads all the animals to shelter inside a barn but other creatures are already there so out they all dash leaving the horse to investigate. What she learns is then passed on to her fearful friends outside and having seen Fox, Magpie and New Dog for themselves
and listened to Now’s words of wisdom, ”When I am afraid, I breathe in … and out … and let the feelings come … and then let go.Nothing lasts forever”, they realise that the creatures they so feared are not as scary as they’d imagined.
Ruth Doyle’s sensitively written text is reassuring and full of warmth; she has clearly chosen every word with great care and Alexandra Finkeldey’s rustic illustrations portray the fearfulness and subsequent relief of the animals very effectively.
We’re all beset by fears from time to time but young children may find themselves unable to cope: reading this story with a supportive adult offers an opportunity for opening up about their own worries and a good starting point for talking about living in the moment.
Little Bear Little Dragon Sarah Cordingley and Kamala Nair Oxford Children’s Books
If you’re a parent or carer who is having trouble getting a young child off to sleep then these, the first two in a series of calming Sleep Stories intended to help young children prepare for a good night’s sleep, are worth trying
In the first we join a restless Little Bear as he sallies forth from Old Slumber Tree in search of the perfect sleeping place. During his meanderings he discovers several possible spots: there’s the reedy banks of Hush-a-bye-River, on the edge of Snoozy Shore, the sand dunes of Moonlit Meadow for instance but in each place there’s something preventing the bear from falling fast asleep. Eventually he comes to Rockabye Treehouse wherein resides a wise owl. Owl’s question proves just the right thing to send the wandering Little Bear to the place most suitable for a cosy night of slumbers.
One night in the Misty Mountains way up high Little Dragon is also beset by wakefulness. His friend Bedtime Bird accompanies him off on a search for the perfect sleep-inducing hug. First stop is the Lullaby Trees but the tree trunks can’t provide a ‘squeeze hug’ so the dragon continues alone along the woodland path to Starlight Hollow and thence to Rainbow Falls where he encounters some bubble blowing music making frogs. Could one of their bubbles transport Little Dragon to slumberland?
Calming and reassuringly written, with a wealth of descriptive language by Sarah Cordingley and illustrated in luminescent hues by Kamala Nair, these gentle stories are just right for the very young. Both are preceded by a yoga breathing exercise and some tips for adult sharers and end with a mindfulness activity. (There’s also a QR code to scan for an audio version of the story, mindfulness exercises, a soundscape and a lullaby.)
These are both new titles from Walker Books: thank you to the publishers for sending them for review.
Taxi, Go! Patricia Toht and Maria Karipidou
Courtesy of Patricia Toot’s rhyming text and Maria Karipidou’s vibrant illustrations, we join a smiley red taxi for a busy working day in town, driving through all kinds of weather, as it stops to pick up fare-paying passengers – in turn a business woman, shoppers and children going to play football, a couple going to a dance,
theatre visitors and finally our busy cab heads for the airport to collect a family returning from their travels abroad. With them safely home, it’s back to the depot for a well-deserved night’s rest.
There is so much to see in the child-friendly scenes, you will likely need to share this several times to allow your young audience to enjoy the action and linger over all the details including the town’s diverse residents.
Parents/carers might choose to read this at bedtime to encourage their little one(s) to join Taxi as it dims the light and slips off into the land of slumbers.
Oops! Rabbit Jo Ham
This is another striking succession of playful misadventures in the life of Jo Ham’s silhouette leporine character. Herein, Rabbit wields a paintbrush creating a mural until ‘Oops!’ the chair Rabbit is standing on topples and it’s then ‘Rabbit off’ and paint splashing all around. A large wave destroys the sandcastle in the second misadventure. Then comes bath-time with further mishaps due to an excess of bubblebath and finally, tempted by the sight of a cake atop the table, Rabbit finds a creative use for an umbrella. Small humans will enjoy following the four sequences and joining in with the repeated, ‘Rabbit on … Oops! … Rabbit off’ text.
Remembering Sundays With Grandpa Lauren H. Kerstein and Nanette Regan Beaming Books
It’s Sunday morning and Henry has woken up feeling sad.. His Grandpa died just a short while ago and the boy goes downstairs to share a hug with his mum. She responds to Henry’s “Why did he have to die?” question by saying that Grandpa’s body had become too frail but his love will live on forever. She goes on to show the boy how she knows this is so. First she suggests he should sit in the rocking chair and having shut his eyes, Henry is able to feel Grandpa’s presence when they read stories together.
Out in the garden the cucumber vines offer another reminder, this time of how Grandpa got hiccups when he ate their fruits.
Back indoors they continue looking: Henry finds other reminders – a crab hat, Mum’s musical jewellery box and she in turn sees Grandpa in Henry’s features. Most importantly though, they both know that Grandpa is always in their hearts and Henry then thinks of another place they’ll always find Grandpa’s love, which leads to a special ritual every Sunday henceforward …
A gentle story of loss that reminds readers that although a person is no longer physically present, their love lives on forever and always.
I Love You to the Moon and Back All Year Long Amelia Hepworth and Tim Warnes Little Tiger
The thoroughly appealing bears – adult and cub – return in a fourth book by team Hepworth and Warnes. This time we follow the two through the year as they enjoy the changes each season offers, from a snowy winter, shoots heralding the arrival of spring, the warmth of summer, the scrunchy autumn leaves and the return of winter’s snow when the bears snuggle up together in the cave that gives them shelter.
Amelia’s gentle, lyrical text tells what the adult bear loves doing with the little bear be that watching the sun melt the snow, holding paws, cavorting in the river’s sparkling water,
meeting friends or holding the little one aloft beneath the swirling snowflakes of a winter sky at night. “I’m grateful for the love we share / that shines the whole year through.”
So too does the shared love between adult and child, which is captured beautifully in Tim’s playful seasonal scenes. These sometimes include other creatures such as a heron, frogs, furry woodland animals and other bears. Share at bedtime whatever the season.
I Love You Mary Murphy Happy Yak
How many ways are there to say, ‘I love you’? We follow a pair of pandas, one large, one small, as they spend time together discovering ever more ways they can show their love – from a bowl of juicy berries to building bricks, and pebbles in a pail
to a picnic on a blanket. The author uses lots of playful language, especially alliteration as the two characters make the most of one another’s company
Employing similes inspired by their activities and surroundings, the text is written in rhyme and illustrated with a minimal colour palette that makes the images stand out from the mustard yellow pages, this is an anthem to love. I wouldn’t advise picking this up and reading it sight unseen to a young child, as it’s important to get the rhythm right to do justice to the phraseology.
There is certainly plenty to talk about and enjoy with little ones who are likely to have their own ideas to add to those of the pandas.
Have You Seen Mikki Olsen? Alex Macdonald Frances Lincoln Children’s Books (First Editions)
Penguin appears to spend much of the time each day carrying out the three tasks listed on the To Do List that is fixed to the wall – fishing, chopping lots of wood, and buying sticky icky fish. No matter where he goes or what he does, the penguin has his much loved pink teddy Mikki Olsen as his companion.
One day a sticky icky fish gets stuck to Mikki Olsen’s posterior and when the penguin then sits on the teddy, Mikki sticks to his bottom, unbeknown to the weary penguin who goes home and falls fast asleep.
The following morning the penguin realises his teddy is missing so he searches here, there and everywhere including inside a whale’s mouth. (Children will relish being in the know about where the teddy is at every turn of the page).
Come nightfall the exhausted searcher flops down on his back in the snow and in so doing creates the means for him to discover Nikki Olsen’s location. All’s well when, having greeted his lost teddy and promised to be a better carer henceforward, the two return home for some well-earned shut eye.
The combination of spare text and snowy scenes with amusing details make Alex Macdonald’s debut a delight for sharing with young listeners.
I Love You More Clare Helen Walsh and Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell Nosy Crow
Parental love and the wonders and beauty of the natural world come together one bedtime when Rae’s Mum attempts to tell her daughter just how much she loves her. Clare’s lyrical text in combination with team Howdeshell, the illustrators, convey the heartfelt message effectively, showing that such love is unconditional and life long.
Herein we encounter among other creatures, waddling penguins and snoozy seal pups atop the ice, gliding eagles, desert dwelling camels and lizards, various marine creatures ,
majestic big cats and pandas as well as celestial bodies – ‘sparkly planets shining brightly in the night’ and more. As the two finish counting the stars in the sky, Rae realises the enormity of her Mum’s love, . a love that even then Mum feels she’s not expressed sufficiently strongly- and we see the two snuggled lovingly together.
The mixed media illustrations of the animals in their home environs suggest that the way is left open for Rae to change as she too explores beyond her immediate home and surroundings.
Love is in the Little Things Stella J Jones and Jane Massey Little Tiger
Small – a human child and Big – a large bear love one another very much, but how do they show that love? Stella Jones’s first person text and Jane Massey’s heart-warming watercolour illustrations show that essentially as Big says, ‘ love is made from the little things’ – every day things such as holding hands, making and taking tea together, a goodnight kiss, hugs, saying sorry,
extending a helping paw or hand. As Little realises as they look skywards, “Love is made of ALL the little things. Just like the trillions of tiny twinkly stars make the forever of the deep blue sky.’ Gentle, reassuring, and sometimes exciting like those ‘tingletastic, tummy jumbling, giant-enormous glorious fireworks and starbursts.’
I Turtley Love You Harriet Evans and Bryony Clarkson Little Tiger
This board book takes readers beneath the ocean waves where, through Harriet’s gentle rhymes and Bryony’s engaging illustrations they will encounter several ocean creatures and their little ones. There are turtles, seahorses, clownfish, jellyfish and more either playing or snuggled up together. The emphasis on each spread is the love the adult gives to the little one. With cut-outs and stand-outs on each spread, little humans will enjoy the tactile opportunities offered by interesting watery, collage style visuals. Some adults might find the words slightly too sugary.
Through stunning illustrations with details meticulously painted and four lined poems, Dennis McGregor introduces readers to sixteen pairs of animals that share names but not anatomy..
Similarities and/or differences are highlighted, depending on which animal voice is speaking. Thus, fish and fowl share rainbow hues but the parrotfish that speaks flies through the sea whereas the parrot it addresses flies through the skies, something the fish envies.
In contrast, the Cowbird comments in alliterative style, ‘Fashion choices I prefer / feature feathers over fur.’ when talking to the black and white cow upon whose back it perches.
In the opening poem the Kangaroo and the kangaroo rat have much in common and so the marsupial doesn’t mind that the little rodent shares its name. Turn the page and thereon the chicken is rather less enthusiastic about sharing her name with the predatory chicken hawk.
Next, addressing the catfish through the glass of its tank, a moggy comments somewhat resentfully thus: ‘You don’t meow or even purr. / You have no paws, you have no fur. / I guess it’s whiskers we can blame / for the stealing of my name.’
A book that will appeal most to both art lovers and animal enthusiasts from around seven years old.
Ice Journey of the Polar Bear Martin Jenkins and Lou Baker-Smith Walker Books
This addition to the excellent Protecting the Planet series is written by conservation biologist, Martin Jenkins. In this book, the author has deftly woven into his narrative the crucial importance of conservation: like those written by Nicola Davies, as well as a story, this is a rallying cry to youngsters to act as stewards for our precious plant and its wildlife now and for future generations.
Here we follow an adult polar bear as she undertakes an arduous and challenging journey
through a stunningly illustrated Arctic landscape during which she gives birth to twin cubs, one male, one female.
During her travels it becomes alarmingly evident to us, the readers, how climate change has negatively impacted, not only upon the polar bears but upon the Arctic environment. This means that the future for these cubs, which we hope will survive to become awesome animals like their mother, is an uncertain one.
As the author says in a note at the end of the story, ‘as the climate warms the bears are now spending more time on land than before. So far they seem to be coping and polar bear numbers are keeping quite steady, but as things get worse the population will probably start to decrease.’ This underscores the vital importance of our role as individuals and communities.
An important book to add to KS1/2 classroom collections and family bookshelves.
The Biggest Mistake Camilla Pintonato Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
“It’s time for you to catch a gazelle on your own.” So says Papa Lion to his cub one morning. Having located his prey, the little lion convinced that his task will be easy, hides behind a bush, waits and leaps. However, the gazelle escapes. Little lion tries again … and again
but none of his strategies are successful. His prey escapes every time and to make matters worse the other gazelles gather to laugh at his attempts.
Ashamed, with his ego dented, the little lion hides away leaving gazelle basking in her triumph. A triumph that is short lived however as it soon gives way to boredom.
The gazelle hunts for a long while for the little lion but her search is unsuccessful until at sunset, she spies him.. She creeps closer and closer but now it’s her turn to make a mistake , a very big one and she’s captured. Is this the end for the nimble creature?
A tongue-in-cheek tale with a fun final twist, deftly translated from the original Italian by Debbie Bibo. With a focus on the animals’ movements, Camilla Pintonato’s bold. dramatic illustrations use the creatures’ eyes to great effect, ensuring that young humans stay engaged and amused throughout.
We Could Fly Rhiannon Giddens and Briana Mukodiri Uchendu Walker Books
As a mother and daughter sit together outside on the edge of a wood, the child looks up and points out a sparrow that she sees. Why can’t I fly like the sparrow, she wants to know. Her mother then speaks of Granny Liza and how she used to fly every night, searching for the promised land.
The trembling that the child feels through her arms, her mother tells her is like a connection to her grandmother. The two continue talking until the child says that she feels it’s time for them both to join the journey and together they take flight, searching for the promised land far away across the ocean.
After the lyrical verses and stunningly beautiful skyscapes and landscapes, we read the author’s note wherein she reveals her inspiration came from the final story in the classic folktale collection, The People Could Fly, retold by Virginia Lee Hamilton, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.
A mesmerising book, wonderfully warm that deserves to be shared widely.
Is This Love? Bob Marley adapted by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Alea Marley Chronicle Books
This new title in the series based on the lyrics of iconic reggae musician, Bob Marley, is again adapted by his eldest daughter, Cedilla. Here, she uses the repeat refrain of his song “Is This Love” to tell a story of sibling love.
We meet the siblings when the younger one is not long born and follow their loving relationship as they grow and engage in all kinds of shared activities. Big sister acts as a supportive teacher and playmate. Together they enjoy block building, bike riding, building a blanket den and visiting the playground to use the equipment.
Alea Marley’s bold, richly hued scenes have a tropical setting, with both daytime and evening activities being shown, some of which include the entire family, whereas in others we see just the two sisters.
The unique relationship shared by siblings is the key theme, but abiding warm, loving family bonds are also a vital element of this book. A book that can serve as an introduction to Marley’s music for young children, while also making adult sharers feel uplifted and nostalgic. It would make a smashing book to give a family as a welcome to a new arrival.
Always Never Always Meg McKinlay and Leila Rudge Walker Books
A little girl sets out on an adventure, accompanied by her wind-up duck. As she goes, she follows advice given by an outside voice (or perhaps her own inner one): always follow a secret track and worry not where it might lead; carry useful items including a torch, notebook, fairy wings, a key and be empathetic towards your travelling companion. This last is hugely Important. Each piece of advice in Meg McKinlay’s rhyming narrative begins ‘Always…’ and is followed by the caveat, ‘Never…’
All these are sage recommendations; I particularly like, ‘Never follow all the rules, / for some are surely made by fools.’
Through both words and pictures it comes through loud and clear that during life’s journey, like the protagonist, we should look for the positives and possibilities in things,
be mindful of the needs of others, be open to as yet undiscovered wonders, put aside negativity and remain open to joy.
An inspiring celebration of what the world has to offer, with Leila Rudge’s gorgeously coloured pencil and watercolour illustrations adding the potential for a wealth of stories large and small emerging along the way as you share the rhythmic text with young children, be that at home or in the classroom.
Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year Andrea Beaty and David Roberts Abrams Books for Young Readers
As a young child, Lila Greer is a fearful individual who resides in a large city with her father, four siblings, three cats and a crow. Little by little she gains confidence in familiar situations but a move to a new town sets her back again, especially starting at a different school and having to get used to another teacher. However. Ms Kern is an empathetic person and tells Lila that she can help by cleaning the chalkboard. Lila accepts the offer and the two chat as they work, till the child feels ready to speak of her worries and ‘What Ifs’.
Time passes and under Ms Kern’s watchful eye, Lila’s self confidence builds and she’s ready to join the other children in the playground. “What if you find friends?” her teacher suggests. And of course, she does. Yes those ‘What Ifs’ return sometimes as Lila reaches adulthood. She too becomes a teacher. That is definitely cause for a visit from the ‘What Ifs’. However, Lila recalls her erstwhile teacher, Ms. Kern
and how through her kindness, she had enabled the young Lila to find her feet. Who better to emulate as she meets her very first class of children.
Andrea Beaty’s rhyming story in combination with David Roberts’ characteristic watercolour, pen, and ink stylish illustrations show just how powerful the impact of the right teacher at the right time can be for a child. In so doing they have created a wonderful storybook acknowledgement that says thank you to educators wherever they are.
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen Walker Books
If you’ve ever pondered upon the mystery of how Santa manages to go down the chimney, then this might well be the book for you. Countless young children have been spun that yarn over the years and now, frequent collaborators Mac Barnett using an unidentified narrator and artist Jon Klassen, put forward a series of hypotheses concerning his chimney descent, as well as looking at the possible means of entry should the house not have a chimney at all.
Klassen starts with Santa atop a roof, making adjustments: he pulls his belt tight in at the waist while a reindeer holds his jacket. Turn over and we see a mouse-size shrunken figure contemplating entering the chimney’s large opening. However, he might change shape in a different way. becoming super-stretchy so as to enable him to step in one leg after the other.
But supposing he should get stuck? Then what? A hefty kick from one of the reindeer maybe.. And what about all the soot that’s likely to get on his suit? A quick bit of laundry before moving on to his next house, perhaps.
For houses that lack chimneys there’s that well guarded (not) secret regarding the key under the flower pot; alternatively he can transform his shape so he can slide beneath the door or pass through the pipes and out of the tap into the sink. Having gained access things get even sillier. Does he possess the ability to get along with every household dog he meets: that would require a stash of doggy treats secreted about himself, as well as becoming the recipient of a succession of slobbery canine kisses. And what about night vision goggles if the lights are off?
Nothing is certain except that, as we read, ‘Santa goes up the chimney the same way he comes down.’ No conjectures about that though, merely the final assertion, “But I’m so glad he can.’
A splendidly silly seasonal comedy from the partnership that are best known for their droll delights delivered through dead pan words and idiosyncratic illustrations.
Christmas Cobwebs Pippa Goodhart and Ema Maliauka Tiny Owl
Pippa Goodhart has written a rather different version of an old Eastern European folktale, The Legend of the Christmas Spider, that is thought to be one of the possible origins of tinsel on a Christmas tree.
Remembering the wonderful, magical times she had at Christmas as a cub, Old Bear resolves to share that Christmas magic with her friends. She gets busy cleaning her home and shooing out the spiders from inside and then turns to the outside, especially the large tree. She decorates it with a twiggy star, berries and rosy apples; then back indoors she bakes and creates a gingerbread house. With the invitations duly written to all her friends, Old Bear suddenly hears voices. it’s those spiders again, pointing out that they’ve not been invited.
That night, tired from all her labours, Old Bear falls fast asleep right away. Not so those spiders however. They go outside to take a good look at the tree. They scuttle all over it, ‘weaving and winding wondrous webs.’ I love that alliteration and there’s lots more.
Next morning the spiders might have hidden themselves away but the fruits of their labours are evident and when Old Bear looks outside, she is not happy at what she sees on the tree. However there’s no time to do anything before her guests come a-knocking at her door. What do you think their reaction will be?
Just like that magically decorated tree, Ema Maliauka’s illustrations are a joy. So too is that Old Bear discovers the real meaning of Christmas in this tale of acceptance and embracing difference. A super story to share every year during the festive season.
It’s Christmas Eve and Lily has just moved into a new house but it doesn’t feel like home, there’s no food in the cupboards and she hasn’t got a single friend in this neighbourhood.
Acting on her mum’s suggestion to go upstairs and unpack her own things, Lily sets to work. She labels, sorts and organises until it’s almost time for bed. Then at the bottom of a box, she comes upon a wrapped package. Inside is a book but the cover and pages are blank. So it seems, but then a strange tiny creature waves and almost the next thing she knows, Lily is surrounded by snow and is being given warm clothes by the creature who tells her that it’s called Widget and is one of Santa’s elfbots. Moreover, she learns, Santa needs her help.
The bot leads Lily to Santa’s workshop wherein many more elfbots are busy making new toys. This isn’t however, where Lily’s assistance is required. In another section, Santa’s favourite, are all manner of old, broken toys. What’s needed Lily is told, is her imagination.
Can one little girl, one tiny bot and a lot of ingenuity transform piles of what looks like junk into wonderfully exciting toy inventions?
When asked what she would like in return for her efforts, Lily tells Widget her dearest wish before falling fast asleep on the sleigh. What will next morning bring: sadness at missing Santa’s visit or hope and the envisioning of making a new exciting family home?
I love the combination of creativity and up cycling in this magical seasonal story. It’s perfect for sharing in classrooms especially where there are children recently arrived from different parts of the world, and feeling like Lily as Christmas approaches, whether or not it’s a festival they would celebrate.
Santa Shark Mike Lowery Orchard Books (Scholastic)
Ex-sea-dingly silly, laugh out loud sea-sonal fun is to be found ‘neath the waves in the company of Edgar the shark. It’s late in December and elasmobranch, Edgar, is getting ready to receive a very special guest; it’s none other than Santa Shark. For this he enlists the help of his crab best pal, Lotta. Lotta however has never before heard of Santa Shark so she takes a bit of convincing, but before long she agrees to assist Edgar. As they work together preparing for the visitor, readers are treated to a plethora of puns such as the making of Christmas cods
and a rendition of “We fish you a Merry Christmas.” However as bedtime draws near, Edgar suddenly has a horrible realisation: there’s no snow. What’s to be done? If there’s no snow, it means no visit from Santa. Can anything cause the desired precipitation? Perhaps the lovely Lotta might have a brainwave … Dramatic illustrations and a zesty text will amuse both child and adult readers aloud.
Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas Matt Tavares Walker Books
Dasher (the reindeer we met previously in the book named after her) is so impatient she just cannot wait for the big night when she’ll help pull Santa’s sleigh. With just one sleep remaining before Christmas Eve, she’s wide awake with excitement and taking a run, she leaps skyward to investigate the music she’s heard.
Enjoying herself thoroughly, as the music dies away she spies bright lights on the horizon. In her joy, she fails to pay heed to the falling snow and is unable to find the North Star to guide her, so again she takes to the sky, hoping to find something familiar. At last she sees something bright way ahead.
Flying towards the light, she discovers a wonderful Christmas tree in a garden and decides to land to take a rest. There she encounters a small girl. Having admitted to being lost and hungry, she receives, thanks to the child Charlie’s kindness, both food and a means of finding the way back home. This Dasher does, just in time to reach the North Pole where a worried Mama and Santa await.
Then off they go, the reindeer team pulling Santa along on his delivery round, during which Dasher ensures that they stop to leave a special thank you to Charlie.
A gentle story with some tense moments and a happy ending, dramatically illustrated by the author.
’Tis The Season illustrated by Richard Jones Nosy Crow
Constructed of thick card, this fold out book will work well with children from around four, right through KS1. Of the twenty four shortish poems included some have a distinct Christmas feel, others are wintry and the whole thing opens into a gorgeous advent calendar zigzag frieze that can be brought out yearly on the first of December.
There are flaps to open on each of Richard Jones’ beautifully illustrated snowy spreads, the first five of which have four poems each, the next has three and the final page has Philip Waddell’s clever What Christmas Is For, the last two lines of which are the hugely pertinent, ‘Christmas is a time for peace – / Forgiving and forgetting.’
Bunnies In A Sleigh Philip Ardagh and Ben Mantle Walker Books
‘A crazy Christmas story’ announces the cover and , this rhyming tale of disaster averted thanks to the Sunnytown bunny brigade is definitely that. The story begins in Santa’s workshop where the elves have over-indulged on candy canes and consequently are unfit for further duties. It’s Christmas Eve so the Chief Elf is in a real panic for it seems Santa will be sans his little helpers. Happily though, who should be heading to the rescue on a sleigh pulled by dogs but those bunnies. Just as Santa’s reindeer are preparing to depart on the delivery round, they appear with a leap and a bound right into Santa’s sleigh. Full of the Christmas spirit they surely are.
With a safe landing duly made on a rooftop, the deliveries begin in earnest and a considerable amount of soot is scattered by exuberant leporine leaps and bounds. Then it’s back aboard the sleigh but not for long thanks to a mistimed present sort by Santa that results in a scattering of the bunnies.
Nonetheless, never say never: those bunnies are there to save another sticky situation and the work continues apace as the end of the night draws ever nearer. How will it all end? Let’s say, Santa is happy with the way things work out. And the bunnies? It’s a case of munching and crunching with the reindeers.
Ben Mantle’s portrayal of the bunnies is full of the Christmas spirit; readers will love perusing each spread and discovering all the small dramas that are unfolding alongside the main storyline. Anybody for a carrot?
Pink Santa Tanya Hennessy and Ben Whitehouse Albert Street Books (Allen & Unwin)
Tanya Hennessy has used as her starting point the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem that begins, ’Twas the night before Christmas’ and with rhyming stanzas, created something inclusive and alternative. It begins in Santa’s workshop where the work is complete and Santa is ready for the off. Not quite though, for his suit, which is decidedly whiffy, is badly in need of a wash. Rudolph tosses it in the machine, along with some socks, turns the heat up high and … It turns out that the red colour wasn’t fast, for the suit comes out a vivid pink.
Rudolph turns to Mrs Claus for advice but as she and the elves are pondering the pink hue, in comes Santa. However, he’s not in the slightest bit bothered. Let’s do Christmas pink!’ he declares, adding that pink is for girls, boys, elves, toys, Rudolph, tree and of course, himself.
Having ‘pinkified’ everything, off goes Santa and his team, sprinkling pink cheer wherever they go. An exciting change from the traditional red and green hues and one from which Santa learns so he tells his pals back at the Pole after the deliveries are complete, an important lesson: “the best things in life sometimes come from mistakes.” So true. And as for the following year, who knows …
A warm-hearted tale celebrating being flexible in your thinking and being ready to embrace change. Full of fun details, Ben Whitehouse’s vibrant illustrations match the upbeat mood of the rhythmic telling.
These picture books are both created by author/artists whose work is well loved by young children: thank you to Walker Books for sending them for review.
Molly, Olive & Dexter: The Guessing Game Catherine Rayner
In the second of this delightful series featuring residents of a garden oak tree, Molly the hare, Olive the owl and fox, Dexter, the friends are playing a guessing game. Dexter thinks of something and it’s immediately guessed by Molly. Her thought is equally easily guessed by her friends and that leaves Olive to be the thinker. “I’m thinking about TWO things at the same time!” she announces.
Young listeners may well have guessed her ‘think’ at this stage but will enjoy following the fun as Molly and Dexter endeavour to work out the answer prompted by Olive’s clues. Even when she practically tells them, the others can’t get the answer right and consequently they get grumpy until at last … the penny drops. Now everyone is happy and it’s time for the three best pals to enjoy a snooze.
Gentle humour and outstanding illustrations make this a gorgeous book to share with the very young.
Tiny Owl’s Scary Day Petr Horáček
As dawn approaches, Mummy Owl tells Tiny Owl it’s time for sleep. She though pays no heed to this and despite the possibility of encountering scary things, off she ventures to explore what the day has to offer.
Soon other birds start to chase her; she enjoys the fun but feeling tired, she takes rest by some flowers. It’s there that the first scary thing happens, so away she flies.
The river is her next stop but as she stands on a large stone, Tiny Owl is unaware of being watched. ‘Creep Crack Click Clack’, scary moment number two. Time to take to the air again, in search now of a quiet place.
Resting on a branch along with several other birds feels safe but before long comes scary moment number three.
Accepting that her mother was right about the scariness of the day,Tiny Owl decides to head for home but when she reaches her tree, there is no Mummy Owl waiting to welcome her. Yet another scary moment but this time there is no need to worry; it’s Mummy returning. Where has she been to make her so tired? Having recovered from breathlessness, the two owls snuggle up together until the moon comes up, calling them out into the night sky.
Young children will love following Tiny Owl’s adventure with its alarming encounters, dramatically illustrated in Petr Horáček’s striking illustrations.
Being ruler of a kingdom is a lonely task so King Lion decides a friend would relieve his loneliness. His roaring however, only serves to send any potential companions running. So he tries paw waving, smiling and cracking jokes but nobody understands his message. Then feeling lonelier than ever, he climbs right up to the very top of a clocktower – the tallest place in his kingdom – and asks once more if anyone will be his friend. Again all that happens is that his roars, jaws and claws cause terror and misunderstanding. “The King is dreadful,” say his subjects as they rush away to hide leaving their ruler growing ever wilder with sadness, which he expressed as always by roaring.
Then one day, a little girl sees the lion with his alarming characteristics. She though has a feeling that perhaps she understands the creature.
That night she comes up with a very, very brave plan. This she enacts the following morning … There’s no better way to communicate than this child’s way, which is based on experience and understanding, both of which lead to a lesson for the lion and the start of a happy friendship between the two.
As a mother and child lie in bed in the dark, they take turns to share fond memories. The voices are printed in different colours to enable readers to know who is speaking. “Do you remember …” the mother begins, “when we had a picnic in the field?” What we see are dreamlike watercolour scenes wherein Smith brings to life this treasured time when the child was excited about finding and sharing sweet berries when he and his parents were on a picnic.
The child then recalls the trials and tribulations of learning to ride a bike. We can almost feel the tension of the darkness caused by the loss of power relieved somewhat by Grandpa’s old oil lamp. The boy now asks, “Do you remember . . . leaving our home behind? We packed up everything we own in our pick-up truck and drove down the motorway, farther than we’d ever been … We were lost.” “Of course I remember,” his mother replies.
A change of landscape is called to mind as the two drive through the city … to where they now are. Changed also is the number of family members for having handed his son a teddybear, the father has stayed behind.
There follow two beautiful wordless spreads and we realise that the move has only just happened for what we see next are partly unpacked belongings about which the mother and son have been reminiscing.
The boy then moves to the window asking, “Can we make this a memory, too?’ As the sun rises he savours the smells and sounds of this new city street and reassures himself that all will be well. “Yes, I will remember this,” he says returning to his mother’s side.
We know not why the father isn’t with them: that is for us to surmise. A truly touching tale, awesomely told through the fusion of lyrical text and tender illustrations.
A Way to the Stars David Almond and Gill Smith Walker Books
Young Joe wants to find a way to the stars but when he tells his friends they just laugh at him. Not so his Dad though: noticing the responses from those friends, he intervenes offering help.
Together they try all manner of ways to reach the stars, some pretty risky, but with his supportive parent always there to catch him, no harm comes to Joe. Instead they have lots of fun being inventive as they try constructing among other ideas, a tower to climb, building a rocket and fashioning a seesaw.
Refusing to give up – “in your dreams” Joe says as they laugh over their efforts – father and son build a shed, paint the inside with a gorgeous skyscape and fall fast asleep. We share in their thrilling dream as they rise skywards and “danced among the stars … wandered through the heavens,. They spun across the galaxies … and they kept on dancing.” …
All the way to the stars.
I love the way in which Gill Smith’s colour palette moves from the warm autumnal hues of the opening spreads to the midnight blues of the skyscapes towards the end of the story. A truly uplifting tale of resilience from the minute we meet Joe in his bedroom with its planet mobiles and other evidence of his passion and his ambitions.
These are both Toon Books an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers – thanks to GMC Distribution for sending them for review.
A Trip to the Top of the Volcano With Mouse Frank Viva
Mouse and a human have embarked on an expedition few people would contemplate: they are going to climb Mount Etna. Mouse though is much more interested in when there will be a pizza eating opportunity. The entire story is told through speech bubbles and Viva’s striking graphics, and includes a number of non-fiction elements including the necessary climbing equipment and is followed as they start their ascent, by basic information about volcanoes and their structure, plants and animals.
All the while Mouse interrupts with comments relating to the pizza he desires and complaints about the climate conditions.
An enjoyable, satisfying excursion for the climbers and for readers too, especially those with a preference for visual stories or under confident readers of prose. The inspiration for this came from the story creator’s own experience of a Mount Etna climb.
Gotta Go! Frank Viva
Having assured his mum that he doesn’t need to use the loo before setting off to Grampa’s, ten minutes from their destination Owen looks up from his on-screen game and announces “I gotta go!” Mum offers some advice but the result is thoughts about water-related items. However the boy manages to hold it in until Grampa’s where he makes an immediate dash up three flights of stairs, to the bathroom … ‘Ahhh … “ the relief.
Off they go to the park accompanied by dog, Whizzer. Owen learns why Grampa and other older people get up early and they play a ball game with Whzzer who also pauses to wee against a tree. Grampa and Owen start discussing holding-it tactics. “I find that dancing helps me!” Grampa says and before you can say, ‘wee’, the two of them are going through Grampa’s repertoire of preventative dance moves, including the Tinkle Twist and the Wee-wee Walk, then Owen introduces the Pee-pee Hop, the Piddle Patter and the Leafy Shake.
All the while the queue to use the restrooms is growing ever longer behind them and some of those waiting also try out the moves.
Enter Mum to collect her son; she wonders what is going on and asks Owen if he needs the loo before they leave for home. Once in the car she comments, “Well, that was a great learning experience, wasn’t it?”
I’m sure readers of this comic tale will agree wholeheartedly with that. I’ve yet to meet a child who doesn’t enjoy toilet humour stories and Frank Viva’s with its apt colour palette, is sure to make them giggle from start to finish. I’ve never encountered this author/illustrator before and I wholeheartedly recommend his take on an experience we can all relate to.
These are all autumn publications from Beaming Books: thanks to Suzy Senior and the publisher for sending them for review.
Kaia’s Big Felines Aura Lewis
Like all young children, Kaia has a multitude of feelings and emotions, each of which she associates with a different kind of cat and she loves to play with these creatures in her mind. She sees herself as fast and fearless like Cheetah, loves to be in the spotlight like Leopard, is sometimes carefree and lighthearted like Puma, quiet and calm like Snow Leopard, and identifies with Tiger’s fierce temper. When her emotions become too intense, she needs to take some quiet time alone to rest and regain her equanimity. After this her friends can return and it’s time for some peaceful shuteye.
A charming, beautifully illustrated book to show youngsters that we experience a variety of feelings and that there are times when we all feel emotionally overwhelmed. A helpful starting point for a KS1 classroom circle time discussion.
Duck, Duck, Tiger Brittany R. Jacobs
Lila feels out of place all the time, like a tiger in a world full of ducks. She struggles with her feelings of otherness and in order to belong and not be rejected, she hides her true self and tries her best to be a duck. Eventually though, her efforts at pretence take their toll and she can’t cope any more so she decides to confide in her Gran. Gran’s empathetic response is such that it encourages Lila to embrace her true tiger self, to discover what true pride really means for her.
An affirming picture book that uses a feline metaphor was inspired by the author’s childhood experiences. Yes, this boldly illustrated, affirming book is about and based on the acceptance of an LQBTQ+ identity, but the story is equally applicable to those who feel different in any way, offering a safe space within which to talk about feelings of otherness and discuss embracing our unique selves, acceptance, and self-pride.
The Kid with Big, Big Ideas Britney Winn Lee and Jacob Souva
Listen carefully to children’s ideas is the message that comes across loud and clear from this rhyming story, which begins like this: ‘There once was a kid with glittery nails / who always wore colorful socks, /and all around town, this child was known / for thinking outside of the box.’ Hurrah! a creative, divergent thinker. In this instance a nonbinary child with ideas so big and wild that grown-ups often dismiss them. I love this, “Imagine if everyone was accepted, / with curiosity and an open mind. / And if every place in the world was safe / and every person you met was kind!” Sadly this child begins to lose heart having overheard a discussion on Gran’s tv news. However Gran is a supportive person and with her encouragement and help, the two of them come up with the biggest idea so far – Just Ask Kids – a programme where people of all ages and stages come together on air and endeavour to solve problems by using their imaginations.
Although things are improving in this respect, children are all too frequently excluded from decision making. We need to be braver and bolder and accept that children’s voices need to be heard; some of their ideas might set our world on the road to real progress. Illustrator Jacob Sousa has used his imagination to great effect in his portrayal of this book’s protagonist and the way in which one community is opened up to change.
The Duck Who Came For Dinner Steve Smallman and Joëlle Dreidemy Little Tiger
It’s the turn of a fluffy little duck to become the guest in team Steve and Joëlle’s fifth in their series featuring animals who came for dinner. This story begins one windy day when Wolf, Hotpot and their crocodile, Omelette are chasing washing that has been blown off the line. Instead of a garment, Wolf catches a duck who now has a wonky wing and a bumped head. The latter has resulted in memory loss, so Hotpot decides that because she fell from a tree, they’ll call the little duck Apple. They invite her so spend the night with them on account of her wibbly wobbliness and after Wolf has given some first aid to Apple’s wing, they all dine on vegetable soup.
Next morning Apple decides to start flying practice, which proves pretty hair-raising and Wolf suggests that a trip to the river might be a better idea than more flying. Determined to show her independent spirit, Apple waddles boldly up the hill
but in her excitement, she fails to stop at the top and ends up dashing right over and splashing into the river, followed almost immediately by Omelette who proves to be the inferior swimmer.
As the days pass, Apple’s wing becomes stronger but to her distress she still can’t fly very far. Then comes another sudden gust of wind whisking away the washing once again. The mention of the word kite gives Apple an idea.
Next day it’s still windy but it’s Hotpot that is whisked away. Who will come to the rescue? And what will this lead to? …
Existing fans of Wolf and Hotpot’s adventures will love this new one; but whether young children are already familiar with their previous stories matters not: with its unconventional little duck, this is an absolute delight.
The Snowman and the Robin Michael Foreman Scholastic
Over forty years ago, Raymond Briggs created the The Snowman, which has become a classic. Since then others have added additional layers of seasonal magic to the story and now we have this wondrous tale by Michael Foreman.
On a chilly winter’s evening in a park in London there stands a snowman created by children who have clad him in a striped scarf and old woolly bobble hat. As the snow falls around him, the snowman suddenly hears, “Hey! Mr Snowman! You’re back!” It’s a little robin standing atop a statue, the Snowman discovers having turned his head around with considerable effort. The two strike up a conversation that quickly becomes a friendship as Robin invites the snowman to accompany him on a tour of the city.
We then follow the two on a night of adventure as the robin takes to the wing and the snowman finds his feet. Gliding through Hyde Park they pass the Albert Memorial and Marble Arch, then onwards to other famous London landmarks including Buckingham Palace,
Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s Column, and Big Ben. As the sun rises, their itinerary also takes them to the Millennium Wheel
and it’s there that the snowman notices something, to his eyes the wheel is growing. Robin knows that it’s not the wheel but the snowman that is gradually changing. His night of wonderment is coming to an end but not before he discovered how absolutely amazing the world is, even if his own existence is short. The last few spreads are truly beautiful and poignant. Foreman’s artistry with words and pictures remained undimmed; indeed here it shines brighter than ever.
This, like its progenitor, is sure to become a classic. Buy to give and buy to keep.
Peter the Cat’s Little Book of Big Words Zeb Soanes and James Mayhew Graffeg
Do you want to help your child become a logophile or a philomath, or perhaps both? Then try sharing a copy of this compilation by Peter, feline ‘Pawthor’ of this lexicon and a character from the Gaspard the Fox series. Said moggy shares his passion with readers, providing one or more big words for most letters of the alphabet. Each word is accompanied by its meaning and the way it is said on one page and opposite is a full page illustration by James, almost all from the Gaspard series.
Peter’s book is logically arranged in alphabetical order starting with ‘Acclivitous’, meaning rising steeply and going through to ‘Voluminous’ where it ends. Several letters aren’t featured – H, J, K, O, Q, R, T, U although there’s a proliferation of Ps, Cs and Ss. In my experience, young children love to impress grown-ups by using big words so this book should definitely hit the spot.
Get Off Bear! Tony Neal Oxford Children’s Books
The forces push and pull are explored in this simple, fun story. Bear turns down his animal friends’ invitation to join them in building a snowman, saying he wants to go sledging instead. However being on flat ground means that the sledge won’t move. Frog offers to push but Bear is far too heavy and he doesn’t seem aware that the sledge needs to go in a downward direction, which means getting up the hill first.
Even with all the other animals’ combined assistance, their pulling and pushing results in a snapped tow rope and a return to the place from where the co-operative effort began. Is there a way that Bear and all his friends can enjoy a sledge ride even if some of their number need to hone their steering skills? As always in this series, Tony Neal’s illustrations are bursting with humour. The final spread offers some force-related activities for adults and little ones to try together.
The Oak Tree Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy Alison Green Books (Scholastic)
One thousand years ago, a little acorn began to grow. Through Julia’s characteristic rhyming narrative and Victoria Sandøy’s illustrations we follow a thousand years of changes through the Norman
and Tudors periods, the Victorian age and the 20th century World Wars, as it grows to become a magnificent oak tree in modern times.
A tree that provides food and shelter for a multitude of birds including jays, owls and woodpeckers; and creatures such as squirrels and bats, a king even, until having become hollowed out, it topples in a storm and becomes a place of play for both children and animals
as well as an abode for hedgehogs and somewhere for ants to deposit their eggs, spiders to spin and beetles to scuttle.
That is not the end though, we come full circle as there on the ground beside the fallen oak is an acorn that is just beginning to grow into a new tree.
A clever amalgam of fact and fiction: I love that Victoria always shows this tree as a location where children play happily: her atmospheric pictures capture beautifully, the changing seasons, even in the snowy scene a warmth emanates from her illustration.
Young children will delight in spotting all the creatures mentioned in Julia’s text as they follow the story.
Ready, Steady Squirrel Nicola Kinnear Alison Green Books, Scholastic
When little Evie squirrel’s Granny is poorly, Evie takes it on herself to collect all the food they need for the long winter. Having consulted the map and wrapped up warm, she sallies forth clutching a huge basket, on her first ever solo squirrelling expedition. Close by she discovers acorns hidden in a tree stump. Into the basket they go as it begins to snow. Then, after a considerable amount of wriggling and attempting to avoid all the prickles, she has collected all the fir cones.
Chestnuts are next, followed by hazelnuts. This involves digging right down into the snow but Evie’s determined to collect every single nut. Now all she needs to do is to push her load home and as she tells herself at every challenge, she doesn’t need help from anyone. It’s an uphill struggle but Evie reaches the hilltop and then decides to have a little rest. Closing her eyes she leans back and …
The next thing she knows is the contents of her basket are scattered every which way. As for Evie, she tumbles all the way back down the hill to land in the midst of her friends. Her response when asked if she’d like to play is tears, followed by the story of how she’s collected everything herself, only to lose it in the snow.
Moose and Woodpecker reassure Evie that help is at hand and operation treasure hunt begins. It’s not too long before, with a brimming basket and a toboggan ride, the little squirrel arrives back home. “We did it together!” she tells Granny.
A warm-hearted tale of determination, friendship and courage, that Nicola has illustrated with elan to match her main character.
Here are additions to favourite Nosy Crow picture book series – thank you to the publishers for sending them for review.
This Is Not A Polar Bear! Barry Timms and Ged Adamson
No matter what the ursine character looks like, readers are assured that the large white furry creature is NOT a polar bear. What is evident from the outset however – polar bear or not – is that he’s exceedingly versatile and can turn his paws to all manner of activities such as roller skating, violin playing , ski-jumping, high board diving, train driving,
disco dancing and more. Moreover when it comes to keeping a friend safe, helping with a spot of research,
tunnelling for treasure or even saving the world then it’s pretty clear who to turn to: that new and truly astonishing friend who sports a bobble hat and scarf. Should young listeners acquire such a friend, I wonder what name they would give it.
A splendid addition to team Timms and Adamson’s This is not a series which despite its chilly setting, bounces along apace when read aloud and is illustrated with panache in Ged’s vibrant scenes that contain a wealth of humorous details.
Ruffles and the cold. cold snow David Melling
Playful Ruffles and his teeny tiny kitten pals return in a wintry tale that tests the pooch’s courage to its limits. Like this reviewer, Ruffles does not love the cold, cold, slippery slidey snow, in contrast to his feline friends. They absolutely delight in it until that is, they find themselves buried so deeply they can’t free themselves.
When Ruffles hears their desperate Miaow! Miaow-ings for help, he feels scared:
supposing he too sinks and gets stuck in that snow … After some thinking, worrying and whimpering, he thinks some more. Can he find sufficient daring to attempt a rescue operation and get the kittens safely back home to the warm indoors?
BRRRR! Definitely one to share snuggled up in the warmth of a nursery or home, preferably with a hot drink.
What You Need To Be Warm Neil Gaiman Bloomsbury Children’s Books
In 2019 Neil Gaiman author and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, asked his Twitter followers, ‘What reminds you of warmth?’ He received thousands of replies and from these he composed a freeform poem in aid of UNHCR’s 2019 winter appeal.
The images Gaiman gathered signifying warmth range from clutching a baked potato
to ‘The tink tink tink of / iron radiators /waking in an old house. / To surface from dreams in a bed , / burrowed beneath blankets / and comforters,’ …to ‘the wood burning / in the stove’ . There is hope though for the poem concludes thus, ‘You have the right / to be here.’ Thirteen artists: Yuliya Gwilym, Nadine Kaadan, Pam Smy, Daniel Egnéus, Beth Suzanna, Marie-Alice Harel, Petr Horáček, Chris Riddell, Bagram Ibatoulline, Benji Davies, Majid Adin,
and Richard Jones each provided an original illustration. Twelve illustrators offered comments printed at the back of the book. Oliver Jeffers created the stirring cover art and this important, compelling book is the result.
A wonderfully warm glow emanates from his cover images: would that such warmth be offered to all refugees and other people displaced of necessity around the world. With both the on-going conflict in Ukraine and now that in Israel and Gaza, its humanitarian message is even more urgent today than it was four years back when the tweet went out.
A donation of £1.55 from each sale of the book in the UK and at least 40p from sales in other territories will be donated to the UN Refugee Agency.
This is a delightful story wherein we join Kiona and her Mum playing catch one sunny afternoon. When the little girl finds her ball too big, they try all kinds of other objects such as a berry and an apple
but nothing works for Kiona. Back indoors, Mum offers Kiona an ice cream, but you can guess where it ends up;
even the bubbles at bath time elude the child. Happily though, Mum knows the perfect thing that assuredly her daughter can catch; it’s something that stays with Kiona for ever: what could it be?
A lovely read aloud for preschoolers; it has everything you could ask for: repetition, opportunities to encourage mathematical thinking that can be taken up again when playing outdoors, as well as Ken Wilson-Max’s vibrant illustrations that show Kiona’s changing feelings so clearly.
Yet another example of Alanna Max’s pitch perfect picture books for under fives.
Hello Winter Jo Lindley Farshore
The fourth in the Best Friends With Big Feelings series wherein each title is set in the natural world of Season Isle and features four magical friends, the focus being on a different seasonal character.each time. Now it’s time for Autumn to pass the weather crown to Winter but instead he gives it to Spring, saying that the others don’t like playing her frosty, freezing games. Upset, Winter walks off to play snowy games by herself. Solo play isn’t fun though, and the bunnies she tries to involve are not interested.
However, her three pals soon start feeling troubled about what they’ve done and decide to search for their friend. It’s a really chilly journey they make but can they find Winter and put things right between them once more? Maybe, but Spring, Summer and Autumn will need to feel warm if that crown is to be bestowed upon its rightful wearer.
In this, the series concluder, the life lessons the friends share with young children are about the importance of turn taking and empathy
The Big Dreaming Michael Rosen and Daniel Egnéus Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Little Bear has never experienced the long winter hibernation before so when he’s told of the Sleep he’s nervous about this unknown event. Together Little Bear and Big Bear decide that what’s coming is a Big Dreaming. But then Little Bear worries that he’ll run out of dreams and end up with a ‘Big Nothing’. He decides to go in search of some dreams and off he goes through the forest till he meets a squirrel. “Squirrel, Squirrel, Squirrel,” he says. “We’re getting ready for the Big Dreaming, / we’re getting ready for the Sleep. / Do you have any spare dreams, / for when we sleep, deep, deep?” Squirrel offers his dream of ‘Happiness Right Now’
Little Bear’s next encounter is with a rabbit. He repeats his question (children will already be joining in) and Rabbit tells of the ‘Dream of Coming Home Safe’, and Wolf, the next creature Little Bear meets, talks of the ‘Always Having Hope’ dream.
As Little Bear heads for home, down comes the snow: the Cold has come. Now the ursine cub worries about getting back home in time for the Big Dreaming. But then he remembers dreams that he’s gathered from the other creatures and with the help of those, he finds his way back home to Big Bear.
Finally the two curl up together and dream and dream …
Poignant and lyrical, Michael’s telling will especially resonate with adult readers aloud who know of his covid journey and children will request frequent re-readings of the book which will give them the opportunity to savour such lines as ‘the light in the moon went out. / Like a candle blows out in the wind.’ They’ll savour too, Daniel Egnéus’s beautiful illustrations with their different perspectives and gorgeous autumnal colour palette, which then changes with the seasons. I hope that they will absorb the life lessons the story gently imparts.
I wonder what your answer might be should you be asked by a little human to offer your special dream.
Cotton Cloud Refuses To Rain Elizabeth F. Hill and Hannah George Five Quills
We in the UK seem to talk about the weather much more frequently than elsewhere, at least that’s my ecperience. Here’s a story showing how weather shapes so much of what we do.
Cotton Cloud’s over-riding desire is to make people happy. To that end she consults other clouds – Cumulus, Stratus and Cirrus for advice. Cumulus, the puffy one teaches Cotton how to make floating cloud castles, Stratus shows her how to hug the horizon by hanging low, whereas Cirrus trains Cotton to flick her tail as she dances across the sky. However, Nimbostratus, the one Cotton didn’t speak to, insists Cotton should learn to rain. Now Cotton knows full well that rain makes people sad and so she ignores Nimbo’s advice, spending her days getting pleasure from seeing people’s happy responses to her playful images and behaviour.
For a while everything is fine and dandy but one day along blows Wind telling Cotton that rain is needed for the plants to grow. Wind however gets rebuffed. Conditions worsen for plants and their growers: people’s delight diminishes with every passing day.
Will Cotton ever realise that, rather than blaming others, she needs to change her ways? Fortunately some thunderous words from Nimbo cause her to weep and …
Both funny and educative, this story demonstrates the importance of both balance in nature and friendship. Children will have fun looking at all the details in Hannah George’s digitally worked illustrations as well as enjoying the different weather- and geographical-related characters and their changing expressions.
A good book to share with a KS1 class especially during a weather-related topic.
Cosmic Wonder: Halley’s Comet and Humankind Ashley Benham-Yazdani Walker Books
The author/illustrator personifies the comet in her third person telling, which follows the comet, portrayed as a shiny sphere with a long flowing tail, on its recurring visits to planet Earth, chronicling its visitations which occur ‘about every seventy-six Earth years’ beginning millennia ago and ending with a mention of 2061 when the comet is next due to return to an Earth, shaped largely by the actions of humans alive today. This reminded me of T.S. Eliot’s lines ‘Time present and time past / Are both perhaps present in time future,/And time future contained in time past.’
We’re told that ‘one kind of creature began to live differently.’ and scenes show humans of various races changing over time, but all, having looked skywards, telling one another tales of the ‘broom star’ up above. These visits, they recorded in various ways using ink, clay and words.
From afar, the comet witnesses times of war and times of peace, and notices a multiplicity of human feelings, the most powerful being that of ‘boundless love’.
After many hundreds of visits, humans name the comet Halley’s Comet after an astronomer, Edmond Halley. Earth continues to fill with ever more humans and what the comet sees in 1986 are two children walking along a beach below a neon lighted industrial city, belching out filthy smoke.
What the comet sees too are space probes surrounding it; they leave it to continue orbiting around an earth described as ‘small and vast all at once / holding so much life and such great promise’, with dreams of what the next visit might show. One only hopes that what it discovers on its 2061 visit is not an Earth ruined by our failure to address the environmental damage we are causing.
At every turn of the page, Ashley Benham-Yazdani’s luminescent, mixed media illustrations show the soft-edged comet shooting across an inky wash sky and gorgeous scenes of the happenings on Earth through the ages.
This is a truly thought-provoking precis of human history from an unusual perspective that makes it all the more powerful. Back matter includes further historical details and an author’s note that speaks to every reader.
These are two new picture books from Little Tiger – thank you to the publisher for sending them for review.
The Tree Next Door Charlie Moyler and Martin Stanev
At the bottom of a long garden a tree stands proud. Both garden and tree are loved, especially by their owner, an old woman. She gets companionship and rewards aplenty from her garden and it keeps her busy. One day as winter is giving way to spring, a new neighbour arrives and catches sight of the tree next door. From then on she visits the garden whatever the weather, or the season, talks with the owner and asks questions of her.
A year passes and throughout that time the girl has found much joy in the old woman’s garden but as the chilly wintry days come, the garden gradually fades.
The old woman no longer visits her garden; this the girl notices and soon begins to worry. Will she be lonely? Or will she know that her young friend and others around still think of her. She decides to do something for the woman and asks all the other neighbours to participate in her plan. Every one works together until finally …
A sweet story of friendship and community spirit, all watched over by a very special tree.
A Happy Place Britta Teckentrup
Clever use of peek-through die-cuts and cutaway gorgeously illustrated pages work in tandem with a straightforward poetic text telling of a small child’s moonlit walk, guided by a star, in order to find his happy place. In so doing the intention is that the child then falls fast asleep.
Dream or not, the scenes of the natural world – the moonlit river all a-sparkle and dotted with wading herons,
the forest with dancing squirrels and foxes, stoats and hares, work their magic and finally, watched over by the star shining brightly through the bedroom, we see the child finally slumbering peacefully.
A beautiful bedtime story to share with little ones, especially those who, like the protagonist have trouble dropping off to sleep.
Badger has music – rock music – deep within and it’s bursting to come out. So much so that he can hold it no longer; it simply explodes as does Badger right out of his sett. Grabbing two sticks he strikes at the trees, disturbing Woodpecker who is not impressed.
Thinking perhaps he needs some music lessons, off he goes , first stop Mrs Smythe’s class but he discovers that the recorder definitely is not the instrument for him. Back in the woods he spies a band of ants marching in line and in rhythm to their own playing.
However, things don’t go as well as Badger was hoping: the result is far from satisfactory for the ants, and the luckless Badger is forced to beat a hasty retreat.
So what about the possibility of joining the church choir; disaster strikes, though the choirmaster is encouraging, but off Badger goes feeling more than a little dispirited. Suddenly he sees a flyer advertising for a lead singer. Organised chaos seems to have been following Badger but could he finally have found the tribe he’s been searching for?
With a plethora of rock-themed puns, both verbal and visual, Duncan’s rhyming tale will have listeners wriggling on their seats in glee at the splendid silliness and cleverness of this Beedie offering, which essentially is a search for one’s true identity and a celebration of finding a way to express oneself.
These are two new titles from Walker Books – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review
Lily the Pond Mermaid Lucy Fleming
Ponds are lush and green and teaming with life, the occasional one even holds a secret. One such is that which Lily the mermaid calls home. She takes care of all the flora and fauna around that make up her world – the damselflies and dragonflies, butterflies, water snails, fish and frogs, the aquatic plants too. Lily’s very best friend is Bobble, one of the tadpole family and she takes great pains to keep the pond safe for all those living in and around it. However, aware that ponds can all too easily be spoiled, Lily lies awake worrying about what might happen. She keeps herself busy by day in attempts to keep her worries at bay but they keep on growing bigger.
When a storm hits the pond, the result the following morning is debris everywhere she looks. Lily’s worries grow even larger – supposing further devastation happens?
Feeling almost totally overwhelmed, the little mermaid senses a tiny flicker of courage within herself. Can she finally reach out to her friends, tell them of her fears and ask for their help?
It’s amazing what teamwork can do in times of need, and so it is with Lily and her pond community. So it can be too with young human listeners and readers, for Lucy Fleming’s story shows the power of camaraderie and of finding your inner strength to reveal how you feel to your friends.
I Really Want To Be A Cat Helen Hancocks
Have you ever wondered what it would like to be a cat? The little girl narrator does just that as she addresses her own moggy, focusing on all the positive aspects of life as a feline such as her grey companion. Time is never an issue, you can play with your body shape, steal around ninja style, hide away so no-one can find you, and your eyes give you great nocturnal vision. Moreover you are free to go here, there and anywhere without being asked about your movements. You are fearless, adventurous and almost independent.
There is however, one downside to a cat’s life, from a young human’s viewpoint, that is: do you know how cats get themselves clean.? Err, no thank you.
Playful, gently humorous and sure to appeal to cat lovers, young and not so young.
Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones Sophie Dahl and Lauren O’Hara Walker Books
If you’ve not read the first book, Madame Badobedah, she is a long term resident of the Mermaid Hotel, a seaside establishment managed by young Mabel’s parents. Mabel has taken it upon herself to keep an eye on what the guests are up to and has become firm friends with the wonderfully eccentric Madame Badobedah.
In this adventure the two spend their Saturday on the beach, foraging for interesting things. Mabel discovers a golden coin,
her companion suggests she should make a wish; Mabel wishes for ‘a big adventure.’
The following night the two friends are rummaging through Madame B’s dressing table drawers and come upon something that prompts the owner to tell Mabel about leading an expedition in North America and encountering a Triceratops with terrible toothache. She also talks of another item, which Madame B. has yet to return to its rightful place.
After dinner, the two friends, Mabel holding her coin, set off to the Natural History Museum, Madame B’s pocket containing a precious jewel. There Mabel’s wished for adventure looks set to happen for suddenly there comes a voice. Could it possibly be a dinosaur addressing them? …
Another timeless tale, told in four parts, that celebrates adventure, friendship and the power of the imagination. Lauren O’Hara’s illustrations are full of charm and whimsy – just perfect for portraying the exploits of eccentric teller of tall tales Madame Badobedah and her young friend.
The Ogre in the Hall Céline Sorin and Pascal Lemaître Hippo Park (Astra Books for Young Readers)
Jojo is in urgent need of a wee but it’s night-time and although the bathroom is close to his bedroom, the presence of an ogre makes it a dangerous walk through the hallway. Nonetheless, needs must, so, sword in paw, Jojo ventures forth into the darkness only to find that the bathroom is occupied, but who is within? Not his mum or dad but sitting on the loo is the ogre; moreover he has a tummy ache. But why use somebody else’s bathroom? It turns out that this ogre is scared of the dark and there’s no light in his own bathroom.
Having used the loo, the ogre needs to wash his hands, however this too is problematic. Jojo’s other bathroom – the one with a sink – is also in use, by an octopus that’s languishing in the bathtub. Henceforward further mayhem unfolds in the shape of a pair of crocodiles and they are scared of a ‘monster’ in the hall.
All this time poor Jojo is still holding on, increasingly afraid he’ll wee in his pyjamas. How will this all end? To tell would be to become a story-spoiler so you’ll need to find a copy of this highly amusing book with its hugely funny illustrations and discover for yourself. Young listeners will certainly enjoy it but whether you’ll want to share it at bedtime is open to doubt.
The Dress in the Window Robert Tregoning and Pippa Curnick Oxford Children’s Books
One day when walking through town with his mum, a boy spots a sparkling red dress in the window of a second-hand shop. Dazzling and flowing, the dress seems to be asking the boy to stop and take notice, so he does. He imagines who might have owned the dress previously but the lad knows how amazing it would make him feel.
Rather than offering to buy it for her son, Mum suggests he earns some money by doing chores for other people so he can pay for it himself. This he does by washing cars, helping with housework, tending a neighbour’s garden and doing a bit of pet care.
Gradually the money mounts up till the boy has sufficient to buy the dress.
Next day is his birthday and after school, the boy can hardly wait to return to the secondhand shop and make his longed for purchase. Horror or horrors! The dress has gone from the window. Mum pacifies her son with talk of presents waiting at home and when they get there, it’s not just presents waiting for him. All the neighbours are there too and they have a tea party.
Then comes present-opening time. Joy of joys, when he opens the present from Mum, there is the shimmering, glimmering dress. How he smiles, how he sparkles as he dances with delight – right out of the house and into the street.
What a splendidly joyous celebration of being true to yourself. With its themes of unconditional love and acceptance, this lovely story is a demonstration of just how amazing life can be when you have the support to be true to yourself. The combination of Robert Tregoning’s rhyming text that is a treat to read aloud and Pippa Curnick’s gorgeous illustrations make this a very special book to share with young listeners at home or in the classroom.
The Singing Bear Amy Sparks and Katie Hickey Walker Entertainment
It’s always a huge pleasure to visit the Repair Shop and see Jay Blades and his team of expert repairers in these picture books that are based on the real life events of those who visit the workshop. This one featuring Kwai, Anne and young niece Lucy who bring along Singing Ted, for the team to work their magic on, being the third.
Kwai’s elder sister, Anne recounts part of her back story, explaining how as an eight-year old, she learned that her parents were going to adopt a baby girl, Kwai, from Hong Kong. When the little girl arrives, she’s quiet and sad and to try and cheer her up, the family visits the toy shop where they buy a teddy that plays a lullaby at the turn of a key.
On seeing the bear, little Kwai’s eyes light up for the first time
and from then on, Singing Bear as she names her teddy and Kwai go everywhere together. Inevitably over the years, the bear has been loved so much that it now needs Jay and his fellow workers to use their skills on Ted. Can they make the bear sing again as well as fixing the other things that need restoring?
Happily when, the three return, Jay greets them with a big smile and wonderful news.
Amy Sparkes’ telling is a delight but Katie Hickey’s superbly expressive illustrations, endpapers included, really bring the events to life making the book even more special. Back matter recounts the true story of the Singing Bear and introduces Jay and his expert team.
Dance With Oti: The Penguin Waltz Oti Mabuse and Samara Hardy Walker Books
Mrs Oti and her dance class are preparing for a special wintry themed show when the snow falling outside prompts one of the children to ask if they can go out and play. Wrapped up warm, off they go and straightway as Mrs Oti teaches them how to balance on snowy ground, penguins are mentioned. This leads one of the pupils to initiate a penguin waddle and after a snowball fight, and further talk of penguins , Mrs Oti tells them she has an idea for the final dance in the show: the Penguin Waltz. Back indoors, re-energised by hot chocolate, the practising begins in earnest. Come the day of the show, what a performance the children give until it’s time for the finale. A mishap occurs but Gan’s quick thinking and sense of teamwork save the situation and the dance finishes perfectly, to the delight of watchers and performers.
A delightful addition to the Dance with Oti series: Samara Hardy’s bright, lively illustrations showcase Mrs Oti and her class beautifully: their camaraderie really shines through. Read the book with your KS1 class, then get up and try the moves: you and your listeners can learn the penguin waltz by following the step by step instructions on the final spread.
You Can’t Let an Elephant Pull Santa’s Sleigh Patricia Cleveland-Peck and David Tazzyman Bloomsbury Children’s Books
This is the sixth in the splendidly silly ‘You Can’t Let an Elephant’ series by team Cleveland-Peck and Tazzyman and it’s full of the Christmas spirit – sort of!
Not only does Patricia consider the elephant as a no go creature for the titular task but she also proffers reasons for not allowing racoons to decorate your tree,
keeping nanny goats away when you open our presents, preventing elephant seals from attempting to illuminate the outside of your home. Moreover you should not try pulling a cracker with an alpaca and when it comes to a giraffe, filling his stocking would seriously deplete Santa’s present store. Unless you want Christmas chaos rather than a seasonal feast, then never ever appoint a wildebeest as head chef; steer clear of a buffalo when you’re close to the mistletoe
and penguins as carol singers are, let’s say, anything but tuneful. And so it continues, much to the distress of the named creatures. Surely there is something the only too willing workers might be able to do to bring Christmas cheer?
Hilarious illustrations in combination with a terrific read aloud text will assuredly bring young listeners plenty of Christmas cheer when you share this.
Here are few ideas as to why an elephant is unsuitable for the role of Santa’s sleigh puller: Faith (4) The sleigh would just keep spinning around. Sam (8) An elephant would be FAR too clumsy. Plus it would fall asleep on the job and third it would be impossible unless you had one hundred bottles of magic powder. Emmanuelle (11): It’s far far too heavy and would never get airborne. Also it would be much too difficult to put a harness around it. Also no elephant in the whole world has a red nose and you need at least one of that kind to pull Santa’s sleigh or you can forget the whole thing.
There is a line in a Native American poem where the author asks the Great Spirit of Life to give him the wisdom “to walk softly on the earth”. This ancient metaphor recognises our human responsibility to take care of the natural environment on which we live and depend for our existence. So it was in the Wild at the start of Yuval’s new fable of our times. The Wild here was a vast place, a place where season followed season and the animals responded to the changes, either by moving or by being still and sleeping. Every living being, be they human, or creatures furred or feathered had all they needed: they lived lightly in the Wild, caring for it and receiving its care in return.
But those humans envisaged that the Wild would always be able to provide what they needed so with the passing years, they became increasingly careless, taking too much as they mined, ploughed, burned and built. They paid no heed to the devastation their actions caused until one day a child looks out of the window and notices a change. “Why does the Wild seem so weak?” he asks but his question goes unheeded. The child continues to worry and question but to no avail until eventually the Wild is unable to give. Now it’s time for the boy to speak louder and without fear. And so he does: “STOP!’ he cries, “We are hurting the wild.”
Finally others hear his urgent call and they too take up the cry. Not only do they call, but they also change their behaviour. Little by little, with renewed hope , the Wild begins to recover because no human took without also giving something back.
Yuval’s message is also delivered with stark urgency and his collage like illustrations are full of superb textures and details in the realistic, rich colours of the natural world. A must to read, share, discuss and act upon.
Red Reading Hub - Jillrbennett's Reviews of Children's Books 