Wisp- A Story of Hope

Idris is a refugee child, living in a world of shadows and barriers. This is the only life he knows. One day, the Wisp arrives on the evening wind, unnoticed by everyone, but Idris. For those who hold it, the Wisp evokes memories, reawakening hope and joy. For Idris who has known nothing but life in this camp, there are no memories to stir, yet he realises that for him it offers promise of change, a promise for the future.

Breathtakingly beautiful, ‘The Wisp’ is an extraordinary picture book. Hope is at the heart of the story; whatever the wisp might be- a message, a story, a secret, protest, solidarity- it offers the dream of a better future as well as the joy of memories, the importance of preserving what makes each person individual.

Full of imagery, the language used throughout the book is as stunning as the illustrations.

A swelling sea of rememberings twirled on the air and shimmered in the breeze

Idris tasted the pull of the moonlight and explored the soft scent of new knowings.

The story challenges the reader to think about refugees as real people who have past lives and hopes for the future. It challenges them to think of the darkness of the ‘small, small world’ refugees live in. It challenges them to see the individual.

The illustrations are so evocative, cleverly using colour to mirror the mood of the story and those in it. The whole book is simply captivating and offers plenty of opportunity for discussions about refugees and hope for change.

Simply stunning.

Wisp: A Story of Hope

Zana Fraillon, illustrated by Grahame Baker- Smith

Hachette ISBN: 978- 1408350119

Wild is the Wind

Cassi releases the swift she has nursed back to health and watches as it joins its fellows, beginning their long journey across the world. As they migrate, these tiny creatures witness dramatic landscapes and vast expanses of water. When Kȗn sees the birds arrive, he is delighted as he knows summer is coming. Having nested and raised their young, the swifts fly again, taking summer to Cassi.

This is such a special book. ‘The Rhythm of the Rain’, a celebration of water and the essential part it plays on the planet, introduced the reader to Isaac and Cassi, connected by the journey Isaac’s jar of water made across the world. ‘Wild is the Wind’ opens with Cassi as her little swift is about to embark on its migration, the tiny bird connecting her to Kȗn in another land. The wind in all its guises plays a part at every stage of the flock’s epic flight- changing the face of the earth, carrying scents on the breeze, whipping white horses on the waves…Each spread is a masterpiece, full of detail, colour and life. There is so much here to inspire and enjoy, with many stories waiting to be told. This is a book to treasure and return to again and again whether alone or with others.

The text is lyrical, making it a pleasure to read aloud. But it is also full of detail and places to pause and discuss. The migration of the birds, the wind’s role in the formation of different landscapes, in seed dispersal, in power generation, its caprices and extremes- all facets of the wind are found here. There are so many phrases to linger over and explore- perfect for any lover of language!

Absolutely stunning, ‘Wild is the Wind’ is a wonderful book to treasure and enjoy. Simply beautiful- I cannot recommend it highly enough and hope there are many more books like this yet to come.

Wild is the Wind Grahame Baker-Smith

Templar ISBN: 978-1787417854

The Rhythm of the Rain

Playing in his favourite pool on the side of his favourite mountain as the rain starts to fall, Isaac empties his jar of water into the flow of the stream and follows as it flows down the mountainside, past his house and on through the country and through the city. As the river joins the ocean, Isaac, now in his little boat, wonders where his little jar of water will go now. The story continues following the water as it becomes part of the water cycle and eventually ends up with Isaac in his mountain pool once more.

This richly illustrated book explores the never ending path a drop of water takes and the connections it makes on its journey. The flowing prose celebrates the beauty of water as it moves - its moods and rhythms depicted by carefully chosen language, offering much to discuss and enjoy for the reader.

The story is a celebration of water and all that it gives to everything on ‘our blue water-world’. The clouds release their ‘gift of water’ in a country ‘far, far away from Isaac’s pool’ where it is much needed. Wherever it goes, plants and creatures of the land, sky and sea welcome it, reminding us of how essential water is to our well-being.

This celebration of water is continued in the fabulous illustrations which adorn each spread. Rich colours reflect the different moods and motion of the water as it meanders calmly, tumbles playfully and rolls wildly. Vibrant and absorbing, each is a mini masterpiece.

Perfect for enjoying, ‘The Rhythm of the Rain’ could be used as a way into work on rivers or the water cycle. It could also be used to inspire poetry and descriptive writing. Just beautiful!

The Rhythm of the Rain Grahame Baker-Smith

Templar ISBN: 978-1787410145