Paper Planes

Mia and Ben are best friends. They live next door to each other and do everything together, but the thing they most enjoy is making paper planes. But one day, Ben tells Mia that his family are moving far away. They swap planes before saying goodbye, but each is lonely without the other. In anger, Mia destroys Ben’s plane, but is brought comfort in a dream where the two meet, flying their planes together. The following morning, a parcel arrives from Ben, asking for her help to complete a plane he has made by adding wings. So although they were not together, they could still make planes and still be friends.

This is such a delightful story in so many ways. It is a story about the warmth of friendship, the joy of sharing a hobby and the wonder of nature. It is also about the pain of separation- the frustration and misery of being apart from that best friend. Ultimately, it is a story of hope- their friendship survives despite the distance and they realise they can continue to share their interests. It is gently told, but all the more poignant for this

The illustrations are wonderful, perfectly depicting the friendship between Mia and Ben, their emotions and the changing seasons. Muted colours are perfect for the mood of the story and there are many details to enjoy, including the dogs whose feelings mirror those of the children perfectly. Quite simply, it is a delight from cover to cover!

‘Paper Planes’ is a beautifully illustrated, poignant tale of friendship and creativity.

Paper Planes

Jim Helmore, illustrated by Richard Jones

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471173875

Perdu

Perdu is a little dog with nothing but an old red scarf. He is lost and alone and so makes his way to the city in search of somewhere to call home. But the city is busy and noisy and frightening for a little dog on his own. Will he find a safe place and someone to love?

This is such a beautiful story which captures a deep sense of loneliness and longing for a home. Perdu (French for ‘lost’) is small and vulnerable, instantly inspiring empathy as he makes his solitary way first through the countryside and then through the city. His sense of isolation is emphasised by the stunning artwork, but the sharp eyed will notice that someone is paying attention to Perdu. A little girl in a red bobble hat has spotted him and keeps trying to draw her mother’s attention to him. She shows patience and kindness, returning his lost red scarf when he is distressed and at last, Perdu has found his safe place.

The illustrations are simply stunning, making this a wonderful story to linger over and explore the other stories being told. Perdu becomes increasingly forlorn as he searches until he curls up in ‘a scared little ball of worry’. The final spread also shows him curled up, but this time safe in a cosy basket of his own by the little girl’s bed. The story makes the perfect starting point for conversations about homelessness and loneliness as well as animal welfare.

‘Perdu’ is a delightful, heart-warming story to share and enjoy again and again.

Perdu Richard Jones

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471181269