Rebel Animals at Risk

Our planet is home to a vast array of fascinating and extraordinary creatures. Sadly, many are on the edge of extinction. ‘Rebel Animals at Risk’ introduces the reader to amazing creatures from every continent and ocean, with each section illustrated by illustrators from around the world in their own unique style.

The book tells the stories of over 60 real-life creatures. A map at the start of each section helps the reader to locate where each comes from and a fascinating introduction to that area, the creatures that live there and the challenges that they are facing. A wonderful range of creatures is included, both well-known and lesser- known. The ‘wildlife wins’ for each region are also listed, celebrating the successes and offering an encouraging, positive note.

There are so many fascinating tales here such as that of mischievous Veeti, the European mink who lives at Ranua Wildlife Park in Finland or Whiskey, the Numbat who was born at Perth Zoo. Both these creatures are playing an important role in the conservation of their species as well as raising awareness. Each story could lead to further research about that particular creature or that breed. The book contains suggestions for further reading or film to watch as well as ideas for how to take action to make life better for endangered animals.

A clear contents, comprehensive index and glossary make the book perfect for research, allowing the reader to readily locate information. There are also sections about the author and each illustrator. Packed with information about conservation and entries on individual creatures, ‘Rebel Animals at Risk’ would make an excellent addition to any classroom or library!

Rebel Animals at Risk

Kimberlie Hamilton , with illustrators from around the world

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702300110

Rebel Cats!

Cats are wonderful creatures and ‘Rebel Cats’ is full of stories, facts and famous felines. The book has been illustrated by a range of artists, each bringing their own style and personality to the work.

Some of these rebel cats are quite well known. The story of Mrs Chippy (who was actually a male cat!) and his time on the Endurance with Shackleton is familiar to those of us who have used William Grill’s ‘Shackleton’s Journey’ and many people have seen Doorkins when visiting Southwark Cathedral (myself included!).

Musical cats, Hollywood stars, marvellous mousers and furry heroes are all included here. As well as being enjoyed in their own right, many of these mini-biographies could be used as the basis for story writing as the lives led by these cats are amazing! Other books, like ‘Tibs, the Post Office Cat’ by Joyce Dunbar, could be used alongside this book- Tibs is mentioned on page 49 in the ‘Mighty Mousers’ section.

The cat-ographies are interspersed with fascinating feline facts. There are suggestions for how to help cats in need, ‘spooky cats’, information about cats ‘from nose to tail’ and a ‘Puss in Books’ section. There is also a useful glossary and ‘Rebel Cats’ timeline.

Beautifully illustrated in a range of styles, ‘Rebel Cats’ is a fabulous treat for anyone who loves cats.

Rebel Cats! Brave Tales of Feisty Felines

Kimberlie Hamilton

Scholastic ISBN: 978-1407192604

Rhinocorn Rules!

Ron is a rhino, but he is not happy living by rhino rules. Unlike the others, he loves art, music, laughter and having fun. One day, he decides to get creative with dust, berries and leaves, transforming himself into a rhinocorn. The other animals think he looks wonderful and enjoy getting to know him. The other rhinos, however, are not amused and band together to tell Ron to follow the rules. Supported by his new friends, Ron tears up the rule book and creates three much better rules for everyone to follow!

This lovely new story, Matt Carr offers a clear message about being an individual and being proud of yourself! Ron doesn’t want to conform to the way rhinos have always done things and so bravely takes a step that enables him to befriend the other creatures and explore his creativity. A joyful message for everyone to share!

The illustrations are everything we might expect of Matt Carr- bold, bright and beautiful! There is much to discuss and enjoy in these pages and a ‘Did you rhi-know?’ page at the end adds some facts about these amazing creatures.

A positive tale about being who you want to be, ‘Rhinocorn Rules'!’ is a brilliant book for sharing. I’m going to be Ron for WBD next year!

Rhinocorn Rules! Matt Carr

Egmont ISBN: 978- 1405296885

Rocket Mole

Armstrong the star-nosed mole is fed up of living underground. When he decides to go to the moon, his friends, although puzzled, are impressed by his actions as he builds a rocket and launches off into space. However, Armstrong quickly realises that there is much about the life he has left behind which he misses. When he returns, can he find a way to combine his desire for adventure and exploration with the companionship of his friends?

Perfectly timed for the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, ‘Rocketmole’ is a wonderful story about dreaming big, pursuing ambitions and appreciating friendship! As usual with Matt’s books, there are plenty of jokes to be found in the story- both in the text and in the illustrations. Some of these are perfect for little ones and some offering the more mature amongst us a smile (gravi-tea, for example) and the chance to share the joke. Matt’s illustrative style is as appealing as ever with bold, block colours and his cartoon-style layouts full of details to enjoy.

With its powerful message about following your dreams and achieving your goals, ‘Rocketmole’ is also a story about friendship and valuing what you have. Only when on the moon, gazing back at the world he has left does Armstrong realise what he has left behind.

This is such a lovely story, full of potential for using with a class in many ways, starting with as an introduction to the first moon landing. Fact files about the moon and star-nosed moles at the end of the book also offer a starting point for further investigation and I would love to see children experimenting with different rockets to send Armstrong of to space in. I think that’s my next book group activity planned!

ROCKETMOLE Matt Carr

Scholastic ISBN: 978-1407187860

Spyder

Spyder (Codename 008) is a super special secret agent who lives in her penthouse apartment at Number 7, Fleming Road, the loft of the Webster's home. Determined to foil Bluebottle's plot to eat little Tom Webster's birthday cake, Spyder is called upon to save the day.

Small she may be, but nothing gets in Spyder's way. Full of determination, courage and tea, she is ready for anything. The story would make a brilliant starting point for discussions about these qualities and how important they can be. I could also see children creating their own secret agents, using what they know about various creepy crawlies! 

The illustrations are fabulous. Bold blocks of colour keep backgrounds simple and uncluttered and layout is comic-like which allows the story to move quickly. There is so much humour on every page, which will appeal to any adult reading the story for the links to the James Bond films as well as to children. Matt Carr allows us to see things from Spyder's perspective- looking down on a room, looking up a the threat of a giant foot- which really makes you feel part of the story. 

As well as being an entertaining story, 'Spyder' also contains information about spiders on the 'Spider Facts Website' at the end of the book. If any book can salvage the reputation of these amazing creatures, this must be it! 

Spyder     Matt Carr

Scholastic      ISBN: 978-1407172934

The Word Collector

Collectors collect all sorts of things things: coins, stamps, even art. However, Jerome is a collector of words. He collects the words he hears, sees and reads. Words stand out to him, jump out at him and even jump off the page. His collection contains short words, two-syllable treats and multisyllabic words that sound like songs. Some words are wonderful to speak aloud and others are fascinating because they suit their meaning. Jerome would fill his scrapbooks with words such as 'bellow', 'ascend' and 'shimmer'.

One day whilst transporting his word journals, an accident jumbles his words together and Jerome discovers that they sound wonderful when placed next to each other.  He begins to use the  words to write poems and songs; he finds that the best words are the simplest ones- words such as ‘thank you’, ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I understand’. Jerome continues to collect more and more words and on a breezy afternoon, he is determined to share his words with as many people as possible and empties his collection into the wind.

Jerome realises that it isn’t just the beauty of the words, but their power, when shared with others, that is important. Author, Peter H. Reynolds’ words at the end of the book illustrate this perfectly, “Reach for your own words, tell the world who you are and how you make it better.”

‘The Word Collector’ is an inspiring read for all logophiles (lovers of words), a charming collection of words and illustrations which will encourage readers to see the power of the words around them. This book is perfectly suited for sharing with children of all ages in the classroom and provides an excellent springboard for word work. Children may want to begin their own word collections, as Jerome did: sorting word collections into categories, arranging them into unusual groupings and investigating the power of simple words. Children may want to go on a word hunt looking for words they have heard, seen and read, collecting them in word journals. Word and phrase meanings could also be explored through developing dictionary and thesaurus skills. Word collecting may extend to investigating famous wordsmiths such as E.E. Cummings and William Shakespeare. Like Jerome, they could write poems and songs.

The book could also be a starting point for investigating the etymology of some words, words that have been adopted into English from other languages and the wealth of words which are created as the language evolves and develops.

Children could be encouraged to create 'Top Trump' style cards for their favourite words, using the different categories to explain their appeal and try to convince others that their favourite words are worthy of collection! 

Each of Peter H. Reynolds’ books have been created to inspire. His hope is to make, “Stories that matter, stories that move.”

The Word Collector  Peter H. Reynolds

Scholastic ‎ ISBN: 978-0702308383