Coming to England-An Inspiring True Story About the Windrush Generation

‘Coming to England’ is the true story of how Baroness Floella Benjamin left Trinidad and came to London as part of the Windrush generation. Having seen an advert in the newspaper, Floella’s Dardie decided to go to England to be a jazz musician, leaving Floella, her siblings and their mother in Trinidad. Their lives continued happily until a year later when Marmie left with her littlest sister and brother to join their father, leaving Floella and her sister Sandra to live with their ‘wicked’ aunt. At last it was their turn to pack and leave with their brothers for England.

First published in the 90s as a novel (I have two copies- both of which have been ‘borrowed’!) and then as a picture book illustrated by Michael Frith, Floella Benjamin’s inspirational story has been re-told for younger children, beautifully illustrated by Diane Ewen. Both pictures and text vividly convey the joy of her early life on the island of Trinidad with her large, lively family, offering much to discuss and find out about.

The children’s journey to England, the mischief they got up to and the worries they had about their new life saw them at last reunited with the rest of their family. The sense of family love is beautifully conveyed, starkly contrasting with the prejudice they faced from Londoners and the changes in circumstance they had to get used to.

Floella’s message is clear- hard work leads to a better life. The child in Trinidad who dreamt of meeting the Queen is shown achieving her dream when receiving an OBE in 2001.

Accessible and interesting autobiographies for younger children are not easily come by and this is a wonderful example to enjoy and share. It might encourage children to ask questions of their parents/ grandparents about their childhood, sharing family stories and history.

I am one of Floella’s ‘Play School Babies’ and so was very excited to meet her at Hay Festival with Jemima and Humpty a couple of years ago. She is every bit as lovely as I always imagined.

Coming to England - An Inspiring True Story About the Windrush Generation

Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Diane Ewen

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529009415

The Barnabus Project

Half elephant and half mouse, Barnabus is not quite perfect.  As only Perfect Pets are wanted, he is hidden away in a secret lab with the other Failed Projects. He dreams of seeing the world outside his tiny bell jar, places which Pip the cockroach tells him and the others about. When he learns he is to be ‘improved’ by being recycled, Barnabus doesn’t want to be made fluffier or given bigger eyes- he wants to be himself. With lots of teamwork and courage, he and the other Failed Projects escape and find their own place in the world.

Utterly adorable, Barnabus will capture both your attention and your heart. The story sends a clear message about the importance of being yourself, valuing who you are, not changing to conform to the ideals of others and finding your place in the world. It is perfect for starting conversations and challenging ideas about conventional notions of beauty or worth. Even when the other Failed Projects are frightened of what they discover in the most secret part of the secret lab, Barnabus reminds them that everyone should be valued and that they should all stick together.

The illustrations are stunning. Lift the beautiful dust jacket and the cover is like a blackboard covered in formulae and calculations. Each spread is full of details to notice and enjoy- are Wilke’s Paperclips something I should know about?! The Fan Bothers are amazingly talented, both at illustration and capturing poignant, heart warming stories perfectly.

‘The Barnabus Project’ lends itself beautifully to being at the heart of quality English work. There are so many points at which both illustration and text could be further explored through drama, discussion and writing in role to inspire artwork, poetry, stories, characters… and planning is currently being developed. It is, quite simply, a masterpiece!

The Barnabus Project The Fan Brothers

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711249448

Ocean Meets Sky

Finn remembers his grandfather who used to tell him wonderful stories. To honour him, Finn creates a boat fit for a long journey, like the one they had planned together. After his hard work, he falls asleep and in his dream, a great golden carp comes to guide him on a magical journey until he wakes to his mother’s voice.

Everything about this book is beautiful. Beneath the dust jacket, golden images shine on a deep blue background, tempting the reader to explore further. In contrast, the jacket is dusky, muted tones, yet just as lovely.

The illustrations are fabulous. Finn leaves the sepia tones of his real life for the blues and greens of his dream land. The world Finn sails through is populated by many of the objects and pictures found on his Grandfather’s desk and around his room. The Library Islands are piled high with books, many of the spines revealing familiar and much loved stories, including ‘The Night Gardener’, also by the Fan brothers.

Finn travels through this land until he reaches a starry sky, full of hot air balloons, a Chinese dragon, submarines and ships of all shapes and sizes. The golden fish, who drooping moustache resembles that of Finn’s grandfather, swims towards the full moon who bears the face of Grandfather, smiling serenely as Finn says goodbye and is called home by a familiar voice.

Love and loss are beautifully explored in this wonderful story, through both the text and the delightful illustrations. One not to be missed.

Ocean Meets Sky The Fan Brothers

Lincoln Children’s Books ISBN: 978-1786032058

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

I Really Really Need a Wee

Bush Baby is having a wee emergency. At the jiggly stage of desperation, she tries hard to think of things to take her mind off the subject, but to no avail. She searches for somewhere discrete to relieve herself, but there is nowhere to go…What is she to do?

What a delightful book! Bush Baby’s dilemma is one which many little (and not-so-little!) ones will recognise and empathise with. It is perfect for encouraging discussions about that last trip to the loo before going out, reminding children of Bush Baby’s troubles! Although I have referred to Bush Baby as ‘she’, gender is never specified, making it easy for any child to relate to her fate!

The rhyming text is bouncy and full of energy as poor Bush Baby wriggles and jiggles, trying to contain the urge as it grows stronger. Duncan Beedie has done an amazing job of capturing both the facial and bodily expressions of desperation, managing to make Bush Baby completely adorable as well as uncomfortable!

Here on the Bookshellf, we are huge fans of both members of this dream team’s work and ‘I Really Really Need a Wee’ combines their talents perfectly. I can see this becoming a firm favourite both at home and in schools up and down the country! Fabulous fun!

‘I Really Really Need a Wee’ is a gorgeous book, beautifully illustrated and bursting with laughs!

I Really Really Need a Wee

Karl Newson, illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Little Tiger Books ISBN: 978-1788817851

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

An Odd Dog Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve and there’s so much festive fun! But Odd Dog is not happy. She’s running out of time to find the perfect present for her special friend. When she discovers a winter wonderland, Odd Dog helps a new friend who teaches her that ‘a simple present from the heart’ is far more important.

We absolutely adore Odd Dog here at Bookshelf HQ so I was delighted to see this new book! Offering a heart-felt message about what is truly important at Christmas, it is makes a perfect story for sharing as the festive season approaches. Always finding her own path, Odd Dog blazes her own trail once again- this time across the sky- as she helps Father Christmas when he is in need and in turn, he offers her excellent advice. Like Odd Dog, children might be inspired to make their own gifts for friends and loved ones, giving their time and love to show that they care.

The illustrations are as fabulous as ever! Every spread is full of detail and humour, with so much to notice and enjoy on each page. The ‘Odd Dog’ biscuits are certainly on my list of things to make this Christmas! The Christmas market reminds me of the one held in Bath each year and the Winter Wonderland is just gorgeous. I love the Christmas pudding hot air balloons and spotting all the references to Rob’s other books! And don’t forget to take off the dust jacket to enjoy the book’s cover beneath.

Told in bouncy rhyme and using a rich vocabulary, the story is a delight to read aloud. The paw-fect Christmas gift!

An Odd Dog Christmas Rob Biddulph

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008413354

Rain Before Rainbows

In the midst of the rain,

Rainbows can be hard to see.

Leaving a dark castle behind them, a little girl and her fox friend set off together in the pouring rain on a long and perilous journey, facing many challenges and dangers. Finally, they arrive in a new land where they are surrounded by many animals who are there to support and guide them as they gradually rebuild their world.

Told in rhyme, this beautiful book offers hope for the future. Although it obviously holds great significance with the current situation, this is a book which will last the test of time as it carries such a powerful message: there is always hope for the future. One of nature’s special beauties, the rainbow is a powerful symbol of hope in many cultures, offering a shared understanding of the joy that can follow despair. Smriti Halls’ text conveys this perfectly, reminding us that we experience joy all the more keenly for having known sorrow.

The illustrations are pure David Litchfield joy! Glowing with colour, each spread is rich in detail to explore and discuss. I don’t know whether it’s just me, but the spreads seem to be tinged with the colours of the rainbow as the story moves from the girl and her fox (red clothes and fur against the dark) to the indigo edged waves of the sea and then again from their arrival on new shores to happily dancing beneath the rainbow at the end. Wonderful for inspiring art work, the whole book is a thing of great beauty, perfect for sharing again and again.

‘Rain Before Rainbows’ is a stunning book offering much needed comfort and hope.

Rain Before Rainbows Smriti Halls, illustrated by David Litchfield

Walker ISBN: 978-1406382358

Molly’s Moon Mission

Molly is a small moth with big ambitions. Her dream is to go to the moon and she puts in lots of hard work and training to accomplish her moon mission. However, Molly has a few false starts as she mistakes first a bulb, then a street lamp and finally a lighthouse for the light of the moon. At this point, her steely determination waivers slightly before a wise old crab offers some words of encouragement and with renewed confidence, she achieves her goal and makes a giant leap for moth-kind!

Full of Duncan’s charming illustrations, ‘Molly’s Moon Mission’ is a wonderful story about holding on to your dreams and never giving up. Molly’s determination is an example to us all, but the story also makes it clear that fulfilling dreams does not come easy- it requires perseverance and dedication as well. And having successfully achieved her goal, Molly is keen to encourage others to follow in her footsteps. She’s quite a moth!

There is so much that could be done with this story in class or at a book group session. Molly lends herself to becoming a lovely little stick puppet which could easily be made and used to retell the story. Children could find out about moths and create Molly-shaped books to record their facts in. They could paint night sky pictures and add a Molly to the scene. Stories about Molly’s siblings and the adventures that she has inspired them to go on would be great fun to write and could form a collection of stories for the library. The language Duncan uses to tell the story is rich and varied, making it a great one to use for developing vocabulary and exploring words as well as using for some fun SPaG activities. I can’t help planning a Moths and Moonbeams (Snakes and Ladders) type of game to develop sentence work!

A wonderfully positive and encouraging story, ‘Molly’s Moon Mission’ is a real treasure. We are looking forward to hearing more about this inspiring moth when Duncan visits us next week as part of our World Book Day celebrations!

Molly’s Moon Mission Duncan Beedie

Templar ISBN: 978-1787413405

The Last Chip

Percy is a small pigeon . Life is tough for him on the streets and he is always hungry so he moves from place to place, trying to find some food. However, wherever he goes, there always seems to be someone bigger who is selfish and not prepared to share. At last, ignored by all passers-by, little Percy huddles on the pavement, hungry and alone, when he is offered a chip - and friendship- from a stranger.

Carrying strong messages of kindness and compassion, 'The Last Chip' is a brilliant story. Bullied, homeless and hungry, Percy captures the heart of the reader and makes it very easy to discuss these issues, encouraging empathy. 

The illustrations are wonderful and people will recognise Bristol as the city which inspired the one Percy flew over with its cathedral, brightly coloured houses and balloon drifting in the sky and the station where he searched for crumbs as Temple Meads. Each illustration is full of Duncan's humorous touches and little jokes.

The Last Chip    Duncan Beedie

Templar      ISBN: 978-1783700622

Oof Makes an Ouch!

Set in the Stone Age, ‘Oof Makes an Ouch!’ introduces us to Oof and Pip, best friends, who can only say their own names until Oof invents a new word which leads to her getting lots of praise and attention from the rest of the village. This makes Pib very jealous and threatens their friendship.

Delightfully funny, ‘Oof Makes an Ouch!’ is also a lovely story for helping children to understand feelings of jealousy and learning to say sorry, making it perfect for starting discussions in PSHE or after one of those difficult play times all teachers are familiar with. Pib’s inability to find the words to express his frustration, which leads to his subsequent actions, is beautifully portrayed, capturing a feeling commonly experienced and allowing for its exploration and for thinking of strategies for helping Pib to act in a different manner.

Forming part of the History Programme of Study for KS2, The Stone Age is an era which fascinates children and generates some amazing questions. When did people start talking to each other? Who spoke the first word? How did everyone know what it meant? are examples of questions I have been asked (amid a multitude of others!) when teaching about this period. ‘Oof’ would make a wonderful starting point for exploring the origins of language, the etymology of words and the changing nature of language as it evolves to describe new inventions and experiences. It could also lead to discussions about the ‘lost words’ taken from dictionaries as they fall from usage. Completely fascinating for a word-nerd like me!

One invention leads to another and to yet more questions..! The invention of the wheel was a major advance - and yet today, we take it completely for granted. Considering inventions and inventors leads to further discoveries and the story offers the opportunity for discussions and creative thinking!

With its lovely characters, the story also lends itself to writing further adventures about Pib and Oof. Who knows what else this dynamic duo might discover or create? Children would enjoy writing additional adventures and using their learning about the Stone Age to colour their writing. (I would like Duncan to write a book all about the little lizard character who appears throughout!)

‘Oof Makes an Ouch!’ is a wonderfully humorous story, encouraging empathy and investigation!

Oof Makes an Ouch! Duncan Beedie

Templar ISBN: 978-1787416819

Arlo The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep

Arlo the lion just can’t get to sleep, no matter how hard he tries. He can’t get comfortable…it’s too hot…or too cold… Exhausted, he meets Owl who teaches him a little song to help him relax and settle into a deep sleep. Delighted that it works, Arlo can’t wait to share his new friend’s advice.

This is such a beautiful, gentle story, perfect for snuggling up with and making part of a bedtime routine. Owl’s song which is full of advice for how to settle into a calm state ready for sleep is repeated throughout the story. It’s soothing rhythm is perfect for encouraging little ones to relax and follow Arlo’s example as he drifts off for a good night’s rest.

The illustrations are simply stunning. Using calming colours, Arlo’s exhaustion shows in every line of the early pictures and the reader can clearly see how he craves sleep from his drooping tail to his sad eyes. This contrasts perfectly with the jaunty air and energy he displays after his rest, offering a very positive message about the benefits of a good night’s rest. Each spread is worthy of being framed and displayed.

Perfect for creating a positive bedtime routine, ‘Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep’ is full of gorgeous illustrations and soothing words.

Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep Catherine Rayner

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1509804207

Fletcher and the Rainbow

When Fletcher sees a rainbow, he wants to help it shine forever. As he hurries through the woods, looking for the rainbow’s end, his friends help him, but still the colours fade until even the last scrap of colour has gone. Initially saddened, Fletcher remembers all the wonderful colours he has seen on his way through the woods and makes an autumn rainbow with his friends.

The beauty of this series is how perfectly each book highlights the simple pleasures and experiences of little children. Rainbows are a constant source of fascination and wonder and this book gently introduces how they are formed as well as exploring the creatures and colours of autumn. The story offers a brilliant starting point for going on a nature hunt for colourful objects with which to create their own rainbows or to find out about woodland creatures.

The illustrations are just lovely. The soft colours perfectly capture scene after scene as Fletcher makes his way through the woodland, making each spread a complete joy. Perfect for enjoying at home or at school, Fletcher makes a much loved addition to any book corner.

Fletcher and the Rainbow Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke

Graffeg ISBN: 978-1914079245

Fletcher and the Caterpillar

Fletcher finds a new friend- a caterpillar- who enjoys munching his way through leaves. Fletcher and the other animals try hard to include him in their games, but Caterpillar just wants to munch on green leaves and grass. When Caterpillar stops munching, Fletcher becomes worried. How can he help his new friend?

I had the great pleasure of joining the launch for this lovely book. Fletcher is the most endearing little fox, full of curiosity and wonder as he explores the world around him. He tries to include Caterpillar in all his games, but soon realises that Caterpillar is just happy to munch whilst Fletcher enjoys himself in other ways. The story beautifully shows how friends can enjoy different activities and yet maintain the best of friendships, offering each other quiet, mutual support and understanding.

Their quiet companionship is only ruffled by Fletcher’s concern when Caterpillar stops munching. His care for his friend continues and his patient concern is rewarded when Butterfly emerges from his chrysalis in all his beauty. Fletcher’s joy in nature reflects the fascination little ones have for the natural world and they will be able to relate to his activities, finding out more about caterpillars as they read his story.

The illustrations are just lovely. Soft watercolours glow with the colours of spring, full of flowers and rich green leaves. Little Caterpillar looks as contented as can be as he munches through leaf after leaf and there is so much to explore and discuss on each spread.

A delightful, gentle story exploring friendship and the joys of nature, ‘Fletcher and the Caterpillar’ is sure to become a firm favourite.

Fletcher and the Caterpillar Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke

Graffeg ISBN: 978-1913733933

I am Every Good Thing

Bursting with positivity, ‘I Am Every Good Thing’ is a joyful declaration of potential and possibility. Full of metaphors, it is a book which encourages its readers to celebrate every positive thing about themselves and could easily be the inspiration for some fabulous writing about all the facets and foibles which make us each unique.

Through the text, children learn they can be curious, brave, successful, loving, polite and vulnerable. The illustrations are of black boys shown at work and at play, with family and friends, thoughtful and alone, making a very positive and affirming statement. However, this is a text which should be shared with all everyone. It is a book which all can see themselves reflected and feel valued whilst offering plenty to reflect on and discuss.

Although I am something like a superhero, every now and then, I am afraid

I am not what they might call me, and I will not answer to any name that is not my own.

I am what I say I am.

And without a shadow of a doubt, I am worthy to be loved.

What a fabulous, unequivocal message to be sharing. ‘I am Every Good Thing’ is an essential addition to every bookshelf, everywhere.

I am Every Good Thing Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C James

Farshore ISBN: 978-0755502707

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