Footprint

This gentle, beautifully illustrated picture book invites the reader to take a walk through the wonders of nature, taking time to appreciate the world around them whilst taking care of it, leaving only footprints behind. The language is carefully chosen, offering a lyrical read which is a joy to share.

Encouraging exploration and discovery, the text reflects the fact that the way ahead might not always be level, but with determination and resilience, difficulties can be overcome. The journey might include darkness and danger, but pausing and breathing, continuing with hope, the way ahead is full of possibilities and wonder. There is so much to reflect upon here- how nature affects us, the negative (and positive) impacts humans can have on the world, the importance of caring for nature- making the book a joy to return to again and again.

The illustrations are wonderful! Soft colours glow with the beauty of different landscapes and children will enjoy identifying the many creatures, birds, plants and insects which appear on every spread. The endpapers are a riot of colourful footprints and starry footprints made of stars line the night’s sky, recalling the importance of the book’s title and the meaning it carries.

‘Footprint’ could easily be used in school with classes, as the basis for an assembly, to celebrate Earth Day on the 22nd April or World Environment Day on the 5th June. However, it is an important book to share not only for its message about looking after the world, but for its focus on self care, reminding children to breathe through difficult moments and be optimistic about the future.

Footprint

Phil Cummings and Sally Soweol Han

Allen and Unwin ISBN: 978-1761180323

A Horse Called Now

Now the horse is enjoying the peace of the field where she lives when she hears the hammering heartbeats of frightened animals. First, Rabbit and her babies are scared about Fox, then Hen and her chicks arrive, full of fears about Magpie and next Sheep and her lambs appear, terrified of a new sheepdog. Now calmly listens to their fears, reassuring them that these things might not happen and encouraging them to enjoy the moment. When a storm blows in, they find shelter in the barn, only to be faced with the animals they were running from. But, perhaps, everything is not as frightening as it first seemed…

Gentle and reassuring, this lovely story encourages readers to overcome their worries and enjoy the present moment. As each group of animals arrive, Now calmly listens to their concerns with no judgement, before offering simple, comforting advice and suggesting something positive which they might do to help them enjoy the moment. Now shows them how breathing helps her to release feelings of fear, reminding them that nothing lasts forever. The story is perfect for sharing, with adults and children able to practise breathing with Now and perhaps referring to it in difficult situations, encouraging children to look for something to enjoy in the moment rather than focusing on their fears.

When faced with the creatures which had caused such anxiety, the rabbits, sheep and chickens find that once they get to know them, the fox, dog and magpie are not so frightening after all. Each spread is beautifully illustrated with plenty to notice and enjoy and children are sure to comment on Now’s name, making the link with her attitude to life! This lovely story is sure to become a firm favourite with adults and children alike.

A Horse Called Now

Ruth Doyle, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839946851

Find Peace in a Poem

Things got very crazy at the end of last year so I took a couple of weeks off from reviewing…which means I am very behind in sharing all the lovely books I have been reading! However, new year and all that so let’s start 2024 with this gem!

‘Find Peace in a Poem’ is the latest in a series of poetry books from Little Tiger, joining ‘My Heart is a Poem’, ‘Courage in a Poem’ and ‘Our Earth is a Poem’. Making a lovely collection, each book is beautifully produced, with thoughtful details like biographies of each poet and illustrator and a name plate with the dedication ‘Words of calm for…’. Four illustrators have contributed to the collection with their differing styles perfectly complementing the poems.

Like a spell, poetry wields the right words at the right time and has the power to transform us.

Whoever wrote the book’s introduction obviously loves poetry as much as I do and has created the perfect starting point for the collection. As usual with this series, there is comment at the end of the book explaining that the poems have been presented in their original dialect as the poems are ‘rooted in the places they were dreamt up and written’.

The poems have been chosen with great care, each one offering a sense of calm and joyful optimism, encouraging the reader to focus on and appreciate the small things in life, the moments that create their days, the joy in the world around them. ‘A Lesson from the Trees’ by Nikita Gill reflects on the longevity of the trees around us and the constant, listening presence they offer. Kate Wakeling’s ‘The Ink Cure’ suggests a way of combatting feelings of sadness and letting your troubles go whilst ‘Over the Weather’ by Naomi Shihab Nye offers calming thoughts. Each poem is a joy!

The anthology is perfect for sharing at home or in school with many of the poems offering excellent models or starting points for children to develop their own poetic ideas. Zaro Weil’s ‘Hide and Seek’, for example, might inspire children to concentrate on and describe the sounds that they can hear in different locations as well as the importance of finding those quiet moments. ‘My Inner Weather Report’ by Georgia Heard is the perfect starting point for supporting children with identifying and sharing their feelings, recognising all the different moods and emotions which everyone experiences. And, of course, Kit Wright’s ‘The Magic Box’ - a perennial favourite- is a magical way of gathering all the special sights, sounds, people, places and imaginative details which make life so rich and joyful.

The perfect place to start 2024- happy New Year!

Find Peace in a Poem

Mandy Coe, Jack Prelutsky, Pat Mora, Kate Wakeling, James Carter, Nikita Gill, Joseph Coelho, Valerie Bloom, Amina Jama, Michael Rosen, Sue Hardy-Dawson, Mary Ann Hoberman, Georgia Heard, Sophia Thakur, Sanah Ahsan, Elizabeth Acevedo, Kit Wright, Naomi Shihab Nye and Zaro Weil

Illustrated by Annalise Barber, Mariana Roldan, Masha Manapov and Nabila Adani.

Published 4th January 2024

You can read my review of ‘My Heart is a Poem’ here, ‘Courage in a Poem’ here and ‘Our Earth is a Poem’ here.

I Heard a Bird

When cats seem to scare away the bird she is listening to, a little girl searches for it. As she endeavours to find it, she notices all kinds of insects and creatures in her garden before lying on the grass and connecting with nature.

the beautiful weather over the last few days has reminded me of how much I used to enjoy spending time with my son in the garden, discovering and observing nature as well as playing and creating. In this lovely book, Rob Ramsden explores the importance of using all the senses to appreciate the world around us, capturing the joy of really focusing on the little things in life. The carefully chosen language is perfect for sharing with children and encouraging them to identify the sounds and sights of nature- and then, perhaps, to investigate for themselves. The little girl’s concern for the bird and her desire to make sure the cats haven’t hurt it also offers plenty of scope for discussion about caring.

Additionally, the story shows the importance of taking time to relax and take time to connect with the natural world. The little girl hears the music of nature as she uses some simple meditative techniques which families could try for themselves.

The illustrations are delightful. Bright and bold, they are full of details to discuss and explore whilst the text has been used in places to imitate the movement of creatures- woodlice wandering, caterpillars, crawling- adding to the enjoyment of the story.

This is the fourth in Rob’s ‘In the Garden’ series, with ‘I Saw a Bee’, ‘We Found a Seed’ and ‘We Planted a Pumpkin’. Each is sure to foster a love of nature. Each is beautifully presented, colourful and instantly appealing, perfect for sharing with little ones.

I Heard a Bird Rob Ramsden

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252005