Paradise Sands

Washed clean in his pool, we fall under his rule
Away from what is, for we are now his.

A young girl and her brothers set off on a car journey through a desolate desert to visit their mother. On the way, they stop to pick flowers for her and, spotting a mysterious building, head towards it in search of a drink. Deaf to their sister’s words of caution, the brothers fall under the spell of the place, leaving their sister to rescue them.

I almost don’t know where to start with this one! I have long had deep admiration for the genius of Levi Pinfold as both storyteller and artist, but ‘Paradise Sands’ is just incredible. It is a mesmerising tale which leaves the reader full of questions and returning to each spread again and again to dwell on the stunning illustrations, searching for clues, finding answers- and promptly questioning them and pondering again.

The book begins with a rhyme about Teller’s Hollow before the reader is shown three boys in a car, waiting for a girl to close the door of a house and join them. During the car journey, the siblings decide to take their mother flowers and Bill, who is driving, recalls the rhyme. This is the start of their adventure as the brothers drink deeply from a spring outside the strange house they find, enter the building and are tempted to eat what they discover and find themselves trapped. Their sister must save them and she does- but at what future cost?

At every step of the story, there is much to absorb and spark discussion, making it a perfect text for exploring with a class. In the hands of the right teacher, top quality responses in drama, reading and writing would be guaranteed in response to exploring this book which is sure to spark imagination and wonder. The artwork is stunning - again, there is much to learn from and talk about here.

I cannot recommend this one highly enough.

Paradise Sands Levi Pinfold

Walker Studio ISBN: 978-1406383942

The Worlds We Leave Behind

Hector, or Hex as he is known, didn’t mean to cause an accident, but instead of taking responsibility, he runs, burning with a fierce sense of injustice at the situation. He finds himself in a fairy-tale clearing in the woods- a clearing which he knows can’t actually be there- where an old lady in a cottage offers him a deal. She will ‘clip’ those who have wronged him from the world, allowing Hex to continue his life as if nothing happened. All he has to do is crush the acorn she has given him…

But Hex is not the only one the old woman has offered this deal and when Hex’s best friend, Tommo, wakes the following morning, he is in a different world, with only hazy, blurred memories of the world before. Can things be changed back to the way they were?

‘The Worlds We Leave Behind’ is an exceptional, beautifully written book, full of evocative descriptions and stunning illustrations. It is one of those books which is so hard to review without ruining it for anyone who hasn’t read it- so be warned!

Hex tends to act without thinking about the consequences of his actions. Impulsive and with a tendency to act the clown in class, his actions have landed him in the head’s office on more than one occasion. But he’s not the only one who is not considering the consequences of their actions- and the fact that we have to live and deal with the choices we make.

The story also considers the idea of revenge. Hex is offered the change to get his own back- to settle a score- but at what cost? When Missus ( the old lady) offers to erase Hex’s enemy from existence so the ‘world will heal, reshape itself around’ the place where that person would have been, she tells him that only he would ever know they had existed at all. It is perfect for instigating discussions - or ponderings- on just how far people might go to feel avenged and once again, reflect on the consequences of this.

Deliciously spooky and atmospheric, ‘The Worlds We Leave Behind’ is full of the most amazing illustrations by Levi Pinfold, some of which are quite sinister. The story has a very magical quality with its enchantments and alternate versions of reality, dense woods and fairy tale cottages, making it completely captivating. I loved it!

The Worlds We Leave Behind

A F Harrold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526623881

The Lost Whale

When his mother decides she needs to seek help, Rio is sent to California to stay with his grandmother who he barely knows. Feeling lost and anxious, he finds focus when he uncovers an old sketchbook of his mother’s, full of drawings of whales, particularly one known as White Beak. When he makes friends with Marina and joins her and her father on their whale watching tours, Rio feels a deep connection with these creatures and a chance encounter with the magnificent White Beak changes everything for him. However, when White Beak goes missing, Rio is convinced this gentle giant is in danger and sets off on a quest to find his whale.

I loved ‘The Last Bear’ and have yet to meet a reader (adult or child!) who hasn’t been completely captivated by that story - and yet in ‘The Lost Whale’, I think Hannah Gold has excelled herself!

Through a compelling story, Hannah Gold raises awareness of the impact of human action on our oceans and the devastating effects this can have on nature. Seen through the eyes of a child, the story is completely relatable and the reader is captivated by the vivid descriptions of these majestic creatures and their habitat. Initially spurred on by wanting to find out more about his mother’s interest, Rio soon discovers much about whales, their migratory habits, the dangers they face and those who are trying to help them. The book would make an excellent class story, but also offers much in terms of curriculum links with science, geography and PSHE. Careful planning would enable children to explore Hannah’s excellent writing whilst maintaining the excitement of the story and inspiring opportunities for drama and role play activities, research and developing writing of their own.

Rio has also been supporting his mother who struggles with her mental health and this thread of the story is handled with deep compassion and sensitivity. Many children find themselves in similar situations and Rio’s confusion and desperation to somehow make his mother better will resonate whilst encouraging first sympathy, and then empathy, from others as they come to understand his situation and feelings. The developing relationship with his grandmother is also beautifully handled as they come to understand one another better.

The story is adorned with Levi Pinfold’s atmospheric and captivating illustrations. The cover is stunning, but remove the dust jacket and there is another treat in store as the orange book is covered with golden images of Rio, White Beak and shoals of fish. As beautiful as it is heartwarming, ‘The Lost Whale’ is one not to miss!

The Lost Whale

Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008412944