Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Our Tree
Little Red the squirrel scampers up Tree, declaring that it is all for him; however, Tree gently corrects him, pointing out a teeny-tiny caterpillar eating a leaf. Unhappy about sharing with caterpillar, Little Red is even more annoyed when Tree offers their branches for Swift to rest on. As more and more creatures arrive, Tree welcomes them all as Little Red’s anger increases until he decides to go and find a tree all of his own. But he slips and falls from the tree- landing on Leopard, who announces that Tree, and all in it, belong to her. But Tree laughs and all the creatures roar until Leopard flees. A contrite Little Red asks if he can stay with everyone else, including a new friend!
‘Our Tree’ is a wonderful celebration of sharing, tolerance and community whilst honouring the incredible role trees play in nature.
As perfect for exploring with a class as for reading at home, there is so much to enjoy here. Children will love joining in with Tree saying, ‘Look behind you!’ as new creatures arrive every bit as much as adults will enjoy reading it aloud. A wonderful range of speech verbs - encouraged, rustled, trilled, barked, roared etc- is used, offering an excellent model for children writing their own stories or to support acting the story out, perhaps using puppets. There are plenty of opportunities for exploring character as well.
The story could also be used to support learning about the key role trees play in hosting a wonderfully diverse range of creatures, encouraging children to explore the trees in their locality. Throughout the book, the illustrations are an absolute delight with plenty to linger over, discuss and enjoy. Tree and Little Red are vividly brought to life with wonderfully expressive faces as Little Red learns the importance of sharing and the power of community action! What a fabulous book!
Our Tree
Jessica Meserve
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917173
I am Strong Just Being Me
One day, whilst they are in the garden, young Bean asks Nanna, ‘What is strong?’ and she offers a wealth of advice, exploring strength in all its guises.
‘I am Strong Just Being Me’ is a wonderfully uplifting, joyful picture book, perfect for encouraging discussions about the stereotypes surrounding what it is to be strong and how this can be seen. It is a real celebration of the many different ways of showing strength, and showing just how everyone can be strong in their own way.
There is no indication as to whether Bean is a girl or a boy, allowing readers to identify with the character and to quickly dispel ‘traditional’ gender roles relating to strength, focusing instead on speaking up when needed, asking for help, struggling and making mistakes, admitting being wrong, saying sorry, forgiving- an empowering range of qualities which are so important to strength of character rather than physical strength. Nanna puts emphasis on the importance of love and showing we care, those very things which some believe you have to keep hidden to be strong. It makes for exuberant reading- perfect for sharing!
Another strength of this lovely story is the warm, loving relationship between grandparent and grandchild. Perhaps it might seem old-fashioned to some, but I think this sharing of wisdom between generations is to be valued and cherished. The story shows a real exploration of ideas between the two- Nanna offers her thoughts and then asks Bean what their opinion is, showing respect for opinions in both directions, collaborative learning at its best!
The illustrations are just delightful and match the lyrical text perfectly. They capture the warmth of the relationship as well as the beauties of the natural world which frames their discussion as they enjoy the outdoors together. The end papers show a selection of plants and the properties which they are said to represent, perhaps also encouraging children (and adults!) to look for these on an outside adventure- a flower treasure hunt if you like! Perfect for home or school, ‘I am Strong Just Being Me’ is an essential addition to any bookshelf.
I am Strong Just Being Me
Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Kip Alizadeh
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917180
Published 3rd April
The Bookshop Dog
Scamper loves living at The Happy Tails Bookshop with Paige. He has been welcomed to the area by everyone in the neighbourhood and he loves them all, especially Paige. He decides to follow her example by picking out some books he thinks his friends might enjoy with great success- but will he be able to find something to put a smile on Paige’s face?
‘The Bookshop Dog’ is a delightfully heart-warming story about love, community- and the joys of a good book!
Scamper is absolutely adorable and is sure to win the hearts of everyone who read the book, just as he won the hearts of his local community. He shows that by paying attention and noticing little things it is possible to find the right book for anyone- perhaps something they might not have chosen for themselves. Reading is celebrated on every page and the story is sure to inspire discussions about favourite books, new books and reading habits in general!
Children are sure to enjoy the word play as much as the adults they share the story with- Paige, Happy Tails Bookshop, the doggy titles of the books- all add to the joy of the tale. The illustrations are just as wonderful, offering lots of details to notice and discuss. Children are sure to spot how distracted Paige has become and notice her preoccupation with the pile of bills she keeps looking at. which contrast with the delight on every face as the story reaches its very satisfying conclusion. ‘Reading is a way of coming home…’- how poignant and how true!
The Bookshop Dog
Harriet Evans, illustrated by Claire Shorrock
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917258
The Torto-saurus
Dot is starting a new school and wants to make friends…but perhaps she’ll start tomorrow. She likes to take things slowly so Monty, her tortoise, makes the perfect pet. However, when her new teacher asks the class about their pets and a classmate called Jude announces that they have a tortoise too, another girl makes a mocking comment so Dot claims she has a torto-saurus. Having dressed him up, she brings Monty to school where he soon becomes a celebrity. But even though he doesn’t want to disappoint Dot, Monty is not comfortable in the limelight and removes his costume. Initially angry, Dot soon realises that she has forced Monty to be someone he isn’t and gains the confidence to be true to herself.
‘The Torto-saurus’ is an absolute delight of a book! Many children (and adults!) will see themselves in Dot, who, shy and uncertain, finds taking that first step towards others so hard. In an attempt to fit in, Dot tries to change her best friend- her pet- failing to recognise that the qualities she is trying to change in him are what make him her perfect companion! True friendship is all about accepting others for who they are and valuing them for these qualities. Dot’s claim about her pet didn’t actually help her as everyone’s interest was focused on her ‘torto-saurus’ and it certainly didn’t help Monty. In the end, being herself and allowing Monty to be himself allows her to form a new friendship and for them both to be happy!
The illustrations are really lovely. Dot’s face goes through a wonderful range of expressions as she experiences a roller-coaster ride of emotions, offering plenty to linger over and encourage discussion and empathy as the story develops. Monty’s feelings can also be explored as he strives to to please his friend- but cannot keep up the deception and be happy.
The book would make an excellent book for story time both at home and school, but would also make a brilliant choice for an assembly. It is such a lovely read- and sure to become a firm favourite!
The Torto-saurus
Katie Cottle
Little Tiger ISBN: 9781838917264
Publishing on the 6th March 2025
You can read my review of The Green Giant here and The Blue Giant here.
Elves On Strike
Trouble is brewing in Santa’s workshop as the exhausted elves decide that they have had enough. The gift wrappers are stressed and fed up with tricky-to-wrap presents whilst grumpy reindeer are proving hard to train for elves who coach them. They all walk out…all except one little elf who is in the workshop when a heart-felt message arrives. The elf take this to Santa who calls a meeting of the elves and with some team work and a sprinkling of Christmas cheer, everything is soon back on track!
With its bright, colourful illustrations, plenty of flaps to lift and bouncy, rhyming text, ‘Elves on Strike’ is a real seasonal treat! Children will love exploring the chaotic clutter of the workshop and will find different details to giggle over each time the story is shared.
Amid the frenzied preparations and stressful expectations of the ‘perfect’ Christmas it is easy to forget what Christmas is all about- love, hope, sharing and kindness. Many adults will empathise with the overworked elves and sharing the story might lead to some teamwork in the build up to the ‘big’ day! At the very least, it will provide a fun-filled break and some laughter!
Older children might be inspired to create a lift-the- flap scene or card for younger siblings or friends and the pictures offer many opportunities for imaginative story-telling. Each elf is bursting with personality and could easily be the star of their own tale!
The flaps will need careful handling so the book is not spoilt, but this is one which can appear year after year and become a firm festive favourite!
Elves on Strike
Nicola Edwards, illustrated by Pauline Gregory
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838916411
Santa’s Journey/ Twelve Days of Kindness
This simple rhyming story follows Father Christmas as he makes his way across the skies to deliver his gifts on Christmas Eve. Each verse is accompanied by a lovely layered pop-up scene to enjoy and discuss.
The thick card pages are durable and offer protection to the more fragile scenes which pop-up from the page as the book is opened, giving depth to each picture and each of the five scenes is richly coloured.
Perfect for sharing and enjoying as a family, older children may well be tempted to have a go at creating their own pop-up scene or a card inspired by these pictures. Sure to become a festive favourite!
Santa’s Journey
Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Wazza Pink
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838916534
Brightly coloured illustrations show a family spreading festive cheer as they perform twelve simple acts of kindness in the days before Christmas. Each spread has a simple sentence stating what they did on that day, with the picture setting the scene. It clearly shows how little things we can do for others can mean so much - and without the need for spending lots of money. This is all about spending time with others, helping out, being together and showing appreciation for the things which others do for us. Even the cat gets a treat!
A lovely treat to curl up and share!
Twelve Days of Kindness
Sophie Beer
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838916800
Nibbles The Very Hungry Book Monster
Nibbles the Book Monster has gone searching for snacks, but he can’t seem to find a book to satisfy his tastes. One’s too slimy, one’s too sweet and the next is too smelly- will he ever find a book which tastes just right?
‘Nibbles The Very Hungry Book Monster’ is the fifth adventure for everyone’s favourite mischievous monster. Like the other stories, there is so much for little children to enjoy as they follow Nibbles, peeking through die cut holes, lifting flaps and following trails of footprints, making this certain to become an ‘again, again!’ story.
This book about books is perfect for starting discussions about other stories and different types of books. In his search for a tasty snack, Nibbles eats his way through a recipe book, the story of ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and a version of ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm’ which is certain to get readers giggling, but there are plenty of other books to explore in the pictures, offering many little jokes along the way. As Nibbles eats his way into the ‘Cats Pop-Up Book’, for example, he leaves them an escape hole, making a mouse in ‘Hansel and Gretel’ look very worried! Children could suggest other books which Nibbles might enjoy tasting and perhaps create their own pictures exploring his adventures. They might like to make mini books, complete with holes for a Nibbles finger puppet to pop through, allowing them to develop their own stories about this loveable monster.
Readers are sure to enjoy spotting little details in the illustrations, like the wanted poster for Nibbles in the library or all the things he has nibbled on his way across town! Like each of the previous books, ‘The Very Hungry Book Monster’ is sure to become a firm favourite, to be read again and again!
Nibbles The Very Hungry Book Monster
Emma Yarlett
ISBN: 978-1801046541
PUBLICATION DATE: September 5th 2024
You can read about how to make a Nibbles pencil topper here and see an idea for a Nibbles book balloon here.
Hank Goes Honk
Hank the goose spends a lot of his time being obnoxious. His selfish behaviour and unpleasant manners upset others and mean that Hank can get lonely. So, he decides to change his ways and learn how to be an im-PECK-able goose, but it’s not as easy as it seems!
Published just in time for back to school week, ‘Hank Goes Honk’ is absolutely perfect for school assemblies and class discussions with children of all ages as well as for sharing at home! The text uses the words ‘obnoxious’ and ‘considerate’, clearly explaining what they mean and giving examples of Hank’s behaviour to demonstrate whilst the illustrations clearly show the impact of his actions on those around him. There are so many moments where children will naturally want to pause to discuss Hank’s behaviour, offering the perfect opportunity to develop empathy with the other characters. The impulse for Hank to pop Bunny’s balloon is sure to resonate with many little ones and the story gently shows the affect this has, not only on Bunny, but also on Hank.
One of the best things about the story is that Hank does not instantly become a saint. He tries really hard, but somehow the big, red balloon is just too much for him. This results in his becoming very frustrated with himself, but the story makes it clear that this does not mean that he is irredeemable. This again is a really important point to discuss with children- a one off incident can happen to anyone- support and encouragement is what is needed, not condemnation and shaming!
The illustrations are wonderful with so much to notice and enjoy. I love the little caretaker mouse who spends most of the book scurrying round tidying up after Hank- I feel there is a whole book yet to be written about him! There are so many little details to enjoy which add plenty of humour to Hank’s tale and I’m sure many will want to meet his high five to congratulate him on his improved behaviour!
Full of gentle humour, ‘Hank Goes Honk’ is perfect for encouraging children to be kind and considerate to others.
Hank Goes Honk
Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801046527
Published 5th September 2024
You can read my review of ‘The Christmas Department Store’ by Maudie Powell-Tuck here and ‘No Sleep for Bear’ by Duncan Beedie here which also has links to reviews of some of his other books.
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Having enrolled at a girls’ boarding school on a remote island in an attempt to escape her past, Charley is determined to keep a low profile. She and her room mate, Olive, share a passion for horror films and so know all the rules of how to survive in these situations. Or they think they do… When someone starts killing her classmates, Charley finds herself at the heart of her own horror movie where she not only keeps finding dead bodies, but is also haunted by the ghosts of those who have been murdered. Charley not only needs to follow all the rules learned from watching films, but to listen to the dead if she is to catch a killer.
This is absolutely NOT the sort of book I would normally pick up! I hate horror films, run a mile at ghost trains and avoid scary situations at all costs…however, I am really pleased I read this as despite the title and some grisly murders, it was an excellent read!
A fast paced, easy read, ‘How to Survive a Horror Movie’ brilliantly plays on all the tropes of the genre as Charley hurtles from death to death, her worst fears being realised as the ‘suicides’ as her school seems determined to call them prove to be increasingly vicious murders. The story includes some gory descriptions, but the there is a real tongue-in-cheek sense of humour running through everything which somehow means even a wimp like me managed to read everything.
Behind all the blood and suspense, there is a strong storyline which makes sense of the events which take place- but I am not going to offer any spoilers! Although I worked out who was behind things, I was only partially correct and the actual conclusion was far more satisfying than the one I had envisioned. The characters are very well formed, particularly Charley and Megan, one of the ghosts of those who have been murdered and it is easy to get swept up in the action.
I absolutely loved this one despite all expectations to the contrary! Can’t wait for book 2!
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Scarlett Dunmore
Little Tiger ISBN: 978- 1788957120
Published September 5th 2024
One Up
Green and Blue are best friends, nut they can’t help wondering who is the bestest? As they start to compare their shells, each becomes determined to outdo the other until, having reached the heights of absurdity, they decide they need an ice cream…
Fabulously funny, this tale of two tortoises is an absolute hoot! Although Green and Blue are friends, enmity builds between the two as they go to ridiculous lengths to eclipse one another. Each illustrations bursts with visual humour as they keep adding ‘improvements’ to their shells and there are so many little details to notice and enjoy- the teapot for one! Even when they decide to abandon their creations to make having gelato possible, they still find themselves noticing something which they think is better!
The story is a wonderful way of starting conversations with children about the dangers of comparing yourself to others. There is plenty to laugh at as they try to outdo one another and neither seems to actually enjoy their home as they spend all their time focusing on what they other has and what they do not, offering much to discuss. The lovely illustrations are sure to inspire children to create their own tortoise - or perhaps snail- characters with their shell creations!
One Up
Ben Sanders
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801047005
Published 1st August 2024
Huxley and Flapjack: Trouble at Sea
One hot day, when Flapjack is keeping cool, reading his book in the bath, Huxley has one of his bright ideas and decides that they should go to the seaside. Once there, they meet Winston, Wizz to his friends, who invites them aboard his submarine to search for a shipwreck called the Isabella. Huxley is keen to look for treasure, leading the more cautious Flapjack into trouble.
Adorable as ever, best friends, Huxley and Flapjack continue to demonstrate that opposites really do attract! Huxley is as impulsive and ever, seizing every chance to seek adventure with little thought to the consequences whilst Flapjack remains quite timid, far more reflective and often giving into his friend’s whims. But whatever their differences, their friendship remains true, strong and affectionate!
The story moves at a pleasing pace, keeping readers entertained and engaged whilst the plentiful illustrations are a joy to ‘read’ alongside the text. Readers will delight in noticing all the little jokes in the pictures and there are plenty of places where the illustrations are perfect for encouraging conversations to develop empathy and recognise where Huxley is mis-reading his friend’s feelings about situations.
A brilliant bedtime or class story, ‘Trouble at Sea’ also lends itself perfectly to being used to inspire a book group session. Huxley, Flapjack and their new little crab friend would all make lovely ‘jumping jack’ figures or stick puppets which could then be used to retell - or reinvent - the story. The story might inspire a sandcastle building competition, going on a picnic or creating a plastic-bottle submarine…
Like ‘Race to the Rescue’, ‘Trouble at Sea’ is a wonderfully funny, enjoyable story, perfect for newly independent readers and thoroughly enjoyable for adults too! Can’t wait for the next one!
Huxley and Flapjack: Trouble at Sea
Alan MacDonald, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa
Little Tiger ISBN: 9781788956208
Published 4th July 2024
You can read my review of ‘Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue’ here.
Changing Tides
Lula is excited that she and her dad are going on a trip to the seaside- her favourite place. But this visit will be different because Theo and his mum, Simone, are coming with them as they are now part of her family- but Lula is not sure how she feels about this…
‘Changing Tides’ is a delightful picture book, perfect for initiating discussions around newly formed families and the worries and joys of finding yourself with new siblings. The story is greatly enhanced by the gorgeous illustrations which capture Lula’s changing emotions, offering so many places to pause and explore and validate her feelings as well as those of Theo. The initial picture shows her peeking at Theo apprehensively over the kitchen table whilst the last shows them hand in hand, happily smiling. Together, they build a sandcastle, bigger and more beautiful than those Lula normally makes, overcoming problems and sharing the excitement- and the disappointment as the sea reclaims their creation. It is an absolute joy!
But the story is also a celebration of a day at the beach and all the simple pleasures this holds- the joy of splashing through the waves, playing in the sand, the inevitable rain! It shows a real sense of family togetherness and enjoyment in the little things in life which create the biggest memories. Wonderful for home or school, ‘Changing Tides’ (the perfect title!) is sure to quickly become a firm favourite!
Changing Tides
Júlia Moscardó
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838915377
Published 4th July 2024
Knowing the Score
Coming home from her Y6 residential, Gemma is really looking forward to seeing her mum. It’s always been just the two of them and they are very close. Deep down, however, Gemma feels she would really like to get to know her Gran and her mum’s brother, Uncle Joe, a bit better, but a mysterious falling out between them and Gemma’s mother makes this impossible. But when her mother is invited on a free holiday with friends, Gemma sees this as a golden opportunity to uncover the truth and put her family back together again.
Family relationships can be difficult with long standing tensions, rivalries and estrangements seeming unfathomable to those on the peripheries. In this excellent story, Ros Roberts explores the complexities of family ‘politics’ in a gentle, relatable manner. Gemma is a very likeable, genuine little girl who has a very close, loving relationship with her mother, but is curious about other members of her family. Her uncle turns out to be a fun-loving, generous, kind man who is delighted to be forming a relationship with her, leaving Gemma even more confused about the secrets she feels her mother is hiding from her. Her reaction as she pieces things together is sensitively handled, enabling readers to empathise with her.
Gemma is not the only one to be experiencing some family difficulties. Uncle Joe’s relationship with his girlfriend, Lexi, and her daughter, Minxie and Minxie’s relationship with her parents show the complexities of blended families and children navigating a path between separated parents.
Tennis is new to Gemma and although initially reluctant, she decides to have a go and ends up discovering something new which she really enjoys. The story really shows the importance of the focus being on fun in sporting activities rather than children being driven by their own- or their parents’- ambitions.
There is so much to enjoy and explore here with children in upper KS2/ lower KS3. It is a lovely book, sensitively written and full of positivity and hope. Great read!
Knowing the Score
Ros Roberts
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956765
Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle
After her BESTest friend and fellow inventor, Finnius, stole her invention, Bertha left the city and moved far away, to a workshop hidden high in the trees where no one could steal her ideas. Here, she busies herself working on new inventions until one day, a rumble in the jungle disturbs her work. To help her discover the cause of the disturbance, Bertha creates Blink, a highly-excitable mechanical bird who is bursting with questions! With Blink, Bertha finds the courage to leave her tree house and explore the world outside. Can they discover where the noise is coming from?
Bursting with lovely illustrations, ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ is a delightful little story, perfect for newly independent readers.
With Blink’s support, Bertha overcomes her fear of leaving her treehouse home and learns to trust again. The two characters are real opposites with Blink being outgoing, curious and little impulsive whilst Bertha is cautious, somewhat reserved and focused on her inventions. Together, they make a great team, complementing each other, and being ready for any mission! As the story ends, they are ready to face a new challenge, setting the scene for a new adventure- and a new book!
The story is told through both illustration and text, making it very engaging and offering plenty of opportunities for the reader to ‘read’ the additional visual details and develop their own ideas. Some of the speech is presented using speech bubbles, perfect for using to develop understanding of speech punctuation.
The engaging combination of friendship, humour and adventure is sure to make this new series from Nicola Colton as popular as her ‘Jasper and Scruff’ books!
Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle
Nicola Colton
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956437
A Midsummer Night’s Drama
Bill the Bear and his friends, Sir Bun Bun, Foxy and Lady Bushytail, all live together and stage plays at their theatre, The Glade. One night, after a rapturous reception of their new play, Bill finds it impossible to settle down to sleep. His friends make suggestions, Queen Bee commands, but it is only when Sir Bun Bun cleverly suggests they play a game that Bill drifts off at last!
Full of bear-y good puns and fabulous illustrations, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Drama’ is just wonderful! Presented in three acts, it makes a fantastic read aloud and many little ones (and their grown-ups!) will empathise with poor Bill as the over-excitement of the day prevents him from being able to switch off. The illustrations are amazing- with so many details to dwell on and discuss. I absolutely love their crazy sleeping arrangements!
However, this is one of those brilliant books which can be enjoyed in so many ways. The ‘ShakesBearean’ link is obvious and there are notes at the end which share information about Shakespeare and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, the play which Bill and his friends performed. Queen Bee is reminiscent of Elizabeth I in her ruff and the Glade Theatre introduces the idea of the Globe. Between each act there is a a quatrain (echoing the form of one of those sonnets Shakespeare was so fond of writing, but missing the final two lines!) to set the scene, which offers a change of pace and style to the story. A map on the endpapers tantalisingly offers clues to other Shakespearean links, hopefully hinting that there are more ‘ShakesBearean Tales’ to come and I, for one, can’t wait!
A Midsummer Night’s Drama
Louie Stowell, illustrated by Isobel Lundie
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838915346
When the Wild Calls
Juniper and Bear are now living in Ennerdale with their father, his new partner, Willow, and their baby, Fern. The life they escaped in the city should be in the past, but neither can rest easy knowing they left their grandmother, Annie-Rose, and friend, Ettienne, behind. When they learn that disease is spreading through the city, Juniper is determined to rescue them and bring them to safety.
Inside the city, there are signs that the tight control held by ruthless leader, President Steel, is weakening. But signs of rebellion by a group called the Polecats have made the authorities more aggressive. Etienne, determined to fight for freedom, soon finds himself in grave danger and in need of rescue from more than the city itself.
I am sometimes reluctant to read sequels, even though desperate to return to the world of a story which I have really enjoyed, just in case they do not live up to the original. However, I needn’t have worried in this case! ‘When the Wild Calls’ offers exactly the same absorbing, heartfelt, powerful read as ‘Where the World Turns Wild’ and it was a joy to revisit them and discover what happened next.
Both Etienne and Juniper’s voices tell this story in alternating chapters, allowing the reader to see events unfolding both inside the city and in the wild. Each has a clear and different voice, full of concerns about those they love, as they recount the events of their lives, one making their way back to the city, one desperate to leave it. Each shows huge strength of character and courage, fighting for what they believe in and remaining loyal to those they love.
The story is beautifully written, glowing with a love of nature and full of careful observations capturing the tiniest details as well as sweeping landscapes. Although Nicola Penfold makes it clear that the places she is writing about are her imagined interpretations, it is obvious these are locations she loves. I love the mention of the Wordsworths’ graves- another marker on Juniper’s journey for the reader to locate!
Like ‘Where the World Turn Wild’, ‘When the Wild Calls’ would make an excellent text for sharing in school, either as a class story, a guided reading text or to inspire work in English lessons. The quality of the writing, its vivid message about the importance of caring for nature and the appealing characters all make the book sure to capture the imagination.
A stunning read from one of my favourite authors!
When the Wild Calls
Nicola Penfold
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956215
You can read my review of ‘Beyond the Frozen Horizon’ here
My Friend Andy
Everyday, Fluffy walks through the city to the park with Mum and Lily, passing Andy on the way. Although Fluffy longs to play with him, this is never allowed- until one day, Fluffy gets lost and is rescued by Andy and his dad, who make sure Fluffy, Mum and Lily are reunited once more.
A little dog full of energy and love, Fluffy sees the world through innocent, non-judgemental, keen to make friends with everyone. When lost and alone, it is homeless Andy and his dad who come to Fluffy’s rescue, offering care and comfort and asking nothing in return. The story is simply told- and yet packed with poignant moments, encouraging empathy and understanding.
The illustrations are wonderful. The street scenes are teeming with life, full of captivating characters (canine and human!) and details to notice, offering plenty of stories to tell. When Fluffy gets lost, all the colour drains away and the busyness of the streets loses its friendly atmosphere until the comforting colours of Andy and his dad appear. The ending shows not only a happy reunion between Fluffy and family, but a new friendship and understanding with Andy and his dad.
Perfect for sharing and starting conversations about how we might view the homeless, ‘My Friend Andy’ is a gorgeous book!
My Friend Andy Emma Chinnery
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801045803
Published 14th March
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel
Stitch Head lives in Castle Grotteskew with his creator, mad scientist Professor Erasmus. As the Professor continues to experiment with increasingly dangerous ingredients, Stitch Head works hard to keep the Professor safe whilst feeling increasingly ignored and abandoned. When a stranger comes knocking at the Castle door, Stitch Head is torn between the life he knows and the possibility of being unforgettable.
The ‘Stitch Head’ books were very popular in school when they were first published so I was delighted to see that a graphic novel version has been created. Stitch Head himself is a wonderfully endearing character. When first created, he and the young Erasmus did everything together until it was time for Erasmus to become the next mad professor of Grotteskew and Stich Head was forgotten about. Lonely and unhappy, he is desperate for some affection from his master, inspiring empathy from readers. Despite his neglect, Stitch Head rises to the occasion, saving his master and the Castle, proving that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
There is plenty of humour in the story, both through the illustrations and the text, but the book also explores the importance of friendship, building trust and not judging others on their appearance. Fulbert Freakfinder, owner of the Travelling Carnival of Unnatural Wonders, makes the sort of sneaky, devious villain who is very easy to dislike whilst Arabella Guff (a girl from the village of Grubbers Nubbin), Creature (another of Erasmus’s creations) and Stitch Head make an excellent team.
The excellent, atmospheric illustrations add much to this brilliant story!
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel
Guy Bass, illustrated by Pete Williamson
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956376
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
I Turtley Love You/Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark
Today, I’m reviewing two delightful books from Little Tiger which take little readers under the sea, both written by Harriet Evans, but illustrated by Bryony Clarkson (Turtle) and Michael Slack (Shark).
‘I Turtley Love You’ is a beautifully produced board book. Sturdy board pages and colourful illustrations are enhanced by both cut outs and raised sections, offering plenty of tactile interest for little fingers to enjoy. The gentle rhyming text focuses on the love between adult and child as different sea creatures are introduced.
As well as emphasising a feeling of love and being special, the illustrations and text could lead to conversations about these sea creatures and finding out more about them. Little ones who have seen ‘Finding Nemo’, for example, may make the connection between Marlin and Nemo and the clownfish in the story. The interactive element of the cut outs allows them to play peek-a-boo with the young clown fish by flipping the page back and forth. There are also plenty of details to spot, like the heart shapes made by the crabs claws. It is a delightful little book with much to recommend it!
I Turtley Love You: A sea-riously cute Book of love!
Harriet Evans, illustrated by Bryony Clarkson
Little Tiger ISBN: 9781838915681
Also under the sea, ‘Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark’ is a wonderfully interactive read! Clever paper engineering means the pop-ups move in different ways as an array of sea creatures leap off the page.
The rhyming text is fun to read aloud with plenty of opportunities for little ones to join in with the story, making noises and perhaps actions to suit. As with the previous story, this one might lead to further investigation about the creatures pictured here. Children are sure to enjoy manipulating the book to make the pages move - and older children (and some adults!) are sure to want to investigate how the movement is created. Sure to become a firm favourite!
Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark
Harriet Evans, illustrated by Michael Slack
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838915292
The Story Shop: Detective Dash
In Puddletown High Street, there is the most unusual shop- The Story Shop- which sells stories you can actually BE in. When shopkeeper, Wilbur and his assistant, Fred Ferret find a sleepy sloth in the shop, they decide the best kind of adventure for her is a mystery where she can play detective. With Fred to guide her, Suzy Sloth sets off to solve a puzzling mystery in a museum, locate a missing chef by the seaside and uncover the truth about the Demon Duck of Doom in Watery Bottom.
This is the fourth adventure in ‘The Story Shop’ series from Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal, although each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Each of the books contains three adventures, presented in chapters which are achievable and offer a sense of satisfaction and encouragement for newly independent readers whilst the enjoyable plots are sure to keep the attention of older siblings should these stories be shared at home.
Humour in both illustrations and text make these stories very appealing. Fred Ferret has his work cut out trying to keep Suzie Sloth awake during their investigations, but together they manage to solve each case and escape back to the Story Shop where he can have a well deserved nap! Children will enjoy spotting the clues and trying to solve the mysteries alongside detectives, Suzy and Fred!
Tracey’s lively writing uses a rich vocabulary and the text is a pleasure to read aloud, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy. This series would make excellent class stories for children in KS1 as well as a very enjoyable bedtime book. Great fun!
The Story Shop Detective Dash!
Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953337
