Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Plays Football

Frank is teaching Bert all about football. Sometimes things go wrong, but Bert has a new ball and the two best friends are ready to play. When Frank spots Barbara, the best football player ever, he is delighted that she agrees to have a game with him, forgetting all about poor old Bert. But as Frank finds himself in a spot of trouble, it is his best friend Bert who is there to save him!

The latest in this lovely series about best friends, Frank and Bert, ‘The One Where Bert Plays Football’ is every bit as heartwarming and endearing as the others. Frank and Bert are very different characters, but this enhances their friendship, proving the old adage ‘opposites attract’. Good natured and loveable, Bert often obviously needs help with things and Frank is always there to support him; however, the stories show that Bert brings much to the friendship as well.

Children often experience difficulties negotiating friendships and managing to include others who might appear to be jeopardising a close relationship or taking someone away from them. In this story, Frank is dazzled by Barbara’s footie skills, flattered that she should want to play with him and so neglects his best buddie. But when the going gets tough, it is Bert who is there for Frank, proving his loyalty once again. The story offers plenty to discuss and offers opportunities for role play and drama activities to explore the feelings of the different characters and how they acted.

Although Bert is not a natural football player, Frank helps him to develop skills which play to his strengths and allow him to feel success. The illustrations are full of gentle humour and celebrate the wonderful friendship Frank and Bert share through the whole range of emotions they experience through its ups and downs. Each book in this series is an absolute joy and I hope there are many more to come!

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Plays Football

Chris Naylor- Ballesteros

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805134923

You can read my review of ‘Frank and Bert’ here, The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike’ here and ‘The One With the Missing Biscuits’ here.

My Path

Every morning, a little snail sets off to follow their Path. Sometimes this path is shared by others; sometimes it is a lonely one; sometimes hard or unexpected. But the snail knows that it is their Path, their unique way forwards and, as long as it feels like the right thing to do, it is theirs to follow.

‘My Path’ is a delightful story about making your own decisions and choosing not to follow the crowd, but forge your own way in life. The little snail’s determination and perseverance when faced with difficult choices, their choice to ask for help when needed and the courage of their convictions, all lend themselves to discussions, supporting children to understand that they too can ‘walk the road less travelled’ and value their individuality or choose to follow the same path as others as long as this is the right path for them.

When the snail is met by those who challenge their decisions and try to tell them that they are following the wrong path, the story tell us that the snail considers what they are being told before continuing, drawing attention to the fact that not everyone agrees about things and that this is ok, but that is also fine to consider other opinions. There is no need for confrontation, name calling or animosity, but for each to follow the path they have chosen

The illustrations are delightful with the expressive face of the snail showing the range of emotions it experiences on the path it has chosen. No name is given so any child can identify with this appealing individual as they follow their own path.

My Path

Jana Curll

Nosy Crow ISBN: ‎ 978-1805134244

Santa’s First Christmas

Usually, after working hard all year making toys and then delivering these on Christmas Eve, Santa celebrates the big day with an extra half an hour’s lie in. However, when a passing polar bear points out that this is not much of a celebration, the elves are determined to give Santa a proper Christmas!

The title, ‘Santa’s First Christmas’, refers not to the first time he sets off to deliver presents, but to his first actual celebration of Christmas Day- and the book is a joy from start to finish! Having surprised Santa with breakfast in bed, the elves then take him to choose a tree, decorate it, hang stockings and create a Christmas feast. They are even visited by someone ‘with a beard, dressed in red, with a sack full of gifts’!

The story is perfect for discussing the really important (non-religious) things about the festive season. Sharing, being kind to others, noticing when someone needs a bit of TLC, building traditions, being together… as the elves at last realise that Santa himself could do with a day enjoying himself, they are determined to make it the best day they can and they do this, not by offering the most expensive gifts, but through time and companionship- even when they send him away for dipping his finger in the icing!

The level of humour is just right for both adults and children to enjoy with just the right amount of text to complement the fabulous illustrations. With glowing lights, falling snow and warm firelight, the pictures capture the spirit of an idyllic Christmas. A must read for this Christmas- and all those still to come!

Santa’s First Christmas

Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith

Puffin ISBN: ‎978-0241711392

Kevin and the Blackbirds

Sent to a monastery because his parents are too poor to care for him, Kevin is happy, although he misses his family. When he finishes his work, he is at his happiest, roaming the woods and making friends with the animals; however, as time passes, he is told it is time to leave his wild friends behind and start to grow up. One day, when reaching out through his window, a blackbird lands in his hands and is soon joined by its mate as they start to build a nest. Amazed by what is happening, the monks care for Kevin as he remains still with the nest in his hands until the birds first lay eggs, the young hatch and then fledge the nest. The monks realise that they were wrong to try to change Kevin and gave him his freedom once more.

In his author’s note, David Almond explains how this story is an adaptation of an Irish legend about a saint called Kevin. The Kevin in this story, however, is not a saint, but a normal, everyday boy whose love of nature leads him to offer care and safety to vulnerable creatures and, in doing so, shows others the importance of nurturing and cherishing living things, cultivating a love of nature. The story is sensitively told: Kevin is loved by his parents, who part with him reluctantly and in the hope of reclaiming him once they are able to; he revels in the joys of nature, the freedom it offers and the wide range of its wonders, leading to his determination to offer the use of his hands as a safe place of refuge to the birds, regardless of the discomfort and difficulties this might cause him.

P J Lynch’s artwork is always stunning and the illustrations in ‘Kevin and the Blackbirds’ are just incredible. Brimming with emotion, they capture Kevin’s misery, joy, laughter and hope, immersing the reader in his story. Each is so rich in detail that it offers a myriad of potential tales to be explored and told by those enjoying looking at them. One of my favourites is that of Kevin’s delighted eyes shining over the top of the nest in his outstretched hands as she watches the chicks hatching from their eggs!

Perfect for sharing at home, the book also offers much for teachers, whether for a story time, assembly or for using as inspiration for drama work, writing, storytelling and art work. It is a thing of great beauty, both in illustration and the message at its heart.

Kevin and the Blackbirds

David Almond, illustrated by P J Lynch

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529509533

Wisdom of the Woods

‘Wisdom of the Woods’ is a beautiful treasury, offering forty poems which celebrate the joys and the wonders of nature. Set in the world of Brown Bear Wood, the poems pass the wisdom of Nature’s ancient laws to the next generation.

Gathered into eight different sections, the poems explore a wealth of topics, including pollination, evergreens, fungi, grass, chlorophyll… Rachel Piercey does not ‘dumb down’ her writing and as a result, the poems are not only informative and enjoyable, but richly written, using a wide vocabulary. A glossary at the end of the book offers support with clear explanations of the scientific terms used- metamorphic, lenticel, omnivore- but there is also a sense of whimsy and joy in the poems which mange to combine learning and fun so successfully!

The book is the perfect size for taking on expeditions through the woods where they can be enjoyed and used to spark investigations in the heart of the habitat they are celebrating. For teachers, this book is perfect for enriching the curriculum either by using the poems as starting points for exploration or for enjoying at story times or as part of an assembly. Each work is accompanied by delightful illustrations, each a mini-masterpiece!

From its gorgeous cover to the last page, ‘Wisdom of the Woods’ is an absolute joy!

Brown Bear Wood: Wisdom of the Woods

Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1915569615

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

Blitz: One Family’s War

Martin Impey is well known to teachers for the wonderful series about Ben and his best friend, Ray, and their wartime experiences which he created with Hilary Robinson. The richly detailed illustrations combined with the accessible text makes them perfect for sharing with children and deepening their knowledge and understanding of events during WWI. In ‘A Song for Will and the Lost Gardeners of Heligan’, the same team worked their magic once more, creating a book based on the true story of the gardeners of Heligan who went to fight in Great War. In ‘Blitz’, Martin has created another masterpiece of illustration and storytelling which is not only a compelling read, but also a real gift to anyone teaching this period of history.

Inspired by his childhood stories, Martin has created a powerful, engaging and brilliant book which reflects the level of precise, careful research Martin brings to all his work. Through the experiences of the family living at number 2, Dane Street in Bow, readers get a real sense of how their lives changed from before the war to the point at which two of the children are evacuated. A sense of immediacy is created, allowing readers to share their hopes and fears as they continue their daily lives amid the chaos and uncertainty of the Blitz.

I have no wish to imply that this is not a book for families to share and discuss nor for independent readers to thoroughly enjoy; however, as a teacher, it is impossible not to see the incredible value of a text like this in breathing life into lessons. At a time when much of the creativity and inspiration sadly seems to be being leached from the school day, books like this are essential!

There are many points at which role play, hot seating, freeze framing and other drama techniques could be used to explore the thoughts and feelings of those in the story, developing empathy, comprehension, prediction and perhaps leading to children creating narratives from different viewpoints. There are opportunities for writing diary entries, letters and poems as well as various types of factual writing, many inspired by Martin’s amazing illustrations. The book also lends itself to historical research techniques and using first and second hand sources.

There are so many details to notice in the illustrations which may lead children to pose questions for further investigation: Why is the train taking evacuees labelled ‘Pied Piper’? Is there really a road called ‘Sugar Loaf Walk’? Did people really spot unexploded bombs? Natural curiosity might lead to much additional discovery.

Evocative storytelling and stunning illustrations combine to make ‘Blitz’ an incredibly special book- and I can’t wait for the story to continue in ‘Evacuees’.

Blitz: One Family’s War

Martin Impey

Harbour Moon Publishing ISBN: 978-1916062535

You can read my review of ‘A Song for Will’ here, the Ben and Ray books here and ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ here.

A Symphony of Stories

This companion volume to ‘Once Upon a Tune’ continues to share the joy of music and art, inspiring young readers to explore the world of classical music and the stories it tells. ‘A Symphony of Stories’ offers six stories, most ‘retold from the original tales which inspired the composer’ and each beautifully illustrated. It is a stunning celebration of creativity- a book to keep and treasure.

Mayhew’s passion for these pieces shines through in his introduction, the accompanying notes and, above all, his fabulous illustrations which are completely captivating. There are even suggested recordings for each piece included, making it easy for adults at home or at school to share the music with children whilst enjoying the stories. From a teacher's perspective, the book is perfect for enriching the curriculum: music appreciation lessons, assemblies, story times, art lessons- all these are more could be inspired by ‘A Symphony of Stories’, sprinkling a little much- needed creative joy into learning!

I particularly enjoy ‘The Sunken Cathedral’ by Debussy, based on the Breton legend of the city of Ys, and ‘The Butterfly Lovers’ by H Zhanhao and Chen Gang, perhaps because I was less familiar with them. The notes at the end of the book were really helpful, both for background and for ‘understanding’ the music. I hope James Mayhew continues to write more books like this- and ‘Once Upon a Tune’- breathing life and love into more musical stories.

A Symphony of Stories

James Mayhew

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659347

You can read my review of ‘Once Upon a Tune’ here.

The Christmas Tree Mouse

The Christmas Tree Mouse is on a mission- to help Santa on his busiest night of the year. And when she notices that baby Ola has been left the wrong present, the Christmas Tree Mouse swings into action, using all her special equipment to get the job done, no matter what cat-astrophe might arise!

Perfect for the festive season, ‘The Christmas Tree Mouse’ is the very thing for snuggling down and sharing in the run up to Christmas. Taking inspiration from the mouse mentioned in the poem by Clement Clarke Moore, Joseph Coelho has created a story explaining the important role of the Christmas Tree Mouse and how she is rewarded in the end!

The Christmas Tree Mouse is an endearing, charming character who takes their duties very seriously. There are many little details to chuckle over and enjoy - I love the idea that Santa squeezes through the letter box! The illustrations are gorgeous with plenty to notice, including the wonderful range of expressions on the Christmas Tree Mouse’s face as she goes about her work, faces and overcomes the danger posed by the household cat! The use of warm Christmas lights against the velvety dark of the night creates a really Christmassy atmosphere, adding to the enjoyment of this cosy tale.

Alongside the milk, mince pies and carrots, families are sure to start leaving a lump of cheese for the Christmas Tree Mouse!

The Christmas Tree Mouse

Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Farah Shah

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241585481

The Midnight Mitzvah

Hanina Chipmunk loves to gather nuts and share these with her friends. She also enjoys the praise and compliments she gets for doing so when Mathilda Squirrel gruffly refuses her help, Hanina can’t understand. Leon Mouse explains to her that Mathilda used to be a champion nut collector and is embarrassed that she now needs help. Helping others is a mitzvah (a good deed), but so is not embarrassing someone, leaving Hanina wondering how to achieve both things. She decides to go and leave nuts at Mathilda’s house at night and is confronted on her journey by a Great Horned Owl. Fortunately for Hanina, the owl is sympathetic to her explanation for being out and about at night and lets her go on her way and accomplish her mission.

A note at the end of the book explains that ‘The Midnight Mitzvah’ was inspired by a 2,000-year-old tale found in the Talmud, one of the most important books in Judaism. However, this lovely story holds an important message for everyone, regardless of their faith. Charity is a wonderful, much needed thing, but is not something which should be done simply for reward or recognition. Hanina enjoys being praised for her good deeds, which is quite natural, but also learns that the outcome of a good deed is more important than this. This delightful story offers much to discuss and would make an excellent text for an assembly or PSHE session in school as well as for sharing at home.

The illustrations are delightful. Full of colour and atmosphere, they convey a sense of the threats of night time for the young chipmunk without being too frightening for little ones. Hanina has such a lovely little face she is sure to appeal to all readers!

Notes at the end of the book offer additional information about other elements of Jewish tradition and culture connected with the story, offering support for those not familiar with these, but keen to learn. It is a lovely book and one which should be added to shelves everywhere!

The Midnight Mitzvah

Ruth Horowitz, illustrated by Jenny Meilihove

Barefoot Books ISBN: 978-8888592359

Bothered by Bugs

Pete the badger is happily sharing a recipe book with the other woodland creatures when a pesky fly ruins everything. Soon all the animals are busy catching every fly they can find and putting them in jars. Then they notice that there are bugs everywhere and quickly scoop them up too. At last, the woods are free from all these pests…But the animals soon realise that with all the bugs in jars, there is no one to do the pollinating or break down all the waste materials.

‘Bothered by Bugs’ is another instant classic from the wonder that is Emily Gravett. Pete- star of the previous books ‘Tidy’ and ‘Too Much Stuff’- is well known for his love of neatness and order, but in this story, he learns just how important these ‘annoying’ creatures are to the ecosystem and how interference with the natural order of things can have a devastating impact on the environment. Told in rhyming text, the story is an absolute joy to read aloud!

The illustrations are fabulous, full of detail and humour, and children will have fun spotting characters from ‘Tidy’ and ‘Too Much Stuff’ who make an appearance. But the joy doesn’t stop there! Lift the dust jacket of ‘Bothered by Bugs’ and the book which Pete is reading, ‘How to Cook Fruit: A Culinary Badger’s Guide to Preparing Fruit’, is revealed, complete with tea stains and badger paw prints. There are recipes to try on the end papers, including a very tasty looking Summer Pudding which we will by trying! The inside cover of the dust jacket shows the bugs which the woodland creatures capture, offering an instant guide to insects, allowing children to become insect spotters and come to appreciate the roles which they play.

Perfect for using as a Book Hook for activities at a story session, for sharing at home or using to inspire work in school, ‘Bothered by Bugs’ is another must have title from Emily Gravett.

Bothered by Bugs

Emily Gravett

Two Hoots ISBN: 978- 1529028065

You can read my review of ‘Tidy’ here, ‘Too Much Stuff’ here and ‘Cyril and Pat’ here.

Book Tour: Freedom Braids

Today, I am bringing the Book Tour for ‘Freedom Braids’ to its conclusion. With October being Black History Month in the UK, this is a perfect book for starting conversations and celebrating the role played by courageous women.

Although a fictional story, ‘Freedom Braids’ was inspired by historical events. Nemy toils in the fields every day, working on a plantation in Columbia. One night, she follows Big Mother, one of the older slaves, and watches as she and the other women braid their hair. But these braids contain hidden messages, signalling the slaves’ intention to escape and offering guidance which leads them to freedom.

Lantana always produce beautiful, thoughtful books and this is no exception. On one level, it teaches readers about the importance, and significance, of braided hairstyles in the fight for freedom, but it is also celebrates the ingenuity, resilience and nurturing shared by women in these awful circumstances. The connection they feel as they share the collective experience of separating ‘sections of hair, just like their mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and ancestors had done’ is beautifully captured, a really poignant moment in a poignant story. It is a powerful, emotive read and one which will lead to many discussions- not just for Black History Month, but at any time!

A note by the author at the end of the book offers additional information about ‘these cornrowed maps’ and the illustrator’s wonderful artwork shows named examples on the endpapers. The illustrations throughout are really evocative and well worth lingering over. The cover image is stunning- the golden glow hinting at the freedom referred to in the title.

‘Freedom Braids’ will be out in all good UK bookshops on October 3rd and I recommend you order a copy now!

Freedom Braids

Monique Duncan, illustrated by Oboh Moses

Lantana ISBN: 978-1915244802

Many thanks to the lovely Katrina and Lantana for inviting me to take part today!

Free as a Bird

Jonas, the lighthouse keeper, wakes one morning, having dreamed about flying, free as a bird. Desperate to share with his friend, Blue the whale, Jonas sets off at once to find her. When he finds her, Jonas sees Blue has an exhausted bird on her head. Quickly, the friends take the bird back to the lighthouse where he is able to tell his story to Blue who can understand his tweets. Forced to flee from a beautiful country which is now in the grip of war, the little bird has undertaken a perilous journey in the hope of finding a safe place. As the little bird grows stronger, other birds arrive, singing the same song of freedom. Helped by Blue and Jonas, they stay until they have regained their strength before moving on, but their new friend has found a new home.

Revisiting the characters from ‘I Love You, Blue’, ‘Free as a Bird’ is a gorgeous story, celebrating the importance of compassion, love and a place to call home. Thought-provoking and moving, the story uses the idiom ‘free as a bird’ to explore the plight of refugees, cleverly contrasting the freedom from worry and trouble which the expression implies with the realities of the bird’s experiences.

To use another idiom, Blue and Jonas are the bird’s ‘lighthouse in a storm’, a place of safety where he is lucky to find a compassionate, understanding welcome. Their care for the bird and the refuge they offer to the many other birds who come seeking sanctuary is a joy to see as the book reaches its very satisfying, heart-warming conclusion. The illustrations are just delightful, full of charm and character.

A very powerful story, perfect for developing empathy, ‘Free as a Bird’ is a must have!

Free as a Bird

Barroux

Otter-Barry Books     ISBN: 978-1915659330

You can read my review of ‘I Love You, Blue’ here.

The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share

Hare lives on his own and grows turnips. When a family of rabbits move in to the other side of the woods, they ask if he has any turnips that he can share, but he sends them away, saying he doesn’t like to share with anyone. One day, when out walking, he notices that the rabbits have grown a lovely patch of carrots which they invite him- and other animals from the wood- to share. He refuses, but when a huge boar threatens to destroy all their hard work, Hare is determined to help them.

With a wonderful message about the importance of sharing, ‘The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share’ is perfect for developing conversations about community and working together. Hare believes that he is happy- he grows his own turnips, working hard for himself and keeping all his produce. When he sees the rabbits sharing the results of their hard work with the other animals, it gives him plenty to think about. Why when they have so little would they want to give away so much? The story offers plenty of opportunity for role play and hot-seating activities to help children explore and understand the feelings of different characters at different points in the book. The conclusion is just perfect with Hare coming to realise the benefits of being part of a community, of sharing and working with others.

The illustrations are utterly adorable. Each character is bursting with personality and there is so much to notice and enjoy in every picture, making this a book to return to again and again! One for every bookshelf!

The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share

Steve Small

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398522299

Barnaby Unboxed!

In the newly reopened ‘Perfect Pets’, Barnaby, ‘half mouse and half elephant, with just a dash of flamingo’, thinks he is the most perfect pet of all- and yet, he is the last one of his kind on the shelf. One day, whilst worrying he will never be chosen, a little girl picks him. Taking him home, the two become inseparable until, one Saturday morning, whilst watching television, an advert for the new ‘Rainbow Barnaby’ is shown and the little girl decides she wants one. When her father refuses to buy her the new pet, she seems to lose interest in her Barnaby. Her father now takes him for his walk and one rainy day, Barnaby slips unnoticed off his lead, planning to run away ‘just long enough for people to miss him’; however, when he is chased by a cat, he finds himself lost and alone. Time passes and, although he meets other lost and forgotten pets, he is determined to find his way home to the little girl. Supported by the squirrels in the park who show him their ways, Barnaby begins to forget his old life until he spots a little girl pinning ‘missing’ posters to the trees…

Once again, The Fan Brothers have produced a perfect picture book combining sensitive storytelling, moments of gentle humour and, in this case, a strong message about the responsibility and commitment involved when taking on the care of a pet. The book has so much potential for developing ideas and work in school as well as for being enjoyed at story time!

Children could have great fun inventing their own ‘perfect pets’ which might join Barnaby on the shelves, creating character profiles and developing personalities and names for their creatures. Barnaby is just adorable, with his big eyes, puffy tail and soft as candyfloss fur- and yet, he is full of worries as he compares himself to the other ‘new and exciting’ pets which are on offer. At this point of the story, role play or hot-seating could be used to explore Barnaby’s feelings, but also those of some of the other pets who might have similar concerns, and develop some good advice to offer anyone feeling downhearted or under-valued.

The story is also perfect for considering the long term dedication and commitment needed when adopting a pet. The collection of ‘lost or forgotten’ pets in the rubbish bin is a sad indictment of how fashions and fads can lead to the casual neglect and discarding of creatures in need of love and care.

However, eagle-eyed readers will notice that there are signs that the little girl has not forgotten him. Almost as soon as he was lost, posters can be seen seeking his return, filling the reader with hope that the two will be reunited once more.

As usual with any book from the Fan Brothers, the illustrations are fabulous- full of details to notice and things to wonder about. The spread showing the row of shops where Perfect Pets can be found is almost identical to that in ‘The Barnabus Project’- except that the barber’s shop has now closed down and the Coffee Palace is all boarded up and the last but one picture showing Barnabus and the little girl enjoying their walk in the park also appears in the first book and you can see Barnabus and his fellow escapees watching them as they walk by.

A gorgeous, heart-warming read- not to be missed!

Barnaby Unboxed!

The Fan Brothers

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-1836001607

You can read my review of ‘The Barnabus Project’ here, ‘It Fell From the Sky’ here, ‘Lizzy and the Cloud’ here and ‘Ocean Meets Sky’ here.

Blog Tour: Step into my Shoes

Today, I am very happy to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Step into my Shoes’, a lovely picture book from Lantana, which paves the way for plenty of discussion!

Matou lives just outside Paris, in a place she dismissively thinks no one has ever heard of. Now that her mum works in the city, she walks to and from school by herself. One Friday, having been let out of school early, as she passes the mosque, she notices a ‘sea of shoes’, including a pair of sports shoes with orange laces. Tempted by the fact they are nearly her size, she tries them on. Having returned them, she notices the boy the shoes belong to and concludes the shoes are pristine because he doesn’t walk much. From then on, Matou regularly tries on different shoes outside the mosque and ponders on the lives of their owners until one day, excited by the fact that her mother will be home early, she goes straight home…only to become upset as her mother arrives late. But when she steps into her mother’s shoes, she gains a new perspective, learning what it truly means to ‘step into someone’s shoes’.

‘Step into my Shoes’ is a wonderful story for developing empathy and compassion. Matou literally explores the expression ‘to step into someone else’s shoes’, initially as a way of entertaining herself on her journey home, but ultimately coming to understand her mother better. Children will really relate to her curiosity as she wonders about all the footwear left outside the mosque as those inside pray. Initially, for those unfamiliar with this custom, there will be conversations about this practice, offering opportunities to deepen understanding - and make links with other religions and cultural traditions.

But the real joy of the story is that it encourages readers to pause and think - no matter how frustrated, angry or upset- that misunderstandings can be seen from another perspective and that ‘stepping into someone else’s shoes’ allows us to understand them better, an important lesson which many adults could do with learning! The illustrations add much to the text, making it easy for children to choose different pairs of shoes and explore their ideas about the owners and to pause and consider Matou’s feelings at different points in the story. Interest in France might also be piqued by various details in the pictures- the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, the pyramid of the Louvre, signs for the Metro, the shop names, Lautrec’s Black Cat, the Mona Lisa- there is much to explore!

A lovely book to spend time with!

Step into my Shoes

Alkisti Halikia, translated by Konstantine Matsoukas, illustrated by Fotini Tikkou

Lantana ISBN: 978-1915244956

The Girl at the Front of the Class

When a new girl arrives in his class, Adam is determined to make friends with her. However, she doesn’t want to play or make sandcastles in the sandpit- she just draws sad pictures. Seeking advice, Adam asks his teacher, his dad and his grandma and although they try to explain, their answers make him very sad and more determined than ever to be her friend. So he comes up with a plan…

Ever since the publication of ‘The Boy at the Back of the Class’, books by Onjali Q Rauf have supported teachers, parents and other adults in developing thoughtful conversations with children about a number of topics, creating empathy and understanding in an often harsh, judgemental world. In ‘The Girl at the Front of the Class’, she works her magic once more with a poignant, beautiful story, perfect for starting discussions about the plight of refugees with younger children.

At the end of the story, the reader- and Adam- learns that the little girl’s name is Layla. The book is a celebration of the power of kindness and how simple acts of friendship can make a world of difference. But Adam is not pushy or overbearing in his actions- he shows patience and thought, creating a large picture depicting a happy ‘story’ for Layla, meeting her on her own terms rather than forcing her into a friendship.

The illustrations complement the text perfectly and the picture showing Layla and Adam swapping names is just lovely, as they are bathed in a warm glow whilst the lively bustle of the rest of the class is shown in a muted grey-blue, highlighting their newly-formed friendship.

At the end of the book, there are ‘Five Ideas to Help Refugee Children Feel Welcome’, each suggestion something which is easily achievable and the significance of each will be readily understood by even the youngest children. A wonderful addition to bookshelves, ‘The Girl at the Front of the Class’ is perfect for sharing.

The Girl at the Front of the Class

Onjali Q Rauf, illustrated by Pippa Curnick

Hodder ISBN: 978-1526364654

You can read my review of ‘The Letter with the Golden Stamp’ here.

Betty’s Birthday

It’s Betty’s sixth birthday and she is having a party! Readers are invited to join her in her preparations and for the celebrations!

Bright and colourful, ‘Betty’s Birthday’ is a fun-packed read which engages little ones on every page. Betty is introduced as living in a ‘big house’, a cross section of which is shown to allow readers to guess which is Betty’s room. There is plenty to discuss here with a helipad and a hot air balloon on the roof, a swimming pool room complete with sauna and a cinema and lots of other things to notice! Having located her room, she then needs to find her glasses amongst all the clutter and mess strewn across the floor before choosing an outfit for the party. At each step, the reader is encouraged to help her out or offer their opinion, encouraging little ones to use different skills as they explore both text and illustration.

The page showing Betty’s wardrobe is sure to inspire some readers to create a paper doll of Betty and trace her clothes, adding tabs before cutting out and colouring so that they can play at dressing her up or creating their own outfits to add to her collection!

Once her guests arrive, there are all manner of games to play and things to find as the party gets underway. Children can join in with the dance competition as they are asked what their ‘best moves’ are before it’s time for party bags and home and Betty is left to open her presents and go to bed! With so many ways to interact with the story, this is possibly not one for bedtime, but would be great fun to share with siblings or friends!

Betty’s Birthday

Celine Ka Wing Lau

Cicada Books ISBN: 978-1800660496

The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk

Everybody is so used to avoiding the bad-tempered troll which lives in the cave that they forget all about it. Everybody except for one boy who is determined to reach out and make friends. The boy collects his chalks and draws a flower, leaving one petal uncoloured. The following day, he returns and finds the petal coloured in- yet still the troll will not leave the cave. Day-by-day he returns, leaving his drawings incomplete for the troll to finish. At last, the troll leaves the cave and is revealed to be a boy who joins in with the other children.

Thoughtful and sensitive, ‘The Boy, the Chalk and the Troll’ is a real celebration of patience, kindness and hope. Isolated and struggling, the ‘troll’ is obviously struggling with difficult emotions, acting in a way which rebuffs friendship. However, the little boy’s persistent, non-threatening approach, using art and creativity to gain trust, gradually builds a relationship which is non-demanding and understanding. The story is perfect for developing empathy and encouraging acceptance, making it excellent for PSHE or an assembly as well as story time.

David Litchfield’s illustrations capture the heart and spirit of the story perfectly. Teachers - and family- may choose to use the book as a starting point for collaborative art work, perhaps developing a mural or a playground chalking project to encourage older and younger children to develop supportive relationships, perhaps encouraging them to explore and discuss their own emotions.

Gentle and reassuring, ‘The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk’ is a poignant, powerful tale.

The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk

Anne Booth and David Litchfield

Templar ISBN: 978-1800783058

You can read my review of ‘A Shelter for Sadness’ here.

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.