Basil Dreams Big

Basil the bat doesn’t believe that he can fly. Encouraged by his friend, Moth, and the rest of the fruit bats, he tries and tries, but with no luck. However, when as storm threatens Moth, Basil realises that anything is possible.

Told in bouncy, rhyming text, ‘Basil Dreams Big’ is an absolute dream to read aloud, making it perfect for sharing!

Children will empathise with Basil as he struggles to master a new skill. No matter what he does, his efforts seem fruitless, but ultimately, resilience and self-belief enable him to overcome his fears. Supported by friends and family, he struggles to find the courage until his best friend needs him and everything falls into place. Children will relate to his worries and the book makes a perfect starting point for discussions about resilience, determination and not giving up.

Gorgeous illustrations accompany the story and these could also be used with a class- or individual child- to pause the story and explore Basil’s feelings at different points, perhaps using role play or gathering vocabulary. Children might share a personal (realistic!) goal recorded on a ‘Basil’ shape which they are determined to achieve, creating a display to encourage perseverance.

Used alongside other areas of the curriculum, the book might also inspire research into fruit bats. Some of the lovely phrasing used in the story might also be explored- ‘moonlit-kissed world’, ‘dawn-dusted tree’, ‘storm-tumbled skies’- perhaps encouraging children to create their own descriptive words or phrases- even leading to poetry writing!

A really lovely book!

Basil Dreams Big

Lu Fraser, illustrated by Sarah Warburton

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398525832

Published 24th April 2025

The Bear-Shaped Hole

Gerda and Orlo share a wonderful friendship. Kind and wise, Orlo always has time to listen to, and spend time with, young Gerda, but then things change. Gerda notices that Orlo has become slower and less strong. When she asks him what’s wrong, Orlo explains that he is very ill and is going to die. Heartbroken, Gerda is filled with anger and runs away, trying to escape her grief and pain. On her return, Orlo offers a reassuring bear hug, validating her feelings and assuring her that she will feel happiness again. They spend time together, creating memories and when Orlo dies, Gerda grieves, but his wisdom has prepared her for the loss.

Deeply poignant, ‘The Bear-Shaped Hole’ is a wonderful book to support those facing an impending loss. The rhyming text shares the early experiences of Gerda, the bear who offers comfort to Bertle on the loss of his friend, Hertle, in the story, ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’, written by the same team. The story sensitively explores Gerda’s reaction to the news that Orlo is going to die, validating her feelings at each stage, and offering the perfect starting point for conversations around loss. However, the book is also perfect for sharing with anyone, at any time, as it reminds readers of the importance of valuing time with others, living in the moments we have and creating special memories.

As with ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’, the illustrations play a powerful role in sharing Gerda’s story and expressing her feelings. As Gerda flees from Orlo, a spiking, swirl of black trails her; another picture shows this black chaos surrounding her, almost consuming her, brilliantly expressing her feelings in visual form, perhaps helping children to show their emotions in the same way. The love between the two characters is also beautifully captured through their tender looks and joyful memories. Adults guiding children in this situation might suggest that they capture some of the special memories they create using photographs or drawings in the same way that Gerda and Orlo’s are shown in the story.

Those familiar with ‘The Hare- Shaped Hole’ will enjoy spotting some of the characters from that story in the illustrations in this book. Deeply moving, ‘The Bear-Shaped Hole’ is a stunning, comforting and much needed book.

The Bear-Shaped Hole

John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711296602

You can read my review of ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’ here.

My Rice is Best

Shane loves to eat rice and peas and believes it is the BEST FOOD EVER! However, when he takes some to school for his lunch, he soon discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about jollof rice. So- whose rice is best?

‘My Rice is Best’ is an absolute delight! Full of humour, it is perfect for sharing and starting discussions.

Everyone has a favourite food, but this story shows the wonderful versatility of this staple and how it can be enjoyed by different people in different ways, allowing readers to explore cultural diversity. Used in schools, it would be perfect for starting discussions about food, the origin of various dishes, favourite dishes the children enjoy at home…the possibilities are endless! Children might enjoy creating their own stories based on this one, but changing the food- to potatoes, for example, or beans! Exploring the similarities and differences between different families, different cultures, different traditions could lead to food tasting sessions (obviously paying attention to allergies etc!) or community events, embracing new cuisines.

Although Shane and Yinka squabble over which rice is best, when things go wrong, Yinka and the others are all ready to share with Shane, making sure he has plenty of lunch to eat. Friendship is more important than food! The book also captures the close relationship between Shane and his mum as she shares the secret of their special family recipe.

The illustrations are wonderful. Bold, bright and engaging, they add much to the humour and joy of the story. A must have for every class and home!

My Rice is Best

Selina Brown, illustrated by Maxwell A. Oginni

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241635537

Published 8th May 2025

The Old Watering Can

Each day, Grandma carries her two watering cans to her greenhouse. One is brand new; the other is old with a leak. One day, the old watering can apologises for its leak and all the water it loses every day. However, Grandma reassures it, explaining that all the leaked water falls onto seeds she had planted by the path which grow into beautiful flowers which Grandma then shares with her neighbours.

‘The Old Watering Can’ is a lovely, gentle story which shows how imperfections can actually be strengths. At first glance, the old watering can seems useless, no longer fit for purpose, and yet, Grandma has turned its leaking into a positive feature.

Like many of us, the watering can is so focused on its defect that it fails to notice the positive effect which it is having. The story is perfect for drawing attention to all the worthwhile things which we do, but might not notice whilst comparing ourselves to others. This, and Grandma’s kindness to the can and how she views it, are sure to be discussed as a result of sharing the story whether at home or at school. The story might also be used to talk about repurposing or upcycling things to give them a new purpose, perhaps leading to art/ craft activities. Old boots might become planters, for example.

The illustrations are warm and energetic, offering plenty of opportunity for storytelling as they are full of character and detail. The book closes with advice on growing wildflowers and pages to paint Grandma’s garden.

The Old Watering Can

Louise Royston-Smith

Graffeg ISBN: 978-1802587067

Published 21st April 2025