Spellstone

Evie is used to not being noticed. But when she meets the mysterious Wainwright, she discovers that going unnoticed might just be what makes her unique. Recruited into a secret magical organisation, Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient and magical battle. Evil is returning to the land, and Evie is the only person who can stop it. But how can she defeat the most dangerous magician in the world, when she doesn’t even know her own powers?

The above synopsis is not mine! There was so much that I loved about this story that any summary I tried to make became nearly as long as the book!

‘Spellstone’ is one of those books which you want everyone around you to read so that you can fully discuss just how wonderful it is with them. An action-packed, page-turner of an adventure, the story is also beautifully written, rich in detail and description. I have enjoyed each book that I have read by Ross Montgomery (almost all he has written), but this is far and away my favourite and a prime candidate for being chosen as a class story!

Evie is a very likeable character. Struggling to understand why her world has changed and why people, including her parents, no longer seem to notice her, she then finds herself launched into the world of the Order of the Stone. Her resilience, determination, courage and good nature have the reader cheering her on from the outset and she quickly establishes a warm bond with the other members of the Order. Each of this team is brilliantly portrayed with their own magical ability, quirks and foibles. I love each for different reasons, but there’s something about Lady Alinora which really appeals to me!

The story unfolds magically with everything coming together in a very satisfying (and clever) conclusion. Hints of myth and legend combine with real life settings such as Postman’s Park in London, rooting the magical firmly in the ‘real’ world in which magic is ever present, just unseen or ignored.

‘Spellstone’ is an incredible read- perfect for using as a key text, for guided reading, as a class story or independent reading. I cannot recommend this one highly enough and will be buying it for my nephew at the weekend!

Spellstone Ross Montgomery

Walker ISBN: 978-1529501933

The Crown: A celebration of life on earth

This is such a beautiful book! Speaking to readers from the future, a girl wears a crown which she has inherited. But this is no ordinary crown- it is made from rubbish left to her by past generations. The hill she stands on is created by landfill- and yet, in the waste, she finds a book which shows the world as it is now, the beauty of the oceans, the wonders of the sky, the diversity of Earth, and she imagines a world where the crown she wears might be so different…

The illustrations are stunning, instantly capturing attention and making the reader pause to think. The girl’s crown is shown in shades of grey, a tyre forming a ring round her head piled high with junk. Her companion, a gentle horse, patiently waits at her side, offering a comforting presence as she looks at the world she has been left. Children will notice her pained expression and be able to identify some of the rubbish as items they use everyday, provoking conversations about her world and how it has come to be as it is.

As she opens the book she has found, colour glows from the pages, reminding the reader of the innate beauty of our Earth and reinforcing the importance of looking after it. She refers to what she sees in the book as a ‘fairy tale’, an unbelievable world compared to her own. The books closes with some ideas for ways to help change things, written on tree stumps.

A deeply poignant book, this would be excellent to share at home or to use with classes of all ages as part of PSHE lessons, for assemblies, for art lessons or for story time. It could also be used to inspire writing, poetry, artwork… Simply stunning!

The Crown A Celebration of Life on Earth

Emily Kapff

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406397130

The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice

In my experience, almost all wishes are possible.

-Rupus Beewinkle

Things are not going very well for Felix Jones. His best friend, Max, has moved away from Whittlestone, his relationship with his sister is not what it was and he can’t shake off a growing sense of unease. On his way home, he uses his last penny to make a wish in Whittlestone’s wish fountain which leads him to meet Rupus Beewinkle, Whittlestone’s Wishkeeper. Felix finds himself taking on the role of Apprentice Wishkeeper, striving to save the town, Rupus- and himself- from the Wishsnatcher, who wants to destroy everyone’s dreams.

What an enchanting story! It has a warm-hearted, charming quality which makes it instantly engaging and is full of delightful illustrations.

Rupus Beewinkle (fabulous name, fabulous character!) is overwhelmed by his duties as Wishkeeper. In his desire to keep people happy, he has granted more wishes per kilometre than in any other district which has led him apply for an assistant. The Council of Wishkeepers, however, have denied his request, leaving him to cope on his own. Usually, Wishkeepers are not visible to other people, but Felix can see him- leading to his becoming the new apprentice Rupus longs for. As Felix learns about the duties of the Wishkeeper, he discovers a secret which could change everything- but I can’t say any more about that without giving too much away!

The Wishsnatcher is full of darkness and despair, bringing an element of peril to the tale; however, Felix finds the courage to face him, conquering his fears and finding hope. The relationship between Felix and his sister, Rebecca, is beautifully and sensitively handled, offering plenty to discuss and reflect on.

The story is full of wonderful details and descriptions- Rupus’s home, loving named Snugwarm, is a highlight!- making it a brilliant read aloud. I read this book in one sitting, loving the illustrations as much as the text and can’t wait to find an opportunity to make a Snorlicks or two- recipe included! I’m looking forward to reading ‘The Magician Next Door’, Rachels’s next book, having read the taster at the end of this one.

The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice

Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Rachel Sanson

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529507094

Bear and Bird

Bird and Bear are best friends. Together, they share simple adventures, celebrating the small things of life and the true meaning of friendship in the four stories in this book.

Like Bear’s blanket, these stories are so soft and warm that they are perfect for cuddling up and smooshing with. These two dear friends have the occasional misunderstanding and mishap, but they are happiest making each other happy. Each story is told with plenty of gentle humour and accompanied by the most adorable illustrations.

However, each story also offers the opportunity for starting discussions about being a good friend. When Bird and Bear spend an afternoon painting, Bird is upset by Bear’s success, feeling her painting is no good. Bear responds to with empathy and understanding, offering encouragement and support. In the second story, Bear’s failure to properly prepare for the picnic leads to him telling lies to Bird to cover up. It could easily be argued that this is not the right thing to do- and yet Bear does this because he prefers to make Bird happy. At the same time, Bird is making Bear happy by not letting on that she knows he has forgotten all the picnic things. Is is right to lie in this situation..? The stories would be perfect for sharing with a class, as a bedtime story or for newly independent readers.

Children are sure to be inspired to draw Bear and Bird- and perhaps create their own little books of stories about simple adventures of friendship. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next!

Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories

Jarvis

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529504897

Protecting the Planet: Emperor of the Ice

This beautiful book tells of a year in the life of the Emperor penguin, highlighting the dangers that they face both due to the harsh climate they live in and to the effects of climate change. A forward by Dr Phil Trathan sets the scene, explaining the role played by satellites in helping to tell their story and the book closes with two pages of information about Emperor Penguins, climate change and what can be done to help.

The book is beautifully written, full of rich imagery, with the lines of penguins and their shadows making their way across the ice described as ‘like spidery writing across a blank page’. From reaching the ice at Halley Bay, the perfect location to breed, and finding a mate, laying a single egg and the Empress making her treacherous journey to the sea and back, the text outlines the vulnerability of these creatures and the fragility of both their lives and the new one they have created. Nicola Davies does not shy away from the harsh realities, but offers these honestly as an essential part of the story she is telling. Although she describes ‘a good year for this colony’, the book ends with a reminder of the fragility of the penguins existence.

Catherine Rayner’s stunning illustrations make the perfect accompaniment to the words, making this a very attractive and appealing book. This would be an engaging and accessible text for Guided Reading, offering much to explore and investigate as well as being a book which is sure to be taken from shelves by individuals to be devoured with great pleasure. This is a special book.

Protecting the Planet: Emperor of the Ice

Nicola Davies, illustrated by Catherine Rayner

Walker ISBN: 978-1406397086

Granny and Bean

There are some books which magically manage to capture the very essence of a perfect day and this is one of them. The story evokes memories of childhood (and parenthood) as it portrays the idyllic sense of togetherness and joy- joy in each others company, joy in exploration, joy in their surroundings, joy in the simple things of life- that is at the heart of an outing with a child.

Karen Hesse uses gentle rhyming text to capture this day at the beach. The sky is grey and the wind whips the waves, but nothing deters these two from enjoying each new experience. With ‘their cheeks chaffed red and their hair dripping wet’, they continue their walk across the beach, laughing and playing, picnicking and singing. The language is rich and playful with plenty of things to discuss and to inspire the next trip to the beach!

The illustrations are as delightful as the text. Granny and Bean move across each spread, the bright colour of their clothing vivid against the unique beauty of a grey day on a British beach. They do not pause for photos or phone calls; Granny is as ‘in the moment’ as Bean, often crouching down to child level to share and value each experience. They keep a few ‘best shells and a stone’ to take away with them- no living creatures torn from their environment here- as they turn and make their way back towards home, their shadows long in the late afternoon light.

Perfect for sharing at home or at school, ‘Granny and Bean’ is simply delightful!

Granny and Bean

Karen Hesse, illustrated by Charlotte Voake

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529510041

The Fog Catcher’s Daughter

Eily lives with her father in their cottage ‘three fields from the sea.’ Across the water lies the isle of Linashee, an island said to be enchanted and home to the Good People. As Fog Catcher, Eily’s father must row to Linashee once a year, as generations of the family have done before him, to catch the magic beads of mist used to help grow the herbs which Wise Annie brews into cures and braids into charms to keep the villagers safe. Although the sky darkens and a cold wind is blowing, this year, like every other, her father sets off on his crossing, but Eily is horrified to find his protection charm fluttering in the hedgerow. Determined to save him from the fairy folk, Eily courageously sails across to Linashee to bring her father home.

Steeped in Irish folklore, this original tale has a wonderfully traditional feel. Hauntingly beautiful, rich lyrical language and atmospheric, ethereal illustrations combine to create a story that, like the folklore it draws on, will stand the test of time.

The warmth of love between father and daughter is beautifully captured as Eily’s courage and determination save him from the clutches of the fairy folk. Armed only with a blessing from Wise Annie and her father’s lost charm, she is ready to face the perils of capricious nature of the Good People to ensure his safety. In doing so, she also proves she is ready to continue the family tradition of fog catching and continue to bring the jars of precious liquid home.

Alan Marks’s evocative illustrations are the perfect complement to the text, vividly capturing the beauty of the coastline, the wonder of Wise Annie’s shop, the volatile nature of the fairy folk as the events of the story unfold. Every spread is a work of art.

An author’s note at the end of the book explains where Marianne McShane’s inspiration for the story came from, showing how ideas can combine and incubate in an author’s mind before evolving into wonderful stories. This is one of those book which, the hands of a good teacher, would make the perfect starting point for inspiring creativity through art and writing. Offering as it does such a rich use of language and description, links to folklore and fabulous illustrations, ‘The Fog Catcher’s Daughter’ would sit perfectly at the heart of much learning. Stunning!

The Fog Catcher’s Daughter

Marianne McShane, illustrated by Alan Marks

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529506396

Penguin Huddle

Every day, the penguin pack plays on the frozen southern pole, but when the sun goes down, they squeeze together in a penguin huddle, warm and cosy, all night long. However, one morning, after a freezing gale, the penguins wake up to find themselves stuck together. Luckily, Pipsqueak, the smallest of them all, has the biggest ideas…

Perfect for the chilly winter evenings, ‘Penguin Huddle’ is a delightful tale of friendship and helping others, full of Ross Montgomery’s humour and Sarah Warburton’s charming illustrations. There is so much to discuss and enjoy on each spread that this will quickly become a firm favourite with young- and old(er) readers everywhere.

So many creatures step up to help the huddle in need, showing the importance of kindness and lending a helping hand -or paw-or claw-or flipper- whenever you can. Pipsqueak’s positive nature and good ideas lead the penguins to work as a team, eventually solving their problem. The wonderful illustrations lend themselves to children inventing their own stories- the mouse family being aided by the fire-giraffe, for example! There are also plenty of touches of humour to explore in the posters about town and in the Doctopus’s surgery!

The book also lends itself to inspiring creative activities- penguin skittles (made from toilet roll tubes), making lollies, using the features of individual penguins to create new ones- perhaps in a game of Build-a-Penguin! So many possibilities!

That said, this is simply a delightful story, packed with personality and penguin power! One not to be missed!

Penguin Huddle

Ross Montgomery, illustrated by Sarah Warburton

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406389838

India, Incredible India

India is an incredibly diverse, vibrant country, a unique mix of ancient and modern, and this book does an amazing job of conveying the size, variety and richness of this intriguing sub-continent. ‘India, Incredible India’ takes the reader on a journey whilst telling the story of each of the many special objects the Nanijee of a little girl called Thara has in her special trunk.

As Nanijee shares each object, the reader is taken to a beautifully illustrated double page spread which focuses on one location in India. A stamp on a letter reminds Nanijee of the statues created by Nek Chand at the edge of the city of Chandigarh whilst some dice encourage her to tell Thara all about the Indus Valley civilisation. Other objects lead them to places such as the Punjab, West Bengal and Rajasthan- each spread packed with information and evocative illustrations. So many marvels to wonder at and inspire further investigation- or sow the seeds of a desire to travel and explore.

These sections are interspersed with pages focusing on different topics such as sports, food and religious festivals. This is a book which is perfect both for using in school or for having at home, a must have for every library and book corner, offering plenty to discuss and explore. A detailed index makes it an excellent research tool and there is a ‘Find Out More’ section at the end to aid those wanting to extend their knowledge.

I was lucky enough to hear Jasbinder and Nina talk about their book at Cheltenham Literary Festival this year, inspiring young (and older!) readers to find out more about Incredible India!

India, Incredible India

Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406395426

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish

What Magic Lies Beneath?

Dr Morley is fascinated by jellyfish and longs to find the elusive giant Arctic jellyfish. With a dedicated crew supporting her, she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime into the Arctic Circle. However, for all the wonders and beauty surrounding them, there is no sign of sign of the jellyfish she is seeking… or is there?

This is so much to love about this beautiful book. Dr Morley is a determined, resourceful scientist who pursues her research with resilience and courage. On their voyage to the Arctic, she and her crew witness so many natural wonders, but the elusive Giant Arctic Jellyfish cannot be found. The reader, of course, is gleefully in the know- almost tempted to shout ‘it’s behind you’ -as the crew gaze in the wrong direction, dive on the wrong side of an algae cloud and admire other creatures. Superbly illustrated, there is so much to notice, discuss and enjoy in the pictures that this book is sure to become a firm favourite, visited again and again.

The story ends with the perfect hint of hope that all that work, patience and devotion will be rewarded just as the crew were on the verge of admitting defeat. This is one of those books which is a complete gift to teachers for inspiring discussions, role play, research, developing vocabulary and resulting in stunning writing. There are so many spreads which should be lingered over… I really cannot choose my favourite, although the cut through of the ship above is high on the list. True picture book treasure!

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish Chloe Savage

Walker ISBN: 978-1406391886

Pause for Poetry: Bookworms

I had the great pleasure of hearing Nyanda Foday talking poetry with Joseph Coelho at the SLG Conference. Her passion for poetry- for words- was truly inspiring and during the talk she shared her new book, ‘Bookworms’ with the audience. This beautiful picture book contains a stunning poem which celebrates the the importance of the stories in our lives which reflect us and our experiences, comfort us and anchor us.

The poem is breathtaking, showing how books can offer a sense of belonging, supporting those who are struggling socially, and be a guiding light to those in need, full of stunning lines which encapsulate the most complex emotions.

Sometimes a book is the sole piece of driftwood to cling to

when it feels like your life is going down with the ship.

It champions the need for representation in books so everyone can see themselves and ‘be the protagonist instead of the scenery’.

Every page is beautifully illustrated by Joelle Avelino with my favourite being the picture of the little girl hugging a book. This inspirational poem is perfect for sharing with much to discuss and reflect upon- and not just for children.

Bookworms Nyanda Foday, illustrated by Joelle Avelino

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131486

Pause for Poetry: The Dream Train

If you’d like a good night’s rest,

you’ll find this advice is wise.

When you go to sleep…

don’t forget to close your eyes.

In his first poetry collection, Sean Taylor offers a wonderful selection for sharing at bedtime. Organised into three sections- Night Arrives, Shut-Your-Eyes Time and Dream Wheels Turning- the book contains a magical range of verse.

The range of styles and moods offered by these poems makes the collection an excellent starting point for developing a child’s love of poetry. Some are gentle lullabies, soothing and comforting a child to sleep; others are for questioning, inspiring new ideas. The book is a celebration of the gift of being read to at bedtime, reflected in the fact that one of Sean’s poems was inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘The Land of Counterpane’ which his mother used to read to him at bedtime.

‘Asked by a Pillow’ is a selection of questions asking ‘how many…’ . Children will love to add to these, customising the poem into one of their own and allowing them to ‘write’ a poem without even realising. There is plenty of gentle humour in these pages- ‘Cave Bear’s Snore’ or ‘Ducks Like to Dream’, for example. Many are wrapped in the love and security of togetherness, of family, of home. ‘The Blanket’ shows a connection between generations- how something made with love can act as a living reminder.

With their lyrical flow, there are many poems here which children will absorb easily and join in with. ‘Moonrise. Bat flies. Night skies. Sleepy sighs…’ words which trip off the tongue, with the first words reflected in the last, making these bedtime poems extra special as they become interactive and shared.

Visually, this book is a complete joy. Anuska Allepuz’s work has a dream-like quality, enhanced by muted, calming colour choices. There is plenty to explore on each spread, imaginative details to enjoy and stories to tell. ‘The Dream Train’ would make a stunning gift to treasure and share through- and for- generations.

The Dream Train: Poems for Bedtime

Sean Taylor, illustrated by Anuska Allepuz

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406387902

Pause for Poetry: Monday

This week, I will be pausing for poetry every day in celebration of National Poetry Day on Thursday 6th October. The theme this year is the Environment, offering plenty of poems to choose from and plenty of inspiration for writing.

However, because poetry is not just for National Poetry Day, I will be sharing a couple of favourite poetry books each day this week. It has been very hard to choose…

Poetry can be an incredibly powerful, personal form of expression which allows the exploration of thoughts and feelings or simply their release. Sometimes, we lack the words to encapsulate our emotions or the courage to commit them to paper. Finding that others have also experienced similar feelings can offer great comfort which is why poems like those in ‘Being Me’ are invaluable. Sharing and discussing emotions through the words of others helps us to make sense of our feelings, feel supported and encourage empathy for others.

This is a truly stunning collection of poignant, powerful poems by three outstanding poets, illustrated by Victoria Jane Wheeler. The anthology contains 45 poems exploring a wide range of emotions, worries and ideas. Invaluable for both home and school, this is a collection which should be on every shelf.

Each poem deserves to be savoured and could be discussed in detail, easily being used as the core of a session, for a discussion or read for pleasure, but I have selected just a few to look at here. There are notes at the end of the book written by Dr Karen Goodall, a developmental psychologist, which offer advice for discussions and links for support organisations.

Reading ‘My Head is Full of Hurry’ by Laura eases all the tension in your body as your mind slows with the calming images she creates. The use of alliteration and onomatopoeia help echo the sounds of nature and its healing beauty. Children could easily create their own poems using this as a model, drawing on images, sounds and experiences which help them to regain some peace and feel calm. My head is mostly ‘full of hurry’ - a wonderful description- and this poem is one which I will now mutter to myself at moments of need.

‘A Thought’ by Matt explores a mother’s depression from a child’s point of view. The imagery used is so poignant, yet easy to relate to and perfect for discussing the feelings of both adult and child.

Liz’s poem, ‘What to do with worries’ suggests many ways of sharing the things that are bothering you instead of bottling them up. This is another poem which children could use as a model for their own ideas as well as a starting point for discussing ways to tackle worries.

Other favourites include ‘The Land of Blue’, ‘Being Heard’, ‘In the Heart of a Book’ and ‘First Day’, but each and every poem is a real gem. Highly recommended.

Being Me: Poems about Thoughts, Worries and Feelings

Liz Brownlee, Matt Goodfellow and Laura Mucha

illustrated by Victoria Jane Wheeler

Otter Barry ISBN: 978-1913074654

Whatever your feelings, there is a poem which can help! There are poems which can lighten your mood, poems to calm you down, those which entertain and those which inspire. ‘Everyone Sang’ is a fabulous collection which really has something for everyone and every emotion.

Gathered into four sections, the poems have been selected to help support different moods and capture how the reader is feeling. In his introduction, William Sieghart says, ‘There is a special magic in the perfect poem…’ and there is plenty of magic in these pages. There are plenty of classics- Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’, John Masefield’s ‘Sea Fever’ and ‘Silver’ by Walter de la Mare to name a few- alongside more recent treasures like ‘Granny Is…’ by Valerie Bloom

Each section has been carefully considered, offering a balance of older and more modern as well as from a wonderful range of poets from different countries and cultures. There are so many poems in this joyful collection which are perfect for sharing with a class or using for assemblies, encouraging children to reflect on their feelings and showing how poetry can help them to express themselves and understand others.

The illustrations are simply delightful, immersing the reader in the poems. They are full of colour, life and imagination. Each spread could be framed and displayed, but I particularly love the illustration for ‘The Sound Collector’ by Roger McGough and the one for ‘Don’t Go Into the Library’ by Alberto Rios.

A fabulous collection of poems for everyone to enjoy, ‘Everyone Sang’ would make a perfect gift.

Everyone Sang: A Poem for Every Feeling

William Sieghart, illustrated by Emily Sutton

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406393613

'The Same Inside' is an amazing collection of poems by three very special poets. It is a collection to be shared, discussed and enjoyed again and again.

The opening poem entitled 'The Same Inside' by Liz Brownlee sets the tone of the book perfectly. Look inside any apple and what do you find- a star, and yet they all have different appearances. Cutting the apples, sharing the fruit and planting the seed of the idea could be used as the basis of an assembly or lesson to develop empathy and encourage thought and discussion. Having done this, it is amazing where it led!

There are poems here to help with many situations and each could be used as the basis for work in the classroom so I have selected a few of my favourites to discuss here- but it was very hard to choose!

'Each and Every One' is a poem by Matt Goodfellow which states 'I am human' in a range of languages, starting with Welsh and ending with English. Imagine the fun to be had discovering which language each sentence is written in, the joy of children identifying a language which they can speak. Families could add the same sentence in other languages they speak or are interested in and the poem extended, celebrated and displayed. Children could think of other sentences or phrases which they would like to translate and create a poem of their own along the same lines. This could lead to discussions about how the sentiment behind the phrase is the same, no matter what the language. 

Roger Stevens' poem, 'Boy or Girl?', offers a brilliant starting point for challenging ideas about gender stereotyping. Having listened to each 'riddle', they could be asked whether they think the subject is a boy or a girl and then discuss why. They could then gather ideas about themselves or their friends and write poems exploring the things they love to do, encouraging empathy and understanding and perhaps allowing children to share hobbies and talents that they have 'outside' school that others might know nothing about. 

'Differences of Opinion' by Liz Brownlee would make a great performance poem. Easy to learn, with plenty of humour, it also carries a poignant message about the beauty of friendship and celebrating difference. Children could create their own poems about the differences between themselves and others- but focus on how little this matters. Differences are to be respected and acknowledged, not ridiculed or loathed. 

Each and every poem in this collection is poignant and special- words to carry in your heart and remind us that we are all 'The Same Inside.'

The Same Inside: Poems about Empathy and Friendship

Liz Brownlee, Matt Goodfellow and Roger Stevens

Macmillan     ISBN: 978-1509854509

 Enjoy these- more tomorrow!

Festergrimm

When evil villain, Sebastian Eels, returns to Eerie-on-Sea, Herbie and Vi are convinced that he has some sinister purpose. He claims he is going to re-open Festergrimm’s Waxworks which will bring more tourists to the town, but as the children investigate, they discover another Eerie tale, full of family secrets and mechanical monsters, leading them into dark and dangerous places as they try to foil another of Eel’s dastardly schemes.

This is my favourite trip to Eerie-on-Sea so far! Full of all the familiar faces fans of the series have come to know and love, ‘Festergrimm’ is told with all the humour and charm of the previous books- and yet has a slightly different edge to it somehow.

Threads from the previous stories are drawn together in this one and it feels as if we are tantalisingly close to discovering more about the mysterious past of both Herbert Lemon and Violet Parma. These two make an incredible pair- brave and impetuous Vi often taking the lead, but Herbie (although starting with the intention of doing NOPE-vember and saying ‘nope’ to everything remotely adventurous!) rising to every challenge in his determination to defeat Eels.

I love the way Thomas Taylor refers to stories like the Gollum of Prague and Frankenstein as the children learn of the legend of Festergrimm’s metal giant, opening doors for children to discover new stories should they wish to as he builds on these to create his own. There are some quite chilling and tense moments in the book, but these are well balanced by the strength of the children’s friendship and the strong bonds they have with Jenny Hanniver, Dr Thalassi and Mrs Fossil as well as some more poignant events.

 ‘Mermedusa’ is, I believe, to be the fifth and final book in this series. Whilst I shall be sorry to make just one final visit to Eerie-on-Sea, Thomas Taylor has done such an excellent job of setting things up for an incredible conclusion to Herbie and Vi’s adventures that I can’t wait to read it!

Festergrimm Thomas Taylor

Walker Books ISBN: 978- 1529502121

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Arabic Folktales

It is no secret that I love traditional tales, myths and legends. For me, there is something really special about reading stories which have been enjoyed and treasured by those before us whatever their culture or where they live in the world. The similarities which can occur between stories from different places are fascinating and each new re-telling offers a different slant as each teller breathes a little of themselves into the telling. So I was delighted to discover this on one of my trips to Bath.

‘Arabic Folktales: The Three Brothers of Serendip and Other Stories’ is a beautifully presented book. The dust jacket is handsome enough, but the actual cover shows an explosion of the paper cut flowers which can be found throughout the book. Geertje Aalders, the master paper cutter responsible for the art work throughout the book, has greatly contributed to making this a very appealing book to be treasured. The title page of each story has a paper cut surround and further illustrations accompany each tale.

The author describes himself as a ‘sort of gatherer of tales’ who has tried to rewrite them in his own style, but encourages the reader to change elements as he says ‘stories are the best migrants and the finest travellers. Let these stories become your own.’ And this is a delightful collection with a story for every occasion. ‘Soup’ is a wonderful story about the importance of having enough love in your heart to help others whilst ‘The Man Who Was Never Satisfied’ teaches the importance of appreciating what you have. Many of these stories would be perfect to use as the starting point for an assembly or for sharing as part of a PSHE session as they contain wisdom a-plenty! However, the book would also make an excellent text for guided reading, allowing children time to discuss the stories and explore them further with the stories being short enough to allow a sense of satisfaction and achievement for those put off by longer texts.

Translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson, ‘Arabic Folktales’ is an essential collection for anyone who shares my delight in traditional stories and for anyone who hasn’t yet discovered just how delightful they can be!

Arabic Folktales:

The Three Princes of Serendip and Other Stories

Rodaan Al Galidi, translated by Laura Watkinson, illustrated by Geertje Aalders

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529506006

Meet Emma Perry

Founder of ‘My Book Corner’, Emma Perry is also the author of four delightful picture books and her love of books is second to none. A fellow teacher, I believe the children she teaches are very lucky to have her as I am sure she fills their days with wonderful stories, nurturing their imaginations. I first met Emma at meetings of Picture Book South West events and was thrilled when she agreed to join me for a chat!

1.       What two things would you most like your readers to know about you- and what one secret would you like to keep (but aren’t going to because you’re sharing it here!)?

I don’t write every single day. I like to chip away at a story, bit by bit, then delve into it on full throttle once the story demands to be written.

I don’t always finish every single book that I read. That’s ok. Sometimes a book just isn’t right for you in that moment.

I CAN’T POSSIBLY TELL YOU THE THIRD ONE BECAUSE IT IS A VERY SECRET, SECRET!

2.       ‘Puddling’ is a fabulous picture book which perfectly captures the joys of a rainy day with little ones which I remember so fondly from when my son was tiny. Do you prefer splashing in puddles or relaxing in the sun? Why?!

Thank you so much, we had a LOT of fun creating that one.

I do love a bit of sunshine, but it’s been far TOO HOT recently and at the moment I am DREAMING of splashing in puddles. With big wellies on, there’s really nothing better than splish, splash, sploshing about with friends.

3.       Shhhhhhh! Don’t tell Alfonso about this question, but which story about bears is your favourite?

Yikes, poor Alfonso! Well then, let’s sneak in This Book Has Alpacas And Bears first of all 😉Now, you know I can’t pick just one fav book so here’s a couple (or maybe more!) of books with bears that I love. Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back is comedy gold,  Bear Has A Story To Tell by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead features a super lovely, kind and gentle bear, and then there’s The Very Cranky Bear from Nick Bland. Each bear is very different! {Oops, that’s FOUR! *runs and hides* }

4.       Does being a teacher help you with writing such lovely books? Do you try your ideas out on children you teach before submitting stories?

I think that being surrounded by little ones – seeing what makes them smile and giggle, being in tune with how they talk, think and act – is all great fodder for picture books, and makes for some great anecdotes too! They help me immensely, in all sorts of ways. I have tried out early versions of picture books on different classes, reading it out loud to a little audience is useful for highlighting where tweaks need to be made to the narrative to ensure the meaning is clear.

5.       Your latest book, ‘Know It Owl’, is about a well-meaning, but over enthusiastic owl who is very keen to tell everyone how to do it when building a den with friends. Mabel in ‘I Don’t Like Books. Never. Ever. The End.’ Is based on your daughter. Did you have anyone in mind when writing this story? [Psst… same name as my daughter, but that’s the only similarity]

My lovely, well-meaning Owl is probably a mishmash of lots of people – big and small – that I’ve met over the years. That keenness to help, but not really being able to step back and allow space, mental or physical, for others. It’s a real skill and takes a great deal of empathy to master. I reckon we’re all guilty of it from time to time!

6.       What can we expect from you next? Another picture book- or do you have something else tucked up your sleeve?

Well now, I have a couple of things on the go at the moment. A picture book that is super close to my heart and has taken awhile to get it to say… what I really, really want it to say.

I’m also working on a joyful yet very warm-hearted Young Fiction series. It’s written in a very different style, but it’s a style I’ve wanted to write in for a long, long time. Writing it has made me smile. So. Much. It feels very… me! Not out on submission… yet.

7. And lastly- and most importantly according to my niece- what is your favourite cake?

Cake?! Yes please! Anything Gluten Free makes me smile, as I have to stick to that. It’s so hard to get GOOOOOD GF cake to be fair. But I have lots of fun hunting it down – chocolate, coffee, walnut, lemon, carrot. It’s all good!

A huge thank you to Emma for joining me today! You can read my review of ‘Know It Owl’ here and have a go at making an Owl puppet!

Pause for Poetry: Ready for Spaghetti

In ‘Ready for Spaghetti, Michael Rosen has created a series of joyful poems which capture moments of a child’s day from getting up in the morning to going to bed in the evening. Each is full of word play, perfect for encouraging children to join in and experiment with language.

Full of fun and energy, the playful nature of the poems will soon make them firm favourites, easy for children to learn and share as they go about their daily activities. Humour permeates the collection as Michael Rosen pauses to observe the smallest details- playing in a paddling pool, building a sandcastle, having a rumbly tummy- which Polly Dunbar captures perfectly in her irresistible illustrations.

Perfect for sharing, ‘Ready for Spaghetti’ is a wonderfully creative and imaginative collection!

Ready for Spaghetti

Michael Rosen, illustrated by Polly Dunbar

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406377644

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

The Secret Wild

Fern Featherstone has spent her life so far travelling the world with her botanist parents. Bursting with natural curiosity, she finds it hard to attend to her studies as her father would like and when an impromptu adventure in the Amazon Rainforest leads her into danger, her parents decide she will be safer with her uncle in London. On her journey, she encounters a little plant which seems to understand her so she decides to keep it, hiding it from her kindly Uncle Ned and naming it Special. London is becoming over run by huge plants, the handiwork of a mysterious Guerrilla Gardener, targeting many of its most famous landmarks and causing havoc. When Special becomes ill, Fern is determined to find a cure for her unusual companion, and with the help of Woody, her new neighbour and (initially reluctant!) friend, embarks on the adventure of a lifetime!

Full of the wonders- and importance of- nature, ‘The Secret Wild’ is a fabulous story with strong environmental messages about looking our plant life and maintaining the natural balance which enables all to thrive. References to, and descriptions of, plants are seeded throughout the story, sure to nurture and propagate curiosity!

Fern and Woody make a fascinating partnership. Fern is impulsive and impetuous, constantly acting without a plan whilst Woody, a great lover of jigsaws, is a cautious plotter who is botanophobic (scared of plants). Both children are lonely. Fern has been uprooted from the wild life she knows and loves, seeing her ‘exile’ from her parents as being as a result of her failings. Woody’s family circumstances have changed resulting in triplets, living with his grandmother and his father working away on an oil rig off Scotland. Initially off to a faltering start, their friendship quickly takes roots, blossoming into mutual respect and support as they find the courage and determination to deal with all the challenges of solving the mystery of the Guerrilla Gardener, saving London and looking after each other.

‘The Secret Wild’ would make an excellent class read or guided reading text, offering much to discuss and explore as well as an engaging and enjoyable story.

The Secret Wild Alex Evelyn

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406399394

A Best Friend for Bear

Feeling lonely, Black Bear decides to find a best friend. Whilst wandering the forest, he bumps into Brown Bear who is also looking for a friend so they agree to search together. They agree that finding a friend is difficult, but also exciting and made easier because there are two of them. However, the friend they are looking for remains elusive until they realise they have both found just what they were looking for.

Completely delightful and heart-warming, ‘A Best Friend for Bear’ is perfect for sharing with little ones. It offers an ideal starting point for discussions about friendship, showing how easily people (or bears!) can slip into a comfortable relationship when least expected.

Petr’s illustrations are always a joy and those in ‘A Best Friend for Bear’ are no exception. Black Bear and Brown Bear have the most expressive faces and there is plenty of humour for little ones to enjoy. The setting is lovely- lush woodland with lots of butterflies- and little children would really enjoy playing hide and seek in the woods just like the bears do. The pictures might also inspire children to create their own pictures, using printing or creating rubbings to create tree and butterflies to drift through them.

The story is also perfect for acting out, either with puppets or in person. The bears could be made using simple paper bag hand puppets or children could make little bear ears if they were pretending to be the bears. There is so much fun to be had with this book as well as it being a wonderful story!

A Best Friend for Bear Petr Horacek

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406397543

You can read my review of ‘Blue Penguin’ here.

The Boy with Flowers in his Hair

David is the boy with flowers in his hair. Everybody likes him because he is kind and gentle, but one day, when his friend was watering David’s flowers, one of his petals came off and David becomes quiet and loses interest in playing. Most of the children in the class stay away in case his now twiggy hair scratches them, but his best friend stays close by him. He gives David his colour back by making paper flowers and soon everyone is joining in, helping David feel happy again. Gradually, his own flowers bloom once more, but his best friend makes sure he keeps lots of paper ones just in case David ever needs them again.

Delightfully warm and comforting, ‘The Boy with Flowers in his Hair’ is a wonderful story. The illustrations are simply beautiful and the children instantly commented on how much white space there was on each page, allowing them to really focus on the characters- and to appreciate David’s hair. A whole range of emotions are conveyed through the pictures as the reader sees the warmth of the boys’ friendship and the joy of the class before David’s misery and his friend’s concern. The final image of the boys sitting together speaks volumes and is my favourite.

The reason for David losing his flowers is never made clear, allowing plenty of scope for discussion and developing empathetic responses. The power of friendship and understanding is key in making David feel like himself again and one child’s act of kindness is soon supported by the rest of the class. The story lends itself perfectly to conservations about our perceptions of others, inclusion, how we cope with feelings and what we can do to support others in times of need.

The book offers the perfect stimulus not only for discussion, but for children to create their own flower hair for David or a character of their own. Printing, painting and collage using a mixture of fabrics and different types of paper would produce some wonderful pictures.

‘The Boy with Flowers in his Hair’ is a poignant, heart-warming read, celebrating the power of true friendship.

The Boy with Flowers in his Hair Jarvis

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406392517