Suzy’s auntie and her sleek white cat live a life of quiet contentment – delicious meals, peaceful silence, basking in the sun’s warmth and unrestrictSuzy’s auntie and her sleek white cat live a life of quiet contentment – delicious meals, peaceful silence, basking in the sun’s warmth and unrestricted freedom. That is until Auntie’s little niece, Suzy comes to call. A whirlwind of boundless energy, Suzy adores Cat and wants to play with and cuddle him all the time. This clashes hilariously with the cat’s introverted nature, sparking a playful game of hide-and-seek throughout Auntie’s house.
Drawing on her experiences, Eland has crafted a charming, fun story about a demanding, imaginative toddler and a very private cat. Her signature Pantone palette shines here with an extra-bright pink, making both the illustrations and setting pop to life. The white cat set against the negative space makes the whole hide-and-seek game work well for the young reader who will take joy in spotting the cat in increasingly comical hiding spaces.
This playful picturebook is Eland’s most interactive yet. It is brimming with humour and invites shared reading experiences. Adults and children will delight in searching for the elusive cat together. The heartwarming conclusion, where the cat finally succumbs to Suzy’s affection, is beautifully complemented by the whimsical endpapers showcasing the cat’s various hiding spots. A guaranteed source of giggles for readers young and old....more
A delightful and empowering retelling of the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. At its heart, the book features Gina Kaminski, a confident and resoA delightful and empowering retelling of the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. At its heart, the book features Gina Kaminski, a confident and resourceful autistic girl who takes the narrative into her own hands. Gina is determined to correct the "big mistakes" in the original story and save the wolf, showcasing her determination and creativity.
The illustrations by Francis Martin are vibrant and engaging, perfectly complementing the innovative use of pictorial emoji language that helps convey Gina's unique perspective. This book is not just a story but a celebration of neurodiversity, empowering every child to be the hero of their own narrative.
A fun, affirming read for children and adults looking for stories that challenge traditional narratives and celebrate individual strengths....more
This book offers fresh takes on three timeless fairy tales, imbued with a Muslim twist. Rumaysa finds herself ensnared in a tower within an enchanted This book offers fresh takes on three timeless fairy tales, imbued with a Muslim twist. Rumaysa finds herself ensnared in a tower within an enchanted forest, compelled to spin straw into gold after being taken from her parents by a witch. Her sole companion is Zabina, an owl (who was smashing - I would have liked them to stay in the story more). Whilst escaping, she encounters Suleiman, a lost boy on a magic carpet mission to rescue a princess captured by a dragon.
Together the pair begin to free other familiar characters not only from their fairy tale role but also from their gendered and cultural constraints. The book stands out for portraying the female characters as strong, independent, and clever, rather than fixating on traditional happily-ever-after endings or romance. Suleiman, too, embarks on a journey to challenge gender expectations.
I enjoyed the book, although I felt that at times, it was a bit too forceful in its approach to challenging stereotypes. It might have been more impactful to give children the freedom to read between the lines and show rather than tell. In addition, there is no growth in Rumaysa whilst all other characters around her change. ...more
The story follows Mike, accompanied by his trusty dog Bowow, as they embark on an unexpected journey triggered by a peculiar party invitation. Amidst The story follows Mike, accompanied by his trusty dog Bowow, as they embark on an unexpected journey triggered by a peculiar party invitation. Amidst the scorching heat of the Philippines and the mesmerizing landscapes of the Chocolate Hills, a deep chasm opens up, leading Mike and Bowow into a world of mystery and enchantment...and London.
As Mike plunges into the unknown, he finds himself awakening in the home of a girl named Kaneisha, situated in bustling London. Both Mike and Kaneisha have received the same cryptic invitation, prompting them to delve further into the unknown. Together, they set off on a surreal and dreamlike escapade, venturing through chimneys and encountering a host of whimsical characters along the way.
The book's distinctive illustrations, rendered in vibrant full colour, add a delightful touch of humour and visual interest to the story. The accessible layout and shorter chapters make it an ideal choice for newly independent readers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the adventure at their own pace.
A charming and engaging book invites valuable lessons about friendship and open-mindedness. A really beautiful and engaging first chapter book....more
Creeping Beauty is the third instalment in Joseph Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Freya Hartas. ICreeping Beauty is the third instalment in Joseph Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Freya Hartas. In this version of the classic fairy tale, the narrative takes a refreshing turn by shifting the focus to Eshe, one of the fairy godmothers, whose name symbolizes life, rather than the traditional Sleeping Beauty character, Princess Rose.
While the narrative initially echoes familiar versions of Sleeping Beauty, Coelho allows Eshe to take matters into her own hands instead of relying on a prince to save the day. Along the way, the story pays homage to The Frog Prince, emphasizing the agency of women and reinventing this classic tale. Coelho's poetic background seamlessly weaves throughout the prose, with the page layout often adding a poetic touch. Hartas' black and white illustrations are gorgeous and these are sumptuously illustrated books.
Coelho's use of poetic devices and the impact of layout on reading can be explored. Furthermore, the rich and challenging vocabulary in the book presents an excellent opportunity for exploring language and expanding vocabulary skills. It would be interesting to consider the perspectives of male readers, as the male characters in the story prove either inadequate or literally wooden. A fair addition to Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series. ...more
In the delightful children's book, readers are treated to a satirical tale that explores themes of capitalism, greed, and poverty. Set against the bacIn the delightful children's book, readers are treated to a satirical tale that explores themes of capitalism, greed, and poverty. Set against the backdrop of a disrupted normal life, the story follows a group of cats and the hungry rats they encounter, teaching readers valuable lessons about selfishness and the consequences of taking more than what is needed.
As the humans retreat into their homes, the cats devise a cunning plan to steal all the food they can, disregarding the plight of the poor rats and mice outside. However, their scheme is soon foiled, prompting the starving rodents to take matters into their paws. This classic cat-and-mouse tale unfolds with humour and colourful illustrations, capturing the attention of readers young and old.
The illustrations play a significant role in bringing the story to life, providing vivid detail and capturing the subtle humour in every scene. From the cats lounging on their humans' laps to the dramatic tones of black, grey, and red throughout, the artwork adds depth to the narrative, inviting readers to explore the welcome, busy visuals on each page.
"The Cats Who Wanted More" serves as a political satire that remains relevant today, introducing children to important concepts such as capitalism and poverty. The book is not only a great read-aloud for children, but also an invitation for readers to closely too. A little furry bundle of joy. ...more
A delightful collection of stories originally published in Basque and translated into Spanish before reaching English readers.
The heart of the book liA delightful collection of stories originally published in Basque and translated into Spanish before reaching English readers.
The heart of the book lies in its four enchanting tales centred around Shola, an endearing and pompous yet lovable dog, and her companion Señor Grogó. Shola exhibits a rather precocious nature that captures the essence of small dogs with grandiose ideas.
The book's charm is further enhanced by Mikel Valverde's illustrations. Valverde's subtle palette and attention to detail complement Atxaga's storytelling, bringing the characters and their escapades to cartoonish life. Through Shola's humorous and touching escapades, Atxaga explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the inherent desire to be understood. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Shola. ...more
An exuberant and joyful chapter book that introduces readers to a funny and charismatic Ojibwe girl named Jo Jo. Set on the fictional Pembina Ojibwe rAn exuberant and joyful chapter book that introduces readers to a funny and charismatic Ojibwe girl named Jo Jo. Set on the fictional Pembina Ojibwe reservation, this series opener immerses young readers in Jo Jo's world, where she faces relatable challenges with humour and heart.
This first book delves into Jo Jo's worries about her beloved cat, Mimi and her school best friend, Fern, who seems to be ignoring her at lunchtime. Through Jo Jo's struggles with language arts to her attempts to save Mimi, the story showcases our protagonist's irrepressible spirit and passion for the Ojibwe way of life.
Quigley, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, skillfully weaves cultural information throughout the story, an element I particularly loved, fostering a sense of pride in Jo Jo's people, traditions, and family. The inclusion of a glossary of Ojibwe and Michif words further enhances the reading experience, allowing young readers to engage with and learn from Jo Jo's rich heritage.
The narrative is brought to life by Tara Audibert's plentiful grayscale illustrations, depicting Jo Jo and her friends with expressive faces and capturing the essence of their mischievousness. Jo Jo herself is an irresistible character, with her strong voice, long hair, big eyes, and stylish clothes reflecting her lively personality.
At its core, Jo Jo Makoons is a heartwarming and humorous book (complemented by lovely grayscale illustrations from Audibert) about growing up Native in a loving community. A fun series for young readers just taking flight. It leaves us eagerly anticipating what adventures Jo Jo Makoons will embark on next....more
The Adventures of Na Willa by Reda Gaudiamo, translated by Ikhda Maharsi Degoul, takes readers on a delightful journey into the vibrant world of a livThe Adventures of Na Willa by Reda Gaudiamo, translated by Ikhda Maharsi Degoul, takes readers on a delightful journey into the vibrant world of a lively young girl named Na Willa. Set in the suburbs of Surabaya, Indonesia, Na Willa's daily life is filled with ordinary yet captivating incidents that unfold through her curious and observant eyes.
Despite being too young for school, Na Willa's acute observations and questioning nature provide a unique perspective on her community. She lives with her mother, Mak, while her father, Pak, works as a sailor. The vividly portrayed characters, such as her friends Farida and Dul, as well as Farida's perpetually angry father, come alive on the pages. Reda Gaudiamo captures Na Willa's voice, by drawing from her memories of growing up in 1960s Indonesia. The pen and ink vignettes by Cecillia Hidayat further enhance the book, breathing life into Na Willa's vivacious and sincere personality.
This collection of stories serves as an introduction to Na Willa. It skillfully combines Reda Gaudiamo's recollections of her Indonesian childhood with contemporary accessible prose by Ikhda Maharsi Degoul and Kate Wakeling, who provide a lively translation that retains the Indonesian background. This is a charming read and a window into Indonesian culture. A delightful and sweet exploration of a young girl's curiosity and desire for intellectual freedom....more
A captivating and imaginative book that will enchant young readers with its humorous storyline and cast; shorter books for children are also to be welA captivating and imaginative book that will enchant young readers with its humorous storyline and cast; shorter books for children are also to be welcome. Balen, known for her success with books for older children, demonstrates her versatility as she ventures into writing for younger readers with a brisk and engaging pace.
The story revolves around Clem, a budding young archaeologist, and her friends Ash and Zara, who spend their weekends combing the banks of the Thames as mudlarks. Their treasure-hunting adventures take a fantastical turn when Clem discovers a mysterious grey ring and brings it home. Unbeknownst to her, this triggers a series of extraordinary storms that wreak havoc along the tideline, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.
What follows is a fantastical underwater adventure as Clem and her friends embark on a race against time to restore the magical grey ring to the creature within the Thames who searches for it. Balen's vivid and highly-imagined fantasy world unfolds underwater, where the buildings bear an eerie resemblance to those above water but show signs of decay.
Balen's writing shines through with a simple poeticism. The book carries a gentle moral message about protecting the environment, a timely and important topic. Links to mudlarking echo Katya's previous novel for older readers, October, October.
The book's appeal is further enhanced by Rachael Dean's delightful illustrations, which perfectly capture the vividly imagined underwater world created by Balen. The combination of short, suspenseful chapters and engaging artwork makes The Thames and Tide Club accessible and enjoyable, even for less confident readers. Those I have handed it to have lapped it up. Sorry. Great for newly independent readers and established ones too....more
Frizzy, a heartfelt graphic novel by Ortega and Bousamra, sensitively and hopefully explores the journey of Marlene, a young Dominican American girl, Frizzy, a heartfelt graphic novel by Ortega and Bousamra, sensitively and hopefully explores the journey of Marlene, a young Dominican American girl, as she embraces her natural hair. Tired of the painful and arduous process of getting her hair straightened at the salon every Sunday, Marlene yearns to break free from societal beauty standards and embrace her natural curls. With the unwavering support of her Aunt Ruby, who proudly rocks her own bouncy curls, and her best friend Camilla, Marlene sets out on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Ortega invites us to explore the complexities of anti-Blackness and oppressive beauty standards that have been passed down through generations. She navigates colourism and generational, shedding light on the struggles faced by young girls who are constantly bombarded with ideals of "good hair" and critical comments about their appearance. Through Marlene's story, Ortega excavates the deep-rooted issues surrounding hair politics and family dynamics, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and societal expectations.
Bousamra's illustrations breathe life into the vibrant, Dominican American community surrounding Marlene. The eye-catching color scheme dominated by soft shades of pink and blue adds a delightful touch to the visual narrative. The illustrations do more than simply embellish Ortega's story, instead, it adds even more emphasis on celebrating self-expression and self-acceptance. A wonderfully life-affirming read. KS2+ ...more
This graphic adaptation of Jennifer Holm's acclaimed 2010 novel, takes readers on a journey to Key West during the Great Depression. Set in 1935, the This graphic adaptation of Jennifer Holm's acclaimed 2010 novel, takes readers on a journey to Key West during the Great Depression. Set in 1935, the story follows Turtle, a world-weary girl whose starry-eyed mother believes in Hollywood endings. However, when her mother lands a job as a housekeeper for someone who dislikes children, Turtle is sent to live with her aunt's family in Key West.
In this sun-drenched locale, Turtle discovers her three lively boy cousins and their friends, collectively known as the Diaper Gang, who run a successful babysitting business in town. Despite being denied entry into the gang due to her gender, Turtle spends her days with them, immersing herself in the colourful jargon, cultural nuances, and barefoot escapades that define Key West's locals.
The graphic novel format is well suited to capture the essence of Key West's vibrant atmosphere, skillfully conveying the lively adventures of Turtle and the Diaper Gang. The chapters unfold in a vignette-like fashion, gradually chipping away at Turtle's tough exterior while revealing previously unknown aspects of her family history. A story that captures the spirit of friendship, discovery, and memorable characters. While I preferred the original novel, this adaptation, with its engaging visuals holds its own. UKS2+ ...more
In "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" by Tọlá Okogwu, readers are transported into a world where a young British Nigerian girl named Onyekachi must cIn "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" by Tọlá Okogwu, readers are transported into a world where a young British Nigerian girl named Onyekachi must confront her untamed hair and unlock her hidden powers.
Onyekachi despises her unruly curls, yearning for a way to make them behave. But when her hair unexpectedly saves her best friend Cheyenne from drowning, Onyekachi's life takes an exciting turn. Her mother reveals her Solari heritage, and they journey to Nigeria for Onyekachi to attend the Academy of the Sun. However, tragedy strikes as her mother disappears, propelling Onyekachi into a world of emotional growth, confidence-building, and forging new bonds. This first book in the series explores overcoming scars, discovering one's gifts, and immerses readers in a captivating solar-powered Nigerian techno-wonderland.
"Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" tackles essential themes of self-acceptance, embracing individuality, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Through Onyekachi's journey, young readers learn about the value of confidence and the responsibility that comes with unique abilities. The story emphasizes the importance of forming new bonds, overcoming challenges, and showcases the timeless clash between good and evil: the fact that Onyeka's hair and heritage are what gives her strength (the very things she has shunned, felt embarrassed about or not acknowledged). An enthralling adventure that seamlessly combines magic, self-discovery, and Afrofuturism. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
Set in Jamaica in 1668, the story follows fifteen-year-old Kemosha, a courageous Black girl who escapes slavery in search of freedom, ultimately becomSet in Jamaica in 1668, the story follows fifteen-year-old Kemosha, a courageous Black girl who escapes slavery in search of freedom, ultimately becoming a pirate. Wheatle's work challenges historical imbalances by centring a strong black protagonist.
Wheatle's writing style is engaging, and Kemosha's vibrant Jamaican-style patois adds authenticity and charm to her character. The author expertly brings the brutal conditions of plantation life and the dangers faced by slaves to life, while injecting moments of fun and wit.
The central themes of Kemosha of the Caribbean revolve around resilience, identity, and the pursuit of freedom. Wheatle effectively conveys the message that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, one can find strength within themselves and their heritage. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities endured by enslaved people while celebrating the indomitable spirit that allowed them to survive.
Kemosha is a well-developed character. Her transformation from a naive and curious girl into a formidable pirate showcases her growth and determination. The book's supporting characters, including Ravenhide and the pirate ship's crew, contribute to the richness of the story. This book has the potential to inspire and empower young readers, opening their eyes to the often untold stories of marginalized communities and encouraging them to question and challenge societal injustices. KS4+...more
This delightful book goes beyond counting and introduces young readers to the primary colours and the art of colour mixing.
The story begins with a moThis delightful book goes beyond counting and introduces young readers to the primary colours and the art of colour mixing.
The story begins with a mother cat and her ten adorable kittens on the opening page. As the mother cat falls into a deep slumber, her mischievous little ones seize the opportunity to have some playful adventures of their own. Their misadventures commence when they stumble upon three cans of paint: one red, one yellow, and one blue.
With mischief in their hearts, they manage to pry open the lids and chaos ensues as they splatter themselves, the floor, and everything around them with red, then yellow, and finally blue splotches. Their playful escapades turn their surroundings into a vibrant playground where they experiment with mixing the three primary colours, resulting in mesmerizing shades of orange and green. In the end, the mother cat awakens from her blissful slumber only to discover the colourful mess and decides it's time for her mischievous little ones to have a thorough bath. Great fun.
Wolf is fed up with finding himself in books where he's stereotyped as fearsome and dangerous. Where can he find a narrative that's different? Well, iWolf is fed up with finding himself in books where he's stereotyped as fearsome and dangerous. Where can he find a narrative that's different? Well, it takes a librarian to show him that such stories can be challenged and rewritten and perhaps he's the very one to do so.
Written in rhyming couplets throughout and will deliciously colourful illustrations by Mantle, this is a story that not only fractures fairytales but also lends a lovely message about the dangers of stereotypes and the power that can come with rewriting your narrative.
An excellent choice for storytime for KS1/FS children and even those older. ...more
Curated by Dapo Adeola, this collection of short stories and poetry is a celebration of Black voices around the world. With the aim of highlighting voCurated by Dapo Adeola, this collection of short stories and poetry is a celebration of Black voices around the world. With the aim of highlighting voices that might not be heard as much as they should as well as established household voices too (such as Malorie Blackman and Alex Wheatle), Dapo has provided a space for 'stories within the Black diaspora to be heard'.
I really enjoyed these stories and the art that went with them. They range from children and families living normal lives to those struggling to face discrimination. It's an excellent collection and great for KS2+ ...more
A child and a rabbit are bonded through their friendship and care for each other in this wordless, Swedish, picturebook. A child returns from outside,A child and a rabbit are bonded through their friendship and care for each other in this wordless, Swedish, picturebook. A child returns from outside, wet and cold and the rabbit wakes up to help them get undressed and hop into the bath.
The layout of the book is simple for the most part with the action occurring on the left and the item removed displayed on the right - a lovely 'see and say' activity for that young reader. Lots of vibrant and engaging action and movement throughout. ...more
Coral Rumble's 'Things that Should be in a poem' is a delightful children's poetry book. With vibrant and playful illustrations by Shih-Yu Lin, the boCoral Rumble's 'Things that Should be in a poem' is a delightful children's poetry book. With vibrant and playful illustrations by Shih-Yu Lin, the book takes readers on a journey through different themes and landscapes, dealing with emotions, play, immigrants and the joy of the outdoors.
Each page is dedicated to a different theme, such as nature, animals, music, and emotions, with playful rhymes and descriptions that spark the reader's imagination. Sometimes poems run over double spreads and enjoy the playfulness of layout and form; a LOT of thought has gone into this from a design perspective.
The illustrations by Shih-Yu Lin are a delight. Sometimes she works with bright colours and playful characters, bordering on Shirley Hughes-esque observations, whilst other times she works in shades of a single colour so as not to detract from the words. Each page is enjoyable, visually, with plenty of details for young readers to discover and explore.
A wonderful introduction to the world of poetry for young readers - I would share it from pre-school all the way to upper primary. It encourages children to think creatively and imaginatively, while also introducing them to poetic devices and techniques in a way that is accessible and engaging....more
In this humorous and heartwarming book, a father and daughter engage in playful make-believe, taking on the roles of trees with complete dedication. DIn this humorous and heartwarming book, a father and daughter engage in playful make-believe, taking on the roles of trees with complete dedication. Despite encountering various challenges, such as birds nesting on their heads and spiders building webs on their arms, they remain committed to their roles.
The story celebrates the power of imagination and the deep love parents have for their children, as the father is willing to do anything to make his daughter happy even if he is being played to both the reader's and his daughter's delight. A book about the joy of being outdoors, the reluctance of children wanting to go to bed and the humour that comes with children challenging parental authority.
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