A Cat Called Waverley

Born in a park, little kitten, Waverley, makes lots of friends who he visits every day, but his best friend is Donald. One day, Donald goes far, far away, leaving Waverley behind. Both of their lives change and Waverley waits patiently at the station for Donald to return- Platform 2 of Waverley Station which is how he gets his name. As time passes, other humans are kind to Waverley, but he misses his friend more and more until one day, the two are reunited at last.

In ‘A Cat Called Waverley’, Debi Gliori has created a truly special and beautiful picture book. Set in Edinburgh, the book is about a real homeless war veteran, Darren Greenfield, who used to sit on the pavement at the top of Waverley Steps. Perfect for starting discussions about homelessness and encouraging empathy for homeless people, Darren’s story has been carefully woven into a fictional tale which can be shared with children of all ages.

As the tale of Waverley faithfully waiting for his missing human is told (reminiscent of that other faithful Edinburgh animal, Greyfriar’s Bobby), the illustrations show the reader what is happening to Darren as he faces the horrors of war. There is also a stark contrast drawn between the attention and care given to Waverley by passers-by and the lone figure of Darren, ignored by those busy with their lives.

The illustrations are gorgeous. Waverley’s ginger fur is echoed by Donald’s auburn hair, vividly standing out against the black and white drawings, reinforcing the strong link between the two- and emphasising how the warmth and love of Waverley reaches through the darkness to Darren. It is beautiful!

Powerful and poignant, ‘A Cat Called Waverley’ is one not to miss.

A Cat Called Waverley Debi Gliori

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074630

Last Stop on Market Street

After church, CJ and his nana don't go home. They take the bus to Market Street where they volunteer at a soup kitchen and CJ wonders why they don't have a car. He watches as lots of people get on and off the bus, leaving him full of questions and his nana answers each with patience, love and wisdom until they reach their final destination. 

This is quite simply a beautiful book. What appears to be a straightforward story offers so much to think about and discuss as CJ's nana finds beauty in everyone and values things that others might not. The warmth of the relationship between the two is wonderful. Her guidance helps CJ to appreciate all the people in his community and he comes to see the journey as an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy himself.

In the end, CJ is glad he made the journey with her to help at the soup kitchen, no longer feeling sorry for himself because he has to give up his Sunday afternoon whilst his friends are free to enjoy themselves however they please. The book offers no ‘preachy’ message about helping others- it is just there at the heart of the story.

The illustrations are fabulous. Full of warm colours, there are many little details to notice and enjoy alongside the text, offering plenty of opportunities for readers to develop their own ideas about different characters.

We could all do with regularly reading ‘Last Stop on Market Street’ and taking a moment to step back and appreciate the little things in life, valuing what we have and appreciating others.

Last Stop on Market Street Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Penguin ISBN: 978-0399257742

The Perfect Fit

Triangle loves rolling with the circles, playing with the squares and having fun with the hexagons. But wherever she goes, Triangle feels like she doesn’t fit. After much searching, she eventually finds those just like herself. Together, they have a wonderful time, but she quickly realises that she misses…everyone else! Soon, all the shapes are having a brilliant time together. They might not all be exactly the same, but they can still be the best of friends.

‘The Perfect Fit’ is a delightful story, perfect for sharing with KS1 and EYFS children, but also worth reading to, and using to initiate discussions with, older children. The instant visual appeal of the story makes it so easy to relate to and children could readily create their own shape characters to explore how they are feeling or as a starting point for writing their own stories or poems. The illustrations beautifully personify the different individuals and Triangle has endearing freckles which add to her character- and make her easy to spot amid the other yellow triangles!

The story celebrates difference, showing that it’s not only OK to be different, but that difference can be a good thing, bringing new ideas and new perspectives. The use of shapes is a gift to teachers as there are so many mathematical links and colour links which can be made whilst enjoying the story.

A wonderful story for exploring difference and the fun of fitting in- or not, ‘The Perfect Fit’ is just joyous!

The Perfect Fit Naomi Jones, illustrated by James Jones

OUP ISBN: 978-0192774613