Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

A young girl notices that her eyes look different to those of her friends. Whilst theirs are big with long lashes, hers ‘kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea’. Her eyes are like those of her Mama, Amah and little sister, Mei-Mei, women who share the deepest bonds of love and admiration. They are her eyes and, like her and her family, they are beautiful.

Breathtakingly gorgeous, this is a very special book about loving who you are and valuing your heritage. The lyrical text flows like poetry, full of powerful images and beautiful moments. The little girl notes that her friends’ eyes are ‘like sapphire lagoons with lashes like lace trim on ballgowns’ before describing her own and observing that they are just like her mother’s which ‘crinkle into crescent moons’ when she is happy. Her Amah’s eyes ‘don’t work like they used to’, but they are also beautiful and filled with many stories. Surrounded by her close family, the little girl is completely secure about who she is, basking in their love. Mei-Mei also has eyes that ‘kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea’, forging the connection between them as she gazes at her older sister like she is ‘her best present’.

Full of imagery, the text is a joy to read aloud and is matched by the fabulous illustrations. The warmth and love shared by this family is tenderly depicted throughout the book. Evocative spreads explore images of the stories and traditions which are passed from one generation to the next, offering much to discuss and explore and many stories to tell. The images and text build, showing the little girl’s determination and pride as ‘her lashes curve like the swords of warriors’ and she states that her eyes are ‘a revolution’.

Poignant and powerful, ‘Eyes that Kiss in the Corners’ is a true love song to family, tradition and being proud of who you are.

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0062915627

Into the Sideways World

 The quest to prove a mysterious creature exists takes Willa and her friend, Manny, into a cave one moonlit night. As the tide rises, they find themselves swept into an alternative world- a ‘perfect’ one where war and pollution are things of the past and everyone, including Willa’s family, seem to be happier versions of themselves. However, when they return, no one believes that their adventure took place and the contrast of their own world with a looming global conflict with the Sideways World becomes all the more poignant as they seek to prove it exists to those around them.

With a book like this, it is essential that a review does not give too much away so I proceed with that in mind! Willa and Manny are both outsiders in their world and find themselves drawn together. Each has their own problems- Manny has been in the care system, has never met his father and has no idea where his mother is. Willa’s family is constantly fighting, with the family business under threat and the possibility of her father being called up to fight in the next war an ever-present threat. Each engages the reader, provoking empathy as they deal with their ‘real’ lives and are thrust into the seemingly perfect sideways alternative.

The story offers thought provoking philosophical questions to explore and presents some fairly mind-boggling scientific theories and concepts making it an appealing read for those looking for a read which offers a challenge and something a little different. An engaging and absorbing read.

Into the Sideways World

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008333843

The Monkey Who Fell from the Future

The world in 2425 is a very different place. After a meteor struck the earth, technology has been lost and nature has reclaimed the land. London is now a hellish flooded wasteland, but a few cities, like Newcastle where Ocean Mooney lives with her Nanny Moo, still stand. When she meets Deucalion Smiff-known as Duke- and his monkey, Pierre, Ocean finds herself pulled into an adventure involving a 400-year-old computer tablet.

Meanwhile, in the present day, Thomas Reeve is coming to terms with the fact that his super-brainy cousin, Kylie, from Australia, has come to live with his family. Due to her invention, The Time Tablet, he finds himself on Andy and Des’s Ministry of Mystery, a television show which explores mysteries. But when the Time Tablet malfunctions, they find themselves in 2425 whilst Ocean- and Pierre- are in 2023 with only 24 hours to put things right.

From the prologue to the epilogue, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with much to enjoy. As readers have come to expect from Ross Welford, the plot is cleverly constructed with plenty of humour – and plenty to think about.

The world of 2425 has been skilfully constructed, with evidence of ‘The Wonder Age’ (as life before the catastrophic events of 2044 is known) blended into their daily lives, making Ocean curious about the past and the stories she is told, but happy with the life she leads with her Nana. As the story moves between dates, landmarks and locations are shown in contrast, layering what the children know of each period, showing Thomas and Kylie’s present as it will become in the future and Ocean’s present as it was in the past.

The story is full of wonderful characters, not least of which are Deucalion- ‘better known among me more hintimate acquaintances as Duke’, his Uncle, travelling showman, Monsieur Lumiere and Pierre the monkey whose Caravan of Astonishments is bursting with ‘the most miracu-laculous marvels of the Wonder Age’. Popular television presenters, Andy and Des, are sure to make readers smile as readers will recognise their thinly veiled alter-egos and the villain of the piece, Duke’s step father Pinker, is extremely easy to loathe!

Home- and what it really means- is central to the story as the children try to get back to where they belong, realising the importance of the people they have left behind. Ocean finds herself in ‘The Wonder Age’, but longs to be back with Nanny Moo. Duke has found a home with his uncle and Pierre, safe from his cruel stepfather. The future is not what Kylie and Thomas expected, making them appreciate – and want to save- the home they know.

Perfect for those looking for something a bit different, with plenty of humour and excitement, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ is a great read!

The Monkey Who Fell from the Future

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008544744

Time Travelling with a Hamster

When Al Chaudhury discovers his (dead) father's time machine, he is set a challenge which involves going back to the 1980s. He quickly finds himself involved in breaking and entering, setting fire to a school, lying, stealing, and trying not to lose his hamster, Alan Shearer.

Time Travelling with a Hamster is a very clever story, combining lots of science, interesting facts, humour and a very well-plotted story. Full of twists and turns, plenty of adventure and wonderful characters, the book leads to a very satisfying conclusion.

Family relationships are at the heart of this story, particularly those between the male figures. Without wishing to give too much away, the relationship between Al and his father is cleverly explored and developed. Al's grandfather, Byron, is a delightful character who adds much humour and love to the story.

A challenging read, this will appeal to anyone who likes a read that keeps them on their toes and offers plenty to think about.

Time Travelling with a Hamster

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008156312

Odd Dog Out

Living in a place where everydog looks the same and acts the same, being different means you really stand out. From her clothes to her interests, Odd Dog is just that- the odd dog out- and feels she has to leave her home to find somewhere that she fits in.

So she makes her way to 'Doggywood' where all the dogs look and act just like she does. She is delighted! But then she makes a new friend who teaches her that standing out from the crowd and being an individual is something to be proud of!

With its positive message and amazing illustrations, this is a brilliant book for home or school. Visually rich and rewarding, each spread is full of details to explore and enjoy whilst the story offers a heart-warming affirmation of individuality.

Whether used as a lovely story, as the starting point for discussions about standing out from the crowd or to inspire amazing artwork, 'Odd Dog Out' is a book that can be appreciated by children (and adults!) of all ages. The loneliness she experiences and the self doubt that makes her feel out of place is something that many of us will feel at some point in our lives and this story puts a light-hearted slant on this.

There are other stories about being an individual and dancing to your own tune, but this is a story which presents the message in a way as unique as the individual reading it!

Odd Dog Out   Rob Biddulph

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0007594153

Genie and Teeny Make a Wish

When Grant the Genie is cast out of the Genie World for an accident involving Queen Mizelda, his lamp is damaged and he needs to find somewhere new to live. Having settled into a convenient teapot, Grant meets Teeny, a lost puppy, and the two become best friends. However, they are kidnapped by the very purple-loving and very evil Lavinia Lavender, who has a cunning plan to win the big dancing dog show, beating her old rival. Can a genie who is not very good at making wishes come true save the day?

‘Genie and Teeny Make a Wish’ is the first in a new series which Steven has both written and illustrated. The book is an explosion of the most wonderful pictures, making it instantly appealing. There are even little stars round the right hand side page numbers! The story is written in a chatty, light-hearted tone, often directly appealing to the reader and engaging them with the story. Grant’s magic wishy word is an instant giggle inspirer and will no doubt be adopted by many!

The fact that Grant, a magical being who you would expect to get things right, often makes mistakes is very reassuring and makes a great starting point for discussions around not having to be perfect or live up to impossible expectations. He keeps trying, does his best and everything works out in the end.

There is much fun to be had with the story as well. Children would really enjoy designing Grant a new home in various different containers- a watering can, perhaps, or a kettle - and thinking of hats to add to his collection. There is a page at the beginning of the book for children (or adults!) to list their three (you can’t wish for more wishes so don’t even bother trying) wishes which makes a perfect starting point for perhaps fulfilling some of these and enjoying the idea of others- some wishes should be just for dreaming, I think! As ever, Steven encourages children to have a go at drawing with a step by step guide for drawing Grant at the end of the book and a special page for their picture, encouraging the artist to share their work on social media.

Brilliantly illustrated and full of fun, ‘Genie and Teeny Make a Wish’ is a magical treat, perfect for sharing. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next!.

Genie and Teeny: Make a Wish Steven Lenton

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008408206

An Odd Dog Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve and there’s so much festive fun! But Odd Dog is not happy. She’s running out of time to find the perfect present for her special friend. When she discovers a winter wonderland, Odd Dog helps a new friend who teaches her that ‘a simple present from the heart’ is far more important.

We absolutely adore Odd Dog here at Bookshelf HQ so I was delighted to see this new book! Offering a heart-felt message about what is truly important at Christmas, it is makes a perfect story for sharing as the festive season approaches. Always finding her own path, Odd Dog blazes her own trail once again- this time across the sky- as she helps Father Christmas when he is in need and in turn, he offers her excellent advice. Like Odd Dog, children might be inspired to make their own gifts for friends and loved ones, giving their time and love to show that they care.

The illustrations are as fabulous as ever! Every spread is full of detail and humour, with so much to notice and enjoy on each page. The ‘Odd Dog’ biscuits are certainly on my list of things to make this Christmas! The Christmas market reminds me of the one held in Bath each year and the Winter Wonderland is just gorgeous. I love the Christmas pudding hot air balloons and spotting all the references to Rob’s other books! And don’t forget to take off the dust jacket to enjoy the book’s cover beneath.

Told in bouncy rhyme and using a rich vocabulary, the story is a delight to read aloud. The paw-fect Christmas gift!

An Odd Dog Christmas Rob Biddulph

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008413354