Coming to England-An Inspiring True Story About the Windrush Generation

‘Coming to England’ is the true story of how Baroness Floella Benjamin left Trinidad and came to London as part of the Windrush generation. Having seen an advert in the newspaper, Floella’s Dardie decided to go to England to be a jazz musician, leaving Floella, her siblings and their mother in Trinidad. Their lives continued happily until a year later when Marmie left with her littlest sister and brother to join their father, leaving Floella and her sister Sandra to live with their ‘wicked’ aunt. At last it was their turn to pack and leave with their brothers for England.

First published in the 90s as a novel (I have two copies- both of which have been ‘borrowed’!) and then as a picture book illustrated by Michael Frith, Floella Benjamin’s inspirational story has been re-told for younger children, beautifully illustrated by Diane Ewen. Both pictures and text vividly convey the joy of her early life on the island of Trinidad with her large, lively family, offering much to discuss and find out about.

The children’s journey to England, the mischief they got up to and the worries they had about their new life saw them at last reunited with the rest of their family. The sense of family love is beautifully conveyed, starkly contrasting with the prejudice they faced from Londoners and the changes in circumstance they had to get used to.

Floella’s message is clear- hard work leads to a better life. The child in Trinidad who dreamt of meeting the Queen is shown achieving her dream when receiving an OBE in 2001.

Accessible and interesting autobiographies for younger children are not easily come by and this is a wonderful example to enjoy and share. It might encourage children to ask questions of their parents/ grandparents about their childhood, sharing family stories and history.

I am one of Floella’s ‘Play School Babies’ and so was very excited to meet her at Hay Festival with Jemima and Humpty a couple of years ago. She is every bit as lovely as I always imagined.

Coming to England - An Inspiring True Story About the Windrush Generation

Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Diane Ewen

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529009415

Adventures on Trains

Here are my reviews for books 1-4 of the Adventures on Trains series!

Hal is delighted when his Uncle Nat appears at the start of the Easter holidays. Having received a mysterious letter from an old friend asking for their help, the two train detectives set off to investigate a suspicious death and a family curse. Going undercover as members of the family, they take the Eurostar to Paris and then set off for the family home at the foot of the Harz mountains. Together, they must solve the mystery of Dead Man’s Pass, but is Uncle Nat also keeping secrets?

Once again, the unstoppable team of Leonard, Sedgman and Paganelli have delivered a first class mystery, brimming with action and adventure. In this story, Hal suspects Uncle Nat is keeping things from him and discovers more about his past, bringing many new possibilities for these adventures. I love the relationship between these two and how it has developed over their adventures together.

The story has a wonderful cast of characters, who in true detective story style, all have the finger of suspicion pointing at them at some point as clues and red herrings are skilfully layered. As usual, Elisa’s wonderful pictures allow the reader to see the sketches Hal makes on his journey, although he has to be careful not to reveal himself as ‘the Drawing Detective’.

Like the previous train adventures, ‘Dead Man’s Pass’ is full of description and detail, making the reader want to travel and see the places Hal does. The love of trains is a strong, appealing to ferroequinologists, but not overwhelming the story. Each one of these stories would be wonderful for using with a class, offering plenty to explore and investigate as well as enjoy. I cannot wait to join Hal on his next adventure- and I know many young readers who agree!

Danger at Dead Man’s Pass

Hal and his Uncle Nat are off on another train journey- this time on aboard the Safari Star, a luxury steam train which will take them across Southern Africa. The stunning scenery and amazing wildlife give Hal plenty of opportunities to practise his drawing, but having already solved a kidnapping and captured a jewel thief, he can’t help hoping there will be a mystery on this trip. When a very unpleasant passenger is found dead in a locked compartment, Hal is determined to discover the truth- was it an accident or was it murder on the Safari Star?

We adore this series here at Bookshelf HQ. Each book offers a compelling mystery with plenty of red herrings and surprises along the way to a classic Poirot-style denouement where everything comes to light. ‘Murder on the Safari Star’ is no exception.

A cast of compelling characters occupy the train as it travels from Pretoria to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Victoria Falls in Zambia. There are plenty of drawings throughout the story of these characters, the wildlife and the scenery as Hal (Elisa Paganelli!) sketches all he sees, bringing key moments to life. This really helps children (and adults!) visualise the crime scene and how things are laid out on the trip so they can attempt to solve the crime alongside Hal.

By focusing on the wildlife of the region as Hal and the others enjoy safari trips when the train pauses on its journey, the authors highlight the plight of many of these incredible creatures and the dangers that face them from poachers and big game hunters. There are also sensitive descriptions of these animals in their natural habitat.

Trains are once again at the heart of the story and plenty of detail about the locomotive and its rolling stock as the Safari Star makes its journey. The notes at the end of the book clarify where fiction differs from fact and suggesting places to visit for those who want to find out more about the wonderful world of trains.

These books are perfect for guided reading sessions, offering plenty to discuss and explore as well as great writing full of description and action. Although this is the third book in the series, ‘Murder on the Safari Star’ could easily be read as a stand alone novel- although once you have read one, you absolutely will want to read them all! Can’t wait for book four- ‘Danger at Dead Man’s Pass’.

Murder on the Safari Star

Hal’s off again with Uncle Nat, this time aboard the California Comet for a trip across America from Chicago to San Francisco. Uncle Nat has been asked to report on a special announcement being made by August Reza, millionaire and train enthusiast, whilst Hal is looking forward to enjoying the trains, the scenery and some sketching. Everything changes, however, when Hal finds himself in the middle of a kidnapping involving Reza’s daughter, Marianne.

Once again, M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman whisk us away on a proper adventure! Clues and red herrings abound as Hal and his new train mates, Mason and Hadley, work together to solve the kidnapping and free Marianne. “Sherlock Davinci” (as they dub Hal) uses his sketchbook and his amazing powers of observation to track down the culprits and solve the case. Elisa Paganelli’s illustrations throughout add much to the story.

The book is full of information about trains- this one being based on the California Zephyr- which is seamlessly woven into the story, making it enjoyable for the ferroequinologist and lay person alike. Additional information is offered at the end of the story, explaining more about some elements of the story and pointing the way to finding out more.

There is much to recommend this book for using with a class as the story raises questions about advances in technology and conservation, amongst other things (I can’t give too much away!) Following Hal’s journey could be an engaging way of tackling some of the KS2 geography!

Great fun, ‘Kidnap on the California Comet’ is as engaging as ‘The Highland Falcon Thief’. I’m already looking forward to Hal’s next trip- ‘Murder on the Safari Star’.

Kidnap on the California Comet

When Harrison (Hal) Beck is told that he will be accompanying his train-obsessed, journalist uncle on the final trip of the Highland Falcon as she makes her last journey ever, he is less than impressed. However, when a priceless diamond brooch goes missing just a few hours into the trip, Hal begins to investigate with Lenny, the driver’s daughter. As accusations fly and the suspects list grows, will they unravel the mystery before the Highland Falcon reaches the end of the line?

Agatha Christie- eat your heart out! What a wonderful read this is! From the enticing characters, to the splendour of the train, to the Poirot-style denouement, there is so much to enjoy here.

Writing team, M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman have created an intriguing mystery with a trail of clues and misinformation, leading the reader to suspect each suspect in turn, all wrapped up in fantastic descriptions of this majestic train. Details about the wonders of these magnificent machines are woven seamlessly into the story adding to the excitement of the adventure.

The book is illustrated throughout by Elisa Paganelli, who captures the atmosphere and energy of the story perfectly. There is a wonderful picture of Hal revealing who committed the crime, surrounded by all the characters, for example and another looking down on Hal as he makes his way from the carriage to the tender.

The language is rich and evocative, offering plenty of description. ‘The Highland Falcon Thief’ would make an excellent read aloud (a treat in store for my class soon!), as a guided reader or as a key text to inspire and explore further. Having just had a sneak peek at book two- Kidnap on the California Comet- I can’t wait to read more about Hal and his adventures!

Get on-board ‘The Highland Falcon Express’ as soon as possible!

The Highland Falcon Thief

Arlo The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep

Arlo the lion just can’t get to sleep, no matter how hard he tries. He can’t get comfortable…it’s too hot…or too cold… Exhausted, he meets Owl who teaches him a little song to help him relax and settle into a deep sleep. Delighted that it works, Arlo can’t wait to share his new friend’s advice.

This is such a beautiful, gentle story, perfect for snuggling up with and making part of a bedtime routine. Owl’s song which is full of advice for how to settle into a calm state ready for sleep is repeated throughout the story. It’s soothing rhythm is perfect for encouraging little ones to relax and follow Arlo’s example as he drifts off for a good night’s rest.

The illustrations are simply stunning. Using calming colours, Arlo’s exhaustion shows in every line of the early pictures and the reader can clearly see how he craves sleep from his drooping tail to his sad eyes. This contrasts perfectly with the jaunty air and energy he displays after his rest, offering a very positive message about the benefits of a good night’s rest. Each spread is worthy of being framed and displayed.

Perfect for creating a positive bedtime routine, ‘Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep’ is full of gorgeous illustrations and soothing words.

Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep Catherine Rayner

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1509804207

Wee? It Wasn’t Me!

Lenny the lemur is on holiday, enjoying Alaska, when he slips in something yellow and smelly! Determined to discover the perpetrator of the puddle, he interrogates all the creatures he finds, learning much about their urinary habits, until he finally locates the culprit.

This second adventure for Lenny is every bit as entertaining as the first- and there is so much to learn. Who knew there were so many ways to wee in the wild? As Lenny quizzes each creature, the reader learns about the important role this very basic function performs for each animal in addition to getting rid of waste products. Additional information, with photos of each creature, is included at the end of the book, showing the reader that, although it’s a funny story, it is also full of facts!

And it is a funny story! It reminds me of ‘The Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business’- a huge bedtime favourite when my son was small, with added benefits! Lenny is delightful with such an amazing array of expressions, cleverly captured by Nicola O’Byrne’s wonderful illustrations. The ending is just perfect and sure to have children -and adults- giggling with glee. ‘Wee? It Wasn’t Me?’ is sure to be every bit as popular as Lenny’s first adventure, ‘Poo! Is That You?’

In this adventure, well-travelled Lenny is on holiday in South America when his nose is assailed by an awful smell. Determined to locate the source, he sets off to locate its source so he can return to snoozing in the sun. He interrogates a whole array of creatures that he meets before turning his eyes towards the reader! Once again, the story is full of both humour and fact with photos and further information at the end.

These books offer a wonderful way into engaging children with the science curriculum, learning about animals (including humans). From the importance of hygiene to functions of the digestive system to describing the ways in which nutrients and water are transported, there is plenty to learn in these pages! The stories also introduce a range of animals found in each region- the perfect starting point for exploring further.

I wonder where Lenny the lemur will go for his next adventure- and what he will investigate whilst he is there! Clare has created activities for her books which will be available on her website.

Wee? It Wasn’t Me! Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Nicola O’Byrne

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529030495

You can read my review of ‘Slime? It’s Not Mine!’ in the reviews section of the website.