Playing from the Heart

From the author of 'The Dot', Playing from the Heart is a beautiful and poignant story about the power of music and of family love.

Too small to even reach the pedals, Raj was delighted by the sounds the piano made as he plunked the keys. Hearing his early attempts, his father supports Raj, hiring a piano teacher to nuture his talent.

However, his early love of and delight in making music fades as he becomes more and more skilled. Gradually, Raj leaves his piano playing behind and moves on until his father's request makes him 'play from the heart'.

Alongside the beautiful story are equally gorgeous illustrations. The soft, muted colours and hand-written font make the book something special. Peter H Reynold's unique way of viewing things is thought provoking- notes as zoo animals peering through bars...wanting to escape say so much about the story and the characters- inspiring!

Like all books by this talented man, Playing from the Heart is one not to miss.

Playing from the Heart Peter H Reynolds

Walker    ISBN: 978-1406368406

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

Blue Penguin

Blue Penguin was born far away in the south. Although surrounded by other penguins, he was different. He did all the same things as the others, but still all they could see was the fact that he was different.

"But you're not like us," said the other penguins and they wandered away.

Left all alone,  Blue Penguin sees a white whale in his dreams who saves him from his loneliness. He makes up a song about the whale which he sings across the ocean...

Another penguin came to listen to his song and when they sing together, the other penguins come to listen- with the white whale, called by Blue Penguin's song. However,  Blue Penguin no longer needed whale to take him away as he now had new friends- and a new song to sing.

Beautifully told with gorgeous illustrations, this is a special story about belonging and finding that friend-in-need.

Petr Horacek's amazing artwork perfectly complements the story. Vibrant blues and greens stand out sharply against the shades of white, creating the snow and ice. There is such a textured feel to the landscape with frost patterns and snow flurries adding to the atmosphere.

This book is perfect for starting discussions about difference, how we treat others and how to create a 'song of friendship' for ourselves.

Blue Penguin Petr Horacek

Walker Books   ISBN: 978-1406358285

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.

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

Wild

The wild wolves tease brothers Wolfie and Wilfie for not being growly or scowly, scary or snarly enough. They do not want to be pressured into following the pack, but want to stay true to themselves. When the pack pounces on Granny and her basket of pies, the brothers bravely come to her rescue and proudly stand up for what they believe in.

Perfect for starting conversations about peer pressure, ‘Wild’ shows how dangerous a ‘pack’ mentality can be. The ‘wild’ wolves swoop in on those who are different, mocking them and intimidating them. Wolfie and Wilfie’s fear is clearly shown as they are surrounded by the bigger, intimidating wolves, demanding empathy. The illustrations offer a brilliant starting point for using role play techniques for exploring the feelings of the brothers, but also for those members of the pack who are not as comfortable with what is going on. Discussions exploring strategies to use at these times could then follow, with younger children offering Wolfie and Wilfie advice.

The story also challenges the idea that the wild wolves can take whatever they want, whenever they want it and shows that Wofie and Wilfie deserve their pieces having behaved and helped by collecting the berries. Another much needed message!

Perfect for starting discussions and challenging thinking, ‘Wild’ is an empowering story about staying true to yourself.

Wild Annette Demetriou and Dawn White

illustrated by Ryan Sonderegger

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339050