Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Barnaby Unboxed!
In the newly reopened ‘Perfect Pets’, Barnaby, ‘half mouse and half elephant, with just a dash of flamingo’, thinks he is the most perfect pet of all- and yet, he is the last one of his kind on the shelf. One day, whilst worrying he will never be chosen, a little girl picks him. Taking him home, the two become inseparable until, one Saturday morning, whilst watching television, an advert for the new ‘Rainbow Barnaby’ is shown and the little girl decides she wants one. When her father refuses to buy her the new pet, she seems to lose interest in her Barnaby. Her father now takes him for his walk and one rainy day, Barnaby slips unnoticed off his lead, planning to run away ‘just long enough for people to miss him’; however, when he is chased by a cat, he finds himself lost and alone. Time passes and, although he meets other lost and forgotten pets, he is determined to find his way home to the little girl. Supported by the squirrels in the park who show him their ways, Barnaby begins to forget his old life until he spots a little girl pinning ‘missing’ posters to the trees…
Once again, The Fan Brothers have produced a perfect picture book combining sensitive storytelling, moments of gentle humour and, in this case, a strong message about the responsibility and commitment involved when taking on the care of a pet. The book has so much potential for developing ideas and work in school as well as for being enjoyed at story time!
Children could have great fun inventing their own ‘perfect pets’ which might join Barnaby on the shelves, creating character profiles and developing personalities and names for their creatures. Barnaby is just adorable, with his big eyes, puffy tail and soft as candyfloss fur- and yet, he is full of worries as he compares himself to the other ‘new and exciting’ pets which are on offer. At this point of the story, role play or hot-seating could be used to explore Barnaby’s feelings, but also those of some of the other pets who might have similar concerns, and develop some good advice to offer anyone feeling downhearted or under-valued.
The story is also perfect for considering the long term dedication and commitment needed when adopting a pet. The collection of ‘lost or forgotten’ pets in the rubbish bin is a sad indictment of how fashions and fads can lead to the casual neglect and discarding of creatures in need of love and care.
However, eagle-eyed readers will notice that there are signs that the little girl has not forgotten him. Almost as soon as he was lost, posters can be seen seeking his return, filling the reader with hope that the two will be reunited once more.
As usual with any book from the Fan Brothers, the illustrations are fabulous- full of details to notice and things to wonder about. The spread showing the row of shops where Perfect Pets can be found is almost identical to that in ‘The Barnabus Project’- except that the barber’s shop has now closed down and the Coffee Palace is all boarded up and the last but one picture showing Barnabus and the little girl enjoying their walk in the park also appears in the first book and you can see Barnabus and his fellow escapees watching them as they walk by.
A gorgeous, heart-warming read- not to be missed!
Barnaby Unboxed!
The Fan Brothers
Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-1836001607
You can read my review of ‘The Barnabus Project’ here, ‘It Fell From the Sky’ here, ‘Lizzy and the Cloud’ here and ‘Ocean Meets Sky’ here.
Fablehouse
I heard Emma Norry speak about ‘Fablehouse’ at this year’s FCBG Conference as part of the ‘Fantastical and Magical’ panel. She -and fellow panelists, Anna Goodall and Nicki Thornton- talked about the inspiration for their writing, settings and characters in a fascinating session. I was particularly interested in the setting Emma chose for ‘Fablehouse’ as I have stayed in a National Trust cottage on the Holnicote Estate just round the corner from the main house, but was completely unaware of its having been requisitioned in 1943 by Somerset County Council and used to house mixed-race GI babies.
Heather has just arrived at Fablehouse, an orphanage hidden in Somerset, home for the forgotten ‘Brown Babies’ of post-war Britain. Whilst exploring the surrounding countryside, Heather finds a mysterious cairn which draws her. Here she meets Palamedies, the Black Knight from Arthurian tales, who has been guarding the doorway between worlds. But when Fablehouse children start acting strangely, Heather and her new friends, Lloyd, Nat and Arlene, must battle to save their new home.
‘Fablehouse’ draws on the legends of King Arthur, folklore and history to create a captivating read. I finished it in one sitting, unwilling to leave the fiercely loyal, brave band of children on their quest. The inclusion of Palamedes may well introduce readers to a new thread of the Arthurian legends which are not a widely known as the stories including Lancelot, Gawain, Galahad or Tristan.
The story is beautifully told on many levels. Emma has skilfully intertwined historical facts with legend and folklore to create a compelling tale of identity, finding your place in the world. love, friendship, hope and acceptance. The ‘hidden history’ of the children represented in the book by Heather and her friends is deeply poignant, and the book is an important step towards recognising and sharing their story. Nat’s reaction to meeting Pal (Palamedes) is as heart-breaking as the knight’s response is heart-warming- I shed more than a few tears at this point. I am sure the story will resonate with many as the longing to belong, to be accepted, to be seen is universal and captured so sensitively in these pages.
I am delighted to discover that a Fablehouse 2 is promised as the Roamers- Heather, Lloyd, Nat and Arlene- are such wonderful characters that it was hard to leave them behind when the story ended. ‘Fablehouse’ would make an excellent class story or guided reading text with plenty to enjoy, discuss and explore. Don’t miss it!
Fablehouse E L Norry
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526649539
Out on the 8th June 2023
The Rescue of Ravenswood
Ravenswood has been home to Bea and Raffy for as long as they can remember. To them, it’s perfect so when faced with the idea it could be sold, the children are determined to save it no matter what.
Natasha Farrant crafts the most beautiful stories which are full of heart and hope and in ‘The Rescue of Ravenswood’, she has captured the essence of the love of home and belonging, the topsy-turviness of family- however that is formed- and how special places can be.
Bold and brave, Bea is in her element at Ravenswood. However, she struggles with feelings of rejection by her parents, feeling she can never be the person they want her to be. Although not her ‘real’ sibling, Raffy and she are incredibly close, enjoying a special bond and balancing each other’s personalities. When Noa arrives, the dynamic between them changes and what was supposed to be their perfect summer seems threatened. Each character is full of personality and easy to engage and empathise with.
Ravenswood is special to the children in the way in which many people will be able to relate to the places in their lives, places which are worth fighting for and worth preserving for future generations. As the children bring everyone together to save their most precious place, certain truths come to light and ‘everything changes, but everything stays the same’.
There is so much to enjoy about this story. Natasha Farrant always offers something special and ‘The Rescue of Ravenswood’ is a real treasure.
The Rescue of Ravenswood Natasha Farrant
Faber ISBN: 978-0571348787
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
You can read my review of ‘Voyage of the Sparrowhawk’ here and ‘The Children of Castle Rock’ here.
The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince
A lonely woodcutter named Kai lives deep in a forest where he spends his time carving statues for people to enjoy. One night, he remembers a tale his grandmother used to tell him about a cursed Snow Prince with a heart made of ice who would turn people to ice. However, when Kai is visited by the Prince, he finds the companionship he has been longing for. In the morning, Kai is devastated to find his new friend has disappeared and kai is alone once more. Determined to find his Prince, Kai sets off on a perilous journey to free the Snow Prince from his curse.
Loosely based on ‘The Snow Queen’, ‘The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince’ is a wonderfully heart-warming story. Christmas can be a very isolating time for many and Kai’s loneliness is tenderly captured, encouraging empathy through both the illustrations and the text. There is a sense that the Snow Prince is also alone, isolated by misunderstanding and fear, and the meeting of these kindred spirits offers both the companionship and happiness they have been seeking. Kai’s determination to find his Prince and break the curse shows the power of love and friendship, echoing Gerda’s quest to find her Kai in Andersen’s original tale or Anna’s journey to find her sister, Elsa, in ‘Frozen’. There is so much to discuss here about what it is to be human and the importance of meeting the basic human need for love, acceptance and understanding.
The illustrations are stunning. Icy whites and indigo blues capture the magical wintery landscape perfectly, contrasting with the cosy warmth of Kai’s home. The end papers are a thing of genius- showing how perspective and attitude can alter our emotional landscape and open us to very different possibilities. Each spread is a joy with many details to notice and linger over.
A Christmassy tale for every day of the year!
The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince
Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Davide Ortu
Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339494
Where Bjorn Belongs
When Arthur loses Barney, his toy polar bear, he writes to Father Christmas to ask for a new one. Waking to a snowy world on Christmas Day, Arthur is amazed to see a real polar bear in his garden. A special bond between the two quickly forms and Arthur does everything he can to keep Bjorn the polar bear happy and healthy. However as the bear grows, Arthur comes to realise that he must find a way to get Bjorn back to the place he belongs.
Perfect for sharing at home or at school, ‘Where Bjorn Belongs’ is a special story about true friendship and following your dreams. Arthur’s dislike of the noise and bustle of the Christmas season with the changes it brings to routines and ‘normality’ is something which is difficult for many children (and adults!) to cope with and the story enables conversations around this experience, encouraging understanding and empathy.
The story encourages discussion about the impact of global warming on polar bears- melting ice was a BIG problem for polar bears- as well as the importance of being a responsible pet owner. Arthur does everything he can to make sure that Bjorn is comfortable and well looked after- and when it matters most, makes the best decision for the well-being of his new-found friend. Bjorn needs to be where he belongs- not with Arthur, not in a zoo- but back in the wild with his own kind. Having promised to look after him, Arthur does, first by letting him go and then by becoming an Arctic explorer and learning how to help polar bears in their natural environment.
Another strength of this book is the illustrations. There are many which glow with the love between Arthur and his mother as well the deep bond between Arthur and Bjorn. There are picture showing the beauty of the natural world and those sharing the magic of Christmas. Even the end papers celebrate the amazing creatures of the Arctic!
One not to be missed this Christmas!
Where Bjorn Belongs
Samuel Langley-Swain, illustrated by Mirna Imamovic
Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339449
Our Table
International Dot Day is an annual event in any school I teach in and I have loved Peter H Reynolds’ books since I first encountered ‘The Dot’ way back when! Since then, I have eagerly looked out for his new titles, keen to get them into class and share them with children. Inspiring, often poignant and always brilliantly illustrated, his books are a key feature in my book corner and school library.
‘Our Table’ is a heart-warming story about the importance of family. Once, the table was at the heart of Violet’s home- a place where the family gathered and memories were made. But recently, everyone has been busy and Violet often finds herself alone at the table. One day, she notices the table is smaller- and smaller- until by the end of the week, it has disappeared altogether. Violet knows she must take action to put things right again.
As Violet appeals to her family for help, she draws them all back together as they once more share experiences and spend time together, connecting as a family should. The illustrations are so evocative of the emotions she experiences. As he family drifts apart and she feels lonely, shades of purple (or violet!) are used to capture the weight of her feelings whilst her joyful memories are in full colour, vividly standing out against the white of the page. Once her family reconnects, jubilant colour returns once more, even spilling over onto the end papers. The final picture is a complete joy as the family gathers round the table once more, sharing their meal, laughing and enjoying being together. Mum is even sneaking food to the dog under the table!
The text is simple and to the point, allowing children to reflect on the pictures and consider what the characters might me thinking/ feeling at various points, encouraging them to empathise, and perhaps identify, with Violet as her family are engaging more with the screens in their lives than with each other.
One to treasure!
Our Table Peter H Reynolds
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702313738
You can read my review of ‘The Word Collector’ here and ‘Playing from the Heart’ here.