Remarkable Women: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!

‘Remarkable Women: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!’ is a very engaging read which challenges readers to question things they thought they knew about women in history. After all, everyone knows that women in history stayed home and avoided adventure and that men pioneered all the scientific breakthroughs, but as this fascinating book shows- oh, no they didn’t!

Starting with ‘Legends’, the book looks at the misconceptions around the role of women in different areas including creatives, superstars and trailblazers. By presenting information in an engaging, chatty, light-hearted style, the serious message the book carries is very successfully conveyed. The ‘did you know…’ sections are sure to be quoted by children seeking to challenge the adults around them and share what they have discovered.

The book is a real gift to teachers who could chose to use sections as the basis for an assembly, discussion time or to challenge something in connection with a particular area of the curriculum and the concise sections also lend themselves to guided reading sessions. A useful world map at the end of the book shows where the women highlighted in the book were born whilst a timeline places them chronologically in history by their date of birth (where this is known).

Nature: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About the Natural World! is also available in this series.

Oh No They Didn’t Remarkable Women:

Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!

Eric Huang, illustrated by Sam Caldwell

Quarto ISBN; 978-0711292888

Becoming Real: The True Story of the Velveteen Rabbit

‘Becoming Real’ is a really lovely read, which sensitively shares the story of Margery Williams, the author of the much-loved children’s classic, ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’.

The story follows Margery’s happy childhood in London, full of imagination, creativity, reading and writing. When her father died, the family moved to America where she found solace with the animals in the Central Park zoo. As she grew up and had her own family, she encouraged the same love of imaginative play and creativity in her own children as her family moved around during the war. After this time, she returned to England, where she was inspired to write the story for children for which she is best remembered. Quotes from ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ are included in italics alongside Margery’s own story, adding to the book’s charm and suggesting links between her experiences and her creation of the story. Whether familiar with ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ or not, ‘Becoming Real’ is both engaging and up-lifting, celebrating the wonder of the imagination and childhood play.

The illustrations are quite delightful, capturing scenes of family life, but also Margery’s imaginings perfectly. For teachers, the book offers a lovely example of biography and offers plenty of opportunities for discussion about the purpose and appeal of this genre of writing as well as the actual content of the story. A bibliography is offered at the end of the book which includes other stories written by Margery Williams as well as some intended for adult readers.

A beautiful, poignant book, sure to be treasured!

Becoming Real: The True Story of the Velveteen Rabbit

Molly Golden, illustrated by Paola Escobar

Harper Collins ISBN: 978- 0358681540

The Little Books of the Little Brontës

Sharing the story of the young Brontës, this gorgeous book not only introduces young children to the lives of this incredible family, but also inspires them to create their own miniature books and their own stories. Although pitched at a younger audience, there is much here to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. As a huge Brontë fan, I loved it!

Written with a direct appeal to the reader- If you look through the window…Let’s leave them there now…the text is very engaging and offers an overview of Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne’s childhood at the Parsonage in Haworth. That their lives had been touched by sadness with the loss of their mother and older sisters is mentioned briefly in the text, but the focus of the book is their wonderful creativity and love of telling stories. They had each other, the moors to explore- and their imaginations.

The illustrations are enchanting and anyone who has visited the Parsonage in Haworth will recognise the care with which Briony May Smith has depicted their home (although the wallpaper in the dining room is slightly different!)- the green couch, the white fire surround, the dark wooden table where they used to write. She manages to capture the wild beauty of the moors and the closeness of the family as well as giving life to their imaginings and creativity. One illustration shows Branwell painting the famous family portrait including himself, offering yet another starting point for further discussion and discovery.

An author’s note and a timeline of events are included at the end of the book, adding details about their lives beyond the focus of the story. There is also a reproduction of the family portrait with the blurry space between sisters where Branwell might once have stood. The book is a wonderful introduction to, and celebration of, the childhood of these incredible individuals.

There are instructions for how to make your own little book like those the Brontë children used to make. This is an essential addition to any Brontë lover’s collection, but also a wonderful introduction to their lives for children and adults alike.

 The Little Books of the Little Brontës

Sara O’Leary and Briony May Smith

Walker ISBN: 978-1529518313

You can read about my visit to the Becoming the Brontës exhibition in Leeds here, Top Withens here and the Brontë Birthplace here.

NNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour: The Fossil Hunter

Today’s review for the NNNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour is ‘The Fossil Hunter’ by Kate Winter. As her contribution to the story of modern science is becoming more recognised and valued, biographies of her life and work for children are starting to appear- and this is a real gem!

There is so much to recommend this book that it is hard to know where to start! Initial attraction might be the stunning illustrations. The cover is wonderfully tactile, inviting the reader to run their fingers over the vertebrae of a dinosaur and the stones it lies amongst whilst a bonnetless Mary points to the wonders of the ancient sky above her. The opening end papers show a sepia scene with Mary, her father, brother and little dog, Tray, seeking the fossils which became their livelihood whilst the back end papers show modern fossil hunters, following in her footsteps. Throughout the book, the illustrations form an integral part of Mary’s story, bringing scenes to life and creatively supporting the text. A number of fold-out pages are cleverly used to deepen the reader’s understanding of events in Mary’s story.

By putting Mary’s life, experiences and achievements in context, the author has emphasised the extent and significance of her achievements. Throughout her life, she (and her family) experienced grinding poverty and her place in society as both a woman and a member of the working classes meant that her work was barely acknowledged in her lifetime- and beyond. Her passion and determination are fully recognised, but so are her struggles and frustrations.

‘The Fossil Hunter’ is packed with fascinating information, presented in a very appealing, accessible manner. Quotes from Mary herself, background information about fossils and dinosaurs, contextual information about her times and other fossil collectors and fossil finds around the world all combine to make this an essential read for anyone interested in the life and work of Mary Anning. Can’t recommend this one highly enough!

The Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Unearthed the Truth about the Dinosaurs

Kate Winter

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241469880

Drawn to Change the World

It is more important than ever to use our voices and our strengths and join as communities to make change, even when those in power don’t want us to do so.

In her introduction to this fascinating book, Emma Reynolds explains why she decided to write this book, as a celebration of those who are striving for change and as inspiration for others who might follow their example. Her words set the scene perfectly for the stories of the sixteen youth activists from around the world included in the book, each beautifully illustrated by sixteen different artists.

An introduction offers an overview of the climate change crisis. I learned a great deal from this section, part of which is written by Matthew Shribman, cofounder of AimHi Earth. Key factors, like carbon sinks are carefully explained and the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable highlighted.

Each graphic story is introduced by a map showing where in the world the subject lives, who the story is about and who illustrated it. The stories are powerfully told, vividly sharing the individual’s concerns and the actions that they took to change things for the better for their community. For example, Autumn Peltier’s fight for clean water for her people is truly inspiring- and the treatment of First Nation communities shocking. The ‘What are they doing now’ section at the end of each section allows the reader to discover more about each individual, including where to find them on social media. The graphic format makes each story very accessible and the different illustrative styles offers pleasing variety.

This is such an impressive, inspiring collection of individuals, who are so courageous and dedicated to their beliefs, that it makes a very enjoyable as well as informative read. Highly recommended!

Drawn to Change the World

Emma Reynolds

HarperAlley ISBN: 978-0063084216

Windrush Day: 75th anniversary

The 22nd June is National Windrush Day and today marks 75 years since the Empire Windrush arrived in the UK, bringing 1027 passengers (and two stowaways) to London in 1948. Accessible quality texts offering first hand accounts of the experiences of those who came on the Windrush, those following in their footsteps and the significant contribution they made, and continue to make, to this country have been sadly lacking, but this is starting to change.

‘The Place for Me: Stories about the Windrush Generation’ offers an excellent starting point for learning more about this very significant event. Published in association with the Black Cultural Archives, it contains twelve short stories reflecting the experiences of men and women from the Caribbean who arrived in Britain, tempted by promises of work and a warm welcome in the ‘Mother Country’. Inspired by real people, each story depicts the hardships, heartache and hostility faced, but also shows the courage, resilience and determination shown.

The stories are interspersed with ‘Fact Files’, adding context and detail and starting before the arrival of the Windrush. Photographs of real people and events are also included and each author has written a short piece at the end of the book, reflecting their connection to the Windrush generation. Although they carry some similar themes, each story is as unique as the individual it is written about.

This book would make an excellent addition to libraries and classrooms, but also has huge potential for using as a guided reading text. The foreword by Dame Floella Benjamin is as inspiring and warm as the lady herself and each story is beautifully written, offering plenty to discuss. I am sure that the true experiences of many were far worse than those recorded here, but the style and content make them perfect for younger readers.

The Place for Me: Stories about the Windrush Generation

Stories by K N Chimbiri, E L Norry, Judy Hepburn, Katy Massey, Salena Godden, Jermain Jackman, Quincy the Comedian, Kevin George, Kirsty Latoya and Ashley Hickson-Lovence

Foreword by Dame Floella Benjamin Cover illustration by Joelle Avelino

Scholastic in association with Black Cultural Archives

ISBN: 978-0702307904

‘The Story of Windrush’ by K N Chimbiri offers a concise summary of the key information, putting the Windrush’s journey into context. Against this background, readers are introduced to various people such as Sam King, Alford Gardner and Mona Baptiste who were part of the Windrush generation and Peter Dielhenn who was a member of the crew. These authentic voices are skilfully combined with historical facts, illuminating the history of real people.

There is a useful glossary, defining words found in bold type throughout the text, and a comprehensive index, making this a useful tool for research. The author has also illustrated the book and there are plenty of colour pictures accompanying the text, but there are also photographs, fascinating primary source evidence of the period, capturing moments in time. This very accessible read makes an important addition to any library.

The Story of Windrush K N Chimbiri

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702307133

You can read my review of ‘We Sang Across the Sea The Empire Windrush and Me’ here and my review of ‘Coming to England here.

She Sold Seashells

On the 21st May 1799, a little girl was born in Lyme Regis. named Mary by her parents, Richard and Molly Anning, she was a bright, curious child, who, although not fully recognised in her own lifetime, is now one of the best known names in the field of palaeontology. In ‘She Sold Seashells’, author, Wolfgang Grulke, has reimagined her story.

Named after the nursery rhyme which she inspired, the book explores Mary’s life, looking at how both her position in society and being a woman denied her the recognition she deserved during her life time. Only one image of Mary was made in her lifetime, showing her in her forties. Grulke has used AI to create illustrations which are not supposed to be accurate portraits, but to support her story.

The book has been created in partnership with the Lyme Regis Museum which is built on the site of Mary Anning’s home and is perfect for sparking interest in this iconic figure who defied the preconceptions of her age, making an excellent addition to library and classroom shelves. Only recently- in May 2022- was Mary recognised with a statue in her home town: this book will help to bring her story to a new generation.

She Sold Seashells Wolfgang Grulke

@one ISBN: 978-1916039452

The Indestructible Tom Crean

‘The Indestructible Tom Crean’ is a fascinating biography about Irish born Tom Crean, one of the brave adventurers involved in what became known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. It is an inspiring, absorbing read, greatly enhanced by the wonderful illustrations.

Many children in Y5/6 learn about explorers and the exploits of Ernest Shackleton, using William Gill’s excellent ‘Shackleton’s Journey’, have become a favourite focus for study. This book would not only work brilliantly in conjunction with this text, expanding the children’s knowledge of the expedition, or as an alternative book to build a unit of work around for both English and History/Geography.

Having joined the Royal Navy, Tom Crean joined Scott’s Discovery expedition as a last minute replacement. The book charts his progress on this journey, showing why, six years later, Scott invited him to take part on his quest to be the first to reach the South Pole. Not chosen to be a member of the team to make the last 150 miles of the journey, Tom and two others must return to base camp before starvation and exhaustion overcome them. When his fellows are too ill to continue, Tom makes the journey to fetch help alone. He saves their lives, although the team Scott took on further all perish. These events are sensitively, but clearly told, with the text supported by illustration at every step. There are many opportunities for role play activities, writing in role and further research and investigation to be developed.

The book continues with Crean joining Shackleton’s Endurance expedition as Second Officer. At times, the language used is almost poetic- even when describing the appalling conditions the men had to endure- and the illustrations are sure to inspire artwork. Crean’s role in the ‘James Caird’ trip, his bravery and determination, contributed to the rescue of the men left behind on Elephant Island. The use of the present tense throughout is very effective, making the reader feel that they are keeping pace with him on his adventures.

At the end of the book, there is additional information about the Antarctic, its wildlife and a timeline of events. There is also an afterword which seeks to explain why- perhaps- this courageous man never sought to draw attention to himself after the war, settling down with a family to run a public house. This is an excellent book which brings Crean’s story to life. Brilliant for topic boxes, library shelves, personal interest… a must have!

The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic

Jennifer Thermes

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1803380957

The Vincent van Gogh Atlas

Some years ago, on a visit to Amsterdam, my family and I visited the van Gogh Museum, a fascinating place. I just wish we had had a copy of this fascinating book to help us better understand the man, his life and work. Aimed at children of 9 upwards, this Junior Edition of the atlas starts with a clear contents which links drawings of the places he lived to his age and the page numbers where the information can be found, making it easy to navigate.

Each chapter covers part of his life, taking the reader from Z (Zundert where he was born) to A (Auvers-sur-Oise where he died) and is clearly illustrated with photographs, documents, sketches and maps. There are also colour illustrations dotted throughout, adding much to Vincent’s story which is told in a very accessible, chatty way.

This very attractive and informative book is easy to dip in and out of, useful for anyone interested in the man or his work. The ups and downs of his life, including his illness and ultimately his suicide, are all documented as part of the journey of his life. Useful for school and home alike, it is a fascinating read about a fascinating man.

The Vincent van Gogh Junior Edition

Nienke Denekamp and Rene van Blerk,

illustrated by Geert Gratama

Translated by Laura Watkinson

Rubinstein van Gogh Museum ISBN: 978-9047630135

Bedtime Stories…

In this vibrant collection, Rachel Pierce explores some events from Ireland’s remarkable history. Each story is told in its own chapter, beautifully illustrated by a range of talented Irish illustrators. Just the right length for a bedtime story, ‘Incredible Irish Tales from the Past’ is perfect for dipping in and out of anytime, for sharing or for reading alone.

The stories feature a great range of characters and events, each richly told. The reader can learn how Lorcán Ó Tuathail started out in life, how Colonel Thomas Blood tried to steal the Crown Jewels and how two pioneering young women became barristers. Each section ends with an idea for how to ‘Explore the Story’. This suggests a place to visit, a website to explore, a film to watch- ways of extending understanding of the people and places in the story.

Each illustrator brings their unique style to each story, making the book as attractive as it is informative. The collection would be an interesting choice for Guided Reading sessions, offering challenge and interest with plenty to investigate and explore whilst enjoying each story.

Bedtime Stories: Incredible Irish Tales from the Past

Rachel Pierce, illustrated by Donough O’Malley, Erin Brown, Eva Bryne, Jennifer Davison, Linda Fahrlin, Lydia Hughes, Roisin Hahessy and Una Woods

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702318542

This stunning collection of stories has been written and illustrated by those with heritage from across the Asian continent. As with the previous collection, each story is the perfect length for sharing at bedtime, but also to be enjoyed independently.

Each author brings their own style to the work just as each illustrator’s individuality shines through their art work. Here, the reader can learn about a Korean King- Sejong- who invented an alphabet, a monk who collected manuscripts and one of the most influential women in the Mongol Empire. It is a fascinating and engrossing collection of tales, full of inspiration.

A glossary at the end of each section supports the reader with unfamiliar vocabulary and terms. Like the previous book, this is a collection which would work so well for Guided Reading, full of some incredible stories, brilliantly told. Perfect for school or home!

Bedtime Stories: Amazing Asian Tales from the Past

Sufiya Ahmed, Maisie Chan, Shae Davies, Saima Mir, Bali Rai, Annabelle Sami, Rebeka Shaid, Cynthia So and Rekha Waheed.

illustrated by Ginnie Hsu, Aaliya Jaheel, Jocelyn Kao, Jennifer Khatun, Hannah Li, Debby Rahmalia, Abeeha Tariq, Kubra Teber, Tika and Tata and Amanda Yoshida.

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702316012

Journey Back to Freedom

Snatched from Essaka in Africa, Olaudah Equiano was captured and enslaved at the age of 11. Having spent time in Barbados and Virginia, he then spent the next eight years travelling the world as slave to a British Royal Navy officer, who renamed him Gustavus Vassa. His final master allowed him to buy his freedom for £40 which Equiano had raised through trading himself. Back in England, he eventually became a prominent member of the abolition movement, publishing his autobiography in 1789.

In ‘Journey Back to Freedom’, Catherine Johnson focuses on Equiano’s early life, although she adds further information in her afterword. Well known for her excellent historical writing and attention to detail, Catherine has used Olaudah’s autobiography as the basis for her work, imagining dialogue except in places where he states he is quoting from life.

This is a disturbing and emotive subject, but Catherine Johnson’s concise and matter of fact style means it is accessible to a younger audience. The horrors of slavery are evident throughout from Olaudah’s initial capture to the barbarity of the voyage, from his life at sea to the cruelty of the West Indies, but Catherine has managed to maintain a fine balance between including this information and being overly descriptive.

Throughout his sufferings, Olaudah’s determination to regain his freedom is incredible and this is a book which will encourage and initiate conversations, developing children’s understanding of the slave trade through Olaudah’s lived experiences. In her afterword, Catherine recognises that he was a complex character. He was against slavery yet he was involved in the trade. This moral ambiguity, the awful situations he found himself in - all of this will lead to thought-provoking, challenging discussions about this very difficult period of history.

Barrington Stoke once again proving their books are for everyone!

Journey Back to Freedom: The Olaudah Equiano Story

Catherine Johnson, illustrated by Katie Hickey

Barrington Stoke ISBN: 978-1781129227

You can read my review of ‘Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story’ here.

Shakespeare for Everyone

‘Shakespeare for Everyone’ is an informative and accessible read which helps the reader learn about the man, his works and the time he lived in.

Starting with his early life, the book then sets Shakespeare in historical context, explaining that although he lived during the reign of two monarchs, most people think of him as being Elizabethan rather than Jacobean. Information is organised into easily digestible chunks with plenty of additional fact boxes and relevant quotes from Shakespeare’s work along the way.

The book then continues with considering development of the theatre at this time, the lives of actors and their troupes before moving on to looking at ‘Shakespeare in Print’. Here, Shakespeare’s ‘lost years’ are referred to and the author explores what might have occurred during those years before explaining how his name came to be associated with other works.

Summarising Shakespeare’s achievements, the author then looks more closely at Shakespeare as a writer, showing how his plays tend to be grouped into categories- as well as considering the ‘problem plays’, those which don’t quite fit into any of these categories. Each genre is then explored in greater depth with the general themes and characters of each highlighted before using specific plays to illustrate the use of devices such as the hero’s flaw or greed. How language is used is explored as well as the fact that Shakespeare would have used existing books to inspire his own writing. The author even considers how his source material would have influence his historical plays. My one criticism here is that by saying ‘there are now societies in England dedicated to restoring Richard III’s reputation and debunking Shakespeare’s unfair portrayal’, the author suggests that this has happened since the discovery of Richard III’s body in 2012 whereas The Richard III Society has been working to secure a more balanced assessment of the king since 1924 and there is an American society as well. ‘Shakespeare for Everyone’ also looks at his poetry, including the sonnets and the identity of the ‘dark lady’ and the young man they were addressed to.

Posing the question ‘Was Shakespeare real?’, the book then explores this controversial and hotly-debated topic, looking at the arguments for and against three of the seventy-seven possible candidates which have been suggested as writers of the work attributed to Shakespeare.

The book ends with considering Shakespeare’s legacy and the future of his work. From paintings to ballets to films loosely based on Shakespearian themes, there is no doubting that his writing has inspired many since his death and continues to do so.

With Shakespeare studied at both KS3 and 4, this book makes an excellent, accessible introduction to his life and work, whilst supporting learning of specific themes or plays. However, it would also make an excellent guided reading text for children in Year 6, helping them to explore the time Shakespeare lived in as well as sparking an interest in his writing. The glossary is full of carefully explained terms and the illustrations are engaging and colourful, adding to the book’s appeal.

Entertaining and engaging, ‘Shakespeare for Everyone’ is a must-have for anyone wanting to find out more about the man and his work.

Shakespeare for Everyone

Emma Roberts, illustrated by Sarah Tanat Jones

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520465

Little People, Big Dreams

I love the ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ series. The books themselves are beautifully produced with cloth bound spines and colourful covers and look fantastic lined up together on the shelf. Each title focuses on the life of an inspirational individual from authors to artists, from scientists to sportspeople. The books are so relatable, starting as they do with the individual’s childhood, the big dreams they once had and how they managed to overcome adversity in the pursuit of these.

Four recent additions to the series are Pablo Picasso, Gloria Steinem, Amanda Gorman and Nelson Mandela. Written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, each is illustrated by a different artist and includes a timeline with photographs at the end. These biographies are accessible as well as informative, making an excellent addition to any library offering a wide and diverse range of people. Some- like those on Picasso and Mandela- might support the curriculum whilst others are perfect for introducing children to significant figures they might not otherwise have heard of.

I hope there are many more titles in this series to come!

Pablo Picasso Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Teresa Bellon

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books ISBN: 978-0711259485

Gloria Steinem Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Lucila Perini

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books ISBN: 978-0711270732

Amanda Gorman Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Queenbe Monyei

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books ISBN: 978-0711270695

Nelson Mandela Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Alison Hawkins

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books ISBN: 978- 0711257894