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.
Again!
It’s Spring and Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog have come out of hibernation, ready to meet up with their friends and have fun. Everything is familiar, yet looks new and exciting. They have a lovely day with Little Hedgehog keen to do things ‘again’ and ‘again’ until, tired and happy, they head home to bed.
Anyone who spends any time with little ones is familiar with the cry of ‘again, again’ as they have fun exploring the world around them and enjoying each experience. In ‘Again!’, Britta Teckentrup has created a sweet, gentle story which celebrates both the joy of the young and the patience of those who care for them!
The illustrations are absolutely delightful, capturing the beauty of the natural world and Little Hedgehog’s excitement as the hedgehogs meet up with their friends, play and explore. Big Hedgehog quietly supports the hoglet, watching over its fun and joining in with its games as the two reacquaint themselves with everything and everyone. It is a charming celebration of the little things in life and how much they matter.
There are several books about Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog, each beautifully illustrated and reflecting the warmth of a close adult child relationship. These stories are perfect bedtime treats!
Again!
Britta Techentrup
Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375878
Publishing 4th March 2025
The Search for Carmella
Marine biologist and explorer, Dr Rose loves everything about the sea and since being little, she has loved to listen to tales about a mysterious beast which roams the deep, known as Carmella. With a team of adventurous scientific friends, she sets off with Anne, a brilliant submersible pilot, down into the depths of the deep to see if they can find Carmella.
As Dr Rose and Anne make this special journey together, the reader is treated to the most gorgeous illustrations which are so evocative of the mystery and wonders of the deep- and is immediately able to share the joke as Carmella appears without being noticed by the intrepid explorers! There are so many wonderful details to notice, offering much to discuss and excite curiosity about the depths of the ocean. There are so many humorous touches - the keys to wind the submarine and the boat, the activities of what look like a team of mechanical crabs and so on- which make this a wonderfully engaging and satisfying story to share whether with a class, small group or one-to-one.
There is another theme to this story, however. In her wish to solve the mystery and find Carmella, Dr Rose doesn’t seem to appreciate the full beauty of what she is seeing in the moment. Gentle reminders from Anne are needed to pull her attention to the here and now to enjoy the sights in front of her- a valid lesson for all of us. In her wisdom, Anne reflects that it is not such a bad thing that they haven’t found Carmella as some things are too wonderful to be explained. Such a joyful sentiment!
I absolutely loved ‘The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish’ and am delighted to find that ‘The Search for Carmella’ is just as special.
The Search for Carmella
Chloe Savage
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529503302
You can read my review of The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish here.
NNFN2024: Boats and Space
Two brilliant choices for day 13 of NNFN2024, both created by Jan van der Veken. ‘Boats’ and ‘Space’ are both fascinating books, full of detail to keep readers entertained for hours.
‘Space’ starts by looking at rockets with labelled diagrams, supporting readers in identifying their components. It then follows the development of space exploration from Sputnik, the first satellite in in space to manned pace flights, how astronauts train and the space suits they wear. Significant moments in the history of space travel, exploration and discovery are explored and everything is clearly explained. Myths - and facts- surrounding the possibility of extraterrestrial life are also considered and the book ends with a thoughtful section on how humans have polluted space.
It is a fascinating and detailed read for both those with an interest in space and those new to the topic!
From outer space to the waters of the world, ‘Boats’ brings readers back to earth with a splash! from looking at ship design, the reader is led on an absorbing array of nautical topics, offering a look at historic events, vessels and figures as well as some of the superstitions and legends surrounding boats. Information on topics such as lighthouses, morse code, the use of knots and sextants provide a varied and interesting read, all accompanied by attractive illustrations and labelled diagrams.
Both books would make excellent additions to any library, enriching the curriculum and broadening the range of topics which children might encounter- a couple of the many ways in which libraries are both essential and invaluable!
Space: From Sputnik to the International Space Station
Jan van der Veken
Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375816
Boats: Steamers, Icebreakers and Ghost Ships
Jan van der Veken
Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375809
Serpent of the Sands
Gan- Princess Ganzorig- has a real taste for adventure and when one of her beloved uncles, King Temur, falls dangerously ill, she sets off in her sky-ship, the Sky-archer, with Slink, a sapient gerbil who has taken a fancy to her and Thorn, a boy who’s escaped from the slums of Lontown in search of a new life. She is intent on finding a cure, a plant said to be guarded by a powerful sapient, the Serpent of the Sands, although she fears this might only be a children’s story. However, as she and her companions travel to incredible places, treachery is at hand and their journey is fraught with many perils- and secrets.
‘Brightstorm’ is one of my all-time favourite books to read to a class. Not only does it offer certain parallels to Shackleton’s journey, making it an excellent accompaniment to learning about explorers, it is wonderful to read aloud, with rich descriptions, relatable characters and plenty of action and adventure. ‘Serpent of the Sands’ is the fourth of ‘The Brightstorm Chronicles’ and, I am delighted to say, maintains the high standard set by the first!
Gan is a wonderful character. Her impetuous nature, courage and kind heart are a winning combination. Thorn is a very different personality, balancing her impulsiveness, but coming up trumps when needed. Slink is bursting with character- sure to be a firm favourite with young readers! – and the other sapients they meet along the way are also well developed characters.
Vashti’s world building is second to none and once again, the reader is swept from location to location, each vividly brought to life and a perfect part of this world. A little map at the front of the book means that readers can plot Gan’s journey across Nadvaaryn and communications between Gan and the Brightstorm twins mean that there is surely more to come from this wonderful series of stories.
An excellent read from an excellent author!
Serpent of the Sands Vashti Hardy
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702312267
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
Ghost Orchid
Ava and her parents are off on an adventure to locate the mysterious, rare ghost orchid. Whilst her parents focus completely on the task in hand, Ava wonders at the marvels they see on the way. When they finally reach the location of the ghost orchid, Ava’s parents are despondent as they fear they are too late; however, they are lucky to have Ava, ‘an explorer who notices things that aren’t in the plan’ to open their eyes and change their ways.
This gentle, beautifully illustrated story is an absolute delight. Text and pictures combine to offer the ‘whole’ story in that way which little children love so much. They can see all the things which Ava sees and share her joy in and curiosity about each discovery Ava makes, thriving in the in-the-moment-joy of being a child. Each illustration is rich in detail with so much to notice and discuss.
I was delighted to find that ghost orchids are real. The title page shows a drawing (fig.1) with the plant’s binomial classification, Dendrophylax lindenii, perfect for leading children into discussions about plants, explorers, classification systems… Although aimed at younger children, there is much that could be developed here with older children as well. The opening end papers show a map of the world with notes attached setting up the story with a dotted travel line marked with x’s to show the places visited along the way, making a perfect starting point for further investigation either at school, with home-schooled children or to start an exciting holiday project to interest and excite children about the world whilst away from school. My son and I used to love doing this sort of thing!
One of my all-time favourite picture books is Layn Marlow’s ‘Hurry Up and Slow Down’ which I frequently share with parents when talking about the joys of reading with children. ‘Ghost Orchid’ has the same feeling- take time to listen to little ones and to see things through their eyes- live the moment. When her parents say, ‘We’ll all explore the Ava way’, the family are shown gazing together at the wonders of nature. Ava is back up on her father’s shoulders, central to the family group rather than tagging along behind her tunnel-visioned parents, each face split by a huge grin, caught up in the joy of being together and really looking around them.
With its gorgeous illustrations, this heart-warming book is sure to become a firm favourite, encouraging discussion and expeditions for families as well as inspiring discovery and creation.
Ghost Orchid Fiona Lumbers
Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131370