The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share

Hare lives on his own and grows turnips. When a family of rabbits move in to the other side of the woods, they ask if he has any turnips that he can share, but he sends them away, saying he doesn’t like to share with anyone. One day, when out walking, he notices that the rabbits have grown a lovely patch of carrots which they invite him- and other animals from the wood- to share. He refuses, but when a huge boar threatens to destroy all their hard work, Hare is determined to help them.

With a wonderful message about the importance of sharing, ‘The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share’ is perfect for developing conversations about community and working together. Hare believes that he is happy- he grows his own turnips, working hard for himself and keeping all his produce. When he sees the rabbits sharing the results of their hard work with the other animals, it gives him plenty to think about. Why when they have so little would they want to give away so much? The story offers plenty of opportunity for role play and hot-seating activities to help children explore and understand the feelings of different characters at different points in the book. The conclusion is just perfect with Hare coming to realise the benefits of being part of a community, of sharing and working with others.

The illustrations are utterly adorable. Each character is bursting with personality and there is so much to notice and enjoy in every picture, making this a book to return to again and again! One for every bookshelf!

The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share

Steve Small

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398522299

Luna Loves Christmas

Luna loves Christmas. Sometimes she spends it at her dad’s, sometimes at her mum’s, but this year, things are going to be different. This year, they are volunteering to make sure that everyone has a happy Christmas. On Christmas Eve, she helps mum to make deliveries before spending the night with her dad. On Christmas Day, she and Dad arrive at the Town Hall to share dinner with the rest of the family - and anyone who wants to come.

This is a fabulously festive story for so many reasons! As readers have discovered in the previous ‘Luna Loves…’ books, Luna is at the heart of a very loving family. Her parents might not be together, but they work hard to ensure their little girl is happy and secure. She is used to having two Christmases- one with each parent; however, having carefully explained the structure of events so that Luna knows exactly what to expect, this Christmas is going to be focused on sharing with others. As Luna and her mother make the deliveries, Luna gains something from each visit as others share things with them- not expensive gifts, but time and fun- a snowball fight, carol singing, a shared Christmas story (which features as a book within the book!).

Once at her father’s, the two make Christmas biscuits and enjoy the bedtime rituals of Christmas Eve. Christmas Day dawns with presents- ‘some for now, some for later’- but little attention is paid to this. Getting ready for the Christmas dinner with everyone else it is the cookies they baked and the home-made presents which are important. The illustrations convey so much warmth and joy between this little family and between members of the community as they come together. The story really shows Luna having a wonderful Christmas, full of fun and family traditions, but also one of sharing, kindness and inclusion. It is a complete joy and a brilliant addition to this delightful series.

Luna Loves Christmas

Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131660

When Mino Took the Bus

The day comes when Mino the chipmunk reaches his seventh week and must leave his mother to find a place of his own. He has learned the bus route by heart and knows he must get off at the last stop where he will find his new home. Once on the bus, Mino is impatient to get to his destination and starts to chat to Guido, the bus driver, who tells Mino that he thinks the journey is just as important as the destination. As each new passenger boards the bus, Mino sits next to each in turn and each one teaches him something new. Time quickly passes as they share memories, bringing him safely to his destination.

This delightful, heartwarming story gently explores the mixture of anxiety and excitement felt by anyone who is facing change. As Mino sets off on his new journey, he makes new friends, appreciating each new moment and coming to understand how true Guido’s wise comment is. Mino is such an endearing character- full of enthusiasm and curiosity, he approaches each new passenger who gets onto the bus as a potential friend, making connections with others.

The illustrations are gorgeous. Mino’s big, soulful eyes gaze at those around him and each creature is full of personality from the elderly tortoise to the opossum family. Soft colours enhance the story, creating a cosy feeling as Mino discovers the joy of getting to know others and sharing the small joys of life, things that ‘linger on in everyone’s hearts’.

A very special story!

When Mino Took the Bus Simona Ciraolo

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740887