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
Anchored
Tug watches as Ship pulls out into the deep ocean, leaving her behind. As she continues working, Tug wonders whether Ship misses her as much as she misses Ship. She begins to less brave and more alone until one day, Tug hears a familiar ‘Boom, boom, boom’ and realises that Ship has returned. Once Tug has heard all about Ship’s travels, she is reassured to know that Ship has missed Tug just as much and that thinking of Tug made Ship feel braver and less alone. The next time Ship set sail, Tug felt much happier, knowing that, although they were apart, they were in each other’s hearts.
‘Anchored’ is a delightful picture book, showing that love is stronger than separation. Larger than little Tug, Ship is not gendered in the story, allowing Ship to represent any missing adult in a child’s life, making the story more relevant to them. Whatever reason there might be for a separation- an enforced absence due to work, starting nursery or reception, grandparents going on holiday- the message is loud and clear: they are ‘anchored in each other’s hearts’.
The book could equally be applied to friends who have been separated. Although small, Tug is powerful. She persists in her daily tasks, doing her best, warmed by the knowledge that Ship loves her and is thinking of her. Each spread is beautifully illustrated by Arielle Li, who manages to capture a real sense of love between Ship and Tug. It is a joyful story, perfect for sharing!
Anchored
Debra Tidball, illustrated by Arielle Li
EK Books ISBN: 978-1922539496
Granny and Bean
There are some books which magically manage to capture the very essence of a perfect day and this is one of them. The story evokes memories of childhood (and parenthood) as it portrays the idyllic sense of togetherness and joy- joy in each others company, joy in exploration, joy in their surroundings, joy in the simple things of life- that is at the heart of an outing with a child.
Karen Hesse uses gentle rhyming text to capture this day at the beach. The sky is grey and the wind whips the waves, but nothing deters these two from enjoying each new experience. With ‘their cheeks chaffed red and their hair dripping wet’, they continue their walk across the beach, laughing and playing, picnicking and singing. The language is rich and playful with plenty of things to discuss and to inspire the next trip to the beach!
The illustrations are as delightful as the text. Granny and Bean move across each spread, the bright colour of their clothing vivid against the unique beauty of a grey day on a British beach. They do not pause for photos or phone calls; Granny is as ‘in the moment’ as Bean, often crouching down to child level to share and value each experience. They keep a few ‘best shells and a stone’ to take away with them- no living creatures torn from their environment here- as they turn and make their way back towards home, their shadows long in the late afternoon light.
Perfect for sharing at home or at school, ‘Granny and Bean’ is simply delightful!
Granny and Bean
Karen Hesse, illustrated by Charlotte Voake
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529510041