Happy Holi!

Holi marks the birth of spring and the harvest that it brings.

May this bounty multiply. Greet one and all with…HOLI HAI!

Join in the excitement and fun as a family prepares for, and then celebrates, the festival of Holi. Chitra Soundar’s lively rhyming text really captures the joy of this special occasion and is a joy to read aloud.

The book offers plenty to discuss and share as the family cook treats, tidy up and create the coloured powders which they will use in their celebrations. A real sense of community and togetherness is conveyed as everyone gathers to join in the fun. Extra notes at the end of the book offer more information about the festival and a glossary is included to explain some of the terms used, invaluable for both home and school.

Vibrant illustrations fill every page with colour and life, making the book a visual treat. The meaning of the occasion and the delight involved in its observation are clearly conveyed through both text and pictures, meaning this is a book which will be shared again and again.

Chitra and Amberin’s considerable skills have also been used in ‘Garland of Lights, a Diwali story’ also from Bloomsbury.

Happy Holi!

Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Amberin Huq

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526642264

Out on the 13th February 2025

The Whale Watchers

It’s the first day of the summer holidays, but Finn is far from excited. His marine biologist mother is dragging him and his little brother, Jesse, off to wet, cold Scotland, so she can study the whales which live there. Finn has become increasingly anxious about plastic pollution in the oceans and is struggling with a growing sense of futility of his mother’s work or any action to save the planet. However, a chance encounter with a girl and her dog leads him into an adventure which proves everyone can make a difference.

This is the first novel published by Owlet Press. I am a great fan of their picture books as they always offer something a little different so had high expectations of ‘The Whale Watchers’- and I was not disappointed.

The story is successful in many ways. Firstly, it is a real love letter to whales. Bursting with information about these incredible creatures, there is so much for the reader to learn without even realising they are doing so. I had no idea, for example, of the essential role whales play in combatting climate change or that they re-distribute nutrients across the oceans. Additional information at the end of the book adds to that covered in the story and introduces the reader to the Moray Firth Dolphin and Whale Conservation Centre. There is even some advice from real life whale watchers.

The book also addresses the very genuine concerns many children have about the future of the planet. Finn embodies these feelings as he battles with the negative thoughts he has about plastic pollution and extinction, but ultimately, the story is full of hope. He comes to realise that every small action any of us makes combines with those of others, making a huge difference. The information section also includes practical advice for things children can do - real steps for change- offering them a sense of how they can contribute and make a difference.

Most importantly, ‘The Whale Watchers’ is a very readable and accessible story which children will both relate to and enjoy. The relationship between Finn and his brother is lovely and Jesse’s enthusiasm for whales is contagious. With lovely black and white illustrations by Amberin Huq throughout, the story is broken into achievable chapters, using a clear, easy to read font.

‘The Whale Watchers’ would make an excellent class story or engaging independent read.

The Whale Watchers Dougie Poynter, illustrated by Amberin Huq

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339548