The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk

Everybody is so used to avoiding the bad-tempered troll which lives in the cave that they forget all about it. Everybody except for one boy who is determined to reach out and make friends. The boy collects his chalks and draws a flower, leaving one petal uncoloured. The following day, he returns and finds the petal coloured in- yet still the troll will not leave the cave. Day-by-day he returns, leaving his drawings incomplete for the troll to finish. At last, the troll leaves the cave and is revealed to be a boy who joins in with the other children.

Thoughtful and sensitive, ‘The Boy, the Chalk and the Troll’ is a real celebration of patience, kindness and hope. Isolated and struggling, the ‘troll’ is obviously struggling with difficult emotions, acting in a way which rebuffs friendship. However, the little boy’s persistent, non-threatening approach, using art and creativity to gain trust, gradually builds a relationship which is non-demanding and understanding. The story is perfect for developing empathy and encouraging acceptance, making it excellent for PSHE or an assembly as well as story time.

David Litchfield’s illustrations capture the heart and spirit of the story perfectly. Teachers - and family- may choose to use the book as a starting point for collaborative art work, perhaps developing a mural or a playground chalking project to encourage older and younger children to develop supportive relationships, perhaps encouraging them to explore and discuss their own emotions.

Gentle and reassuring, ‘The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk’ is a poignant, powerful tale.

The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk

Anne Booth and David Litchfield

Templar ISBN: 978-1800783058

You can read my review of ‘A Shelter for Sadness’ here.

Peace on Earth

Poetic text and gorgeous illustrations combine perfectly to tell the beautifully expressed, deeply poignant message of this book. Two children meet and set off on a journey through glorious countryside. A wolf cub joins them as they reach a riverbank and meet another child in a boat who joins in their games as they explore and discover the wonders of the world. When they reach an island, however, discord begins, leading to a furious argument. Bravely, the girl from the boat seeks to intervene and brings the group back together again as they head home in harmony.

From the same perfect pairing which blessed us with ‘Rain Before Rainbows’, ‘Peace on Earth’ is a stunning book, not just for Christmas, but for any time of year. A note at the beginning says the book was inspired by words from Luke 2:14 in the King James version of the Bible- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men- but the theme here is a universal, all-encompassing one of love, understanding, empathy, tolerance and forgiveness. The text- really a poem- is a joy to read aloud with its beautiful cadence, the directness of the words conveying such intense feelings of joy, anger, sorrow and hope.

David Litchfield’s artwork enhances these words and is turn, enhanced by them. Playful happy scenes with dappled light through trees, sun sparkling on water or the many beauties of the natural world capture the harmony and ‘peace’ as the children play and explore together.

Peace on earth…Let friends be found!

Let laughter ring, let joy abound…

These scenes contrast with darker skies and looming shadows, the furious reds of volcanic eruption and evils serpents which appear as discord engulfs the children, dividing them. Once again, the vivid illustrations speak volumes whilst the text is clear and direct-

But sometimes words can hurt…and sting.

And fires rage and burn within.

It’s books like this one which make me pause and reflect on how lucky readers are to have them. The thought and personal investment in the work from both author and illustrator is a real gift, offering a book which is not only beautiful, but helps to untangle and acknowledge the complex range of emotions we experience - the good and the bad- and to offer resolution, hope, a way forward- this really is not just for Christmas!

As you might have guessed, I absolutely love this one and cannot recommend it highly enough for everyone, everywhere. ‘Peace on Earth’ is absolutely what we need right now.

Peace on Earth

Smriti Halls, illustrated by David Litchfield

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529507942

You can read my review of ‘Rain Before Rainbows’ here.

Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop

Nicky Claus lives with his three uncles, Louis, Hanz and Levi and has grown up helping with the family business- the Claus Brothers’ Toy Shop. In a mysterious room behind the shop, the three uncles work together to create the most wonderful, magical toys which every child wants. However, Nicky notices that there are children gazing in the shop windows who never come inside and one Christmas Eve, he decides to follow them. Eventually he comes to a big room, full of children, where Nicky meets a little girl called Lottie and learns why the children never enter the shop or have toys. Nicky vows that every single child in the city will be given a toy so they can feel happy.

With the help of his uncles, Nicky’s grand plan gets underway…

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this story! Offering a new version of how Father Christmas came to be, it embodies what the true spirit of the festive season should be, showing the importance of kindness, generosity of spirit, friendship and love. Children will delight in spotting the links between this story what they know of Father Christmas’s traditional customs as Nicky’s dream of sharing the toys with everyone comes true. The teacher in me can see all manner of possibilities for using the story as a key text to support work in English as it offers so many possibilities for inspiring writing as well as being perfect for developing empathy and understanding. The story also lends itself to sparking so much art work… I feel the need to start planning, but above all, this is a glorious story to snuggle down with and share!

The illustrations are everything we have come to expect from David Litchfield. Glowing with warmth, there are so many details to notice and enjoy. The toy shop images have Dickensian Christmas feel to them, overflowing with traditional games and toys, the faces beaming with joy a clear contrast to those wistfully gazing at all the treasure out of their reach. I am no artist and so am constantly in awe of how David Litchfield uses light in his pictures- he manages to capture ‘snow light’, firefly light, moonlight…so many types of light giving different spreads different feelings.

The ending is just perfect with the illustrations once again adding to the tale. This is my new favourite Christmas story which I will be sharing at every opportunity!

Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop

David Litchfield

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711262935