A Better Best Friend

One day, Squirrel finds a best friend, a mushroom called Pock. Together, they explore the forest, watch the leaves fall and although Pock doesn’t say much, having a best friend makes Squirrel very happy. But then Spring arrives bringing them a new friend, Moo, and Squirrel finds himself caught in a dilemma -who is his best friend? And then Gunther arrives…

Narrated by Squirrel, ‘A Better Best Friend’ explores what makes a ‘best’ friend and whether it is possible to have more than one. Full of charm and humour, it offers an excellent way to start conversations about friendship with children. Like many teachers, dealing with children who are hurt because their special friend wants to play with someone else is a common part of school life and sharing Squirrel’s quandary might well help to resolve things, encouraging them to widen their friendship group.

The book ends with a picture of the four friends playing a game of cards with the words ‘The (Better) End’ beneath, leaving the reader with an open-ended story perfect for conversations, role play and storytelling to help resolve- or not- Squirrel’s concern about having more than one ‘best’ friend and equally to consider the question from the other friends’ points of view.

Although the narrative is purely Squirrel’s, the wonderful range of expressions given speak volumes for how each character is feeling, giving each a distinctive personality. The dry humour of the text and the charming illustrations make this an engaging and thought-provoking book!

A Better Best Friend

Olivier Tallec, translated by Antony Shugaar

Gecko Press   ISBN: 978-1776575732

Published 1st May

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Blog Tour: When Dad’s Hair Took Off

Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the wonderfully original and highly entertaining ‘When Dad’s Hair Took Off’. Translated from German by Melody Shaw, the story is quirky and perfect for sharing and for newly-independent readers!

When Dad’s hair decides it is sick of hanging around on his head, it takes off on an adventure of its own! But Dad is not one to give up easily and sets off in hot pursuit of his missing locks, determined to track it down…

This is a wonderfully fast paced, hair-lairious story for early readers! The text is packed with playful puns and jokes whilst each of the colour illustrations is joyous, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy. Children will love trying to locate Dad’s hair in each picture, working out which marks on the page might- or might not - be the missing tresses.

As Dad’s hair escapes him and sets off on its travels, it sends dad postcards from the places it visits. Once again, theses will raise endless discussions about landmarks, locations and works of art and is may well inspire children to design and write their own postcards, adding to the journey taken by Dad’s hair which could be plotted across the globe… ‘wish you were hair’ as it were!

Perfect for children with a whacky sense of humour- and their adults, of course!

When Dad’s Hair Took Off

Jorg Muhle, translated by Melody Shaw

Gecko Press ISBN: 978-1776575213

Many thanks to Gecko Press for inviting me to be part of this Blog Tour!

Kind Crocodile

When Crocodile leaves his pond, he finds himself called on for help by a series of animals fleeing danger. First comes a mouse, then a warthog, next an antelope and finally, a rhino. As each takes refuge on his back, Crocodile becomes overwhelmed and decides to teach them a lesson!

Simple text and gorgeous illustrations combine perfectly to convey this gently humorous tale about Kind Crocodile whose patience is tested to the limit. Each creature he saves rides proudly on his back, confident that the combination of crocodile’s sharp teeth and his fearsome ‘Grrrrr!’ will be enough to ward off danger. But none of them notice that Crocodile is flagging under their weight and when Rhino comes along, poor Crocodile is left flattened and speechless. Banding together, they see off the danger, boasting about their bravery and teamwork…until Crocodile decides enough is enough and gives them a good scare before they all make they way off together once more. The illustrations are just delightful and the text is both simple and satisfying enough to have little ones joining in!

The story offers plenty to chat about as children can empathise with how the characters are feeling- and how they make Crocodile feel. Children are sure to be tempted to draw Crocodile and his friends as well - and perhaps create stories about the adventures which they set off to share together! This is sure to become a firm favourite!

I would have loved to have been able to hear Leo Timmers speak at Oxford Literary Festival tomorrow as I love his artwork, but sadly, this is not possible! Perhaps next year…

Kind Crocodile Leo Timmers

Gecko Press ISBN: 978-1776574704

You can read my review of ‘Elephant Island’ here.

Free Kid to Good Home

When a little girl meets her baby brother, Daichan, she is less than impressed. She thinks he looks ‘just like a potato’ and blames him for her parents not seeming to want her around any more. Determined to find a better family, she gets herself a box and using her best handwriting, write ‘Free Kid’ on the front. Nothing she does seems to attract new parents, but she is soon joined by a dog, a kitty and a turtle who are also looking for a new home. When they all find somewhere new to live and the little girl is on her own once more, her parents appear and say they are looking for an older sister for Daichan so she gives up being a stray kid to become a big sister for a little potato.

Full of gentle humour, ‘Free Kid to a Good Home’ is a delightful book exploring the anxiety many children feel when faced with a new sibling. Very accessible and appealing with comic style illustrations and minimal text, the story is perfect for encouraging children to think about and discuss welcoming a new addition to the family. I love how the parents handle the situation, allowing the little girl to feel she has been chosen and has had a say in becoming a sister to the ‘little potato’.

Hiroshi’s illustrations are wonderful. The facial expressions really capture a whole range of emotions and add to the humour of the story. Bold red touches on the black line drawings really stand out against the white background, perfectly accompanying the light-hearted text.

Free Kid to Good Home Hiroshi Ito

Gecko Press ISBN: 978-1776574513

Elephant Island

After a boisterous wave sank his boat, Arnold the elephant found himself shipwrecked on a tiny island. He called for help and eventually spotted a mouseboat coming to rescue him. Mouse is happy to help, but Arnold is too big and the mouseboat breaks. An old seadog and a crocodile also try to help and end up shipwrecked alongside them. Thanks to Arnold’s ingenuity, everyone stays safe- and they have such fun that soon everyone is setting course for Elephant Island…

As soon as I spotted ‘Elephant Island’, I knew it was one of those books which I had to have! Ever the optimist, Arnold makes the best of every situation that comes his way, turning each potential disaster into an opportunity to improve the island and making space for more fun! His determination and resilience are a thing of joy and his welcoming attitude is delightful.

Although on the surface this is a simple story, ‘Elephant Island’ could also be viewed as a modern day fable, full of messages and meaning, making it thought provoking as well as full of fun! The illustrations are exuberant, full of colour and humour, and so much to look at and enjoy. Even the end papers are lovely! The pictures allow plenty of opportunity for discussion and story telling as well as providing the inspiration for designing and drawing children’s own ideas for islands like Arnold’s.

A brilliant story for sharing!

Elephant Island Leo Timmers (English text by James Brown)

Gecko Press ISBN: 978-1776574346