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.
Fly, Butterfly, Fly!
I love the ‘Wild Wanderers’ series by Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou. Beautifully illustrated, each uses lyrical language to draw attention to the wonders of its subject. This book focuses on butterflies- the Cabbage White, in particular. Feeling herself too plain when compared to her more colourful cousins, she embarks on a journey, allowing the reader to accompany her around the world.
In each location, we meet butterflies who live there and learn about their natural beauty and the difficulties and dangers they experience. Back home, the Cabbage White’s colour allows her, unseen, to lay her eggs on the leaves of the cabbages ‘pebbling the fields all around’, completing the life cycle as they say ‘crawl, Caterpillar, crawl’ to her young.
I know I’m getting old, but my childhood memories are not only full of hot summers, but full of butterflies. Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, Small Tortoiseshells, Common Blues seemed to fill the gardens and hedgerows. Now, each sighting of one of these mini-marvels is a moment of celebration and so this book offers a wonderful way of introducing young readers to the different species which can be found across the world, hopefully sparking interest and developing a genuine concern for their well-being.
The descriptive, poetic language is a pleasure to read aloud and is a perfect starting point for further discovery. The use of Kennings- foot-taster, proboscis-drinker- draws attention to specific details whilst other phrases celebrates the beauty of the butterfly, but the whole text is full of information about these fascinating creatures. Each illustration is full of things to notice and explore and the book ends with a section on ‘Butterfly Facts’, an excellent starting point for discovering more. I look forward to finding out what Dom chooses to focus on next- or was ‘Crawl, Caterpillar, Crawl’ a clue?!
Fly, Butterfly, Fly!
Dom Conlon, illustrated by Anastasia Izlesou
Graffeg ISBN: 978-1802580785
You can read my review of ‘Grow, Tree, Grow!’ here, ‘Blow, Leap, Hare, Leap!’ here and ‘Swim, Shark, Swim!’ here.
Grow, Tree, Grow!
Oak grows taller each year, offering shelter and nourishment for hundreds of different creatures and plants. A section on ‘Tree Facts’ at the end of the book, offers fascinating facts about oaks and other trees, combining non-fiction with Dom’s poetic story.
‘Grow, Tree, Grow!’ depicts the life cycle of a tree from its first shoot to mighty oak to its decay. It explores the essential role it plays in the ecosystem- how it supports life and it needs the sun and the earth- as well as the impact of humans on forests, making it perfect for including in science lessons as well as for inspiring discussions.
Dom’s writing is beautifully lyrical. His use of kennings, alliteration, assonance, simile, personification make it a joy to read aloud and perfect for sharing. Anastasia’s vivid illustrations capture each scene, offering plenty of details to notice and encourage further discussion.
This is the fifth book in the ‘Wild Wanderers’ series (someone has ‘borrowed’ my copy of ‘Shine, Star, Shine!’) and forthcoming titles include ‘Fly, Butterfly, Fly!’ and ‘Flow, Water, Flow!’. These books make an excellent addition to bookshelves everywhere as they can be enjoyed by children (and adults!) of all ages.
Grow, Tree, Grow! Dom Conlon, illustrated by Anastasia Izlesou
Graffeg ISBN: 978-1802580761
Fletcher and the Rockpool
Fletcher and his mum are heading for the beach. Whilst playing in the sea and on the beach, Fletcher finds a rock pool, full of plants and sea life. As he watches, he notices that the water is disappearing and immediately runs to the sea with his bucket in an attempt to keep the creatures and plants covered in water. Can he manage to save the day?
Gentle and tender-hearted, Fletcher’s concern for the well-being of others is a true joy. In this story, his attempts to save the creatures of the rock pool end well as when he wakes in the morning, he finds the pool full of water and life once more. The story is perfect for teaching children about the rise and fall of the sea level and how these tidal movements are caused, but it is also the perfect read for a day at the beach when children might be encouraged to look at - but not disturb- the contents of a rock pool. The care Fletcher shows for Little Crab (a creature he rescues) offers an excellent starting point for discussing the care we should all show for living creatures, returning them to their natural habitat as soon as and as safely as we can.
Each spread is beautifully illustrated in Tiphanie Beeke’s softly glowing style familiar from the previous stories about Fletcher. Each is a work of art, perfectly complementing Julia Rawlinson’s lyrical text and sure to inspire children to paint seaside pictures of their own.
A lovely addition to the series, ‘Fletcher and the Rockpool’ is the perfect summer read!
Fletcher and the Rockpool Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
Graffeg ISBN: 978-1914079320
