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.

Picture Book, Manners, Being considerate, Humour Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Manners, Being considerate, Humour Sue Wilsher

Hank Goes Honk

Hank the goose spends a lot of his time being obnoxious. His selfish behaviour and unpleasant manners upset others and mean that Hank can get lonely. So, he decides to change his ways and learn how to be an im-PECK-able goose, but it’s not as easy as it seems!

Published just in time for back to school week, ‘Hank Goes Honk’ is absolutely perfect for school assemblies and class discussions with children of all ages as well as for sharing at home! The text uses the words ‘obnoxious’ and ‘considerate’, clearly explaining what they mean and giving examples of Hank’s behaviour to demonstrate whilst the illustrations clearly show the impact of his actions on those around him. There are so many moments where children will naturally want to pause to discuss Hank’s behaviour, offering the perfect opportunity to develop empathy with the other characters. The impulse for Hank to pop Bunny’s balloon is sure to resonate with many little ones and the story gently shows the affect this has, not only on Bunny, but also on Hank.

One of the best things about the story is that Hank does not instantly become a saint. He tries really hard, but somehow the big, red balloon is just too much for him. This results in his becoming very frustrated with himself, but the story makes it clear that this does not mean that he is irredeemable. This again is a really important point to discuss with children- a one off incident can happen to anyone- support and encouragement is what is needed, not condemnation and shaming!

The illustrations are wonderful with so much to notice and enjoy. I love the little caretaker mouse who spends most of the book scurrying round tidying up after Hank- I feel there is a whole book yet to be written about him! There are so many little details to enjoy which add plenty of humour to Hank’s tale and I’m sure many will want to meet his high five to congratulate him on his improved behaviour!

Full of gentle humour, ‘Hank Goes Honk’ is perfect for encouraging children to be kind and considerate to others.

Hank Goes Honk

Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801046527

Published 5th September 2024

You can read my review of ‘The Christmas Department Store’ by Maudie Powell-Tuck here and ‘No Sleep for Bear’ by Duncan Beedie here which also has links to reviews of some of his other books.

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Picture Book, Christmas Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Christmas Sue Wilsher

The Christmas Department Store

It’s Christmas Eve, but Benji doesn’t feel very festive. This year, his family can’t afford a tree or Christmas dinner and Benji wishes he could buy his family some spectacular presents to make them happy. When he is bowled over by a gigantic polar bear, Benji suddenly notices a magical department store where he is able to ‘buy’ the most wonderful gifts for his family in exchange for a silly song and an exceptional story. Benji leaves the department store feeling full of Christmas spirit, but on Christmas morning, he worries that the twisted trumpet for his sister, the imaginary hat for his grandmother and a jar full of the smell of feeling loved for his dad are terrible. But everyone’s smiles and joy soon reassure him that these are the perfect gifts to make his family feel loved.

At this time of year, we are bombarded with images of the ‘perfect’ Christmas with extensive decorations, endless supplies of food and lavish gifts. However, the reality is that many cannot afford this version of Christmas, leaving some children feeling anxious and sad that they are missing out. Christmas (and any other festival/ time of year) should be about the simple, but true things- being with those you love, sharing whatever you have, taking time to enjoy life- and this lovely picture book is a real reminder of this, sharing with the reader that you do not need lots of money or ‘things’ to have a wonderful Christmas.

The book offers the perfect starting point for creating home made gifts- things which are tailor made for those we love. The idea of the jars of smells is a beautiful one and although not possible to reproduce, could inspire a jar of things for someone- perhaps things found on a walk together, a planting jar with some seeds for a keen gardener, the ingredients for a cake or biscuits for a keen cook, little promises on pieces of paper for ways to help or quotes from poems or inspiring words.

The illustrations are full of joy, capturing the full range of Benji’s emotions before, during and after his visit to the Christmas Department Store. All the wonder and magic is beautifully shown, but so is the simplicity and love of Benji’s home. I love their Christmas tree which the family have drawn on pieces of paper and pinned up in a corner of the room- another excellent idea for some family fun!

Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for those who have lost someone and although it is never mentioned, the loss of Benji’s mother is implied by her absence and a family photo on the sideboard which shows her in a family group. This detail would also allow readers to empathise with the family and discuss personal loss (for whatever reason) should it be appropriate to their situation.

A wonderfully heartwarming story which leaves you glowing with love and hope!

The Christmas Department Store

Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Hoang Giang

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801040129

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