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, Imagination Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Imagination Sue Wilsher

Cloud Boy

Whenever Bobby gets distracted, he starts to float. He wants to pay attention like others, but there are so many things which draw his notice that he finds this really hard. In an attempt to help him, family and friends come up with a solution. But being tied to the ground only makes Bobby feel empty and unlike himself so maybe there is another solution…

I empathise with Bobby so much! So easily distracted, my mind floats away just like Bobby does in this lovely story. ‘Cloud Boy’ encourages readers to reflect on what makes everyone unique and the importance of being true to yourself.

Bobby’s imagination allows him to float off, pondering unanswered questions, wondering about little things, picturing, puzzling and dreaming. The story shows the importance of respecting how others view things, their pace of life, the very quirks and foibles which make them who they are and taking time to adapt to and respect these. Although they were trying to help him and were acting with the best intentions, Bobby’s family and friends find they are most supportive when they experience things from his point of view.

The story is beautifully illustrated with plenty to explore, enjoy and discuss on every page. ‘Cloud Boy’ would make an excellent story to use for an assembly, story time, PSHE lesson or for cuddling up with!

Cloud Boy

Greg Stobbs

OUP ISBN: 978-1382054904

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Picture Book, Art, Positivity, Perseverence, Creativity Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Art, Positivity, Perseverence, Creativity Sue Wilsher

The Boy who Painted the World

Once, a boy found a blank book. Stumbling inside, he soon made a mess- but a friendly paint brush helped him to see that he could transform the splodges into…a messy-a-saurus, wobbly squares into… robots, and circ-angles into…birds! All the boy’s ‘mistakes’ turned into amazing pictures as he and the paint brush mixed a little confidence with a lot of imagination to prove that mistakes open a world of possibilities!

What a brilliant book! Faced with a world which demands a very limited view of ‘perfection’ at every turn, we need more and more books like this which encourage creativity and exploration and show that ‘mistakes’ are merely happy accidents or starting points.

Whatever his previous experiences, the little boy in the story has obviously been left feeling that he is no good at art. ‘I always make a big mess,’ he says apologetically to the paint brush, ‘I’m not very neat.’ Whether he has been told directly or he has gleaned it from comments about his or others’ work, he has learned that neatness and careful lines are things which make an artist and that his work falls short. However, with paint brush’s guidance, he starts to enjoy himself, not worrying about how ‘perfect’ his work is, but relishing the fact that it is fun! Isn’t this what art - or any hobby-should be all about?

Offering a wonderful starting point for creative projects- suggestions for some projects are included at the end- the book also allows for discussions about the importance of having a go, perseverance and (most of all) having fun! Although the theme of the story relates this to art, its message-there’s no such thing as a mistake, just a world of possibilities!- can be applied to anything from maths lessons to riding a bike, from karate to learning to play the piano! ‘The Boy who Painted the World’ is sure to become a firm favourite with teachers, parents and carers as they share its wonderfully positive and empowering message with the children they care for!

The Boy who Painted the World

Tom McLaughlin

OUP ISBN: 978-0192785343

Published 4th July 2024

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Godfrey is a Frog

From tiny egg to tadpole, from froglet to frog, Godfrey undergoes some amazing changes. Eventually, he hops onto a lily pad and waits to see what changes will occur next…but nothing happens. Looking at the other animals, he feels that they are all much cooler than he is and that he is just a boring old frog. Fed up, he sinks to the bottom of the pond. Here, he meets some of the other inhabitants of the pool and finds that they see him in a different light. Perhaps being a frog isn’t so bad after all!

What’s not to love about this one?! Fabulous illustrations, deadpan humour, a heartfelt message about loving who you are and the lifecycle of a frog all combine to create a joyful book which is sure to become a central part of many story times and bed time story sessions!

The illustrations are both adorable and incredibly clever. Slight changes in some picture indicate the passing of time whilst emphasising the fact that Godfrey himself has not changed. Others indicate Godfrey’s changing feelings by his different expressions. These are details which children love to ponder over and can form the basis of so much discussion and develop their visual and emotional literacy as well as their empathy for others. The story would make the perfect starting point for PSHE lessons, circle times or assemblies. Sharp eyed readers are sure to notice the illustration on the title page where Godfrey looks at his reflection, a confused jumble of all the possible ‘improved’ versions of Godfrey, an excellent place to start converstations!

Showing how we often don’t appreciate in ourselves things which others recognise, the story paves the way for many conversations, not only about valuing yourself, but of the importance of carefully worded compliments offered to others. Godfrey is quick to notice Bear’s ‘cracking claws’ and Minnow’s ‘fantastic fins’ yet doesn’t value his own strong legs or long tongue, but a few thoughtful comments make him think about and value the things which make him who he is. We shouldn’t need affirmation from others to value ourselves, but positivity breeds positivity! The only thing which needs to change about Godfrey is the way he feels about himself.

The story also shows the life cycle of a frog which is reiterated through a spread at the end of the book and brings me back to the magic, wit and charm of the illustrations which accompany this story. Godfrey will steal hearts, make everyone laugh- and hopefully help readers realise that they are pretty fantastic just as they are!

Godfrey is a Frog

Alex Latimer

OUP ISBN: 978-0192789006

Published 4th July 2024

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The Dolls’ House

One day, when Mia and her mother are walking back to their new house, she spots a worn, uncared for dolls’ house sitting on the side of the road. Mia falls in love with it and takes it home where she paints it sunshine yellow. The house soon attracts other children who come to play with it all summer long. Just one child watches from across the street, resisting Mia’s friendly gestures. When a storm comes, the dolls’ house is damaged, but help and kindness soon arrive from a surprising quarter.

This joyful story is a wonderful celebration of play, friendship and kindness! Perfect for sharing, the book offers much to enjoy. I love the idea of an old, discarded, shabby toy finding a new lease of life in the hands of a creative, imaginative child and her joy in it spreading to other children, forming bonds of friendship. In such a throwaway world, this idea of valuing and re-inventing toys is an important one to nurture.

Not only does the story explore how important imaginative play is and how creative children can be, it also shows how the shy child who perhaps finds it hard to be part of a group will shine given the right situation. Marley (the child from over the road) shows true kindness and understanding when Mia needs a friend, kindness which she returns by sharing her precious toy.

The illustrations are lovely, full of details to explore and things to spot. The range of dolls which the children bring to join in the fun can be seen in the different pictures, the expressions on their faces changing almost as if they were alive and responding to the events of the story! Children may well enjoy telling the tale from the point of view of their favourite character- or creating stories about the dolls in their new home. The book had me itching to create a dolls’ house from cardboard boxes as we used to do when my son was little and I am sure that I will not be alone in this! Like the children in the story, with lots of creativity and a pinch of imagination, lots of furniture and accessories will be created from whatever can be found, making the venture all the more fun!

A really lovely story!

The Dolls’ House

Tanya Rosie, illustrated by Claudia Ravalli

OUP ISBN: 978-0192783899

Published on the 7th March

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Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch

Croaky Hopper is a fearless frog, desperate to follow in the hops of his TV hero, Tennessee Toad. When he joins the Woggle Scouts, he meets Sheena the mouse and Winston the puffin and is whisked off on his first adventure, Camping in Crystal Creek National Park. However, Croaky soon discovers that the real reason they are there is to search for a Sasquatch and the real adventure begins…

Full of humour and fun, ‘Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch’ is exactly the sort of book my son would have loved when he was younger! Engaging from the very first page, it offers adventure, lots of laughs and a very endearing main character, all enhanced by plentiful, lively illustrations. The text is bold and clear, standing out even against some of the stronger coloured backgrounds and presented in achievable chunks. There are also sections presented in the comic book style, making this a fabulous hybrid of graphic and early novel, sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.

Croaky is a wonderful character. Due to his longing for adventure, Croaky has struggled to make friends, but with in Woggle Scouts, he has found Sheena, a highly organised, badge-loving, clever mouse and the leader of the pack, former adventurer, Winston the puffin. He is a bit impetuous, but he is brave and kind and determined, completing the perfect adventuring team!

At the end of the book, the reader is able to ‘earn’ a pathfinder and looker badge by completing activity pages. Croaky is sure to become a huge favourite and, as this is the first of a series, have everyone looking forward to his next adventure!

Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch

Matty Long

OUP ISBN: 978-0192785183

Published 7th March

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Blog Tour, Fiction, Younger Readers Sue Wilsher Blog Tour, Fiction, Younger Readers Sue Wilsher

Blog Tour: Emerald and the Ocean Parade

The ‘Isadora Moon’ books are incredibly popular with children at school and for good reason. These charming stories are beautifully presented, in books the perfect size for little hands with sparkly covers, full of lovely illustrations in pink and black. Isadora is half-vampire and half-fairy- special because she is different. Readers were then introduced to her cousin, Mirabelle, whose books are purple and black. Mirabelle is half-witch and half-fairy- and very naughty!

In ‘Isadora Moon Under the Sea’, Isadora meets a mermaid called Emerald (and we learn how she and Inkibelle, her pet octopus first meet)- and ‘Emerald and the Ocean Parade’ is the first book in a new series with a green and black theme!

Emerald is learning how to be a mermaid princess, but she doesn’t feel like one at all. Her graceful new step-sister, Princess Delphina, makes it look very easy, but Emerald doesn’t seem to be able to do anything right. But Emerald has wonderful friends, a loving family and the perfect pet, her octopus, Inkibelle. She realises the importance of being herself and doing things her own way.

Scallop City, where Emerald lives, is shown in a map (who doesn’t love a map?!) at the beginning of the book, setting the scene for the story. The language used is full of sea references which really help to build Emerald’s world- crisp- kelp, sea-flower floss, sea-crunch cereal- and the plentiful illustrations show her on her journey to becoming a princess in her own special way. There are many lovely details like air bubbles edging the text which really help to build the under water setting of the story.

At the end of the book is the selection of activities and things to make which (I know from first hand experience) are very popular with young readers. There is also a sneak peek at Emerald’s next adventure, ‘The Sea Sprites’, a reassuring clue that there will be more stories about this mermaid princess to come.

The fact that each of these characters is linked is a brilliant idea, allowing children to have their favourite ‘world’ as well as the familiarity of style and format which they obviously enjoy. Although aimed at younger readers, I have known Year 6s devour these books, romping their way through the series with great pleasure. There is also a very satisfying feeling to having the collection lined up on a shelf!

Many thanks to the lovely people at OUP for asking me to take part in this tour and for the lovely box of goodies. The biscuit looks too good to eat!

‘Emerald and the Ocean Parade’ is out TODAY- World Book Day!

Emerald and the Ocean Parade Harriet Muncaster

OUP ISBN: 978-0192783974

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Blog Tour, 35th Anniversary Sue Wilsher Blog Tour, 35th Anniversary Sue Wilsher

Blog Tour: Winnie the Witch 35th Anniversary

I cannot believe that it is 35 years since the publication of this wonderful book! One of my all-time favourites, I have enjoyed sharing not only this, but many of, the Winnie and Wilbur stories both as a teacher and as a parent and am proud to say that I have quite a collection of their adventures.

I started teaching many years ago before things like SATs and Ofsted existed. Teaching was mainly through topics which embraced everything except English and Maths and there was an expectation that each class would ‘put on’ an assembly for parents which reflected the work their children had been doing. When I realised that my topic was ‘Colour’, I knew that I would be using ‘Winnie the Witch’ as inspiration for my Year 3 class. Lots of science, art and storytelling was involved- and everyone had great fun! I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Winnie the Witch’ and wish Winnie and Wilbur a very happy birthday with many more to come!

Thirty-five years on, this story has truly stood the test of time with Korky Paul’s amazing illustrations bringing as much joy to children now as they did when it was first published. Full of details and humour, they help to tell this tale of a witch who lived in a black house with a black cat, the trouble this caused and how the situation was happily resolved. This anniversary edition opens with a note each from Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul, the creators of Winnie and Wilbur. At the end, there are magical memories from both Winnie and Wilbur, captioned pictures showing their many adventures together as well as a glimpse behind the scenes at how Winnie and Wilbur are brought to life! This is the perfect (or purr-fect!) present for any fan of these stories, old or young, sure to continue bringing pleasure for many years to come.

With Hallowe’en just around the corner, this book makes a brilliant theme for a party or for a book event at school or for a party simply to celebrate the 35th birthday of this fabulous book. Here are a few ideas for some possible activities to enjoy!

A beautiful black cat with bright green eyes, Wilbur makes a purr-fect pompom pet! Using a medium sized pompom maker (or homemade ones from circles of card), firmly wrap black wool around each section. Do this as evenly and as fully as possible to make the best pompom. Tightly tie the pompom off around the middle leaving two reasonably long tails of wool and then tie another strand of wool around the middle of the pompom so that there are three longish strands altogether. Plait these pieces of wool to create Wilbur’s tail, cutting and tying it off to the required length. Next, cut two eyes from green felt and use a black marker pen to add the pupils. Take a black pipe cleaner and bend one end into a ‘v’ shape which gives Wilbur the size of ears you feel he should have and cut this off. Cut a second matching ear from the rest of the pipe cleaner. In pink felt, cut a nose shape and use more lengths of pipe cleaner to create whiskers. Glue all the pieces in place to make your own Wilbur!

Colour changing potion can be created using read cabbage water! We did this as part of our assembly and had great fun with it! Chop some read cabbage into small pieces. Put these into a saucepan and cover with water. Boil for about 15 minutes, leave to cool and then carefully strain the water off into a jar or bowl. (The cabbage can be eaten!)

The red cabbage water will act as an indicator, changing colour as other substances are added depending on whether these are acid or alkaline. Divide the red cabbage water between some see through containers and then try adding different amounts of bicarbonate of soda or vinegar to each. Acids like vinegar will make the cabbage water turn pink whilst the alkaline bicarbonate of soda will make it turn bluey-green. Adding more or less of the substance will affect how deep the colour is. You could try also soap, lemon juice, washing up liquid…any other (safe!) substances which are acidic or alkaline.

Use colour filters to change Wilbur’s colour. For this, you will need an anglepoise lamp and some colour filters- pieces of cellophane or plastic wallets work well. You can also use torches.

Draw Wilbur on a piece of white paper (I know my picture is awful- I am no artist!!) Shine the lamp onto the picture and then hold one the colour filters in in front of the light changing Wilbur’s colour. Play around with combining the filters and seeing how Wilbur’s colour changes. There is plenty of scientific theory to discuss here- but it’s not necessary to understand this to have fun with it. Children could make Winnie and Wilbur puppets and act out the story using the lighting to help tell the story- or create their own!

It goes without saying that adults should be on hand to guide and support for any of these activities!

There are so many ways to celebrate this delightful story, starting (of course!) with sharing it. Huge congratulations to Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul for the success of their creations - and all best wishes for another 35 years of Winnie and Wilbur!

Many thanks to the lovely people at OUP for inviting me to take part in this tour.

Winnie the Witch 35th Anniversary Edition

Valerie Thomas, illustrated by Korky Paul

OUP ISBN: 978-0192784728

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Picture Book, Friendship Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Friendship Sue Wilsher

Move Mountain

Mountain has never seen the sunrise. Although the sun’s rays touched the hills around him with light and colour, he always remained in the shade whilst the sun rose behind his back. When he shares his feelings with Bird, she asks everyone to help. In spite of their best efforts, Mountain still cannot see the sunrise; however, Bird has a clever idea…

‘Move Mountain’ is a lovely story about friendship and kindness. Being a true friend, Bird is determined to help Mountain with his wish and quickly enlists the other animals to help her. Having tried to move Mountain so he can see, they use words to describe the sunrise and then music, but neither of these ideas work, leading them to use their imaginations and get creative! Mountain still might not be able to see the sunrise, but the kindness of his friends has made him feel warm and loved. There is so much here to discuss and enjoy with children, particularly exploring how being thoughtful can make a huge difference!

The story could also be used to inspire work in school. The play on words- being ‘moved’ emotionally rather than physically as well as the phrase ‘to move mountains’- could be used to start a collection of idioms and expressions in English- and other languages if possible-, encouraging children to explore this use of language. Children could also use words and music to describe a sunrise (or anything!) for each other and perhaps look at pieces by artists, poets and musicians inspired by such events.

The illustrations are lovely, full of life and colour. Mountain, for all his size, has such a gentle face, expressing so much character!

Move Mountain

Corrinne Averiss, illustrated by Greg McLeod

OUP ISBN: 978-0192778666

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Picture Book, Friendship, NSSM Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Friendship, NSSM Sue Wilsher

The Friendship Bench

Tilly has just moved to a house by the sea where she plays on the beach with Shadow, her dog, and Mummy. When it’s time to start her new school, Tilly is on her own and surrounded by strangers. Her teacher suggests she sits on the Friendship Bench at playtime, but there is already somebody sitting there…

Each book by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus sensitively explores feelings in a way in which young children can understand and empathise with. Moving house and/or school is such a significant event at any time of life, but for some children, particularly those who are quiet or shy, it can be really difficult. Friendship benches are a lovely idea, but children need to be ‘taught’ how to use them and encouraged to extend the hand of friendship to others. When Tilly finds Flint already sitting on the bench, she doesn’t realise that he is also looking for a new friend; however, their joint desire to ‘fix’ the bench means that friendship blossoms naturally. Wendy Meddour’s text is a delight, full of lovely description- ‘…a new home by the splash and curl of the sea’…’the seagulls swung in the air.’… making it a joy to read aloud.

This heart-warming story is accompanied by Daniel Egneus’s gorgeous illustrations. These are full of gentle humour and joy as Tilly finds her new friend. It is lovely to see a kindly male teacher working with little children as well. This is a real must have for every classroom!

The Friendship Bench Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egneus

OUP ISBN: 978-0192777331

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Picture Book, Shapes, Problem solving Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Shapes, Problem solving Sue Wilsher

One More Try

When Circle sees the squares and the hexagons building a tower, he suggests to his friends that they try to make one too. However, Circle and his friends have different properties which make it really tricky for them. They try becoming stronger and smarter, but nothing seems to help. When the other shapes are ready to give up, Circle is determined to have one more try. There must be a way…

‘One More Try’ is a brilliant story, showing the importance of determination, problem solving and resilience. When faced with the fact that they are not naturally formed for tower building, Circle makes a number of suggestions for things the group should try and although these ideas help, the other shapes become disheartened. Children will love to see how Circle continues to ponder the problem and realises that looking at it from a different angle is what is needed, offering plenty to discuss. Older children might try to think of other possible solutions to this problem, perhaps working as a team challenge with actual shapes. They might also like to write their own stories about a problem one of the shapes has to solve- perhaps involving a mathematical concept!

The story also links perfectly with work in maths. From the names and properties of simple shapes to concepts like tessellation or perimeter with older children, these colourful characters would engage children with these activities. The illustrations are so engaging and are wonderful for encouraging children to create their own shape pictures/ characters by printing, making rubbings, painting, collaging… so many possibilities!

Another wonderful book from the brilliant team which created ‘A Perfect Fit’!



One More Try Naomi Jones, illustrated by James Jones

OUP ISBN: 978-0192779014

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