The First Year

Nate is about to start secondary school. After a challenging final year at Primary, things seem to have settled for him and he is ready for a fun-filled summer before a fresh start in September. However, a new school brings new challenges- and some old. Avoiding Turner, conforming to endless rules and adapting to new teachers combined with a growing sense of distance between Nate and his brothers combine to unsettle him. And then, there’s a surprise reappearance in his life…

Writing the sequel to an incredibly popular book must be a daunting task. Reading such a sequel is hard enough- will the character maintain their personality? will they grow? will the plot be engaging or contrived? And most importantly, will it leave you with the same sense of awe and wonder as the first?

‘The Final Year’ made a huge impact on me - and on many children and adults who I have had the joy of discussing it with. In Nate, Matt managed to capture the very essence of many children I have taught over the years and really give them a voice. His extraordinary ability to do this continues in ‘The First Year’.

Starting secondary school is a massive change for children. Primary schools offer a far more secure, comforting environment, even for those who struggle with it, than the impersonal, large scale nature of secondary schools. For those already vulnerable and adrift, this can be completely overwhelming. Nate’s bond with Mr Joshua, the pull of the familiarity of his old school, the fact that his brothers are still there all combine to emphasise Nate’s sense of growing disaffection with his new school where he feels he is being labelled and judged. There is no empathy, no consideration for the turbulent emotions and confusion which might be colouring an individual’s life- and behaviour.

The seeming simplicity of the text belies the complexity of emotion and experience which the story explores. The power and poignancy in places is breath taking, making Nate’s continued story ever bit as engaging as it was in ‘The Final Year’. There is no doubting the skill of Matt’s writing- ‘The First Year’ is sure to gain just as many well deserved accolades as ‘the Final Year’.

The First Year

Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

Otter Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659606

You can read my review of ‘The Final Year’ here.

Boing! A Bouncy Book of Bugs

If it jiggles just a little

or its home is in the mud

or it wiggles down its middle…

oh indeed- it’s a bug!

Exuberant, energetic and engaging, ‘Boing! A Bouncy Book of Bugs’ not only offers a collection of twenty-four poems about insects, but plenty of fascinating facts as well.

All manner of insects are included from ants to moths, fireflies to bed bugs. Each spread is full of brightly coloured appealing illustrations which capture the mood and theme of the verse. Children are sure to admire the strength of the mighty dung beetle, be fascinated by the Elephant Tear Moth and perhaps learn to appreciate the ‘woefully under-appreciated’ wasp.

For teachers, the book offers great potential! Many of the poems here would make brilliant performance pieces for classes, individuals or pairs- ‘The Moth and the Moon’, for example, or ‘Boing!’- which (like many in the collection) is perfect for adding movements to! The variety of poetic forms used is great for introducing young children to some of the different styles which can be used and might also be used as models to inspire their own writing. ‘Me No Dragon’ shows how successfully Kennings can be used as a way of describing something. But above all, the poems are fun, sure to engage and be enjoyed!

Boing! A Bouncy Book of Bugs

James Carter, illustrated by Neal Layton

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659507

Squeak! Squawk! Roar! Amazing Animal Poems

‘Squeak! Squawk! Roar!’ is a vibrant collection of poems celebrating the diverse and wonderful world of animals. From elephants to mice, cobras to chimpanzees, there is much to enjoy in these pages.

With so many lovely poems, it is hard to select just one or two to highlight in a review! However, I have done my best… For a cat-lover like me, ‘A Cat’s Day In’ is an absolute delight, capturing the essence of a cat’s activities as it tip-toes on its ‘quilted paws’ with a ‘mew of indecision’. Of course, dog fans might prefer ‘A Dog’s View’ which follows! ‘A Cat’s Day In’ is a joy to read aloud- and would make a wonderful performance piece for a class! great fun, ‘A Wombat is a Non-Bat’ is a delicious bit of fun, highlighting all the endearing qualities of these lovely creatures and ‘Dance of the Penguins’ is a wonderful example of how a few, carefully chosen words can so vividly encapsulate an idea.

The poems are accompanied by charming illustrations, one of my favourites being the cheeky little hamster. The collection is perfect for dipping in and out of and many of the poems could enliven odd moments between lessons, be enjoyed at story time or linked to work on animals in the curriculum as well as inspiring children to create their own verses. Great fun!

Squeak! Squawk! Roar! Amazing Animal Poems

Kate Williams, illustrated by Hannah Asen

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659552

Publication date: 9th January

A Symphony of Stories

This companion volume to ‘Once Upon a Tune’ continues to share the joy of music and art, inspiring young readers to explore the world of classical music and the stories it tells. ‘A Symphony of Stories’ offers six stories, most ‘retold from the original tales which inspired the composer’ and each beautifully illustrated. It is a stunning celebration of creativity- a book to keep and treasure.

Mayhew’s passion for these pieces shines through in his introduction, the accompanying notes and, above all, his fabulous illustrations which are completely captivating. There are even suggested recordings for each piece included, making it easy for adults at home or at school to share the music with children whilst enjoying the stories. From a teacher's perspective, the book is perfect for enriching the curriculum: music appreciation lessons, assemblies, story times, art lessons- all these are more could be inspired by ‘A Symphony of Stories’, sprinkling a little much- needed creative joy into learning!

I particularly enjoy ‘The Sunken Cathedral’ by Debussy, based on the Breton legend of the city of Ys, and ‘The Butterfly Lovers’ by H Zhanhao and Chen Gang, perhaps because I was less familiar with them. The notes at the end of the book were really helpful, both for background and for ‘understanding’ the music. I hope James Mayhew continues to write more books like this- and ‘Once Upon a Tune’- breathing life and love into more musical stories.

A Symphony of Stories

James Mayhew

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659347

You can read my review of ‘Once Upon a Tune’ here.

Zooming the Zoo

‘Zooming the Zoo’ is packed full of a fabulous collection of poems, ranging from the light-hearted and humorous to those which are more poignant, using a range of poetic styles and techniques.

‘Poetry Rules’ is the opening poem of the collection, welcoming the reader with an understanding of the ‘rules’ of poetry- that there are none! It sets the tone for the joy which follows and is sure to appeal to poetry lovers and the poetry reluctant alike!

There are so many poems here worth commenting on. ‘Just Let Me Read’ is a real treat, celebrating the joy of books and reading for pleasure whilst ‘Learning to Walk’ offers excellent advice! ‘When You’re a Kid’ is great fun- sure to keep kids - and their teachers- giggling! And O agree wholeheartedly with ‘The Problem With Acrostics’!

But there are also plenty of poems which offer pause for thought. ‘Yellow Group’ breaks my teacher’s heart as each child should feel valued for any and all of their talents and not diminished by any perceived weaknesses. In ‘The First Time I Went to Scotland’, John shares a childhood memory which I’m sure will shock many, just as it shocked me! ‘If Somebody Hurts You’ is wonderfully empowering, a mantra to learn and share with everyone.

An excellent collection for home or school, ‘Zooming the Zoo’ is a treasure trove of poetic delight!

Zooming the Zoo

John Dougherty, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659217

You can read my review of ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’ here.

The Shape of Rainbows

‘The Shape of Rainbows’ is packed with wealth of poems which are prefect for sharing and performing, savouring and contemplating. There really is something for everyone to be found in these pages, all accompanied by Will Hughes’ witty illustrations.

Classes would have great fun performing poems like ‘Brother versus Sister’ and could easily be inspired to create addition ‘verses’, exploring comical opposites as the siblings bicker or creating their own versions using other opposing voices- perhaps cat and dog! ‘Fright’ is another poem which would work really well as a performance piece, encouraging children to consider the pitch, volume and pace of their performance as well as possible actions and effects they might choose to use! ‘Echo’ is another which would work well like this!

There are so many poems here which would make excellent models to inspire children to create their own poems and plenty which offer food for thought. There are those which help them to explore poetic techniques like ‘Metaphor Man’ and ‘Adam’s Apples’ which uses a mixture of alliteration and tongue twister, but above all the collection shares a love of language and word play which excites the imagination and engages the reader/ listener with the musical possibilities of poetry and the joy of expression through this medium. A must-have for every class and home bookcase!

The Shape of Rainbows

Neal Zetter, illustrated by Will HUghes

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659163

You can read my review of ‘When the Bell Goes’ here and ‘Scared?’ here.

NNFN2023: Water

Perfect for NNFN2023, ‘Water: Protect Freshwater to Save Life on Earth’ is an accessible, engaging read. Starting with the first water on Earth, each spread is full of attractive illustrations and has a ‘Face the Facts’ section which presents information as bullet points.

The book is packed with fascinating facts, clearly explained, like the difference between blue and green water or that rivers power about 17% of the world’s electricity. Stressing the importance of water to life on Earth, the information here does not shy away from the problems caused by pollution and climate change. Freshwater habitats, which are home to many creatures, are drying up, millions of people lack access to clean water across the planet and although points on both side of this argument are presented, using water power can cause damage to the natural world.

However, the book ends on a positive note, giving the reader ideas for how they can take action and use water wisely. Simple wells and taps are bringing clean water to villages in sub-Saharan Africa which gives girls a chance to go to school and women the chance to work, using rainwater to water plants, joining river clean-ups…lots of positive steps which are being, and can be, taken are highlighted and information about ‘Water Action Decade’ is included at the end of the book, inspiring readers to investigate further. This is a wonderful book which clearly and calmly encourages readers to consider the role played by water in our lives.

Water: Protect Freshwater to Save Life on Earth

Catherine Barr, illustrated by Christiane Engel

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1913074463

The Emerald Forest

Orangutan lives in an emerald forest, teeming with life. Here, she teaches her children what to eat and how to build a nest. But one day, a loud noise heralds the arrival of something new which threatens their lives and she is forced to take her family and flee…

With gorgeous illustrations and moving text, this is a very powerful, special picture book, perfect for sharing. Although it clearly shows the impact of deforestation on endangered species- indeed on all the creatures who inhabit the forest, the book ends on a note of hope, showing that there are people taking action, not able to reverse the destruction, but caring for the creatures whose homes have been lost.

The illustrations showing the colours and light of the Indonesian forest, capturing the very beauty of the natural world, are stunning, creating a stark contrast to the scenes of wanton destruction and chaos caused by man. These dramatic pictures perfectly complement the emotive, engaging text. The richness of vocabulary offers much to discuss and reflect upon and the illustrations demand empathy and action.

The book ends with information about orangutans and the threats they are under and offers links for readers to explore further and learn more. This is very useful for parents/ teachers/ other adults who might be sharing the book with younger children, helping them to be prepared for conversations and questions which the story is sure to generate.

A must-have for anyone who loves animals.

The Emerald Forest

Catherine Ward, illustrated by Karin Littlewood

Otter- Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074142

The Star Whale

Petr Horáček’s gorgeous illustrations are inspiring. Luminous colours glow from every spread as his artwork captures different creatures, habitats and ideas. It is almost impossible to chose a favourite as turning each page reveals new treasure to be lingered over and wondered at. Is it any wonder, then, that Nicola Davies took inspiration from his artwork and created the poems that accompany them?

‘Spider and Wind’ is set against a background in which Petr Horáček somehow manages to capture both the fragility and strength of these creatures and the ‘silver harp’ which they spin whilst the Furze Pig/Urchin/Hotchi Witchi emerges from a cascade of autumnal leaves as Nicola’s words lament how rarely these once-familiar creatures are now seen. In ‘Kingfisher’, Petr captures the ‘small glint of wonder’ in his painting as surely as Nicola does with her words.

For a teacher, there is so much here to inspire and develop creativity and curiosity. To catch sight of an illusive hedgehog, to identify the ‘puff of feathers’ that is a goldfinch, to discuss and discover the ‘names of a butterfly’ and their origins- to explore the wonders of the world and then try to capture something of their essence through art and word- this is a book bursting with potential! However, it is also a book to linger over and to love, to curl up with and dream, to share again and again and again…

The Star Whale

Nicola Davies and Petr Horáček

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659095

The Final Year

As Nate heads into his final year of primary school, he is ready for anything with his best friend, PS, by his side. However, they are put into different classes and PS develops a friendship with Turner, the school bully, leaving Nate struggling to make sense of things. When his youngest brother, Dylan, is rushed into hospital, Nate feels as if his life is spiralling out of control and his anger is rising.

Matt Goodfellow is a stunning poet, well known for his beautifully crafted, often poignant work, which is highly relatable. In ‘The Final Year’, he has brought all his skill with language to create a very powerful verse novel which is sensitive and incredibly relevant.

Nate could be one of any number of boys - or girls- who I have taught. His homelife, though loving, is chaotic. He and his two brothers have different fathers and, as the oldest, Nate carries plenty of the responsibility for caring for them. He has had support to control his anger- The Beast- which overcomes him at times and he has developed a range of techniques to help with this yet still it lurks within him. He is sensitive and caring, a loyal friend, a loving son and brother. Matt has captured all of this with great skill, creating a very recognisable ‘real’ character who inspires empathy in the reader. Where some other writers might come across as patronising, Matt’s portrayal shows genuine understanding and compassion.

School and teachers are often condemned in stories, reduced to stereotypes and showing the system at its worst. Here, Nate’s teacher, Mr Joshua, is shown as a more rounded figure. He only gets cross when he needs to, sings all the time and notices Nate when he (Nate) needs to feel seen, nurturing his love of reading and words, offering him an outlet for his emotions. Mr Joshua (like many of us) tells his class there are more important things in life than SATs, that they should just do their best, and when Nate needs him, is right there. It is a thoughtful portrayal of a caring teacher, striving to do their best for their class and I am sure Matt has drawn on his personal experience to create this.

Told in the present tense, the story feels even more authentic because dialect has been used consistently and accurately throughout. This is Nate’s voice and you can almost feel the places he breathes whilst he tells you his story. In places, his pain is so raw, so real, all captured by Matt’s beautiful words.

‘The Final Year’ is illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton and the proof copy I have read shows a mixture of finished pieces and rough artwork for the story. These draw perfectly on the emotions of the text, capturing Nate’s feelings as he navigates his final year at primary. I can’t wait to see the joy of a finished copy!

There are a million more things which I could say about this incredible book- the skilful use of ‘Skellig’, the carefully observed friendship spilt, the essential role of libraries, the sensitive portrayal of Nate’s mum, the ending… but I just suggest people read it and get it into the hands of children who will see themselves and feel understood, recognised and valued. More books like this are needed.

The Final Year

Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659040

Out on the 7th September 2023

Pause for Poetry: Selfies with Komodos

Brian Moses is one of our best-known, best-loved children’s poets whose abundance of poems are read, enjoyed, performed and shared everywhere! His website is a treasure trove of ideas for writing poems, sure to tempt even the most metrophobic amongst us and the perfect place for teachers to find inspiration for their classes. His latest collection, ‘Selfies with Komodos’, has something for everyone.

‘Lost in a Book’ is a wonderful poem, perfect for teachers to share with classes and inspire the creation of their own versions, exploring stories which they know and love whilst discussing the joy that can be found by being ‘lost in a book’. ‘Librarians’ is another moment of joy, celebrating the essential role they play.

Some of the poems are accompanied by notes, offering additional explanation or information to help the reader understand them. For example, Brian explains where the inspiration for ‘The Sea’s Ghosts’ came from- a wonderfully atmospheric piece- and offers the definition of ‘flip-flop words’. So many of these poems would make brilliant models for children to create their own and encourage a love of word play and experimentation.

There are humorous poems, thought-provoking poems, ‘silly’ poems…so much to love! Packed with fun illustrations by Ed Boxall, this is an essential collection for home- school- everywhere!

Selfies With Komodos Brian Moses, illustrated by Ed Boxall

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1913074098

Published 19th January

Please, Mr Magic Fish

Jack catches a fish which, much to his surprise, speaks to him offering to grant a wish in exchange for his freedom. When he tells his wife, Liz, about the encounter, she is furious with him as he didn’t make a wish when he had the chance. Together, they go in search of the fish and it grants them their wish. Initially grateful, the couple soon return to ask the fish for more and once again, the fish complies. Soon dissatisfied with the fish’s generosity, they return again to the shore and although the sea is stormy, the fish once again grants their request- but they fail to thank him. Content for only a day, the pair call the fish once more and it rises from a boiling dark sea to listen to their demands. This time, they turn to see all as it once was and they never saw the magic fish again.

In ‘Please, Mr Magic Fish’, Jessica Souhami offers a lively re-telling of the traditional tale, ‘The Fisherman and his Wife’, made popular in Europe in the 19th century by the Brothers Grimm. The story warns of the dangers of greed and reminds the reader of the importance of being grateful as traditionally the couple in the story are left with nothing. However, in her version, Jessica offers the couple a more hopeful ending. In a note at the end, she says that she has sympathy with Jack and Liz who are worn down by their poverty and get carried away when offered the chance of something better and wanted the ending to offer them hope- and it does! The story- and Jessica’s note- is sure to encourage discussion about this tale, challenging the stereotypical roles given to the man- hen-pecked fool- and his wife -nagging harridan- in the original. Children might enjoy exploring and sharing other versions of this story from around the world as well.

The story is a joy to read aloud with the repetitive phrases making it perfect for joining in with. Children will also enjoy seeing the fish’s rising fury reflected in the colour and texture of the sea whilst the couple seem blissfully oblivious of the effect they are having on it. The illustrations are full of colour and life, making the book instantly appealing and a welcome addition to any bookshelf.

Originally published in hardback in 2018, ‘Please, Mr Magic Fish’ is now available in paperback.

Please, Mr Magic Fish Jessica Souhami

Otter-Barry Books

ISBN: 978-1910959183 (hardback) 978-1913074111 (paperback)

Meet Laura Mucha

Today, I delighted to be joined by one of the most joyful people I know- poet, Laura Mucha, whose poetry book, ‘Dear Ugly Sisters and other poems’ won the NSTBA poetry category in 2021. This collection has proved incredibly popular with teachers and children alike. As well as contributing to various collections, Laura has also collaborated with two of my other favourite children’s poets on the wonderful ‘Being Me’, an excellent resource for teachers and parents as well as being a brilliant read!

1.     One of my favourite poems to share with children is ‘Travel by Book’. Which is your favourite book to travel by – and you can only choose one!

The book that pops into my head is Celebrate! which I wrote with the British Museum during the various lockdowns.

Instead of sitting in my gardenless flat in London, researching and writing Celebrate! meant I was in Botswana, Argentina, China and lots of other places I had travelled to before the pandemic hit. It REALLY helped me stay positive because it allowed me to travel the world, even though I was actually locked inside. 

2.     I have always loved poetry and my head is full of snippets of my favourites which come to me in moments of need! Have you always been drawn to poetry and if so, which are your childhood favourites?

Growing up, I read English books with Mum and Polish books with my grandparents. I still remember the line ‘whips a pistol from her knickers’ from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and REALLY loved his language and humour.

But I think my favourite book was Stefek Burczymucha by Maria Konopnicka. I still have my original copy… It’s a poetic picture book about a boy who pretends to be ridiculously brave and describes all the things he’d do to various scary animals. But at the end, you discover he’s actually petrified of a teeny tiny mouse. It’s written in fantastic metre and rhyme, which I think you can still enjoy even if you don’t speak Polish. And I love the way it explores the difference between what we say and what we actually feel or do.

3.     In your collection, ‘Dear Ugly Sisters and other poems’, you share poems in a number of forms- haiku, acrostic, shape. Do you have a favourite to use or do your ideas take shape in a particular form as they come to you?

Weirdly, a lot of poems come out as: tee TUM tee TUM tee TUM tee TUM. It’s called iambic tetrameter, and sometimes I wonder if that’s what my internal metronome is set to?!

But I think variety in a poetry collection is VERY important, so I tried to write in different forms so the book didn’t start to feel monotonous.  

Not ALL my poems come out in strict metre. Quite often they seem to demand their own shape and form, and it feels like my job to figure out what they’re after. It’s odd to talk about poems as if they have a personality but it does feel like that sometimes!?    

4.     Do you write books- fiction or non-fiction- as well as poetry?

I write fiction for younger children, and non-fiction for all ages, from preschool to adult. My plan is to write fiction for older children and young people too, but I have quite a lot of non-fiction books to finish first...

I used to be a lawyer, so maybe that's why I love doing LOTS of research and trying to find the simplest way possible to communicate big ideas. I spend a massive amount of time writing and rewriting to try to make language help understanding, instead of stand in the way of it.

Poetic technique plays a HUGE role in that, even when I’m writing prose. Poetry influences everything I write and I often send what are probably quite annoying notes to my editors talking about metre even when a book doesn't have a single poem in it.

5.     Why do you think poetry is important- particularly for children?

I love the musicality of poetry. I think it can help make words feel more friendly, more accessible, more joyful, more memorable. So I think poetry has an important role to play in language development.

I think the smallness of poetry can be really helpful in exploring and containing difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences that might otherwise feel scary or overwhelming to a child or young person (or adult). It never ceases to amaze me that a small package of words can help clarify something difficult in our lives, change the way we think and help us know we are not alone.

A poem’s smallness is also a great way into learning how to write. I love co-writing poems with large groups of students, going through the messy start of the creative process to the brutal decision making that’s involved in editing, followed by the challenges of performing. Poems are a great way to learn all of that. I don’t think I could achieve anything near that trying to co-write a chapter with a hundred students in a short space of time.

But despite its many benefits, I think a lot of people see poetry as intimidating or difficult and I would love to change that. 

Photos taken during the on-line launch of ‘Shaping the World’.

6.     What can you tell me about what are you working on at the moment?

I’m in the process of finalising three books: the first is Celebrate! that I mentioned earlier. The second is Welcome to our Table, a book about food around the world for children. I co-wrote it with my husband who is a food writer and learnt a GIGANTIC amount doing it.

The third is a book for adults about how our upbringings impact us throughout life. I joined a research group at Cambridge University to try to understand all the many, MANY complexities of the subject – and to make sure I don’t get it wrong! It’s taken me about 5 years so far and I’m looking forward to finishing...

I’m also working on a series of full colour poetry-non-fiction books for Hachette. The first is called Scary and looks at creatures that seem scary before exploring why they aren’t, or why they’re scary because they’re scared, or why they’re actually really interesting. It also explores the science of fear. Fear plays a major role in our lives, and I don’t think we do enough to support young people in understanding how it works or how to manage it.

7.     And lastly- and most importantly according to my niece- what is your favourite cake?

When I was little, my grandma used to bake cakes and one of my favourite things EVER IN LIFE was to lick the bowl. It didn’t really matter what the cake was, as long as it was uncooked and dolloped on my finger!  

Another favourite cake is anything my mum makes me for my birthday. She always goes all out and creates slightly bonkers iced bonanzas. When my very first book came out, she made a cake that looked just like the book cover. She’s also made me a cake that featured a swimming pool in it!?

I don't think I've answered your question. If I had to choose one type of cake, I would go for cornflake cakes when they’re smothered in dark chocolate. I think they are DELICIOUS! In fact, I might make some right now…

Thank you so much to Laura for joining me today! I can’t wait to read ‘Celebrate!’ and we must get together for a cake making (and eating!) fest sometime soon!!

You can read my review of ‘Dear Ugly Sisters…’ here including a link to some teaching notes to go with some of the poems.

Stories of Peace and Kindness for a Better World

Well known for her excellent writing, Elizabeth Laird has re-told seven inspirational stories from around the world which illustrate the values of generosity, love and kindness. The importance of remembering and discussing these values has never been greater, making this collection perfect for sharing both at home and at school. It is a beautiful book- a real must have for all story-lovers!

Folk tales are the ancient wonders of the world…

In her introduction, Elizabeth Laird explains why she has chosen to include each of these stories and notes at the end of the book show the sources she has drawn on for her versions. ‘The Dog Fight’, for example, was narrated to her. This wonderful story would be perfect for sharing with a class after one of ‘those’ playtimes where the most trivial event has divided children and caused problems!

Full of fabulous illustrations, this collection would work really well for Guided Reading- or a short texts to use with a whole class. There is plenty to explore in each one, with vocabulary as well as ideas to discuss, lots to inspire writing in role and links to be made with other areas of learning. But perhaps these stories are best enjoyed in the way they always been enjoyed- as tales told to an enraptured audience!

Stories of Peace and Kindness for a Better World

Elizabeth Laird, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Otter Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074296

The Boy Lost in the Maze

Whilst learning about the six labours of Theseus in school, modern day Theo sets off on a quest of his own to find his biological father. Both boys feel lost without a father and both are forced to question what being a man truly means.

This is an extraordinary read. Told through a series of poems, the work is completely spellbinding as it effortlessly weaves Theo’s story with that of Theseus. Threads of the myth wind their way into Theo’s story with echoes of names and events linking the boys. Both boys are faced with decisions as they pursue their quests, making choices about which path to choose, a parallel to the maze in the story. In places, the reader is also faced with choices- some leading forward, others hitting dead ends and taking them back to their starting point.

Deeply poignant, the story feels incredibly personal as these boys face a labyrinth of emotions, navigating their lives whilst feeling adrift, seeking a connection, seeking themselves. This is so far from my personal experience yet my heart bled for each as they try ‘to be a different kind of man’. Joseph has also given voice to the Minotaur as he ‘flounder(s) in the darkness, lost’, very much a victim of the actions of others.

Joseph’s love of poetry shines through the work. Poetry helps Theo express himself, it helps the reader to empathise, it helps characters in the story connect. Theo’s teacher encourage him to explore new poetic forms, introducing the reader to ‘Sestina’, using this to once again emphasise the idea of connection whilst forging a new path. Joseph’s command of language, his power with words and his ability to speak directly to the heart of his readers combine to create a stunning work of great beauty, pathos and hope. It is unbelievably good!

The Boy Lost in the Maze

Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Kate Milner

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074333

Published 6th October 2022

Pause for Poetry: An Imaginary Menagerie

This is a new edition of a classic collection which has delighted readers for many years. It was one of the first poetry books I bought when I started teaching and one which I have used regularly since.

Illustrated throughout by Roger, the poems are about both real and imaginary animals from the Allivator to the Zonk. Rich in word play and puns, each poem is imaginative and full of humour. A particular favourite of mine is ‘Bookworms’ which starts…

Bookworms are the cleverest of all the worms I know

While others meet their fate on a fisherman's hook as bait

Or churn out silk or chew up the earth or simply burn and glow

They loll about in libraries eating words to make them grow.

The words trip off the tongue, making them a joy to perform and very easy to learn by heart as well as it being satisfying for children to explore the ideas, word play and patterns and use these in their own writing.

Discover the ‘Aunt-Eater’ and learn the fate of the Goodgers, know the habits of Squiggles and consider the virtues of a teapet in this ‘imaginary menagerie’ of delights.

An Imaginary Menagerie

Poems and drawings by Roger McGough, cover illustration by Petr Horacek

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074357

The Perfect Present

Best friends, Tom and Mot, share a birthday. Tom gives Mot a colourful feather which Mot thinks comes from a spectacular bird. Tom wishes he could give Mot the bird the feather comes from. Mot gives Tom a marble which Tom thinks could be the smallest planet in the universe, leading to the two friends imagining all the things they would love to give one another, making the day the best day ever and the perfect present!

A wonderful celebration of the imagination and the joy of friendship, ‘The Perfect Present’ is a story to enjoy again and again. Tom and Mot (I love the fact that their names are a reflection of each other!) are never identified as male or female allowing children to readily identify with them as they play together. The gifts they give one another appear simple, but lead to the most wonderful imaginings, full of excitement and adventure whether indoors or out! The ‘perfect present’ is the present moment- and the joy of spending time with someone you care for!

The illustrations are wonderful. Tom and Mit’s imaginings burst from the page in bright splashes of colour as they drift in space or float beneath the sea, meeting creatures and enjoying the beauty of nature. Around their house are reflections of their imagined adventures indoors and out- a dinosaur toy, elephants on the plant pot, fish swimming on their lampshade, a toy bird hanging from the light- perhaps inspiring the reader to create their own stories and adventures!

Another ‘perfect present’ from Petr to his readers!

The Perfect Present Petr Horacek

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 9781913074326

You can read my review of ‘A Best Friend for Bear’ here.

I Love You, Blue

A whale called Blue rescues Jonas the lighthouse-keeper from stormy seas and the two become friends. But when Jonas sets off to find the whale on the following day, he discovers Blue ill and in great danger, needing Jonas’s help.

This charming story is perfect for introducing children to the dangers of plastic pollution and the need to care for our oceans and the creatures that live there. As Jonas explores the beauty of the ocean, the sharp-eyed reader will notice hints of the problem to come in the water beneath him as amongst the fish, carrier bags can be seen, offering the perfect starting point for discussions about how some things end up in our oceans when they really should not be there.

Jonas’s enthusiasm for the world around him and his joy at meeting Blue are infectious. His care for this massive creature is evident in his anxiety when he cannot find his friend, leaving the reader with the heartfelt plea to ‘Save our oceans. Save our whales.’ Although the story is simple and perfect for using with the youngest children, teachers of KS2 children will also be quick to see the possibilities it offers when working with older children. A message from Barroux at the end of the book says that Blue represents all whales- over 20 different species- and different children could undertake research on different species, perhaps recording their findings as non-chronological reports, perhaps preparing a persuasive speech with a view to taking action or perhaps simply sharing their research findings with their peers.

The story might also inspire children to take part in a beach clean or to organise a clean up of their own school grounds, investigating the different types of rubbish commonly found and developing suggestions for how the school community could tackle the issue.

The illustrations are just wonderful and sure to inspire children to experiment with using watercolours to create seascapes of their own or to explore techniques for creating the sky/ sea as Barroux has used here.

A complete delight, this is a book I will be using in school again and again!

I Love You, Blue Barroux

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074500

Razzmatazz: The Poetry World of Roger Stevens

If you’re talking about poetry in school, Roger Stevens is a name which is sure to be mentioned! Ever-popular with children and adults alike, he has written poems which are often full of fun and laughter, but also those which capture poignant moments and make the reader reflect.

‘Razzmatazz!’ brings together a collection of his poems, most of which have been selected from the many books and anthologies he has written and contributed to. The result is a wide range of work which is sure to inspire and delight. If you have a child in your class who claims not to like poetry, there is sure to be something here to change their mind!

Many of the poems are perfect for performing. In fact, it’s almost impossible to read ‘Dad, Don’t Dance’ without feeling your foot tapping. The embarrassment of ‘dad dancing’ is universal and the repeated alliteration of ‘dad, don’t dance’ makes the poem easy to learn. Different groups of children could perform different verses, deciding how to bring the lines to life- and have great fun doing so! Another performance gem is ‘Get Your Poems Here’. Full of word play- and poetic terms- children could create their own additional verses about other types of poems, ‘selling’ their features to their audience. There are many other poems to be performed in this book and Roger’s notes at the end of some pieces share how he and others have used them, invaluable support for any who might need it!

There are many poems here which could be used as models to inspire children to write their own. ‘Half a Dozen Senyru’ offer a good starting point for investigating and playing with this Japanese form whilst the section entitled ‘Nursery Rhyme Fun’ shows how familiar verses can be reimagined with entertaining results! Mike Smith’s black and white illustrations add much to the collection- I particularly like his ‘Mosquito’ and know children enjoy creating pictures in this way too.

I could comment on each and every poem in the collection, but my advice is to get a copy and enjoy browsing the poetry world of one of our best poets!

Razzmatazz!: The Poetry World of Roger Stevens

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074418

Out on the 6th January 2022