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.
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Having enrolled at a girls’ boarding school on a remote island in an attempt to escape her past, Charley is determined to keep a low profile. She and her room mate, Olive, share a passion for horror films and so know all the rules of how to survive in these situations. Or they think they do… When someone starts killing her classmates, Charley finds herself at the heart of her own horror movie where she not only keeps finding dead bodies, but is also haunted by the ghosts of those who have been murdered. Charley not only needs to follow all the rules learned from watching films, but to listen to the dead if she is to catch a killer.
This is absolutely NOT the sort of book I would normally pick up! I hate horror films, run a mile at ghost trains and avoid scary situations at all costs…however, I am really pleased I read this as despite the title and some grisly murders, it was an excellent read!
A fast paced, easy read, ‘How to Survive a Horror Movie’ brilliantly plays on all the tropes of the genre as Charley hurtles from death to death, her worst fears being realised as the ‘suicides’ as her school seems determined to call them prove to be increasingly vicious murders. The story includes some gory descriptions, but the there is a real tongue-in-cheek sense of humour running through everything which somehow means even a wimp like me managed to read everything.
Behind all the blood and suspense, there is a strong storyline which makes sense of the events which take place- but I am not going to offer any spoilers! Although I worked out who was behind things, I was only partially correct and the actual conclusion was far more satisfying than the one I had envisioned. The characters are very well formed, particularly Charley and Megan, one of the ghosts of those who have been murdered and it is easy to get swept up in the action.
I absolutely loved this one despite all expectations to the contrary! Can’t wait for book 2!
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Scarlett Dunmore
Little Tiger ISBN: 978- 1788957120
Published September 5th 2024
The Wild Outside
Tulip loves being outside, exploring nature and all its beauties. One day, she discovers a nature trail which names all of her favourite flowers, trees and plants. Returning home, Tulip finds a package on her doorstep, containing a wonderful nature guide, offering her more information about plants from around the world. After a rainy day, all the chalked labels and names of the nature trail have been washed away so Tulip tries to replace it, adding question marks where she is unsure about something. On her way home, she notices that someone has added the answers to these and, following a trail of muddy footprints, discovers her mystery helper is her Grandpa.
This glorious book celebrates both the wonders of nature and insatiable curiosity! One of the many joys of being around young children is their boundless interest and Tulip exudes an infectious delight in exploring the world around her.
Perfect for inspiring families to get outside during the summer holidays and learn more about nature, ‘The Wild Outside’ offers a wealth of information about trees and plants, presented in little snippets which are easy to understand and remember. The story could easily be used (at home or at school!) as the starting point for inspiring a nature trail around a garden, park or even along the route of a local walk. The ‘outside’ is not a confined area in the story and Tulip and her mum (it doesn’t specify that this is who it is) are shown exploring everywhere, encouraging children to observe nature wherever they find themselves.
At the end of the book, there are suggestions for activities like leaf and bark rubbing and flower pressing which might encourage children to create a nature book of their own like Tulip’s. A very clear warning is given at the very beginning of the book about never touching or picking flowers etc without an adult’s supervision and at the end, there is further guidance for looking after the environment whilst enjoying yourself!
The illustrations are delightful and eagle-eyed readers are sure to spot the clues as to the identity of Tulip’s mysterious guide to nature as the story progresses. The fact that her grandfather is sharing his knowledge and wisdom with her, inspiring and encouraging Tulip to follow her passion and discover more is a lovely way of valuing relationships between different generations whether family members as in this case or not.
Brilliant for supporting (and expanding!) the curriculum at both KS1 and 2 as well as for enjoying at home, ‘The Wild Outside’ is an inspiring, enjoyable read!
The Wild Outside
Rachel Ip, illustrated by Katie Hickey
Hachette ISBN: 978-1526365217
Blog Tour: Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins
I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the very wonderful ‘Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins’ by the equally wonderful Claire Fayers! As a great lover of myths, legends, fables and folklore, I collect these stories wherever I go and am always thrilled when a new collection appears.
Before you have even opened it to discover the delights within, it has to be said that ‘Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins’ is a beautifully produced book. The green hardback perfectly complements the gold lettering and design of the cover by Becka Moor, making this a book to be gifted, treasured, loved and passed on. And (as one of those weird booklovers who can always be found sniffing books!) it smells great too!
In this collection, Claire has taken seventeen traditional Welsh tales and has used her own special magic to re-imagine them for a new generation. In doing so, she has created a treasure trove of tales, offering something new whilst acknowledging the old, allowing readers to investigate the stories which inspired her should they wish to do so.
Each story starts with an author’s note which sets the scene and sometimes offers guidance on pronunciation- essential support for anyone sharing these at a story time. I particularly enjoyed ‘The Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle’ which, inspired by the story, I am planning to visit very soon! But then, I am planning to spend quite a lot of time exploring Wales due to this book!
In some stories, such as the Green Lady, Claire has stayed fairly true to the original; others, she has cleverly altered to offer a new or different take on the tale. In ‘Sir John and the Dragon’, the addition of Mags, a lively, intelligent orphan, which allows a far more satisfactory conclusion to the story of Denbigh’s dragon.
I could easily write about each of the stories and how much I enjoyed them, but that would make this piece far too long. Suffice it to say that for those who love folklore, this is an essential collection. For those who don’t, this is the collection you need to change that!
Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins
Claire Fayers, illustrated by Becka Moor
Firefly Press ISBN: 1915444707
You can find out more about Claire and her books on her website: https://clairefayers.com/
Many thanks to the lovely people at Firefly Press for inviting me to take part on this Blog Tour!
You’re a Poet
‘You’re a Poet’ is a wonderful book. Blending story and poetry writing advice, it is perfect for encouraging adults and children to play with words and become poets! Many people (including teachers) are ‘scared’ of poetry and so this powerful form of expression and source of pleasure is often neglected. This book offers some very practical, achievable and effective ideas which help overcome this and produce some very satisfying results.
The book is organised into five chapters. Each starts with a section of story about Piglet, followed with ideas and advice for developing a different style of poem. Every chapter explores a new adventure as Piglet goes for a walk with his mum, goes on holiday, plays with his friend, Squirrel, makes a rope swing with his dad and paints his room. Each situation leads to Piglet exploring how he is feeling, what he notices or what he sees through poetry.
The beautifully illustrated stories are lovely and offer everyday situations as inspiration, making the book a very practical, fun way of encouraging children to create their own poems. The book begins with ‘Puddle Poems’, a very simple, but very effective and enjoyable way of gathering words to create a poem. Tips and suggestions are given for how this can be developed should the child be ready to do so, but this lovely idea means that even the youngest children can create spoken poems which adults might (or might not!) choose to record for them. This playing with words, developing ideas, choosing vocabulary and having fun is wonderful for helping children to express themselves and explore their emotions as well as for encouraging them to observe the world around them!
Each of the other poems offers a model to support children’s writing. Comparing poems encourage the use of a structure- ‘as…as’ -introducing children to similes without once mentioning the term whilst the ‘Making a person out of something’ poem develops the use of metaphors. The other ideas offer structures for children to play with and develop their own ideas.
An excellent book for enjoying and exploring creative writing, ‘You’re a Poet’ is a wonderful book for home, for school, for everywhere and anywhere, offering really practical ideas which will make everyone free the poet inside!
You’re a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems
Sean Taylor, illustrated by Sam Usher
Walker ISBN: 978-1529514063
Beautiful: A Celebration of Evolution
Illustrated throughout with stunning watercolours, ‘Beautiful’ is a very special book. The author sets out to show that ‘in nature, the word ugly simply does not apply’ as adaptation and evolution have have created incredible, unique creatures, each of which is beautiful.
A wonderful array of creatures are presented in alphabetical order, starting with the Aldabra Giant Tortoise and ending with the Wild Boar. Some of these entries are not the typical ‘cute and cuddly’ animals often featured in books, but each is held up as something to be admired and appreciated by the author.
Each spread offers beautiful illustrations, its binomial nomenclature and a wealth of information. Not only is the creature described, but details about how it has adapted are given. The Indian pangolin’s tongue, for example, has evolved to be longer than the creatures head and body combined and is connected to the bottom of the ribcage. The shoebill has adapted to survive in the dangerous swamps of easter Africa; a very aggressive creature, it uses its huge beak with a hooked end for spearing its prey. One of my favourite animals, the duck-billed platypus, can detect its prey through picking up tiny electric pulses from other animals, using special nerve cells in its bill. Sadly, the author notes where these creatures are endangered or their at risk from climate change and habitat destruction.
Completely fascinating, this book would add much to the knowledge and understanding of those studying evolution and adaptation as part of the Science Curriculum both in Y6 and in KS3. Each entry supports the statement: ‘Pupils should be taught to identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution’ in a meaningful and engaging way, whilst developing a respect for, and understanding of, these incredible creatures.
A very special, very beautiful book!
Beautiful: A Celebration of Evolution
William Spring
Big Picture Press ISBN: 978-1800786165
Published 1st August 2024
A Boy Called Book
When a baby boy is born, his mother decides to call him Book because his life is a story and he can write it however he wants. As time passes, he learns that he has many stories to tell – an adventure story, a funny story, a boring story. As time passes, he realises that life isn’t a book, but a library, full of stories of the past, present and future.
Some books just resonate with you, capturing how you feel, or how you would like to have expressed something, perfectly. ‘A Boy Called Book’ is a joyful celebration of the importance of stories, how they can comfort us, shape us and inspire us.
Not all stories are happy and when Book and his family are confronted by grief, it is a special, hand made book by a friend which brings him some comfort. The family photo album is another book which helps the family cope with their sadness. I love the way this story values all kinds of books and the many ways in which they colour our lives. The story could easily be used to develop children’s understanding of different genres, perhaps encouraging them to investigate a wider range of reading matter, but for me, one of its many strengths is that it helps to identify and validate the many emotions and moods we all have.
The illustrations are wonderful. They are at times humorous, at times poignant, but always bursting with detail, energy and warmth. I really want a patchwork reading chair like the one Book is sitting on at the very beginning of the book! Book’s best friend is shown as having vitiligo, something I can’t recall having seen before in a children’s book. The joy of their friendship is what is central to the story, yet this inclusion is perfect for sparking sensitive discussions about this condition.
‘A Boy Called Book’ ends in such a wonderfully positive way, looking to the future and all the blank pages/ chapters/ books yet to be written and added to Book’s library, making the story a brilliantly up-lifting read.
A Boy Called Book
Vincent Ralph, illustrated by Aaron Cushley
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702324864
The Little Worried Caterpillar
All Little Green’s friends have changed from caterpillars into butterflies and are sure that it will soon be her turn. However, Little Green is not excited about this; in fact, she is very anxious. Other creatures try to help, but it is Rabbit who listens carefully, making Little Green feel seen and heard.
Told in rhyme, ‘The Little Worried Caterpillar’ is a lovely story for sharing. Little Green is anxious about changes ahead, in her case, turning into a butterfly. She likes things as they are and children are sure to relate to her feelings as she clings to what she knows, empathising with how she feels as perhaps they are facing change in the form of going to school, a new teacher… Various ways of helping her calm down are suggested, but it is Rabbit’s offer of a listening ear and a word of good advice which is just what Little Green needs to be able to face the challenges ahead. The story may well encourage children to share their concerns- and adults to listen!
The illustrations are simply delightful! There are many details to notice and a wealth of characters which children might enjoy creating their own stories about. The picture of Little Green curled up in a ball of worry perfectly captures her feelings of isolation and despair and is just beautiful! It is a wonderfully warm, reassuring story which is sure to become a firm favourite in nurseries, classrooms and homes!
The Little Worried Caterpillar
Christine Pym
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702330063
Published 1st August 2024
The Secret of Golden Island
Yakov has fled to England to escape the war at home. Skylar’s beloved grandfather is unwell.
When the two children meet, they recognise something in each other: a reckless desire to change things for the better… Then a competition is announced. To win a nearby island! Yakov and Skylar are convinced the island will make everything better, but the odds are stacked against them.
Taken from the blurb.
A new book by Natasha Farrant is something very special. In ‘The Secret of Golden Island’ she has, once again, produced a superb adventure story, full of warmth and wonder. She manages to create a very intimate atmosphere, appealing directly to the reader and taking them with her on the most wonderful escapades.
In Yakov and Skylar, she has created two very different characters, who are both emotionally vulnerable. Yakov has had to leave behind everything he knows, his home country torn by war. Skylar is struggling to cope with how ill the grandfather she adores is. The reader feels huge sympathy for each child, empathising with their situations as they try, in their different ways, to cope with, and make sense of, what is happening. When they come, together, each is able to offer the other some comfort and a deep friendship develops.
And together, they take on the adventure of a lifetime, facing challenges and dangers with determination and courage as the prospect of winning the island gives them both hope for the future. It is an absolute joy from start to finish, a captivating read, certain to become a firm favourite with teachers and their classes as well as those who enjoy an exciting bedtime story.
Can’t recommend this one highly enough!
The Secret of Golden Island
Natasha Farrant
Faber and Faber ISBN: 978-0571382507
You can read my review of ‘The Rescue of Ravenswood’ here, ‘Voyage of the Sparrowhawk’ here and ‘The Children of Castle Rock’ here.
One Up
Green and Blue are best friends, nut they can’t help wondering who is the bestest? As they start to compare their shells, each becomes determined to outdo the other until, having reached the heights of absurdity, they decide they need an ice cream…
Fabulously funny, this tale of two tortoises is an absolute hoot! Although Green and Blue are friends, enmity builds between the two as they go to ridiculous lengths to eclipse one another. Each illustrations bursts with visual humour as they keep adding ‘improvements’ to their shells and there are so many little details to notice and enjoy- the teapot for one! Even when they decide to abandon their creations to make having gelato possible, they still find themselves noticing something which they think is better!
The story is a wonderful way of starting conversations with children about the dangers of comparing yourself to others. There is plenty to laugh at as they try to outdo one another and neither seems to actually enjoy their home as they spend all their time focusing on what they other has and what they do not, offering much to discuss. The lovely illustrations are sure to inspire children to create their own tortoise - or perhaps snail- characters with their shell creations!
One Up
Ben Sanders
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801047005
Published 1st August 2024
Ghost Tide
When his mum packs him off to East Anglia to stay with family he hardly knows, Charlie is annoyed that he won’t be able to spend the holidays playing football and hanging out with his friends. Uncle Patrick’s house is dilapidated and his daughter, Ariel, is all but hostile. Finding an ancient box buried on a beach, Charlie unwittingly releases a violent presence which causes mayhem. Working with his cousin, Charlie must somehow set things right once more.
‘Ghost Tide’ is a compelling, chilling read. Atmospheric writing keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as the tension mounts. Not a great lover of being scared, I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one!
Charlie is a thoroughly likeable character. Thrust into a situation he would rather have avoided, he tries to make the best of things, empathising with his uncle as Patrick tries to make a new life with his daughter after the death of his wife. Intelligent and curious, he is sensitive to the ghostly whispering voices in his uncle’s house which he can hear, something which he has in common with his cousin and leads to a new understanding between them. Ariel is also well developed and believable and the two make a determined, courageous team as together they face the dangers and challenges which opening the box has triggered.
Rich in descriptive details, the story flows well, building towards a very satisfying conclusion. I loved the references to, and quotes from, The Tempest and the map at the beginning of the book- who doesn’t love a map?! Spine-tinglingly spooky, ‘Ghost Tide’ offers much to enjoy!
Ghost Tide
Jim Cockin
Eye Books ISBN: 978-1785633775
Brainy about Bears
This is the ninth title in Owen Davey’s incredibly popular ‘About Animals’ series. ‘Brainy about Bears’ offers the same appealing style of illustration and wealth of information readers have come accustomed to in these books.
The book starts by defining what a bear is before offering an overview of the species and subspecies around the world. Following pages are devoted to their diet, habitat, how they move and how they have adapted to survive. Side headings help to break the information into easily digested chunks and each spread is highly illustrated. An index at the end of the book enables readers to locate information about specific bears as well as offering their binomial classifications.
Traditionally in this series there is a section about some of the mythology connected to the titular creature and this is no exception. Here, the reader is introduced to Ukuku, half-human, half-bear tricksters from the Peruvian Andes, Ursa Major, Berserkers and Ungnyeo, the bear woman of a creation myth from Korea.
The book concludes with thoughts about the conservation and protection of bears in different parts of the world, calling Giant Pandas and polar bears ‘poster animals for the effects of climate change’.
A bear-illiant addition to the series!
Brainy about Bears
Owen Davey
Flying Eye ISBN: 978-1838741617
Witchspark
Eglantine lives in a magical house called Huswyvern, one of just three sentient houses in the land. But she needs to find her Witchspark to maintain its magic and as her family and home are threatened by the machinations of her uncle and the evil Whistlewitch, Eglantine turns to Miss Hegotty’s Course for Aspiring and Ungovernable Witches for help, an illegal correspondence course.
Meanwhile, in Kensington Palace, Princess Victoria is desperately trying to hide her Witchspark as not only is magic forbidden within the palace walls, but royals are not allowed to be magical. Like Eglantine, she turns to Miss Hegotty for help…
Anyone who has read the ‘Starfell’ series knows that Dominique Valente has a real talent for creating engaging, endearing characters. No one who has read those stories will be able to forget the very loveable Willow Moss and in ‘Witchspark’, Dominique has worked her magic again with the very different, but equally loveable Eglantine Bury.
Eglantine knows she must bond with Huswyvern for it to survive. Furious at a change in the law which means that the house passes to the eldest child, not the eldest son, her Uncle Lichen will go to any lengths to take possession of the house. That she is a girl, that she is different (she had been born with one arm ending just past her elbow), that she has, as yet, no magic, all seem to him to be good reasons for her not to inherit the house. His prejudices underline the key messages about believing in yourself and standing up to intolerance which sing through this story.
Princess Victoria’s stifling experiences at the Palace echo those of the real Princess Victoria who later became Queen. The ‘Kensington System’ was a set of elaborate and very strict rules created by her mother and Sir Conroy to keep her under their control. Readers feel a great empathy for the princess as she not only struggles to maintain her identity under this control, but is also forced to try and hide her growing magic. Her friendship with stable-boy, Eoin Murphy, and the wonderfully named rat, Lord Byron, is all the more delightful for being absolutely the last thing they would have allowed!
There is so much to love about this story and it would make an excellent class story or guided reading text with plenty to discuss and enjoy. The magical world created here is beautifully constructed, so imaginative and appealing, that readers find themselves instantly captivated and immersed in Eglantine and Victoria’s story. Thank goodness this is the first in a series- but how am I going to wait for the next one?!
Witchspark
Dominique Valente, illustrated by Eleonora Asparuhova
Usborne ISBN: 978-1805314998
You can read my review of ‘Starfell: Willow Moss and the Magic Thief’ here.
Montgomery Bonbon: Mystery at the Manor
Bonnie Montgomery, and her alter-ego, Montgomery Bonbon, is back with a new case to solve. Having delivered a mysterious package to Adderstone Manor, she meets Fergus Croke, an ‘oddly charming’ villain, who introduces her to his gang of apprentice crooks, a wrought-iron cage full of monkeys and the contents of the package, the legendary Adderstone Diamond. But when Croke croaks it and the magnificent diamond goes missing, Bonbon is ready for action!
‘Mystery at the Manor’ is the third in this series of surreal mysteries, solved by the brilliantly bizarre Bonnie Montgomery whose fake moustache, beret and foreign accent disguise as the detective Montgomery Bonbon.
There is so much to enjoy in this story! The fact that Bonnie passes as the great detective by adding her flimsy disguise and that no one notices her jumbling of French and German phrases includes readers in the joke from the outset and willing her to succeed where the bumbling detectives are sure to fail. The text is full of wordplay and puns and the illustrations bring Bonnie’s antics to life brilliantly, adding much humour to the story. As Bonbon gets to work, there are plenty of clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing and trying to solve the mystery.
Dana, Bonnie’s friend, and Grampa Banks are also on hand to support her as she detects. Brilliant detective she might be, but in this story, Bonnie shows that she can be a very thoughtless friend, leaving Dana upset and causing a rift between them. However, without her friend’s help, Bonnie would have made a huge mistake and she willingly admits how much she values Dana’s help.
Whimsical and whacky, ‘Mystery at the Manor’ would make a great read for class story time or any time!
Montgomery Bonbon: Mystery at the Manor
Alasdair Beckett-King, illustrated by Claire Powell
Walker ISBN: 978-1529518290
The Great Farm Rescue
Hannah and her family are facing tough times again as their landlord is threatening them with eviction and dad has had an accident. But Hannah is determined to save the farm once again by raising the money to buy it. Her family and friends rally round to support the endeavour, but how on earth will they raise over two million pounds?
This is the third story about Hannah and her wonderfully eccentric and loveable family. Every bit as enjoyable as the first two (‘The Secret Hen House Theatre’ and ‘The Farm Beneath the Water’), ‘The Great Farm Rescue’ pulls the books to a joyful conclusion, but could easily be read as a stand alone story.
When I was little, we used to stay on a farm in Devon where we helped to collect the eggs, feed the chicken and bring the cows in for milking. I am sure that my brothers and I were a far greater hindrance than a help, but we adored these holidays and still talk about them to this day. ‘The Great Farm Rescue’ captures all the joy we experienced on the farm, but Helen Peters cleverly weaves the problems faced by tenant farmers into the story, showing the reality of farming life and encouraging empathy and understanding in readers.
One of the greatest joys of this book is that it depicts a very real family with all their messy feelings and relationships, differences and quirks, but also the strong bond of love which means they are prepared to support each other and work together to save the home which they all love. Each family member is beautifully drawn, full of personality, and thoroughly endearing, and they all feel like old friends by the end of the book!
As well as trying to save the farm, Hannah has also landed her dream part as Hermia in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and she finds herself acting alongside Miranda, who she has previously had problems with. The enmity between the two girls is well handled, with tension building until things reach crisis point for Hannah. The final conclusion to this part of the story is both satisfying and realistic.
‘The Great Farm Rescue’ is a wonderfully warm and ‘wholesome’ story- I mean this in a really positive, way. It’s not sugary sweet, but good things do happen to good people and the combined power of community, friendship and a love of nature make great things happen. Brilliant story, beautifully written!
The Great Farm Rescue
Helen Peters
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805131175
You can read my review of ‘Anna at War’ here, ‘Evie’s Ghost’ here and ‘Friends and Traitors’ here.
St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature 2024
Last year, I had the best time at the St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature and so was delighted to be able to go again this year. This is rapidly becoming my favourite festival- and I go to quite a few throughout the year. Not only are tickets only £1 each, but there is such a warm atmosphere of community and joy which some other festivals lack…
I arrived in plenty of time and was able to get my bearings and enjoy a quick cuppa before my first event, but the dedicated team behind the festival had obviously been hard at work for quite some time. Last year, the festival was held just on the Saturday, but this year it had expanded to all weekend with school events on either side.
My first event was the wonderful Ross Montgomery. The session I attended was for younger children as his second event based around ‘I am Rebel’ (fantastic book!) clashed with another event. This is the biggest problem with St Austell Lit Fest- there are just so many brilliant sessions to choose from! Ross was marvellous and kept the very young (and considerably older!) members of his audience thoroughly entertained, creating characters and developing stories.
The Festival Hub was bursting with activities for children to enjoy, authors signing books and the wonderful Reading Rocks Bookshop which offered an incredibly tempting range of reading matter! This space was full of excited children queuing to get their books signed and to have a word with their favourite authors- and there were some huge queues! Although I had to choose my sessions carefully to make them fit, there was still plenty of opportunity to have a book signed by the other authors and have a quick chat. I know I have already commented on the atmosphere, but this really was something special.
Next, I went to see Justyn Edwards for a truly magical session which kept the audience on the edge of their seats trying to solve the tricks and illusions he performed! Like everyone else, I thoroughly enjoyed his event and I was very excited to learn that the third book in ‘The Great Fox’ series is coming out later this year!
Next, I headed to a church for a panel event about whales with Chris Vick, Hannah Gold and Jasbinder Bilan. These three passionate, engaging authors gave the audience a quiz to test their whale knowledge, shared plenty of whale facts and each gave a reading from their book. It was such an interesting session- and my first literary festival event held in a church!
Back to the bookshop for more book signing and catching up with more friends. I took Fed Ted with me and everyone was pleased to see him! Although I could only go on the Saturday, other members of the FCBG attended on Sunday and also had a brilliant time. Huge congratulations to the team behind this amazing festival- and I look forward to seeing you all again next year!
You can visit their website here
You can read about last year’s festival here.
The Invisible Story
In a library filled with famous tales and beautiful pictures, a little story watches quietly as they argue over who is the most read, the most popular and best loved. Overlooked by readers visiting the library, it feels invisible and ghostly. However, one day, a young girl finds the book, a reader who is different and explores the story with her fingers, revealing the pages are covered in tiny raised bumps- a wonderful story to be read with the fingertips, not the eyes.
‘The Invisible Story’ is a stunning book, celebrating the importance of braille and that all stories, however told, are valuable, no one being better than another. The author’s note at the end of the book explains how braille was developed and how it is used to convey stories in over 130 languages all over the world, developing the reader’s understanding of both its history and its importance and making it an excellent book for both home and school.
The illustrations are incredible. Beautiful white papercuts are used to show the library and its readers whilst torn, coloured paper is used to show the imaginative content of the books escaping their boundaries. The simplicity of the white emphasises the little story’s feeling that it is a ghost and invisible to readers. They are sure to inspire children to create their own papercut pictures, perhaps to illustrate stories of their own.
Perfect for using as a starting point for developing empathy and understanding as well as learning more about braille and its importance, ‘The Invisible Story’ is a real gem.
The Invisible Story
Jaime Gamboa and Wen Hsu Chen, translated by Daniel Han
Lantana ISBN: 978-1915244765
Fergal is Fretting
Fergal is so excited when Dad tells him that his friend, Elspeth, is coming for a visit. But then he starts to worry. It’s been such a long time since he last saw her that things might not be the same. His parents notice that something is wrong and together, they find ways to make his fretting go away.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time and having ways of dealing with this really helps. Fergal’s mum suggests that he takes a deep breath, finds things to keep himself busy and focus on what’s happening right now to help keep his fretting feelings under control. This is perfect advice for children – and their parents – to adopt when anxiety gets the better of them.
It turns out that Elspeth is also worried about meeting up again, reassuring children that they are not alone in feeling anxious about things and that these are quite normal feelings. Through Fergal’s experiences of complicated, big emotions, children will be able to discuss and share, finding ways of coping with these, , making this story (and the others in the series) a great starting point for discussions as well as a reference point to return to in times of worry.
The illustrations are lovely with the endpapers at the back of the book showing pictures of some the wonderful moments Fergal and Elspeth shared at the Summer Fete. There are so many details to notice and enjoy and teachers and parents alike will enjoy sharing this book with the children in their care.
Fergal is Fretting
Rob Starling
Andersen ISBN: 978-1839132629
On Poetry Street
In this collection, Brian Moses offers not only 52 poems (one for any week of the year), but oodles of inspiration and possibility. ‘On Poetry Street’ shows just how accessible and enjoyable creating poems can be and is sure to leave readers itching to get started.
This is a book for everyone, not just children. Each poem offers an idea or a model which can be enjoyed, perhaps performed, and then used as a starting point for creating new poems, whether using that framework or developing ideas of your own.
Notes at the end of the book from Brian Moses offer further information about the different styles of poems he has used, what triggered his ideas and says that ‘the two words, ‘What if?’ are the writer’s best friends.’ These pages are a real treasure trove of inspiration, a poet’s gift to other writers.
Many of the ideas here will spark not just poems, but discussion and debate as children share their ideas and explore possibilities. ‘If I Could Travel back in Time…’ is sure to raise questions about the events Brian Moses has chosen as well as encourage children to recall or investigate past incidents and consider why they might choose them for their poem. ‘A Mouthful of Words’ and ‘A Difficult Poem to Read Unless You’ve Swallowed a Dictionary’ both celebrate the joy of words, wordplay and dictionaries as well as encouraging curiosity.
The whole collection is peppered with Mark Elvins’ lively illustrations which add much to this enjoyable collection. This is an essential addition to any bookshelf, offering hours of pleasure and fun!
On Poetry Street
Brian Moses, illustrated by Mark Elvins
Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252586
Who Ate Steve?
An unknown narrator sets about trying to teach a lesson about size by using a bird called Marcel (he’s big) and a worm called Steve (he’s small). However, as we all know, teaching is never easy, particularly when one part of the lesson keeps trying to eat the other!
This is a fabulous book! The teacher/ narrator of the story speaks directly to both the reader as she (there is no indication of gender so I have chosen to use female pronouns) take the lesson and interacts with Marcel. As she grows increasingly frustrated with Marcel disrupting her lesson by trying to eat Steve, different styles and sizes of fonts are used to convey her feelings to the reader. A wonderfully tongue-in-cheek use of teacher-style phrases are used - I’m not going to tell you again…We are all waiting… and many teachers will recognise (and sympathise with!) her growing exasperation as she strives to finish her lesson!
The illustrations are just wonderful. Steve is small, sporting a little neckerchief and a red woolly hat whilst Marcel is comparatively big and smartly turned out with his plumage giving the effect of a tail coat and red trousers to go with his natty bowler and yellow scarf. The range of expressions their faces show are incredible, allowing the reader to seemingly beat the teacher in understanding/ predicting what is going on. The ending is just purrr-fect, leaving readers to either create their own sequel or decide whether they think Marcel got his just desserts!
As well as being a brilliant read, the book could be used to develop character profiles of Steve, Marcel and Felicity, developing inference skills through both pictures and text, and then draw and create their own characters and situations which they might be involved in. They might also enjoy creating a pop-up model where Steve comes out of the ground and then hides below it again or a Marcel whose wings flap and whose beak opens and closes! The possibilities are endless!
Brilliant fun!
Who Ate Steve?
Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Kate Hindley
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839946226
Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud
Torla and Smorla are giraffes. Torla is taller than average whilst Smorla is smaller. One day, while out for a longer-than-average walk together, Torla encounters a lower-than-average cloud and finds she can’t see anything! But with the help of her best friend, she manages to navigate this tricky situation.
I’m not sure what I love most about this one! Let’s start with the names…I’m ashamed to say that it took me until my second read to ‘get’ the joke there. In my defence, I wasn’t reading the story out loud and there is so much else to enjoy because how else could I miss it!
The story is bursting with humour as Smorla leads Torla through a series of hazards which introduces the reader to the wonderful sight of crocodiles doing yoga and lazing lions amongst other things. Torla trusts Smorla and her faithful companion leads her safely past everything, showing the strength of their friendship and the importance of kindness and supporting others.
Some of the pages fold out - or up - allowing readers to fully enjoy the adventures of Torla and Smorla as they head off on their walk. The book would be wonderful to use to support early maths work as they can compare the two giraffes and begin to use mathematical language to describe this. To extend this as needed, pictures of more giraffes of different sizes could be added and children encouraged to order these from tallest to smallest and vice versa. Pictures of other animals from the story could be added to help children compare other (clearly specified) attributes as developing both informal and formal mathematical language in the classroom allows children to take an active part in learning and helps them to develop a better and deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The story is also perfect for exploring positional language as with Smorla’s guidance, Torla walks above some hippos, over an elephant and across a bridge. With older children, this would make a great introduction to prepositions in English as well!
Children might also have great fun creating and navigating obstacle courses and perhaps plotting their route around these on a basic map just as the giraffes’ footprints indicate the path they have taken in the illustrations. This could be done as part of a book group session with children creating large giraffe pictures of different sizes, a simple slider mechanism behind a picture which would allow them to raise the umbrella over Torla’s head or perform a simple trust exercise based on the friend’s journey! There are so many ways to develop a book hook with this one in addition to just enjoying it as a brilliant story! Loved it!
Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud
Kes Gray, illustrated by Chris Jevons
Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711288072