Babies and toddlers
Written by Atinuke
Illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
Walker Books £11.99
ISBN: 978-1406371086
The large format and bold colourful illustrations add to the pleasure
of this delightful book. Baby’s brother is getting ready to take a basket of
bananas to Baba’s bungalow. Set in Africa there are baboons, beads, beautiful
birds and butterflies as well as bumpy bicycle rides and baobab trees. A
refreshing and unusual approach to things beginning with ‘b’, lots to look for
and talk about, a real favourite with young readers.
Bev
Archer
Written and illustrated by Katherine McEwen
Nosy Crow (in collaboration with the National Trust) £7.99
ISBN: 978-1788001410
The book begins with “It’s a busy spring morning in the woods!
There are animals hiding everywhere.” From there the journey covers the
creatures you might typically find in woodland during the different seasons and
at different times of day. The pictures offer lots to talk about and the many
flaps on each page are lifted to reveal a woodland creature such as mice, bees
or deer. When children are ready there is also information on the flaps “Mice
nibble on nuts and berries” helping to develop an understanding and what clues
to look for on a walk in the woods.
Bev Archer
Written & illustrated by
William Bee
Pavilion £6.99
ISBN: 978-1843654124
Arty Farty is a Frog, but not just
any frog, he is a frog artist and the first frog to be sent into space. One of my favourite pages is the one of the
famous artists who have declined the invitation to go into space and we are
left with their pictures and their initials. We can’t move on with this book
until we have worked out who they are, genius.
This quite unique story kept me laughing throughout. The illustrations are exceptional in themselves
and I love the fact that the arts and science are once again in competition. Mr. Grimaldi, Arty’s agent, just wants the
money. I just want a sequel.
Sue
Bussey
The Great Dog Bottom
Swap
Written by Peter Bently
Illustrated by Mei
Matsuoka
Andersen Press £6.99
ISBN: 978-1842709887
I am delighted that the
10-year anniversary provides the opportunity for new generations to encounter
this book which answers the question – why do dogs smell each other’s bottoms?
It is the Dogs’ Summer Ball. The affair is so posh that each dog has to remove
its bottom before being allowed entry. Then there is an emergency, and the dogs
have to leave quickly, some without their bottoms. The book is hysterically
funny. The text is easy to read, and the rhyme helps create pace. Illustrations
match and enhance the story. My favourites pictures are the dogs queuing at the
hall, the feast table, the poodles clearing the food, and the dancing! A brilliant favourite.
Brenda Marshall
Leyla
Written
by Galia Bernstein
Illustrated
by Abrams £11.99
ISBN:
978-1419735431
Leyla
is a small, very engaging young baboon with a mother, father, nine aunts and
twenty-three cousins. ‘And that’s too many,’ she thinks. This family troop is
captured amusingly in extremely expressive illustrations. They are always busy,
fussy and noisy, even she is trying to take a nap. Leyla sets off boldly,
determined to be alone, but finds that there is no one to kiss you better when
you hurt yourself, and a self – obsessed lizard is not the most communicative
company. How Leyla learns to deal with her life and to celebrate its warmth and
inclusiveness is artfully conveyed in a minimum of words, much of the story
conveyed in the fresh, unexpectedly varied and funny pictures. Lovely to share,
to find pictures for feelings and to begin reading oneself. Warmly recommended.
Tina
Massey
Meet the
Penguins
Written
and Illustrated by Mike Brownlow
OUP £6.99
ISBN:
978-0192768674
Two
penguins arrive looking for a new friend to play with them but are turned away
by everyone they meet. Will they ever find someone to join in with the fun?
If
you’re expecting a formulaic rhyming scheme as per Brownlow’s Ten Little series, you won’t find it
here. In a departure from his bestselling series, he has created an open-ended
story that encourages discussion about friendship, sharing and being kind, as
well as having engaging, funny pictures to delight the very youngest readers.
This combination makes Meet the Penguins perfect for sharing a story
time with siblings of different ages.
Rebecca
Watts
Stella and the Wishing Star
Written by Suzanne Chiew
Illustrated by Rosie Butcher
Little Tiger Press £11.99
ISBN: 978-1788810968
Stella, a cute little rabbit with long
floppy ears, rescues a fallen star from the branches of an oak tree and sets
off for home hoping the star will henceforth make all her wishes come true. As
she cycles along, she meets other animals who need help, so kind-hearted Stella
asks her wonderful star to solve their various problems. Little by little the
star’s power is diminished until there is only enough stardust left for one
last wish. This magical story is perfect
for bedtime reading. The illustrations cover each page with warm, comforting
nighttime colours and the textured star twinkles reassuringly, even though,
with the skillful use of cutout shapes, it gradually gets smaller. Stella is
generous and unselfish throughout, even when it is clear the magic won’t last
much longer and she hasn’t yet made a wish of her own. Kindness really can be
its own reward.
Jan Lennon
The Worry Box
Written by Suzanne Chiew
Illustrated by Sean Julian
Little Tiger £7.99
ISBN: 978-1848698307
A lovely gentle story that leaves
me wondering how many children will use the idea of putting their worries into
a box rather than allowing those worries to stop them taking part in life’s
adventures. The soft, almost tactile
illustrations give a feeling of warmth and support to the activities that the
small bears and their rabbit friends undertake.
Suzanne has managed to show that even the boldest have their worries and
friends can help them overcome them.
Sue
Bussey
The
Green Giant
Written
& illustrated by Katie Cottle
Pavilion
Books £6.99
ISBN:
978-1843654001
Bea
and her sausage dog Iris are staying in the country with Bea’s Grandad. When
Iris chases a cat and Bea follows, she discovers an abandoned greenhouse in the
next-door garden – and meets the Green Giant! But what will happen when she has
to return to the city? Elegant design, clear language and charming
illustrations make this a touching and timely story, and one that will provoke
interesting conversations about green living.
Tessa
Strickland
Written & illustrated by Lucy
Freegard
Pavilion £6.99
ISBN: 978-1843654131
Charlie
is a very obsessed Mouse who wants cheese that he cannot afford but feels he
must have. He wants to steal a cheese sculpture, ‘The Stinker’ by Auguste
Rodent. Lucy leads us through a step by step account of how Charlie plans this
heist and how it could all go terribly wrong. Linking cheese to the art world
and famous paintings and artists could be a great way to introduce young people
to the world of art. From Rita the cat detective, to the bear security guards,
you are kept in suspense about what will happen to Charlie and his obsession.
Read it and find out.
Sue
Bussey
Written by Lorna Gutierrez
Illustrated by Polly Noakes
Tiny Owl
ISBN: 978-1910328422
“Dare
to dream, dare to aspire. Dare to trust, dare to inspire.”
This is a book about empowerment, having the courage to be different, and daring to be true to yourself. Bright freestyle bold images fill the pages with movement whilst the text is simple but powerful. This book could be used to reassure a young child lacking in self-confidence or as a starting point for discussions about each statement, all of which send powerful messages. The characters shown are culturally diverse whilst the illustrations reflect and add to the text which is in a range of fonts for interest.
This is a book about empowerment, having the courage to be different, and daring to be true to yourself. Bright freestyle bold images fill the pages with movement whilst the text is simple but powerful. This book could be used to reassure a young child lacking in self-confidence or as a starting point for discussions about each statement, all of which send powerful messages. The characters shown are culturally diverse whilst the illustrations reflect and add to the text which is in a range of fonts for interest.
Barbara
Band
Written
by Teresa Heapy
Illustrated
by Katie Cleminson
David
Fickling Books £6.99
ISBN:
978-1910989333
This
is a beautiful story with gorgeous chalky illustrations about a boy’s love for
Stripy Ted. Their imaginative adventures
are told through rhyme and snapshot drawings - their sailings on rafts, their
travels on camels – during which time Ted steadily loses bits of himself –
ears, eyes, paws … until he is just a head and body. But their friendship and
the love behind it continues even more strongly. This is an utterly charming
tale, with lots of opportunities to talk about imaginative adventures, what
friendship means and how real love doesn’t falter. A joy to read for adults and
children, this is one to return to again and again.
Julia
Wills.
When a Dragon Comes to Stay
Written by Caryl Hart
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Nosy Crow
£6.99
ISBN: 9781-78800197
‘A dragon knows she must play fair/and wait her
turn and always share’. Here be a
dragon with a difference – an adorable, smiley girl dragon who is almost always
well behaved. When she gets tired, she just needs a good cuddle to restore her
spirits. Warm, witty and perfect for reading aloud, this picture book is an enchanting
way to coax small dragons into having good manners.
Tessa Strickland
Alphonse,
There’s Mud on the Ceiling
Written
and illustrated by Daisy Hirst
Walker
Books £11.99
ISBN:
978-1406374759
The
third title in the Alphonse and Natalie series, the two very friendly monster
siblings want nothing more than to have a camping adventure, but how can they
do that when they live in a seventh floor flat? With bold pictures and text,
Alphonse and Natalie’s adventures are adorably relatable and gently humourous,
and many parents will be able to relate to the dad in the story too. It’s
guaranteed that young readers will especially love shouting SHFLUMP along with
the monsters’ mishaps!
Rebecca
Watts
Big
Cat
Written & illustrated by Emma
Lazell
Pavilion £6.99
ISBN: 978-1843654018
As
I started this book, I was already thinking about ‘The Tiger who came for Tea’
and there it was in the illustrations. I am a self-confessed ‘cat person’ but
this book is for everybody as there are so many interesting things hidden in
the pictures. The change in text, the very orange colours and the humour that
is evident throughout, make this book an instant favourite of mine and also of
everybody I have shared it with. Would Grandma have taken in the lost tiger if
she had known that he was in fact a Tiger and not a cat? I certainly think she would.
Sue
Bussey
Doodle Cat Wears a Cape
Written by Kat Patrick
Illustrated by Lauren Farrell
Scribble £10.99
ISBN: 978-1911617891
Even if you have amazing
superpowers, will they help when your best friend is not feeling very
good? Lauren’s use of primary colours
helps to enhance this story and adds to the simplicity of a tale that shows
that one of the best superpowers is love and empathy. We all would like to wear a cape and be able
to do superhuman things, but Cat shows us that sometimes being human is ‘super’
enough. A lovely story from Kat
Patrick. I wonder what my superpower is?
Sue
Bussey
Written & illustrated by Tohby
Riddle
Allen and Unwin £11.99
ISBN: 978-1911631163
Stinkbug does as his name suggests,
he stinks. But this doesn’t always go down well with his insect friends. This
very amusing story suggests that it is not always a good idea to go against
your nature and in Stinkbug’s case, not particularly safe. The characterisation
in the pictures is delightful and the comical spider had my young friends
roaring with laughter. A joy to read with little people.
Sue
Bussey
Somebody Swallowed Stanley
Written by Sarah Roberts
Illustrated
by Hannah Peck
Scholastic £6.99
ISBN:
978–1407195100
Stanley
is no ordinary jellyfish, with his too straight orange and white stripes and
too few tentacles. In fact, Stanley, isn’t a jellyfish at all – he’s a plastic
bag, swept into the sea. As he floats along, he encounters a number of sea
creatures, and something terrible happens each time. Somebody swallows Stanley!
Luckily, each time, they are able to cough and splutter, to set Stanley free
until a small boy on a beach finds a better use for a plastic bag. With the
current awareness of the perils of plastic pollution in our oceans, this
entertaining picture book conveys its message with a light touch. The
colourful, naturalistic illustrations will appeal to young children, and the
story, with its repeated refrains, invites discussion of the issue. A timely
book by an author who is an expert in animal behaviour and a passionate
conservationist.
Jayne Gould
Through the Eyes of Us
Written by Jon Roberts
Illustrated by Hannah Rounding
Graffeg
£7.99
ISBN: 978-1912654803
A sequel to Through the Eyes of Me
published in 2017, this is another beautifully observed picture book following
a day in the life of children on the autism spectrum. The first book in the
series was written by the author when his 4-year old daughter Kya was first
diagnosed with severe autism. In this book, Kya starts school and makes a best
friend Martha, who is also on the autistic spectrum, but they are both very
different in the way they behave and approach things. A book that has been
written with so much love this is a joyous celebration of friendship but also
gives a real insight into the life of a child with autism and her family.
Sensitively written and beautifully illustrated, it’s a book that could
be used very effectively with children and adults to help them learn about
autism and to understand that no two children on the autism spectrum are the
same. It also includes a very good list of useful links and resources.
Annie
Everall
The
Pawed Piper
Written
by Michelle Robinson
Illustrated
by Chinlun Lee
Walker £11.99
ISBN:
978-1406368604
The
book opens with a huge spread of ‘Lost Cat’ posters to explore. How are so many
missing, you wonder? The small girl at the heart of the book really wants a cat
to cuddle. (Unmentioned in the text, but mum and dad are clearly pictured
looking after a small baby.) She calls gran for advice, discovering that her
cat Hector loves catnip, cardboard boxes and:
‘Helping
to read the newspaper.’ She equips her bedroom with all of these, goes to sleep
and (ED – see SIXTY SEVEN) wakes to find that Hector has brought 67 friends!
Lovely, playful, cuddly cats which she adores, but, taking Hector home, she
realises that ‘her’ cats are other people’s beloved, missing pets. Returning
them all, she finds that the one hiding in her sock drawer has had kittens, and
the little one won’t leave. (ED See NOT EVER at end.)
A
mistily, beautifully illustrated book about longing, needing love and realising
that what is someone else’s can never truly be yours. A deceptively simple book
with a clear message and a really happy ending. Super to share and discuss with
very first readers.
Tina
Massey
Brian
the Brave
Written
by Paul Stewart
Illustrated
by Jane Porter
Otter-Barry
Books £11.99
ISBN:
978-1910959404
Brian
is just a normal woolly sheep with a white coat and curly horns. During the
book he encounters lots of different kinds of sheep - all different colours,
sizes and horns, or lack of them. There is a lot of petty squabbling about not
playing with black sheep if you are white; not being friendly with sheep with
horns if you have none or even different eye colours. This makes Brian very
sad, but in true satisfying picture book style, he saves the day as they all
rally together in a crisis. It is a lovely story about differences, acceptance
and the importance of teamwork. The illustrations are vibrant and bold with
comical sheep expressions.
Ingrid
Fox
Written
by Craig Smith and Maureen Thomson
Illustrated
by Katz Cowley
Scholastic £6.99
ISBN:
978-1407196619
This
is a lovely story about friendship and kindness, full of humour and exquisitely
illustrated by Katz Cowley. Willbee, going about his daily business in the
garden, snags his black and yellow jersey, which frays and unravels. It’s the
jersey his mum knitted him. He is horrified to find it’s all gone, and he is
exposing his bottom! Luckily, he has a couple of friends who can rescue him in
his dilemma. There’s lots of fun in the pictures, giving adult and children
lots to talk about. The spider’s bookcase, in particular, is a delight.
Celebrating friendship and nature, this is a book that children will love.
Julia
Wills.
Malala’s
Magic Pencil
Written
by Malala Yousafzai
Illustrated
by Kerascoët
Puffin £7.99
ISBN:
978-1241322574
This
is Malala’s autobiographical story in a beautiful picture book format,
exquisitely illustrated. Malala’s optimism and determination to realise dreams
stems from her ability to marvel at magic, see wonder in simplicity and her
deep innate desire to eradicate differences.
The magic pencil of childhood cannot transform adult reality, so she
substitutes wishes for hard work and thus develops a voice so strong that
attempts to silence it add only to its strength and power. Nobel Peace Prize
Winner Malala extols “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change
the world.” And this truly beautiful picture book edition facilitates the ever
wider spread of her special story and optimism.
Gill
Roberts
Only One of Me: A Love Letter from Dad
Only One of Me: A Love Letter from Mum
Lisa Wells & Michelle Robinson
Illustrated by Tim Budgen
Graffeg
£12.99
ISBN: 978-1912654635
978-1912654642
No Longer Alone
Joseph Coelho
Illustrated by Robyn Wilson -Owen
Egmont
£6.99
ISBN: 978-405291293
Mum’s Jumper
Written and Illustrated by Jayde Perkin
Book Island £12.99
ISBN: 9781911496137
It can be very difficult for adults to help
children deal with grief and come to terms with the death of a loved one. Books
can play a huge role in helping but it’s not always easy to find them. These
four books all deal with this topic in a thoughtful, sensitive and child
friendly way. Suitable for children aged 2- 9, they explore a child’s feelings,
how they cope in different ways after a loss and how a child uses her mums
jumper after she’s gone. They also ask others in the life of a child to step in
and help them to go forward following a loss and throughout their lives. All
are lovingly illustrated in very different styles and between the four titles
they provide some very effective stories as well as tools for those who need
them. Lisa Wells, the author of Only One of Me, wrote the books when she was
given a terminal cancer diagnosis so that she could leave behind her a legacy
of love, laughter and joy for her two daughters. Sadly, she lost her battle in
August, but the strength of her words will live on.
Annie Everall
Reading with Confidence
Little Dolphin Rescue
Written by Rachel Delahaye
Stripes Publishing
Ltd £5.99
ISBN: 978-1788950732
Fliss just adores animals and will do anything to save them. It is not
surprising then that she often finds herself magically whisked away to
different parts of the world so that she can help to save wild animals in
danger. In her latest adventure, a school swimming lesson takes an unexpected
turn when Fliss suddenly finds herself in the Indian Ocean looking at an actual
coral reef, when seconds before she was admiring the new mural in the swimming
pool. She quickly discovers that she is there to help a young dolphin who is
caught up in discarded fishing nets. Little
Dolphin Rescue is the second is the delightful Little Animal Rescue series, which is ideal for young environmentalists.
Fliss’ adventures will delight young readers who may also aspire to protect
wildlife, and parents sharing this book with their children may use it as an
opportunity to introduce them to conservation issues. These concerns are
discussed during the storyline, and are at an age appropriate level. The stories
contain mild peril which will excite readers as they cheer on Fliss in her bid
to help her beloved animal friends.
Jane
Hall
The
Funny Life of Teachers
Written by
James Campbell
Illustrated
by Rob Jones
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN: 978-1408898246
The second
in this series of mostly inaccurate ‘non-fiction’, Campbell and Jones seek to
demystify that most mysterious of creatures – the teacher. Filled with all the
thing you ever wondered about teachers, as well as why you should always carry
an emergency banana with you, this book is essential reading for anyone who has
ever come into contact with a teacher. Disclaimer: may not actually be
essential reading. Completely ridiculous, mostly factually incorrect but always
hilarious, The Funny Life of Teachers is perfect for any fans of comic strip
style novels and would be excellent for reluctant readers. The non-linear way
of reading the book, via signposts throughout, is reminiscent of choose your
own adventure books, though there is no winning or losing, just lots of laughs.
Rebecca Watts
The
Race to Hornswaggle Rock
Written by
Ruth Quayle
Illustrated
by Philip Davenport
Andersen
Press £6.99
ISBN: 978-1783448289
With a
name like McScurvy these larger than life characters can only be pirates, no
matter what their age. Vic and Bert should really be at school and their little
sister Maud is ‘a menace’ despite being only three years old. The race to
Hornswaggle Rock that takes place every four years is vital to win the
Treasurescope that will give them access to treasure maps pointing towards
hidden pirate treasure. With their ‘landlubber’ friends Arabella and George the
children are determined to win the race.
Do they win? Will Pedro the
Parrot find love? A rattling good yarn with sharks, cheating, treasure and
sabres. Fabulous illustrations and a quirky layout add to this books’ charm,
guaranteed to encourage younger readers to keep going until the end.
Sue Bussey
Information Books
Sea – A World Beneath the Waves
Written by Patricia Hegarty
Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
Little Tiger £11.99
ISBN: 978-1788813129
A charming peep-through picture
book that takes us beneath the waves. Hypnotic scenes
introduce us to a wide range of sea life including sponges, grasses, sea
horses, dolphins, lionfish humpback whales and a manatee. Teckentrup uses
colour sensitively to recreate the different moods of sea life. I particularly
like the nighttime scene where jellyfish, eels and manta ray create light, the
sparkling colourful scene of tropical fish swimming in formation and the grey
shadow created by the great white shark. Die-cuts and the recurring clown fish link the scenes.
Sinuous lyrical rhyming text
suggests the ebb and flow of ocean life. The book closes with an important
message about keeping the seas clean and clear and protecting the fragile
habitat. A gem of a book. (4+)
Brenda
Marshall
How
to be a Butterfly
Written
by Laura Knowles
Illustrated
by Catell Ronca
Words
& Pictures £12.99
ISBN:
978-1-78603-883-8
This
is an information book with a difference as it presents the life cycle of a
butterfly in picture book format with a chatty, informal text that addresses
young readers directly and includes them in the discussion on what it takes to
be a butterfly. The accompanying illustrations are stunning and fill each
bright, white double page spread with vividly coloured selections of butterfly
species, soaring, landing on branches, feeding, hiding, all intricately
detailed, anatomically correct and labelled with their Latin names. Young
nature lovers will find fascinating details of butterfly body parts, behaviour
and life cycle to pore over in this eye-catching and attractive book. The text
is simple enough for very young children to share and the illustrations are
complex enough to enable older enthusiasts to hone their identification skills
and revisit many times. The concluding
message that there are twenty thousand ways to be a butterfly effectively
places the wonders of diversity right in front of young readers’ eyes. (5+)
Sue Roe
When
Planet Earth was New
Written
by James Gladstone
Illustrated
by Katherine Diement
Wayland £12.99
ISBN:
978-1526308986
This book takes a complex subject, the
evolution of the earth, and presents it in a clear picture book format. The language
used is simple with short sentences. Information is clearly expressed on an
appropriate level. I liked the repetition of “millions and millions and
millions of years” as young children will enjoy joining in, and it stresses the
vast timescale involved. We are shown the Earth millions of years ago and how
it has changed over time from
molten rock to the formation of oceans to the evolution of living things.
Gladstone reminds us that, “human life is a speck in time in the history of old
Earth”. The illustrations complement the prose and are epic and
mysterious. At the back of the
book the “Look Again” section contains smaller reprints of the pictures
and extra information for more advanced readers. The glossary and website list
are useful. An awe-inspiring book that will encourage discussion and further
research. (6+)
Brenda Marshall
The
Spectacular Journey into Space
Written by Kevin Pettman
Carlton Books £12.99
ISBN: 978-1783124268
The
popularity of space books for children has exploded since the 50th anniversary
of the Moon Landing. This title takes a different approach, allowing readers to
collect their own planets, moons, spacecraft and satellites, by press-out
cardboard sections. The cut-outs will no doubt keep young enthusiasts occupied,
but the book itself provides a fascinating look at the solar system and beyond.
From the Hubble telescope which scans the darkest reaches of the universe and
captures amazing pictures of exploding stars and distant galaxies, to the
wonder of the international space station and the extraordinary space probes
that journey deep into space and collect data on extra-terrestrial worlds. With
something new to be discovered on every page, this is a must read for all space
buffs. (7+)
Richard Monte
Astrophysics for Young People in a
Hurry
Written by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Norton Young Readers £8.99
ISBN: 978-0393356502
The
mysteries of the cosmos are unravelled for younger people in this fun-packed
adaptation of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, by celebrated
astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson. This accessible, lucid and often witty
account will serve as a fascinating introduction to a complex subject. The
story of the universe after all, concerns us all and offers a sobering
perspective on the self-importance of our own little lives. As the author
concludes, “The day our knowledge of the cosmos ceases to expand, we risk
falling back to the childish view that the universe revolves around us”'
Complete with glossary and full colour illustrations, this book would make a
valuable addition to any school library. (7+)
Richard Monte
The Little Book of Trees
Written by Caz Buckingham &
Andrea Pinnington
Fine Feather press Ltd. £7.99
ISBN: 978-1908489388
Wonderful
photographs and an alphabetical order make this a really useful and beautiful
book to have around. It is small enough
to go on family travels and walks. It
covers the most common trees that you will see in Britain and Europe giving you
the added bonus of showing the wildlife and plants that are commonly associated
with these trees. The small ‘factfile’ boxes make the information really easy
to digest and to remember. A user-friendly
Glossary and Index make this a wonderful guide for all of the family. (7+)
Sue
Bussey
Ocean:
Secrets of the Deep
Written
by Sabrina Weiss
Illustrated
by Giulia De Amicis
What
on Earth Books £14.99
ISBN:
978-1999968052
Covering
the majority of our world, the vast expanse of the oceans provide many of the
elements to sustain life, including food from the fish and other animals as
well as much of the oxygen we breathe, which is generated by microscopic
organisms and also forms the base of nearly all ocean food chains. As seawater
absorbs the heat from the sun and the currents carry it across the world,
weather patterns and climate are driven by the ocean. But it is also a world
about which we still have much to discover. Using a mix of diagrams, maps,
illustrations and infographics, this is an informative and comprehensive
exploration of life above and below the waves. The author begins with some of
the myths and legends of unusual creatures told by sailors through the ages,
before inviting the reader to take a journey to the deep, through the different
zones of the ocean, then on to explore the huge range of marine habitats around
the world, from beach rock pools to salt marshes, kelp forests, coral reefs and
undersea mountain ranges. Examples of some of the incredible variety of species
which inhabit these are described, including the largest creature on Earth, the
blue whale. Other aspects which are covered include migration, camouflage,
animal co-operation and how to protect marine environments. This is a book to
be recommended to young nature enthusiasts. Its clear layout is enhanced by
stylised but accurate illustrations which are accompanied by detailed captions.
(7+)
Jayne
Gould
Written
by Brian Clegg
Illustrated
by Matt Carr & Robin Shields
Ammonite
Press £9.99
ISBN:
978-1781453537
Biographic
books allow readers an amazingly fresh and fascinating way to find out about
great inventors and thinkers. By taking topics in turn, rather than run chronologically
through either the subject’s life or creations, the series, and this book,
continues to surprise and delight. Laid out in bold snapshots across the pages,
we find out about Tesla’s world, his childhood, his working with Edison and,
intriguingly, his quirkier sorts of behaviour, such as filling his hotel rooms
with flocks of pigeons. Complicated concepts are drawn out and made accessible,
timelines, diagrams and mind-boggling facts add to the excitement of finding
out about this man’s remarkable achievements and the real life of the
individual behind them. As an adult I found this a wonderful read and will be
looking out for more in the Biographic series. I am sure that older children
will find this book, and series, equally irresistible. (9+)
Julia
Wills.
Moving
On
Me
and MR P: Joe’s New World
Written
by Maria Farrer
Illustrated
by Daniel Rieley
Oxford
University Press £6.99
ISBN:
978-0192766533
An
absolutely enchanting story about friendship, resilience and acceptance. Joe’s
father gets a new job, so they have to move, not just to another town but
another country. Joe’s not happy about this. He’s disabled, in a wheelchair,
and knows it’s going to be hard to start at another school and make new
friends, especially ones who appreciate his bad jokes. Then Mister P, a large
polar bear, turns up at the airport wearing a label with Joe’s name on it.
There’s nothing the family can do other than take him home …
Mister
P is definitely the star of this book. He’s funny and seems to understand
exactly what Joe is thinking and feeling; a real friend in time of need. There
are lots of interesting fonts used throughout as well as plenty of delightful
drawings. As the tag line says, “there are times when only a polar bear will
do”. This is book 4 in the series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Barbara
Band
Chester
Parsons is Not a Gorilla
Written
by Martyn Ford
Faber
and Faber £6.99
ISBN:
978-0571332236
When
budding child actor, Chester Parsons visits a hypnotherapist in a bid to
overcome stage fright, he accidently discovers that he can jump into the minds
of others. Encouraged by his sister, Chester agrees to take part in a reality
TV programme showcasing his talent. But the show’s gimmickry goes awry when
Chester mind-jumps a mountain gorilla, only to find that his own body has
vanished, and he can’t jump back. Trapped inside the gorilla, Chester embarks
on a quest to recover his own stolen body. This is an entertaining,
contemporary fantasy story which moves along quickly and is brimming with mystery,
unexpected action and enjoyable eccentricity. Sinister elements give a whiff of
danger, but these never quash the underlying humour. Chester is a funny and
unswervingly optimistic narrator, despite his circumstances, but equally
entertaining are the characters he mind-jumps. Particularly enjoyable are the
moments when Chester talks in the voices of the creatures he’s inhabiting and
tries to resist behaving in gorilla or rat-like ways! This is a story which
will appeal to children who like comedy adventures and offers a light-hearted
look at what make us who we are.
Anne
Walker
Written
by A.M. Howell
Usborne £6.99
ISBN:
978-1474959551
A.M. Howell’s debut novel set in
1916 evokes immediate empathy as protagonist Clara is sent from Kent to stay
with The Gilberts whose forbidding frostiness is quite unfathomable given that
they are her actual paternal aunt and uncle, yet she must address them as ‘Mrs’
and ‘Mr’ Gilbert. As Clara wrestles with
her own secret as well as trying tentatively to forge a role that will keep her
mentally and physically active so that her stay may become more bearable, she
becomes ever more deeply involved in the mysteries of the household and of The
Earl’s estate. Why is the room locked?
Why does her Aunt behave so strangely? Who is the mysterious boy to be seen at
night? And why is someone stealing fruit from The Earl’s greenhouses?
This historical mystery adventure
is ideal for children 10+, with secrets galore for brave Clara to unravel with
her new friend Will. There are lots of plot twists as the adventure progresses,
which will keep young readers guessing. Clara is a great role model with an
intense desire to do right and look after those she cares for. At the same
time, she acknowledges her fear and doubts, but follows her instincts in
pursuit of justice. The supporting characters are also well drawn;
specifically, Clara’s aunt whose emotions are so conflicted. The book is reminiscent of children’s
classics and offers an insight into life during the early 20th
century.
An
absorbing story of mystery, heartache and consequence amidst the sobering,
far-reaching effects of The First World War, this is highly recommended.
Gill
Roberts & Jane Hall
Written
by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
Egmont £6.99
ISBN:
978-1405294836
Shy,
serious Avery and loud, adventurous Bett have absolutely nothing in common.
That is, until their dads start dating, prompting the beginning of a series of
email exchanges that blossom into a friendship that neither girl ever saw
coming.
Told
through alternating emails, this cowritten pre-teen novel is a warm, funny book
about friendship, family and facing your fears. Though reminiscent of The Parent Trap with the girls cooking
up crazy schemes to push apart or throw together their dads, the relationship
between Avery and Bett, and those around them, is beautiful to see develop and
the girls are both instantly likeable and relatable. The organic blossoming of
their friendship is brilliantly crafted by the two authors and completely
believable. A perfect summer read, especially for those transitioning from
primary to high school.
Rebecca
Watts
Written by Tania Unsworth
Illustrated by Helen Crawford-White
Zephyr £6.99 eB (PB £6.99)
ISBN: 978-1788541688
A beautifully written story of magical
realism with well portrayed characters.
It is a story about family, love and loss. Stella loses her mum at a young age, but she
has bequeathed her a strange necklace.
The “word of the sea” her mum had said.
However, Stella is frightened of the water, has never been to the
seaside and yet she is obsessed, in her dreams, by the ocean. Stella believes
her mum was once a mermaid from her dreams and the drawings her mum has left
behind. Nobody can give Stella any answers
because her Dad is still grieving, and her Gran has early dementia. Stella confides in her friend, but when she
also leaves, Stella decides she must be brave and find out the truth for
herself. A lovely story of adventure,
love and hope.
Ingrid Fox
Super
Sons: The Polar Shield Project
Written
by Ridley Pearson
Illustrated
by Ile Gonzalez
DC
Ink £7.99
ISBN:
978-1401286392
Set
in a future alternative world where climate change has led to flooding and
chaos, we are introduced to the sons of Batman and Superman. With their fathers
off trying to reverse global warming, it is up to the two of them to uncover
who is behind the attacks on the flood defences. However, they aren’t exactly
friends so have to learn to work together. Plus, there’s the mysterious
Candace, is she friend or foe? Is she trying to help them or is she spying on
them for the enemy?
This
novel introduces the reader to the alternative city of Columbria on the
continent of Landis. Presented in traditional graphic novel format with the majority
of the text being in speech bubbles, it is action-packed with the illustrations
both adding to the storyline and moving it quickly along. A great book for
younger fans of the superheroes; the story continues in Book 2.
Barbara
Band
The
Middler
Written by
Kirsty Applebaum
Nosy Crow £
ISBN:
978-1788003452
A
dystopian novel set in a world where your role is determined by your placement
within the family. Fennis Wick is isolated and protected from the dangerous and
deceitful Wanderers by the boundaries, beyond which no-one ventures. All
first-borns are sent away when they 14 years old to fight in the Quiet War to
keep everyone else safe; until that time, they are treated as special, given
new clothes and treats, and don't have to do any chores. Maggie is a
"middler" - a middle child - who resents this. She's fed up with
nobody taking any notice of her, not winning anything, and not having a voice.
Then she befriends Una, a Wanderer, and starts questioning the things she's
been told. This is a book that pulls you in from the start. The story is told
by Maggie and her voice is authentic, her frustrations real. There is an
underlying sense of menace, of something happening beneath the surface but
never quite touched upon. It is a story about deceitfulness, about adults using
children for their own gains but also about friendship, family and the strength
to overcome your fears.
Barbara Band
More
Mature
Internment
Written by Samira Ahmed
Atom
£7.99
ISBN: 978-0349003344
This is one of the most compelling,
powerful and chilling novels I have read for ages. It is set in a horrifying near future in the
USA. Layla Amin and her family have been
registered as American Muslims and now the president has declared that “Muslims
are now a threat to America”. They are
taken to an internment camp for Muslim American citizens in the middle of the
dusty, hot desert. Layla’s parents try
to blend in for fear of punishment and reprisals, but Layla and her friends are
determined to fight for freedom and justice.
What ensues is gruesome, upsetting and hard hitting. It is a thought provoking read as it could so
easily become reality.
Ingrid
Fox
Dread
Nation
Written by Justina Ireland
Titan Books £7.99
ISBN: 978-1789090871
This thrilling reimagining of a
significant time in American history has been hailed as a YA triumph in the
States. The War of Independence has been put on hold, with opposing sides
joining forces to fight a common enemy – the undead. For the slave community
however, not much has changed; the safety of wealthy white families still
depends on their hard work. 17-year-old Jane McKeen is training to become an
Attendant, trained in both etiquette and battle to protect wealthy white women.
However, as the ‘Shamblers’ threaten US civilisation, Jane becomes caught in a
fight for life against some powerful enemies, and they are not always dead!
Although this original YA adventure has zombies, much of it is based on
historical fact. Set in the era of
slavery, there are unpleasant acts and language which some readers may find
difficult. However, Jane is a great role model for young teens; strong and intelligent
with a wry sense of humour. She does not let her status stop her trying to do
what she thinks is right. Told from Jane’s point of view the plot is fast paced
and exhilarating, and her relationships with her friends, and enemies, are well
constructed. A great read.
Jane
Hall
Under
the Moon: A Catwoman Tale
Written by Lauren Myracle
Illustrated by Isaac Goodhart
DC Ink £12.99
ISBN: 978-1401285913
Written by Lauren Myracle
Illustrated by Isaac Goodhart
DC Ink £12.99
ISBN: 978-1401285913
This
is the story of Selina Kyle before she became Catwoman. For fifteen years,
Selina has put up with both physical and emotional abuse from her mother’s
boyfriends and decides she has no choice but to leave home. With nowhere to go,
she meets up with a group of street-kids and finds some sort of peace and
belonging in their group. But, unbeknown to Selina, they are planning a heist –
at the home of Bruce Wayne, one of Selina’s few friends when she was at school.
DC
Ink have mixed a YA story with superhero comic book characters. The blue
monochromatic artwork is extremely effective adding a lot more detail to the
story, and the characters are complex and diverse, but some serious issues are
raised within the novel including domestic violence, self-harm, animal cruelty,
homophobia, homelessness and cults. This is definitely a novel for more mature
readers as it also contains graphic violence and swearing.
Barbara
Band
Written
by Paula Rawsthorne
Usborne £7.99
ISBN:
978-1407180267
Jack,
the new boy at college, seems way too good to be true. He’s rich, funny,
incredible handsome… What’s the downside? When he turns his attention to Zoe,
she soon puts any misgivings to one side and falls for his charm, just like
everyone else. That is, until alarm bells begin to ring so loudly Zoe can no
longer ignore them and she ends up involved in something much weirder and more
sinister than she could imagine.
Paula
Rawsthorne has produced another gripping thriller with a hint of sci-fi. As any
reader of hers will have come to expect, this is another real page turner that
is both a suspenseful, twist driven drama and a thought-provoking exploration
of autonomy, identity and todays expanding influencer culture.
Rebecca
Watts
Birthday
Written
by Meredith Russo
Usborne
Books £7.99
ISBN:
978-1474967419
During
a freak snowstorm two boys are born in the same hospital on the same day. Although socially very different, their
families forge strong ties and Morgan and Eric develop a deep and intuitive friendship.
The events of the book take place over six birthdays, beginning as the boys
enter their teens. By this time, Morgan’s mother has died, though her latent
presence is still felt through the birthday messages she created for him. As
the time frame unfolds and each birthday takes place, Eric and Morgan’s
friendship is tested and develops in ways neither of them could have foreseen. Birthday
is a courageous and thoughtful exploration of teenage mental health and gender
identity issues. Author Meredith Russo skilfully evokes the stifling atmosphere
and ingrained prejudices of the rundown American town which provides the
context for her characters’ struggles. Eric and Morgan are sympathetically
portrayed young people gradually coming to understand and embrace who they are
and what they mean to one another. The novel contains some hard-hitting events,
in particular an attempted suicide, but although the characters’ journeys are
psychologically and emotionally tough, the book resolves with optimism and joy.
This a thought provoking and satisfying YA read.
Anne
Walker
A
Girl Called Shameless
Written
by Laura Steven
Electric
Monkey £7.99
ISBN:
978-1405288620
Izzy
is still a girl to be reckoned with and this adventure is no different. Her ‘Bitches Bite Back’ movement where she
attempts to get state laws changed to tackle revenge porn is a force that is on
the move. Can Lizzy deal with this
movement that she has started, or will her own personal issues cause
problems? Slut shaming is out there and
not just in America where this novel is set. This book has caused me to look
very hard at what being judgmental actually means. The backlash for the young people involved in
these issues goes beyond their friendship groups and in Izzy’s case becomes a
major news item. Main protagonists are
18 years old. Some very believable
characters that you warm to as the plot unravels.
Sue
Bussey
