Knight Owl by Christopher Denise is a sweet tale of bravery and cleverness, centred on an endearing young owl who dreams of becoming a knight. DespiteKnight Owl by Christopher Denise is a sweet tale of bravery and cleverness, centred on an endearing young owl who dreams of becoming a knight. Despite his small size and gentle nature, Owl is determined to protect the castle, drawing on his wits and nocturnal instincts. When a mysterious intruder arrives on his watch, Owl must use all his courage to face the threat.
This story is filled with humour and a nice message about inner strength and resourcefulness. With its rich, sumptuous illustrations and a cute protagonist. A picturebook that celebrates the idea that true bravery comes from resilience, intelligence, and kindness. Written for young and old alike; I can see how this book earned a Caldecott Honor....more
A lovely little novel that reminded me of Tuck Everlasting meeting Coelho's The Alchemist. The story follows young Tomek, a shopkeeper who embarks on A lovely little novel that reminded me of Tuck Everlasting meeting Coelho's The Alchemist. The story follows young Tomek, a shopkeeper who embarks on an adventure after a mysterious girl visits his store seeking a drop of water from the magical River Qjar, which flows backwards and upside down. His quest leads him through enchanting and perilous landscapes, reminiscent of Oz, including the Forest of Oblivion, a meadow of deadly scented flowers, and a cursed island. The narrative is brushed with philosophy, exploring themes of love, courage, and the pursuit of dreams. The kind of book you picture being made into a successful 80s movie like Neverending Story. ...more
An enchanting exploration of the imagination, beautifully brought to life with surreal illustrations. The story follows Sato, a boy/rabbit who embarksAn enchanting exploration of the imagination, beautifully brought to life with surreal illustrations. The story follows Sato, a boy/rabbit who embarks on magical adventures where everyday objects and moments transform into imaginative landscapes. Each page invites readers into Sato’s unique perspective, where garden hoses lead to ponds with “blowing water,� stars can be collected like fireflies, and watermelons serve as delightful boats.
Ainoya’s storytelling will spark curiosity and creative thinking in its readers with its gentle et richly vibrant art. The quiet charm and philosophical undertones will intrigue young children, while its focus on nature and wonder is so well put - there is no forcing here of ideas just simple exploration. Sato offers readers a soft escape into a world where imagination is vital and simple moments reveal fantastical possibilities. Thank you, Elsa! ...more
A fine, magical addition to any winter holiday stories. A beautifully illustrated picture book brings the Italian folk character La Befana to life, asA fine, magical addition to any winter holiday stories. A beautifully illustrated picture book brings the Italian folk character La Befana to life, as she writes a letter to children in celebration of Epiphany on January 6th. Cuoghi’s Befana is charmingly crafted—a winter witch flying through a starlit sky, delivering sweets to well-behaved children and lumps of coal to others, all while sharing her love for the changing seasons and the promise of spring.
The artwork by Elenia Beretta is enchanting, using gouache and touches of fluorescent orange to give Befana’s journey an ethereal glow. Gunn’s translation ensures the letter’s tone remains engaging and lyrical, making it accessible for young readers.
Beyond the tale, the book also provides fascinating cultural insights, connecting Befana’s legend to other winter witches across Europe, like Germany’s Frau Holle and Austria’s Frau Perchta.I really enjoyed it. ...more
A wordless picture book that offers a reflective look at the passage of time and humanity’s relationship with nature. The story centres on a single trA wordless picture book that offers a reflective look at the passage of time and humanity’s relationship with nature. The story centres on a single tree (for the most part) along a river, standing as a silent witness to human progress, conflicts, and environmental change over millennia. When the book is set is for the close reader to work out. Through intricate and cinematic illustrations, Becker traces the rise and fall of civilizations, showing the impact of industrialisation, war, and technological growth on both the land and its inhabitants.
This poignant tale, though wordless, sparks deep conversation about the environment, stewardship, and the fleeting nature of human endeavours. This is both a cautionary tale and a celebration of nature's resilience, offering readers a rich, immersive experience that encourages contemplation on humanity’s role within the natural world. ...more
A deliciously haunting and visually striking retelling of an old Tyrolean folktale (amended from a collection of Ruth Manning-Sanders stories), blendiA deliciously haunting and visually striking retelling of an old Tyrolean folktale (amended from a collection of Ruth Manning-Sanders stories), blending eerie tension with Klassen's signature minimalist artwork. The story follows a young girl named Otilla, who flees danger and takes refuge in an abandoned house inhabited by a talking skull. What unfolds is a beautifully paced tale that oscillates between whimsy and unsettling creepiness, building an atmospheric tension that’s reminiscent of classic ghost stories.
Klassen masterfully plays with silence and space, allowing his minimalist illustrations to evoke a sense of isolation and suspense. The characters� expressions—particularly the skull’s—are subtle, yet imbued with emotion and some dark humour, drawing readers into a world that feels both surreal and grounded in the starkness of its setting. The pacing, punctuated by the 'part' titles reminiscent of cinematic cues (like those seen in The Shining or Blood Meridian), adds to the book's filmic quality, making each page turn feel like a slow build toward an inevitable, yet quietly powerful conclusion.
One of the book's triumphs is its ability to balance simplicity with depth. On the surface, it's a spooky folktale, but beneath that, The Skull explores themes of fear, trust, and companionship, with a delightfully dark undertone. Otilla’s interactions with the skull, who at first seems a sinister figure but gradually reveals itself as more complex, give the story an unexpected warmth amidst its ghostly atmosphere.
Perfect for those who enjoy a touch of the macabre and I'll stand my ground by saying children will be grossly engaged rather than scared as a whole. ...more
Introducing young readers to the magic of wordplay and poetry, this collection serves as an engaging guide to creating ver**Review for BooksforKeeps**
Introducing young readers to the magic of wordplay and poetry, this collection serves as an engaging guide to creating verse. Led by the delightful character of Piglet, Taylor presents five types of poems, each introduced in a playful, highly-accessible way. The large, square format of the book is perfect for sharing, with each page moving between Piglet’s free-verse adventures and excited reflections on his own poetic creations. After each journey, the narrator steps in to show readers how they, too, can compose a similar poem, making the process inviting and fun. Taylor’s narrative is simple yet layered with meaning, as Piglet discovers the joy of shaping words from his observations and experiences. The author’s talent for capturing childlike wonder makes this book an inspiring tool for sparking creativity and showing any reader or listener that they, too, can create poetry. Piglet’s journey mirrors the experiences of young readers, presenting poetry as playful and inviting rather than intimidating. Equally, Usher’s watercolour illustrations complement the text, bringing vibrancy and warmth to Piglet’s world. There are also sweet moments where the illustrator goes beyond embellishment, adding depth to Piglet’s experiences - these often occur on those spreads where poetry exercises and ideas are shared. These moments of love and exploration encourage readers to look closely, inviting them to discover something new with each reading—just like a poem. The book’s most powerful quality is its ability to demystify poetry, revealing it as a vessel for holding thoughts, emotions, and observations. Taylor gently emphasises that there’s no right or wrong way to write a poem, making it a wonderful tool for inspiring creativity and self-expression. Both instructional and inspiring, this book is an ideal choice for young readers ready to explore the world of poetry, offering them the encouragement to find their own voices and the joy of capturing their unique experiences on paper. ...more
An extraordinary and gripping story based on a real event from the 18th century, when a group of boys and men were stranded on a remote sea stack in tAn extraordinary and gripping story based on a real event from the 18th century, when a group of boys and men were stranded on a remote sea stack in the St Kilda archipelago. The tale is deeply atmospheric, blending stark survival themes with introspective moments, as the characters grapple with fear, isolation, and the slow realisation that they may never return home.
McCaughrean captures the harsh, wild beauty of the Stacs and the emotional depth of the boys' journey. While the novel presents moments of hope and camaraderie, it doesn’t shy away from the raw and often bleak realities of survival, offering a poignant look into the resilience of the human spirit. This is a story that does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of what happened.
McCaughrean shows why she will always be one of the very best writers. ...more
A delightful and energetic read, blending humour with heartfelt moments.
The story revolves around Pete, a boy who loves his dad's pizza shop but refuA delightful and energetic read, blending humour with heartfelt moments.
The story revolves around Pete, a boy who loves his dad's pizza shop but refuses to leave his home after a traumatic event. Faced with the threat of losing their beloved pizza shop, Pete and his friend Anna, embark on a wild adventure when they discover a suitcase full of magical potions. These potions lead to some hilarious and chaotic moments, from shrinking dogs to shrinking bullies, all while Pete and Anna try to save the business.
Sellon’s debut is lively and full of humour but it's the tender portrayal of Pete’s relationship with his dad that did it for me. The book also handles serious themes such as anxiety and self-isolation with care, making it not only a fun read but one with emotional depth. Horne’s illustrations add to the charm, bringing the wacky magical moments to life with expressive and dynamic artwork....more
A spine-chilling middle-grade novel that mixes humour with elements of horror, perfect for readers aged 9+ (although note the setting is Year 7). The A spine-chilling middle-grade novel that mixes humour with elements of horror, perfect for readers aged 9+ (although note the setting is Year 7). The story follows four students—Hallie, Angelo, Naira, and Gus—who are stuck in a Saturday detention at their school, only to find themselves entangled in a terrifying mystery. What begins as a frustrating punishment quickly escalates into a nightmarish adventure when their teacher is mysteriously dragged underground, and the school’s creepy caretakers start acting suspiciously.
Killick blends suspense with witty banter, creating characters that are relatable and endearing, even as they face terrifying challenges. The group must navigate eerie settings and battle unseen horrors, all while learning to work together despite their differences. The tension is perfectly balanced with humour, making the novel engaging without overwhelming younger readers.
There's fine character growth here, as the children confront both external threats and their internal struggles. The creepy atmosphere, cliffhanger chapter endings, and clever twists keep readers hooked until the end�. For those much older, think Goonies - meets - Breakfast Club - meets - Arachnophobia. I'll be reading all the others in the series. ...more
Catz indulges his love for roleplaying by delving into his detective box, inspired to solve a mystery when Flossy the squirrel reports her missing nutCatz indulges his love for roleplaying by delving into his detective box, inspired to solve a mystery when Flossy the squirrel reports her missing nut. Armed with his magnifying glass, camera and an apple for when he gets hungry, Catz sets off towards the Big Tree in search of clues. Along the way, he meets other friends and finds several discarded items but no big nut no matter how hard he searches. Dejected, he heads off to tell his friends of his lack of success until a serendipitous discovery leads to a heartwarming resolution for all.
Henrichs possesses a magical ability to tap into children’s creativity and imagination, consistently delivering delightful experiences. Through her signature illustrative style, her narratives and ideas resonate alongside authors like Daisy Hirst and Shirley Hughes. Within the pages of this book, numerous subtle clues are cleverly woven into the illustrations, inviting eagle-eyed readers to uncover puzzles and connections with each subsequent reading.
While there are subtle messages here about being kind and supporting others, it is the playful, creative mindset of the child-like animals that holds the appeal. Bright washes of watercolour and pen show character and movement that mirror young children at play, and it is refreshing to see this set in the outdoors. A lovely picture book full of energy and playfulness that will engage and inspire its young readers....more
Suzy’s auntie and her sleek white cat live a life of quiet contentment � delicious meals, peaceful silence, basking in the sun’s warmth and unrestrictSuzy’s auntie and her sleek white cat live a life of quiet contentment � delicious meals, peaceful silence, basking in the sun’s warmth and unrestricted freedom. That is until Auntie’s little niece, Suzy comes to call. A whirlwind of boundless energy, Suzy adores Cat and wants to play with and cuddle him all the time. This clashes hilariously with the cat’s introverted nature, sparking a playful game of hide-and-seek throughout Auntie’s house.
Drawing on her experiences, Eland has crafted a charming, fun story about a demanding, imaginative toddler and a very private cat. Her signature Pantone palette shines here with an extra-bright pink, making both the illustrations and setting pop to life. The white cat set against the negative space makes the whole hide-and-seek game work well for the young reader who will take joy in spotting the cat in increasingly comical hiding spaces.
This playful picturebook is Eland’s most interactive yet. It is brimming with humour and invites shared reading experiences. Adults and children will delight in searching for the elusive cat together. The heartwarming conclusion, where the cat finally succumbs to Suzy’s affection, is beautifully complemented by the whimsical endpapers showcasing the cat’s various hiding spots. A guaranteed source of giggles for readers young and old....more
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