A sweet little picturebook that explores how we all cry - no matter our age - and that doing so can cleanse our hearts and minds. Pencilled illustratiA sweet little picturebook that explores how we all cry - no matter our age - and that doing so can cleanse our hearts and minds. Pencilled illustrations with a focus on character and expressions and minimal backgrounds - save for when needed, help focus on person and feeling. A beautiful, colour-dappled closing spread highlights that lightness and hope that can come when you recover from heavy thoughts and feelings. ...more
Originally part of the Spooky Surprise series (of which Lily Takes a Walk, The Hairy Toe and Teeny Tiny also are a part of), Kitamura's little pictureOriginally part of the Spooky Surprise series (of which Lily Takes a Walk, The Hairy Toe and Teeny Tiny also are a part of), Kitamura's little picturebook follows Toby as he wakes us in the middle of the night to find that his home has been cast out to sea and he must steer it safely to land. With the aid of his trusty cat (Kitamura definitely loves cats) and his grandparents, Toby learns to navigate choppy, dark dreamscapes and is rewarded with a humorous light, calm landscape which includes a giant octopus contentedly knitting.
The genesis for the story's creation is an interesting one. At the time of its creation, Kitamura was living in west London with friends who had two children (Toby (4) and Lily (1 1/2) whose grandparents also feature in this book. Waterproof acrylic ink was used alongside fountain pen ink for the lines. In an interview with BookforKeeps, Kitamura speaks of the magic of turning the page and how much of the delight for him, as a creator, is building up that joy that comes with finding out what will happen next. ...more
I really like how Cicada, as a publisher, are presenting space for new voices and illustrators to bring a range of unique forms, stories and styles toI really like how Cicada, as a publisher, are presenting space for new voices and illustrators to bring a range of unique forms, stories and styles to the world of children's books. This collaboration between Sophie Berger and newcomer, Ruan Van Vliet tells the story of Bartholomew who struggles to get to school in the morning because the monsters from his dreams hold him back. What these monsters truly represent and why they are pinning him back would be of great discussion to children and certainly go beyond the surface here; it's certainly more than he just doesn't want to go to school.
Bartholomew's wild rumpus moments with his monsters are fun: from dancing until the early hours to monsters naughtily peeing on the bathroom floor; I welcomed Van Vliet's new and unusual style - and can imagine many grown-up readers won't because it's different. It is important to consider how 'everything' is different for many young, new readers and I think they'll enjoy their range of shapes and colours and rounded bodies - no danger here, only delivishly imp-like behaviour. ...more
A debut picturebook from author/illustrator, Viola Wang, tells the story of a brave, intrepid rabbit who sets out to discover what darkness is and conA debut picturebook from author/illustrator, Viola Wang, tells the story of a brave, intrepid rabbit who sets out to discover what darkness is and conquer his fear of it. What he finds along the way is that light is everywhere if you just know where to look. It is a story that many children will relate to and builds upon Wang's own childhood fears.
Although the story itself is sweet enough, it's definitely Wang's illustrative techniques that caught my attention. A lecturer in Children's Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, Wang's technique is three-colour screen printing technique and the joy is in the fascinating connection between these colours.
Inspired by her visit to the Lakes and a handling of the original Tale of Peter Rabbit, Wang's tale sees our little rabbit race into space, pass swirling, whirling trains and then deep into the ocean where light is so scarce. The tale might be a common one in the world of children's books but I've never seen it presented so vibrantly. ...more
When you find that Mick Jackon, who wrote the utterly fantastic adult novel, The Underground Man, has turned his words to picture books then you pick When you find that Mick Jackon, who wrote the utterly fantastic adult novel, The Underground Man, has turned his words to picture books then you pick it up with some trepidation. Can the author step back and let the pictures do as much talking as the prose and do they respect the reader enough to speak up to them and not down? Thankfully, this book manages all of this and more through the perfect partnership with John Broadley.
The story begins with a young boy about to go to sleep; various objects and toys put away for the evening. A cunning kitty sweeps into the room just before dad closes the door. What follows is a dreamy overview of all the people who work and entertain while the young boy sleeps. Whilst Jackson pares back the narrative sweep of the town the boys lives in, Broadley presents us with rich spreads and vignettes of delivery vans, window cleaners, the fire service and so on. The town continues to trick along even when we're lost to the stuff of dreams...
This is a beautifully crafted picturebook and it feels as if everyone in the design team played a part. It's richly produced and a pleasure to read too. Broadley's print-like style is unique, full of rich texture and colour (even with its limited palette). Children will love making the connections between the objects in the boy's room and the real events outdoors too. A lyrical, bedtime lullaby. ...more
Young children, especially when they became aware of and frustrated with, their parents always making the choices, begin to rebel. Rabbit here says 'NYoung children, especially when they became aware of and frustrated with, their parents always making the choices, begin to rebel. Rabbit here says 'No!' to almost all the things Mum suggests yet begrudgingly finds himself acknowledging the fact that mum might have a good point at each turn. Go outside? No! Hang on...that would lead to wearing my favourite wellies; have breakfast? no! Oh...but then I wouldn't get to eat those sweet carrots...
So the repetition continues, escalating until bedtime where Rabbit NEVER says no to a cuddle with mummy. A lovely book to snuggle up with and share at bedtime; parents will love the subtle play that Mum sets up with Rabbit and children will like the open rebellion of the protagonist. ...more
Rather embarrassingly, I have only just started to become familiar with Jon Agee's work. Reprinted now by Scallywag Press, Stanley (dog) lives alongsiRather embarrassingly, I have only just started to become familiar with Jon Agee's work. Reprinted now by Scallywag Press, Stanley (dog) lives alongside the Wimbledon family and is keeping the family up with his odd antics. The story cumulatively builds up as each family member is disturbed from their sleep by Stanley howling at the moon and making odd banging noises in the basement. Finally, the dog's actions and ambitions are revealed through an event that is simply out of this world.
Written in a simple rhyming pattern, humour is enriched through the befuddled look on the Wimbledon family's faces and by Stanley's stoic nature as he prepares to take the family on a journey like no other. Whilst one might argue that Agee's book is a joke that's run its course after one read, this simply isn't the case. As always, Agee leaves little hints and nods to the adventure throughout the book and repeated readings will still delight and reveal to readers no matter their age. ...more
Sarah, Percy and Bill (poor little Bill) have been waiting for mother owl to return from her night hunting. Deep in the wood, as the dark night deepenSarah, Percy and Bill (poor little Bill) have been waiting for mother owl to return from her night hunting. Deep in the wood, as the dark night deepens shadows and odd noise haunt the air, the fret and worry of being alone builds up in our owlets even though Sarah, the oldest, tries to reassure her two younger siblings. Yet before they get too scared mother arrives, swooping silently through the dark to comfort them all.
This book has certainly done the rounds at home, at school and in teacher training and it will always remain a favourite. Its play between word and picture is deceptively simple but this is Waddell, one of our finest storytellers, and he of Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? fame: subtle, repetitive language play is his speciality.
Then there is Benson’s fathomless dark and soft-feathered mummy owl that make this book such an alluring treasure. A story that explores childhood anxieties in a sweet way with rich double-spread illustrations that will sweep you off your perch. ...more
Kipper is known the world over to millions of readers and is, again, this book is a first in what became a longer series and a globally successful fraKipper is known the world over to millions of readers and is, again, this book is a first in what became a longer series and a globally successful franchise.
A small dog whose naivety is similar to Spot’s (Where's Spot?) own, Kipper is a little bit more cheekily playful than Spot and a tad more anthropomorphically cutesy in his innocence. In this story, Kipper decides that his bed needs sorting and throws everything out. When it’s time to sleep he just can’t seem to settle down so he ventures off to see how other animals manage.
What he finds of course is that the answer was what him all along and sometimes the familar breeds a deep sense of comfort. Soon all his toys and teddies are back with him and he is able to sleep again. Inkpen's work is synonymous with those white backgrounds and character focus and the theme of this story is one that all children can relate to: the comfort that bed and childhood belongings can bring. I am sure some of us still have a teddy or two close at hand...
A Swedish import from the early 70s, Alfie Atkins� antics have been translated into many languages and shared the world over. It’s bedtime and four-yeA Swedish import from the early 70s, Alfie Atkins� antics have been translated into many languages and shared the world over. It’s bedtime and four-year-old Alfie does not want to sleep or go to bed. As many four-year-olds do, he tries to think of as many things that he can ask his incredibly patient father to do to delay the matter. They start off simple enough, a drink of water (which he gleefully tips over the bedsheets) or a need to use the toilet until they become ever more elaborate and it’s Alfie’s father who ends up falling asleep first!
First in the famous series of picture books, Bergstrom stories were original in their depiction of a single-parent family in which dad is the primary carer. Simply drawn illustrations with bold colours focus on character and humour � a story that many children will connect with....more
Amongst many things, Iona Opie was the leading authority on all things nursery rhyme. Along with her husband, Peter, she spent most of her life researAmongst many things, Iona Opie was the leading authority on all things nursery rhyme. Along with her husband, Peter, she spent most of her life researching children's games and rhymes and now, fortunately, much of their work is archived in the Bodleian. Her The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes will forever be unequalled and it is from this that a range of poems have been gathered.
In this sumptuous collection, 60 traditional rhymes, all illustrated by Rosemary Wells whose cats, bears and rabbits are synonymous with young literature for me, come together to celebrate rhyme, repetition and our cultural heritage. The book is generous in size and each page is richly painted and presented. There will be many rhymes you recognise; some you may not and some that you half know - changed through publication or word of mouth over time and location. Whatever the case this collection should be a staple in any FS/KS classroom and home.
Whilst bored on holiday in Romania, Paul and Judy happen to find a pint-sized vampire. Horrified that their parents would spot Vlad, they stow him awaWhilst bored on holiday in Romania, Paul and Judy happen to find a pint-sized vampire. Horrified that their parents would spot Vlad, they stow him away although he is already proving to be more than a handful. Vlad though is different to his ancestors. Instead of wanting to suck blood, he has a real penchant for soap and washing-up liquid. Anyone who says he likes vegetables (including the subheading on the book) clearly hasn't read it! This book is fine for a beginner reader and whilst Vlad might irk the older reader, I suspect the younger would find his cheeky antics and behaviour wholly appealing for he is doing things that they would only dream of. First published in 1982 - and you can tell. ...more
Having fallen head-over-heels for Frances in her first outing (Bedtime for Frances) I was very much looking forwards to this little badger's escapadesHaving fallen head-over-heels for Frances in her first outing (Bedtime for Frances) I was very much looking forwards to this little badger's escapades. This time she has to contend with a baby sister, Gloria, and Frances is quick to not the whole house changes in order to accommodate the new arrival. When you're forced to remain quiet all the time and your parents no longer have quite the same amount of time for you *no matter how many times you call them back to bed*, what do you do? Well, Frances takes it upon herself to move out! *Sort of*
Setting up her new home under the dining room table, she reflects on how the family seems to be crumbling without her and decides that, in rolling up her metaphorical sleeves, it's time for her to make a change too and become the big sister that the whole family needs *cue knowing and lovely looks from the parents*. Once again, both Lillian and Russell Hoban come together to bring a sharp-witted and true account of the conflicts of siblinghood.
Bath times can often be awkward moments during the close of the day; especially when you're having such fun digging in the garden. Bath times soon leaBath times can often be awkward moments during the close of the day; especially when you're having such fun digging in the garden. Bath times soon lead to bedtimes and that's no fun at all! Having loved On Friday Something Funny Happened, Prater's first book, I was looking forward to this one.
As with 'On Friday' there is a carnivalesque sense of humour here in Jack's repeating 'can't catch me' and the slow cumulative build-up of adults chasing our cheeky getaway. As the chase continues, Jack gets muddier and muddier until he decides, off his own volition, that a bath might actually be a good idea...
I loved the different perspectives throughout and children will enjoy the natural rhythm that comes with the reading as well as Jack's capers and blatant ignoring of any adult authority. ...more
Marianne lives by the sea in a quirky-shaped lighthouse. Her town seems quiet and peaceable and upon the coastline she dreams and searches for dinosauMarianne lives by the sea in a quirky-shaped lighthouse. Her town seems quiet and peaceable and upon the coastline she dreams and searches for dinosaurs. Through her imaginings she digs up the bones of a dinosaur and names it Bony. At night both Bony and Marianne fly into the heavens to rest upon a cloud where other children from around the world play with their dreams and imaginary companions. Upon her return and awakening, she meets other children who also dream and imagine like she does and they dig and explore together. Suddenly Marianne's friends are as real as she is.
A rhyming picturebook presented in a broad portrait format. Massini's full-page illustrations raise this little poem into the stars. Less concerned with the real location and rather with the magic of imaginative play, this is beautifully presented and a voice and adventure that will delight.
Little Rabbit is not ready to go to bed and is annoyed at the fact that night is approaching. So, with some wit, he traps Night in his biscuit tin. WhLittle Rabbit is not ready to go to bed and is annoyed at the fact that night is approaching. So, with some wit, he traps Night in his biscuit tin. Whilst Rabbit frolics around in the endless daytime, Night shares with him the consequences of there being no darkness.
This is a lovely addition from Nosy Crow. O'Byrne captures the impetuousness of a young child in the Rabbit who remains blindingly defiant until the consequences cannot be ignored. Night, like a well-tempered parent, gently shows him why it is important for all us.
The illustrations, are gentle and welcoming but readers will love the big 'OHH!' lift-the-flap moment when Rabbit makes a big choice. I may have reservations over the connections between 'why' the dark is needed but my boys did not! The book closes with a message about bedtime that both parent and child will enjoy. ...more
One of the things that I think makes children's literature so appealing is the gaps that it leaves between the reader and the text. It is those momentOne of the things that I think makes children's literature so appealing is the gaps that it leaves between the reader and the text. It is those moments, where meaning is made by what the reader brings to the text that can strengthen connections and enrich the reading experience. The greatest books then, invite multiple interpretations and revisitations as we grow up and it is exactly that that Haworth-Booth's debut achieves.
When the young prince grows up to be King, he swears that he will remove that one thing that has always unsettled him: the dark. Initially his advisors ask him to reconsider but they begin to see how propaganda and fake news could sway to public into believing that they would benefit from losing the dark. It is only when the people begin to suffer that an underground resistance rises and plots to show the King that the dark is not to be feared and is, instead, something we cannot live without.
Although the book's inspiration was initially about celebrating the beauty of the dark and how removing something so vital could only truly be valued in its absence, Haworth-Booth also saw potential in developing as a more Canutian cautionary tale. The story explores how the general public can be manipulated through dirty politics.
But the book has an uplifting end. An active member of the Extinction Rebellion, Haworth-Booth shows us that power need not lie in the hands of those at the top. Instead, grassroots movements can collectively take action and change the state of their own future: something that we are seeing happening across the globe at this very moment. And as with such movements, The King Who Banned the Dark has within it the seeds of such change. It invites readers to question those in power and invites them to consider revolting against a regime in which only those at the top benefit. As I stated at the start of this review, great books invites multiple reading and interpretations; The King Who Banned the Dark is one of the books and it is no wonder that it found itself shortlisted for the prestigious Klaus Flugge prize.
An insightful overview of Haworth-Booth illustrative process can be found . Special thanks to Ellie Labbett for pointing me in this direction. ...more
Accompanied throughout by Rowena Allen's ink illustrations, this collection from Robert Fisher features a broad range of poetry on themes of everythinAccompanied throughout by Rowena Allen's ink illustrations, this collection from Robert Fisher features a broad range of poetry on themes of everything ghostly. I thought that there was a nice balance between the absurd yet funny 'Colonel Fazackerley' (Causley) to the downright haunting 'The Visitor' (Serraillier). Many names will be acknowledged here but there were new poets for me too. ...more
Grobblechops is another wonderful addition to the Tiny Owl catalogue and fourth in the Tales of Rumi series. It marks a joyful collaboration between tGrobblechops is another wonderful addition to the Tiny Owl catalogue and fourth in the Tales of Rumi series. It marks a joyful collaboration between the highly-acclaimed children’s writer, Elizabeth Laird and Finnish illustrator, Jenny Lucander (whose subtle nod to the Moomins throughout it well-received). The story is based upon one of Rumi’s tales; a thirteenth-century Persian poet, philosopher and scholar whose teachings and writings are known throughout the world.
With a warm, tongue-in-cheek approach, Grobblechops explores the ‘monster under the bed� story. Amir isn’t ready for bed yet: his fear of the dark is exacerbated by his fear of what lies under his bed and he’ll do all that he can to avoid sleeping alone in his bedroom. Luckily for Amir, he has a quick-witted, patient and empathetic father dad who takes the time to assure his son that for every problem there is a solution. As Amir shares his worries about the monster, his father retorts with a series of witty, and well-considered resolutions that gradually ask Amir to look beneath the surface of a stranger and try to stand in their shoes (or clawed feet when referring to Grobblechops!)
Laird’s narrative is well-paced and embraces that sense of traditional tale with its fable-like cumulative build up to a wise and warm finale in which our protagonist learns a valuable lesson about life and living. For a traditional tale, Laird is sparse with the dialogue leaving great creative space for Lucander to explore Amir’s rich imaginings of Grobblechops and the monster’s grotesquely-wonderful parents. Full of feathers and fangs and fur, Grobblechops is like something that has crawled out of The Dark Crystal set. Using a mixed-media collage approach which is then finished in photoshop, Lucander uses of perspective and positioning to heighten the chaotic mirroring of Amir’s anxiety.
Both my boys adored this book. Each time I read it with them, they grow closer to Grobblechops and his parents, delighting in his expressions and actions. It’s a lovely bedtime read which not only assures the reader but also leaves us reflecting upon how quick we are to judge others and the how empathy and understanding are key. ...more
When Minty is taken by her mother, Kate, to stay with her aunt in Belton, she has no reservations. Living with a mum who is so busy with work that herWhen Minty is taken by her mother, Kate, to stay with her aunt in Belton, she has no reservations. Living with a mum who is so busy with work that her daughter is almost independent, Minty sees this trip as an adventure of sorts and hopes that something exciting will happen when she explores the grounds of Belton House: a stately home which he aunt lives across home. Perhaps she'll see ghosts!
Yet when it comes to her mother leaving her to head back home, something happens which throws Minty's whole life into disarray and she finds herself bestowed with a task that will see her step in and out of time itself to save those who are trapped between day and night, time and memory.
A timeslip novel much akin to The Children of Green Knowe and An Enemy at Green Knowe, Moondial sees a young girl attempt to comes to grips with a sense of a place and those who inhabited it before. Her relationship with Tom and Sarah, children from other times, were engaging enough although I suspect a more fruitful exploration would have come across in the T.V. version (for which the idea was also conceived.)
Although I wanted Cresswell to make more use of the grounds of Belton House, there was much here that she left to interpretation and discussion which I enjoyed. Minty made for a sparky, resilient hero and even though more needed to be made of the rather ominous Miss Raven, I know that if I had read this as a child I would have been utterly absorbed. Complex themes of time, memory, fear of losing a parent are all handled deftly by Cresswell. ...more
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