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
I adored this book from Pushkin. From Jacqueline Molnár's illustrations, where her strong-colour play evokes a richly traditional form in storytellingI adored this book from Pushkin. From Jacqueline Molnár's illustrations, where her strong-colour play evokes a richly traditional form in storytelling, to Anna Bentley's incredibly deft touch in translating Lázár's imagination - it's an absolute success and all the richer from a second reading. It tells, in a traditional tale format with a modern twist, the story of Poor Jonny, our classic wanderer through tales, and Princess Arnica a - in some part - stereotype-challenging female protagonist, as they search for a way to lift a witch's curse off them.
Told through a dual-blended narrative that reminded me of The Princess Bride, each chapter opens with a discussion between a leading adult storyteller and their younger co-teller. Although the adult steers the story, interjections and questions from the young listener make the telling richer and much wiser. Sometimes both intrude mid-story but it's all for the better. This, for me, was what made the story itself so special for such openings and interruptions acted as opportunities for big questions about life and living in general.
The story itself is made of several episodes in which Arnica and Poor Johnny attempt to lift a witch's jealous curse which sees one of them always having to take the form of a duck. Knowing that somewhere out there is a Seven-Headed Fairy who can cure them, they head off encountering a range of characters along the way and helping each to overcome their own problems. Each encounter is set down to prove how much our heroes love each other but also how such love and kindness can help others too.
Since the narrators are situated in the present, there are moments in which the 'traditional' elements and encounters within the narrative rub shoulders with our time. A witch who has the ability to change form is neighboured by a gang of bandits who find that they are incredibly good at football. A band of 12 selfish brothers are only a few fields away from a man who takes offence at anything said to him. This play between modern sensibilities and activities alongside more traditional tropes and characters is what made the story feel so 'new' yet 'established' at the same time.
Finally, I take my hat off to Molnar's strange, delightful illustrations which play with traditional tale themes too - lots of hidden icons and images throughout celebrate some of the implicit messages. However, I suspect that the reason the story works so well 'now' is down to Anna Bantley's outstanding work in bringing Lazar's Hungarian story across to these shores.
I've read Cressida's 'Hiccup' books before and loved them; I think she has a lovely touch of humour throughout, brings her own zany, magical illustratI've read Cressida's 'Hiccup' books before and loved them; I think she has a lovely touch of humour throughout, brings her own zany, magical illustrations but it is also very wise indeed - leaving messages for the adult and young reader alike. So, I don't know why it always takes me so long to pick up her books. Perhaps I think because she's so successful that something will be lost in the books but with The Wizards of Once that it is absolutely not the case. In fact, having listened to David Tennant read it out and follow along with this hardback version, I'd argue that the whole thing is a merry triumph.
Two children, one born of wizards and the other of warriors are both disappointments to their single parents. The lowliest of their siblings and each desperate to impress. But it's as if Xar and Wish are just born into the wrong families. It'll take a witch a sword of iron and the threads of fate to sort out their futures. In a book packed with magic and creatures from times past, Wizards is an absolute gem of a book - heightened by Cowell's glorious illustrations and the incredible presentation of the book itself (get it in hardback!). Finally, Tennant's audio reading is just perfect and raise everything to another level for me. ...more
In what sees a glorious partnership between Blackman and Adeola, this picturebook sees Charlie and Eddie playing in the garden until their father callIn what sees a glorious partnership between Blackman and Adeola, this picturebook sees Charlie and Eddie playing in the garden until their father calls them in with a particular quest: go wake the monster upstairs. Fired up with an imagination that would make Shirley (Come Away From The Water, Shirley) proud, the real environment becomes enveloped in an imaginary one as they climb mountains and traverse oceans until they finally arrive at the monster's lair: there's nothing worse than being sent to wake up a teenager!
So much playfulness here with strong riffs on the Bear Hunt book but none of that detracts from the delightful prose and Dapo's characterisation. Extremely refreshing to meet a character with vitiligo too - which is never mentioned in the story but a few sentences draw attention to the condition on the endpaper. ...more
An absolute gem of a debut from Rachel Stubbs. Presented in a landscape format, we follow a grandfather and grandaughter through days and perhaps yearAn absolute gem of a debut from Rachel Stubbs. Presented in a landscape format, we follow a grandfather and grandaughter through days and perhaps years of adventure through the imagination and in and about their local settings. Apart from an absolute love for one another, they are bound by grandfather's red hat and the story of his passing on of this treasure to his granddaughter.
The hat, he assures her, will keep her dry and cool and can be used for leisure and pleasure. The young girl takes it everywhere with her, through rainy days and bright ones and it shows her that the world is full of possibilities. The hat symbolises all that her grandfather is, was and will be and it is something that she can keep as a reminder that he will always be there.
What I particularly loved about this intergenerational story is that it blatantly riffs on Burningham's Granpa it has an ending that is a lot more hopeful and celebratory and gives the girl something to hold on to at the end too. This is taking nothing away from Burningham's picturebook which will always remain a masterclass but that Stubbs is going for something gentler here. She is, perhaps, putting Granpa back in the frame so that he can continue to share the world with his granddaughter.
Beautiful ink and water-colour washes seem to have been finished digitally and I thought the typography a nice touch. A soft, reduced colour palette helps us focus on the friendship here and the world around both almost blurs off into the background. Stubbs is so talented and I cannot wait to see what she creates next. ...more
Utterly beautiful. I was worried that Katya Balen had peeked with such an incredible, well-researched debut in The Space We're In but October, OctoberUtterly beautiful. I was worried that Katya Balen had peeked with such an incredible, well-researched debut in The Space We're In but October, October was equally as enjoyable if not a little more for me with the nods to the power and joy of the natural world.
October lives in the woods with her father and she is deeply happy there. When she discovers an abandoned barn owl chick one night she wants to take it home with her but her father reminds her of the rules of wildlife and she must resist. In time though, she finds that she cannot ignore the call and takes 'Stig' in. When 'the woman who is her mother' visits (her parents are divorced with one living in the woods and the other in central London), it sets off a chain of events that changes Stig and October's life forever.
This story is so many things and I'd rather not give it anything away other than to trust in and embrace Balen's beautiful, lyrical prose and satisfying plot. What an absolute treat with a message about story and nature and people and friendship that will stay with you. ...more
A rich and vibrant weaving of several Russian folktales, Gamayun is a delight from start to finish. This collection contains the first three of Utkin'A rich and vibrant weaving of several Russian folktales, Gamayun is a delight from start to finish. This collection contains the first three of Utkin's Tales (The King of the Birds, The Water Spirit and Tyna of the Lake) and it is our storyteller, the exotic and beguiling Gamayun (half bird / half human) and a merchant's family who bind all three stories together.
Still retaining the sharp and concise narratives of those early tales, Utkin brings a sense of majesty and cinematic flamboyancy to the retellings injecting humour, drama, tension and a gripping sense of adventure that I have always associated with the best told tales. It's almost impossible to choose a favourite story from the volume or a favourite character although the king of the lobsters (Sir Lobsterrific) was a pleasure to encounter since I recognised him from Old Peter's Russian Tales.
I will say that other reviews of these books lament the broken narrative and cliffhangers. These reviews refer to when the 3 books brought together here were sold separately and I would have probably agreed. Here though, together, they breathe a vibrant and welcome life into old, treasured tales. An incredible addition to any Key Stage 2 classroom. ...more
Born in Connecticut to an Irish-Italian family, Tomie dePaola's work are often autobiographical or based upon stories that he has inherited and made hBorn in Connecticut to an Irish-Italian family, Tomie dePaola's work are often autobiographical or based upon stories that he has inherited and made his own. The Clown of God is based upon a French legend which tells the story of a juggler whose gift, in his old age, is spurned by people but more than welcome by Christ himself. Once told by Anatole France and now crafted with dePaola's own words and images, it is a masterpiece in both word and picture.
A wonderful collection of 10 traditional, Jewish folk tales. Spending time with her grandmother is something that the young girl of the collection enjA wonderful collection of 10 traditional, Jewish folk tales. Spending time with her grandmother is something that the young girl of the collection enjoys. She takes pleasure in exploring the grand home and the hidden treasures in the kitchen, the bedrooms and the balcony.Whenever she can, she always encourages from her grandmother a story or two to share. Stories of wise men, foolish ones, Rabbi's who listen to the wisdom of their wives and quiet reflection.
Geras finds a pitch-perfect balance between the customs and times of the present and the rich heritage that she inherits through the stories that she listens to. A gently, engaging balance can be found in the narrative as we seemlessly slip between the present and the past. I loved how well Geras has planned events around the stories that she wanted to share. When something happens in the present, Grandmother has a story that ties it to the past; these connections never feel forced or out of sync.
It saddens me to know that the sharing of stories from our own cultures are steadily being lost to many children today. Maybe they can gain something from seeing it practiced so well in this beautifully executed collection....more
Following on from the extremely successful Arthur and the Golden Rope and Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx, Joe Todd Stanton’s Brownstone family thiFollowing on from the extremely successful Arthur and the Golden Rope and Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx, Joe Todd Stanton’s Brownstone family this time cross oceans and time into Chinese mythology. Embracing elements of traditional tales and Chinese folklore, he presents us with a young, headstrong girl, Kai and her mother whose job it is to protect the local villages from dangerous monsters. Unlike her bookish, reflective mother, Kai would prefer to tackle problems first and consider her actions later. When this leads her to unleashing the chaotic Monkey King from his cage, the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.
The story of the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) is an ancient one and much beloved in Chinese mythology. He is known to have hatched from an egg, maintained an endless search for immortality and angered both the gods and the Jade Emperor with his violence and impetuousness: echoed in parts by Kai herself. Although some of Monkey’s story is played out in this graphic novel, I was left wanting to know more about where Todd Stanton sourced his own research and how close to Wu Cheng'en, Journey to the West he remained. Interestingly, Damon Albarn and Chen Shi-Zheng created a soundtrack and stage adaptation of Journey to the West in 2007. Well worth chasing up: ...more
First published in 1968 and read 'as an allegory' of political difference in 'pre-revolutionary Iran', The Little Black Fish invites us to listen to aFirst published in 1968 and read 'as an allegory' of political difference in 'pre-revolutionary Iran', The Little Black Fish invites us to listen to an old fish's retelling of a story to her twelve thousand grandchildren. The story tells of a Little Black Fish who is tired sharing a stream with a controlling mother who cares only what he neighbours think and the bickering of the other fish. Taking a leap of faith, he plunges down from the stream's waterfall to seeks answers to his many questions on life.
An illustrated book rather than a picturebook, Behrangi's long narrative, accompanied by Mesghali's beautiful block prints, sweeps us along with encounters that delight and encourage us to reflect on their deeper meaning. First published in Persian, Azita Rassi's translation retains wonderful snatches of dialogue between Little Black Fish and his various encounters and celebrates our protagonist's sense of child-like inquisitiveness.
The story, as you would expect with great literature, invites many levels on which to read this story and much room for talk. This story would make for a wonderful read-aloud in any classroom or at home. Listeners and readers alike will be deeply inspired by Little Black Fish's desire for liberation and although the ending may seem bleak it is, in fact, brimming with hope and revolution. ...more
A fascinating illustrated text, presented in portrait format with aboriginal-stylised paintings and patterns, Stradbroke Dreamtime is a book of two haA fascinating illustrated text, presented in portrait format with aboriginal-stylised paintings and patterns, Stradbroke Dreamtime is a book of two halves. Penned by Oodgeroo, a name given to her by the Nukukul tribe, the first half is autobiographical and sees the author (then known as Kath Walker) reflect on her time on the island under the guidance and tutelage of her aboriginal father who shows her the cultures and customs of their heritage. The second is a retelling of the myths that Oodgeroo has inherited.
I enjoyed both halves equally. Her childhood stories did much to highlight the oppression and devastation that colonialism brought with it but there are moments of humour and warmth here too. Stradbroke island itself is alive, in memory, with the flora and fauna of the land. The myths themselves were written well - you could hear them being told rather than read aloud which I felt was far more in the spirit of what all traditional tales should set out to achieve.
I'm not sure why it's considered a children's book save for the fact that these are memories of her childhood and although there is much here that a young reader will enjoy (all of it, in fact) it felt like its audience was rather nebulous. ...more
The Phoenix of Persia tells of the birth of Prince Zal who is cast out by his father for his white hair. But Zal is touched by fate and he eventually The Phoenix of Persia tells of the birth of Prince Zal who is cast out by his father for his white hair. But Zal is touched by fate and he eventually finds himself in the care of the Simorgh a wise and majestic phoenix who teaches him poetry, science, song, drawing, history and the names of all plants. Through her guidance, Zal grows up to be wise and knowledgeable and the day comes when he is drawn to meet his father once more.
Clayton, a founder of The Company of Storytellers, collaborates so well with Sharif’s sgraffito illustrations and full credit must be given to the editing team in matches not only words and pictures but music too! An unusual yet welcome rendition of a traditional tale from the Shahnameh, The Phoenix of Persia comes with an online retelling that is accompanied with music and also provides an instrumental for you to read along yourself (accessible via a QR Code within the book) - a unique, immersive reading experience.
This production celebrates the ancient Iranian storytelling tradition (and probably all early storytelling) of music being played in tandem alongside the telling of a tale. Each instrument (in the case, a ney, qanun, santur and tanbur) represents a character from the story and it provides an engaging insight into an aspect of traditional storytelling which will stay with children. Further details can be found here: along with a useful and carefully-considered cross-curricular resource pack for teacher....more
The picturebook opens with a looming black wall that drowns out the skies and a small, ramshackle home surrounded by fencing. This is the home of IdriThe picturebook opens with a looming black wall that drowns out the skies and a small, ramshackle home surrounded by fencing. This is the home of Idris, a young boy who seems disconnected from anything natural or real. He is not alone, others are here but they have forgotten who they are and why they came. The wall which surrounds their homes has made them forget. Then one night a wisp floats down from the night sky and gradually the different people begin to have their pasts rekindled and for each of them, the awakening of this memory and sharing it with others makes a great, hopeful change.
Wisp is, for me, a far more hopeful and gentler version of The Bone Sparrow but with a veil of honesty and sadness over the plight of refugees. And alongside her words are Baker-Smith's haunting, dream-like photoshop illustrations. The marriage between word and image work so well here and I expect both were happy with working with the other. Although the ending is dreamlike too and brimming with images of a better world, Fraillon is keen to ground it in reality and, perhaps, sees this book as a chance to educate and humanise both the reader's understanding of refugees and the reader themselves....more
Waving goodbye to mum in the window, a little pre-school girl and her father set off on a trip to the local bookshop. As they make their journey throuWaving goodbye to mum in the window, a little pre-school girl and her father set off on a trip to the local bookshop. As they make their journey through this London-esque suburb, the reader encounters seemingly regular occurances - big puddles, shop fronts with doors open and trains rattling past. Our young narrator, however, seeped in the literacy and art that her parents have shared with her sees this world through a far richer lens. In puddles she imagines crocodiles, in flower shops, tigers and monkeys hidden behind creepers and vines and when standing under the railway line, a herd of dinosaur thundering above. When they finally reach the bookshop, they cuddle up together in their favourite place and dive into another adventure. Having worked as an animator on Briggs' Snowman and Oxenbury's and Rosen's Bear Hunt, it's no surprise to see these people celebrate this little book but that's not to take anything away from it. I took great enjoyment from noticing all the intertextual references throughout and it was refreshing to see a Dad taking his child out for some together-time (with a Mum still present). Nice repeating phrases and soft-pencilled, intricate pictures invite multiple re-readings. Me and My Dad celebrates the power of books as fuel for the imagination whilst and welcomes those moments between a parent and child when a shared experience is often deeply rewarding. ...more
It is very easy to be dismissive here of Garner's writing. The narrative is very short and there is no elaboration here of place or people. Some of thIt is very easy to be dismissive here of Garner's writing. The narrative is very short and there is no elaboration here of place or people. Some of this is down to the fact that Fairytales of Gold is a collection of four very short retellings of folktales presented in concise, brief narrative format either for the early reader or as a way of tempting readers into the world of fairytale. Whatever the case, to see the stories in the way would be to ignore the 'theme and tempo' of traditional tales which will always be poised with its prose and rich with its content and Garner is master of this. What remains a delight to all though are Foreman's full-colour illustrations. I forget how well he does traditional tale. His watercolours evoke that rich, visual world of endless landscapes and colour monsters so well and in this hardback collection a world of floating heads and ugly ogres springs to life and is bound to make their mark on the reader....more
Inspired by a portentous dream of a friend, Crowther has collected three of her own fairy-tale-esque stories here which are told in order to help babyInspired by a portentous dream of a friend, Crowther has collected three of her own fairy-tale-esque stories here which are told in order to help baby bear get to sleep. Each story is on the theme of sleep and safety and a bright pink is used throughout each page to connect the story right back to mummy bear. I think much of Crowther’s magic lies in her mastery of a delicate, comforting narrative captured in both words and pictures. She is a weaver of tales that speaks to us at a deep level. It’s hard to encapsulate what she does that I find deeply affecting. ...more
A collaboration between the Greenberg sisters, with Imogen providing the words and Isabel, the images, Athena's story is presented in a rich yet simplA collaboration between the Greenberg sisters, with Imogen providing the words and Isabel, the images, Athena's story is presented in a rich yet simple prose and adorned with wonderful, engaging pictures which are blessed with a touch of the cinematic. From the story of her birth (she pops right out of Zeus's skull!), Athena soon establishes herself as headstrong, wise and a god who favours mortals. In this graphic novel, we see her outwit Poseidon to have a city named after her (Athens), destroy the life of one more talented than her (Arachne) and challenge her sisters to charm a shepherd by the name of Paris. I want to see more of this collaboration with other Greek gods. Greenberg's illustrations are so engaging and she does emotions so well. Although the narrative pales in comparison to the retellings by Sutcliff or Cross, the language is accessible and engaging enough to captivate all readers.
What a beautiful book! Mistry's illustrations are engrossing, vibrant and invite you to look carefully and closely. When the baby animals find it diffWhat a beautiful book! Mistry's illustrations are engrossing, vibrant and invite you to look carefully and closely. When the baby animals find it difficult to sleep at night, Mama elephant takes them in her trunk and sheds light on the mysteries of the night. Why thunder clatters, the wind moans and lightning sparkles are all explained by Mama elephant in a way that honours both pourquoi stories and animal tales. Soundar's ability to pick up on rhythm and repetition, noises and harmonies in the natural world and her own writing make a perfect companion for the illustrations - definitely one to share with children and it'd sit so well in the early years when children begin to explore sounds around them. ...more
Another lovely addition to the Alanna Books catalogue. It's a simple story of a young girl and her father repeatedly going to the library and being inAnother lovely addition to the Alanna Books catalogue. It's a simple story of a young girl and her father repeatedly going to the library and being inspired by the books that they share together. From them, Anna creates imaginative and engaging landscapes in which she is supported by her dad to act out and immerse herself in these worlds - be it being a princess, or a builder or a pilot. Lulu's world is a diverse one and the families she meets with are of different colour - McQuinn's reference to her role as a community librarian and the different families that she meets there. At the back of the picturebook are two important and rather wonderful additions (in my edition). At the back of the book there is some guidance on using the text with parents and well as support on reading this with your child if English is their second language. There is also a CD with the book itself read in no less than 20 different languages, from Welsh to Japanese. ...more
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