Our sparsely-worded story follows a little dog as he navigates the bustling cityscape with his owner, becoming increasingly distressed by the sizzlingOur sparsely-worded story follows a little dog as he navigates the bustling cityscape with his owner, becoming increasingly distressed by the sizzling sidewalks, wailing sirens, and crowded streets. After near misses with feet, skateboards, and rushing traffic, our canine companion simply lies down in an act of defiance. His compassionate owner notices his discomfort and decides to take a spontaneous trip to the beach, providing much-needed relief and a breath of fresh air for both of them.
Salati’s poetic narrative is simple yet evocative, perfectly paired with his brilliant illustrations that bring the dog’s journey to life (as well as his owner’s). The vibrant, detailed artwork transitions from the oppressive heat of the city to the refreshing, open spaces of the beach, offering readers a palpable sense of the dog’s transition from stress to relaxation. Salati’s use of colour, line, and perspective are masterfully executed, especially as they shift from the hot reds and oranges of the sweltering city to the cool blues and greens of the ocean.
The story’s strength lies in its ability to convey both the dog’s and owner’s emotions through word and image. The clever use of sensory details and shifting environments makes this a joyful exploration of finding calm amidst chaos, a theme that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. There is movement on the pages here, too, and character. As Salati’s third publication, he comes across as a visual storyteller to watch with this life-affirming and visually captivating piece.
This charming picture book’s canine protagonist reminds us that veering off the tide of a busy life and taking time to find peace and solace can be immensely rewarding....more
Enter the charming world of No. 5 Bubblegum Street, a bustling apartment building home to an array of quirky animal residents. From Mouse the rapper, Enter the charming world of No. 5 Bubblegum Street, a bustling apartment building home to an array of quirky animal residents. From Mouse the rapper, frantically searching for his hat, to the houseplant-obsessed Panther and the musical Spiders, every character brings vibrant energy to this delightful story. I particularly enjoyed spending time in Panther’s apartment, where a love for potted plants flourishes.
The narrative unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing young readers to immerse themselves in the intricacies of each household. Gosia Herba’s illustrations are a visual delight, bursting with bright, bold colours and intricate details that invite repeated exploration. Each character and their environment are brought to life with a distinct colour palette, enhancing the individuality of their stories.
After all the characters have been introduced, we find them on the rooftop terrace, transformed into a lively party scene where all the neighbours gather to share their talents and passions. This culmination underscores themes of community, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity. The colourful and dynamic illustrations capture the essence of this celebration, making each page a visual delight.
Pa and Herba, along with Gilroy’s translation, encourage children to appreciate the richness of differences and the joy of coming together. This picture book offers repeated readings that can be shared and enjoyed together, with children always spotting details that adults might miss....more
Our story begins with a tiny, orange-skinned spaceman who lands on what he initially perceives as an ordinary planet. His job, as he solemnly informs Our story begins with a tiny, orange-skinned spaceman who lands on what he initially perceives as an ordinary planet. His job, as he solemnly informs us, is to collect soil samples, label them, and move on to the next destination—a monotonous routine he carries out with diligent precision. However, this particular planet is unlike any he has encountered before. As the spaceman becomes captivated by its mysterious beauty, his focus shifts from the mundanity of his tasks to the extraordinary world around him.
Telling the story from the spaceman’s first-person perspective is a masterstroke by Cecil. The spaceman’s voice, formal yet endearing, evokes a sense of nostalgia and humour that will delight both older readers and young listeners alike. This tone, combined with the spaceman’s wide-eyed observations, is charmingly reminiscent of a Bill Bryson-esque narrative, adding a layer of innocence and wonder.
Cecil’s use of oil paints gives the illustrations a rich, textured feel, with each brushstroke adding depth and warmth to the pages. The colour palette is both vibrant and subtle, with the orange hue of the spaceman’s skin and white suit standing out against the soft greens and blues of the planet’s landscape—impressive for such a tiny creature. What initially seems like an ordinary planet is soon revealed to be teeming with life—flowers, butterflies, and a friendly yet “hideous� beast that turns out to be a dog. The juxtaposition of the spaceman’s small stature against the planet’s large flora and fauna emphasises his vulnerability and the vast beauty of the world he has stumbled upon—a subtle invitation for readers to contemplate the significance of their surroundings.
Ultimately, this is a story about finding joy in the unexpected and learning to appreciate the world around us. The spaceman’s journey from duty-bound explorer to joyful participant is touching and uplifting. When he finally finds his spaceship lodged in a tree, he faces a choice: return to his old life of routine and monotony, or stay on this extraordinary planet where he has found happiness and friendship. The decision is made with a delicate touch of humour and grace that resonates deeply.
Cecil’s storytelling is as thoughtful as it is whimsical, inviting readers to pause, look around, and perhaps see the world in a new light. This beautifully crafted picture book captures the essence of discovery, wonder, and the unexpected beauty found in the most ordinary of places—a gentle reminder to stop, breathe, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures, preferably, with a dog.
Blessing Musariri’s narrative delicately explores the themes of loss, grief, and the enduring strength of love. The story follows Shingai, a young boyBlessing Musariri’s narrative delicately explores the themes of loss, grief, and the enduring strength of love. The story follows Shingai, a young boy struggling with the absence of his father, and the emotional upheaval that ensues. Through his restless energy and the disorder he creates at home, Shingai’s internal struggle is poignantly depicted, capturing the confusion and sadness that come with loss.
As the story unfolds, Shingai and his mother find solace in each other, realising that even in the face of loss, they remain connected by their love. This shared understanding becomes the anchor that helps them navigate their grief, emphasising the importance of togetherness in healing.
Shearring’s watercolour illustrations add a soft, expressive quality to the narrative. The vibrant colours and dynamic compositions bring warmth and visual depth to the story, complementing the emotional tone of the text. Shearring’s artwork beautifully captures the shifting moods of Shingai’s journey, providing a gentle contrast to the book’s heavier themes. Allusions to the past run throughout the family’s home and celebrate Shearring’s ability to weave more into the story.
While the central message about resilience through shared love is touching, the narrative progression tends to be straightforward, with a resolution that, though heartwarming, arrives somewhat quickly. This pacing may leave readers wanting a deeper exploration of the emotional nuances presented throughout the story.
Ultimately, this is a tender and comforting tale for children experiencing loss. Musariri’s sensitive storytelling, combined with Shearring’s evocative illustrations, results in a thoughtful book that, despite its simplicity and a reluctance to delve deeper, successfully conveys the healing power of love and connection....more
Bearing in mind, Johnnie's 'Swim Team' will remain a firm graphic novel favourite of mine for all time, Gamerville, for me, didn't quite reach the samBearing in mind, Johnnie's 'Swim Team' will remain a firm graphic novel favourite of mine for all time, Gamerville, for me, didn't quite reach the same heights. While the book explores themes of technology addiction and the importance of human connection, it suffers from a few significant flaws that detract from its overall impact.
The story follows Max, an avid gamer who is forced to attend Camp Reset, a screen-free summer camp, instead of participating in the Gamerville Video Game Tournament. The setup promises an exploration of friendships and personal growth, but much of the narrative comes off as preachy, particularly in its heavy-handed messages about the dangers of video games and sugar consumption. The tone often feels overly simplistic and lacks nuance, leaving little room for younger readers to engage with the story.
Additionally, while the art in Gamerville is bright and visually engaging, the characters themselves are somewhat flat, with stiff expressions that don't always match the emotional beats of the plot - I can't help but feel that Johnnie was rushed in places although background and scene setting are delightful. This creates a dissonance between the narrative and the artwork, leaving readers wanting more emotional depth and complexity in the characters and their relationships.
The plot resolution also feels a bit too convenient and rushed. Max’s journey toward redemption and self-discovery, which involves breaking into the camp’s Toy Tower to reclaim video games, ends in a way that feels rushed and jumbled rather than thought-provoking�. It might still appeal to younger readers looking for a light, fast-paced story, but those seeking a deeper exploration of the themes will likely find it lacking. I wondered, as I was reading, how much editing went on and whether too much was trying to be into a story that probably needed refining and focusing. ...more
An incredibly heartwarming and humorous graphic memoir. The story follows Pedro and his large Mexican-American family as they embark on a road trip frAn incredibly heartwarming and humorous graphic memoir. The story follows Pedro and his large Mexican-American family as they embark on a road trip from California to Mexico to bring their legendary grandfather, Abuelito, to live with them. Throughout the journey, Pedro struggles to reconcile his American upbringing with his Mexican heritage, while navigating the chaos of a family road trip filled with humour and heart.
Pedro’s family is lively, loud, and chaotic, but their bond is so relatable. Martin's story touches on deeper themes such as cultural identity, generational differences, and the universal challenges of growing up. And it manages all this without it feeling didactic or condescending. Readers will be able to relate to Pedro’s internal struggle as he balances his Mexican roots with his American lifestyle - but he's also just a kid trying to find his way around growing up. In a way, I found the story was more like this than anything. I'm glad Martin refrained from delving deeply into the more complex cultural issues - we don't need to be preached to in order to under complex and sensitive themes....more
A heartfelt exploration of climate anxiety through the lens of ten-year-old Florent. The story opens with Florent overhearing his mothers discussing wA heartfelt exploration of climate anxiety through the lens of ten-year-old Florent. The story opens with Florent overhearing his mothers discussing whether bringing another child into a world facing environmental collapse is a responsible choice. This sparks a spiral of fear and guilt within him, as he begins to wonder if he and other children are part of the problem. The narrative vividly portrays his mounting anxiety, culminating in a series of nightmares where the planet is destroyed, and his parents leave him behind.
The book deftly tackles these heavy themes, providing a sensitive space for young readers to process their own climate-related fears. Florent’s emotional journey leads to a compassionate family discussion, reminding him that his life brings joy and meaning, and that hope can still be found, even in challenging times. The illustrations beautifully complement the narrative with soft tones and borders of wildflowers, symbolising nature’s fragile beauty....more
A beautifully illustrated retelling of a traditional Korean folk tale about generosity and the triumph of wit over greed. The story follows a travelleA beautifully illustrated retelling of a traditional Korean folk tale about generosity and the triumph of wit over greed. The story follows a traveller who seeks refuge under a magnificent tree, only to encounter a wealthy landowner who claims ownership of not just the tree, but its shade as well. Using quick thinking, the traveller strikes a clever deal to "purchase" the shade, outwitting the selfish landowner and ensuring the villagers can continue to enjoy the tree's shelter. ...more
A poignant and visually rich picturebook about a family of polar bears searching for a new home. Their Arctic environment no longer provides enough foA poignant and visually rich picturebook about a family of polar bears searching for a new home. Their Arctic environment no longer provides enough food, so they venture into human spaces, encountering both obstacles and opportunities along the way.
The story explores themes of immigration, displacement, and climate change, framed through the bears' journey. The family faces challenges as they try to settle in urban areas, grappling with loneliness and the struggles of finding acceptance. The illustrations by Oleynikov, a Hans Christian Andersen award-winning artist, bring depth to the narrative with lush details and playful depictions of the anthropomorphic bears.
This book tackles complex social issues like environmentalism and the universal desire for home in a way that is accessible to children. The humour and vibrant illustrations make the story engaging while still inviting deeper reflection on the serious topics at its core....more
A delightful and empowering retelling of the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. At its heart, the book features Gina Kaminski, a confident and resoA delightful and empowering retelling of the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. At its heart, the book features Gina Kaminski, a confident and resourceful autistic girl who takes the narrative into her own hands. Gina is determined to correct the "big mistakes" in the original story and save the wolf, showcasing her determination and creativity.
The illustrations by Francis Martin are vibrant and engaging, perfectly complementing the innovative use of pictorial emoji language that helps convey Gina's unique perspective. This book is not just a story but a celebration of neurodiversity, empowering every child to be the hero of their own narrative.
A fun, affirming read for children and adults looking for stories that challenge traditional narratives and celebrate individual strengths....more
A compelling graphic novel that follows the story of Manuel Soto, a young boy dealing with PTSD and anxiety after witnessing a traumatic event at schoA compelling graphic novel that follows the story of Manuel Soto, a young boy dealing with PTSD and anxiety after witnessing a traumatic event at school. Manuel struggles with panic attacks and disassociation, but through new friendships and creative outlets, he begins to find a path to healing.
The narrative is deeply touching, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of art as therapy. Manuel's journey is beautifully depicted through Smith's artwork, which vividly captures the contrasting emotions of calm and panic. His bond with classmates Sebastian and Caysha (who are both lovely characters) plays a crucial role in his recovery, and their collective experiences at the county fair bring moments of joy and connection that anchor Manuel during his darkest times.
Smith's portrayal of Manuel's struggles is both realistic and hopeful, offering an authentic look at how young people cope with trauma. The inclusion of a queer romantic subplot between Manuel and Sebastian adds an extra layer of depth and representation to the story.
Overall, The Golden Hour is a moving exploration of mental health and friendship, suitable for readers aged 10+ ...more
A gripping dystopian thriller set in a future where the Earth's atmosphere has been toxically polluted by a deadly mist known as the Reek. In this dirA gripping dystopian thriller set in a future where the Earth's atmosphere has been toxically polluted by a deadly mist known as the Reek. In this dire world, only tech billionaire Axel Brodie has the means to produce clean air, making oxygen a precious commodity that must be purchased.
The story centres on Sparrow, a determined young girl living in Reek-swamped Edinburgh. Sparrow works tirelessly to support her family, delivering packages while navigating the perils of a society suffocated by pollution. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her friend, inventor Miriam Fenn, discovers a revolutionary way to produce clean air independently of Brodie's monopoly. This discovery puts them both in grave danger as powerful forces seek to maintain control over the vital resource.
Reek combines thrilling action with a poignant exploration of environmental issues and corporate greed. The narrative is fast-paced and filled with suspense: a little is packed into such a short story. Caltsoudas's illustrations vividly bring the dystopian world to life. The book not only entertains but provokes thought about our current environmental challenges and the consequences of unchecked corporate power....more
The second instalment in Probert's brilliant graphic novel series. Continuing the adventures of Bea and Cad, this book delves deeper into the magical The second instalment in Probert's brilliant graphic novel series. Continuing the adventures of Bea and Cad, this book delves deeper into the magical world of Irpa. The story picks up with the duo on a mission to stop the giant bird Kest from extinguishing the lights of their world. Along the way, they uncover more about their planet and its ancient beings, confronting various challenges and shadowy creatures.
The narrative balances thrilling action with moments of introspection, particularly focusing on Bea's struggles with anxiety and fear, depicted visually as dark clouds surrounding her. Cad’s cheerful and adventurous spirit provides a counterbalance, making their partnership dynamic and engaging. The artwork is stunning, filled with vivid landscapes and imaginative creatures that draw readers into the fantasy realm. I'm always reminded of Henson's work.
Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird effectively mixes humor with serious themes, making it a compelling read for middle-grade audiences. The story not only entertains but also explores deeper emotional and psychological aspects, ensuring it resonates with both young readers and adults....more
One of the earliest touch-and-feel books feels incredibly dated now but I like it for the fact that it was a text created by Kundhardt to bring readinOne of the earliest touch-and-feel books feels incredibly dated now but I like it for the fact that it was a text created by Kundhardt to bring reading experiences closer to the very young. Published in the 30s, Kundhardt was looking for something to engage her infant daughter in reading and since these types of books are still going strong today, it could be argued that she found an idea which worked well.
Merged review:
One of the earliest touch-and-feel books feels incredibly dated now but I like it for the fact that it was a text created by Kundhardt to bring reading experiences closer to the very young. Published in the 30s, Kundhardt was looking for something to engage her infant daughter in reading and since these types of books are still going strong today, it could be argued that she found an idea which worked well....more
A touching middle-grade novel that blends humour with deep emotional themes. The story follows Benji and his brother Stanley, who move to Scotland to A touching middle-grade novel that blends humour with deep emotional themes. The story follows Benji and his brother Stanley, who move to Scotland to live with their Uncle Hamish after their parents go missing at sea. Benji, ever the optimist, believes in the Loch Lochy monster and hopes to prove its existence to save his uncle's business. His imaginative plans lead to humorous adventures, but underlying these are poignant explorations of grief and hope.
Pearson addresses bereavement through a child's eyes, creating relatable characters and a heartfelt narrative. The book’s charm lies in its balance of laughter and emotional depth, making it a standout for both young readers and adults�...more
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