Mathew's bookshelf: early-reading-skills en-US Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:18:47 -0700 60 Mathew's bookshelf: early-reading-skills 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Balu's Basket/Baluchi Topali (English/Marathi)]]> 36126560 24 Chitra Soundar 9350463970 Mathew 4 4.00 Balu's Basket/Baluchi Topali (English/Marathi)
author: Chitra Soundar
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/09/10
shelves: childrens-literature, cumulative-story, dual-language, early-reading-skills, family, food, foundation-stage, imagination, key-stage-1, india, multiculturalism, picturebook, repeating-lines
review:
This is a lovely little story about a young boy, Balu, who comes across a basket on his way home from school. On the way, we come across a market (I really liked seeing when a genuine Indian market looked) in which Balu's ingeuinity allows him to support the marketsellers in different ways. Children will enjoy working out how Balu will help the trader with his basket whilst also enjoying a real window/mirror into a culture and place which might be familiar or unfamiliar to them. The illustrations are bright and warm but it's Soundar's mastery of simple repetition and rhythm to the pace that I like.
]]> The Great Journey 26240622 32 Agathe Demois 1849763755 Mathew 4
The illustrations themselves are penned only in red and blue ink with the latter colour hidden under the former. The viewfinder itself is red acetate and cancels out the like-coloured illustrations allowing you, rather cleverly, to see the hidden blue ones beneath.

The book is full of humour which the children will love. From a family of mice (eating lunch) hidden in a buried treasure chest, to a giant worm residing in a block of flats. The element of exploration and nonsense is what I think children will enjoy. The size of the book itself (a smidge larger than A3) encourages the reader to not just flit over the pages but really explore and spend time searching.

A fun and engaging book which encourages the reader to look closer and spend time enjoying exploring a book, The Great Journey, is perfect for children of most ages and could be a good book for drawing in those children who see reading as a challenge or unrewarding. The fact that there is no real story means that the text can be ignored and with the book being so large, it can also be shared.

If you're using it in school and are worried that the children might ruin the magnifying glass (they will as it's rather flimsy) then just get in some red acetate sheets and use them instead. ]]> 4.18 2014 The Great Journey
author: Agathe Demois
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/30
date added: 2023/07/23
shelves: childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, imaginative-play, humour, nonsense
review:
There is far less of a story here and more of an engaging and immersive interactive quality. Although we follow Red Beak around the world, each double-page spread it a separate, unrelated scene in which the reader is encouraged to use a viewfinder to see what lies hidden in the picture: a neat idea which my eldest (3) has spent hours and hours doing.

The illustrations themselves are penned only in red and blue ink with the latter colour hidden under the former. The viewfinder itself is red acetate and cancels out the like-coloured illustrations allowing you, rather cleverly, to see the hidden blue ones beneath.

The book is full of humour which the children will love. From a family of mice (eating lunch) hidden in a buried treasure chest, to a giant worm residing in a block of flats. The element of exploration and nonsense is what I think children will enjoy. The size of the book itself (a smidge larger than A3) encourages the reader to not just flit over the pages but really explore and spend time searching.

A fun and engaging book which encourages the reader to look closer and spend time enjoying exploring a book, The Great Journey, is perfect for children of most ages and could be a good book for drawing in those children who see reading as a challenge or unrewarding. The fact that there is no real story means that the text can be ignored and with the book being so large, it can also be shared.

If you're using it in school and are worried that the children might ruin the magnifying glass (they will as it's rather flimsy) then just get in some red acetate sheets and use them instead.
]]> 10 Cats 61672068 Award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator Emily Gravett follows a group of playful cats as they turn a mess of color into an engaging display of art and text.Ěý
Ěý
Follow the lives of ten kittens as they playfully pounce, bat, and swat while their mother sleeps. Buckets of paint quickly turn the kittens—and their sleeping mother—into brilliant works of art. When mama cat wakes up, playtime turns into bath time.Ěý
Ěý
Full of playful and engaging art, this inventive tale creates page after page of spot-the-difference fun perfect for repeat reading.Ěý]]> 32 Emily Gravett 1509857362 Mathew 4
The story begins with a mother cat and her ten adorable kittens on the opening page. As the mother cat falls into a deep slumber, her mischievous little ones seize the opportunity to have some playful adventures of their own. Their misadventures commence when they stumble upon three cans of paint: one red, one yellow, and one blue.

With mischief in their hearts, they manage to pry open the lids and chaos ensues as they splatter themselves, the floor, and everything around them with red, then yellow, and finally blue splotches. Their playful escapades turn their surroundings into a vibrant playground where they experiment with mixing the three primary colours, resulting in mesmerizing shades of orange and green. In the end, the mother cat awakens from her blissful slumber only to discover the colourful mess and decides it's time for her mischievous little ones to have a thorough bath. Great fun.



]]> 3.95 2022 10 Cats
author: Emily Gravett
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2023/07/06
date added: 2023/07/06
shelves: animals, cumulative-story, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, picturebook, art, read-aloud
review:
This delightful book goes beyond counting and introduces young readers to the primary colours and the art of colour mixing.

The story begins with a mother cat and her ten adorable kittens on the opening page. As the mother cat falls into a deep slumber, her mischievous little ones seize the opportunity to have some playful adventures of their own. Their misadventures commence when they stumble upon three cans of paint: one red, one yellow, and one blue.

With mischief in their hearts, they manage to pry open the lids and chaos ensues as they splatter themselves, the floor, and everything around them with red, then yellow, and finally blue splotches. Their playful escapades turn their surroundings into a vibrant playground where they experiment with mixing the three primary colours, resulting in mesmerizing shades of orange and green. In the end, the mother cat awakens from her blissful slumber only to discover the colourful mess and decides it's time for her mischievous little ones to have a thorough bath. Great fun.




]]> Mother Goose 515215
One of Greenaway's early successes was Mother Goose, or the Old Nursery Rhymes, first published in 1881, featuring such favorite poems as "Little Jack Horner," "Little Bo Peep," and "Jack and Jill" paired with whimsical illustrations of children playing in an idyllic countryside. Her enchanting watercolors evoked the urban Victorian reader's nostalgia for the rural life of earlier times and echoed Greenaway's own longing to retreat to a more tranquil setting than her native London.

This new edition of Kate Greenaway's Mother Goose reproduces illustrations from the rare 1881 edition in the Huntington Library's collections. The Huntington owns an extensive collection of books illustrated by Greenaway, several of her manuscripts, and nearly one hundred of her original drawings.]]> 48 Kate Greenaway 0755446356 Mathew 4 4.20 1881 Mother Goose
author: Kate Greenaway
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1881
rating: 4
read at: 2023/04/27
date added: 2023/04/27
shelves: childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, imaginative-play, outdoor-play, poetry, nursery-rhymes, repeating-lines, rhyming
review:
Kate Greenaway's third compilation of poetry saw her bring together some well known nursery rhymes and others less so. Illustrations of rural settings were based on her visits to extended family in Nottinghamshire since Kate spent her life in London. The clothing appealed to Victorians of the time as the actions of the children which seemed innocent and well-mannered (on the whole).
]]> Bunny Bath 1489121 Swedish / Svenska 24 Lena Anderson 9129596521 Mathew 4
The layout of the book is simple for the most part with the action occurring on the left and the item removed displayed on the right - a lovely 'see and say' activity for that young reader. Lots of vibrant and engaging action and movement throughout. ]]> 3.17 1986 Bunny Bath
author: Lena Anderson
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.17
book published: 1986
rating: 4
read at: 2023/04/27
date added: 2023/04/27
shelves: absence-of-parents, animals, anthropomorphism, animal-helpers, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-2, picturebook
review:
A child and a rabbit are bonded through their friendship and care for each other in this wordless, Swedish, picturebook. A child returns from outside, wet and cold and the rabbit wakes up to help them get undressed and hop into the bath.

The layout of the book is simple for the most part with the action occurring on the left and the item removed displayed on the right - a lovely 'see and say' activity for that young reader. Lots of vibrant and engaging action and movement throughout.
]]> Meg and Merlin 59460543
Meg treasures every moment that she gets to spend riding, and she has always longed for a pony of her own.

She knows Mum and Dad can’t afford a pony � they can’t even afford her weekly riding lessons any more. But on the morning of her tenth birthday, Meg looks out the window to an unbelievable sight � a pony standing in the front garden. Have all of Meg’s wishes come true?]]> 64 Tanya Landman 1800900856 Mathew 4
May loves spending her time horse-riding but when her parents lose their jobs, the funding disappears and so does her chance to ride. When she wakes up on her tenth birthday, however, she is surprised to see a pony standing at her front gate.

With lovely illustrations by Sonia Albert, Landman lends a nice pace here and a sweet story that will appeal to any reader who likes horses and happy endings. I also think that the main character is a girl and the secondary one is a pony named Merlin, there will be boys who will enjoy this story and giving all the opportunity to read will go a long way to breaking stereotypes. ]]> 4.23 Meg and Merlin
author: Tanya Landman
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/01/22
date added: 2022/01/22
shelves: animal-helpers, animals, challenging-stereotypes, challenging-gender-stereotypes, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, kindness
review:
A sweet first chapter book, ideal for that child whose phonetically competent and is just beginning to take flight. Being just over 40 pages and with illustrations, there's enough here for a story whilst being short enough for that new reader to feel they've accomplished reading a short novel.

May loves spending her time horse-riding but when her parents lose their jobs, the funding disappears and so does her chance to ride. When she wakes up on her tenth birthday, however, she is surprised to see a pony standing at her front gate.

With lovely illustrations by Sonia Albert, Landman lends a nice pace here and a sweet story that will appeal to any reader who likes horses and happy endings. I also think that the main character is a girl and the secondary one is a pony named Merlin, there will be boys who will enjoy this story and giving all the opportunity to read will go a long way to breaking stereotypes.
]]> <![CDATA[ABC Byd Natur (English and Welsh Edition)]]> 35328986 60 Aaron 1845275845 Mathew 4 4.50 ABC Byd Natur (English and Welsh Edition)
author: Aaron
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/23
date added: 2021/11/23
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, ecocritical, picturebook
review:
An absolutely beautiful introduction to the Welsh alphabet through the natural world and extremely high-quality presentation too. Letter and word on the left against a rich wash of oil spreads and on the right a range of Carle-esque cut-out illustrations. High quality.
]]> Ready, Steady, School! 58608383 32 Marianne Dubuc 1911496255 Mathew 4
Each huge, double-page spread is an invitation, in Richard Scarry style, to find out all the little stories that are taking place within each school environment and as an early invitation into close looking and comprehending, it's just lovely. ]]> 4.33 Ready, Steady, School!
author: Marianne Dubuc
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/07/22
date added: 2021/10/08
shelves: adventure, animals, anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, close-looking, community, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, imaginative-play, intertextuality, key-stage-1, nature, picturebook, reading-as-powerful, school-story
review:
A delightful, 'bumper-size' book that is perfect for sharing from the early years of reading upwards. Pom is excited about starting school but is too young. Instead, Pom decides to spend each day he can with his animal friends at their respective schools. At Little Leapers, the rabbits are learning to read, write and count, and so on.

Each huge, double-page spread is an invitation, in Richard Scarry style, to find out all the little stories that are taking place within each school environment and as an early invitation into close looking and comprehending, it's just lovely.
]]> Lenny and Wilbur 54326214 28 Ken Wilson-Max 1684640717 Mathew 4
As with all Wilson-Max's illustrations, rich colours sweep through double-page spreads and share that joy and pleasure both child and pet feel for each other. Lots of cuddles and giggles abound and the simple story will resonate with so many young readers too. As with all Alanna Max's books, there is a sense of play and acute observation of the antics of young children here that I think can be missing in many stories for the young - something to relate to.

My copy was in hardback and had a durable front and back with glossy thick pages in between - perfect for multiple readings with young children. ]]> 3.84 Lenny and Wilbur
author: Ken Wilson-Max
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/31
date added: 2021/05/31
shelves: animals, care-and-hygeine, children-taking-on-adult-roles, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, love, picturebook, repeating-lines
review:
Best friends do everything together and Lenny and Wilbur are no exception. Lenny cares deeply for his pet and Wilbur loves spending time with his little friend too. Lenny mimics mummy's phrases of 'Good boy' to Wilbur and slowly takes on some of the caring duties such as feeding as brushing his dog's coat. It is clear that they both adore each other.

As with all Wilson-Max's illustrations, rich colours sweep through double-page spreads and share that joy and pleasure both child and pet feel for each other. Lots of cuddles and giggles abound and the simple story will resonate with so many young readers too. As with all Alanna Max's books, there is a sense of play and acute observation of the antics of young children here that I think can be missing in many stories for the young - something to relate to.

My copy was in hardback and had a durable front and back with glossy thick pages in between - perfect for multiple readings with young children.
]]> Where's Lenny? 18492627 32 Ken Wilson-Max 1847803180 Mathew 4 @kenwilsonmax is so good at. A lovely, early picture book with a steady, gentle refrain]]> 3.51 2014 Where's Lenny?
author: Ken Wilson-Max
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/19
date added: 2021/05/19
shelves: challenging-gender-stereotypes, childrens-literature, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, nursery-rhymes, picturebook, poetry, repeating-lines
review:
What a delight. The giggles from hiding under bed covers, the patient, kind parent pretending not to notice their child's poor hiding skills and a subtle dismantling of gendered norms that
@kenwilsonmax is so good at. A lovely, early picture book with a steady, gentle refrain
]]> <![CDATA[Small Pig (An I Can Read Book)]]> 555173 64 Arnold Lobel 0060239328 Mathew 5
One of Lobel's early I Can Read books simply shames the decodable texts that come out these days. Full of warmth and wit; it's a little beauty. ]]> 4.09 1969 Small Pig (An I Can Read Book)
author: Arnold Lobel
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.09
book published: 1969
rating: 5
read at: 2021/04/22
date added: 2021/04/22
shelves: animals, being-yourself, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, farm, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, illustrated-text, quest
review:
Small pig loves nothing more than to soak in the mud outside his pen so when the farmer's wife decides to clean it all up, there's nothing left for pig to do but set off looking for a muddy patchy in a new place.

One of Lobel's early I Can Read books simply shames the decodable texts that come out these days. Full of warmth and wit; it's a little beauty.
]]> A Lion in the Meadow 885655 32 Margaret Mahy 0140506306 Mathew 5 Much like Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are, there is much going on beneath the surface around imagination as a vessel for needs (understood or not so) as well as the complexities around parenting and giving time to all your children. It is certainly a book for rich discussion on many levels.
Jenny Williams' illustrations are beautiful but a little reading has shown me that there were earlier illustrations which look far richer in their imagining. Must get hold of a copy. You could use this in many ways in the classroom and this is yet another text I have read in which the lion is seen as saviour and as a danger.]]> 4.16 1969 A Lion in the Meadow
author: Margaret Mahy
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.16
book published: 1969
rating: 5
read at: 2020/07/01
date added: 2020/12/22
shelves: animal-helpers, animals, childrens-literature, creativity, dragons, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, imaginative-play, language-as-power, key-stage-1, nature, outdoor-play, overcoming-fears, picturebook
review:
This is a beautiful book. Deceptively simple at first glance but a more complex theme underlies the story. A little boy is worried that he has seen a lion lurking in the meadow outside the house. Its description and fierceness grows the more the little boy's mother ignores his concerns, until exhausted, she comes up with a solution to combat his fears: she gives him a dragon to frighten the lion. This just makes matters worse! Now we have a great, roaming dragon terrorising the land!
Much like Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are, there is much going on beneath the surface around imagination as a vessel for needs (understood or not so) as well as the complexities around parenting and giving time to all your children. It is certainly a book for rich discussion on many levels.
Jenny Williams' illustrations are beautiful but a little reading has shown me that there were earlier illustrations which look far richer in their imagining. Must get hold of a copy. You could use this in many ways in the classroom and this is yet another text I have read in which the lion is seen as saviour and as a danger.
]]> <![CDATA[Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?]]> 759611 24 Bill Martin Jr. 0805047905 Mathew 5 4.26 1967 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
author: Bill Martin Jr.
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.26
book published: 1967
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/22
date added: 2020/12/22
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, picturebook, poetry
review:

]]> The Flute 43688437
Come along and sing with The Flute in Tiny Owl’s new Children, Music, Life series,
created by the award-winning picture book author and artist Ken Wilson-Max.
This series explores different musical instruments from around the world and
how they make you feel and move! Music is great for the physical, emotional,
and intellectual development of babies as well as strengthening cognitive and
sensory development. So hear the whisper of the flute, dance like a butterfly
and enjoy making music with your baby!]]> 24 Ken Wilson-Max 1910328359 Mathew 5
What is so wonderful about Tiny Owl's little 'Children Music Life' series is that is embraces this idea of hearing, listening, vocalising, playing, moving and dancing and exploring music and noting how it can be a invisible strum into the rhythm of the the world.

In Flute, the sequel to The Drum, Wilson-Max and Ronca reunite to show us a rich, brightly-coloured word enriched through the celebration of music. Short sentences share with us how the instrument can bring colour to life, tickle our senses, usher colours and weathers. Ronca's double-page spreads bleed to the ends with bright colours and life, depicting scenes of young children reveling in the sound and sharing of music. What a lovely message to put into the hand of any child.]]> 4.42 2019 The Flute
author: Ken Wilson-Max
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/22
date added: 2020/12/22
shelves: childrens-literature, diversity, early-reading-skills, key-stage-1, foundation-stage, music, picturebook, repeating-lines
review:
In those early years, children are fascinated by songs, music and sounds. They might improvise their singing or simply enjoy playing with and repeating songs and nursery rhymes that appeal to them.

What is so wonderful about Tiny Owl's little 'Children Music Life' series is that is embraces this idea of hearing, listening, vocalising, playing, moving and dancing and exploring music and noting how it can be a invisible strum into the rhythm of the the world.

In Flute, the sequel to The Drum, Wilson-Max and Ronca reunite to show us a rich, brightly-coloured word enriched through the celebration of music. Short sentences share with us how the instrument can bring colour to life, tickle our senses, usher colours and weathers. Ronca's double-page spreads bleed to the ends with bright colours and life, depicting scenes of young children reveling in the sound and sharing of music. What a lovely message to put into the hand of any child.
]]> Claude on the Slopes 18901436 96 Alex T. Smith Mathew 4 4.09 2013 Claude on the Slopes
author: Alex T. Smith
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/22
date added: 2020/12/22
shelves: adventure, anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, imagination, key-stage-1, illustrated-text, outdoor-play, read-aloud
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Little Tree that Would Not Share]]> 26516180 32 Nicoletta Costa 0823435490 Mathew 4
When autumn falls and some of birds leave for warmer climates, the tree is distraught to find that his beautiful canopy has turned brown and is falling out. It takes a patient bird, Ada, to explain how this is all natural and that his leaves will grow back brighter and stronger than ever next year. Reflecting upon the error of his selfish ways, the little tree sees in the new spring by inviting everyone to shelter on his branches from then on.

Translated from Italian, I was drawn to this book because of Costa’s beautiful art style. She works with strong geometric shapes and clear, strong colours all outlined in sharp blank lines. There is some lovely interplay between the reader and the text with one cat repeatedly informing the reader that this tree is being quite rude!

Costa has won several prestigious awards in her home country and, impressively, was first published at the age of 12.
]]> 3.24 2016 The Little Tree that Would Not Share
author: Nicoletta Costa
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.24
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/21
date added: 2020/12/21
shelves: animals, cautionary-tale, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, nature, picturebook
review:
A little tree, growing in the middle of a town square, is overjoyed to discover a beautiful set of luscious green leaves growing out of his branches. Instead of sharing his space with the local birds, cats and butterflies, for fear that they will run his perfect look, he rudely spurns them away.

When autumn falls and some of birds leave for warmer climates, the tree is distraught to find that his beautiful canopy has turned brown and is falling out. It takes a patient bird, Ada, to explain how this is all natural and that his leaves will grow back brighter and stronger than ever next year. Reflecting upon the error of his selfish ways, the little tree sees in the new spring by inviting everyone to shelter on his branches from then on.

Translated from Italian, I was drawn to this book because of Costa’s beautiful art style. She works with strong geometric shapes and clear, strong colours all outlined in sharp blank lines. There is some lovely interplay between the reader and the text with one cat repeatedly informing the reader that this tree is being quite rude!

Costa has won several prestigious awards in her home country and, impressively, was first published at the age of 12.

]]> <![CDATA[Maisy Goes to Preschool: A Maisy First Experiences Book]]> 6637999
Preschool for Maisy means a day filled with friends and things to do, from the time she hangs her coat on a special peg to the time she says good-bye. There’s painting and snack time, stories and nap time (and a bathroom break in between). Soon everyone’s ready to haul out the instruments and make some noise, then head outside for a turn at the sandbox or slide. In a bright, full-size storybook full of familiar scenes, this child-friendly look at a day in the life of a preschooler is one that newcomers and seasoned pros alike will be happy to share.]]> 32 Lucy Cousins 0763642541 Mathew 4
With over 50 million books sold across the world, Cousins is firmly of that same famed camp as Spot and Kipper, coming out a year after the former. Cousin’s franchise though remains incredible strong and her picturebooks are possibly more versatile and explorative (Peck, Peck, Peck being a lovely example).

Moving closer perhaps to a more anthropomorphic child-like character with Maisie*, Cousins places our protagonist in many situations that her younger readers will be able to associate with. I always enjoyed this particular book as it had a male teacher, Mr Peacock, working in the nursery. Also, Maisie on the loo chatting to her girlfriends has me laughing � a subtle scenario to remind children to wash their hands!

A sweet introduction to what the early years â€could and shouldâ€� be like. All the other Maisie books are lovely as well.

*Considering Maisie goes to preschool she seems unerringly adult and self-sufficient in many of the other stories. Best not to dwell on the mechanics of what/who she is.
]]> 3.75 1992 Maisy Goes to Preschool: A Maisy First Experiences Book
author: Lucy Cousins
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1992
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/21
date added: 2020/12/21
shelves: absence-of-parents, anthropomorphism, care-and-hygeine, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, friendship, humour, imagination, imaginative-play, outdoor-play, picturebook
review:
The Maisie books were huge hits with our youngest. There is something about the funny individuality of each character, the bold, bright colours and thick black lines that is inimitable with Cousin’s style and deeply attractive to young audiences.

With over 50 million books sold across the world, Cousins is firmly of that same famed camp as Spot and Kipper, coming out a year after the former. Cousin’s franchise though remains incredible strong and her picturebooks are possibly more versatile and explorative (Peck, Peck, Peck being a lovely example).

Moving closer perhaps to a more anthropomorphic child-like character with Maisie*, Cousins places our protagonist in many situations that her younger readers will be able to associate with. I always enjoyed this particular book as it had a male teacher, Mr Peacock, working in the nursery. Also, Maisie on the loo chatting to her girlfriends has me laughing � a subtle scenario to remind children to wash their hands!

A sweet introduction to what the early years â€could and shouldâ€� be like. All the other Maisie books are lovely as well.

*Considering Maisie goes to preschool she seems unerringly adult and self-sufficient in many of the other stories. Best not to dwell on the mechanics of what/who she is.

]]> We're Going on a Bear Hunt 201126 40 Michael Rosen 0689853491 Mathew 5
Rosen pitches perfectly the gradual rhythm and rhyme of the first half of the story as we tread towards the cave and then the rush of the chase to get home. Positively choc-a-bloc with onomatopoeic language , any reading encourages actions and noises and young readers delight in joining in. All joy though would not be as significant without Oxenbury’s wonderful watercolours.

For the record, I always, always thought the eldest in the family was dad and never an older brother. I also think Oxenbury shows a very dejected bear at the end too. I’m ignoring or disagreeing with all other interpretations, televised or not.
]]> 4.28 1989 We're Going on a Bear Hunt
author: Michael Rosen
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.28
book published: 1989
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/20
date added: 2020/12/20
shelves: absence-of-parents, adventure, animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, intertextuality, nature, outdoor-play, picturebook, read-aloud, repeating-lines, rhyming
review:
Based on a traditional American nursery rhyme (search it out, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you find the original), the story is a simple one in which a family traverse over a series of landscapes and through a series of weathers to discover a bear that perhaps they thought was never there�

Rosen pitches perfectly the gradual rhythm and rhyme of the first half of the story as we tread towards the cave and then the rush of the chase to get home. Positively choc-a-bloc with onomatopoeic language , any reading encourages actions and noises and young readers delight in joining in. All joy though would not be as significant without Oxenbury’s wonderful watercolours.

For the record, I always, always thought the eldest in the family was dad and never an older brother. I also think Oxenbury shows a very dejected bear at the end too. I’m ignoring or disagreeing with all other interpretations, televised or not.

]]> The Baby's Catalogue 1208498 28 Allan Ahlberg 0140503854 Mathew 5
Whilst parent readers might smile knowingly at the exhausted adults on the pages, children will find themselves delightfully intrigued about the items they encounter: from a Battenburg cake to a tin spinning top. There is plenty here for the very early reader to enjoy looking at, pointing to and enquiring about. ]]> 3.85 1982 The Baby's Catalogue
author: Allan Ahlberg
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.85
book published: 1982
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/20
date added: 2020/12/20
shelves: care-and-hygeine, childrens-literature, close-looking, dads-as-good-role-models, early-reading-skills, family, food, foundation-stage, humour, picturebook
review:
Described by Geraldine Brennan as â€a self-assembly kit for family lifeâ€� it might be that the concept of a physical catalogue is as dated now as are some of the items in this book but it remains joyful to share. Published in 1982, it’s awash with Janet Ahlberg’s wonderful watercolours and features a diverse cast of parents and babies â€� all muddling through the early years of childhood. Each family carries its own story from a mum who is the main breadwinner and a child who happened to get its head stuck in a bucket…many of us have been there.

Whilst parent readers might smile knowingly at the exhausted adults on the pages, children will find themselves delightfully intrigued about the items they encounter: from a Battenburg cake to a tin spinning top. There is plenty here for the very early reader to enjoy looking at, pointing to and enquiring about.
]]> Where's Spot? 1402804 32 Eric Hill Mathew 4
In this story (I highly advise the larger format for sharing and playing together), Spot’s mum is going through the house looking for her youngest who is hiding. On her travels she finds a variety of Spot’s friends: from lions hiding under the stairs to bears behind doors. This book invites cross curricular engagement with literacy and maths but it is the bright characters and furniture and that joy of lifting the flaps that I will always remember. That sense of play and humour that comes with finding a blue hippo hiding in a pink grand piano for the first time will be hard to top!
]]> 4.23 1980 Where's Spot?
author: Eric Hill
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1980
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/20
date added: 2020/12/20
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, lift-the-flap, interactive, picturebook
review:
I have happy memories associated with this book both as a child and as a parent. Spot, with his round, blotchy brown markings and marvellously rounded shape is as inquisitive as he is lovable. The first in the series of Spot stories, our puppy was originally created for Hill’s own son, Christopher, and the addition of lift-the-flaps in the book were put in their as a way of engaging and entertaining him. This approach was new to the picturebook genre and would go on to inspire a wave of lift-the-flap books for young readers forevermore.

In this story (I highly advise the larger format for sharing and playing together), Spot’s mum is going through the house looking for her youngest who is hiding. On her travels she finds a variety of Spot’s friends: from lions hiding under the stairs to bears behind doors. This book invites cross curricular engagement with literacy and maths but it is the bright characters and furniture and that joy of lifting the flaps that I will always remember. That sense of play and humour that comes with finding a blue hippo hiding in a pink grand piano for the first time will be hard to top!

]]> Each Peach Pear Plum 833550
This board book edition is perfect for little hands. In this book "With your little eye, Take a look, And play 'I spy'". This familiar rhyme has been given the brilliant Ahlbreg treatment to which no young child can fail to respond. It's a book which will be read over and over again . . . just perfect!'

"Deceptively simple. 'Each Peach Pear Plum' is a work of genius."
- Elaine Moss]]> 34 Janet Ahlberg 067088278X Mathew 5
Both Allan and Janet seem, for me, eponymously associated with a very English childhood and a sense of warmth and security that I am not sure anyone else has managed since. As with all their collaborative work, this is a book that invites repeated readings whether it’s to enjoy the rhythm of the rhyme again or to find hidden details in Janet’s pictures.
]]> 4.23 1978 Each Peach Pear Plum
author: Janet Ahlberg
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1978
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/20
date added: 2020/12/20
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, fairy-tales, foundation-stage, intertextuality, key-stage-1, nature, nursery-rhymes, outdoor-play, picturebook, traditional-tales
review:
One I have read repeatedly now for decades but only encountered during my teacher-training years. Essential reading doesn’t even come close: one can see how it won the Greenaway award in 1978. A find-and-seek rhyming narrative that interweaves nursery rhyme and traditional tales. Beautiful vignettes roll exquisitely across village, vale and wood through the Ahlberg’s perfect balance between image and verse.

Both Allan and Janet seem, for me, eponymously associated with a very English childhood and a sense of warmth and security that I am not sure anyone else has managed since. As with all their collaborative work, this is a book that invites repeated readings whether it’s to enjoy the rhythm of the rhyme again or to find hidden details in Janet’s pictures.

]]> Vola, Uccellino! 20928887 It's a fun-filled day for Little Bird. At night, the moon is out but when the sun comes up, so many things can happen. This charming toddler book offers a child's view of a new day. This book is part of the Kika's First Books series, created by Altan for his young child. Kika's First Books are celebrating their 40th anniversary with new publications in English after being loved in Italy for generations. These sweet little books make excellent read alouds for the youngest listeners. Kika's First Books explore common childhood themes and experiences and are lots of fun for little ones.]]> 32 Francesco Tullio Altan 8847730406 Mathew 4
Published in 1977 and created by 'Altan', this is a very simple pre-school book with bright, bold words on one side and a simple yet deliciously colourful image on the right. It has a simplified story but the concept celebrated here lies between an early understanding of the interplay that can exist between image and word.

I adore the colours and shapes Atlan presents; you can tell that his background is in graphic design because the illustrations are as beautiful as they are clean and engaging. Fun! ]]> 3.75 1977 Vola, Uccellino!
author: Francesco Tullio Altan
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1977
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/20
date added: 2020/12/20
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, food, nature, translation, picturebook
review:
English title: 'Fly, Little Bird'

Published in 1977 and created by 'Altan', this is a very simple pre-school book with bright, bold words on one side and a simple yet deliciously colourful image on the right. It has a simplified story but the concept celebrated here lies between an early understanding of the interplay that can exist between image and word.

I adore the colours and shapes Atlan presents; you can tell that his background is in graphic design because the illustrations are as beautiful as they are clean and engaging. Fun!
]]> The Very Hungry Caterpillar 4948
One sunny Sunday, the caterpillar was hatched out of a tiny egg. He was very hungry. On Monday, he ate through one apple; on Tuesday, he ate through three plums--and still he was hungry. When full at last, he made a cocoon around himself and went to sleep, to wake up a few weeks later wonderfully transformed into a butterfly!

The brilliantly innovative Eric Carle has dramatized the story of one of Nature's commonest yet loveliest marvels, the metamorphosis of the butterfly. This audiobook will delight as well as instruct the very youngest listener.]]> 26 Eric Carle 0241003008 Mathew 5 Peepo!, The Very Hungry Caterpillar was one of the first books I encountered as a child in which I felt I was encouraged to explore and interact with. From its little, ever-growing holes to those steadily growing page-widths, this was a picturebook that offered a very different kind of play.

Used endlessly for exploring a butterfly’s life-cycle, it is Carle oft-mimicked collagic style that we all remember. Having spent most of his childhood in Stuttgart, Carle’s illustrative career began with his work on Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? at which time he was in the USA designing adverts and working on newspapers. His use of coloured and hand-painted tissue as well as a penchant for illustrating the animal world is what, I think, he is most recognised for.

If I was going to gift a very young child any version of this book these days, it'd definitely be the board book version which can easily withstand those wriggling, inquisitive fingers.
]]> 4.33 1969 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
author: Eric Carle
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.33
book published: 1969
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/19
date added: 2020/12/19
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, cumulative-story, early-reading-skills, food, foundation-stage, healthy-eating, key-stage-1, nature, picturebook
review:
I suspect that most of the Western world knows the counting book tale that tells of how a little egg sat upon a single leaf eventually opens to reveal a tiny, ravenous caterpillar that grows and grows until it eventually turns into a beautiful butterfly. Besides Peepo!, The Very Hungry Caterpillar was one of the first books I encountered as a child in which I felt I was encouraged to explore and interact with. From its little, ever-growing holes to those steadily growing page-widths, this was a picturebook that offered a very different kind of play.

Used endlessly for exploring a butterfly’s life-cycle, it is Carle oft-mimicked collagic style that we all remember. Having spent most of his childhood in Stuttgart, Carle’s illustrative career began with his work on Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? at which time he was in the USA designing adverts and working on newspapers. His use of coloured and hand-painted tissue as well as a penchant for illustrating the animal world is what, I think, he is most recognised for.

If I was going to gift a very young child any version of this book these days, it'd definitely be the board book version which can easily withstand those wriggling, inquisitive fingers.

]]> Meg and Mog 1067693 Meg and Mog is the first in the long-standing series about a witch (Meg) and her cat (Mog). Meg is a cute well-meaning witch who lives with Mog and her owl. In Meg and Mog, we are introduced to a witch wardrobe and a witch's breakfast. Later Meg flies off to meet her witch friends for some spell-making at a Halloween Party. Unfortunately the spell does not go exactly to plan...

The illustration is simple and with very bold, deep colours. Designed specifically to appeal to very young children, Meg and Mog has short simple sentences on each page, allowing the illustration to play an important part in the storytelling.

If you enjoy the first Meg and Mog, enjoy more adventures in Meg on the Moon and Mog at the Zoo. (Ages 1 to 3 years.) --Victoria MacKenzie

]]> 32 Helen Nicoll 0140501177 Mathew 4
In all honesty, I enjoyed the narrative more as I shared it with my own children. As a child, it was undoubtedly Pienkowski’s incredible artwork that hooked me in. With a limited colour palette that was as bright as it was bold, Pienkowski’s illustrations were super simplified yet almost felt iconic in form. I remember these stories as both oddly alluring and mischievously fun.
]]> 4.06 1972 Meg and Mog
author: Helen Nicoll
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.06
book published: 1972
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/19
date added: 2020/12/19
shelves: animals, animal-helpers, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, flying, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, magic, night, picturebook
review:
Meg and Mog have brought a lot of happiness to my family and me over the years. There is something so loveable about Meg’s constant spell-casting hiccups and Mog’s slightly erratic patience. This one, the first in the series, sees Meg preparing for a Halloween party. When she has gathered all her resources, she and Mog ascend through her gently curving chimney and sweep through the skies until they meet Meg's fellow witches. When Meg's catastrophic spell-casting ends up turning all her friends into mice; much to Mog the cat’s delight, she must make a choice about when to change them back...

In all honesty, I enjoyed the narrative more as I shared it with my own children. As a child, it was undoubtedly Pienkowski’s incredible artwork that hooked me in. With a limited colour palette that was as bright as it was bold, Pienkowski’s illustrations were super simplified yet almost felt iconic in form. I remember these stories as both oddly alluring and mischievously fun.

]]> Rosie's Walk (Stories to Go!) 420403 32 Pat Hutchins 1416908358 Mathew 5
Simple enough to the early reader, we watch as Rosie takes a stroll through the yard. As she does, she is pursued by a broad-eared fox who fails each time we turn the page to capture her. Does Rosie know what's happening or is she oblivious to the fox's constant attempts to eat her? Well, that's up to the reader and that's half the joy in the book itself.

A form of joyous play between word and picture and between text and reader, it may only contain 31 words but it is a model of perfection and the delight that comes with reading. ]]> 4.06 1968 Rosie's Walk (Stories to Go!)
author: Pat Hutchins
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.06
book published: 1968
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/19
date added: 2020/12/19
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, picturebook, farm
review:
A book that I doubt will ever loose its sense of originality and delight. It is, for me, the perfect picturebook and one that set a precedent for all that followed. It's amazing to think it's over 50 years old.

Simple enough to the early reader, we watch as Rosie takes a stroll through the yard. As she does, she is pursued by a broad-eared fox who fails each time we turn the page to capture her. Does Rosie know what's happening or is she oblivious to the fox's constant attempts to eat her? Well, that's up to the reader and that's half the joy in the book itself.

A form of joyous play between word and picture and between text and reader, it may only contain 31 words but it is a model of perfection and the delight that comes with reading.
]]> Belonging 407497 32 Jeannie Baker 0744592275 Mathew 5

]]> 4.31 2004 Belonging
author: Jeannie Baker
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 2016/09/17
date added: 2020/12/02
shelves: cautionary-tale, childrens-literature, conservation, early-reading-skills, ecocritical, foundation-stage, human-destruction, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, key-stage-3, nature, picturebook, wordless
review:
An affecting picture book that talks about the hope we most have in supporting future generations to relcaim our association, care, respect and need for the land. As with all of Jeannie's work, it carries a message of conservation but the story feels real through the little details which the reader can spend an age looking over. Again, Baker uses the window device to show the story of a young girl watching the changing landscape outside her window.



]]> Where's Baby Elephant? 55836697 Ali Khodai 191032860X Mathew 5
In this beautifully presented and imagined picturebook, we are invited to search for baby elephant and see if she is safe with her mother. After being presented with a cast list of all the creatures in the book we turn the page to discover a lion gazing at us with his two cubs. He doesn't know where the baby elephant is but in turning over the flap we suddenly find that our two-panelled lion has transformed into a three-panelled family of hedgehogs. Turn the flap once more and we meet an organutan with her infant, high in the treetops.

These deeply satisfying and imaginative unfold-the-flap encounters occur three more times throughout the book with a new animal family revealed with each turn of the flap, concertina-style. I loved the big full-bleed spreads of Khodai’s watercolours and the short but inviting phrases from each animal - an approach that makes the reader feel part of the adventure. Thick card pages mean that the book has plenty of durability from little, inquisitive fingers.

Where's Baby Elephant is a lovely way to introduce children to a range of animals and the words associated with their young but also an invitation to the joy and discovery that comes with turning the page.]]> 5.00 Where's Baby Elephant?
author: Ali Khodai
name: Mathew
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/11/02
date added: 2020/11/02
shelves: animals, board-book, childrens-literature, cumulative-story, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, lift-the-flap, picturebook
review:
A wonderful, interactive unfold-the-flap picture book that introduces us to a colour animal cast from around the world.

In this beautifully presented and imagined picturebook, we are invited to search for baby elephant and see if she is safe with her mother. After being presented with a cast list of all the creatures in the book we turn the page to discover a lion gazing at us with his two cubs. He doesn't know where the baby elephant is but in turning over the flap we suddenly find that our two-panelled lion has transformed into a three-panelled family of hedgehogs. Turn the flap once more and we meet an organutan with her infant, high in the treetops.

These deeply satisfying and imaginative unfold-the-flap encounters occur three more times throughout the book with a new animal family revealed with each turn of the flap, concertina-style. I loved the big full-bleed spreads of Khodai’s watercolours and the short but inviting phrases from each animal - an approach that makes the reader feel part of the adventure. Thick card pages mean that the book has plenty of durability from little, inquisitive fingers.

Where's Baby Elephant is a lovely way to introduce children to a range of animals and the words associated with their young but also an invitation to the joy and discovery that comes with turning the page.
]]> Caged 42633522
The third in our Wordless Picture Book series, after Little Eli and Chalk Eagle, Caged is a witty tale of freedom and retribution for readers of any age.]]> Duncan Annand Mathew 4
Perhaps our little blue bird isn't big, bright or vibrant enough for them to trap but whatever the case we watch from its vantage point as the men gradually create a great domed building from the cages of a score or more of birds. Together they bend the natural world to their will and fortune.

With the dome finally complete and aspirations of financial success with their avian establishment, the two men celebrate. But all is not lost. Our inquisitive little blue bird chooses that moment to fly over and rest upon the building's pinnacle. Her weight may be negligible yet it is enough to send the whole structure crashing down and, in turn, freeing the caged birds.

As with other wordless texts in this series, the interpretations are many but one can see themes of hope, power, control, nature and conservation all coming through. Finally, it tells us that no matter how small we are, we each have the power within us to topple great empires and make a change that could free those who have little control. ]]> 4.40 Caged
author: Duncan Annand
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/28
date added: 2020/10/28
shelves: abusive-adults, animals, animal-helpers, cautionary-tale, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, flying, foundation-stage, human-destruction, key-stage-2, key-stage-1, philosophy, picturebook, power, wordless
review:
One of the 'wordless picture book' series from Tiny Owl, Caged sees Annand tell a story of man's greed and desire to capitalise on the freedom of others. Told from behind the winged shoulder of a little blue-bird, we watch as two Abe Lincoln-type men burn down the forest and begin to capture and caged the beautiful parrots that once nested there.

Perhaps our little blue bird isn't big, bright or vibrant enough for them to trap but whatever the case we watch from its vantage point as the men gradually create a great domed building from the cages of a score or more of birds. Together they bend the natural world to their will and fortune.

With the dome finally complete and aspirations of financial success with their avian establishment, the two men celebrate. But all is not lost. Our inquisitive little blue bird chooses that moment to fly over and rest upon the building's pinnacle. Her weight may be negligible yet it is enough to send the whole structure crashing down and, in turn, freeing the caged birds.

As with other wordless texts in this series, the interpretations are many but one can see themes of hope, power, control, nature and conservation all coming through. Finally, it tells us that no matter how small we are, we each have the power within us to topple great empires and make a change that could free those who have little control.
]]> Lulu Loves Flowers 39703231 Lulu Loves Flowers 32 ANNA MCQUNII 1907825126 Mathew 3 3.62 2014 Lulu Loves Flowers
author: ANNA MCQUNII
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/27
date added: 2020/09/21
shelves: childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, imaginative-play, nature, outdoor-play, picturebook
review:
I do like how all the Lulu books have the library (or access to books) as central to their telling. In this story, Lulu comes across a selection of garden poems that she reads with her mum. Together, along with dad, they create a garden space for Lulu to plant and create in. As with the story of Lulu and her pets, Lulu reads about how to look after a garden first, how to look after plants and celebrate this new hobby. She celebrates her space with her friends whilst all the while, McQuinn and Beardshaw present both adult and child reader with a range of outdoor activities which celebrate playing in and around the garden. I especially like the sense of control and choice Lulu has in her life and how supportive her parents are.
]]> Zeki Gets a Check Up 39712126 Lola Reads to Leo. In 2014, Leo made his debut with his own adventure, Leo Loves Baby Time, followed by 2016's Leo Can Swim. This spin-off of the best-selling Lola Reads series is perfect for babies and toddlers.]]> 24 Anna McQuinn 1907825207 Mathew 4 A special mention must be made to the shape and size of this book. I have the paperback copy and find the images big and bold whilst the font is large but without dominating the picture plane - perfect for sharing. A lovely additional touch is the curved edges of the book's corners so more comfortable to share with a very young child (much like board books). ]]> 4.38 2018 Zeki Gets a Check Up
author: Anna McQuinn
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/27
date added: 2020/09/21
shelves: challenging-gender-stereotypes, challenging-stereotypes, childrens-literature, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, identity, mixed-race, picturebook
review:
Lulu's little brother, Zeki, is off to get his jab at the local doctors. For all of us this can be daunting but especially so for children. McQuinn shows here a family preparing together and they involve Zeki in the experience as much as possible so that he has some control and ownership over the event. When he arrives, Zeki meets other children like him has his jab and is treated to a special book for being so brave. A lovely book for parents to share with their child so that they begin to understand these experiences and talk about them. Lovely to see such a diverse range of families with regards to race and a special note on the doctor being female too.
A special mention must be made to the shape and size of this book. I have the paperback copy and find the images big and bold whilst the font is large but without dominating the picture plane - perfect for sharing. A lovely additional touch is the curved edges of the book's corners so more comfortable to share with a very young child (much like board books).
]]> Johnny Crow's Party 1615663 48 L. Leslie Brooke 0723234280 Mathew 3
In her article on her time at Bumpus, Eleanor Graham met Brooke who told her of the story's origins. Brooke shared how after breakfast on Sunday mornings his father would begin a rhyme with his sons (Johnny Crow would dig and sow until...) and the boys would have to complete the rhyme. The books themselves then were an accumulation of these 'strings of rhymes'.

Brooke's father himself claimed to have obtained the idea from 'an old cottage woman in Ireland'. Graham was enamored by Brooke's 'benevolent' style and I am too. ]]> 3.59 1903 Johnny Crow's Party
author: L. Leslie Brooke
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.59
book published: 1903
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/25
date added: 2020/08/25
shelves: animals, anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, poetry
review:
A sweet little rhyming book by Brooke. They Johnny Crow books achieved fame during the 30s and 40s and were both drawn and written by Brooke.

In her article on her time at Bumpus, Eleanor Graham met Brooke who told her of the story's origins. Brooke shared how after breakfast on Sunday mornings his father would begin a rhyme with his sons (Johnny Crow would dig and sow until...) and the boys would have to complete the rhyme. The books themselves then were an accumulation of these 'strings of rhymes'.

Brooke's father himself claimed to have obtained the idea from 'an old cottage woman in Ireland'. Graham was enamored by Brooke's 'benevolent' style and I am too.
]]> <![CDATA[Lots: The Diversity of Life on Earth]]> 34794832
There are living things everywhere: the more we look, the more we find. There are creatures on the tops of the tallest jungle trees, at the bottom of the coldest oceans, even under the feathers of birds and in boiling volcanic pools. So how many different kinds are there? One, two, three � lots!

With beautiful words from Nicola Davies and exquisite illustrations by Emily Sutton, this groundbreaking book is certain to enchant and inspire children.]]> 34 Nicola Davies 1406360481 Mathew 4 4.46 2017 Lots: The Diversity of Life on Earth
author: Nicola Davies
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/30
date added: 2020/04/16
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, conservation, early-reading-skills, ecocritical, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, nature, non-fiction, picturebook
review:
I have decided that I am now referring to Nicola Davies as the David Attenborough of children's books. Consistently in her work, she makes learning about the natural world (from microbes to blue whales) accessible, engaging, fascinating and informative for all ages. I like how she never over-states facts, information is gently shared and there is always room for the reader to reflect and ponder themselves. Sutton's illustrations are beautiful throughout with our little naturalist taking notes and observing throughout. My only gripe is that I would have liked and what's what at the back of the book as there were some animals/plants I was unsure of and a guide would have meant children could go back and make connections. Otherwise, a beauty but then I'd buy anything Davies put her hand to.
]]> Colour Monster 29621134 20 Anna Llenas 1783703563 Mathew 5 The colour monster, at first, has no way of organising his thinking or feelings and it takes a wiser, more reflective hand, to sort them out and guide him through them. Yet, as the girl, as narrator, guides us through Llenas' wonderful mixed media pop-up collages, we find ourselves using both pictures and words to understand these complex emotions. ]]> 4.67 2012 Colour Monster
author: Anna Llenas
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/12/25
shelves: early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, friendship, identity, key-stage-1, kindness, love, monsters, overcoming-fears, picturebook, pop-up
review:
I picked this up and bought it before I had finished reading this book. A little, highly accessible exploration into different feelings that a child can experience and associating them with colours not only teaches children that having these feelings is normal but also that (through the rather wonderful little girl) you never need to be alone when you're experiencing them.
The colour monster, at first, has no way of organising his thinking or feelings and it takes a wiser, more reflective hand, to sort them out and guide him through them. Yet, as the girl, as narrator, guides us through Llenas' wonderful mixed media pop-up collages, we find ourselves using both pictures and words to understand these complex emotions.
]]> What Does the Crocodile Say? 42300280
A colourful picture book about noise and sound, and a little crocodile who is really not looking forward to nursery]]> 40 Eva Montanari 1911496115 Mathew 3
There are plenty of 'First Day at School' books but they often tend to just go through the motions and present a guide to the day itself. I found this a little more emotive with the parent being as tearful as the toddler (this is very true). Yet with a caring adult and welcoming peers it shows that these new experiences can creative and exciting too.]]> 3.69 What Does the Crocodile Say?
author: Eva Montanari
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.69
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/12/13
date added: 2019/12/13
shelves: anthropomorphism, animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, imaginative-play, picturebook
review:
Little crocodile's is off to Nursery. The sounds and actions of the morning seem normal until he arrives at this new setting with strange people and unfamiliar sounds. Upset, Little Crocodile calls to him mummy but she has to go. Never fear, it doesn't take him long to see that these new experiences can be just as welcoming as those at home.

There are plenty of 'First Day at School' books but they often tend to just go through the motions and present a guide to the day itself. I found this a little more emotive with the parent being as tearful as the toddler (this is very true). Yet with a caring adult and welcoming peers it shows that these new experiences can creative and exciting too.
]]> Follow the Firefly/Run Rabbit 35487359 32 Bernardo P. Carvalho 0994109822 Mathew 4
From a Western perspective, the primary story tells of a firefly looking for its partner and being supported by animals on its way. The latter story, starting from the back follows a rabbit that is chased by a seemingly ferocious dog. Both the firefly and rabbit's stories run in tandem upon the same spreads but are separate in their telling.

Plenty to look at here and an early introduction into the clever interplays of picturebooks. I can see where The Hug got its idea from...]]> 4.18 Follow the Firefly/Run Rabbit
author: Bernardo P. Carvalho
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/12/12
date added: 2019/12/12
shelves: adventure, animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, picturebook, post-modern
review:
A wonderful little postmodern picturebook by Carvalho. A very clever invitation to close looking and one that would attract early and developed readers. It is a book that holds two stories. One to be read from the front and the other from the back.

From a Western perspective, the primary story tells of a firefly looking for its partner and being supported by animals on its way. The latter story, starting from the back follows a rabbit that is chased by a seemingly ferocious dog. Both the firefly and rabbit's stories run in tandem upon the same spreads but are separate in their telling.

Plenty to look at here and an early introduction into the clever interplays of picturebooks. I can see where The Hug got its idea from...
]]> Little Spook's Baby Sister 4674831 32 Inger Sandberg 0416869203 Mathew 5
In this installment (the books are small and perfect for a young child's hand), Little Spook invites the Prince to investigate some strange noises in the castle. It turns out that all the wailing and screaming belongs to Little Spook's baby sister who is very good at mimicking the noises she hears. From this point on, spreads are split with the little sister making a wonderful variety of noises which are displayed on the recto. These are sweet little stories that would even work now. Would love to see them reprinted. ]]> 3.30 1977 Little Spook's Baby Sister
author: Inger Sandberg
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.30
book published: 1977
rating: 5
read at: 2019/12/09
date added: 2019/12/09
shelves: childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, ghosts, humour, key-stage-1, picturebook
review:
What do you do if your child is scared of something? Write and illustrate a book that helps dissipate all fear around the subject is what! Well, that's what happened with Swedish parents Inger and Lasse Sandbeg. A conversation with their son on his fear of ghosts led the husband and wife team to create a series of stories about Little Spook and his family.

In this installment (the books are small and perfect for a young child's hand), Little Spook invites the Prince to investigate some strange noises in the castle. It turns out that all the wailing and screaming belongs to Little Spook's baby sister who is very good at mimicking the noises she hears. From this point on, spreads are split with the little sister making a wonderful variety of noises which are displayed on the recto. These are sweet little stories that would even work now. Would love to see them reprinted.
]]> <![CDATA[Who's That Banging on the Ceiling?]]> 3840600 32 Colin McNaughton 156402105X Mathew 4 So when the first resident imagines 'a dinosaur dancing the fandango' above her, then this is what we see. It is only when we turn the page and move up to the next floor that we are provided with the real scene.

So continues the madcap pattern until we get to the roof which is a delight in itself. Both my boys loved this; McNaughton keeps giving us little things to find within the pages if we just look closely and the residents' imaginations are silly enough to be delightfully cheeky. Bound to catch the attention of the most reluctant of readers.
]]> 4.18 1992 Who's That Banging on the Ceiling?
author: Colin McNaughton
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1992
rating: 4
read at: 2019/11/15
date added: 2019/11/15
shelves: childrens-literature, close-looking, community, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, intertextuality, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, nonsense, picturebook, post-modern, read-aloud
review:
This is silly in the way that only McNaughton can manage. Set within a block of flats, the book itself is presented on its side with the bottom page being the resident in one of their rooms and the imagined occupant on the next floor. Each resident is annoyed at the noise above and wonders what it could be.
So when the first resident imagines 'a dinosaur dancing the fandango' above her, then this is what we see. It is only when we turn the page and move up to the next floor that we are provided with the real scene.

So continues the madcap pattern until we get to the roof which is a delight in itself. Both my boys loved this; McNaughton keeps giving us little things to find within the pages if we just look closely and the residents' imaginations are silly enough to be delightfully cheeky. Bound to catch the attention of the most reluctant of readers.

]]> <![CDATA[Stormy: A Story about Finding a Forever Home]]> 43861612 34 Guojing 1524771767 Mathew 5
Dedicated to her own missing dog, Guojing clearly wrote this as a way of healing and she manages it beautifully. It might not have the subtle nuance of Small in the City but it doesn't matter. This is a book for everyone and that last page will warm the coldest heart. ]]> 4.65 2019 Stormy: A Story about Finding a Forever Home
author: Guojing
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.65
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/11/11
date added: 2019/11/11
shelves: adoption, animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, kindness, loneliness, love, picturebook, wordless
review:
Prepare for all heart-strings to be fully plucked. Stormy is a wordless picturebook which follows a young pup, distrustful of humans. Having set up residence from its previous life within a park, Stormy is spotted by a solitary woman who spends much of the book trying to earn the dog's trust. Over several pages, perfectly paced by Guojing through the use of full-page spreads and slight panels, we watch as their relationship gradually grows. Only when a violent storm falls does the tale reach its climax.

Dedicated to her own missing dog, Guojing clearly wrote this as a way of healing and she manages it beautifully. It might not have the subtle nuance of Small in the City but it doesn't matter. This is a book for everyone and that last page will warm the coldest heart.
]]> TiN 18482437
ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýTin is looking after his little sister Nickel one afternoon when she grabs hold of a balloon and floats away! Tin and his dog Zinc set off in hot pursuit as she floats towards the big city... Can they rescue Nickel before she goes too far?]]> 32 Chris Judge 1783440406 Mathew 3
There is little obvious a storyline here but that’s fine. This is a landscape book which is there to provide a visual treat of a journey for the reader. We pass parades, fairgrounds and safari parks on our travels and it is these beautiful, geometric busy spreads that are really what the story is all about.

There is a nice pace throughout the story with soft, curved panels and eye-catching colours which are never too garish. Each page of the adventure invites close reading for that young reader and the book closes with another smart endpaper that will have the reader grinning.
]]> 3.36 2014 TiN
author: Chris Judge
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2019/11/07
date added: 2019/11/07
shelves: absence-of-parents, adventure, animals, childrens-literature, children-taking-on-adult-roles, close-looking, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, picturebook, robots, science-fiction
review:
When the robot-like character, Tin, is left in charge of his little sister, Nickel, he finds that the job is far more challenging that he had first anticipated. Holding onto a passing red balloon (cleverly introduced in the initial endpaper), Nickel is swept away across her robot-run landscape and it is for Tin to save her before Mum gets back.

There is little obvious a storyline here but that’s fine. This is a landscape book which is there to provide a visual treat of a journey for the reader. We pass parades, fairgrounds and safari parks on our travels and it is these beautiful, geometric busy spreads that are really what the story is all about.

There is a nice pace throughout the story with soft, curved panels and eye-catching colours which are never too garish. Each page of the adventure invites close reading for that young reader and the book closes with another smart endpaper that will have the reader grinning.

]]> <![CDATA[Tail Feathers from Mother Goose: The Opie Rhyme Book]]> 6187968
Filled with joyful rhythms, strange words, and mysterious happenings, the rhymes in this book have been chosen by Iona Opie, from the Opie Collection of Children's Literature, that astonishing compilation of folklore and literature gathered over forty years and housed at Oxford University. The rhymes included here are almost all previously unpublished and they include unusual versions of known nursery rhymes, versions used by the Opies themselves or rhymes sent to them by people who wanted them saved and recorded.

In this remarkable book, lighthearted verses are followed by magical, mystifying or romantic ones. The charming diversity of these rhymes is matched only by the inventiveness of the artists, who have illustrated them superbly. Here, then, is a book that families will read together, incorporate into their common experience, and, above all, cherish.]]> 126 Iona Opie 0316650811 Mathew 5
This lavish book is a celebration of some of their work and each rhyme, riddle and verse has been illustrated by the best: from Sendak to Voake, Burningham to Chichester-Clark. The reason the collection was put together for sale was so that enough money could be found to fund the Opie collection in the Bodelian. 1 million was required, half of which was donated by the Opies themselves and it was hoped that this book would help fund the other half.

I can happily say that their enormous collection and contribution now resides there. I gave this book 5 stars because of the wealth of work both the Opies put into preserving our literary heritage. Some of the rhymes will appeal to children but one feels that this is, perhaps, a little more a carefully curated collection for a broader readership. ]]> 4.14 1989 Tail Feathers from Mother Goose: The Opie Rhyme Book
author: Iona Opie
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1989
rating: 5
read at: 2019/11/02
date added: 2019/11/02
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, community, early-reading-skills, family, farm, foundation-stage, humour, illustrated-text, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, london, nursery-rhymes, read-aloud, rhyming, riddles, travel, american
review:
This richly illustrated collection of folklore, nursery rhymes and light-hearted verses celebrate the wealth of tales that we have inherited and the incredible work of the Opies themselves. One can never unstate Iona and Peter Opie's contribution to children's literature and children's folklore. From collating playground rhymes to rare children's literature, we owe them a great debt.

This lavish book is a celebration of some of their work and each rhyme, riddle and verse has been illustrated by the best: from Sendak to Voake, Burningham to Chichester-Clark. The reason the collection was put together for sale was so that enough money could be found to fund the Opie collection in the Bodelian. 1 million was required, half of which was donated by the Opies themselves and it was hoped that this book would help fund the other half.

I can happily say that their enormous collection and contribution now resides there. I gave this book 5 stars because of the wealth of work both the Opies put into preserving our literary heritage. Some of the rhymes will appeal to children but one feels that this is, perhaps, a little more a carefully curated collection for a broader readership.
]]> Splash Day! 40716288 80 Nick Sharratt 1781128278 Mathew 3
Barrington Stoke have put a lot into ensuring that production is of the highest quality with regards to the illustrations and overall format but I wasn't smitten by Sharratt's story as much as I was by others in the series. On saying that, I know that my eldest enjoyed the playground antics. As with all of the Little Gems books, their 'chunky' format means that they are well-suited to the smaller reader and both spacing and font make them dyslexia friendly. ]]> 4.00 Splash Day!
author: Nick Sharratt
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/10/20
date added: 2019/10/20
shelves: art, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, illustrated-text, real-life, school-story
review:
I have read a few of the Little Gems (5-8s) books with my eldest now and they fulfill that gap that we now have in the market but never used to. Namely, books for readers just taking flight in independence. I enjoyed Splash Day but not as much as the others in the series - there was an attempt some alliterative play which didn't always work.

Barrington Stoke have put a lot into ensuring that production is of the highest quality with regards to the illustrations and overall format but I wasn't smitten by Sharratt's story as much as I was by others in the series. On saying that, I know that my eldest enjoyed the playground antics. As with all of the Little Gems books, their 'chunky' format means that they are well-suited to the smaller reader and both spacing and font make them dyslexia friendly.
]]> <![CDATA[Button and Popper (Classics Reissued, 4)]]> 43726613 Button and Popper tells the story of a family of pixies—mother, father, and twelve children—who live in an apple tree. They enjoy its warmth and shelter, eating apple pie all spring and summer long. But when fall comes, the leaves begin to drop and the apple tree becomes a cold and wet place to live. Twin brothers Button and Popper decide to find their family a new home, but when they trek into the city and start inquiring about an apartment with room for twelve children and their parents, people laugh in their faces or politely excuse themselves.


Luck strikes when, through a most fortunate mix-up at the market, the pixies find themselves in the home of Professor Pilli. When he hears their story, he invites them to look after his house while he’s away at the South Pole. When the rest of their pixie family finds out the good news, everyone is relieved and happy again.


First published in 1964, Button and Popper was written and illustrated by Oili Tanninen, one of Finland’s most celebrated illustrators and authors. Bold, on-trend, midcentury illustrations support this new translation of a classic Finnish story that’s quirky and charming in equal measure.]]> 32 Oili Tanninen 0500652015 Mathew 4
For the first time ever, this Finnish children's classic has been reissued and translated into English by Emily Jeremiah. Having been created back in 1963 when Tanninen, her husband and two children were also trying to find accommodation in Helsinki, this illustrated book is a delight (it's not really a picturebook). Wanting to ensure that cost of printing and purchase were low, Tanninen worked with only three inks.

The story itself is simple enough but Jeremiah's narrative delights which some cheeky humour throughout. Both my boys (5 & 6) loved this little story of two pixies trying to find a better home for their family. The bold prints reminded me much of the work of Tomi Ungerer. ]]> 3.32 1964 Button and Popper (Classics Reissued, 4)
author: Oili Tanninen
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.32
book published: 1964
rating: 4
read at: 2019/10/20
date added: 2019/10/20
shelves: adventure, anthropomorphism, children-taking-on-adult-roles, childrens-literature, community, early-reading-skills, family, food, foundation-stage, illustrated-text, key-stage-1, kindness, picturebook, travel
review:
Button and Popper are pixie twins and have ten other siblings to contend with in vying for the attention of their mother and father. Although the family have happily been living in an apple tree throughout the kinder seasons, with winter approaching they need somewhere warm and spacious. It seems that the family are all out of luck until Button and Popper mischievously decide to take matters into their own hands.

For the first time ever, this Finnish children's classic has been reissued and translated into English by Emily Jeremiah. Having been created back in 1963 when Tanninen, her husband and two children were also trying to find accommodation in Helsinki, this illustrated book is a delight (it's not really a picturebook). Wanting to ensure that cost of printing and purchase were low, Tanninen worked with only three inks.

The story itself is simple enough but Jeremiah's narrative delights which some cheeky humour throughout. Both my boys (5 & 6) loved this little story of two pixies trying to find a better home for their family. The bold prints reminded me much of the work of Tomi Ungerer.
]]> The High Street 12658338 52 Alice Melvin 1854379437 Mathew 5
Part poetic narrative and part list poem, Melvin's picturebook celebrates all manner of delights. Her intricate, incredibly detailed interiors invite us to explore shops otherwise shadowed by supermarkets and online shopping behemoths: greengrocers, sweet shops, music shops, flower shops and china shops as well as many others. Each page houses the shop on the right side whose front is part of a lift-the-flap which, when turned, reveals the interior. These insides are choc-full of little oddments and offer the observer a sneaky, yet intriguing, peek into the owner's home-life. Such scenes reminded me of those cut-away moments from Cops and Robbers.

This is a diverse community too. People of different colour and culture inhabit the street as well as the shops themselves; there is a wonderful sense of safety and community here. I especially loved the close when Sally collects her final item. Very young children will enjoy looking closely at the store's contents as will older ones. I expect grandparents and parents will enjoy reminiscing on all the objects held within these individual shops and understand the delight Sally enjoys in entering them. A joy. ]]> 4.24 2011 The High Street
author: Alice Melvin
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2019/10/13
date added: 2019/10/13
shelves: children-taking-on-adult-roles, childrens-literature, close-looking, community, cumulative-story, diversity, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, food, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, picturebook, poetry, repeating-lines, travel
review:
Sally is heading to the High Street with a list of things that she needs. From a candy heart to a yellow rose, the structure of this picturebook means that with every double-page spread, her list grows smaller as she accrues an item after visiting each shop until she finds the final object in a delightful twist.

Part poetic narrative and part list poem, Melvin's picturebook celebrates all manner of delights. Her intricate, incredibly detailed interiors invite us to explore shops otherwise shadowed by supermarkets and online shopping behemoths: greengrocers, sweet shops, music shops, flower shops and china shops as well as many others. Each page houses the shop on the right side whose front is part of a lift-the-flap which, when turned, reveals the interior. These insides are choc-full of little oddments and offer the observer a sneaky, yet intriguing, peek into the owner's home-life. Such scenes reminded me of those cut-away moments from Cops and Robbers.

This is a diverse community too. People of different colour and culture inhabit the street as well as the shops themselves; there is a wonderful sense of safety and community here. I especially loved the close when Sally collects her final item. Very young children will enjoy looking closely at the store's contents as will older ones. I expect grandparents and parents will enjoy reminiscing on all the objects held within these individual shops and understand the delight Sally enjoys in entering them. A joy.
]]> Hilda and the Runaway Baby 34051901 In her truly authentic and original voice, Daisy Hirst introduces two endearing, unforgettable new characters -- and a friendship like no other.

Hilda the pig lives in a small tin house at the foot of a hill. Life is peaceful, if a bit uneventful, and she is always exactly where she expects herself to be. At the top of the hill lives a curious baby who is never where people expect him to be, which is why he is known as the Runaway Baby. When a chance escape in his stroller brings the Runaway Baby zooming full-speed toward Hilda, their worlds collide, and the beginnings of an unlikely friendship promise to make Hilda's life a little less quiet and a lot more interesting. Kid-friendly and full of undeniable charm, Daisy Hirst's tale of two slightly solitary souls who make a surprisingly perfect pair has the look and feel of an instant, timeless classic.]]> 32 Daisy Hirst 0763694908 Mathew 5 The Elephant and the Bad Baby, Hirst has her escapee baby under the guidance and support of Hilda, a pig who thought that her life was complete. Yet when a bond forms between with this adventurous little creature, she finds that life might be richer in the company of others.

Deceptively simple (as are all Hirst's stories), Hilda and the Runaway baby is explores community, inner-self and how opposites can attract. Hirst's use of 'extras' in her cast made for a lovely nod to those incidental characters in the work of Shirley Hughes and Janet Ahlberg and I thank her for it. It brought the place to life and spread a sense of warmth around the baby's shenanigans.

For a MUCH better and far richer understanding of what Daisy was trying to achieve, see her own blog . ]]> 3.70 Hilda and the Runaway Baby
author: Daisy Hirst
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.70
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2019/09/19
date added: 2019/09/19
shelves: adventure, animal-helpers, animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, community, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, friendship, humour, intertextuality, key-stage-1, kindness, loneliness, picturebook, problem-solving
review:
I am a HUGE Daisy Hirst fan and this third book in her delightful canon does not disappoint. As a counter-nod of sorts to The Elephant and the Bad Baby, Hirst has her escapee baby under the guidance and support of Hilda, a pig who thought that her life was complete. Yet when a bond forms between with this adventurous little creature, she finds that life might be richer in the company of others.

Deceptively simple (as are all Hirst's stories), Hilda and the Runaway baby is explores community, inner-self and how opposites can attract. Hirst's use of 'extras' in her cast made for a lovely nod to those incidental characters in the work of Shirley Hughes and Janet Ahlberg and I thank her for it. It brought the place to life and spread a sense of warmth around the baby's shenanigans.

For a MUCH better and far richer understanding of what Daisy was trying to achieve, see her own blog .
]]> <![CDATA[Albert's Quiet Quest (A Mile End Kids Story)]]> 41387698
There are so many distractions in Albert's Mile End neighborhood, what's a book-loving introvert to do? Desperate for a quiet place to read, Albert storms out to the alley behind his house where his friends and neighbors often meet to play. Lucky him -- not only is no one around today, but he finds an old painting of a beach scene that someone's left for the trash. The painting sparks Albert's imagination, spurring him on a zen-like quest for a quiet reading break on a sunset beach, a moment to unplug and find peace. And he almost does too, except for those meddling Mile End kids . . . who just want to have some fun, as LOUDLY as possible. Will Albert ever find a moment of quiet to enjoy his book? Or could his friends be looking for a book break of their own?

Readers will love this adorably relatable story of a quiet kid, his big imagination and bringing friends together through the magic of reading.]]> 48 Isabelle Arsenault 1101917628 Mathew 4
Arsenault manages all this with the use of direct speech alone and careful positioning, perspective and colour. Pace is just right throughout as is the framing to capture Albert’s sweeping adventure into the painting and the chaotic rumblings of his friends� intrusion. What a wonderful series what echoes deeply of Schulz’s philosophies.
]]> 4.07 2019 Albert's Quiet Quest (A Mile End Kids Story)
author: Isabelle Arsenault
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/19
date added: 2019/09/19
shelves: absence-of-parents, adventure, animals, art, childrens-literature, close-looking, diversity, early-reading-skills, friendship, humour, imagination, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, outdoor-play, picturebook, reading-as-powerful
review:
Albert’s Quiet Quest follows the latest adventures of Arsenault’s Mile End Kids series and has made me want to picked up the first: Colette’s Lost Pet. In this instalment, we find Albert, frustrated with the noise of his companions, in need of a quiet space. Heading outside he stumbles across an abandoned framed painting of the sea, sun and sand � a far flung idyll from his noisy neighbourhood. Whilst he imagines himself there, the Mile End crew descend on him and gradually intrude upon his imagined vacation. Chaos ensues but from it comes a beautiful little message on the mutual, enjoyable silences of friendship.

Arsenault manages all this with the use of direct speech alone and careful positioning, perspective and colour. Pace is just right throughout as is the framing to capture Albert’s sweeping adventure into the painting and the chaotic rumblings of his friends� intrusion. What a wonderful series what echoes deeply of Schulz’s philosophies.

]]> Open This Little Book 13792593 40 Jesse Klausmeier 0811867838 Mathew 3 4.10 2012 Open This Little Book
author: Jesse Klausmeier
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2019/08/18
date added: 2019/08/18
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, cumulative-story, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, lift-the-flap, picturebook, working-together
review:
A cumulative lift-the-flap-ish picturebook in which a group of animals (and one giant) help each other to read an ever-decreasing selection of books and then close the ever-increasing selection. Debut author, Jesse Klausmeier and Suzy Lee play here with the form and shape of books. This postmodern picturebook takes us through the adventures of a ladybird, frog, rabbit, bear and giant who each have their own book and introduce us to the next whose cover and back nicely match the protagonist. There isn’t much of a story here but there is joy in exploring each little scene and, from first-hand experience, I can vouch that young children enjoying flicking through each little book in trying to understand how the pages and characters connect.
]]> Ten, Nine, Eight 1537221 16 Molly Bang 0688149014 Mathew 5 3.89 1983 Ten, Nine, Eight
author: Molly Bang
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1983
rating: 5
read at: 2019/08/10
date added: 2019/08/10
shelves: childrens-literature, community, diversity, foundation-stage, early-reading-skills, maths, picturebook
review:
A Caldecott Honour book published in 1983, Ten, Nine, Eight was a short poem written by Bang for her daughter whilst she was away. A counting book which celebrates a lovely relationship between a father and his infant daughter, it was an early picturebook in which an African-American family are the protagonists. When Bang first suggested this premise, editors tried to change her mind saying that sales would be affected, but, thankfully, she persisted anyway.
]]> <![CDATA[One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers]]> 40697417 Lively picture book enumerates the joys of counting in both English and Spanish

Boisterous illustrations and rhyming text: One is a rainbow. One is a cake. One is a piñata that's ready to break! In this lively picture book, a companion to the Pura Belpré–honored Green Is a Chile Pepper, children discover a fiesta of numbers in the world around them, all the way from one to ten. Many of the featured objects are Latino in origin and all are universal in appeal. With rich, boisterous illustrations, a fun-to-read rhyming text, and an informative glossary, this vibrant book enumerates the joys of counting and the wonders that abound in every child's day!
Filled with bright and colorful images that makes counting objects a party.
Includes numbers 1 through 10 in English and Spanish and incorporates Spanish words into the rhyming text.
Roseanne Greenfield Thong is the author of more than a dozen award-winning children's books, including Round Is a Tortilla, Wish, 'Twas Nochebuena, Día de Los Muertos, and Green Is a Chile Pepper. John Parra is an award-winning illustrator who has received three Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor awards.
Fans of Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes and Green is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors will love this lively companion book, One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers.

Perfect for preschoolers and early readers working on counting skills and learning basic Spanish vocabulary.
Books for kids ages 4-7
Engaging children's picture book that teaches counting skills and is a basic Spanish-language learning tool
Fun book to read aloud for families or elementary schools]]> 40 Roseanne Thong 1452155844 Mathew 4 3.97 One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers
author: Roseanne Thong
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/15
date added: 2019/07/15
shelves: diversity, dual-language, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, identity, key-stage-2, key-stage-1, mexico
review:
I've read a lot of counting books alongside my two boys but this was the first English/Spanish one. Going from the numbers one to ten, Thong and Parra shower the book in rich cultural references to Mexico including foods and drinks, music, gifts and celebrations. The books follows a mixed rhyming structure throughout and key words (which are then explored further in the glossary) are in bold. I enjoyed the rich, diverse illustrations and it is clear that Parra has built upon his own heritage here and the pages sing and shines with a glimpse into real Mexican life. My only gripe would be that although some key words are phonetically presented, none of the numbers are and these on the key pages (even in both languages) would have helped. Also, I'm not sure if the phonetic interpretation of all the Spanish words are correct.
]]> <![CDATA[Circle (The Shapes Trilogy #3)]]> 40961861 A New York Times bestseller!

Part of the Shapes Trilogy, the books that inspired Shape Island from Apple TV+

Multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen deliver the final wry and resonant tale about Triangle, Square, and Circle.<?b>

This book is about Circle. This book is also about Circle’s friends, Triangle and Square. Also it is about a rule that Circle makes, and how she has to rescue Triangle when he breaks that rule. With their usual pitch-perfect pacing and subtle, sharp wit, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen come full circle in the third and final chapter of their clever shapes trilogy.]]> 48 Mac Barnett 0763696080 Mathew 3
I had been looking forward to the close of the trilogy so much, having found Triangle and Square to be such a humorous duo. Although Klassen delivers once again, the narrative just didn’t have the punch that the others had for me.
]]> 3.97 2019 Circle (The Shapes Trilogy #3)
author: Mac Barnett
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/03
date added: 2019/07/03
shelves: challenging-stereotypes, childrens-literature, defiance, early-reading-skills, friendship, humour, identity, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, foundation-stage, outdoor-play, picturebook, post-modern
review:
The final instalment in the shape trilogy, circle rounds off (sorry!) the tale of the three friends. Although the story is one of play and hide-and-seek, deeper themes on breaking rules and stereotypes rests beneath the surface to be explored when the reader is ready.

I had been looking forward to the close of the trilogy so much, having found Triangle and Square to be such a humorous duo. Although Klassen delivers once again, the narrative just didn’t have the punch that the others had for me.

]]> Going to the Volcano 39349981
Buckle up and jump on board for the funniest, most EXPLOSIVE picture book of the year - you'll want to read it again and again-o!

Join two intrepid explorers as they take a train-o, jump on a plane-o, ride a Great Dane-o (down the lane-o) on their way to look at the volcano. Nothing could possibly go wrong - could it?!

A hilariously anarchic, brightly illustrated rhyming story from multi-award-winning author Andy Stanton. Andy has won a string of awards for his Mr Gum books, including the Red House Children's Book Award, the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, and the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Book With Pictures (twice).]]> 32 Andy Stanton 1444933442 Mathew 4
The poem, presented on double-page spreads with two repeating lines on each page, takes us on a culminating journey, much in the same vein as the Mr Gumpy books, as Jane and Dwayne lead us on a journey to a volcano which a hilarious ending.

Stanton’s humour is evident from the outset: how do you create a poem around a word that does not rhyme? You arm yourself with some word play: â€Going off with Jane-o to look at the volcano!â€�, â€Walking down the lane-o to look at the volcano!â€�. The fact that these lines are repeated brings a wonderful rhythm to the journey brought to an explosive break in the rhythm when they finally arrive!

Fleshing out Stanton’s poem in style are Ordóñez’s wacky characters. As Jane and Wayne lead the way, they are gradually joined by a host of characters who’d also like to see the volcano � dinosaurs (you’d think they’d learn), robots, careless rabbits and a panda pompom parade to name but a few. This made it for me. Once I pointed out the character list (helpfully provided on the final endpapers) to my boys, we loved going back through the book and seeing how each additional character acted and interacted with others.

There is plenty here for children of all ages to explore. Ordóñez knows how picturebooks work, making the most of perspectives, colour and positioning and all to humorous effect.
Going to the Volcano is far cleverer than I had first given it credit for. There are echoes here of the greats, Sendak with regards to form and Burningham in the visual telling â€� bound together in a rather warm, funny and tongue-in-cheek poem from Stanton who â€getsâ€� children’s humour.
]]> 3.87 Going to the Volcano
author: Andy Stanton
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.87
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/03
date added: 2019/07/03
shelves: adventure, aliens, animals, anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, nature, nonsense, picturebook, poetry, rhyming, volcanoes, word-play
review:
When my youngest picked this up from the library, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d read a lot of Stanton’s books, but not his poetry. Ordóñez’s illustrations were bold yet quirky enough to capture my attention.

The poem, presented on double-page spreads with two repeating lines on each page, takes us on a culminating journey, much in the same vein as the Mr Gumpy books, as Jane and Dwayne lead us on a journey to a volcano which a hilarious ending.

Stanton’s humour is evident from the outset: how do you create a poem around a word that does not rhyme? You arm yourself with some word play: â€Going off with Jane-o to look at the volcano!â€�, â€Walking down the lane-o to look at the volcano!â€�. The fact that these lines are repeated brings a wonderful rhythm to the journey brought to an explosive break in the rhythm when they finally arrive!

Fleshing out Stanton’s poem in style are Ordóñez’s wacky characters. As Jane and Wayne lead the way, they are gradually joined by a host of characters who’d also like to see the volcano � dinosaurs (you’d think they’d learn), robots, careless rabbits and a panda pompom parade to name but a few. This made it for me. Once I pointed out the character list (helpfully provided on the final endpapers) to my boys, we loved going back through the book and seeing how each additional character acted and interacted with others.

There is plenty here for children of all ages to explore. Ordóñez knows how picturebooks work, making the most of perspectives, colour and positioning and all to humorous effect.
Going to the Volcano is far cleverer than I had first given it credit for. There are echoes here of the greats, Sendak with regards to form and Burningham in the visual telling â€� bound together in a rather warm, funny and tongue-in-cheek poem from Stanton who â€getsâ€� children’s humour.

]]> Dare 43688464
This simple yet inspirational picture book encourages children everywhere to dare to dream big, to help others and speak out for what is right, but also to take time for simple joys and to be comfortable in their own skin. With charming rhymes and energetic and inclusive illustrations, this is a book to empower every child.]]> 32 Lorna Gutierrez 1910328421 Mathew 5
Recently, there has been a hopeful rise in young activists alongside a increase in children's publications that actively seek to break down entrenched beliefs which either harm our planet or limit our sense of self; Dare is an outstanding, short little picturebook that carries a placard against such limiting and damaging ideologies.

Presented in a square format, the book is big enough to share but is, in fact, one that encourages a solo read: this is a book whose message is waiting just for you. From the tutu-wearing boy on the title page to placard-bearing girl near the end, the pages billow with life. Sometimes the illustrations ask us to tilt the double-page spreads vertically so that we're diving deep underwater and at others it's a horizontal reading as we sail across a sea or march against the pollution of our oceans. Throughout, Noakes' watercolours are observational and sketch-like and this helps heighten the vibrancy and movement of the pictures.

Although the words and rhythm may seem simplistic its message is deep and inspiring and with any good poem, it invites you to return. I particularly liked the play with the typography throughout - sometimes words were quiet and small and at other times, bold and bright encouraging real read aloud moments.

Dare is about giving children the license to hope and aspire but it is also a picturebook that encourages them to stand up for their beliefs and challenge ideas which hold no sway in our times.]]> 4.43 2019 Dare
author: Lorna Gutierrez
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/04/30
date added: 2019/04/30
shelves: challenging-gender-stereotypes, challenging-stereotypes, childrens-literature, community, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, identity, imagination, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, kindness, picturebook, poetry, read-aloud, repeating-lines, supporting-childrens-aspirations
review:
With the strong repeating phrase 'dare to', Gutierrez and Noakes encourage their readers to find within themselves the courage to be who they want to be and to challenge ideas which hold always held them back.

Recently, there has been a hopeful rise in young activists alongside a increase in children's publications that actively seek to break down entrenched beliefs which either harm our planet or limit our sense of self; Dare is an outstanding, short little picturebook that carries a placard against such limiting and damaging ideologies.

Presented in a square format, the book is big enough to share but is, in fact, one that encourages a solo read: this is a book whose message is waiting just for you. From the tutu-wearing boy on the title page to placard-bearing girl near the end, the pages billow with life. Sometimes the illustrations ask us to tilt the double-page spreads vertically so that we're diving deep underwater and at others it's a horizontal reading as we sail across a sea or march against the pollution of our oceans. Throughout, Noakes' watercolours are observational and sketch-like and this helps heighten the vibrancy and movement of the pictures.

Although the words and rhythm may seem simplistic its message is deep and inspiring and with any good poem, it invites you to return. I particularly liked the play with the typography throughout - sometimes words were quiet and small and at other times, bold and bright encouraging real read aloud moments.

Dare is about giving children the license to hope and aspire but it is also a picturebook that encourages them to stand up for their beliefs and challenge ideas which hold no sway in our times.
]]> <![CDATA[THE AMAZING ANIMAL ADVENTURE: AN AROUND-THE-WORLD SPOTTING EXPEDITION /ANGLAIS]]> 33238811
From the heights of the Himalayas to the deepest depths of the Pacific ocean, explore these 21 exciting places and meet the animals who live in them. Visit the jungle caves of Borneo, the Australian outback, the Arctic ice floes and many, many more!

Your spotter's notes for each location contain all the animals you meet, plus lots of fantastic extra facts about the places you visit.]]> 64 Anna Claybourne 1780678444 Mathew 3 I usually groan at animal books which rely on cute drawings rather than photographs (I want children to see the creature rather than a cartoon of it) but my boys were hooked on this book (3 nights of consecutive exploring) and I found that we would head off to my animal books or go online to see what they really looked like when their interest was peaked. ]]> 4.00 2016 THE AMAZING ANIMAL ADVENTURE: AN AROUND-THE-WORLD SPOTTING EXPEDITION /ANGLAIS
author: Anna Claybourne
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2018/07/25
date added: 2019/04/04
shelves: africa, animals, childrens-literature, conservation, desert, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, nature, non-fiction, seaside
review:
There is currently a great swathe of 'animal' books for young children and they all happen to be beautiful if not always accurate - this one is, thanks to the writer, Anna Claybourne. It's a great size too: a little larger than A3 when opened, so perfect for sharing. With its world map at the start that indicates the habitats and places covered, each double-page spread becomes a look and find affair filled with different creatures from that area and the reader is invited to search and spot all sorts of creatures. Although this format may seem simple, a lot of thought has gone into the presentation - I liked the tiny fact-snippets attached to each creature; enough to give us some detail.
I usually groan at animal books which rely on cute drawings rather than photographs (I want children to see the creature rather than a cartoon of it) but my boys were hooked on this book (3 nights of consecutive exploring) and I found that we would head off to my animal books or go online to see what they really looked like when their interest was peaked.
]]> Mr Postmouse goes on Holiday 35153307 32 Marianne Dubuc 1911496042 Mathew 4 With the same formula as with the previous installation, Dubuc shares double-page spreads that allow the reader to see the outward environment as well as cross-sections of houses, boats and sandcastles. Again, her gentle inviting narrative cuts between the intrusive narrator, warning some of the mice children to be careful and the omnipresent, guiding our eyes towards spaces, places and interactions. The beauty of these books though is that it is what goes unmentioned that draws the reader (a shifty magpie, a friendly exchange between a crab and a rabbit) offer the emerging reader the power to join in and point out what the narrative misses. A playful story that invites multiple re-readings. I've said it before, but Dubuc never fails to deliver. ]]> 3.78 2017 Mr Postmouse goes on Holiday
author: Marianne Dubuc
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/09
date added: 2019/03/16
shelves: adventure, anthropomorphism, animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, dragons, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, humour, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, outdoor-play, picturebook
review:
It's time for Mr Postmouse to leave his work for a few weeks and go on an extended holiday with his family. But a Postmouse's work is never done and even whilst sunning on the beach, or taking photos in the jungle, Mr. Postmouse's family continue to help him deliver letters and packages.
With the same formula as with the previous installation, Dubuc shares double-page spreads that allow the reader to see the outward environment as well as cross-sections of houses, boats and sandcastles. Again, her gentle inviting narrative cuts between the intrusive narrator, warning some of the mice children to be careful and the omnipresent, guiding our eyes towards spaces, places and interactions. The beauty of these books though is that it is what goes unmentioned that draws the reader (a shifty magpie, a friendly exchange between a crab and a rabbit) offer the emerging reader the power to join in and point out what the narrative misses. A playful story that invites multiple re-readings. I've said it before, but Dubuc never fails to deliver.
]]> Me and My Dad 38507127
There is nothing more exciting that a trip down the road with Dad. There are snapping crocodiles, stomping dinosaurs, sleeping princesses and golden treasure - but that's not even the best bit. The best bit's at the end...

'A beautifully simple story that keeps you guessing until the very end.' Helen Oxenbury

'An absolute delight. Destined to become one of my all-time favourite picture books.' Kristina Stephenson

'A nourishing treasure trove of a book.' Steven Lenton

'Every detail draws you into a beautiful story created by a master of the coloured pencil.' Fiona Woodcock

'Warmly observed scenes drawn with charm and sprinkled with extraordinary detail. This is hot chocolate with marshmallows disguised as a book.' Benji Davies

This is Robin Shaw's first book for children.

Follow Robin Shaw on Twitter at @RobinPeeShaw.]]> 32 Robin Shaw 1444928120 Mathew 4 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. ]]> 4.00 Me and My Dad
author: Robin Shaw
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/01/13
date added: 2019/01/13
shelves: adventure, animals, art, childrens-literature, close-looking, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, identity, imagination, imaginative-play, intertextuality, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, language-as-power, outdoor-play, picturebook, read-aloud, reading-as-powerful, storytelling
review:
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 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.
]]> Aquarium 35959991 34 Cynthia Alonso 145216875X Mathew 4 In this wordless, thin-landscaped picture, much like Wave, a young girl ventures down the path from her home to a little wooden jetty to peer down into the clear waters and bask in the diverse and rich life beneath. There, in one beautiful spread, she imagines herself swimming amongst the fishes enjoying the sensation of being a party of this underwater world and being at one with it. When one plucky fish leaps out and onto the jetty, the girl quickly takes it back home and creates a rather haphazard aquarium in the hope of recreating her imaginings.
With digital-smooth, curved lines set on a limited palette of pinks, blues, yellows and purples, Alonso presents a vivid landscape which is purposefully minimal at times in order to draw us to those elements which interest the girl.
For me, the fact that the girl makes the decision to place the fish back where it came shows that this is a deeper, more hopeful book that might at first seem for we have a young child with foresight and conscience - an engaging debut. ]]> 3.57 2017 Aquarium
author: Cynthia Alonso
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/01/11
date added: 2019/01/11
shelves: absence-of-parents, animals, children-taking-on-adult-roles, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, imagination, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, picturebook, water, wordless
review:
From Argentine debutant, Alonso comes a clever and refreshing story about a young child who is left with a great question and dilemma and finds, within herself, that she is more than capable of choosing the right path on her own.
In this wordless, thin-landscaped picture, much like Wave, a young girl ventures down the path from her home to a little wooden jetty to peer down into the clear waters and bask in the diverse and rich life beneath. There, in one beautiful spread, she imagines herself swimming amongst the fishes enjoying the sensation of being a party of this underwater world and being at one with it. When one plucky fish leaps out and onto the jetty, the girl quickly takes it back home and creates a rather haphazard aquarium in the hope of recreating her imaginings.
With digital-smooth, curved lines set on a limited palette of pinks, blues, yellows and purples, Alonso presents a vivid landscape which is purposefully minimal at times in order to draw us to those elements which interest the girl.
For me, the fact that the girl makes the decision to place the fish back where it came shows that this is a deeper, more hopeful book that might at first seem for we have a young child with foresight and conscience - an engaging debut.
]]> Who Was That? (Who Done It?) 35959993 32 Olivier Tallec 145216990X Mathew 4 Big Wolf and Little Wolf but then Tallec is trying something completely different here and the more I reflect on it; the more I like it. I think I would have liked to have seen his other versions of the story-style in Who Done It? and Who What Where? first to see the progression as Tallec is inviting his readers to a very different reading experience.
In long, thin landscaped scenes, Tallec presents us, almost like an identity parade, with a long line of characters for us to examine. The reader then finds themselves asked to either cover a character, turn a page, turn the book 90 degrees in order to answer a set question about what they just saw. What is Tallec doing here? He's making rightful presumptions about pictures and the reader's adttitudes: that we think we look closely but we're not really looking at all. My boys (4&5) enjoyed looking carefully through this ans answering the questions but they were equally drawn to the characters themselves and their expressions.
With the answers there for you to pick up after the first reading you might think this a one-trick pony but there is enough in the characters here to keep bringing the most observant reader back. A book that is bound to catch out the adult reader too! ]]> 3.63 Who Was That? (Who Done It?)
author: Olivier Tallec
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.63
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/12/02
date added: 2018/12/02
shelves: anthropomorphism, animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, picturebook, post-modern, interactive
review:
Not a patch on his work on Big Wolf and Little Wolf but then Tallec is trying something completely different here and the more I reflect on it; the more I like it. I think I would have liked to have seen his other versions of the story-style in Who Done It? and Who What Where? first to see the progression as Tallec is inviting his readers to a very different reading experience.
In long, thin landscaped scenes, Tallec presents us, almost like an identity parade, with a long line of characters for us to examine. The reader then finds themselves asked to either cover a character, turn a page, turn the book 90 degrees in order to answer a set question about what they just saw. What is Tallec doing here? He's making rightful presumptions about pictures and the reader's adttitudes: that we think we look closely but we're not really looking at all. My boys (4&5) enjoyed looking carefully through this ans answering the questions but they were equally drawn to the characters themselves and their expressions.
With the answers there for you to pick up after the first reading you might think this a one-trick pony but there is enough in the characters here to keep bringing the most observant reader back. A book that is bound to catch out the adult reader too!
]]> Peek-a-Who? 39090896 22 Elsa Mroziewicz 988834157X Mathew 3 This clever little book has been very well designed and feels more durable than most lift-the-flap books that I have encountered. A lovely present for that young child still discovering how to play and explore books. ]]> 4.28 Peek-a-Who?
author: Elsa Mroziewicz
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/12/02
date added: 2018/12/02
shelves: animals, board-book, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, imaginative-play, interactive, lift-the-flap, picturebook, post-modern
review:
A really quaint, innovative approach to those early board books and it sure beats all those endless life-the-flap books that I have to endure with raising two children. Peek-a-Who? is triangular in shape with thick, pliable card images throughout. Turn the page and you're greeted to a two-triangle diamond with the repeated phrase 'Who says...?' and then an onomatopoeic phrase 'Woof! Woof!'. Lift up/down the two accompanying flaps to reveal a jolly animal beneath, smiling straight at the reader.
This clever little book has been very well designed and feels more durable than most lift-the-flap books that I have encountered. A lovely present for that young child still discovering how to play and explore books.
]]> The Little Barbarian 37952968 A wordless picture book that captures the imagination

Being a barbarian is no easy task. A barbarian must be able to survive an army of one-eyed giants or a pit of venomous snakes. He must bravely fight off manticores, dragons, and sea serpents. Luckily, a barbarian can always rely on his trusty steed to see him through any peril.

Readers of all ages will savor this wordless picture book with its clever twist ending.]]> 48 Renato Moriconi 0802855091 Mathew 5 Armed with his sword and shield, The Little Barbarian (who seems anything but little from first glance), leaps onto his horse and rides past a range of monsters and perilous landscapes. From broad, treacherous chasms, to fire-breathing dragons, he is a hero who is unperturbed by any conflict until he gets to the final one...
With a clever use of white space and movement (on which the whole books hangs), The Little Barbarian is a postmodern joy which embraces the imagination. ]]> 4.18 2015 The Little Barbarian
author: Renato Moriconi
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2018/11/26
date added: 2018/11/26
shelves: adventure, childrens-literature, creativity, disguised-identity, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, imaginative-play, imagination, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, monsters, picturebook, post-modern, story-in-a-story, travel, wordless
review:
It is always a pleasure when a book completely surprises you and from it's unusual, long slim portrait-style presentation of a horse-backed barbarian confidently galloping into the book on the cover, Moriconi wordless text is a delight.
Armed with his sword and shield, The Little Barbarian (who seems anything but little from first glance), leaps onto his horse and rides past a range of monsters and perilous landscapes. From broad, treacherous chasms, to fire-breathing dragons, he is a hero who is unperturbed by any conflict until he gets to the final one...
With a clever use of white space and movement (on which the whole books hangs), The Little Barbarian is a postmodern joy which embraces the imagination.
]]> Spinderella (Blue Go Bananas) 2462225 48 Julia Donaldson 0778726282 Mathew 4 Thanks to Busy Mummy, I got to share this with both my boys several times and they enjoyed the quaint humour throughout. Although they missed all the Cinderella references (playing football rather than going to one), they enjoyed a spider's-eye view of school life. ]]> 3.54 2002 Spinderella (Blue Go Bananas)
author: Julia Donaldson
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.54
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 2018/11/25
date added: 2018/11/25
shelves: animals, being-yourself, early-reading-skills, fairy-tales, foundation-stage, humour, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, magic, maths, picturebook, quest-for-knowledge, read-aloud
review:
Spinderella wants nothing more than to be able to count and you'd think that living in a primary school with her mother and siblings that it would all come naturally but not so. Spinderella is left out of the equation and her family aren't interested in numbers at all. But all is not lost, her Hairy Godmother appears and guides her towards the wonderful world of numbers much to Spinderella's delight and, ultimately, her family too.
Thanks to Busy Mummy, I got to share this with both my boys several times and they enjoyed the quaint humour throughout. Although they missed all the Cinderella references (playing football rather than going to one), they enjoyed a spider's-eye view of school life.
]]> Ballad 17347671 280 Blexbolex 159270137X Mathew 5 3.96 2013 Ballad
author: Blexbolex
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2018/11/23
date added: 2018/11/23
shelves: adventure, anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, close-looking, creepy, crime, cunning, defiance, dragons, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, imagination, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, key-stage-3, kidnapping, kindness, mystery, moon, monsters, map, magic, night, picturebook, quest, reluctant-hero, repeating-lines, traditional-tales, travel, post-modern
review:
Exquisite. Its post-modern narrative won't be for everyone but I have not read anything like it. Ever. And I love it for that alone. Its play on traditional story tropes is so clever and its presentation and play with narrative quite remarkable.
]]> Sir Mouse to the Rescue 17566242 52 Dirk Nielandt 0987669621 Mathew 5 Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf, Nielandt and Pottie collaborate together to challenge some of the entrenched societal norms in this beautifully illustrated book. Sir Mouse and her best friend, dragon are both two females consciously out to play and question the world that they inhabit. From saving male princesses who are trapped in towers to dressing up, this collection of short, accessible stories would make for a fascinating read for those children just taking flight and also offer a rich ground for discussion and exploration in relation to societal norms. ]]> 4.23 2012 Sir Mouse to the Rescue
author: Dirk Nielandt
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2018/11/15
date added: 2018/11/15
shelves: adventure, anthropomorphism, animals, carnivalesque, cautionary-tale, challenging-gender-stereotypes, challenging-stereotypes, changing-yourself-for-the-better, childrens-literature, defiance, disguised-identity, dragons, early-reading-skills, fairy-tales, fantasy, humour, identity, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, illustrated-text, supporting-childrens-aspirations
review:
Do knights have to be male? Do dragons have to be fierce? Is it right that only girls wear dresses and does happily ever after 'have' to result in marriage? In the same light as Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf, Nielandt and Pottie collaborate together to challenge some of the entrenched societal norms in this beautifully illustrated book. Sir Mouse and her best friend, dragon are both two females consciously out to play and question the world that they inhabit. From saving male princesses who are trapped in towers to dressing up, this collection of short, accessible stories would make for a fascinating read for those children just taking flight and also offer a rich ground for discussion and exploration in relation to societal norms.
]]> Hats of Faith 36423558 12 Medeia Cohan 1452173206 Mathew 3 3.99 Hats of Faith
author: Medeia Cohan
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.99
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/11/14
date added: 2018/11/14
shelves: board-book, challenging-stereotypes, childrens-literature, diversity, early-reading-skills, faith, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, islam, picturebook
review:
This beautifully illustrated board-book introduces us to the head-coverings of different people from different faiths ranging from Muslims to Orthodox Jews. The phonetic pronunciation next to the written word is useful for the parent reader to support their child and the pictures of the people are bright and colourful with single-colour backgrounds inviting us to just focus on the person. This book is a lovely idea but I wanted more information at the back for the parent so that they can elaborate on any discussion that could take place. A lovely message at the end too.
]]> <![CDATA[The Jar of Happiness (Child's Play Library)]]> 26781997 32 Ailsa Burrows 1846437288 Mathew 2 I get what Burrows was trying to do here and the moral of message in that we each carry our happiness in different ways. Seeing that and beginning to understand what happiness is and can be is a nice message but I just couldn't get on with the sickly sweet illustrations nor the simplicity of the message. ]]> 3.68 2016 The Jar of Happiness (Child's Play Library)
author: Ailsa Burrows
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2016
rating: 2
read at: 2018/11/14
date added: 2018/11/14
shelves: absence-of-parents, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, kindness, mental-health, outdoor-play, picturebook
review:
Meg has a jar in which she has put the things that make her happy. She carries it with her and she shares the jar and its happiness with those who she thinks might need it. But when she loses it, how will she ever be happy again?
I get what Burrows was trying to do here and the moral of message in that we each carry our happiness in different ways. Seeing that and beginning to understand what happiness is and can be is a nice message but I just couldn't get on with the sickly sweet illustrations nor the simplicity of the message.
]]> A Bear is a Bear 36701975
When one sleepy bear wakes up early from his winter sleep, he's confused. Is he a bird? Or a moose? A fox perhaps? Or even a squirrel? No! He's definitely a bear, and it's time this bear went back to sleep...]]> 32 Karl Newson 1788000986 Mathew 4 A lovely read-aloud book with a rhythm to it that grew on me the longer is continued. I also adored Allepuz's mixed media illustrations which seemed to be a mixture of print, stamps and stencils.

]]> 3.76 A Bear is a Bear
author: Karl Newson
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/11/12
date added: 2018/11/12
shelves: animals, being-yourself, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, identity, humour, key-stage-1, nature, picturebook, read-aloud, rhyming, repeating-lines
review:
A lovely rhyming picturebook whose rhythm and mounting repetition perfectly mirror the bear's own anxiety as he worries about trying to remember who he is. But don't worry, Spring is around the corner and a deep sleep should sort everything out.
A lovely read-aloud book with a rhythm to it that grew on me the longer is continued. I also adored Allepuz's mixed media illustrations which seemed to be a mixture of print, stamps and stencils.


]]> Tanka Tanka Skunk! 1142103
"Skunka Tanka
Skunka Tanka
Tanka Tanka Skunk!
They've got the beat, and so do their friends."

"Meet Tanka and his friend, Skunk. When you say their names together, they sound like drums!"

Steve Webb's innovative and visually stunning picture book introduces young readers to simple rhythms with this riot of shout-out-loud words and cavorting animals. TANKA TANKA SKUNK! makes reading tons of fun as the text and the illustrations leap and dance across the pages.]]> 32 Steve Webb 0439578442 Mathew 5 4.21 2003 Tanka Tanka Skunk!
author: Steve Webb
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2003
rating: 5
read at: 2018/10/31
date added: 2018/10/31
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, music, picturebook
review:
More of a picture book than a picturebook, Webb has written here something excellent - a book that asks you to get up and dance to the beat of the poem. Not only is it PERFECT for anyone wanting to explore Phase 1 phonics and syllabic awareness but it also just has a darned funky beat to it too. I read it several times last night to my boys (or their request) and we were all up 'stomping our feet to the Skunka Tanka beat!'
]]> Little Fox in the Forest 30555639 A wordless picture book in which two friends follow a young fox deep into the woods and discover a wondrous and magical world.

When a young girl brings her beloved stuffed fox to the playground, much to her astonishment, a real fox takes off with it! The girl chases the fox into the woods with her friend, the boy, following close behind, but soon the two children lose track of the fox. Wandering deeper and deeper into the forest, they come across a tall hedge with an archway. What do they find on the other side? A marvelous village of miniature stone cottages, tiny treehouses, and, most extraordinary of all, woodland creatures of every shape and size. But where is the little fox? And how will they find him?]]> 40 Stephanie Graegin 055353789X Mathew 4
The story begins from the beautiful double-page jacket spread which presents us with the cast. Our protagonist is on the back: a young girl accompanied by her best friend; the antagonist (not really) who has taken her favourite toy and is running through the forest (the little fox) with it back to his house; and the small surrounding cast which involve a large but kindly bear, a crafty weasel and our all-important guide, a little red bird.
Next come the pale blue of the endpapers which focus on one shelf in the little girl's room upon which sits her favourite toy - a cuddly fox. As I always do with hardbacks, I turned to the back and found that the fox had been swapped with a more colourful unicorn. The game is afoot and the heart of my dissatisfaction with the core of the story is hinted at!
The first page of narrative, like a slow-panning camera, takes us into a girl's blue world showing us her time at home and at school in which she seems content. Panels and double-page spreads pace the tempo of the book to dramatic effect and I found myself reminded of Becker's Journey.
After taking her toy to a show and tell event in her class, the girl heads off to the swings and sees to her horror a small, colourful fox (knowingly) snatch it from her bag and run off. Thus begins the real story as the girl and her best friend set off to retrieve her favourite toy.
The slip from the blue hues to this extraordinarily bright and beautiful world the children find when they reach the fox's community had me gasp aloud in joy and surprise (the same technique used in Footpath Flowers). When the girl finally finds the fox with her toy, he is sat on a sofa cuddling it with his mother. She enters and explains to the mother what has happened (all done so cleverly considering the book is wordless). In turn, the young fox is made to hand the toy back. This he does but ultimately, when she sees how sad he is, the girl hands the toy back to him and he, as way of thanks, gives her his (the unicorn mentioned earlier).
This leads to the part of the story which grated for a part of me went 'huh?' when this happened. What did that fox learn from these events? That he can knowingly steal, run away, feel no guilt for upsetting someone else...and still get to keep the fox in the end? I'd love to know others' interpretations but to me, the ending was morally ambiguous. On saying all this, there is no doubt in my mind that, Graegin has incredible talent and I will certainly read more.]]> 4.26 2017 Little Fox in the Forest
author: Stephanie Graegin
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/31
date added: 2018/10/31
shelves: adventure, alternate-worlds, animals, anthropomorphism, children-taking-on-adult-roles, childrens-literature, community, early-reading-skills, fantasy, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, naughty-children, outdoor-play, picturebook, problem-solving, quest, wordless
review:
Oh, I have such mixed feelings about this book so I'll get out all the wonderful parts first (because they're almost certainly worth mentioning) and then my rather large niggle.

The story begins from the beautiful double-page jacket spread which presents us with the cast. Our protagonist is on the back: a young girl accompanied by her best friend; the antagonist (not really) who has taken her favourite toy and is running through the forest (the little fox) with it back to his house; and the small surrounding cast which involve a large but kindly bear, a crafty weasel and our all-important guide, a little red bird.
Next come the pale blue of the endpapers which focus on one shelf in the little girl's room upon which sits her favourite toy - a cuddly fox. As I always do with hardbacks, I turned to the back and found that the fox had been swapped with a more colourful unicorn. The game is afoot and the heart of my dissatisfaction with the core of the story is hinted at!
The first page of narrative, like a slow-panning camera, takes us into a girl's blue world showing us her time at home and at school in which she seems content. Panels and double-page spreads pace the tempo of the book to dramatic effect and I found myself reminded of Becker's Journey.
After taking her toy to a show and tell event in her class, the girl heads off to the swings and sees to her horror a small, colourful fox (knowingly) snatch it from her bag and run off. Thus begins the real story as the girl and her best friend set off to retrieve her favourite toy.
The slip from the blue hues to this extraordinarily bright and beautiful world the children find when they reach the fox's community had me gasp aloud in joy and surprise (the same technique used in Footpath Flowers). When the girl finally finds the fox with her toy, he is sat on a sofa cuddling it with his mother. She enters and explains to the mother what has happened (all done so cleverly considering the book is wordless). In turn, the young fox is made to hand the toy back. This he does but ultimately, when she sees how sad he is, the girl hands the toy back to him and he, as way of thanks, gives her his (the unicorn mentioned earlier).
This leads to the part of the story which grated for a part of me went 'huh?' when this happened. What did that fox learn from these events? That he can knowingly steal, run away, feel no guilt for upsetting someone else...and still get to keep the fox in the end? I'd love to know others' interpretations but to me, the ending was morally ambiguous. On saying all this, there is no doubt in my mind that, Graegin has incredible talent and I will certainly read more.
]]> The Umbrella 10135940 40 Ingrid Schubert 1935954008 Mathew 4 The Schuberts are a much-celebrated partnership in the Netherlands; akin to Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Here, their wordless escapade will delight young readers since their is so much to see on dog's journey across the globe. From an African plain to the depth of the ocean and across the Arctic, the reader has much to spot and explore and will continue to find more with repeat readings.
Although scenes of 'Africa' can comes across as limiting alongside tribespeople living in the Amazon, there is still much to enjoy and be shared here. ]]> 4.16 2010 The Umbrella
author: Ingrid Schubert
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/28
date added: 2018/10/28
shelves: adventure, africa, animals, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, flying, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, nature, picturebook, wordless
review:
When a rather inquisitive black scottish terrier stumbles across an abandoned red umbrella with his feline friend, little did he know that a wild and wondrous adventure awaited. All it takes is a heavy autumnal wind and he's off! With the umbrella open, our little adventurer is slave to the winds and whims of all he encounters in the sweet little wordless picturebook. The wind carries him across the world until he arrived back home....for the cat to have a go!
The Schuberts are a much-celebrated partnership in the Netherlands; akin to Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Here, their wordless escapade will delight young readers since their is so much to see on dog's journey across the globe. From an African plain to the depth of the ocean and across the Arctic, the reader has much to spot and explore and will continue to find more with repeat readings.
Although scenes of 'Africa' can comes across as limiting alongside tribespeople living in the Amazon, there is still much to enjoy and be shared here.
]]> Emmett and Caleb 42300264
This beautiful picture book is about the many forms of friendships there are between creatures, and the many ways of expressing this friendship.]]> 64 Karen Hottois Mathew 5 A story which is told over the four seasons and in each we are given a glimpse into why such opposites work, Caleb and Emmett is a perfect model of friendship built on tolerance and love. When a misunderstanding damages the relationship both give each other the space and time to patch things up. This is a proper, truthful friendship and something that children and adults could learn much from.]]> 4.11 2017 Emmett and Caleb
author: Karen Hottois
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2018/10/26
date added: 2018/10/26
shelves: anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, identity, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, outdoor-play, picturebook, friendship
review:
Emmett and Caleb are the very best of friends. They choose to live next to each other and support one another even though they look different and are opposite sides of the same characteristic coin. Emmett is organised, an early bird and keen on his woodland walks whilst Caleb is a dreamer who loves to create and wonder about the world he lives him and beyond. Together though they love and care for each other deeply and fit together like a well-worn glove.
A story which is told over the four seasons and in each we are given a glimpse into why such opposites work, Caleb and Emmett is a perfect model of friendship built on tolerance and love. When a misunderstanding damages the relationship both give each other the space and time to patch things up. This is a proper, truthful friendship and something that children and adults could learn much from.
]]> <![CDATA[The Arnold Lobel Treasury (Dover Children's Classics)]]> 19484225 The Bears of the Air, the tale of four little bears who try hard to be good and do everything that Grandfather says but always get into trouble.
Prince Bertram the Bad, the story of a naughty little prince whose pranks go too far� when he teases a witch, he is turned into a dragon.
The Great Blueness, a fable that recounts a wizard's discovery of colors and his transformation of the world.
The Man Who Took the Indoors Out, in which Bellwood Bouse invites his home's inside to step outside and finds himself alone as his furniture skips away.]]> 144 Arnold Lobel 0486780783 Mathew 5 4.50 The Arnold Lobel Treasury (Dover Children's Classics)
author: Arnold Lobel
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/10/24
date added: 2018/10/24
shelves: adventure, anthropomorphism, being-yourself, childrens-literature, community, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, imagination, key-stage-1, naughty-children, outdoor-play, philosophy, picturebook, rhyming, wizards
review:
Although best known for his Frog and Toad stories, Lobel was a prolific and highly accomplished writer and illustrator of a range of tales. Often referred to as indispensable, there is something quite magical about his stories and they are a wonderful first step into independent reading with tales touched with a philosophy that has both humour and wisdom. The collection here (in A4 format so large and expanded) collects four completely different stories: Bears of the Air, Prince Bertram the Bad, The Great Blueness and The Man Who Took the Indoors Out. I think my favourite was the first which tells the story of a group of young bears who tire of lessons from grandfather and instead, pursue what interests them. The outcome is sweet and jocular and lessons are learned by both adult and child. His stories are, upon reflection, almost fablistic in manner.
]]> Here Comes Mr Postmouse 39682633 30 Marianne Dubuc 0994128207 Mathew 5
Dubuc’s story has been compared to the work of Richard Scarry and I can see the connection in how the reader is invited to look closely at all the other smaller narratives woven throughout but there is something quirky, warm and tongue-in-cheek that makes it feel different. I particularly loved the cut-away sections of the creature’s homes; those little glimpses into their lives. For me, it contains the same warmth as the Ahlberg’s Jolly Postman books but, perhaps, is a little more light and frivolous in its telling. Whatever the case, I’m going to be buying anything she puts her hands to.
]]> 4.31 2015 Here Comes Mr Postmouse
author: Marianne Dubuc
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/05
date added: 2018/09/26
shelves: animals, anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, humour, imagination, key-stage-1, picturebook
review:
Having first discovered Dubuc with the most wonderful The Lion and the Bird, I was pleased to find more of her work in the guise of a pair of picturebooks which follow the story of Mr. Postmouse. Known for building her narratives from the images that she sees in her head rather than having any sort of written story, Mr. Postmouse’s tale is one in which he drops off post and parcels for a range of animals ranging from a thieving magpie to a friendly dragon.

Dubuc’s story has been compared to the work of Richard Scarry and I can see the connection in how the reader is invited to look closely at all the other smaller narratives woven throughout but there is something quirky, warm and tongue-in-cheek that makes it feel different. I particularly loved the cut-away sections of the creature’s homes; those little glimpses into their lives. For me, it contains the same warmth as the Ahlberg’s Jolly Postman books but, perhaps, is a little more light and frivolous in its telling. Whatever the case, I’m going to be buying anything she puts her hands to.

]]> <![CDATA[Charlie & Mouse (Charlie & Mouse, #1)]]> 27465906 48 Laurel Snyder 1452131538 Mathew 5 3.94 2017 Charlie & Mouse (Charlie & Mouse, #1)
author: Laurel Snyder
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/09/23
shelves: adventure, childrens-literature, community, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, friendship, humour, key-stage-1, outdoor-play, illustrated-text, working-together
review:
I loved this short little reading book aimed at those very early readers who are just taking flight. Emily Hughes' illustrations of these two siblings bring each page to light alongside Snyder's stories which smack so much of Sendak's 'The Sign on Rosie's Door'. Well spaced writing and a simple yet warming voacbulary (and a funny series of short stories to boot) make this a welcome shared and individual read for the young reader. My only sniffle would be an editing one in which American language was retained yet English counterparts would have been easy to amend (dollars, popsicle). It wasn't problematic and opened up a conversation but pounds and ice-lolly might have eased the context. Whatever the case, if Snyder did more of these, then they would be perfect for those children who want a taste of reading very short chapters.
]]> <![CDATA[What's Hidden In The Body? /anglais]]> 38396678
Якщо ви подивитеŃŃŹ через кольорові Ńкельця, Ń‚Đľ виявите безліч деталей, яких не побачити неозброєним оком. Гляньте через зелене Ńкельце â€� Ń–, здавалоŃŃŚ би, тіло â€� це лиŃе те, що Ń” ззовні; тоді глянете через Ńинє â€� з’являтьŃŃ� тиŃячі деталей, які на перŃий погляд неможливо побачити. І вреŃŃ‚Ń–, коли глянете через червоне Ńкельце â€� відкриєте багато прихованих таємниць цього неймовірного механізмŃ, в ŃŹĐşĐľĐĽŃ Đ¶Đ¸Đ˛ĐµŃ‚Đµ.]]> 24 Aina Bestard 0500651485 Mathew 2 Each page comes with a fact associated with the colour which then encourages the reader to seek out that fact on the page using the correct lens. There was so much potential here but some of the choice in design and reveal seemed pointless. Bestard does choose some nice areas for the child reader to look closely at: muscles, bones and out innards but they're often abstractly shown and I'd argue that each 'reveal' doesn't always have much to do with the topic. ]]> 4.29 What's Hidden In The Body? /anglais
author: Aina Bestard
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2018/09/10
date added: 2018/09/10
shelves: body, care-and-hygeine, close-looking, early-reading-skills, food, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, non-fiction
review:
A hands-on non-fiction book about our body. This book, as with the rest of the series, includes a set of magic magnifying glasses of blue, red and green which allow you to read it through different coloured lenses. In doing so, you reveal hidden elements in the pictures.
Each page comes with a fact associated with the colour which then encourages the reader to seek out that fact on the page using the correct lens. There was so much potential here but some of the choice in design and reveal seemed pointless. Bestard does choose some nice areas for the child reader to look closely at: muscles, bones and out innards but they're often abstractly shown and I'd argue that each 'reveal' doesn't always have much to do with the topic.
]]> Cyril & Pat 40605683
But Cyril's life turns out to be a lot duller and quite a bit scarier without Pat by his side, and in the end the two friends learn that some things are more important than being the same, or listening to others.

Cyril and Pat is a richly colourful, rhyming romp through the park from the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Emily Gravett.]]> 32 Emily Gravett 1509857273 Mathew 4 I particularly loved the map of the park and chase and the subtle nod to Tidy, also by Gravett. There is also an intrinsic commentary on looking after our local landscapes which I thought could open up some rich discussion. ]]> 4.08 2018 Cyril & Pat
author: Emily Gravett
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/07/24
date added: 2018/07/24
shelves: animals, anthropomorphism, being-yourself, childrens-literature, close-looking, disguised-identity, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, friendship, humour, identity, key-stage-1, map, nature, conservation, outdoor-play, picturebook, rhyming, working-together
review:
Another great addition to the Emily Gravett catalogue. This sweet, rhyming tale tells the story of two friends who are blind to each other's outward differences and are just happy with each other's company. When Cyril (the squirrel) pays heed to the comments of those around him and recognises how Pat is 'different' his actions cost him and he finds himself lonely. Never fear though, in typical Gravett style, our character reflects and sees the error of his ways.
I particularly loved the map of the park and chase and the subtle nod to Tidy, also by Gravett. There is also an intrinsic commentary on looking after our local landscapes which I thought could open up some rich discussion.
]]> Red Cat, Blue Cat 13330355 40 Jenni Desmond 160905248X Mathew 3 The Blue Whale I knew I was in for a visual treat with Red Cat, Blue Cat, a simple story about two cats who don't get on and who secretly are envious of each other's skills.
The narrative has a nice pace and I enjoy the way that Desmond is playing with the placement of the text and framing - it doesn't quite work for me at all times but this is someone having great fun with the format and I'm excited about seeing more of her work.
Desmond's story is full of humour and the movement of both cats is just wonderful. She also uses endpapers in an engaging way and with a little mouse hiding on each page, there is something to encourage close-looking among the younger audience. I felt the story missed its mark at the end with them wanting to be 'yellow' since it said to me that they had not learned the lesson of being happy with who they are but this is still a vibrant read with two humorous, well-observed little cats.]]> 3.90 2012 Red Cat, Blue Cat
author: Jenni Desmond
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2018/07/20
date added: 2018/07/20
shelves: animals, being-yourself, childrens-literature, close-looking, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, friendship, humour, identity, key-stage-1, picturebook, working-together
review:
Having found Desmond's illustrative style in The Blue Whale I knew I was in for a visual treat with Red Cat, Blue Cat, a simple story about two cats who don't get on and who secretly are envious of each other's skills.
The narrative has a nice pace and I enjoy the way that Desmond is playing with the placement of the text and framing - it doesn't quite work for me at all times but this is someone having great fun with the format and I'm excited about seeing more of her work.
Desmond's story is full of humour and the movement of both cats is just wonderful. She also uses endpapers in an engaging way and with a little mouse hiding on each page, there is something to encourage close-looking among the younger audience. I felt the story missed its mark at the end with them wanting to be 'yellow' since it said to me that they had not learned the lesson of being happy with who they are but this is still a vibrant read with two humorous, well-observed little cats.
]]> Penguin in Peril 17276287 32 Helen Hancocks 1848778376 Mathew 4 Children will appreciate the witty play here between words and images with the latter expanding, in a tongue-in-cheek fashion, with how the penguin blends in with his surroundings in and around a city whilst the three cats are in hot pursuit. Fun and can encourage young children to look carefully and 'spot the penguin' leaving time for the older reader to enjoy plenty of little in-jokes.]]> 3.55 2013 Penguin in Peril
author: Helen Hancocks
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2018/07/13
date added: 2018/07/13
shelves: animals, anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, close-looking, crime, cunning, early-reading-skills, food, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, kidnapping, kindness, london, picturebook
review:
What a great picturebook with an illustrative style that I really like - nice play with perspectives and positioning. When three cats are starving and in need of food, where do they go with their three gold coins? The market? No! The cinema! For inspiration! From there our protagonist is introduced and what occurs is a constant repetition of cunning disguises from the Penguin until he tries to find his way back to where he was in the first place.
Children will appreciate the witty play here between words and images with the latter expanding, in a tongue-in-cheek fashion, with how the penguin blends in with his surroundings in and around a city whilst the three cats are in hot pursuit. Fun and can encourage young children to look carefully and 'spot the penguin' leaving time for the older reader to enjoy plenty of little in-jokes.
]]> <![CDATA[On Friday Something Funny Happened]]> 1773747
The book is a Level 1 title on the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 reading list. Written by the author/illustrator of Along Came Tom .]]> 32 John Prater 0099184419 Mathew 5 3.06 1992 On Friday Something Funny Happened
author: John Prater
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.06
book published: 1992
rating: 5
read at: 2018/07/13
date added: 2018/07/13
shelves: childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, family, food, foundation-stage, humour, imaginative-play, picturebook, siblings
review:
A 'proper' picturebook. The interplay between what the words are saying and what the two, highly mischievous children are doing is hilarious. Reading just the words to the class and then reading the book again and showing the pictures would illustrate to those early readers the humorous irony that can occur with this format. I loved the fact that both sister and brother are wild but that, when they need to, they can equally pull it all together. Beautiful. Simple. Deceptively clever.
]]> <![CDATA[Lola at the Library (Lola Reads)]]> 1287647
This gentle story of growing with books encourages little ones to discover the joy of reading as well as getting them ready and excited to visit the library.

Sweet, bright illustrations are from a kids-eye point of view. Perfect for a lap read or story time, the first in Lola series, LOLA AT THE LIBRARY is a book young readers will fall in love with.]]> 32 Anna McQuinn 158089142X Mathew 5 McQuinn is a community librarian and this series is a celebration of the diversity of those parents who bring their children to the library. The book comes in many different languages but it is also worth noting that my copy had a CD attached read in over 20 different languages, from Welsh to Urdu. What is handled so carefully throughout the book is the sense of diversity within the community. Nothing is explicitly stated, everything is implicit and the message far more powerful because of it. ]]> 4.24 2006 Lola at the Library (Lola Reads)
author: Anna McQuinn
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 2018/06/10
date added: 2018/06/27
shelves: childrens-literature, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, friendship, key-stage-1, library, picturebook, reading-as-powerful, read-aloud, real-life
review:
I knew that I had something special in my hands as soon as I picked this up. Lulu is a young girl who takes great pleasure to going to the library every week with her mum. She enjoys meeting friends, having stories read to her and a special drink in the local cafe afterwards with her mum. It is a book that celebrates the joy of reading and sharing this reading experience.
McQuinn is a community librarian and this series is a celebration of the diversity of those parents who bring their children to the library. The book comes in many different languages but it is also worth noting that my copy had a CD attached read in over 20 different languages, from Welsh to Urdu. What is handled so carefully throughout the book is the sense of diversity within the community. Nothing is explicitly stated, everything is implicit and the message far more powerful because of it.
]]> Lulu Loves Stories 6487700 32 Anna McQuinn 0955199859 Mathew 4 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. ]]> 4.32 2009 Lulu Loves Stories
author: Anna McQuinn
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/26
date added: 2018/06/26
shelves: challenging-gender-stereotypes, childrens-literature, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, friendship, imagination, imaginative-play, intertextuality, key-stage-1, language-as-power, picturebook, reading-as-powerful, read-aloud, storytelling
review:
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 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.
]]> Zeki Can Swim 34453700 Zeki Loves Baby Club, is back in a new adventure at the pool.
Ěý
Zeki and Daddy go to swim class where they kick, bounce, and dive like little fish. Joining other babies and their caretakers in the pool is a guarantee for unforgettable fun.]]> 24 Anna McQuinn 1907825134 Mathew 4 A delightful story of the caring and nurturing relationship between a parent and his child, 'Zeki can Swim' offers a breath of fresh air in relation to diversity and the dismantling of socio-cultural stereotypes. The primary carer in Zeki's world (in this book) is dad. He reads with Zeki about swimming, changes him for swimming and takes him into the pool to 'splish and sploosh' with the other parents and children. Finally, he cleans and dresses him at the end.
This are things that dads do these days but to see it in picturebooks is rare. Not only that but the picturebook shows a diverse range of families from different racial backgrounds including a mixed-race family: all voices and faces that need to be far more prevalent in the literature of today. Thanks to McQuinn and Hearson for recognising a need for this in today's multiracial shiftingsocial world. ]]> 3.70 2016 Zeki Can Swim
author: Anna McQuinn
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/25
date added: 2018/06/25
shelves: challenging-stereotypes, childrens-literature, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, mixed-race, picturebook, read-aloud
review:
A lovely little picturebook published by Alanna Books. On the surface, McQuinn might be sharing a story of a baby enjoying his swim in a communal swimming pool with other parents and children but it is what is not made explicit that remains powerful and much needed.
A delightful story of the caring and nurturing relationship between a parent and his child, 'Zeki can Swim' offers a breath of fresh air in relation to diversity and the dismantling of socio-cultural stereotypes. The primary carer in Zeki's world (in this book) is dad. He reads with Zeki about swimming, changes him for swimming and takes him into the pool to 'splish and sploosh' with the other parents and children. Finally, he cleans and dresses him at the end.
This are things that dads do these days but to see it in picturebooks is rare. Not only that but the picturebook shows a diverse range of families from different racial backgrounds including a mixed-race family: all voices and faces that need to be far more prevalent in the literature of today. Thanks to McQuinn and Hearson for recognising a need for this in today's multiracial shiftingsocial world.
]]> What Are You Playing At? 17329117 20 Marie-Sabine Roger 1907825029 Mathew 5 4.50 2013 What Are You Playing At?
author: Marie-Sabine Roger
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2018/06/09
date added: 2018/06/09
shelves: being-yourself, challenging-gender-stereotypes, challenging-stereotypes, childrens-literature, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, identity, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, multiculturalism, picturebook, non-fiction, lift-the-flap
review:
One of the easiest 5 stars I have given (and I'm dead set against starring anything). Alanna Books with Roger and Sol have created a book in which both words and photos play so cleverly against each other. The book is a simple idea - have many statement which support entrenched gendered norms 'boys don't play with dolls' 'girls don't play with cars' and then have photos of adults, and this is the important element, doing the very things that they should not be doing. For me, it is the adult modelling these roles that is so powerful. Children are invited to see their future selves in roles that they have thought they were not 'allowed' to embrace. I would love to see this as part of a selection of books handed to children at birth. Wonderful.
]]> The Gotcha Smile 832044 32 Rita Phillips Mitchell 1846165822 Mathew 3 4.11 1998 The Gotcha Smile
author: Rita Phillips Mitchell
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2018/05/30
date added: 2018/05/30
shelves: being-yourself, childrens-literature, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, friendship, key-stage-1, kindness, loneliness, mixed-race, outdoor-play, overcoming-fears, picturebook
review:
Clarine is desperate to make friends at her new school yet each day something goes wrong and she becomes more and more anxious about attending. Each day one of the adults in her life suggest a new approach: taking food to share, taking a ball to share and finally, smiling at others. It is the sense of perseverance and determination that I liked about this little story. It’s easy to give up when you’re challenged but each adult in Clarine’s life offer her alternative approaches to making friends until she finds the one that works for her. A nice book for KS1 and EYFS children who are new and, equally, to those in the classroom who would benefit from understanding and empathising with those in that predicament.
]]> Whoa, Baby, Whoa! 12159904 32 Grace Nichols 1599907429 Mathew 4 Taylor's illustrations are very reminiscent of Oxenbury and that's no bad thing as the little baby, who is of mixed race, is shown around the garden with grandad, in the bathroom with grandma, reading with older sister and near the kitchen with dad. I also love how Taylor and Nichols together challenge perceptions of the roles of mothers and fathers somewhat too.
Young children will love the repeating lines throughout and I cannot help but think that 'Whoa, baby, whoa!' was changed to appease those readers/editors who thought that younger children might not like to hear a negative phrase - questionable really, since it's much closer to the truth! ]]> 3.56 2012 Whoa, Baby, Whoa!
author: Grace Nichols
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2018/05/29
date added: 2018/05/29
shelves: childrens-literature, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, humour, imaginative-play, picturebook, read-aloud, repeating-lines, rhyming, siblings, supporting-childrens-aspirations
review:
No, Baby, No! Is the title of the book I have in front of me and I can imagine plenty of discussion as to why it might have changed. My book's title is the repeating refrain stated by the baby's family members as he does things that are socially not acceptable or dangerous (mushing potato all over your face or, every parents' horror, climbing the bookcase).
Taylor's illustrations are very reminiscent of Oxenbury and that's no bad thing as the little baby, who is of mixed race, is shown around the garden with grandad, in the bathroom with grandma, reading with older sister and near the kitchen with dad. I also love how Taylor and Nichols together challenge perceptions of the roles of mothers and fathers somewhat too.
Young children will love the repeating lines throughout and I cannot help but think that 'Whoa, baby, whoa!' was changed to appease those readers/editors who thought that younger children might not like to hear a negative phrase - questionable really, since it's much closer to the truth!
]]> Wriggle Piggy Toes 2461804 17 agard-john 1845074866 Mathew 4 Bent's illustrations are bright with minimal focus on the background, inviting the young reader to enjoy reading the expressions on the child's face. I particularly like how carefully Bent draws the sense of closeness between baby and parent - powerful images to share with the very young. The more I spent time looking and reflecting on the language, the more I enjoyed it. ]]> 3.17 2005 Wriggle Piggy Toes
author: agard-john
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 2018/05/29
date added: 2018/05/29
shelves: caribbean, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, humour, love, picturebook, read-aloud, rhyming, word-play
review:
Following the moment baby wakes up to the time it goes back to bed, the little poetry picturebook, written from the perspective of the little boy, celebrates early word play and rhyme for which Agard is much celebrated. Each page shows a different activity as baby makes its way through the day. With each activity affecting either the rhyme and pace - eating is slow but enjoyable whereas walking is bumpy and rhythmic in the writing.
Bent's illustrations are bright with minimal focus on the background, inviting the young reader to enjoy reading the expressions on the child's face. I particularly like how carefully Bent draws the sense of closeness between baby and parent - powerful images to share with the very young. The more I spent time looking and reflecting on the language, the more I enjoyed it.
]]> <![CDATA[Hopscotch: Histories: Hoorah for Mary Seacole]]> 5234318 32 Hilary Robinson 074967413X Mathew 4 4.33 2008 Hopscotch: Histories: Hoorah for Mary Seacole
author: Hilary Robinson
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 2018/05/21
date added: 2018/05/21
shelves: adventure, biography, caribbean, challenging-themes, childrens-literature, diversity, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, historical-fiction, historical, key-stage-1, kindness, non-fiction, illustrated-text
review:
Axworthy and Cooke bring to that emerging, young reader an accessible and engaging little tale of Mary Seacole. With large fonts and mostly-simple language, Cooke captures Seacole's life in 31 colourful pages. Each page has only one or two sentences yet both illustrator and writer manage to pack in a lot. I liked how Cooke connected the soldiers in Jamaica to those who eventually are moved to Crimea. Also, Nightingale's relationship (or lack of) is cleverly done here - mentioned, hinted but not explored.
]]> Let's Feed the Ducks 2797283 16 Pamela Venus 1870516532 Mathew 4 4.33 2002 Let's Feed the Ducks
author: Pamela Venus
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 2018/05/21
date added: 2018/05/21
shelves: animals, board-book, childrens-literature, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, identity, key-stage-1, nature, outdoor-play, picturebook, real-life, travel
review:
I wonderful little board book by Venus which shows the journey of a young boy who is taken on a walk around town and to the park in order to feed the ducks. With a style of writing akin to Pat Hutchins and a narrative similar to Shirley Hughes, this book was a delight, showing a diverse range of children and people of different colour. Dads are at the park with their young children alongside mums, there is a busy local markplace - all drawn at the same eye-line as Max and, like Hughes, you get the feeling that Venus has observed and known this community a long time. Simple words and phrases on every page leave space to the young reader to explore.
]]> Claude at the Circus 13052924 When Mr. and Mrs. Shineyshoes leave for the day, their dog Claude and his sock puppet sidekick, Sir Bobblysock, visit the circus. From Alex T. Smith's hilariously illustrated early chapter book series.

After rescuing a runaway baby carriage, Claude and Sir Bobblysock are invited to watch a circus. But Claude can't keep his hands to himself and accidentally sabotages the performing equipment. Still, the show must go on―even if Claude and Sir Bobblysock have to put on the entire thing themselves. What a wonderful day!

Quirky, delightfully odd, and positively surreal, Alex T. Smith's beloved Claude series promises fits of giggles for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Two-color illustrations throughout.]]> 96 Alex T. Smith 0340999039 Mathew 3 4.17 2012 Claude at the Circus
author: Alex T. Smith
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2018/04/06
date added: 2018/04/06
shelves: absence-of-parents, adventure, anthropomorphism, being-yourself, childrens-literature, creativity, circus, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, friendship, humour, key-stage-1, kindness, illustrated-text
review:
The Claude books are firm favourites in our home for both my boys (3 & 4) (and parents). Smith has created something witty, a little tongue-in-cheek at times and gosh-darned delightful in the form of Claude and Sir Bobblysock (whose taste in lifestyle is unquestionably perfect). The adventures are funny and I am loving Claude's indispensable beret. There is something welcoming in Smith's repeating opening and closing to his Claude stories and the illustrations bring as much to Smith's world and narrative as the words. Luckily for us, he's very talented at both. These would make for perfect 'taking flight' reading experiences.
]]> That's Disgusting! 1027351
Not for the faint of heart, this kid approved book focuses on a love of all things icky and gross. Firmly focused on fun, That's Disgusting! is the perfect distraction to help your young gross out expert learn to read.]]> 80 Francesco Pittau 1579123511 Mathew 4 4.30 2001 That's Disgusting!
author: Francesco Pittau
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at: 2018/04/06
date added: 2018/04/06
shelves: being-yourself, carnivalesque, challenging-gender-stereotypes, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, key-stage-1, naughty-children, nonsense, picturebook, read-aloud, repeating-lines
review:
This book is deliciously naughty. Very French in its humour, the book has the repeating refrain 'That's disgusting' on the recto of each page and on the verso an action performed by an extremely delighted young girl. Actions that start off mild 'smelling a sock'...'that's disgusting', gradually become more indecorous 'sticking your finger up a cat's bum'...'that's disgusting'. Obviously, I bought this book immediately after a student placed it in my hands and needless to say both my four and three year old absolutely adore it. Why? Because they know they shouldn't. What fun!
]]> <![CDATA[Days with Frog and Toad (Frog and Toad, #4)]]> 94804 Frog and Toad enjoy spending their days together. They fly kites, celebrate Toad's birthday, and share the shivers when Frog tells a scary story. Most of all, they have fun together—every day of the year.

Days with Frog and Toad is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.Ěý Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor (Frog and Toad Together), a Caldecott Honor (Frog and Toad Are Friends), ALA Notable Children’s Book, Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book), School Library Journal Best Children’s Book, and Library of Congress Children’s Book.]]> 64 Arnold Lobel 0064440583 Mathew 5 4.30 1979 Days with Frog and Toad (Frog and Toad, #4)
author: Arnold Lobel
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.30
book published: 1979
rating: 5
read at: 2018/01/21
date added: 2018/01/21
shelves: adventure, animals, anthropomorphism, being-yourself, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, family, food, foundation-stage, friendship, imagination, key-stage-1, kindness, outdoor-play, philosophy, picturebook, working-together
review:
Another collection of Frog and Toad stories from Lobel and again I am struck by how tenderly Lobel touches on themes of childhood and childness but also the power and draw of true friendship. Again, the pictures lend so much to the story, if not more, and I adore Frog's positivity as a foil to Toad's tiredness yet deep affection for his dear friend. What wonderful first reads these would be for children.
]]> <![CDATA[Frog and Toad All Year (Frog and Toad, #3)]]> 833549
In winter, spring, summer, and fall, Frog and Toad are always together. Here is a wise and wonderful story for each season of the year—and one for Christmas, too.]]> 64 Arnold Lobel Mathew 5 And with that, there is something about the actions of Frog and Toad and the simple language in his stories that make it feel as if Lobel is writing to the child in himself. The friendship between Toad and Frog is the very deepest kind and the philosophies that these stories contain resonate with all of us at all times in our lives. My favourite was probably 'The Surprise' and its celebration of the very best of a selfless friendship. ]]> 4.36 1976 Frog and Toad All Year (Frog and Toad, #3)
author: Arnold Lobel
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.36
book published: 1976
rating: 5
read at: 2018/01/20
date added: 2018/01/20
shelves: adventure, anthropomorphism, animals, being-yourself, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, food, foundation-stage, friendship, humour, key-stage-1, kindness, love, nature, outdoor-play, philosophy, picturebook
review:
Comprising of the following five stories: Down the Hill, The Corner, Ice Cream, The Surprise and Christmas Eve, 'Frog and Toad All Year, reads as a seasonal walk through the lives and deep friendship of Frog and Toad. As he has always done with his Frog and Toad stories, Lobel recognises the unity between words and pictures stating that 'Young children do not differentiate where the words stop and the pictures begin.'
And with that, there is something about the actions of Frog and Toad and the simple language in his stories that make it feel as if Lobel is writing to the child in himself. The friendship between Toad and Frog is the very deepest kind and the philosophies that these stories contain resonate with all of us at all times in our lives. My favourite was probably 'The Surprise' and its celebration of the very best of a selfless friendship.
]]> SEAN'S RED BIKE 12476717 32 Petronella Breinburg 0099289016 Mathew 3 3.00 1994 SEAN'S RED BIKE
author: Petronella Breinburg
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at: 2018/01/09
date added: 2018/01/09
shelves: childrens-literature, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, multiculturalism, outdoor-play, illustrated-text, supporting-childrens-aspirations
review:
Published in 1975 as part of the Puffin picture press series, Sean's Red Bike tells the story of a young boy who has his heart set on a new bike that he's seen in the shop window. He works hard and helps his family and community in order to get the money to afford the bike. This may be an old story but Lloyd's illustrations offer a fascinating insight into 70's London and I do like the idea of Sean earning his bike, ennobling.
]]> <![CDATA[Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth]]> 35169327 42 Oliver Jeffers Mathew 5 I'm much preferring Jeffers' newer work since he wrote This Moose Belongs to Me, his standard of art has greatly improved and this book is no exception. I also like how he is becoming more political in his age and this important message about embracing our diversity throughout the book is a very important one. A wonderful little treasure. ]]> 4.48 2017 Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
author: Oliver Jeffers
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2017/11/30
date added: 2017/11/30
shelves: childrens-literature, close-looking, dads-as-good-role-models, diversity, early-reading-skills, ecocritical, family, foundation-stage, geology, humour, identity, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, kindness, multiculturalism, nature, picturebook, travel
review:
With the birth of his first child, Jeffers wanted to capture what is important to him with regards to the Earth and how he wants his son to live his life on it. Much like his own father (see the back of the book), Jeffers focuses on the need for kindness and care to the planet and each other and to embrace the fact that we are all different and yet, the same. It's a beautiful story, dotted with some laugh-out-loud humour and little intertextual references to earlier work.
I'm much preferring Jeffers' newer work since he wrote This Moose Belongs to Me, his standard of art has greatly improved and this book is no exception. I also like how he is becoming more political in his age and this important message about embracing our diversity throughout the book is a very important one. A wonderful little treasure.
]]> Hide and Seek 36514075 198 Anthony Browne 1448199921 Mathew 4 For me, Browne has really been off-form for around a decade but since he's gone back to the wilderness, I feel he's found his muse again.
]]> 4.25 Hide and Seek
author: Anthony Browne
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/14
date added: 2017/11/14
shelves: absence-of-parents, adventure, animal-helpers, animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, getting-lost, imagination, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, outdoor-play, picturebook, siblings, travelers
review:
Browne's 50th picturebook sees him back on form as Poppy and Cy, brother and sister, decide to overcome their grief over the loss of their dog by entertaining themselves in the woods near their home. Children are encouraged to explore the environment looking for things hidden in the trees and whilst less haunting than The Tunnel, the trees themselves are still captivating and rather beautifully rendered by Browne (I'd argue it's one of his most beautiful books yet). With the game of hide and seek underway, the tone and colour changes and the fear heightened.
For me, Browne has really been off-form for around a decade but since he's gone back to the wilderness, I feel he's found his muse again.

]]> <![CDATA[How the Sun Got to Coco's House]]> 25241623 Follow the journey of the sun across the world from a whale’s eye to a little girl’s window in Bob Graham’s tender, transcendent story.

While Coco sleeps far away, the sun creeps over a hill and skids across the water, touching a fisherman’s cap. It heads out over frozen forests, making shadows in a child’s footprints, and balances on an airplane’s wing for a little boy to see. The sun crosses cities and countrysides, wakes furry creatures, makes a desert rainbow, and barges into Coco’s room to follow her through a day of play. With an eye for capturing small moments of shared experience, Bob Graham illuminates the natural wonder that comes with every new day.]]> 40 Bob Graham 0763681091 Mathew 4 ]]> 3.70 2015 How the Sun Got to Coco's House
author: Bob Graham
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2017/10/27
date added: 2017/10/27
shelves: animals, bedtime, childrens-literature, close-looking, diversity, early-reading-skills, family, foundation-stage, identity, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, middle_east, multiculturalism, nature, night, outdoor-play, picturebook, read-aloud, travel
review:
What a lovely, clever story. As Coco prefers for sleep, we move away to follow the sun as it rises across a snowy tundra past polar bears, oceans, whales, across the east past cities and slumbering citizens until it finally reaches Coco in time for him to wake up. Graham's lovely frames and panels give us a sense of scope and wonder alongside the narrative which is touching with sprinklings of rich language. A lovely way in to subtly into introduce children to the scope and size of the world and those who live on it.

]]> Fairytales for Mr Barker 30038606 Fairytales for Mr Barker 32 Jessica Ahlberg 1406355887 Mathew 5 Each Peach Pear PlumEach Peach Pear Plum and Peepo!. As she moves through the different stories with her dog, Lucy encounters a host of fairy tale characters in their homes (or someone else's). I especially enjoyed looking through these settings whilst finding the hidden tongue-in-cheek jokes and references.
A wonderful example of a fractured fairy-tale that is as warm and it is clever. ]]> 4.04 2016 Fairytales for Mr Barker
author: Jessica Ahlberg
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2017/10/18
date added: 2017/10/18
shelves: absence-of-parents, adventure, animal-helpers, anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, fairy-tales, foundation-stage, imagination, key-stage-1, nursery-rhymes, picturebook, traditional-tales
review:
Such a touching nod to her own parents' work, Fairytales for Mr Barker reads like an homage to Each Peach Pear PlumEach Peach Pear Plum and Peepo!. As she moves through the different stories with her dog, Lucy encounters a host of fairy tale characters in their homes (or someone else's). I especially enjoyed looking through these settings whilst finding the hidden tongue-in-cheek jokes and references.
A wonderful example of a fractured fairy-tale that is as warm and it is clever.
]]> Grrrrr! 26531307 32 Rob Biddulph 0007594127 Mathew 3 4.09 2015 Grrrrr!
author: Rob Biddulph
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2016/02/18
date added: 2017/10/11
shelves: anthropomorphism, childrens-literature, changing-yourself-for-the-better, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, friendship, humour, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, kindness, loneliness, picturebook, poetry, read-aloud, rhyming
review:

]]> Bink & Gollie 7616655 A New York Times bestseller!

“If James Marshall's George and Martha were not hippos and were both girls, they would be much like best friends Bink and Gollie. . . . More, please!� � Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Meet Bink and Gollie, two precocious little girls � one tiny, one tall, and both utterly irrepressible. Setting out from their super-deluxe tree house and powered by plenty of peanut butter (for Bink) and pancakes (for Gollie), they share three comical adventures involving painfully bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion. Full of quick-witted repartee, this brainchild of Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and award-winning author Alison McGhee is a hilarious ode to exuberance and camaraderie, imagination and adventure, brought to life through the delightfully kinetic images of Tony Fucile.]]> 81 Kate DiCamillo 076363266X Mathew 4 4.08 2010 Bink & Gollie
author: Kate DiCamillo
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2017/10/02
shelves: absence-of-parents, animals, being-yourself, children-taking-on-adult-roles, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, friendship, humour, identity, imaginative-play, imagination, key-stage-1, outdoor-play, comic, picturebook, philosophy, supporting-childrens-aspirations
review:
Such a difficult book to categorise. Borderling picturebook/borderline comic - it is a fusion text whose characters are immediately endearing and its 1950s background reminds me so much of 50s illustrated America. I loved the little battles of will between Bink and Gollie here - both are such strong characters although I found myself with a huge soft-spot for Bink who has a touch of (Raymie's) Louisiana about her. A book that celebrates the very best of friendships.
]]> Bink & Gollie: Two for One 12177920 Bink and Gollie.

The state fair is in town, and now Bink and Gollie - utter opposites and best friends extraordinaire - must use teamwork and their gray matter while navigating its many wonders. Will the energetic Bink win the world's largest donut in the Whack-a-Duck game? Will the artistic Gollie wow the crowd in the talent show? As the undaunted duo steps into the mysterious tent of fortune-teller Madame Prunely, one prediction is crystal clear: this unlikely pair will always be the closest of pals. Get ready for more laughs in this wry, warmhearted sequel to the New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book Bink and Gollie, written by the award-winning, best-selling Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and featuring the exuberant visual humor of illustrator Tony Fucile.]]> 80 Kate DiCamillo 0763633615 Mathew 4 4.21 2012 Bink & Gollie: Two for One
author: Kate DiCamillo
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2017/10/02
shelves: absence-of-parents, being-yourself, challenging-gender-stereotypes, childrens-literature, children-taking-on-adult-roles, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, honesty, humour, identity, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, kindness, outdoor-play, philosophy, illustrated-text, comic
review:
A friend on Ĺ·±¦ÓéŔÖ put these under my nose and I found both books in the local library. Although only aware of Kate's work, I was so pleased to find how quickly I fell for both these girls. Extremely different in character and appearance, this is Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes all rolled into one. The language is not too challenging and the pictures do as much (if not more) of the telling here. The scene in which Bink tries her luck at Whack a Duck actually had me laughing so much there were tears rolling down my cheeks. There is definitely something very Lucy (Charlie Brown) and Pippi Longstocking-like to both. I'm so glad I get to spend some time with them.
]]> It Starts With a Seed 33785576
As the tree grows, it is joined by well-loved woodland creatures—squirrels and rabbits, butterflies and owls—who make it their home. A rhyming poem builds page on page, echoing the rings of a growing tree. The story culminates with a foldout page showing a mature tree shedding seeds to continue the beautiful cycle of life. At the back, find the full poem and facts about the specific tree, a sycamore.

Beautiful and evocative, It Starts With a Seed is a factual story that will touch children with its simple, enchanting message of life and growth.

A 2018 Outstanding Science Trade Book for K-12 (National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council)]]> 32 Laura Knowles 1910277266 Mathew 4
'All busily making
a life of their own,
in their leaf-laden,
bark-bound arboreal home.'

This book is a joy. ]]> 4.29 2017 It Starts With a Seed
author: Laura Knowles
name: Mathew
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/09/30
date added: 2017/09/30
shelves: animals, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, nature, non-fiction, picturebook
review:
I'd give this 4.5 if I could. The poem follows the lifecycle of a sycamore tree and, more importantly, how fundamental it is to the web of life that relies on it. As the life of the tree grows, so the animals and inspects who rely so much upon it, multiply. The production of the book both in material and illustration is of a noticeably high quality and I loved the portrait size which supported the growth of the tree from seed a fully grown. I also liked the fact that Knowles does not shy away from rich language for the younger reader and particularly loved the line:

'All busily making
a life of their own,
in their leaf-laden,
bark-bound arboreal home.'

This book is a joy.
]]> <![CDATA[La La La: A Story of Hope (A Heartwarming, Nearly Wordless Picture Book About Loneliness, Hope, and the Search for Friendship - For Kids Ages 4-8 in Preschool-3rd Grade)]]> 34002068 This nearly wordless graphic story follows a little girl in search of a friend.
"La la la . . . la." A little girl stands alone and sings, but hears no response. Gathering her courage and her curiosity, she skips farther out into the world, singing away to the trees and the pond and the reeds -- but no song comes back to her. Day passes into night, and the girl dares to venture into the darkness toward the light of the moon, becoming more insistent in her singing, climbing as high as she can, but still there is silence in return. Dejected, she falls asleep on the ground, only to be awakened by an amazing sound. . . . She has been heard. At last.]]> 70 Kate DiCamillo 0763658332 Mathew 4
'Even if we are small and alone and afraid, if we sing, sometimes someone answers us back.'

Enjoy the play between space and place and take comfort in the fact that although there are times when we may feel lonely, there is always hope that this will always not be so. ]]> 3.55 2017 La La La: A Story of Hope (A Heartwarming, Nearly Wordless Picture Book About Loneliness, Hope, and the Search for Friendship - For Kids Ages 4-8 in Preschool-3rd Grade)
author: Kate DiCamillo
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/09/29
date added: 2017/09/29
shelves: absence-of-parents, adventure, being-yourself, childrens-literature, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, imagination, key-stage-1, key-stage-2, loneliness, outdoor-play, picturebook, quest, repeating-lines, wordless
review:
The illustrations through this book are beautiful and bring a rich depth in terms of colour and perspective to the story. A girl, whose only phrase involves variants of 'la' as she sings her way through the story, is looking for someone or something to support her. I think Kate's words at the back of the book capture its story beautifully:

'Even if we are small and alone and afraid, if we sing, sometimes someone answers us back.'

Enjoy the play between space and place and take comfort in the fact that although there are times when we may feel lonely, there is always hope that this will always not be so.
]]> The Naughty Naughty Baddies 33526272
When Four suggests a cunning plan to STEAL all the spots off the Queen's Little Doggy Woof-Woof, they all grin fiendishly and chuckle evilly as they creep, creep, creep ...

WHAT will the Queen do when she sees her spotless Little Doggy Woof-Woof?
WHERE is the King sitting as they creep, creep past? (Clue: a throne of sorts.)
WILL the Naughty, Naughty Baddies get away with it?]]> 32 Mark Sperring 1408849739 Mathew 4 3.76 The Naughty Naughty Baddies
author: Mark Sperring
name: Mathew
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/09/02
date added: 2017/09/02
shelves: absence-of-parents, adventure, challenging-stereotypes, childrens-literature, cunning, defiance, early-reading-skills, foundation-stage, humour, imaginative-play, key-stage-1, naughty-children, outdoor-play, picturebook, read-aloud, stealing
review:
This one had both my boys laughing at the outrageous stunts of the four naughty children (these are as far from Blyton kids as you can get). Dressed more like the Artful Dodger than Dick, these four hatch a dastardly plan to steal the spots off the queen's dog. Why? Because that's what naughty kids do. I thought that the style, use of different fonts and repetition worked well in getting the child reader involved and, as always, Tazzyman's illustrations are wiry and wild enough to just about contain their naughtiness.
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