Even more picture book delights to celebrate this half term! I would happily recommend these for Christmas gifts! Loved spending this week fully immersed in books!
Mouse and Mole Have a Party by Joyce Dunbar and James Mayhew, published by Graffeg
Utterly enchanting and perfect for cosy Autumn reading. Mouse and Mole are back with three new and delightful tales, charmingly illustrated with James Mayhew’s warm style and Joyce Dunbar’s creative storytelling talents. Mouse and Mole, though very different enjoy an easy life together, gardening, enjoying the quiet life in their cottage and sharing fun with friends. Mole seems to get himself into trouble more often than not but sensible Mouse is always around to steer him back. Full of love and gentle humour these will appeal to both children and grown ups.
Detective LB and Hopper, written by Janet Gaston, illustrated by Anil Tortop, published by Little Steps Publishing
A mystery needs solving and who better than LB and Hopper? The dynamic duo need a new case and the missing chocolate frogs is just the one to sink their teeth into. Funny and a perfect introduction to mysteries and detectives for younger readers. It is a wonderfully illustrated picture book with larger chunks of text to explain the story. I enjoyed this first mystery from LB and Hopper and hope there will be more in this series. Hopper is a huge fan of comics and superheroes, drawing on his understanding to help solve the cases. LB and Hopper are unique and they both bring their own skills to the detective agency. Fun and exciting!
It’s Only Stanley by Jon Agee, published by Scallywag Press
Jon Agee is a fantastic author and illustrator, and Scallywag Press did very well to publish his books. Stanley, a very clever dog, lives with the Wimbledon family and one night, he wakes each of them up creating, fixing, cooking until the family get fed up. From fixing the tv to cooking catfish stew, Stanley is an industrious pup and it seems as though there is a plan taking shape throughout the night. Lyrical rhymes, excellent illustrations and humour will keep me coming back to read this again and again. “It’s only Stanley” says Mr Wimbledon as he comes back to bed time and time again, until the plan is realised!
The Happy Lion Roars, written by Louise Fatio, illustrated by Roger Duvoisin, published by Scallywag Press
A joyous story which sees the return of our favourite Happy Lion, though he is not a very happy or content lion at all, until he meets the most beautiful princess of lionesses. A perfect cat and a perfect match for the Happy Lion if only she didn’t belong to the circus. We know and love the Happy Lion and his intelligence and cleverness is no match for the circus. A hunt for the missing lioness is coming to an end until a small girl sees that the Happy Lion has two tails. Will anyone attempt to separate the two love birds? Unlikely! The unhappy lion is happy again! The wonderful illustrations from Roger Duvoisin are to be celebrated and enjoyed, as is the lovely story!
Castle of Books by Alessandro Sanna, published by Tate
I have always loved books about books and this nearly wordless picture book is a stunning addition to my collection. With a strong use of primary colours, a pair of children argue the all important question, “Why do we need books?” Simple one word answers tell the exact reasons, succinctly. “To invent, build, lose ourselves”, as the books take the form of such an idea! A superb book to prompt children to answer the same question at the beginning of each school year. Beautiful and timeless fun and the never ending need to convince a non reader to become a reader! Love this one!
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. Now I have the title Reading Advocate for ASSET Education Trust, based in Suffolk.
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work and at home with my two children, aged 11 and 9.
I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group!
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My Shelves Are Full 