Charlie Chooses by Lou Peacock and Nicola Slater, Published by Nosy Crow
Littlest reader chose this last night and I was so pleased as she sometimes acts like main character Charlie. What to wear, what to eat, what to buy…she too struggles to choose. Charlie has a birthday coming and wants to choose the best present but when it chooses him, life seems better and Charlie is thrilled! That is until he needs to choose a name! Thankfully our rescue cats came with names but I imagine she would have too many names to choose from. Littlest reader and I both loved the illustrations, so bright and colourful, making the reader feel firmly a part of the story. This would make for a fantastically funny read aloud.
Fabulous Frankie by Simon James Green and Garry Parsons, Published by Scholastic
Llama Glamarama is a wonderful book with a powerful message and so it comes as no surprise that Fabulous Frankie is equally as wonderful with an equally important message! Written with complete charm and illustrated with utter joy, this book is a smile enhancer. Frankie is as fabulous as the other flamingos but he wants to be more…at every great idea, the others are there with him. “Of course everyone else has a glitter cannon”! When Frankie helps friend Flo, he finds the others staring at him in wonder- it turns out he is more fabulous than he thought, just not in the way he was aiming for. Books that help children know they are perfect the way they are act as brilliant conversation starters and can help immeasurably for confidence boosts.
Pear of Hope by Wendy Shurety and Deb Hudson, Published by EK Books
When we speak about diversity and representation in children’s stories it can feel overwhelming to ensure every child can see themselves in a story. With Pear of Hope, a young girl is seriously ill and as she faces the news and side effects, the pear tree in her garden offers support and hope for growth and healing over time. The illustrations are simply beautiful and they hold a lot of the story within them as the text is sensitive and positive. Children with an illness or a sibling suffering through an illness will be able to see themselves and to hopefully find a seed of Hope planted through reading this story. I loved how the planting and growth of a new pear tree was mirrored in the girls’ hair changing!
My Summer with Grandad by Tom Tinn-Disbury, Published by New Frontier Publishing
I adore Tom Tinn-Disbury’s books and this is a new favourite. Eric is planning to spend an enjoyable summer with his Grandad Learning how to fish, though it turns out he doesn’t have a natural talent. Rescuing a small seagull, Eric finds a new talent of caring for injured birds. Following a series of logical steps, Eric soon reaches the last step where goodbye will be necessary but not just yet…with some fantastic illustrations this story will completely touch your heart. Thinking about his relationship with his Grandad, there are perhaps links between his emotions of saying goodbye to the seagull and to thoughts of a summer without his Grandad.
The Three Happy Lions by Louise Fatio and Roger Duvoisin, Published by Scallywag Press
You can’t help but love this series of picture books featuring the journey from one lion to a mini family with the iconic illustrations of Roger Duvoisin. My favourite line may just be, “…this is an upside-down world. Think of all the things a clever lion could do.” Learning to be parents has a very steep learning curve and the Dad lion wants the best for his son! As the lion grows up, he must find his place in the world just as his parents did before him. What can a clever lion do- join the circus, be a pet, live in the zoo? Read this story to find out where the newest member of the family ends up! Charming and delightful, with French phrases thrown in, this book has a timeless quality!
I Love my Bike by Simon Mole, Illustrated by Sam Usher, Published by Frances Lincoln (Quarto)
The joys of learning how to ride a bike- from figuring out how it works to doing the hard work of pedalling. The sense of freedom is completely evident from the expressions on her face to the rollicking sentences that build momentum in the same way as the bike rolling down a hill. The biggest lesson to be learned is to get back on when you fall off. Dad is there to give a cosy cuddle to the girl while she feels angry and hurt. Her unwillingness to get back on the bike is familiar as a parent but Dad handles it well and soon she is off enjoying the moment again! A delightful tale that would make an excellent read aloud to a child learning to ride their bike and for parents as well. We all need some understanding when taking those first tentative pedals!
This is Not a Book by Kellie Byrnes and Aśka, Published by EK Books
I love books about books! This bright and colourful book walks children through the steps of creating their story and understanding the key elements! A young girl is convinced she is not within the pages of a book and tries to convince the reader too. When she finally does realise what is happening, she takes control and proves how fun stories can be. I love that this book is basically a formula for writing for kids. Reading this and then setting a story writing task would become less stressful in my opinion. The brilliant illustrations bring every page to life and there are so many details to pore over before you turn over. Funny, silly and adventurous!
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 