I am completely enamoured by the books featured today- they carry such vital messages of positivity, hope, acceptance and love! All would be welcome in my school libraries and I will be recommending them widely. Beautiful illustrations fill the pages styled with each illustrator’s unique talents. These are ones to watch!
Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love, Published by Walker Books
Julian captured the hearts of readers when he wanted to be a mermaid and it is so beautiful to see him back and attending a wedding. Julian and cousin Marisol have a special role and once done, they run off to explore! When muddy prints dirty a dress, Julian is there with his spectacular style and imagination. Nana, of course, approves and shares a secret smile with her friend. This book is beautifully written and Illustrated, the soft muted colours raining down happiness and beauty on every page. Acceptance and love pour out of this story- for the wedding couple, Julian and Marisol and for their new outfits- this is a simply joyous book!
Move, Mr Mountain by Francesca Sanna, Published by Templar Books
Mr Mountain has always been there and has seen many things…but he has never met Lily until now. Not content to climb up and over, she demands “Move, Mr Mountain”! Wanting to see the other side of him, she comes often to demand he move and he finally loses his temper. Snow falls, the ground shakes but Lily is unfazed. Taking a different tactic, Mr Mountain shows Lily the other side and an unlikely friendship is formed. Learning to be more considerate and understanding is the firm message to be taken from this stunning book. When you see the beauty within the pages you will look a bit closer at the beauty of the world.
See What I Can Do! By Jon Roberts and Hannah Rounding, Published by Graffeg
Inspirational stories full of positivity, understanding and acceptance . Each account features children from various perspectives sharing their experiences and celebrating their differences. From young children with dyslexia, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy to those with ADHD and dyscalculia. I spent ages reading each story and enjoying the illustrations. These snippets into life would be wonderful to share with a class so they can learn to understand and empathise with these children. The children sharing their stories are positive, proud and accepting of differences in those around them and themselves. Completely wonderful!
Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew, Published by Owlet Press
This debut for Ian Eagleton has been receiving so much praise and support, from twitter love to massive donations for schools, it is a bright start for this book. The illustrations from James Mayhew are divine and warrant framing! A new twist on a classic tale, Nen is a merman and Ernest, a young fisherman. Finding each other causes chaos under the sea and Ernest needs saving but actually they end up saving each other. I was entranced by this story and felt such a sense of love and hope. This is such a beautiful story of love and finding home! Nen is a vital book for schools and homes- everyone deserves to see themselves in books.
Book Hospital by Leigh Hodgkinson, Published by Simon and Schuster
I am such a fan of Leigh Hodgkinson and her stories but this might be a favourite for my librarian heart. We have Book Hospitals in our libraries for moments of stickiness, scribbling and ripping, all needing specialist attention! This delightful story highlights those moments and teaches young readers how to care for books! When the all important last page gets ripped out, an emergency is called and the book is rushed to the hospital but without that page, is it the end for this book? Wonderfully illustrated in Hodgkinson’s unique and colourful style, this is such a perfect read aloud for library lessons!
The Screen Thief by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty, Published by Alison Green Books
I was really lucky to be part of the blog tour for The Screen Thief last week. I am a huge fan of the Docherty’s and their books so was very excited to read this apt and relevant picture book. Everyone is so busy staring at their screens that life seems to be passing them by- the Snaffle wonders whether there is magic inside them! She sniffs then snaffles all the screens she can see and soon an angry mob is forming unsure how to live without their screen- do we not see so much of this in our world today? When Max invites everyone to play outside, they soon forget their screens and start chatting, playing and enjoying life! Who knew we could be happy without a screen! Such an overwhelming message about screen time and enjoying life!
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 