I am starting to collect more picture books to share with teachers and students in the Autumn term. All of the books in this post and the next would be welcome additions to any school or home library. They are worth checking out!
The Rapping Princess by Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan, Published by Faber Children’s
This dynamic author, illustrator combo are back with another wonderful story. My Hair was so successful and created a much needed mirror for children to see themselves in. The Rapping Princess features a young girl searching for her voice. From a successful singing royal family, Shiloh feels uncertain over her lack of singing talent. Encouraged to find her own style, she gives rapping a try and it turns out she totally rocks it! An inspiring story about celebrating your differences, finding your voice and standing out from the crowd. Shiloh is wonderful with her resilience and perseverance urging her to try new things. The illustrations are wonderful, full of stunning colours and stylish details. This would be ideal for the first week of school, encouraging all students to find their feet and voice.
Betsy Buglove Saves the Bees by Catherine Jacob and Lucy Fleming, Published by Scholastic
Bees are hugely topical this summer with BBC Radio 2’s Big Bee Challenge and the push for wildflower meadows and bee friendly planting to take place across the UK. Betsy is an adorable young backyard explorer, always helping insects stay safe. When a magical present arrives from her Gran, Betsy is even more prepared to help when needed. Her magical magnifying glass doesn’t just increase her sight but her understanding of what the bugs are saying. When the bees buzz around with a terrifying tale, Betsy must act fast to save their home. Neighbour Stan just wants to ride his bike so asks for the garden to be flattened but Betsy knows how important the flowers are. Can she protect and save the bees? The illustrations are absolutely stunning, full of incredible details and colours. This is one to read and share as it promotes the need for insects in a fun and exciting way.
The Wide, Wide Sea by Anna Wilson and Jenny Løvlie, Published by Nosy Crow
This incredible book is an ode to sea life and a girl’s dream to be part of it. Discovering a seal in the water surrounding the beach, a young girl is fascinated by him, his home and abilities. Asking questions and hoping for the seal’s safety during a storm, her Grandma tries to assure her that the seal will be safe deep in the wide sea. The next morning arrives storm free but there has been some damage to the beach- pollution has washed ashore and it is the young girls reaction to it that is heartwarming. She and a group of helpers clean the plastic, rubbish and detritus away ensuring the beach is safe for exploring again. Apologising to the seal, she promises to make changes. The illustrations will transport readers to a beautiful beach where treasures are waiting to be discovered as well as into the depths of the sea with the seal and other aquatic life.
The Moose Fairy by Steve Smallman, Published by Happy Yak (Quarto)
Moose finds a notice for a Secret Fairy Club and it is his dream come true. Dressing up in his pink fairy outfit and taking part in all the fairy tests has Moose all excited, even though he is clearly bigger than the others in the club. The Fairy oath they all take promises kindness, helping and glitter…but not everyone has taken this oath seriously and Moose is left feeling hurt and unwanted. Sly Fox plans to take advantage of this new fairy club and rushes in for dinner, however Moose has taken the oath and rushes to help. Differences are there to be celebrated and this charming tale will give readers the chance to understand how Moose is feeling, and how the other fairies could have acted better. Steve Smallman’s familiar illustrative style is perfect for this gentle tale of acceptance and friendship.
This Book is Pants by John Kane, Published by Templar Books
We have I Say OOH, You Say AAH and I Say BOO, You Say HOO at our house and they are amongst the top picture books my children still want to read and interact with. This latest from author/illustrator John Kane will have children acting out funny scenes with pants and chuckling along with the characters. Each of Kane’s books come with hilarious instructions that the reader must follow along with to get the full enjoyment from the story. This one involves various types of pants to help welcome an alien to Earth. From speedy pants to monkey pants and pizza pants, the imaginations of the reader will be delighted with each double page spread. Bold and brightly coloured pages ensure a fun atmosphere while reading. Entirely delightful and fun- a perfect interactive read aloud!
Dear Badger by Xiao Mao and Xu Qingfeng, Published by New Frontier Publishing
Dear Badger is widely known for his kindness and offers of help to all creatures in the story. They all lavish him with compliments and gratitude, although all Badger wants is to say an extra special thank you himself. As he searches for hedgehog, he lends a helping hand to a shivering giraffe, sneezing elephant and sad cow. All are so appreciative of his help and it makes him feel so good to know he has helped. Badger eventually finds hedgehog to share his own thank you for when hedgehog helped him. Hearing thanks is just as wonderful as saying thanks. What a beautiful story, and one perfect for sharing at the beginning of the school year to promote kindness, gratitude and friendship. The illustrations are bold and colourful, full of details that readers will want to spend time perusing,
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. I am Children’s Librarian for Suffolk Libraries, a job I adore!
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 I am currently Vice Chair on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups!
View all posts by Erin Lyn
My Shelves Are Full 