The titles featured this morning are perfect for schools, whether as a book to share with the whole school, or to share in class reading corners. I can imagine them being pored over, enjoyed and learned from day after day. I will be sharing these with my schools and cannot wait to see the reactions of the readers.
I am an Artist by Kertu Sillaste, Published by Graffeg
This is an exceptional book, artistic, creative and inspiring. John is an artist and as we follow his journey of discovery as an artist, we can see a variety of mediums, new and exciting thought processes but also worry and challenges. What a perfect book to share with readers who love to create and make, or to read to a class before a big art project. Encouraging discussion over the role of the artist, the need for praise and the joys of starting something new, this colourful book makes this job easier to understand and relate to. The illustrative style is unique and features collage, drawing and the use of real life objects. This will find its way into school for a whole school assembly as it can encourage and inspire artists of all ages.
Amazing Rivers by Julie Vosburgh Agnone and Kerry Hyndman, Published by What on Earth Books
Rivers is a topic covered in many primary schools around the UK and many of the resources are outdated and uninspiring. This book would be a fantastic addition to this topic and will enchant readers as they take a trip around the world via the waterways, rivers and lakes. Factual blocks of text are accessible and beautifully brought to life by the incredible illustrations. Featuring diverse animals, environmental threats and plenty of wondrous life among the waterways, this is a joy! This series goes from strength to strength, from Amazing Treasures, Amazing Islands and now Rivers, with Amazing Animals coming in 2022.
What a Wonderful Phrase by Nicola Edwards and Manu Montoya, Published by Little Tiger
What a Wonderful Word is a firm favourite with me, and I have seen it being used in school assemblies to promote language and culture. This is a new title from the same writer and it is equally as remarkable. Some of our most well known idioms have an interesting history and this book will shed some light for young readers. What it also does is introduces readers to phrases said around the world and their history. Wonderfully illustrated, this enchants, unites and teaches. So many countries and cultures are represented, and thankfully there are pronunciation tips to help us share them widely. A favourite new phrase for me is the Icelandic phrase, “Peeing in your shoes will only keep you warm for a short while”. It means to look for a long term solution for a problem, not a quick fix. I can imagine readers adding these new phrases to their repertoire and surprising others with them. An excellent book to bring the world to your doorstep.
Eureka by Jonathan Litton and Wenjia Tang, Published by Little Tiger
This giant tome of a book is packed to the rafters with facts, information and fascinating details about the history of the world, great discoveries and the interesting people who made them. The illustrated pages are colourful, vivid and detailed, offering readers more than just the text to read. This book would be wildly popular in book corners for readers to dip in and out of. From looking into lost cities and accidental discoveries, I have learned so much and have lost endless amounts of time in the pages. My favourite page is Against the Odds, where the women of the past are given a gallery to celebrate their contributions. Equality was not always given and these women overcame many obstacles. I cannot praise this one high enough or recommend it widely enough.
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 