We’re Going Places by Mick Jackson and John Broadley, Published by Pavilion
This is the second collaboration of Mick Jackson and John Broadley, the first, While You’re Sleeping, having been shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge award. We’re Going Places is a creative look at growing up while also based on the theme of travel. Cleverly intertwined, the lyrical text takes readers on a journey of discovery, from learning to walk, climb and run to viewing roads and bridges from above in a hot air balloon. The detailed and unique illustrations offer readers new viewpoints and perspectives, causing memories to re-focus or history to come to life. Having read both books by this incredible duo, I have no doubt there will be more to come. These books are sure to be enjoyed by all ages and will be treasured parts of my own collection for years to come. Beautiful and thought provoking, enjoy the discussions to be had while reading!
The Secret Forest by Sandra Dieckmann, Published by Scholastic
With a narrative feel to the text, we enter a forest for a special game of seek and find. The wondrous illustrations bring each scene to life and give the reader plenty to study and and browse. As a read aloud for younger children, the magic of each page will be enjoyed as a collective activity. For older readers, spending time on each page will be worth the longer read. Not just spending time in the forest, we are also travelling through a day, from the early morning light through to the twilight and darkness. We are introduced to animals as they eat, play and build, from deer to beavers and nocturnal bats. The back pages fill in some facts about the animals and give a list of other creatures to spot and find on each page. Simply enchanting, this would be an ideal bedtime story!
One Moment in Time by Ben Lerwill and Alette Straathof, Published by Happy Yak
This book aims to show similarities between children around the world even though they live very far apart. One Moment in Time shares a glimpse of one child having breakfast, while another sleeps, or goes to school to make the point that life is happening around the world at the same moment. Time can be a challenging concept for some children but this clever book will simplify things in a fun and friendly way. Colourful and engaging, this book also asks a question on each page, about food, hobbies, sports and reading to allow readers time to engage with each illustration and child. I loved seeing different cultures represented. From learning about time to countries and cultures, there is so much for readers to unpick. I think this would make for an ideal whole school assembly book- allowing children the opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes and check out the similarities and differences between themselves and other children.
How Was That Built? By Roma Agrawal and Katie Hickey, Published by Bloomsbury
Any budding architect, builder or engineer will find this book hard to put down. With enticing looks inside some iconic buildings around the world, we learn about what it takes to build the vast differences in structures. Page headings talk about “Building flat”, “Building strong” or “Building underground” showing us the huge range of style within buildings and structures. Roma Agrawal is clearly a well researched and knowledgeable author bringing the techniques, tools and designers to a young audience. The illustrations are perfectly in sync with the concepts, showing a cross section of buildings, making understandable comparisons and adding colour and detail on every page. There is so much to take in but children will be endlessly fascinated by the buildings they have visited, or learned about in class. Thoroughly recommend this for school reading corners and libraries.
Lore of The Wild by Claire Cock-Starkey and Aitch, Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Mythical and legendary, this book will guide readers through the ancient lore surrounding nature and help us to uncover some of nature’s secrets. Tales from around the world are interspersed with lore about animals, flowers and the weather. The illustrations are magical and boldly coloured, bringing the myths to life for this next generation of reader. A perfect book to dip in and out of, I particularly loved reading about the celestial lore of the sun, moon and stars. Each double page spread is full of fascinating text and glorious images, touching on folktales from different parts of the world, tying them together for comparisons and discussions. Good luck charms are also given a nod in the back pages and children may find this even more interesting as they are not as widely shared anymore. I was besotted with this book and return to it regularly, and I think it would make for brilliant class discussions.
Who Makes a Forest? By Sally Nicholls and Carolina Rabei, Published by Andersen Press
A beautifully illustrated book that will creatively teach readers about life in our forests and about the interconnectedness of every living thing in the forest. Starting with the title question, Who Makes a Forest?, readers can piece together all the tiny pieces that work together in harmony, and over time. I felt as though I was on a walk through time with this book, first standing on stony ground with little life, then seeing moss and lichen appear, walking further into the future where insects arrived and through hundreds more years to a tall towering forest. Not shying away from the place death has in the creation of life, readers will learn about the cycle of life and the nutrients needed for growth. The use of colour is completely enchanting and begs further inspection. The back pages explain about forests around the world and ways we can protect them! Readers will enjoy this journey of discovery!
The Book of Labyrinths and Mazes by Silke Vry and Finn Dean, Published by Prestel
The first paragraph of this book reads as a guide to life! “You need patience, courage and self-confidence for your journey along twisting paths.” As you travel through the pages of labyrinths and mazes, you will learn about their history, myths and designing your own. An utterly fascinating book, this is one that that you may spend ages lost within. The illustrations are divine and the use of colour, inspired. Take a closer look at your body to discover some natural labyrinths, your fingerprint, intestines and the ear canal all look labyrinthine under closer inspection. Looking at myths, perhaps the most famous labyrinth is the one which held the Minotaur, the same one Theseus defeated. Interspersed stories, facts and ideas give the reader plenty to learn and enjoy along the twisted paths of this book. Using this book, readers could be inspired to design their own maze to house a monster, look for nature’s puzzles on a walk or be brave enough to test out a maze themselves.
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!
View all posts by assetreadingadvocate
My Shelves Are Full 
Oh I want Lore of the wild
LikeLike
It is absolutely chock full of lore and really wonderful illustrations. I can imagine this being just the right book for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s it I’m Sold!!!!
LikeLike