I know I don’t need to call attention to this fact but…school starts again or has already for some. The summer has come to an end and we are all counting down to the first half term…or maybe not just yet!
I love my Picture Book Perfect blogs and my NF roundups so I wanted to combine them this weekend in a bid to introduce you to some fab new books that would be perfect for the classroom.
A Pair of Pears and an Orange by Anna McGregor, Published by Scribble Kids
Friendships are often a tricky part of school life, especially when they are an odd number. Someone might feel left out of certain games that are suited for two. Little Pear and Big Pear are happy in their games until Orange comes along, round and zesty. Big Pear feels angry, left out and leaves to find new friends. She joins a trio of peas but still feels left out. Thinking clearly, she heads back to find Little Pear and Orange. They adjust their games and all feel welcome and included. Such an ideal story for the start of a new term, encouraging children to be welcoming and adapting to new games, friends and situations. The illustrations are simple and hugely effective in conveying the message of the story,
Maths is Weird with text by Noodle Fuel, Illustrations by Luke Newell, Published by Little Tiger
Non-fiction books about maths, chemistry or history are always welcome in a class library, especially if they are as cleverly designed and illustrated as this one. Each page is full of facts, explanations and clever examples of all types of math, from plain numbers to angles and algebra. There are opportunities for the reader to get involved and complete some challenges along the way. Featuring a cast of robots explaining everything, this is not your average math book. It is fun, engaging and might just be what some children need to view math in a new light. Ideal for homeschool use as well as classroom, this will be very helpful.
The Zoo inside Me by Ruth Doyle and Yessica Baeten, Published by Andersen Press
The start of a new school year will, inevitably, throw some children into an emotional tailspin. Many are excited but there will be plenty out there feeling nervous, worried and uncertain. The Zoo Inside Me is a superb book for helping children understand their vast array of emotions and the impact these may have on children around them. Feeling excited may startle quieter times, staring with wonder my be too intense but bottling these all up is not healthy. This charming story, beautifully illustrated, was initially written to help a friend’s son start school. What great fun it could be to have children act as an animal to explain their emotions and for their friends to accept all the zoo animals we keep inside!
Courage in a Poem, Various Poets and Illustrators, Published by Little Tiger
There is always room for poetry in a classroom! Easily read, powerfully written and full of superb vocabulary, poems can be shared at anytime in a school day. The poems in this collection are empowering, inspiring and joyful. The illustrations are stunning, with each page perfectly designed and illustrated to suit the words of the poem, at times colourful and bold, while at others, they are calming and peaceful. With a huge cast of diverse, talented and creative poets and illustrators, this collection has something for everyone. Being a firm fan of Laura Mucha, I chose to highlight her poem, “You’re Never Too…” as it contains some positive and affirming lines. This is a collection for all ages!
The Worry Tiger by Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy, Published by Two Hoots
Rory is uncertain about show and tell at school, worrying over what to share with his friends. Finding it hard to sleep, Rory soon finds himself curled up in his den, until outside his room starts to change and becomes hot and sticky. Feeling brave he looks out and spots a jungle and hears a tiger…his worry tiger. The tiger shows Rory around the jungle and teaches him to breathe, take time and look around, skills that will certainly help when it’s time for show and tell. Beautiful illustrations follow Rory and the reader gets to feel a part of the jungle scene. These types of tips for dealing with worries are so necessary and I think we can all do with slowing down and taking deep breaths. A wonderful book to share!
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 