As each of these books arrived, I felt they all immediately said “relaxation” and felt they would make a lovely blog about how Reading is Relaxing.
As the half term break arrives, I am so pleased to be able to spend time reading and listening to these books. From slow journeys to being mindful of nature and from classical music to ballet at the theatres, these all promote the finer things in life, the things we don’t always have time for during the working week.
I can’t recommend these enough for school libraries or class reading corners.
Paper Boat, Paper Bird by David Almond, Illustrations by Kirsti Beautyman, Published by Hachette Childrens
This story is an absolutely quiet beauty. Quick to read but it offers so much power in the simplicity of the tale. Kindness being passed as origami throughout the story and meeting at the end. David Almond has this incredible ability to find stories in moments and when you read the author notes at the back, you can see that this is where this story has come from. Mina is in Japan, experiencing this culture and learning so much. Watching a woman create a boat and a bird from squares of paper capture her imagination. She takes this magic with her while exploring the city and when she floats them away, she finds them returned in new ways. Entirely magic, this book felt contemplative and thoughtful. It made me slow down and relish the ideas and magic in the wonder of the world.
It’s the Journey not the Destination by Carl Honoré, Illustrations by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell, Published by Magic Cat Publishing
Even the use of colours and illustration promote the relaxation and slow journeys featured in this book. So often with travel, we try to squeeze in too much and find ourselves rushing about. This book takes you around the world introducing you to new places, reasons for travel and sights to see. All this travel can be done by boat, bike, train or by walking. Small bursts of text give the reader plenty of insight into each journey without overwhelming or taking away from the illustrations. What I really liked is that there were no pressures or guidelines of how long to take to complete the journey but just enough to entice the reader to look closer at what they might see and do. With elements of history, culture and traditions woven into each destination, readers can feast their souls on every aspect. The introduction says, “explore the world at your own pace” and this is the ideal starting point.
An Invitation to the Ballet Theatre by Charlotte Guillain, Illustrations by Helen Shoesmith, Published by Welbeck Publishing
This is an intricate and detailed look into the world of ballet. Whether you are a fan of ballet or a dancer yourself, there is so much that happens backstage, in the wings and the preparation that the audience never see. Consider this your ticket to an “access all areas” view of the ballet. The opening pages begin as you plan a trip to the ballet and then step foot into the theatre, seeing the empty seats awaiting an eager audience. A couple of gatefolds open to show scenes filled with details and wonder for the reader. I love that this book has a gatefold of scenes of The Nutcracker, and synopsis of several of the world’s most popular ballets. Readers will know of them but perhaps have not seen a ballet production so hopefully this book will entice readers to visit their nearest theatre. This would likely make a wonderful gift for young dancers.
The Very Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by Tim Lihoreau and Philip Noyce, Illustrations by Olga Baumert, Published by DK Kids
This has the benefits of being both fiction and non-fiction. Ava and Jayden are about to embark on a magical, musical adventure learning about musical instruments and some of the most well-known musical scores, like Flight of the Bumblebee and Swan Lake. This is one of the better “musical” books around as the music is beautiful and the sounds delightful. A brilliant range of instruments are showcased such as violin, oboe and timpani. Each one is described as well so readers can hunt these out when listening to an orchestra in the future. Clever rhymes will help them remember each instrument. Ava and Jayden travel on 10 adventures related to the music and readers accompany them and enjoy the wonderful illustrations and feel a part of their adventure.
Slow Down and Be Here Now by Laura Brand, Illustrations by Freya Hartas, Published by Magic Cat Publishing
The letter at the beginning says “…all you need to do to see them is to slow down…and be here now”. I think reading this book would inspire a walk through nature taking a closer look at what is happening around you, whether it be an animal working hard, dandelion seeds floating on the breeze or paying closer attention to the mini-beasts at your feet. These are events that we likely don’t think about or pay attention to but they are also nature at her best, proving we are just guests on her land and must protect it anyway we can. Someone once told me that by holding your camera up to capture an event, you actually miss seeing it yourself and I would be tempted to leave the camera at home and just focus on what my own eyes can see. Enjoy the wonder and awe that nature offer everyday. Wondrous illustrations help the reader to feel a part of the world around them.
Listen to the Music, A world of Magical Melodies by Mary Richards, Illustrations by Caroline Bonne-Müller, Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Music can be a wonderful way to relax and this is another stunning music book with the feel of both fiction and non-fiction. The double page spreads in this book are detailed, wondrous and allow the reader to travel in time to learn about composers, music and culture. Pip and Sammy feature in this book as they travel through time with their teddies and meet the musical greats and their famous tunes. This book also focuses on the emotions we may feel upon hearing these pieces of music and this is a lovely feature. Imagine playing these pieces and giving children an opportunity to respond. This book and the previous one in this blog would sit perfectly together as they both celebrate music from history and around the world but they each focus on different aspects.
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 