All of the books chosen for today’s blog are simply wonderful. With bright, bold characters leading the way and learning about themselves and the world around them. I love a book to share and read aloud and I can recommend all of these for exactly that!
Not Now, Noor by Farhana Islam and Nabila Adani, Published by Puffin.
Set out to dispell the myths of wearing a hijab, Noor is on a mission to ask the important question of “Why”. She knows how all the women in her family wear their hijabi’s and how not to wear them but she is not sure why they wear them. Delightful and charming, curious Noor asks them all, expecting them to be spies, hiding crumbs or big ears but she is gently shown the reason through the photos and history of her family. The hijab is a part of culture, important to the women and their stories. Noor has finally got her answer and she understands the importance. A beautiful story of love, family and Muslim women.
Small Stanley’s Big List of Scary Stuff by Angie Morgan, Published by Otter-Barry Books
Small Stanley has big worries and they are taking over his life. His grandad told him to write them all down and now Stanley worries about his list of worries. When a wild wind whips the list away, Stanley feels weird but then he skips and jumps and feels better. He plays with his friends and has fun, though sometimes he wonders where the list went, but he doesn’t dwell for too long. Ideal for reassuring small readers about fears and worries. We all have them but don’t let them stop you loving. Superbly told and illustrated, I could totally relate to how Stanley was feeling!
Harriet the Strongest Girl in the World by Ben Lerwill and Beatrice Blue, Published by Puffin
Harriet is a good girl, helpful and thoughtful. She is also incredibly strong for someone so young and small. Her troubles with her strength make her feel sad and uncertain but a fun poster featuring strong men and women has Harriet believing there to be more to her and she is wanting to explore this. She and her family enjoy the show of strength and daring do’s until Muscleman Max starts having a few problems lifting the double decker bus. A joyous celebration of being true to yourself and finding a place where you truly belong.
How to Grow a Dragon by Rachel Morrisroe and Steven Lenton, Published by Puffin
How to grow a Unicorn was the first in this adorable series mixing magic and gardening and bringing to life a well known mythical creature. Mr Pottifer, Sarah and Sprout are busy in the shop when a special seed packet arrives and they get planting. Squashed like sardines, the seeds grow into dragons of all shapes and sizes. However when customers complain, Sarah knows just what to do. Just as with any pet, a bit of food based training is needed! These delightful rhyming tales are funny and fun! Just what seeds might arrive next?
A Damsel Not in Distress by Bethan Stevens, Published by Quarto
Brilliantly funny, this story has an errant narrator who is getting the story a little bit wrong. Our damsel is enjoying life at the top of her tower but she is not keen on the narrator calling her granny a witch and saying she is in distress. Luckily more antics are on the way in the form of a dragon, knight and prince…but just who will need to save who? Funny, bold and filled with charming details, this is an epic fairytale twist of a story. This damsel is a cool character who knows how to handle a dragon as well as a naughty narrator. Join in the fun but maybe take the stairs!
My Brother George by Kelly and Zoey Allen and Tara O’Brien, Published by UCLan
I recently read and reviewed My Momma Zo by the same team and it was a gentle and beautiful celebration of families. The same family feature in My Brother George where the focus of the story is on George, who has long hair and is constantly being teased, called a girl and is finding it frustrating. Molly is there for George and helps him to find his bravery and confidence to be true to himself. We need more stories where the main characters teach acceptance, understanding and love for differences. This is a family built on love and kindness and they want to share this with their community. Both books should be in classrooms and homes everywhere!
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 