I seem to be collecting excellent picture books of late and thought I was long overdue a post featuring some books that I would highly recommend!
What’s That, Jack? By Cédric Ramadier and Vincent Bourgeau, Published by Gecko Press
Delightful and colourful, this is imagination come to life. When a strange object floats down, George and Jack aren’t sure what it is or what it does. Just when they think they know, something changes and it becomes another thing. From a bouncy ball to a blanket and a boat, there are endless possibilities for fun with this object. This is ideal for younger readers, with few words and a reliance on illustrations. I can imagine some brilliant conversations around what the object might be, where it came from and what they would use it for!
Never Ever Ever Ask a Pirate to a Party by Clare Helen Welsh and Anne-Kathrin Behl, Published by Nosy Crow
Parties are so much fun with friends but what happens when a pirate arrives followed by a unicorn, alien and dragon? Simply put, trouble happens and it becomes messy! The unicorn hates mess, the pirate makes you walk the plank and the aliens seem to multiply and it all gets a bit too much! There is only one thing to do…send them all home. This would be a fantastic story to share with a little one who finds parties overwhelming to help them see the positives of having so many fun and different friends. Charming illustrations and the option to listen to the audiobook make this a sure winner.
Gory Rory Fangface Needs a Kiss by Ziggy Hanaor and Ollie Silvester, Published by Cicada Books
Don’t we all just have one of those days where everything goes wrong. Gory Rory Fangface has had a bad sleep which leads to a horrible day and it goes from bad to worse. Will a kiss make it better? Gory Rory does not want a kiss or a cuddle but when Mum insists and they spend some special moments together, things start to look better. What a lovely book to share with young readers as they learn to navigate a bad day where it all seems so unfair. Adorable illustrations and I love the name of the character, it makes reading it aloud more entertaining.
Don’t Disturb the Dragon by Rhiannon Findlay and Siân Roberts, Published by Puffin
Reading a book with rollicking rhyme is all the more fun when accompanied by colourful and bright illustrations. When a young prince disappears, the princess charts a course for adventure but warns the readers of the dragon. Choosing a path, counting the way around and discovering fanciful beasts, and magical places is a lot of fun for a bedtime story. The 10 Minutes Before Bedtime series is a wonderful reminder of the importance of reading every night and building a routine of sharing stories. Wonderfully written and a joy to read.
When Dinosaurs Walked the Earth by Sean Taylor and Zehra Hicks, Published by Quarto
Smallasaurus is hungry and keen to nibble on some nearby plants when they are interrupted by Badasaurus, who is also hungry and wants to nibble on Smallasaurus. This repetitive and funny story will take readers on a tour to a time when dinosaurs with small brains ruled the world. Readers will love the choices that are made as they meet Badasaurus and Worseasaurus. Will it be the end of Smallasaurus? Turn the page to find out what happens “When dinosaurs walked the Earth”. Superb illustrations truly bring the dinosaurs and their plight to life for young readers.
The Truth about Yeticorns by Rachel Morrisroe and Ella Okstad, Published by Puffin
With hints of The Boy Who Cried Wolf mixed with fantastical story telling, this is a fun new story promoting telling the truth and sibling love. Bea is constantly fibbing and her sister Edie is frustrated with her. When her latest fib comes to life, Bea is surprised but thrilled to meet a Yeticorn- part unicorn, part Yeti. However, when trouble continues it is Bea getting the blame and she begins to see her sister’s perspective. Owning up is tricky but Bea finds her courage and introduces Edie to the Yeticorn. Perfectly rhyming and fun to read aloud and every page is filled with the most enchanting and imaginative illustrations.
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. I am Children’s Librarian for Suffolk Libraries, a job I adore!
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 I am currently Vice Chair on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups!
View all posts by Erin Lyn
My Shelves Are Full 
What a fun selection of books!
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