I have always loved illustrated fiction for readers bridging into chapter books and longer stories. These have arrived in the past few weeks and I was waiting for just the right time to read them all.
Huxley and Flapjack, Race to the Rescue by Alan MacDonald and Francesca Gambatesa, Published by Little Tiger
A funny story featuring an unlikely duo. Huxley is a koala with a big personality and Flapjack is his best friend, a Penguin who worries! In this first of the series, Huxley and Flapjack visit a brand new department store in town and quickly find themselves caught up in a robbery. They decide to chase the robber but the snooty store manager believes they are the robbers and chases them. When caught, the duo explain themselves and are challenged with coming up with a plan to catch the true thief. Superb illustrations really move this story along and you can’t help but love this friendship and their opposite personalities. It reminds me of the very popular series for young readers, Jasper and Scruff. It has short chapters, plenty of fantastic illustrations and a quick moving plot to keep readers entertained.
Little Big Sister by Eoin Colfer and Celia Ivey, Published by Little Island
A story that highlights the relationship between two sisters and brings awareness of dwarfism. Babes is younger that Starr but is suddenly growing taller and it offsets the balance between them. It also makes Starr worry about being able to do things and knocks her self confidence a bit. Mum is great about boosting their confidence and ensuring Starr knows she is capable and multi-faceted. When Sports day comes along, Starr has a worried tummy about being slower than her classmates. The school, very cleverly, creates a Triple A area for Alternative Activities which promotes other activities for those not confident with sports day. Filled with great illustrations and showing a school that accepts differences and makes arrangements for all children to have a positive experience. A fantastic story!
Tiny the Secret Adventurer by Kübra Teber and Aisha Bushby, Published by Usborne
Tiny, is very similar to humans but actually is no bigger than your finger. She lives in the school garden and loves to watch the children play, read and care for the garden patches and sunflowers. Tiny is lonely and wants to make friends so she approaches some mice but they are really mean to her and she feels frightened. Things get worse when the entire animal community decide to get rid of her due to their dislike of humans. Tiny must convince them that she is not exactly human and she finds her chance when she helps Squirrel and Frog. They promise to help her in return. A lovely story for younger readers about belonging, finding friends and caring for those around you. This is also the first in a new series for younger readers.
Princess Katie’s Kittens Pixie at the Palace by Julie Sykes and Sam Loman, Published by Piccadilly
Princess Katie loves animals, even the haughty royal cat, who pays no attention to Katie at all. While out riding one afternoon Katie comes across a box of kittens who have been abandoned in a box. The lady who owned them was no longer able to afford to feed them. One kitten, who Katie names Pixie, decides to go out and find food for the litter but when the box is taken to the palace, he is not in it and is left in the woods alone. Katie quickly realises he is missing and a search party is sent out. When he is found he is weak and needs extra care. Katie is on the job and promises to care for the kittens. As the first in the series, it is adorable and promotes caring for animals. Princess Katie is not afraid of doing hard work and getting stuck in. She is determined, loving and kind.
It’s a week since Katie rescued the box of kittens. Bella, the black and white kitten loves to play with Katie and always wants her attention. Sadly for Katie, the life of a princess is sometimes busy and she has to go to dance class or dress fittings. Bella is determined to play with Katie and escapes. Finding her way to the kitchen, you can imagine the chaos a kitten would cause…
Each kitten will have its own story in this series and readers will love their different personalities and eventful days.
Keisha Jones takes on the World by Natalie Denny and Chanté Timothy, Published by Little Tiger
Keisha has lots of ideas and plans swirling in her great mind and when she learns about her activist great Aunt Bee, these ideas form into a plan for making change in her world. Keisha and her friends Paisley and KD form the Bee Squad and look for ways to make change. When they get a bit stuck, their teacher Mr Logan makes some suggestions. When Keisha finally discovers an injustice, she tackles it head on but there are some disastrous consequences. Partly funny and entirely inspiring, Keisha has all the best intentions and wants to be just like her aunt. This is a great story highlighting the impact we can have on our world and finding inspiration from our own family histories!
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!
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1 Comment
I’m just reading Tiny the Secret Adventurer and I love it – great accessible language for early independent readers. It’s such an important reading point where children transition from picture books and one that if you don’t provide the right reading opportunities children can lose their way with reading.
My Shelves Are Full 
I’m just reading Tiny the Secret Adventurer and I love it – great accessible language for early independent readers. It’s such an important reading point where children transition from picture books and one that if you don’t provide the right reading opportunities children can lose their way with reading.
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