As I was reading and writing my reviews, I realised that all the covers match and seem colour coordinated. Perhaps the colours are important as these books deal with big feelings and emotions. Blues and greens are calming!
The Quickest Bedtime Story Ever! By Louise Fitzgerald and Kate Hindley, Published by Nosy Crow
This story is so relatable to my family. We used to joke about how long it took for the kids to settle down and be ready for a story. Then we had to read several. Every grown up reading this will laugh at all the steps to do before the promised ten word story! Kate Hindley is one of my favourite illustrators and I love the use of colours, animals and setting created. Bedtimes are about to get more exciting for little readers with this story! I love that parents will buy this for a quick bedtime win but will find themselves waiting for the right moment to begin! I couldn’t have written our experiences better and I think plenty of families will relate! Just perfect!
Geoffrey Gets the Jitters by Nadia Shireen, Published by Puffin
Geoffrey is good friends with our familiar favourite Wobbler thrower, Barbara. They have plans the next day but Geoffrey can’t remember what he is doing after and this causes a “jitter” to appear. Then a few more until he feels sweaty and wants to hide away. Luckily for Geoffrey, his jitters are fairly chatty and they help him to find a way to feel better. They start with deep breaths, stretching and encouragement to chat to a friend. This series is ideal for helping children to find moments of calm and strategies to deal with strong emotions. Lovely illustrations bring the jitters to life as brilliantly at Barbara’s wobblers!
Gigantic by Rob Biddulph, Published by HarperCollins
Gigantic is the smallest blue whale in the pod, with his brother Titan being enormous and rather mean to his tiny brother. Suggesting Gigantic go and play with Myrtle the Turtle, the pair have a brilliant time diving, flipping and spinning through the waves in the bay. Titan, seeing the fun they are having, decides to try to spin as well with disastrous results. Gigantic and Myrtle get the entire bay of sea creatures to come and help. There are some epic double page spreads in this book where there seem to be thousands of things to look at. Gigantic may be small but he has a heart that lives up to his name. Another masterpiece from Rob Biddulph, one that will have the smallest holding their chins high!
Whirly Twirly Me by Manjeet Mann and Amanda Quartey, Published by Scholastic
When a host of emotions take you by storm sometimes it can be hard to describe them or untangle them. One young girl feels worries, stress, confusion and sadness throughout her day and when she gets told to calm down, she says “I’m not just angry”…but she can’t seem to tell anyone what she feels. I think we can all relate to those types of days and this book will be extremely helpful for our young readers to encourage them to feel and speak about their feelings. Stunning illustrations capture the events of the day perfectly and young readers will love this story.
The Grand Hotel of Feelings by Lidia Branković, Published by Cicada Books
There is an overwhelming message of allowing your feelings to run their course, ensure they are heard and cared for before moving to a different feeling. This book uses our bodies as a hotel where feelings check in and out, feelings of all shapes, sizes and needs. Moving away from just the basic sad, angry or fearful, this hotel has gratitude, peace, contentment and hopefulness. This feels like a book for an older reader who can identify with such a range and can relate to them in turn. The illustrations are calming and rather imaginative as you explore the hotel of feelings. Beautifully written and a wonderful book for all ages to read.
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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My Shelves Are Full 