I love the variety in picture books, from those that promote resilience, friendship and kindness through to those that are just plain hilarious! The ones chosen for today are the former- they promote beauty, family and friendship.
Mama’s Sleeping Scarf by Nwa Grace-James and Joelle Avelino, Published by HarperCollins
A family life captured with heart and love! Chino is a young girl and she loves her Mama’s sleep scarf, the head scarf she wears to keep her hair soft through the night. She loves the colours and patterns. To stop missing her Mama one day, she keeps the scarf and plays with it. It helps her to connect with her entire family in different ways and she spends a wonderful day with them all. Bright and beautiful illustrations make this a joy to read
Imperfectly Perfect by Perry Emerson and Hoang Giang, Published by Little Tiger
We all have those moments where something beloved gets broken and despair follows. Maria accidentally rips her brother’s favourite book and feels awful, even more so when he gets cross with her. When her grown-up takes her for a walk they discover “imperfectly perfect” things around them. Marie knows how to fix the book and her relationship with her brother. Beautiful in illustration and story, this will help young readers to find the beauty around them and to find solutions to problems.
Millie’s Big Decision by Ian Eagleton and Max Rambaldi, Published by Tate Publishing
Prepare yourselves with a tissue before reading this heartwarming story of Millie and her decision to adopt a dog. It is not as easy as she hoped for there is plenty on her heart and mind. She has recently lost her grandmother and worries over choosing a dog who may then die, it’s a scary thought for her. Luckily her brilliant dads are on hand to help her remember the fun, joy and love that Grandma brought them. This love and remembrance help her decision making skills! Wonderfully illustrated!
Wolf and Bear by Kate Rolfe, Published by Two Hoots
Wolf and Bear are the best of friends but sometimes Bear lives in a shadow and finds playing, chatting and being present very hard. Wolf tries extra hard to be a good friend but Bear is deep in the shadow. When Wolf sings just for Bear, it may just be enough to help Bear find some light. Creative in artistic style and wonderful to read, this book allows the reader to understand perspectives, strong friendships and living in shadows. Truly beautiful!
Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green and Francis Martin, Published by Little Tiger
Gina loves things to be just so and when they aren’t she feels differently, sometimes sad or cross. She explains herself in emojis which are easy for the reader to understand. She wants to read a book but also knows she can fix it to make it better by fixing three simple mistakes. We all know the story of Red Riding Hood but Gina can make it better. Told with humour but also celebrating the various interpretations of stories and how we tell them. Fantastic illustrations bring Gina’s version to life!
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 