One last sharing of brilliant picture books before the end of 2023! I am late to the game with some of these but I hope they inspire readers to read them again.
The Ogre Who Wasn’t by Michael Morpurgo and Emily Gravett, Published by Two Hoots
A delightful twist on a fairytale story! Princess Clara likes to be barefoot, wild and free but with her mother gone and father away, she is often lonely and told off by the strict servants in the home. When she befriends an ogre, she cares for him and gives him all he could want. On a particularly bad day, she confides further in the ogre who, to her surprise, speaks back and offers to help her. He is not actually an ogre but, King Toad. He speaks to his kingdom and they arrive in their masses to help Princess Clara. Bright and beautiful illustrations from Emily Gravett heighten this story into a proper fairytale.
Adoette by Lydia Monks, published by Andersen Press
This is a beautiful story of longevity, history and hope. As you read, you believe that Adoette is the main character in this story, and she is in her own way. However, she is not the human girl we see grow into an old woman but the wonderful and growing tree that has seen history with every branch. Adoette has seen so much change and growth in her 100 years but when she begins to cause a problem, some people decide she needs to go. However, there is always hope for a greener and brighter future. Lydia Monk has created something truly special with this story.
Meet the Wildings by Gwen Millward, published by Templar Books
I think every parent reading this story will relate to having Wildings living with them from time to time. I have a Max and a Pippa at my home, who spent many years being “Wildings” and occasionally still show a tail or horns. It feels relatable to Where the Wild Things Are, which is a classic tale of poor behaviour. When Max and Poppy finally want to change back to being children, they share something yummy and poof they find tuemselves as friends and apologetic. Delightful and brilliantly illustrated to show just how beastly fighting siblings can be.
I Love you More by Clare Helen Welsh and Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell, Published by Nosy Crow
This is a wonderful and heartfelt story about the love between a parent and child. I often tell my daughter that I love her more…but the words never seem enough to explain the depth of emotion. The love explained in this story encapsulates the depth of love as a part of who they are. As lions love to run, whales love to blow, a mother will love their child. This would make for perfect gift for a new mum to share with her children as they grow up. Rhyming, lyrical and a celebration of nature around the world, this is a special book.
When the Fog Rolls in by Pam Fong, Published by Greenwillow books (HarperCollins)
An atmospheric story about finding your way through the fog. When a little puffin finds himself lost in the fog, he feels danger and uncertainty. Not sure whether to keep moving or to keep still, there is a tricky decision to be made. The author/illustrator uses the puffin and the fog as ,metaphors for all of us who need to find their way through fog and tough situations. This story will inspire and encourage readers of all ages to go directly through the fog and out into the clear world beyond. The illustrations are lovely and use a soft colour palette perfect for the story.
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 