These books carry a powerful message. These will help to build understanding, empathy and feelings of self worth and positivity. They are all lovingly illustrated as well!
What Rosa Brought by Jacob Sager Weinstein and Eliza Wheeler, Published by Harper360
It is a story like this that packs a powerful and beautifully illustrated punch! We know the treatment of Jewish people was horrific during WWII and so much tragedy, suffering and goodbyes were forced upon them. In this story, it is Rosa’s innocence in asking questions that builds the story. The images certainly add those important details in the signs, broken windows and stricken faces. Rosa wonders what she will take to America with her but it isn’t until she fully understands the truth that she knows the answer. I couldn’t make it through without tears but I love this book for sharing a powerful message about love, family and hope. The artwork and detail on each page is exceptional.
The Magic of Me by Ben Cory, Published by Hachette
The magic of imagination, dreams and wonder are celebrated as this young boy decides how to spend his day. It all starts with a bit of creativity, paints and glue and from there, he explores a magical world of dragons, giants and aliens. Along the way, he tries being brave, adventurous and caring. He also spends time exploring, making noise and inventing. The possibilities are truly endless when you let your imagination take flight. Bright, bold and colourful, each page is brilliant for boosting the imagination of the reader. Entirely positive, it would be hard to read this without smiling!
What the Worm saw by Emil Fortune and Hannah Peck, Published by Scholastic
I must admit, I will look at earthworms a bit more nicely since reading this. Told as a lovely story, the earthworm introduces themself and explains a bit about how they spend their time, what they like to eat and how their poo helps to fertilise the soil. Created in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society, the book will inspire readers to take a closer look at earthworms and how vital they are for nature. Wonderful illustrations take us on an adventure with the earthworm and we can see their home and ways of travelling across the garden whilst trying to avoid predators.
Confetti by Dean Atta and Alea Marley, Published by Orchard Books
This colourful book is a joyous story of Ari finding a piece of confetti that leads her to remember great moments and celebrations in her young life. From her birthday party to the pride parade and to her uncle’s wedding, confetti is a colourful reminder of those happy times. Simply told and with stunning illustrations, this book may send you down memory lane as you recall beautiful celebrations from your own life. Confetti is a lovely story to remind us to celebrate life’s moments from the small to the large!
The Library Mouse by Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O’Connor, Published by UCLan Publishing
Having adored Bear and her book-ish journey, I was thrilled to see this author and illustrator duo back for a third book. Bear actually makes a cameo appearance during Storytime in this book! Quill, a small, timid mouse has a story to share but being so small, how can he get people to listen? With the help from his spider friend, Quill writes and tries different things but when a cleaner throws away his story, he becomes bereft and shouts! Luckily her hearing aid picks up his small mouse voice and she rescues the book! She helps Quill to realise his dream of being an author! Adorable, charming and full of love for books and stories!
I Hate Love Books by Mariajo Illustrajo, Published by Quarto Books
The power of a reader finding just the right book at just the right time! Award winning Mariajo Illustrajo has captured this screen loving, book hating child perfectly! Even down to the boredom and exasperation at visiting the library! When her mum recommends a book she loved as a child, it is reluctantly opened and all of a sudden the reader is transported inside the story itself. I love books about books and reading so this is just the most amazing story for my collection. When the girl reads under the covers, you know for sure she is hooked! I love the end with the mum engrossed in her own story and the need to head back to the library!
Poppy the Pea by Dr Fuzz, Published by Fuzz Books
This tiny book has wheedled its way into my heart for it encourages positivity and facing one’s fears. Poppy the Pea, loves the dark and fears the light but as her circumstances change, she wonders and dreams, could she face those fears and leap off the plate? Told in rhyme, with small illustrations and catchy refrains at the end of each page, there is much a group of readers would take from this book. This is the first in a new series that follows Poppy! Encouragement, help from friends and an unwavering dream to explore will see Poppy well on her way to new adventures!
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 