I can’t tell you how much I love this set of picture books. Each one is just brimming with beauty and a wonderful story.
Around the World with Friends by Philip Waechter, Published by Gecko Press
Around the World with Friends is a follow up to A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends and is another celebration of friendship, adventure and enjoying the simple things in life. Raccoon is inspired to have an adventure from his book and so sets off to gather equipment and friends to accompany him. They have a perfectly lovely day sharing the delights of an adventure. When it gets to nightfall, they all decide to go home and get cosy. Their trip may bot have been around the world but it was a perfectly wonderful day together. A brilliant book to share as we head into summer. Beautiful illustrations that bring a sense of wonder and adventure to the reader.
Is it a Seed by Emily Ann Davison and Adrienne Fong, Published by Flying Eye Books
This is a joyous and imaginative story of one small seed and the potential it has within to be something extraordinary. Seed planting is one of the most amazing things to do. Children love the anticipation and they need patience certainly, just as the children in this story discover. These children share their bold ideas as to what this seed will grow into but they need to wait. It’s a charming story with divine illustrations making waiting for the seed to sprout exciting. Could it be a beanstalk with space for a town, or a home for giants? Read this book to discover what happens!
Says Who by Rachel Emily and Paul Delaney, Published by Farshore
This is an ode to challenging expectations! It reminds me of the Oi Frog series as there are plenty of animals featured within this tale. A snooty dog announces that “rules are rules” and proceeds to boldly explain that cows can’t fly planes, jam can’t be king and bananas can’t breakdance! As each animal is called out, there is a resounding “Says Who” as they make sure they can do all those things, and more! Hilariously funny, rhyming and filled with exciting illustrations, children will adore this story and will definitely challenge any expectations set on them.
A Fairy Called Fred by Robert Tregoning and Stef Murphy, Published by Bloomsbury
Robert set hearts alight with his picture book, The Dress in the Window and now we meet A Fairy Called Fred. In Far, far away, the wish fairies are busy making sure all wishes come true. Fred is really keen to grant a wish and when Joshua Reed is invited to a princess party, he sends his wish straight to Fred. The excitement in Fred and Joshua is mixed with nerves as a stunning dress is created but will Joshua’s friends like it? A story that will inspire young readers to take those brave steps and be themselves, to try new things and to stand out in the crowd. A lyrical story and incredibly whimsical illustrations will have you poring over each page.
Betsy Buglove and the Brave Butterfly by Catherine Jacob and Lucy Fleming, Published by Scholastic
Betsy has discovered her magical glass and saved the bees in her first adventure. Now she must work with bestie Stan to save a butterfly and protect her babies. Caterpillars love to munch and have favourite snacks like thistles but when Dad weeds and spray with weed killer, the caterpillars start munching on veggies! The butterfly explains this to Betsy and Stan so they can help. The entire garden is a whirlwind of discoveries for nature loving Betsy and Stan. The colourful illustrations and rhyming text give this a playful feel but this series is all based around facts and protecting the environment.
Bear’s Lost Glasses by Leo Timmers, Published by Gecko Press
Anything by Leo Timmers is an automatic purchase in this house. The bold, colourful and realistic illustrations bring his stories to life, many of which are wordless so readers can interpret as they like. In this funny story, we get to follow Bear as he re-traces his steps to find his lost glasses. The reader can see them perched on his head but Bear is oblivious. Along the way, Bear sees some strange animals and tells Giraffe all about them. Giraffe is sceptical but follows along and finally understands when Bear lifts his glasses and sees something entirely different. Imaginative, funny and relatable!
Cake for Everyone by Thé Tjong-Khing, Published by Gecko Press
This wordless story will capture imaginations as you delve into the stories of each animal, item lost and end gathering. Beginning with a group of friends and a picnic. A large bird steals the loved items but they are soon dropped and scatter. As you read, you begin to piece together which item belongs to which animals, why they are all together and their stories. The biggest question is where does all the cake come from, as there is certainly more at the end, and enough for everyone as the title suggests. A bit like a search and find book, this goes a step further and has you invest in the characters and their back stories. What will you discover?
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 