It’s been awhile since I last enjoyed an afternoon browsing and reading picture books. Here are some lovely new additions to my library! All would make for superb read alouds or bedtime stories!
G.O.A.T. By Kate and Jol Temple, illustrated by Rebel Challenger, published by Scholastic
A hilarious book proving that anyone can be GOATs! This reminds me of Kes Gray’s Oi series for its humour and different animals having opinions and ideas! As a read aloud, this is brilliant for children to gain an understanding of acronyms and word play. There is a fantastic use of vocabulary in the acronyms to make children giggle. Bold and colourful illustrations make this an absolute joy to read again and again. What acronyms would children attribute to themselves or other animals?
Paul the Peacock by Tilly Matthews, published by Happy Yak
Paul the peacock is very fond of his feathers, and lives a rather lavish lifestyle. Norris the loris is at Paul’s beck and call, preening him, pampering him and feeling fed up! When a storm hits, Paul finds himself alone and featherless! What’s a pampered peacock to do? Paul learns a valuable lesson in this tale- about himself and about friendship. A wonderfully illustrated story that children and adults will love sharing together.
Not Fair, Bear by Lorna Scobie, published by Scholastic
A classic tale of friendship between Bear and Squirrel. An unlikely pairing, each one prefers their own games and finds the others’ games “unfair”. It is funny to watch the story unfold through their antics and emotions. The joyous illustrations really highlight the story through their expressions and children will thoroughly enjoy seeing what happens when the games go wrong! Can Bear and Squirrel figure out a way to be best friends and still enjoy their games?
Fart Zoo by Leigh Hodgkinson, published by Walker Books
Children will love this book and the rhyming refrains that they can then chant throughout their day! It’s a funny zoo we visit within this story- a fart zoo! From loud to quiet, squeaky to squashed, all kinds of farts feature in this zoo and I think the whimsical, trademark illustrations of Leigh Hodgkinson make this a brilliant book. Not sure I would be able to get through a read aloud without giggling uncontrollably but the children would also be in hysterics and likely making fart noises!
Hank goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie, published by Little Tiger
Hank the goose is a rather grumpy and obnoxious character, taking pleasure in popping balloons, interrupting conversations and being loud in quiet spaces. But being obnoxious can be lonely so Hank goes on a journey of self discovery to be a better goose. It is all going really well until he just can’t resist a balloon.,,,seems to be a weakness of Hank’s. This is a superb story and I was smiling at every page- Hank is fantastic. The illustrations are phenomenal and I will be sharing this widely!
Nibbles, the very hungry book monster by Emma Yarlett, published by Little Tiger
Nibbles is a favourite character for many children. He loves books and reading but he loves eating books more! He has devoured many a tasty book and in this adventure, he is searching for just the right one! Familiar language from fairy tales appear in many of these stories and readers will delight in guessing what might happen next. Emma’s illustrations are so full of detail and clever page designs, there is much to explore on each page. Clever clues and details are hidden throughout!
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 