The Bicycle by Patricia McCormick, Mevan Babakar and Yas Imamura, Published by Farshore
A beautifully heartwarming story of the power of kindness. Mevan becomes a refugee and moves around countries looking for safety with her parents. When they arrive in the Netherlands, Mevan watches out her window at the people on their bikes, riding free. When a neighbour gifts her a bike, she is thrilled and finds her confidence growing and her freedom cementing itself. When her family move again, she regrets not being able to say goodbye to the man who gifted the bike. An internet search went viral as she searched for Egbert! She never forgot his kindness and it now inspires readers as a picture book. It is such a wonderful story to share.
The Verts by Ann Patchett and Robin Preiss Glasser, Published by HarperCollins 360
A bold and colourful story of introverts and extroverts! Ivan is celebrating his birthday in a quiet way but bold Estie wants a party and invites their entire building for dinner. Ivan is Ivan and Estie and Estie- they both like very different things and their parents accept them perfectly. As more people arrive, Ivan finds ways to escape and enjoy his birthday. I adored the names of the neighbours, all as colourful as the party. It illustrates the differences between introverts and extroverts perfectly and the beautiful way that families and friends accept who we are.
My Dog, Hen by David Mackintosh, Published by Prestel
This is a perfect story about the trials of getting a new dog or puppy! The eating of everything, the chewing of everything and the lack of awareness of safety. Anyone with a dog will keenly identify with this family and their dog, Hen. Artfully illustrated, this story is one that made me smile and remember when we brought home a puppy for the first time. Throughout the story, there is an overwhelming message of using what you have and not always buying shiny new things. Hen’s favourite toy becomes one sewed from everything he has chewed before.
Our Love by Fatima Ordinola, Published by Post Wave
This book celebrates the unconditional love between a parent and child, whether animal or human. As you travel through the story with each animal pair, you discover the myriad of ways that love is shown. From protecting, to guiding, to feeding and snuggling, each animal baby is shown a specific love from their parent. Heartwarming and special, this one came with a beautiful print for me to display. It would be a wonderful gift for a parent so they can remember those times when they felt most loved and shared special moments. Though my two are teens, I still protect, cuddle and love the, entirely. Simple text and stunning illustrations amplify this book!
Time for Us by Rebecca Walker and María Diaz Perera, Published by DK Books
Oh how I can relate to this as a working parent. What I love is that Jackson is encouraged to be patient while Mama works even though it is really hard work. Once Mama is done working, the pair begin their time together and they make the absolute best of it by chatting, walking, exploring and sharing thoughts and ideas. It’s a great book for parents to remind them to be present in the moment when spending time with children. Beautiful illustrations transport the reader into a very special home and relationship. Heading into the weekend, I will make a bigger effort to be with my children.
Bee by Rachel Fuller and Emilia Wharfe, Published by Extended Play
What a phenomenal and personal tale of Bee! Bee is a ballet and musical score that you could also enjoy, along with the story. As you read the story, I highly recommend playing the music as suggested on the different pages. It really accentuates the story and Bee’s abilities and talents. Bee finds regular school tricky and it causes problems at home so when a new school is found, Bee finds herself feeling welcomed and accepted for who she is. It’s heartwarming to see Bee thrive in her new school but realistically hard as we know many children struggle in mainstream education. This book provides hope, heart and an uplifting soundtrack for its readers.
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!
View all posts by Erin Lyn
My Shelves Are Full 